East County News Service

March 3, 2019 (Santee) -- 1000 Lights, a water lantern festival company specializing in events for families, will host a festival at Santee Lakes on March 23 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Thousands of attendees will launch their lanterns at 7 p.m., just after dusk, to enjoy an incredible view of the water.

Photo: Creative commons image via S.A.

March 2, 2019 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition is now accepting applications for the “Youth of the Year” Award, recognizing outstanding youth who go above and beyond serving their community!  This annual award is given to one middle school and one high school student, honoring them for their leadership abilities and/or their quality or level of community service. Final awards will be based on dedication and commitment beyond what may be required by the school and its effect on the community.

By Miriam Raftery

March 1, 2019 (El Cajon) – El Cajon is considering an amendment to sign standards regulating the height and size of freestanding signs downtown. In addition, the city is considering exempting municipal projects and uses from the zoning code and entitlement process.

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings  on each of these proposals on Tuesday March 19 at 7 p.m.  The City Council will also hold public hearings on Tuesday, March 26 at 3 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon.

Angelo Armenta recorded a season-high three hits with two RBIs

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

March 1, 2019 (Colorado Springs, Colo.) - The San Diego State baseball team opened Mountain West play with a 9-5 loss at Air Force on Friday afternoon. The Aztecs fall to 5-4 on the season, while the Falcons up their 2019 record to 6-3.

By Miriam Raftery

View video of Cohen’s complete testimony:   https://www.c-span.org/video/?458125-1/michael-cohen-president-trump-he-racist-con-man-cheat

View highlights:  https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4782554/trump-lawyer-michael-cohen-apologizes-lying

February 28, 2019 (Washington D.C.) – President Donald Trump’s long-time personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, called his former boss a “liar”, a” conman” and a “racist” during several hours of testimony before the House Oversight and Reform Committee this week.  Cohen testified that Trump knew in advance that Wikileaks planned to release stolen Democratic Committee emails.  He also told committee members that Trump directed him to violate the law—and Cohen provided a check signed by Trump after he became president for “hush money” paid to cover up an affair with porn star Stormy Daniels.

Republicans grilling Cohen sought to discredit him, since he previously lied to Congress and since his cooperation with federal prosecutors could result in a reduction of his three-year prison sentence. However Cohen also handed over documents to the committee, including extensive financial records that Cohen suggested implicate Trump and Trump’s family members in financial crimes.

Democrats on the committee probed Cohen’s knowledge of other potential witnesses to the alleged criminal activities, also laying the groundwork to subpoena the President’s tax records.  Cohen has apologized and voiced remorse for lying and covering up illegal activities on behalf of Trump.

By Miriam Raftery

February 28, 2019 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to an East County Solar Experience on Saturday, March 2 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the Salvation Army KROC Center community center room, 6845 University Ave. in La Mesa. 

Hear from nationally accredited energy professionals and nonprofit climate champions to learn about the evolving solar power landscape including what’s changing for solar power and clean energy policy in 2019. You’ll also learn from neighbors who went solar.

Register at www.SDSolarExperience.org for this event hosted by Sullivan Solar Power and Climate Action Campaign.  There’s power through education!