By Rebecca Jefferis-Williamson

February 8, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Blackberry Compote Linzer Hazelnut Torte…picture these desserts to love paired with Hawk Watch Winery’s 2013 Tinderbox wine selection for this weekend in Warner Springs as a warm up for Tuesday’s Valentine’s Day celebration of love.

East County News Service

February 8, 2017 (Boulevard) — Peggy Hayden, school office services coordinator at Clover Flat School on Old Highway 80 in Boulevard, send in these winter wonderland photos taken on January 23^rd at the school and at Manzanita Dulce Rd, also in Boulevard.

By Patricia Brower, San Diego

February 8, 2017 (San Diego) - I am reaching out to you today on behalf of the millions of patients with celiac disease, non-celiac wheat/gluten sensitivity, and other autoimmune diseases. I am deeply concerned about the possible removal of key protections in current law that guarantee access to comprehensive and affordable insurance coverage for patients with pre-existing health conditions. As Congress begins work to replace the Affordable Care Act, we are encouraged by the recognition that affordable protection for patients should be retained.  

East County News Service

February 8, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Not just ‘bad hombres’, Trump is targeting up to 8 million people for deportation  (LA Times)
• Where Neil Gorsuch would fit on the Supreme Court (New York Times)
• Army approves Dakota Access pipeline, paving way for project’s completion (NPR)
• After Trump moves to undo financial regulations, Sanders calls him a ‘fraud’ (Chicago Tribune)
• FCC is stopping 9 companies from providing subsidized Internet access to the poor (LA Times)
• Bureau of Indian Affairs sending agents to clear Dakota Access protesters from site (Wash. Post)
• Republicans face anger over Obamacare repeal during town halls (Politico)
• USDA drops online animal abuse database; activists cry foul (CNN)
• Republicans back off bill to sell 3.3 m acres of public lands after public outcry (Guardian)
• US military officials: Trump-ordered raid in Yemen that killed US Navy SEAL was approved 'without sufficient intelligence' (Business Insider)
• Trump takes Propecia, hair loss drug associated with mental confusion, impotence (Huff. Post)
• Senate votes to kill Dodd-Frank anti-corruption rule (Huffington Post)
• Trump defends Putin over Russia killings allegations (BBC)
• Senate Republicans defy Democrats’ boycott to advance Trump nominees (NPR)
• Pentagon failed to disclose up to thousands of air strikes: report (Reuters)
•  ‘This was the worst call by far,’’ Trump badgered, bragged and abruptly ended call with Australian Prime Minister (Washington Post)
• Trump’s FCC Chair wastes no time changing agency direction (GovExec.com)

WORLD

• Human slaughterhouse:  mass hangings and extermination at Sadnaya prison, Syria (Amnesty International)
• Trump barred from UK Parliament due to racism and sexism(Bloomberg News)
• UN Ambassador Haley hits Russia hard on Ukraine (CNN)
• Extremely deadly radiation, huge hole found in grate under Fukushima 1 reactor  (Japan Times)
• Did Iran's Ballistic Missile Test Violate A U.N. Resolution? (NPR)
• U.S. coalition jets bomb Islamic State-held town near Euphrates Dam (Reuters)
• Iran: 'Only seven minutes needed for the Iranian missile to hit Tel Aviv’ (JPost)
• IDF strikes multiple Hamas targets in retaliation for rocket attack (JPost)
• 'Hamas cell planned terror attacks at synagogue, train station in Israel’ (JPost)
• More Than 100 People Killed In Afghanistan Avalanches (NPR)
• At least 20 dead in bomb blast outside Afghan Supreme Court (Reuters)
• Mass protests force Romania to scrap decree decriminalizing graft (Reuters)

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

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 8, 2017 (Spring Valley) – A 75-year-old man who was crossing Sweetwater Road north of Tyler Street in Spring Valley at 10 p.m. last night outside of a marked crosswalk was struck by a Mercedes. He died at the scene of his injuries.

East County News Service

February 8, 2017 (San Diego’s East County)  - This week’s Destination East County includes some hikes in county and state parks to chase away those winter blues, a musical gold rush event at Agua Caliente, Valentine’s celebrations and more.

Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including All That Jazz--A Salute to Local Heroes, Black History Month events across East County, and the Run East County St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon.

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

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2017 (El Cajon) – A protest outside the El Cajon office of Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) today drew about 50 to 60 constituents, undaunted by rainy weather.

Several met with Hunter’s staff inside while others rallied on the street outside.

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2017 (San Diego) – Two lawsuits have been filed against powerful labor leader Mickey Kasparian, president of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council and president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. Local 135.  Though neither of the cases have been heard in court, some prominent San Diegans are calling on Kasparian to resign.

East County News Service

February 7, 2017 (Lakeside) -- Eastbound Bar & Grill is turning seven on February 11^th and is throwing a birthday party with a lineup of events that aren’t to be missed!  Because everyone knows that no Eastbound celebrations are complete without the Pajama Brunch, live music, charitable giving and the annual Beer Belly Contest.

February 7, 2017 (San Diego's East County)-- Our December 2016 radio shows are now online. For links to listen to the shows plus a full list of topics an interviews, click here (Sound files may take a few moments to load).

We interviewed Syrian refugees and Dilkhwaz Ahmed from License to Freedom, Paige Rogowski and Diana Lindsey on Anza Borrego Foundation’s 50^th anniversary, newly elected Santee Councilman Stephen Houlahan and Preserve Wild Santee leader Van Collinsworth, Christmas in the Village spokesperson Katie Halvern, and local author Amanda Matti on her book, A Foreign Affair.  We also covered top local, state and national news on issues impacting people across our region.

 The East County Magazine Show airs Mondays and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m. on KNSJ, 89.1 FM.  The shows rerun on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.  Read more and listen to our December shows:

By Miriam Raftery

Listen now to our interviews, originally aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the audio link .

February  7, 2017 (Borrego Springs)—In April, the Anza-Borrego Foundation will celebrate its 50^th anniversary.  We recently interviewed Paige Rogowski, ABF’s executive director, on exciting events coming up to celebrate the occasion. In addition, we interviewed Diana Lindsay, a historian who has written extensively about Anza Borrego Desert State Park. 

They shared some fascinating history with us about our desert region, and the colorful characters from the region’s past, info on the State Park, as well as the Foundation’s successes and continuing efforts to purchase and preserve privately owned lands within the largest state park in California.

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2017 (Sacramento) -- California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) yesterday proposed that workers who have been locked out by their employer or who go on strike against their employer should be eligible to file for unemployment insurance benefits for the duration of their work stoppage.

East County News Service

February 7, 2017 (San Diego) – The Boys & Girls Clubs of East County will present its 51st annual Conrad’s Supper Club, formerly called the Children’s Ball, a fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Omni San Diego Hotel, 675 “L” St., Downtown San Diego. Reception will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner beginning at 7 p.m. and live auction at 8:30 p.m.

East County News Service

February 7, 2017 (Lakeside) - Robin Rierdan with the Lakeside Rive Park Conservancy will lead a series of four beautiful hikes through Lakeside. The first is this Friday, February 10^th along the Flume Trail in El Monte Valley.  Space is limited and registration is required by Thursday. Register here.

East County News Service

February 6, 2017 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is seeking applicants for two scholarship programs, one for nursing students and another for students pursuing careers as medical health technicians.