Update March 9, 2018:  Carl DeMaio announced that he won't be turning in papers by the filing deadline today to run against Rep. Duncan Hunter. In an e-mail to supporters, he wrote, “While I, too, am frustrated with the lack of results and the double-standards for Washington politicians, I believe the Gas Tax Repeal Initiative campaign and our plans for subsequent reform initiatives in California are so much more important,” Times of San Diego reports.

By Miriam Raftery

March 8, 2018 (San Diego) – Former San Diego Councilman Carl DeMaio has pulled papers to run in the 50^th Congressional District currently represented by fellow Republican Duncan D. Hunter. 

DeMaio served one term on the Council from 2008 to 2012.  He has previously run for mayor and lost to Bob Filner. He also ran for Congress previously but was defeated by Scott Peters, who currently serves in the 52^nd District.

By Miriam Raftery

March 8, 2018 (San Diego) – Andrew Zelt, a sergeant at the Sheriff’s Department, has withdrawn from the 50^th Congressional District race and endorsed El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells.  On his Facebook page yesterday, Zelt posted this announcement:

By Pat Landis, President

Photo, left:  Julian Women's Club president Pat Landis, past president Marion Moore and California Federation Area Membership VP Stephanie Stark

March 8, 2018 (Julian) - On March 5^th at a Scholarship Luncheon, the Julian Woman’s Club honored eleven women who have been members of the club from twenty to forty years. Eight are past presidents of the club and several others have served as officers at the District and State level of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs. These are truly exceptional women.

Update March 11, 2018:  "Bubbles" has been found in a canyon near the pet store from which she escaped.

By Miriam Raftery

March 8, 2018 (Spring Valley) – “Bubbles,” a 35-pound, 5 and a half feet long black-throated monitor lizard has been missing from Mike’s Pets at 8300 Paradise Valley Road in Spring Valley since Sunday, March 4^th.

According to reports on 10 News and Patch.com, Bubbles was last seen on a security camera strolling from his cage that he had apparently slipped out of through a small opening, toward the back door of the shop.

March 8, 2018 (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 top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• Report shows San Diego County among nation's worst for pedestrian deaths (KGTV/NEWSY)
• La Mesa poised to award license to first medical pot dispensary (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• How San Diego schools handle threats of mass violence (KPBS)
• Early “bud break” a concern to local grape growers (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Is San Diego’s casino industry over saturated? (San Diego Union-Tribune)

STATE

• Trump administration to file suit against CA over sanctuary laws (SD Union-Tribune)
• Investors possibly buying Weinstein Co. to turn it into woman-run studio (KQED)
• Feral cattle terrorize hikers and devour native plants in a CA national monument (Los Angeles Times)
• Five people hit by avalanche at Squaw Valley ski resort; two hospitalized (Mercury News)
• Board of Equalization punts on raising California's gas tax  (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Corruption scandals haven't curbed lavish gift-giving to CA lawmakers (L.A. Times)
• California hospital that sits on quake fault will close ((AP)

For excepts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

East County News Service

March 8, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes a Plein Air art show in Borrego Springs, mountain men at the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, Tomatomania at the Water Conservation Garden, a lavender farm brunch and more.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including the Alaska String Band in concert, the Bunny Train in Campo, a Spring Extravanza at Santee Lakes, Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa, Saps at Sea comedy films in Spring Valley, Sweet Pea Day at Summers Past Farms, the Peg Leg Smith Liar's Contest, Meet the Winemakers Weekend in Ramona, the Cajon Classic Cruise season opener, an antique fair in Flinn Springs, and the San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra’s spring concert.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Miriam Raftery

March 8, 2018 (Sacramento) – The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against California, as well as the state’s governor and attorney general. The suit claims that three specific “sanctuary” laws aimed at protecting some undocumented immigrants are unconstitutional.

The three targeted laws, KPPC reports, are:

March 7, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

• What parents need to know about Juuling (Offspring)
• Ticks that cause `intense infestation’ found in U.S. for first time (Business Insider)
• Saline in IVs may increase risk of death, kidney failure (AJC)
• Patients Like Hospital Care at Home, But Some Insurers Are Skeptical (NPR)
• Test for Breast Cancer Gene Will Be Available in Weeks (NPR)

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• Phytoplankton population drops 40% since 1950 (Scientific American)
• North Pole surges above freezing in the dead of winter, stunning scientists (Washington Post)
• World’s first plastic-free supermarket aisle opens in Netherlands (BBC)
• Signals detected from ‘cosmic dawn’ (BBC)
• 21 Tech Companies Band Together Against Wildlife Trafficking (NPR)
• Ex-Google Recruiter Sues, Alleging Policies Discriminate Against White and Asian Men (NPR)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Bobbi Zane

March 6, 2018 (Julian) -- Innkeepers Lee and Linda Stanley have a lovely B&B tucked into a heavily wooded four-acre hillside just a mile east of Julian, a historic gold rush town in the mountains of San Diego’s East County.  The Wikiup Bed and Breakfast Inn is a friendly haven, where guests find new friends all over the place.

By Miriam Raftery

March 6, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – Four patients were transported via air and ground ambulances following a crash near I-8 and Japatul Valley Road this morning, according to Cal Fire. 

The collision occurred shortly before 11 a.m. after Border Patrol agents attempted to stop a Ford Expedition traveling west on I-8 near Buckman Springs Road. The driver sped off at a high rate of speed and lost control as he encountered slowed traffic, becoming airborne, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

By Miriam Raftery

March 6, 2018 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to join the La Mesa Conversations leadership and your neighbors to discuss upcoming events including panels on healthcare, homeless and education—and hear your ideas.

Enjoy no-host cocktail or food and stimulating conversations at this event on Sunday, March 11 from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Hooley's Irish Pub and Grill, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr #247 (near Macy's and Chuze Fitness), La Mesa in the Guinness Room.

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!  Type “Sports” on the donation line!

Check out our sports section for more sports stories!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 6, 2018 (San Diego) - After a 22-2 rout of Presbyterian on Monday afternoon, SDSU lacrosse returned to the field on Tuesday night to face Nigara.