East County News Service

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January 16, 2024 (El Cajon) – Authorities are asking for public help to locate Mavis Williams, 43.  She is suspected of setting a fire that burned 14 garages in the 400 block of East Bradley Avenue in unincorporated El Cajon last night.  A warrant has been issued and a $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to her arrest.

Story and photo by Michael Howard

Photo: Tobacco retailers like this smoke shop will be subject to licensing later this year. 

January 15, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) - The La Mesa City Council adopted a new ordinance earlier this month that mandates tobacco retailers shall have a license to sell tobacco products.

The ordinance passed unanimously during the January 9,2024 City Council meeting upon Councilmember Jack Shu’s motion to adopt. Shu showed his support of the ordinance by wearing two lapel pins.

“One is ‘I love clean air’ and the other is a lung that was given to me for cleaner lungs by not smoking,” Shu said.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  members of the California Faculty Association. Image from CFA Facebook page

January 14, 2024 (San Diego) - The faculty union of the California State University is planning a week of strikes across the 23 campuses Jan. 22 – 26 after the system said that it would provide 5% raises to members, far below what the union is seeking.

“Being America’s most expensive city is anti-Dr. King.”—Shane Harris

January 14, 2024  (San Diego) -- Civil rights leader Shane Harris and the People's Association of Justice Advocates  will serve hundreds of unsheltered individuals and low-income families with a free breakfast on Martin Luther King Day, January 15, from 9 a.m.to 11 a.m. at the Living Water Church, 1550 Market Street, San Diego.  Harris will give an MLK Day address announcing new policy efforts to combat poverty, calling new efforts to raise sales taxes in what has already been deemed America's most expensive city 'anti-MLK' as well as calling out San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria for failing to demonstrate dr. King's policies as San Diego further prices out the working class under his leadership 

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 13, 2024 (Albuquerque) -  Jaelen House scored 26 points as New Mexico beat No. 19 San Diego State 88-70 Saturday, ending the Aztecs' seven-game winning streak.

Cooked vs. Uncooked Spaghetti, by Dr. Tania Hormozi, PSYD, LMFT (Made in the USA, Muncie, IL., July, 2023, 137 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

January 12, 2024 (San Diego) - Dr. Tania Hormozi is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in San Diego, California for over 10 years. She holds a Doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University and a Master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is in private practice and provides therapy to individuals and mostly couples. She helps clients gain perspective, understanding, and identify solutions to problems using their own strengths and skills.

With those credentials one would think that she could have saved my marriage. After reading this book(s), you will have a better understanding of the differences between men and women, how to listen, how to express feelings, and be supportive emotionally, mentally, and physically for your female and/or male partners, and reconnect on a different level. You will have the tools to understand and truly connect with your partner. Wishful thinking!

By Jared Hernandez, Fair Housing Program Manager, CSA San Diego

January 12,2024 (El Cajon) -- Many tenants are often unaware of their housing rights, contributing to a significant gap in understanding and advocacy. This lack of awareness can leave tenants vulnerable to potential discrimination or hinder their ability to seek necessary adjustments, such as reasonable accommodations for disabilities.

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office

January 11, 2024 (San Diego) - County health officials have linked 41 confirmed and probable cases of norovirus illness to raw oysters imported from a specific harvest location in Northwest Mexico.  

By Miriam Raftery

January 11, 2024 (Alpine) – Two environmental groups filed a lawsuit in Superior  Court on January 5 against San Diego County. The suit filed by Cleveland National Forest Foundation and California Native Plant Society contends that the county failed to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act when supervisors approved an environmental impact report in December for Alpine’s first community park. The Alpine Community Park, adjacent to Cleveland National Forest and Wright’s Field, would include a sports complex and more.

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

January 11, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to select Supervisor Nora Vargas as the chairwoman for 2024.

Chairwoman Vargas served as board chairwoman last year. The chair acts as the voice of the county.

During Tuesday’s organizational meeting, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer was reelected as vice chair and Supervisor Joel Anderson as chair pro tempore.