By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: “Passing Through Borrego,” by Arizona oil painter Robert Goldman

March 2, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – “I am proud to be the 2018 Curator for the Borrego Art Institute 12th Annual Plein Air Invitational paint-out and exhibit,” says Shannon O’Dunn.  “Fifteen artists in oils, pastel, and watercolors will be in painting the field all week, March 5-9.” 

By Miriam Raftery

File photo: Students testified to GUHSD board on behalf of an Alpine High School, before board reversed its decision to build the school.

March 2, 2018 (Alpine) – In a joint press release, the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD), Alpine Union High School District (AUSD) and Alpine Taxpayers for Bound Accountability (ATBA) announced a resolution to end the prolonged legal battle over the never-built Alpine High School.

The AUSD and ATBA have agreed not to appeal to the state Supreme Court, after an appeals court ruled on behalf of Grossmont that an enrollment requirement to build the school had not been met and that therefore, Grossmont is not obligated to build the school.  In exchange, the GUHSD has agreed not to seek recovery of its court costs from the Alpine district or the Alpine taxpayers group.

“Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing”

By Judith L. Seid, CFP ®, President, Blue Summit Wealth Management

March 2, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- The Socially Responsible Investing tenet of "knowing-what-you-own" is adding another layer of reflection to those affected by the recent gun violence in Parkland, Florida.  Educators in Florida may be surprised to learn they’ve been helping fund the firearms industry—including the company that made the gun used during the February 14th shooting.

Penn Gaming parts ways with tribe; SEC filing cites concerns over unpaid loans

By Miriam Raftery

March 1, 2018 (Jamul) – In a press release issued tonight, the Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation, a wholly owned entity of Jamul Indian Village, announced termination of Penn Gaming and a transition to a new management team at the Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego, which will be rebranded as Jamul Casino.

The JIVDC press release describes the transition as a “natural next step toward economic self-sufficiency for JIV.”  Penn Gaming’s filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 018 does affirm that the decision for Penn’s local entity, San Diego Gaming  Ventures LLC, to cease management of the casino effective May 28, 2018 is a “mutually agreed” upon decision. 

But the filing also indicates serious financial difficulties, including outstanding loans that Penn suggests it may be unable to collect.  The filing states:

By Miriam Raftery

March 1, 2018 (El Cajon) – A search warrant was served this morning at Cloud 9 Wellness, an illegal marijuana dispensary in the 500 block of West Douglas in El Cajon. 

“A large amount of cash and marijuana was seized as evidence,” Lieutenant Walt Miller with the El Cajon Police Department states in a press release. Six employees and three armed security guards working at the business were briefly detained but not arrested. However, Lt. Miller notes, “Although the employees were not arrested today, they and the owner of the business may face charges of allowing the Commercial Sale of Marijuana within the City.”

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

Image credit:  PhotoSpin

March 1, 2018 (San Diego) - In response to increasing elder abuse crimes in the region and an impending explosion of the elderly population, County prosecutors, health and aging officials and local law enforcement are committing to a new “blueprint” of goals and coordinated community response to abuse of these vulnerable residents.

Mountain West schedule announced

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

March 1, 2018 (San Diego) - The San Diego State football released its 2018 schedule on Thursday. Game times and television arrangements, including moves to non-Saturdays will be announced at a later date.

East County News Service

March 1, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes gallery art shows in La Mesa and Ramona, the Boots Ball in Borrego Springs, live music with the Sporadicals in La Mesa, a Gregory Page concert at Mission Trails, a plein air paint-out in Borrego Springs and a St. Patrick’s Day half marathon race in El Cajon.

Plus, we’ll have coming attractions including the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, Tomatomania at The Garden, the Circle of Art show in Borrego Springs, the Alaska String Band in concert, a Bunny Train in Campo, Spring Extravaganza at Santee Lakes, the Harp Fest in La Mesa, a comedy film night in Spring Valley, Sweet Pea Days in Flinn Springs, Cajon Class Cruise season’s opener, an anniversary party at Heritage of the Americas museum, an antiques fair at Summers Past Farms and the San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra’s spring concert.

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

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 1, 2018 (San Diego) -- More cold weather is in store this week and nothing beats a nice fire in the fireplace. Fires may keep us warm.  However, there are hazards that need to be addressed.

February 27, 2018 (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 news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views.  Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• State Department report will trim language on women’s rights, discrimination (Politico)
• Delta, United Airlines become latest companies to cut NRA ties (Reuters)
• Florida students take on NRA, set eyes on midterm elections (Reuters)
• New indictments against Manafort after Gates pleads guilty (Politico)
• Employers can’t discriminate based on sexual orientation, court says, dealing loss to Trump administration (Washington Post)
• Two weeks after Trump blocked it, Democrats’ rebuttal of GOP memo is released (New York Times)
• U.S. Democrats’ memo charges Republicans trying to undermine Russian probe (Reuters)
• What I Saw Treating the Victims From Parkland Should Change the Debate on Guns (The Atlantic)

WORLD

• Japan wants Fukushima evacuees to go home. They're not so sure. (CS Monitor)
• PHOTOS: Myanmar Apparently Razing Remains of Rohingya Villages (NPR)
• China pushes back against criticism of plan for Xi to stay in power (Reuters)
• U.N. Security Council approves 30-day ceasefire in Syria (BBC)
• Before Russia's 'troll farm' turned to US, it had a more domestic focus (CS Monitor)
• Trump officials fight eviction from Panama hotel they manage (Japan Times)

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