Story and photos by Paul Kruze

February 23, 2017 (El Cajon) --Some 300 demonstrators staged a boisterous rally late Thursday afternoon near the El Cajon district office of 50th District U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon) on Magnolia and Bradley Avenue. Hunter’s office issued a release earlier stating that his staff would no longer meet with constituents from the group, then shut down the office today in response to the protest rally.

The protestors held up placards representing a mixed array of concerns over his stances on key issues, drawing attention during rush hour traffic, including demonstrators on an overpass visible to motorists on State Route 67.  Their concerns include repeal of the Affordable Care Act, President Trump’s immigration policies, defunding Planned Parenthood, Trump’s election, and an ongoing investigation of Hunter’s alleged improper use of campaign funds.

East County News Service

February 23, 2017 (Lemon Grove) – After Voice of San Diego revealed that SANDAG misled voters on projected revenues for the Measure A transportation initiative (see stories here and here),  seven SANDAG members said they were not informed of the botched forecast and have signed a letter calling for an investigation, VOSD reported.

By Mark Hughes, SanDiego350

February 22, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) - On February 21, 2017, an audience of approximately 75 attended the Security & Climate Change: Issues and Perspectives conference, held in the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park. Organized and funded by The Center for Climate and Security (with the support of The San Diego Foundation and Skoll Global Threats Fund). The program focused on the threat climate change imposes on world stability, the burden it puts on the US military, and what they, as well as our local and state governments, are doing to plan for the consequences. The conference was followed by a screening of a new documentary entitled "The Age of Consequences."

By Miriam Raftery

February 21, 2017 (Santee) – For the past 20 years, Santee has lacked an indoor movie theatre, having only a drive-in that’s a throw-back from the ‘50s. But soon, city residents will be able to choose from multiple films to view without leaving town or parking at the drive-in venue.

Source:  La Mesa Police

February 20, 2017 (La Mesa) – An 80-year-old woman who was reported missing this morning from an assisted living facility in the 7900 block of Culowee Street in La Mesa has been found safe in the City of San Diego, the La Mesa Police Department reports.

Planning group also seeks applicants to fill vacancy

By Miriam Raftery

February 19, 2017 (Campo) — At its meeting on Monday, February 27^th, the Campo Lake Morena Planning Group will hear a presentation on Backcountry Land Trust’s interest in potentially acquiring Star Ranch. George Barnett, vice president and director of land acquisitions at the land preservation group, will speak on BCLT negotiations and answer questions from the public.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Library entrance, Proposal A

February 19, 2017 (Borrego Springs) -- Proposed designs for the new Borrego Springs Library/Park/Sheriff's Substation project are be viewable online from February 18, 2017 to February 24, 2017. The public is invited to view the three proposed designs at: http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/general_services/Facility_Planning_Design_Construction.html

East County News Service

Hear our interview, originally aired February 3, 2017 on KNSJ 89.1 FM radio, by clicking the audio link.

“It wasn’t the e-mails; it was the white males,” – Bonnie Price, on sexism she believed prevented Hillary Clinton from becoming president

February 18, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Spring Valley resident Bonnie Price is a long-time women’s rights advocate, political scientist and feminist. In January, shortly after Price marched in the historic women’s march in San Diego, we interviewed her about her concerns over the erosion of women’s  rights that she spent much of her lifetime fighting to attain.

 Price has advocated for women’s causes from equal pay to the equal rights amendment.  She once established a Planned Parenthood clinic in rural Pennsylvania. She’s also been active in recruiting women  to run for political office through the nonpartisan Run Women Run and has served as president of the East County Democratic Club. A supporter of Hillary Clinton’s presidential aspirations, Price still hopes to see the ultimate glass ceiling broken in her lifetime. 

Scroll down to read highlights of her commetns , or click the audio link to hear our full interview.

Source:  Public Watchdogs

Photo: recently as 1881, the coastline from Northern Orange County to Central San Diego County was officially known as “Earthquake Bay.”

East County News Service

Rep. Vargas denounces exclusion as “unacceptable”, says Trump actions are creating “chaos around the nation”

February 16, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – Several Hispanic members of Congress including Congressman Juan Vargas (D-San Diego) were booted out of a bipartisan meeting with the acting director of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by Speaker Paul Ryan’s staff, reportedly on orders from President Donald Trump.

Legislators grapple with options to plug gap left by falling gas tax revenues

By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2017 (Sacramento) – The California Transportation Commission last week approved a 38% decrease in funding for road and transit projects, a drop of $754 million over the next five years. The cut is due to falling gasoline tax revenues, the Los Angeles Times reports.  That’s left legislators scrambling for proposals to find alternative ways to fund transportation projects impacting counties statewide, which have been asked to list projects to delay or delete completely.

By Jonathan Goetz

February 14, 2017 (Lemon Grove) -- In November 2016, Lemon Grove voters approved Measure V, allowing for sale of medical marijuana in Lemon Grove. Dispensaries will be allowed in certain sections of the city with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

By Miriam Raftery

February 14, 2017 (San Diego) – It’s tough to top the extreme storms that hit our region in January. But this weekend, the National Weather Service warns that storm conditions starting Thursday night could be as severe as the January 20^th downpour—with additional hazards including a tornado that could strike coastal or inland San Diego County on Saturday.

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  Steve Gardner and his son with their newly adopted dog.

February 13, 2017 (San Diego) - Love is in the air at County Animal Services. Adopt any dog through Valentine’s Day and get half off the adoption fees. Then pucker up for the Valentine’s Day kissing booth!

By Miriam Raftery

February 12, 2017 (San Diego) – Heavy winter rains have taken a toll on roadways across California and here in San Diego County, leaving state and local governments scrambling to find funds for repairs.