June 9,2024 (San Diego’s East County )-- As we head into the summer months, there is increased potential for hot temperatures and strong winds in San Diego County. It is crucial for us to be ready for potential wildfires. East County is especially prone to wildfires, so each of us has an individual responsibility to prepare ahead of time and be ready to evacuate.
Supervisor Joel Anderson and his staff have have compiled a comprehensive list of online resources to aid in our collective efforts to safeguard you, your families, and our community.
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June 8, 2024 (San Diego) – The company that made “fish tacos” a household phrase at its fast-casual restaurants and airport outlets across the nation now finds itself underwater financially. Rubio’s Coastal Grill, headquartered in Carlsbad, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after closing 48 of its California locations, with 13 in San Diego County, including El Cajon’s Parkway Plaza in East County.
Rubio’s Restaurants, parent company of the fast-casual chain, announced it hopes to sell the business founded in 1983, and indicated it will continue operating the remaining 86 locations in California, Arizona and Nevada.
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NASA Photo: The famous “Earthrise” photo taken by astronaut Bill Anders aboard Apollo 8 in 1968.
June 8, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Astronaut William Anders, the 1951 Grossmont High School graduate who took what may be the most famous photo of Earth during the history-making Apollo 8 mission, has died at 90.
He died Friday when a single-engine T-34 aircraft he was flying crashed near Jones Island in the Puget Sound north of Seattle.
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June 8, 2024 (Jamul) – Concerned about losing homeowner’s insurance, fire insurance, or rising rates? The Jamul Fire Safe Council invites you to its meeting on June 11. Sharon Smith, insurance outreach analyst from the Calif. Dept. of Insurance will be on hand to address insurance concerns and provide information on the California Fair Plan.
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June 8, 2024 (Palomar) – Bears hadn’t been spotted on Palomar Mountain for roughly a decade—until now. Over the past two weeks, multiple residents and business owners have posted photos and videos showing a black bear frequenting the area.
On May 21, Deana Marie Freeman posted the photo (left) on social media, which she said was a bear outside her cabin along Fern Trail in the Bailey’s area of Palomar Mountain. On May 26, Palomar Mountain Snow Play posted a video showing a bear running behind their store. A third video on June 2 shows a bear walking north on Canfield Road near the Palomar Mountain General Store (screenshot from video, right).
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June 8, 2024 (Spring Valley) – Nora Vargas, Chair of the San Diego County Board of Superivsors, announced yesterday that she has rescinded approval of plans to build 150 sleeping cabins in Spring Valley, after hearing concerns of neighboring residents.
“I understand concerns expressed by residents about putting these cabins near schoolsand parks where children play,and believe that we can find better,more thoughtful solutions by working with affected commuities,” a statement from Vargas read in part.
Supervisors voted 4-0 in March (with Supervisor Joel Anderson absent) to approve building the sleeping cabins on Jamacha Road.
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June 8, 2024 (Spring Valley) – A multi-agency response prevented a wind-driven brush fire in Spring Valley yesterday from destroying multiple homes threatened by the flames. The fire was originally dispatched as a residential structure fire near the 9800 block of Ivanho Street. The first units on scene reported the blaze had extended to the vegetation on the back side of the residence.
As the fire grew, spreading across a grassy field, structures were threatened. The Incident Commander ordered additional engines and helicopter support. An evacuation order for zone SDC-2151 was broadcast as the fire came within a few feet of homes in the area. Smoke was visible and could be smelled across Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley and parts of La Mesa.
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June 8,2024 (Alpine)-- In his debut story collection, Life Songs And Other Passages – San Diego Stories, native San Diegan Joe Cabaniss probes the spaces between youth and adulthood and explores a road paved with uncertainty, heartache and moral dilemmas. His characters strive to understand their lives and loves amid opposing forces that foster tension and uncertainty in an often unjust and unforgiving world.
Place figures strongly in these tales, set mostly in San Diego in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Readers of a certain age may see something of themselves in these pages, while others may find universal truths that resonate. Long-time San Diegans may recognize neighborhoods where they lived or played, and surfers will note favorite beaches and recall how the sport/lifestyle taught them to embrace the Aloha spirit.
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Update 3:35 p.m.: Evacuation orders have been lifted.
June 7, 2024 -- Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in Spring Valley due to a structure fire that spread into brush. The evacuations are ordered for the area that is:
North of Omega St., Jamacha Blvd. and Ivanho St.
South of Citrus Tree Lane
East of Galopago St., Lemon Ave., and Maya St.
West of Sweetwater Springs Blvd.
San Miguel Fire Department officials told ABC 10News that a structure fire first erupted in the 9800 block of Ivanho Street. Strong winds then blew embers towards a field about a half-mile away and ignited the brush fire.More homes are immediately threatened. Residents are urged to leave now due to an immediate threat to life. The area is closed to public access.
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June 6, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – After Republicans in multiple states introduced measures to restrict women’s access to birth control including IUDs and birth control pills, Democrats in Congress tried to enact the Right to Contraception Act (S. 4381) which would have protected birth control access nationwide. But Senate Republicans blocked the measure. Only two Republicans, both women, voted to protect birth control access.
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June 6, 2024 (San Diego) — To protect customers, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is alerting customers to a recently documented text-message utility scam trying to defraud local utility customers. The scheme attempts to exploit SDG&E’s legitimate use of text messages and email notifications to inform residential customers of work orders like meter changes, reads and tests.
There is an important distinction between a fraudulent and a legitimate customer communication – the fraudster will route the customer to a fake 1-800 number. Legitimate SDG&E texts will always point the customer to SDG&E’s main Customer Care Center, 1-800-411-7343 (or 1-800-311-7343 for Spanish-speakers). When in doubt, hang up and call SDG&E back at the number listed on SDG&E’s webpage.
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June 6, 2024 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — Shiloh Ireland sent in this beautiful image of a cactus flower and bee, taken in Jacumba Hot Springs.
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$250,000 in grants awarded to 24 local Fire Safe Councils throughout the San Diego region
June 6, 2024 (San Diego) – Last Thursday, the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation announced it will be funding 24 Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) with grants totaling $250,000 to aid in wildfire prevention and preparedness, including community education to make their neighborhoods safer. The announcement was made during the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County’s 17th Annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony, which recognized several outstanding individuals and agencies for their significant contributions to fostering fire-safe and resilient communities.
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Representative Sara Jacobs says “justice is served” by jurors’ decision. Her opponent, Mayor Bill Wells, leads “save our democracy” rally against verdict.
East County News Service
June 5, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Local officials are speaking on after a New York state jury convicted former president Donald Trump of 34 felony crimes. The jurors found that Trump falsified business records to pay hush money to a porn star, in order to prevent voters from learning of his alleged affair.
Reactions split down party lines among local representatives, with Republicans criticizing the justice systema and Democrats praising jurors’ actions.
Congressman Juan Vargas, a Democrat, stated, “"No one is above the law. Not even former president Donald Trump. Today, a jury unanimously concluded that he broke the law for his own personal gain. This verdict is another step towards accountability and justice."
In El Cajon, Republican Mayor Bill Wells, also a candidate for Congress, held what he called a “Save Our Democracy” rally at which he denounced the verdicts. “Americans know that a dark time has fallen over the nation and that none of us are safe. We are all potential felons if it is convenient for the people in power,” Wells told the crowd that he estimated at hundreds, but that other observers estimated at several dozen. Councilmembers Phil Ortiz and Steve Goble also spoke at the rally.
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, whom Wells is running against, concluded, “Justice is served.”
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June 4, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Ebony Shelton as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Shelton is the first Afro-Latina in County history to serve in the role. She will start her new position June 14.
Shelton has dedicated her career to serving the community, most recently in a dual role as the County’s chief financial officer and as a deputy chief administrative officer, overseeing the departments in the County’s Finance and General Government group.
“Ebony has the vision, the talent and the expertise to serve our residents and support working families as the Chief Administrative Officer,” said Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “She has nearly 30 years of experience working for the County and is a native San Diegan who is committed to our communities.”
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June 4, 2024 (Borrego Springs) -- Students at a local middle school are helping their families prepare for an emergency by creating home fire safety escape plans.
Borrego Springs Middle School students created the plans as part of a contest and shared them at a recent safety resource fair. It’s for a pilot program created by San Diego County Fire using state emergency preparedness grant funding.
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June 4, 2024 (San Diego) -- Do you like to read? Do you like to learn? How about, do you like to earn prizes?
Well, this summer you can do all three. The County Library Summer Learning Challenge is back! This summer’s “Read, Learn, Create” reading challenge started Saturday and runs through Aug 31. Anyone and everyone can take part.
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June 4, 2024 (Santee) -- Join the City of Santee and Councilmember Laura Koval on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Santee City Hall located at 10601 Magnolia Ave., Santee, CA 92071 at 6:00 P.M. for the District 3 Town Hall Meeting. The meeting will be led by Councilmember Koval who represents District 3 in the City of Santee.
The presentation and discussion will be mainly applicable to District 3, however, all community members are welcome to attend. Discussion topics include: the City of Santee’s Arts & Entertainment District, road improvements, defensible space, the Santee Fire Department and more.
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June 4, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego opened its annual Cool Zones program Saturday, just as the region is expecting to face its first potential summer-like temperatures this week.
The Cool Zones program was created two decades ago. It was designed to give older adults, people with disabilities and people with health concerns free, safe air-conditioned shelters to visit to escape extreme heat.
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June 4, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media. This week's round-up stories include:
For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.
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June 4,2024 (San Diego's East County) --The National Weather Service warns that hot conditions up to 113 degrees will be present for San Diego County's hgh deserts from 10 a.m. today until Friday at 9 p.m., with temperatures up to 103 degrees in lower desert regions.
Find a cool place to go and tips to beat the heat at www.coolzones.org and follow this advice from County Emergency Services:
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Update 5:40 p.m. --Forward rate of spread has been stopped at 2 acres with bo damage to any structure. Firefighters will no continue to put out hotspots and strengthen control lines. Cal Fire praises homeowners for having defensible space, which helped save their residences.
June 4, 2024 (Potrero, CA) -- The #RanchFire has burned two acres after starting this afternoon in the 1000 block of Harris Ranch Road in Potrero's Bell Valley. The fire is burning at a moderate rate of spread and has potential for 40 acres, per Cal Fire.
Structures are threatened, but firefighters are making good progress, according to the incident commander.
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June 4, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.
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June 4, 2024 (Santee) -- Step back in time at the Santee Renaissance Experience on June 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event, held at 9000 Edgemoor Drive in Santee, will feature real Medieval style battles, multiple guilds to entertain and educate you, plus pirates, fairies, mermaids and a Madrigal choir.
You can also try your hand at archery, shop for crafts and wares, enjoy exotic food vendors and a beer garden.
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June 3, 2024 (La Mesa) – La Mesa salutes Old Glory at the annual Flag Day Parade this Saturday. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and travels west through the La Mesa Village, along La Mesa Blvd. Former City Councilwoman Ruth Sterling will serve as Grand Marshal of the parade.
"Ruth's tireless dedication, from spearheading the parade's committee to establishing the Flag Day Parade endowment, exemplifies the essence of our celebration," the city's press release states.
Free ice cream will be provided by the La Mesa Community Relations and Veterans Commission at the Lookout in Legacy Park at the corner of La Mesa Blvd, 4th St. and Allison Ave.
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June 3, 2024 (Julian) – The Julian Dark Sky Network invites you to a star party this Saturday, June 8 starting at 8 p.m. at the Desert View Park/Inspiration Point (423 Inspiration Point Rd., Julian, two miles south of Julian off Highway 79). Bring binoculars and cameras, or use telescopes provided for people of all ages to view the cosmos,including deep nebulae, star clusters in the Milky Way, and a crescent moon.
Be sure to dress warm for this event, which is free to the public.
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June 3, 2024 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have arrested Tony Sims, 42, a homeless parolee with multiple prior arrests for violence and drugs. According to a press release from ECPD, Sims is accused of terrorizing and injuring an elderly woman during a” “drug-induced crime spree” the night of May 29, later stealing a knife and threatening a second person in a grocery store.
The suspect allegedly knocked on the room of the elderly woman, who was staying in a motel near Oakdale and Second Street. “When she opened the door, the stranger forcedly entered her motel room. He grabbed the woman's arm and pushed her down to the ground, causing significant but non-life-threatening injuries,” says Lieutenant Keith MacArthur. “Before leaving, he destroyed the room and the television.”
The suspect reportedly ran from the motel to a fast-food restaurant, where he jumped through the drive-through window into the restaurant. Lt. MacArthur adds, ”He stole a knife from the kitchen and armed himself with it before fleeing again to a grocery store nearby. Witnesses told police the man threatened another person with the knife while he was inside the store,” but officers were unable to locate that victim.
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June 3, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon’s special sales tax measure (Prop J) is set to expire, and voters may soon be asked whether to approve extending the half-cent sales tax in the future. The city invites residents to four town halls (June 13,15,18 and 20) to learn about the services provided through the half-cent sales tax and what services may have to be cut if the funding source is not continued.
Each Town Hall will include an interactive budgeting activity that will provide vital feedback to City leaders.
Below are the town hall meetings scheduled:
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June 3, 2024 (Otay) – The #Border53Fire is burning on both sides of the international border. The fire has charred 400 acres, including 250 acres in the U.S. and150 in Mexico. The wildfire is 60% contained, with no structures threatened and no evacuations, per Cal Fire.
The blaze began June 1 in Buttewig Canyon on the south slope of Otay Mountain.
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For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
By Miriam Raftery
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By Miriam Raftery
Source: Joe Cabaniss press release
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
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June 4, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media. This week's round-up stories include:
June 4, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
By Miriam Raftery
June 3, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
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