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

NIGHT AERIAL DROPS HOLD HIGHLAND FIRE TO 2,457 ACRES WITH 15% CONTAINMENT

Update November 4, 2023:  The fire is now 70% and has held at 2,487 acres.

Update November 3, 2023: The Highland Fire is now 40% contained and has burned 2,487 acres.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via Cal Fire

November 1, 2023 (Aguanga) – What a difference night-time aerial drops can make. Two decades ago, the deadly Cedar Fire started at 5:37 p.m. and a decision was made not to put pilots at risk with night drops. That fire grew to 273,000 acres and destroyed 2,200 homes.

By contrast, last night, Cal Fire incident personnel made the decision to fight the fast-moving #HighlandFire in Aguanga by air throughout the night – preventing what could have become another regional inferno.

“The crew from Copter 301 in Cal Fire’s Riverside Unit dropped 4,200 gallons of water in an effort to slow the wind-driven fire,” Cal Fire posted on X.  At dawn this morning, “due to a combination of C301’s efforts and improved weather conditions, the fire had slowed significantly, allowing ground resources to make significant progress in stopping the fire.”


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BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES SANCTIONS ON HAMAS FUNDING SOURCES; ISSA INTRODUCES BILL TO FURTHER RESTRICT IRANIAN FUNDS

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Iranian flag 

November 1, 2023 (San Diego) – The Biden administration this week has imposed new sanctions  aimed at cutting off funding for Hamas, amid growing evidence that Iran provided weapons and training to Hamas prior to the terror group’s deadly attack on Israel. 

The New York Times reports that the new U.S. sanctions target:

  • Companies and investors that Hamas uses to hide its control of assets
  • Members of Iran’s military that train Hamas
  • Members of Hezbollah and Palestinian Jihad, which have also attacked Israel
  • A Jordanian national, Khaled Qaddoumi, who lives in Iran and acts as a liaison between Iran and Hamas.

The U.S.and Qatar have also agreed to block Iran’s access to $6 billion that was part of a deal to release five Americans imprisoned in Iran. None of that money has been spent, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has confirmed.


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THOUSANDS EVACUATED, STRUCTURES BURNED IN AGUANGA FIRE: HIGHWAY 79 CLOSED AT COUNTY LINE

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Josh Stotler

October 31, 2023 (Aguanga) – Evacuation orders have been issued for an estimated 4,000 residents of 1,300 homes due to the Highland Fire in Aguanga, within a few miles of the San Diego County line in Riverside County.  At least three structures have been destroyed and six others damaged, according to Riverside Fire Department spokesperson Jeff La Russo.

ECM reporter Josh Stotler, at the scene this afternoon, says the wind-whipped fire is being battled by fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and ground crew forces that have doubled in recent hours.  Hundreds of firefighters are now battling the fire, which swelled to 2,200 acres overnight fueled by Santa Ana winds. Cal Fire has not updated the acreage since this morning.

“The winds are pushing it west,” he says, adding that there are no evacuations in San Diego County currently.  But he indicates the winds make this fire unpredictiable, and notes, ”Still no containment number yet, if any.”

A SIG alert is in effect for Highway 79, which is fully closed between the San Diego/Riverside County lines and Sage Road.  Highway 371is also closed  at 79 due to the wildfire, the CHP incident page reports.


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FDA WARNS CONSUMERS NOT TO BUY OR USE EYE DROPS FROM SEVERAL MAJOR BRANDS DUE TO RISK OF EYE INFECTION, POTENTIAL BLINDNESS

Source: U.S. .Food and Drug Administration

Photo:  Public domain image via Bing

October 31,2023 (Washington D.C.)  --The U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products sold at major retailers and online, due to the potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. These products are marketed under the following brands:

  • CVS Health
  • Leader (Cardinal Health)
  • Rugby (Cardinal Health)
  • Rite Aid
  • Target Up & Up
  • Velocity Pharma

See full list of product names at the bottom of this article.


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DE ANZA COUNTRY CLUB DESTROYED BY FIRE

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left, via Cal Fire

October 31, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – Yesterday morning’s fire destroyed the historic clubhouse at de Anza Country Club in Borrego Springs.  The club posted on Facebook, “Sad news to report. Our beautiful clubhouse at de Anza has burned…Bighorn Room,  Coyote Den, Ballroom, offices, locker rooms were all ruined.  Golf Shop is okay. We are all devastated; members, employees and friends of de Anza.”


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HIGHLAND FIRE IN AGUANGA SWELLS TO 2,200 ACRES OVERNIGHT

By Miriam Raftery, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

October 31, 2023 (Aguanga) -- The #HighlandFire  in Aguanga has swelled to over 2,200 acres overnight and is 0% contained in Riverside County just over the San Diego County line. Aguanga is just north of Warner Springs; smoke is impacting areas west of Aguanga including Escondido and Palomar.  Highway 79 is closed in both directions.

Road closures are in effect and evacuation orders have been issued north of the San Diego County line, south of State Route 79, east of Forest Route 8S07 and west of Crosley Truck Trail.  (See evacuation details at https://www.rvcfire.org/incidents/fact-sheets/HighliandFire-Oct2023.)

A reception and care center has opened at: Great Oak High School 32555 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula, Ca 92592. Large and small animals can be taken to: San Jacinto Animal Shelter 581 South Grand Avenue, San Jacinto, Ca 92582

Video posted by FirePhotoGirl on social media shows structures in flames. Cal Fire reports structures remain threatened threatened. 


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FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE COMMERCIAL FIRE AT DE ANZA SPRINGS COUNTRY CLUB

Correction:  An earlier version of this story stated that the fire was at DeAnza Springs Resort in Jacumba; in fact it is at De Anza Springs Country Club in Borrego Springs.

By Miriam Raftery

October 30, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – Sixty firefighters are at the scene of an early morning commercial structure fire at De Anza Springs Country Club in Borrego Springs. When Cal Fire arrived, 75% of the structure was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters are making good progress and have kept the fire from spreading to other buildings or vegetation.


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PEDESTRIAN KILLED BY VEHICLE ON I-8 IN LA MESA

East County News Service

October 29, 2023 (La Mesa) – A 38-year-old San Diego man was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 8 east., east of Baltimore Drive n La  Mesa on October 24. The victim  was walking in the #4 lane at 8:38 a.m. when he was hit by a white 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck.


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SANTA ANA WINDS, DRY WEATHER BRING FIRE DANGER THIS WEEK

By Miriam Raftery

October 29, 2023 (San Diego) – Santa Ana winds, along with low humidity and above average daytime temperatures, will bring heightened fire risks this week to our region.

The highest risks will be on Monday and Tuesday, when wind gusts of 40-60 miles per hour are forecast in San Diego’s inland valleys areas such as Alpine and Ramona, as well as mountain areas such as Julian and Mt. Laguna.


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BUY HOLIDAY WREATHS TO HONOR LOCAL VETERANS

 

By Shiloh Ireland

October 29, 2023 (Lakeside) -- Wreaths Across America is offering an opportunity for  San Diego County residents, businesses, schools, fraternal organizations to celebrate the holidays and honor local veterans.There are over 120,000 souls interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and over 16,000 at Miramar National Cemetery. Join me in sharing this link and viewing QR code and contributing.

How does this work? You may purchase one or two wreaths for either Rosecrans or Miramar (either for someone you name, or a gravesite they will choose).  You can add information about the veteran.  If you buy two wreaths, a third wreath will be placed at a deserving veteran’s grave chosen by the cemetery.

The wreaths are genuine wreaths that arrive fresh from Maine. The deadline is November 26th. to place your order. Please consider this special gift and memory honoring our Veterans.


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TWO DEAD IN SUSPECTED GANG SHOOTING AFTER PARTY IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

October 29, 2023 (El Cajon) – Two teens have died after being shot by an assailant outside a house party in El Cajon last night.

Shortly before midnight,  El Cajon Police officers responded to a series of 9-1-1 calls reporting a loud house party and multiple gunshots in the 700 block of Mahogany Drive.

“Upon arrival, officers saw numerous people fleeing from the area.  Tragically, two victims, a 16-year-old male, and an 18-year-old male were found critically wounded, one in the street and the other in the front yard of a residence,” says Lieutenant Will Guerin.  “Despite swift medical attention, both victims succumbed to their injuries after being transported to local trauma hospitals.”


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COULD MIDEAST MILITANTS CROSS BORDER IN OUR REGION?

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Supervisor Jim Desmond at press conference calling for border closure

October 28,2023 (San Diego) – The Israel-Hamas war has inflamed anti-U.S. sentiments around the world, sparking protests outside U.S. embassies in several nations,. NBC news reports. That’s led some local conservative politicians including Supervisor Jim Desmond and Supervisorial candidate Amy Reichert to call for closure of the border to new immigrants, citing fears that militants allied with terrorist groups supporting Hamas could potentially cross the border into the U.S. with an aim to harm Americans.

How credible are those concerns?


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HOUSING, HEALTHCARE AND HIGHWAY UPGRADES ADDRESSED BY SUPERVISORIAL CANDIDATES IN FORUM

 

By Cecilie Shamanow 

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE https://youtu.be/6cpLhfRzn1E?si=sHaKaOP2VCIITChb

 

October 28, 2023 (El Cajon) --- In a forum held Oct. 18 at Cuyamaca College, District 4 supervisorial candidates Monica Montgomery Steppe, a Democrat, and Republican Amy Reichert answered questions from the public ranging on health care, homelessness, housing, highway improvements, and diversity.


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COUNTY ARCHIVE READING ROOM IN SANTEE DEDICATED TO LEGACY OF ERNEST J. DRONENBURG, JR.

By Shiloh Ireland

Photo, left:  Former San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Ernest J. Dronenberg cuts ribbon to dedicate the Archive Reading Room in Santee

October 25, 2023 (Santee) – A ceremony was held today at the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder’s office in Santee, where Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Jordan Marks dedicated the Archive Reading Room to his predecessor, Ernest J. Dronenberg, Jr.  The event also celebrated Dronenburg’s legacy of public service.

The facility was full of guests, local county politicians and officials including Mayor Bill Wells of El Cajon, Santee City Councilmembers Ronn Hall and Vice Mayor Laura Koval,  Andrew Hayes, staffer for  Senator Brian Jones as well as an Assembly candidate and Lakeside Union School Board President,  Padre Dam Director Bill Pommering, Jordan Gascon, Chairman of the San Diego Republican Party, and others.

Bow ties were requested to be worn, since that was Dronenburg’s  signature look during his tenure.  Dronenburg was accompanied by his wife. His colleagues described him as a “numbers guy” and praised his service.


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PASSAGES: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SANDRA BURR, CO-FOUNDER OF EDCO AND COMMUNITY PHILANTHROPIST

By Jessyka Heredia

Photo, left:  The late Ed and Sandy Burr

October 27, 2023 (La Mesa)— San Diego’s East County has lost one of its most beloved philanthropists and local business owners, Sandy Burr. Burr passed away at Sharp Grossmont Hospital on October 11, 2023, at 84. Sandra Burr and her late husband, Edward “Ed” Gene Burr, founded EDCO, creating a legacy of giving back and engaging with East County that shaped the way EDCO is viewed today as a company for the customers they serve.


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ECM WINS PRESS CLUB AWARDS FOR COVERAGE OF IMMIGRANTS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

By Miriam Raftery

October 27, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine journalists Rebecca Person and Miriam Raftery picked up awards in San Diego Press Club’s  Excellence in Journalism Competition earlier this month. ECM has won 146 major journalism awards since its inception 15 years ago.

Rebecca Person received third place in the breaking news category for her article, “Jacumba Hot Springs community stunned by arrival of hundreds of migrants.” Person described efforts by local residents to aid migrants left without food, water, shade or shelter in sweltering desert heat.  Her coverage prompted an investigation by a human rights organization and filing of a federal complaint accusing Border Patrol agents of violating U.S. and international laws.

ECM editor Miriam Raftery received third place in the Radio interviews category for her interview on KNSJ Radio with Kathi Torres, a sex trafficking survivor who now works with Freedom from Exploitation, an organization that helps survivors of human trafficking.


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NEW GOP HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON HAS PROPOSED TRILLIONS IN CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE

"Now that Johnson is speaker, he will do what the Republicans never stop doing—everything in their power to cut our Social Security and Medicare, by hook, crook, or commission." -- Alex Lawson, Social Security Works

By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams  CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

October 27, 2023 (Washington D.C.) The newly elected Republican speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives has previously proposed trillions of dollars in cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and suggested that slashing the programs should be the top priority of Congress.

During his tenure as chair of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) between 2019 and 2021, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) helped craft budget resolutions that called for roughly $2 trillion in Medicare cuts, $3 trillion in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts, and $750 billion in Social Security Cuts, noted Bobby Kogan of the Center for American Progress.


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FBI, HOMELAND SECURITY WARN OF DOMESTIC AND OVERSEAS THREATS DUE TO ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR, ASK PUBLIC TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

To report suspicious activity in the San Diego area, contact FBI San Diego at 858-320-1800, or submit a tip to tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL FBI.

East County News Service

October 27, 2023 (San Diego) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in San Diego has asked media outlets to  alert the public to threats associated with the Israel-HAMAS conflict. The FBI and the Dept. Of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a joint public service announcement on Oct. 25. The agencies are also asking the public to report any suspicious activity.

“The FBI is continuing to monitor threats associated with the Israel-HAMAS conflict, both in the United States and overseas. As the conflict continues, the FBI has seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions, raising our concern that violent extremists and lone offenders motivated by or reacting to ongoing events could target these communities,” the FBI announcement states. “We take all potential threats seriously and are working closely with our law enforcement partners to determine their credibility, share information, and take appropriate investigative action.”


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JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE TO HOST RENOWNED RABBI, AUTHOR SHARON BROUS

Annual signature luncheon to feature conversation on human connection

East County News Service

October 25, 2023 (San Diego) - Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is hosting its annual signature luncheon at 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 2 with nationally renowned Rabbi and author Sharon Brous for a discussion on human connection.


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SPRING VALLEY HIT AND RUN CRASH RESULTS IN FATALITY

 

 

East County News Service

October 24, 2023 (Spring Valley)-- on October 20 around 3:34 a.m, California HIghway Patrol reported that a 54-year-old man was struck and killed while walking in the number 3 lane of eastbound State Route 94, east of Spring Street.


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HOUSE GOP DROPS JORDAN'S SPEAKER CANDIDACY AFTER THIRD FAILED FLOOR VOTE

"It is embarrassing that MAGA House Republicans continue to let the petty sniping and infighting in their own party prevent them from working with the president," President Joe Biden's campaign said.

By Brett Wilkins, staff writer, Common Dreams

Reprinted under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams

Photo:  U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) speaks at the 2018 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland on February 27, 2018. (Photo: Gage Skidmore/flickr/cc)

October 20, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) - In what could be the final nail in the coffin of Ohio GOP Congressman Jim Jordan's speakership bid, U.S. House Republicans on Friday secretly voted to drop the far-right 2020 election denier's candidacy, leaving the fractured party without a nominee for the chamber's top job more than two weeks after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's ouster.


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PASSAGES: EL CAJON’S LONG SERVING MAYOR MARK LEWIS (1948-2023), WHO LED EFFORTS TO REVITALIZE HEART OF THE CITY

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 19, 2023 (El Cajon) – Mark Lewis, who served El Cajon as mayor and city councilman for 25 years overseeing major changes the community, has died of complications from a stroke suffered last year.  His family members were with him  at a hospice center, where he passed away on October 12, 2023 at age 75.

“He loved El Cajon and everyone in it,” his wife, Sarah Christine “Chris” Lewis, told East County Magazine.

He led the city through a recession and a centennial, leading efforts to revitalize downtown, bring "fun" to city residents and create a cleaner, greener community for future generations.

The affable mayor, known for his sense of humor and commitment to a clean environment,  also served as the County of San Diego’s waste management coordinator, chaired SANDAG’s public safety board, was foreman of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Grand Jury, served on the Draft Board and on the Indian Gaming Commission.

A complex, larger-than-life figure, Lewis also wrote poetry and authored a book of Haiku dedicated to mankind "in the hope that those who read it,will act in some way,as to improve the existence of man." In his younger days,he enjoyed  stints as a stand-up comedian.

But he was most proud of leading efforts to revitalize downtown El Cajon and implement green programs that cleaned up the city’s air pollution.


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STATE DEPT. ISSUES WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR AMERICANS

East County News Service

October 19, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Today, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory. “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”

The State Department advises that U.S. citizens should stay alert in locations frequented by tourists; enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)) to receive security updates and make it easier to locate you in an emergency; and follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

There is also currently a do not travel advisory for Gaza and Lebanon, and a reconsider travel advisory for Israel and the West Bank.

The U.S. government has authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel on a case-by-case basis from Mission Israel and Lebanon. 


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BIDEN PLEDGES HUMANITARIAN AID FOR DISPLACED PALESTINIANS AND SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL; BLAMES GAZA HOSPITAL ATTACK ON JIHADISTS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  President Joe Biden, speaking in Tel Aviv, Israel (screenshot)

October 18, 2023 (Tel Aviv)—President Joe Biden, in Israel today, announced plans for the U.S. to send $150 million in aid to both Gaza and the West Bank. He also reaffirmed America’s support for Israel’s right to protect its freedom  following the Hamas attacks on Israel.

In addition, Biden said he believes that the devastation at the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza yesterday was the result of  a missile launch by Islamic Jihad, a militant group in Gaza, though Hamas has claimed  Israel attacked the hospital.


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SETTLEMENT REACHED IN LAWSUIT OVER FAMILIES SEPARATED AT BORDER BY TRUMP-ERA POLICY

By Miriam Raftery

Photo,left, courtesy of the ACLU

October 17, 2023 (San Diego) – The U.S.Justice Department has reached a settlement in a San Diego-based class action lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of immigrant families separated at the international border by the Trump administration’s zero-tolerance immigration policy.

The settlement is subject to a judge’s approval.

“The practice of separating families at the southwest border was shameful,” Attorney Merrick Garland said in a statement. ”This agreement will facilitate the reunification of separated families and provide them with critical services to aid in their recovery.”

Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a press release, “The ACLU has settled hundreds of lawsuits in our 103-year history, but none more important than this one. To America’s enduring shame, we tore children from the arms of their families to enact a xenophobic agenda. This settlement closes the darkest chapter of the Trump administration, but as welcomed as it is, the damage inflicted on these families will forever be tragic and irreversible.”


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BIDEN HEADS TO ISRAEL AND JORDAN AS MIDEAST CRISIS DEEPENS: U.S. DEPLOYS AMPHIBIOUS TASK FORCE, WARSHIPS TO REGION AS PRECAUTION

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, front, and the landing ship USS Carter Hall, by U.S.Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley Gasdia

October 17, 2023  (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden is traveling to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu tomorrow, after which he will head to Jordan for a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, USA Today reports.

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has said that while Biden fully supports Israel’s “right and indeed the duty to defend its people,” the President will also work with Israel to develop a plan “that will enable humanitarian aid from donor nations and multilateral organizations to reach civilians in Gaza—and them alone,”  Voice of America reports. He voiced concerns that Hamas, the terrorist organization that governs Palestine and launched the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, could intercept supplies of food, water, fuel and medicines.

Israel reports that the Hamas attacks killed at least 1,400 people in Israel and injured more than 4,121.  Hamas has also taken an estimated 200 to 250 hostages.  The dead and captured include American citizens as well as Israelis.  Palestinian officials estimate that Israel bombings in Gaza, which Israel says targeted  Hamas militants, have killed 2,778 people and injured 9,938. 

The United Nations warns of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 


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GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNS BILL TO PROTECT WATER RATEPAYERS: NEW LAW GIVES ALL AREA VOTERS A SAY ON WHETHER AGENCIES CAN LEAVE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

AB 399 ensures impacted residents get to vote on detachment proposals

East County News Service

October 17, 2023 – The Water Ratepayers Protection Act of 2023 (Assembly Bill 399) was signed Friday by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, adding affordability safeguards for residents and businesses in the San Diego County Water Authority’s service area. The legislation, introduced by Encinitas Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and sponsored by the City of San Diego, expands voting requirements should agencies seek to withdraw or “detach” from the Water Authority.


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FATAL PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT IN EL CAJON

 

East County News Service

 

October 17, 2023 (El Cajon)— A traffic light with red lightDescription automatically generatedA 28-year-old woman has died after being struck by a vehicle yesterday morning in El Cajon.


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CANTOR WHO IS IDF RESERVIST BIDS FAREWELL TO HIS U.S. CONGREGATION

By Donald H. Harrison, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  cantor Hanan Leberman, in happier times, led congregants of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in song during Sukkot {SDJW photo}

October 16, 2023 (San Diego) - Cantor Hanan Leberman of Tifereth Israel Synagogue bade his congregation an emotional goodbye Sunday, Oct. 15,  as he prepared to return to Israel to join his IDF Reserve unit now preparing for whatever may come in the war with Hamas.


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AS GAZA TURMOIL DEEPENS, SOME LEADERS DIAL BACK PRO-ISRAEL RHETORIC--BUT WON'T CALL FOR CEASE FIRE

Officials in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. have attempted to "backtrack" on the widespread unconditional support that's been expressed in the last week for Israel's assault on Gaza.

By Julia Conley, Common Dreams

Reprinted under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams

Photo, left: Bombing in Gaza,  Al Araby cc by SA 3.0

October 16, 2023 (Israel) - The United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories expressed concern on Sunday that the international body has so far not publicly advocated for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, as rhetoric from the United States and other influential countries has offered tacit approval of an Israeli air campaign in the blockaded enclave where at least 2,670 Palestinians, including more than 700 children, have now been killed.


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