Kalasho claims he’s being framed by beauty queens and taco shop owner suing him;

Kalasho’s wife admitted visiting friend In Cerritos, when the allegedly fake nude beauty queen photos were posted online from her friend’s home

By Miriam Raftery

November 6, 2017 (El Cajon) – Today, plaintiffs suing El Cajon Councilman Bessmon “Ben” Kalasho filed an anti-SLAPP motion asking that Kalasho’s countersuit against two beauty pageant contestants and a taco shop be dismissed as retaliatory and violating their First Amendment rights to speak to the press about their case.   

California’s anti-SLAPP statute prohibits public officials from filing what are known as SLAPP suits to retaliate against members of the public for exercising their free speech and right to petition the government for redress of grievances.  Kalasho’s countersuit took issue with plaintiffs talking to the media, specifically the Reader, about their case.

Source: Attorney General

November 6, 2017 (Sacramento) -- California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced a multistate settlement with VietNow National Headquarters, Inc., a charity that falsely claimed to help veterans. As part of the settlement, the organization will be dissolved and its funds will be distributed to two national and well-respected veterans charities, Fisher House Foundation and Operation Homefront.

By Vinny Lavalsiti

November 6, 2017 (El Cajon) - After an embarrassment from Saddleback College, the Grossmont Griffins recuperated and gave their fans and program something to smile about when judging their performance from this year.

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

November 5, 2017 (Stanford) - The San Diego State men’s soccer team wrapped up its 2017 road schedule at No. 4 Stanford on Sunday evening and fell to the Cardinal 4-0 at Cagan Stadium.

By Sam Warren © 2017

Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.  --Albert Einstein

Speaking about imagination you might want to check out UC San Diego's New Writing Series on November 9^th.

Click Here to Read More or Scroll Down.

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  With his 234-yard effort against the Spartans, Rashaad Penny recorded his eighth 100-yard rushing game of the season and the 13th of his career. The Aztecs are 13-0 when Penny rushes for at least 100 yards.  Courtesy goaztecs.com

November 5, 2017 (San Jose) - Rashaad Penny ran for 234 yards and three touchdowns and San Diego State had 648 total yards -- including a school-record 554 rushing -- to help the Aztecs cruise to a 52-7 win over San Jose State on Saturday night.

By Miriam Raftery

November 4, 2017 (Lemon Grove) – A ballot initiative effort in Lemon Grove to loosen regulation of where medical marijuana dispensaries can be located has gone up in smoke, for now.

Judge Kenneth Medel upheld a city clerk’s decision to refuse to accept signatures submitted for a special election on the measure, because voters were provided petitions with incomplete language on the proposed measure. Backers have until January 2018 to gather signatures from 15 percent of the city’s registered voters to qualify for the ballot.

By John Birds

November 3, 2017 (El Cajon) -- I am speaking on behalf of thousands of Chaldean's in and around the San Diego community that all agree that Ben Kalasho DOES NOT and SHOULD NOT be allowed, by any media outlet, to speak on behalf of the Chaldean community. We do not like the type of person, who he is or the values that he holds.

East County News Service

November 3, 2017 (Spring Valley) - Iron Oak Canyon Ranch is the new owner of Bright Valley Farms, an old, established East County business which, for over sixty years, provided many San Diegans with their first horseback riding experience.  In August, its horse boarding/training operation was bought by Lessa and Scott Ritzma and re-named Iron Oak Canyon Ranch.

Local shipping business pledges 50 percent of Nov. 4 grand reopening proceeds to Santana High School Band and Color Guard

East County News Service

November 3, 2017 (Ramona) — November is National Zinfandel Month. Vineyard Grant James in Ramona invites you to celebrate these special red wines on November 18 and 19.  Winemaker Susanne Sapier will be giving Zinfandel talks at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.

By Melinda Myers

November 2, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - Brighten those gray winter days with a few colorful, easy-care amaryllis. The 6- to 10-inch trumpet-shaped blossoms are sure to generate a smile and brighten your mood. And consider sharing the fun of growing these beauties with friends and families. Watching the bulbs transform into beautiful blossoms is an experience everyone will enjoy – and it’s a gift that requires no dusting.

By Miriam Raftery

November 1, 2017 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Councilman Bessmon "Ben" Kalasho has escalated his war on media outlets that have published factual investigative reports on his business, political, legal and ethical controversies.

After first threatening litigation against the San Diego Union-Tribune and ridiculing its reporters, Kalasho has now threatened to sue East County Magazine (ECM), though he has not disputed the accuracy of any specific points in our reports. He has also made provably false, defamatory and malicious statements about our media outlet and reporters, as we have documented clearly in this article.. 

Ironically, amid his baseless efforts to smear our reputable nonprofit, his own nonprofit beauty pageant has had its nonprofit status revoked by the State of California following ECM's inquiries to state regulators, the Attorney General confirmed to ECM.

By Miriam Raftery

October 31, 2017 (San Diego) – An ex-parte meeting between representatives of Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison and a California Public Utilities Commissioner’s advisor was held October 4^th regarding the application by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) for authorization to recover costs related to the 2007 wildfires.  SDG&E has sought to charge ratepayers for its uninsured losses pursuant to a Wildfire Expense Management Account (WEMA).

By Miriam Raftery  

November 1, 2017 (Santee) – Grady Neel has been arrested for reportedly shooting a man in the upper torso Monday night near 9872 Shirley Gardens Drive in Santee.  

Sheriff’s deputies found the suspect walking in the complex. He was unarmed and taken into custody without incident.  The gun used in the shooting was later found by deputies in Neel’s residence, says Lieutenant Anthony O’Boyle.