FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS ONLINE WORKSHOP MARCH 22

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: EASTER EVENTS, WILDFLOWER WALKS AND MORE SPECIAL SPRING HAPPENINGS

EAST COUNTY EATER: THE BARN HOUSE BBQ BRINGS KANSAS CITY FLAVOR AND FAMILY FUN TO LEMON GROVE

EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE WINS SANTEE CHAMBER FAVORITES AWARD FOR BUSINESS RESOURCES

REFUGE ON THE MOUNTAIN: SURVIVAL AFTER AN APOCALYPTIC DISASTER

WOMAN DIES IN EL CAJON HOUSE FIRE

SHARP-COLLINS SURPASSES VASQUEZ IN 79TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

BEAUTIFUL BORREGO BLOOMS: OUR GUIDE TO WILDFLOWER VIEWING

EARTH DAY 2024 FAIR IN LA MESA

COUNTY APPROVES PLAN TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES

COUNTY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION EVENT MARCH 30 IN SPRING VALLEY

News

PETS BRING TRUE LOVE BEYOND VALENTINE'S DAY

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 9, 2024 (Bonita) -- February is Valentine’s season and if you’re looking for true love, the San Diego County Department of Animal Services has lots of cuddly and cute contenders for your heart.

In the department’s “You Make My Heart Spin” campaign, you just let love take the wheel! Spin the department’s Wheel of Love to discover your adoption fee at the Bonita and Carlsbad shelters from now through Wednesday, Feb. 14. All adoptions are $20 or less.


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DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUMMER STEPHAN HONORED WITH U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL MERITORIOUS PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

East County News Service

February 9, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan was honored at a ceremony Wednesday with the United States Attorney General's Award for Meritorious Public Service - the top public service award granted by the U.S. Department of Justice. It is designed to recognize the most significant contributions of citizens and organizations in support of justice.


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FIVE MARINES CONFIRMED KILLED IN HELICOPTER CRASH IN PINE VALLEY

East County News Service

Update February 9, 2024:  The Marine Corps has identified those who died in the helicopter crash as Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, Capt. Jack Casey, Sgt. Alec Langen, Capt. Benjamin Moulton, and Capt. Miguel Nava, all in their 20s, with the 3rdMarine Aircraft Wing.

February 8, 2024 (Pine Valley) – The U.S. Marine Corps has confirmed that all five Marines aboard yesterday’s crash of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in Pine Valley during Tuesday night’s storm have died.


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RURAL RESIDENTS OPPOSE AT&T PROPOSAL TO PULL PLUG ON LAND LINES, SAY ACTION COULD COST LIVES: HEARING MARCH 19

By Miriam Raftery

Image: CC via Bing

February 8, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – AT&T has filed an application asking the California Public Utilities Commission to end AT&T’s obligation to serve as a carrier of last resort (COLR) and cease maintaining land line telephone service. A map indicates this would include the entire San Diego region. If the CPUC approves the request,  land line service could end as early as six months later.

There are no in-person hearings in San Diego County, but you can voice your opinion in a virtual hearing March 19 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. or post online comments here.  

"If approved by the CPUC, over 580,000 affected AT&T customers would be left with fewer options in terms of choice, quality, and affordability," warns the Rural County Representatives of California. "Alternative services, such as VoIP and wireless, have no obligation to serve a customer or to provide equivalent services to AT&T landline customers, including no obligation to provide reliable access to 911 or Lifeline program discounts."

The proposal has drawn strong opposition from rural residents in East County and elsewhere in California, as well as consumer advocates who warn that ending land lines would leave many in rural or remote locations with no reliable phone service at all, since Internet VOIP phone service is not widely available in many places and some areas also lack cell phone connectivity. Even for those with cell service, land lines have proven life-saving options when cell towers have burned down during wildfires in places such as rural Potrero.


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WOMAN DIES IN FIERY EL CAJON CRASH

Updated Feb. 24 with information on fundraising effort to help toddler critically injured in crash

By Miriam Raftery

February 8, 2024 (El Cajon) – A woman who died January 28 in a fiery El Cajon crash has been identified as Katalina “Katy” Frausto Aguilar, 43, of El Cajon. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help her widow and their children.

A separate GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to pay medical bills of Akeel, a 17-monthh-old toddler who suffered serious head and neck injuries in the crash. Akeel was asleep in his father's SUV parked at a stoplight when Aguilar lost control of her vehicle while driving the wrong direction on I-8. View article with latest updates on Akeel's condition.


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FAMILY ASKS HELP TO FIND MAN MISSING AT RISK: LAST SEEN IN ENCANTO JAN. 25

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2024 (San Diego) – Joseph “Joe” Mackey, 37, went missing from an independent living facility in Encanto on January 25.  He is considered high risk and needs medical attention.

His sister, Wendy Hayes, says her brother is "the biggest sweetheart you will ever meet." She told ECM that he was stable for 10 years with a mental health condition, but recently went off medications. On January 25, she says, “he apparently walked out because he was told that his house was closing and he was going to have to move...Now we are just beside ourselves...He had been missing for two weeks before we heard about it.”

Mackey is 5 ft. 11 inches tall, weighs around 150-160 pounds and has lost weight since the photos on this flyer were taken.  He has tattoos including a Chargers emblem on his left shoulder, a clown with gun on his right shoulder, Lil Kim on his back and bones on his left forearm.  He  may  no longer have facial hair and may not be wearing his glasses. He may be wearing shorts and a T-shirt with pieces of cut or torn clothing wrapped around his waist, neck or arms.

Hayes says the family is "beside ourselves" with concern and that family members gave been out daily searching for her brother. 


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STANDALONE ISRAEL AID BILL FAILS TO REACH 2/3 THRESHOLD, MIXED SUPPORT FROM SAN DIEGO DELEGATION

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo: CC-By-SA via Bing

February 7, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- A standalone bill to provide $17.6 billion in emergency aid to Israel amid its fight with Hamas failed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, with mixed support from the San Diego Delegation.

Democrats Sara Jacobs and Scott Peters opposed it, while Democrats Mike Levin and Juan Vargas joined Republic Darrell Issa in voting for it.


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FIVE CANDIDATES LOOK TO UNSEAT ISSA IN THE 48TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

By Michael Howard

 

February 7, 2024 (San Diego, CA) - The 2024 California March Primaries ballot are in the mailboxes of many voters, including the residents of the 48th Congressional District, where the Republican incumbent Darrell Issa is vying for his second term.

 

Issa has been in San Diego politics since 1998 when he ran for the U.S. Senate and lost to Matt Fong during the primaries. In 2000, he won the District 49 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and has also served in the same capacity for districts 48 and 50 in the ensuing years.

 

As the incumbent for District 48, Issa votes primarily along conservative lines, achieving a minimum of 82% or higher with most conservative political organizations such as the American Conservative Union, Christian Action Network, and Heritage Action for America. Conversely, his votes received zero to only 13% ratings with liberal organizations such as Americans for Democratic Action, Freedom Democrats, and Radical Middle. 

 

Issa faces five candidates across the political spectrum this election, including four Democrats and a no-party-preference candidate. Three of the five are candidates he beat in the 2022 election for his current seat, the other two are first-time contenders. The top two in the March 5 primary will advance to a November runoff race.

 

Stephen Houlahan (D) was the closest contender in 2022, whom Issa beat in the general election by a 20% margin. Matthew Rascon (D) lost to Issa during the primaries with 9.1% of the votes along with the no-party-preference candidate Lucinda KWH Jahn with only 1.6% of the votes. Two new contenders this year are Mike Simon (D) and Whitney Shanahan (D).

 

Photo:  The four candidates who participated in our questionnaire; top left to lower right, Democrats Stephen Houlahan,Mike Simonand Whiney Shanahan, and decline-to-state party candidates Lucinda KWH Jahn.

 

East County Magazine reached out to all candidates asking them to answer questions about the economy, immigration, healthcare, democracy, the Israel-Hammas and Russia-Ukraine wars, social security, and more. Four of the six candidates submitted their answers, which we have included in this article. Phone calls and emails to Congressman Issa and Matthew Rascon were not successful in obtaining answers to these questions. 

 

Here are the questions and answers from the candidates:


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SAN DIEGO PUBLISHER SUES SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO FORCE PUBLIC RELEASE OF BOOKING PHOTOS

By Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo: Sheriff’s Department booking photos are sought for Andrea and Jesus Cardenas (inset) by La Prensa San Diego publisher. Times of San Diego photo illustration

February 7, 2024 (Chula Vista) -- We’ve all seen booking photos of Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani and even sports figures like O.J. Simpson and soccer star Hope Solo.

But who has viewed the mug shots of arrestees Jesus Cardenas and his Chula Vista councilwoman sister Andrea Cardenas?


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SNOW CLOSES SCHOOLS IN MOUNTAIN AREAS, CHAINS REQUIRED ON HIGHWAYS

Winter storm warning in effect for mountains through Thursday, Feb. 8 at  12 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Laguna Mountain Lodge webcam

February 7, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)—Several inches or more of snow blanketed San Diego County’s mountains overnight.  Snow fell in Julian, Pine Valley, and many other mountain communities, with more precipitation forecast today.

Due to weather and road conditions, several school districts are closed and have a snow day today, according to the San Diego County Office of Education:  Julian Union Elementary , Julian Union High, Mountain Empire,  Spencer Valley,  Warner Unified.


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SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR CREW OF MILTARY HELICOPTER MISSING IN SNOWY, RUGGED TERRAIN NEAR PINE VALLEY

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2024 (Pine Valley) – Crews from multiple agencies are searching for the crew of a military helicopter that went missing southeast of Pine Valley and north of Interstate 8 near Kitchen Creek Road. The helicopter has been located this morning as of 10:50 a.m., but the crew has not yet been found.

Heavy snow is making it difficult for searchers to access the area. Cal Fire San Diego is currently in unified command with the U.S. Forest Service, according to Cal Fire. Agencies helping in the search include the U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego County Sheriff’s Dept., and California Civil Air Patrol.


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HEATED U.S. SENATE RACE IN CALIFORNIA COULD TIP BALANCE OF POWER IN WASHINGTON D.C.

By Henri Migala

Photo, top row: Democratic representatives Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara  Lee; bottom row: Republicans Steve Garvey, ex-baseball player, and attorney Eric Early

February 5, 2024 (San Diego) -- California’s U.S. Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched and pivotal contests in the upcoming election cycle, capturing the nation's attention as a dynamic lineup of contenders from different backgrounds and political ideologies vie for the coveted seat.

With the death of long-serving Senator Dianne Feinstein, a seat that has been held by Democrats for decades is now up for grabs. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Laphonza Butler to fill out the rest of Feinstein’s term ending in January 2025.The top-two primary winners will run in the November general election for the six-year term beginning on January 3, 2025. Also on the primary ballot is a special top-two primary for the remainder of Feinstein's current term,so be sure to vote in both.

Butler is not seeking election. But 22 others are on the March 5 primary ballot vying for the Senate seat, including five well-known names—three Democratic members of Congress and two prominent Republicans, an attorney/businessman and a former baseball player.

.East County Magazine takes a closer look at the top five major contenders vying for this influential position to represent the golden state in the U.S. Senate.


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GOVERNOR DECLARES EMERGENCY IN 8 COUNTIES INCLUDING SAN DIEGO, CITY ISSUES EVACUATION WARNINGS AS ANOTHER STRONG STORM NEARS

By Miriam Raftery

February 5, 2024 (San Diego)—A powerful storm fueled by a “Pineapple Express”  atmospheric river is pummeling much of California and is slated to reach San Diego County later today. The Governor has declared an emergency in eight counties including San Diego to support storm response and recovery efforts.  A flood watch for San Diego County issued by the National Weather Service will be in effect starting at 4 p.m. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has issued evacuation warnings for Encanto, Southcrest Mountain View--east San Diego communities along the flood plain.

A new city-run local assistance center for flood victims at the Mountain View Community Center is closed today due to the severe weather and will reopen when weather permits. For updates in the city of San Diego, visit http://sandiego.gov/storm .  For storm recovery in the County, visit https://www.alertsandiego.org/en-us/recovery.html.  

Neither the County nor any East County cities have yet issued evacuation warnings, though residents in low-lying areas especially those that previously flooded should stay vigilant as the heaviest rains and winds hit our region late today, tonight and tomorrow.


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PUBLIC’S HELP NEEDED TO IDENTIFY WOMAN FOUND DEAD NEAR CREEK IN SANTEE AFTER FLOOD

East County News Service

 

Photo, left: Forensic artist PJ Puterbaugh created this sketch of the unidentified woman found in Santee and a tattoo of a winged dolphin and hearts on her leg.

February 3, 2023 (Santee) -- The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office needs assistance identifying a woman found unresponsive in the brush on the southern border of Forester Creek in Santee. Paramedics responded to help on the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 22, but she could not be resuscitated.

A forensic sketch artist created this drawing of the woman. Photographs of the tattoo and jewelry are also provided.


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COUNTY ANNOUNCES RENTER PROTECTIONS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS IN LEMON GROVE, SPRING VALLEY, CORONADO AND SOME SAN DIEGO ZIP CODES

Source: County News Service

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

February 3, 2023 (San Diego) --  The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 30, 2024, took new actions to help people in communities flooded by the Jan. 22, 2024, torrential rains, including putting into place temporary additional tenant protection measures. The approved ordinance prohibits people who were affected by the floods from being evicted without just cause. The ordinance also restricts certain rent increases on eligible properties from January 22, 2024, to March 30, 2024.

The flood affected areas specified in the ordinance include residential units located in the following ZIP codes: 92102, 92104, 92105, 92111, 92113, 92114, 92115, (San Diego); 91977 (Spring Valley); 91950 (National City);91945 (Lemon Grove); and 92118 (Coronado).


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HOW CAN WE HELP FLOOD VICTIMS?

By Kirsten  Andelman

Photo via CalFire: Firefighters fill sandbags. Sandbags are available at most fire stations countywide.

February 2, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- The mood was one of somber preparation, mixed with some fear – and a palpable lack of optimism.

Around the corner from the Local Assistance Center set up last week for flood survivors at the Spring Valley library branch, firefighters at the San Miguel Fire District station heaved shovels all day last Thursday.  They packed bags with sand, and then delivered them to the long line of cars idling at the corner of Gillespie and Orville Streets.

People searched for ways to prepare for more line, while others stood by to support the many families already impacted by the floods of January 22.

For the displaced people awaiting a fresh deluge of rain the following day, the question had remained the same: “Where can we go?”


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THOUSANDS SEEK HELP AT FLOOD ASSISTANCE CENTER IN SPRING VALLEY

 

By Kirsten Andelman

Photo, left: flooded home of the Ford family along Chollas Creek

February 1, 2023 (Spring Valley)-- When 86-year old Bienvenida Ford felt the water on her feet January 22, all she could do was yell for her sleeping daughter, Debbie, who jumped up and called 911.  But by then, the waters rushing in from the swollen Chollas Creek were already up to the women’s calves.

Within 20 minutes, the water in their National Avenue living room was up to Bienvenida’s ribs.  In the nick of time, two rescue workers swam inside and dragged her by her armpits to higher ground. Meanwhile, Debbie Ford, age 50, was fending for herself, half paddling, half floating out the front door and towards higher ground.  Hundreds of yards away she could see their freezer – recently stuffed with homemade lumpia – laying on its side on a neighbor’s property.


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CALFRESH RECIPIENTS IMPACTED BY FLOOD MAY RECEIVE REPLACEMENT BENEFITS

East County News Service

February 1, 2024 (San Diego) -- If you lost food during the storm due to flooding or a power outage, you can request a replacement of your CalFresh benefits until Feb. 21, 2024.


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SDAR STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® Reminds Homeowners to Prioritize the Purchase of Flood Insurance

By Greater San Diego Association of Realtors®

File photo: CC by SA-NC via Bing

February 1, 2024 (San Diego) -- As the impact from the unprecedented flooding in San Diego County subsides, the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR) is reminding homeowners of how critical flood insurance is to helping protect your home and valuables. It is key to note that most homeowner insurance options do not cover damage from floods, meaning that individuals are required to purchase an additional coverage option for full flood protection. While basic insurance policies will cover damage from broken appliances or a damaged water pipe, full-scale flood coverage is not included.

Statewide, fewer than 2% of all homeowners have flood insurance on their property, and less than 50% have flood insurance protection in higher risk areas. If an individual is looking to acquire flood insurance, they can purchase it from a state-licensed insurance agent through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.


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SDG&E PREPARES FOR STORM CONDITIONS

Company provides safety tips to help keep customers safe during winter storm

February 1, 2024 (San Diego) – The safety of its customers, employees and the communities is of the utmost importance for SDG&E, which is why the company is taking proactive steps to prepare for the potential of back-to-back winter storms expected to arrive Thursday morning. 

In anticipation of the forecasted wind and rain, SDG&E is increasing the number of field crews and equipment available to restore power as quickly and safely as possible should power outages occur. The company’s meteorology team is also monitoring weather conditions minute-by-minute to help provide situational awareness to front-line crews working to maintain the infrastructure that serves the region. However, preparedness is a community effort, and the company encourages all its customers to have a plan in place in case of unplanned outages.

To help customers prepare for the upcoming storms, the company is sharing the following safety tips to help keep customers and the region safe:


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CITY OF SAN DIEGO ISSUES EVACUATION WARNING, CLOSES ROADS AHEAD OF STORM

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

February 1, 2024 (San Diego) –Mayor Todd Gloria has issued a voluntary evacuation warning for people living in low-lying areas of the city ahead of the new storm moving into the area. The warning was texted to residents in theflood plain areas in Southcrest, Mountain View, Encanto, San Ysidro, Sorrento Valley and Mission Valley.

If the voluntary warning becomes an order,  San Diego Police will go door to door to inform residents.

A shelter has been set up at the municipal gym in Balboa Park. Anyone in the evacuation warning areas who needs a free ride to the shelter can call (619)280-4444 under an agreement between the city and the Ride United app.

The Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties is continuing to provide shelter for people displaced from their homes at the Lincoln High School Gymnasium located at 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92133. The Red Cross San Diego phone number is 858-309-1200. 

Many roads in the city are closed due to potential flooding today. For a current list, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/storm/road-closures.


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WEATHERING THE STORM: PETCO PROVIDES ESSENTIAL FLOOD SAFETY TIPS FOR SAN DIEGO'S PETS

East County News Service

January 31, 2024 (San Diego) -- In the wake of recent flooding in San Diego and with more rainy days on the horizon, it's crucial for pet parents to be prepared for emergencies. Just as we keep first aid kits for ourselves, it's vital to have one ready for our pets to provide immediate care until professional help is available.  


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COUNTY CREWS HELP REMOVE DEBRIS FOLLOWING STORM

Video by Suzanne Bartole

January 31, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- County crews are helping families clean up debris from the Jan. 22 storm.

Teams visited 40 homes in Spring Valley Monday to help support disposal of household hazardous waste.

More rain is forecast this week. Do not put debris near the curb where it can wash away and cause a hazard. If you live in the unincorporated area and your home was damaged by the recent storm, call 2-1-1 for referrals to resources.


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COLD STORM BRINGING WET WEATHER: FLOOD WATCH THURSDAY-FRIDAY

By Miriam Raftery

January 31, 2024 (San Diego)—On the heels of last week’s severe storm, another atmospheric river is moving into our region, bringing widespread rain, mountain snow as low as 3,500 feet, gusty winds, cold temperatures and possible thunderstorms.  A flood watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for Thursday morning through Friday morning for San Diego County’s mountains, deserts and valleys, with potential for flooding in some urban and low-lying areas as well as along rivers and streams.

The NWS has also issued a wind advisory for valley areas, a high surf and small craft advisory for coastal areas where waves could reach 10 feet.

Mountains and foothills have a 60% chance of 2-4 inches, a 10% chance of 4-6 inches, and a 5% chance of over 6 inches of precipitation.  Deserts could receive as much as 2 or more inches of rain, with .5 to 1 inch likely.  Valleys and coastal areas have a50%chance of 1-2 inches, a 40% chance of 2-3 inches,and a 5% chance of over 4 inches.


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WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN CUTS STAFFING; JPA MEMBERS BALK AT REQUEST TO BOOST FUNDING

JPA to discuss options in a closed-door meeting with legal counsel

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Dr. Michael Hager, President, Friends of the Water Conservation Garden, and Lauren Magnuson, Interim Director of the Garden

January 30, 2024 (El Cajon) – Friends of the Water Conservation Garden and the garden’s new interim director, Lauren Magnuson, made impassioned pleas at a January 23 meeting,  asking the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to allocate additional funds through June to help alleviate a financial crisis.

The Water Conservation Garden is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Magnuson. said, “We supported the community during the pandemic. Now we are hoping that the community will support us.”

The Garden has over $1 million in financial obligations, including large loans taken out during the pandemic and some smaller grant funds slated to be returned. Questions have been raised by the JPA over years of inaccurate record-keeping practices and borrowing by Friends to cover the Garden’s operating expenses, among other concerns.

“The Garden has significantly cut our monthly budget by more than half,” Magnuson told ECM in an interview earlier this month. “We unfortunately had to furlough a good portion of our staff and lean on current staff to absorb those furloughed positions.” She has pledged full transparency and open communication with staff and volunteers, scrambling to pull together financial records and options to help the garden grow and thrive in the future—though the task is daunting.


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FLOOD VICTIMS SHOULD WATCH FOR MOLD

January 27, 2024 (San Diego) -- Flooding from Monday’s torrential storms was bad enough, but now residents cleaning up their damaged homes face the threat of mold.

The longer materials stay wet, the more likely mold will grow. It takes only two to three days for mold to form.


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COUNTY STORM RECOVERY UPDATE

January 27, 2024 (San Diego) -- County officials provided an update today on recovery efforts after the unprecedented storm earlier this week that deluged various communities in the region with more than two inches of rain in just two hours.

“We are bringing together the city, county and state resources to help those that need it the most,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “To all those that have been impacted, I want to make sure you know we are doing everything we can to bring you the resources you need and to make sure we help you as you recover from this natural disaster.”

Chairwoman Vargas also announced she was postponing the State of the County address. Instead she will host a “Day of Service” for San Diego flood victims.


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SPRING VALLEY FLOOD ASSISTANCE CENTER THIS SUNDAY-WEDNESDAY

East County News Service

January 27, 2024 (Spring Valley)—A Local Assistance Center for those impacted by recent flooding will be at the Spring Valley Library,836 Kempton St. in Spring Valley.  Hours for the two-day center will be Sunday, Jan. 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday through Wednesday, Jan. 29-31 from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m.

No appointments are needed. Flood victims can walk in for help with services such as:


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RELIEF FUND FOR UKRAINIAN CHURCH FLOODED IN SPRING VALLEY; HUMANITARIAN SUPPLIES FOR UKRAINE ALSO DAMAGED

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News

January 26, 2024 (Spring Valley) - St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Spring Valley has been a place of worship for Ukrainians across San Diego since 1960. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the small church has welcomed and helped many Ukrainian refugees—and has also gathered humanitarian relief supplies to send to war-torn Ukraine.


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SAN DIEGO BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFERS BUSINESS GRANT FUNDING, TECH HELP FOR DISTRICT 4 FLOODING EMERGENCY DISASTER RELIEF

East County News Service

January 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce (CSDBCC) will be providing grant funding and technical assistance to businesses affected by the recent flooding emergency in San Diego City's District 4.  Council District 4 includes the communities of Alta Vista, Broadway Heights, Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Encanto, Greater Skyline Hills, Jamacha, Lincoln Park, Lomita Village, Mountain View, North Bay Terrace, Oak Park, O'Farrell, Paradise Hills, Ridgeview, South Bay Terrace, Valencia Park, and Webster.

As the new administrators of the Diamond BID (Business Improvement District), CSDBCC has been reaching out to local businesses in District 4, which was the hardest hit by the flooding disaster that caused widespread damage and disruption to residents and businesses alike.


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