By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 27, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- It’s hot, it’s dry, it’s the 4^th of July! These words make fire officials cringe, says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. It will be a long three-day 4th of July weekend and the fire department needs your help!

East County News Service

Hear our interview with Del Hood:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

June 27, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Recently, East County Magazine sat down with Del Hood, long-time news editor of the Daily Californian and author of the new book History in the Headlines: Half a Century of the Most Notable Events in the El Cajon Valley and Surrounding Areas 1950-2000.

He recalled some of the most memorable stories of his career, as well as the fascinating history of our region.  This interview originally aired on the East County Magazine Show on KNSJ 89.1 FM Radio. To listen online now, click the link above. (Note: sound files can take a few moments to load.)

Update: Not wild cats, County Animal Services Deputy Director concludes

By Miriam Raftery

June 2016 (Eastlake)—In 2014 and 2015, East County Magazine has documented dozens of local sightings by people who claim to have seen large black wild cats prowling the region, some as large as mountain lions or jaguars, others smaller but still much larger than a housecat.  But thus far, no photos had been provided of the elusive animals.

Then on June 6, 2016,we received cell phone images taken at night by a resident in the Eastlake community of Otay Mesa in Chula Vista, due east of where some earlier sightings were reported in Jamul/Deerhorn Valley and South Spring Valley.  It’s hard to judge the size or species, but looking at items such as a vehicle, hydrant , house and a three-feet-high wall in the photos raises  a question: what was prowling yards in this suburban neighborhood?

East County News Service

June 25, 2016 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon Police Department is looking for highly qualified, highly motivated individuals who want to make a difference by serving their community.  The application process opens on Monday, June 27^th and closes on Monday, July 11^th.  All applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on July 11^th.  Visit the City of El Cajon website to begin the process and to obtain salary and benefit information.

www.cityofelcajon.us/your-government/departments/human-resources/jobs

East County News Service

June 25, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – The County of San Diego Department of Animal Services is still seeking the owner of this dog found with burned paws during the Border Fire.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Rapture's Horse Rescue joined efforts led by Deerhorn Valley Antler editor Kim Hamilton with help from local community members and businesses to bring supplies to Potrero

June 25, 2016 (Campo/LakeMorena) – With the Border Fire now 70% contained, relief efforts continue.  Shontel Grivno at Rapture’s Horse Rescue Foundation sent us the following e-mail this morning asking for supplies of non-perishable foods, water  propane and animal feed for fire survivors, livestock and pets in the Campo/Lake Morena communities:

Public Can Submit Applications from July 2 to Nov. 30

June 24, 2016 (San Diego) - San Diego County residents and businesses who disagree with their property tax assessments for the 2016-2017 year may file an application to appeal them between July 2 and Nov. 30, David Hall, Clerk of the County Assessment Appeals Boards, announced today.

By Miriam Raftery

June 24, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – This morning Cal-Fire reports that the Border Fire is 45% contained after scorching 7,483 acres.  Five homes and 11 outbuildings were destroyed. 

The evacuation shelter at Los Coches Creek Middle School in El Cajon is closing today. All evacuated areas are now reopened, however some road closures remain in effect.  View full details from Cal Fire at: https://twitter.com/CALFIRESANDIEGO/status/746347587112828928

Appreciate our alerts?  Please donate to help us continue keeping you safe and informed during emergencies!  Click here to make a donation or a monthly pledge to help sustain our East County Alerts and wildfire  news reporting: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/donate

By Miriam Raftery

June 26, 2016 (San Diego)--President Barack Obama’s executive orders to protect an estimated 5 million immigrants, or nearly half the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., from deportation have been blocked by the U.S. Supreme Court. 

The actions puts many immigrants brought here as children and parents of undocumented immigrants at risk of eventual deportation; their fate now depends on the outcome of the next election. The high court ruling also takes away new healthcare coverage recently granted by California to certain undocumented people.

Here’s what you need to know:

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

June 24, 2016 (Washington D.C.) --Latino rights supporters are regrouping after the Supreme Court split 4-4 on the constitutionality of President Obama's immigration policy.

The tie lets a lower court decision stand, blocking two of the president's executive orders. One program, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), would have given temporary work permits to parents of U.S. citizens and legal residents. The other is an expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which gave a reprieve to certain people brought to the U.S. as children.

"This is really sad for the immigrant community," said Antonio Bernabe, organizing director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. "They are really disappointed, hoping for a real solution. Now they are still fearing for their families, fearing for themselves, living in terror every day."

Source: Cal Fire

June 23, 2016 (Potrero) – Tactical firing Operations are being conducted above the north east corner of the Border 3 Fire., Cal Fire advises.

These firing operations are one of the many tools used to stop and or slow down the spread of large fires. The firing operation, along with direct perimeter control efforts, will continue throughout the day and night until the objective has been met.

By Liz Alper

Photo:  red everywhere.  Courtesy @Padres on Twitter

June 23, 2016 (Cincinnati) - After failing to sweep (again), the Padres traveled west to the Great American Ballpark and back to the National League to face the Cincinnati Reds for the first time this season in a four-game weekend series.  Christian Friedrich started on the mound for San Diego against John Lamb for Cincinnati.

East County News Service

June 23, 2016 (San Diego) –Although more than 60% of Americans support limits on access to assault weapons, Republicans in the House and Senate refused to allow votes on such measures.  In the Senate last week, Democrats filibustered to force a vote, but the Republican majority defeated a measure authored by California Senator Dianne Feinstein.

Last night, House Democrats staged a sit-in seeking to prevent the House from adjourning without taking up a similar measure. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan shut off cameras to prevent TV coverage on C-Span, so San Diego Democrat Scott Peters  live-streamed the action on his cell phone with a Periscope app.  Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis, whose district includes San Diego and East County cmmunities, also spoke—and sat—on the House floor.

Hear Congresswoman Susan Davis’ floor speech here:  https://www.facebook.com/RepSusanDavis/videos/1183815441661009/

View video highlights from C-Span of the House Democratic sit-in here: