By Miriam Raftery

March 29, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) — Increasingly, media watchdogs are citing bias by the mainstream media as a key factor influencing the  presidential primary race.

East County News Service

March 29, 2016 (Ramona) - Mark your calendars for the 13th annual Ramona Open Studios Tour on April 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring 25 artists working in all mediums in 17 private studios located throughout Ramona.

Update March 31:  Both houses osf the Legislature have passed this measure, which is now on the Governor's desk for signature and is expected to be signed into law.

East County News Service

March 29, 2016 (Sacramento) -- A deal hammered out by labor leaders and Governor Jerry Brown would raise California’s minimum wage to $15 an hour without the need for a ballot initiative, if it is approved by the Legislature.

Under the agreement, most businesses would phase in the increase in wages gradually over several years, starting at $10.50 in January 2017, $11 in January 2018, then rising $1 a year until January 2022, when it would reach $15 an hour.  Businesses with less than 25 workers would have an extra year to meet the new wage requirements. (View full details here.)

Source: CalTrans News Release

March 28, 2016 (San Diego) -- Caltrans will close all lanes on northbound Interstate 805 (I-805) from La Jolla Village Drive/Miramar Road to Interstate 5 (I-5) Monday through Thursday from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. The closure is needed to install median barriers.

March 27, 2016 (San Diego) -- Courtesy of San Diego Write Way, here are the latest literary events for readers and writers coming up across San Diego County.

April is Distracted Driving Month

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 27, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- They’ve drifted into your lane, driven right through red lights, blown past you in a hurry only to sit when the light turns greens (because their testing). They injure or kill thousands annually! Chances are you’re (or have been) one of them.

Next meetings set for March 28, April 4, 5, and 11

By Leon Thompson

March 27, 2016 (La Mesa) – Turnout was light at the first of five county hearings March 17^th on a controversial redistricting plan proposed by the Grossmont Union High School District.  Members of the San Diego County Office of Education ‘s Committee on School Reorganization emphasized that they hope to see more public turnout and hear from a broad cross-section of the community at the upcoming four hearings.

East County News Service

Photo: Screenshot off Full Gospel church's Facebook page

March 27, 2016 (Spring Valley) – A fire burned down the Full Gospel Church of God in Christ in Spring Valley last weekend.  The Pentacostal church serves a congregation of about 30 people, mainly African Americans.

Just in time for Easter Sunday services, another church previously burned in a fire has offered up space for Full Gospel’s worship services, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

By Miriam Raftery

March 26, 2016 (San Diego) – American Gourmet’s roasted and salted pistachios are made locally in Vista and sold at stores countywide, including Trader Joe’s. Now the company has announced a recall due to possible salmonella contamination.

East County News Service

Photo: Screenshot from KNSD

March 26, 2016 (Lakeside) – A pre-dawn fire Saturday morning caused heavy damage at the Eastbound Bar & Grill, a popular eatery on Maine Street in downtown Lakeside.

By Robert Gehr

March 25, 2016 (El Cajon) -- Check out the face done in mosaic tile. Simply amazing!

Source: County News Service

Photo courtesy CDC

March 25, 2016 (San Diego) -- The first Zika virus case acquired through sexual transmission in San Diego was confirmed this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency announced today.

Listen to Destination East County, also aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the audio link.

We thank the County of San Diego for a Community Enhancement Grant supporting Destination East County.

East County News Service

March 25, 2016 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County includes an Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes, Spring Harp Fest – a harmonica festival in La Mesa, a water-wise garden tour, Vietnam remembered in Lemon Grove, and more.

Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions including the Music of Mozart in Spring Valley, an Old West Art Fest in Shelter Valley, and a Garden Native tour across East County.  So scroll down for all of these events and more!

East County News Service

March 25, 2016 (Lakeside) – Lakeside’s Western Days Parade will roll out along Maine Street on April 23 starting at 9:35 a.m.  Celebrating its 51^st year, this year’s parade hosted by the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce will feature the theme “America Strong, Lakeside Strong.”

By Walter G. Meyer

March 24, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- Long time East County resident Richard Taylor was a talented, educated and erudite writer. Unfortunately, he was not a very tenacious one. He died without seeing his novel published.