By Miriam Raftery

July 7, 2021 (San Diego) – San Diego County today released data revealing that San Diegans who are not fully vaccinated account for 99.8% of all deaths and hospitalizations, as well as 99.1% of all cases countywide since January 1st.  

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

July 7, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- A group of doctors from around the world recently formed a new and unique medical organization that aims to take the politics out of cannabis and focus solely on research regarding the short- and long-term effects of its use. The Marijuana Prevention Initiative (MPI) of San Diego County hosted a news conference in May to introduce the International Academy on the Science and Impact of Cannabis (IASIC). The non-partisan nonprofit is a medical organization of doctors who educate on cannabis based on the scientific and medical literature. The group was created to facilitate informed decisions when considering cannabis policy and law.

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

Photo: U.S. Constitution; creative commons by NC-ND

July 7, 2021 (Sacramento) -- Veterans on both sides of the aisle are concerned about what they call recent attacks on democracy by far-right organizations.

By Miriam Raftery

July 4, 2021 (Washington D.C.) – Before you serve up any chicken dishes for your Fourth of July feast, make sure you didn’t purchase any frozen, fully cooked chicken products recalled by Tyson Foods, Inc. The tainted products were shipped nationwide to major retailers and institutions including hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, schools and military sites.

Today, the U.S. Department of Agricultural’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Tyson Foods, Inc. is recalling nearly 8.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The products are linked to at least one death and several illnesses to date. Federal investigators at the FSIS are working to determine if there are additional illnesses linked to these products.

The frozen, fully cooked chicken products were produced between December 26, 2020 and April 13. The products that are subject to recall are listed here. View the labels here. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-7089” on the product bag or inside the USDA mark of inspection.

By Miriam Raftery

July 4, 2021 (Ramona) – The Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals Project invites you to an old-fashioned chicken dinner at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Road, Ramona) on Sunday, July 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the historic Kenilworth Inn Mural.

Catered by Marinade on Main, the event will offer music by Dirty Confetti band, a silent auction that includes sketches of the mural by the artist Beata Wojcik, a sneak peek at the upcoming Kumeyaay mural by the artist, historical overview of the Kenilworth Inn, and a full course chicken dinner in the tradition of the Kenilworth Inn and more.

You can opt for just the dinner with free parking, or purchase a package that includes the Ramona Art and Wine Festival on November 5, 6 or 7.

By Miriam Raftery

July 3, 2021(El Cajon) – A San Diego resident, 57, died at a hospital where he was transported after a solo-vehicle crash at 4:08 a.m., July 1, in unincorporated El Cajon.

The motorist was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblaze westbound on Dehesa Road, east of Cunningham Lane, when he missed a curve. The vehicle rolled over and struck a utility pole.  The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries.

By Miriam Raftery

July 3, 2021 (Washington D.C.) – If you’re planning to travel internationally, be aware that many nations are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccines to enter. The internationally recognized proof of your vaccination status is the Yellow Card, also known as the CDC 731 form or PHS-731 form. 

How to get a Yellow Card?

Approved by the World Health Organization, the Yellow Card can be purchased for $25 through the U.S. Government publishing office bookstore at this link.

Need to find required vaccinations for each country/region you plan to visit? 

Visit the CDC Vaccinations page at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/vaccinations.htm. To avoid being quarantined or denied entry, a traveler can also check the entry requirements for the country in question by contacting its embassy or consulate.

Prevent frightened pets who tend to run away during firework celebrations from getting lost

July 3, 2021 (San Diego) -- As people plan their July Fourth celebrations, San Diego Humane Society is reminding pet parents to keep their animals in mind, as there is often an increase in lost pets following the holiday. With the return of the 20-minute Big Bay Boom fireworks in the City of San Diego this year, and with other celebrations expected around the County, distressed pets may find ways to flee their homes while trying to escape the noise.

To protect your pets, SDHS recommends the following:

By Briana Gomez

July 3, 2021 (La Mesa) -- Studio Cutz, a new barbershop in La Mesa located at 7520 El Cajon Blvd.,  had its ribbon cutting ceremony today.

The shop is offering $20 haircuts all week until July 4 with a valid I.D.

La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis and Reverend Shane Harris of the People’s Association of Justice Advocates participated in the grand opening and praised owner Aydarus Sakawe.

“He’s mindful of the youth. He wants to encourage everyone to not only come and get a haircut, but he’s a member of the community and wants to serve the community, and so we’re so happy to have Studio Cutz coming to La Mesa,” Mayor Arapostathis said.

East County News Service

July 2, 2021 (San Diego) -- The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Veterans Affairs today jointly announced an interagency initiative to bring home the untold numbers of veterans who, over the past 25 years, were unjustly deported and banished from the United States despite being promised citizenship opportunities in exchange for military service as noncitizens. The Biden administration further pledged to ensure that soldiers serving our nation can obtain their promised naturalization. 

Since 2015, the ACLU of Southern California and the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties have partnered with the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana to urge the return to the U.S. of deported veterans, an end to the deportation of veterans, and improved access to military naturalization.  

East County News Service

July 2, 2021 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s office has received an unprecedented number of requests for marriage licenses and civil marriage services. To meet the pent-up demand for marriage services caused by COVID-19 interruptions, the office opened more appointments across the County and will be offering no appointment required “Walk-Up Wednesday” marriage services.