By Mike Allen

February 15, 2016 (Santee) -- Santee teachers will receive an immediate four percent raise retroactive to July 1 of last year and get an additional four percent salary bump starting July 1 as part of their new contract, which is expected to be ratified by the board of the Santee School District on Feb. 16.

East County News Service

February 15, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Magazine, in conjunction with California Health Network, a local nonprofit, is expanding our health and fitness section to promote health awareness to East County residents. This is a great opportunity for you to promote your business to our 150,000 readers and help educate the public on important and potentially life-saving health issues.       

East County News Service

February 15, 2016 (El Cajon) – The East County Pregnancy Care Clinic in El Cajon is among the plaintiffs in a case set for appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. At stake is whether or not the state of California can require “crisis pregnancy clinics” established by religious or other anti-abortion groups to post notices informing low-income women patients of their rights to obtain free or low-cost abortion, contraception and pre-natal care through public programs—including a phone number to call.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

February 15, 2016 (San Diego's East County) -- February is American Heart Month and Cardiovascular Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with one in three deaths caused by heart disease and stroke, reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. These conditions are also leading causes of disability, preventing people from working, enjoying family activities and living normal lives.

East County News Service

February 14, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, is now hosting its Winter Art Exhibit featuring 24 watercolor paintings by award-winning art instructor Drew Bandish and five of his students. The students include Susan Hewitt of Lakeside, Royce Hinson of El Cajon, Lorri Lynch of Lakeside, Mirjam Schippers of El Cajon and Joan Vandenberg of El Cajon. The show runs through March 12.

By Miriam Raftery

February 14, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - Want to get a warning before a major earthquake hits and help scientists monitor earthquake tremors?

By Miriam Raftery

February 14, 2016 (San Diego) -- Should teenagers be allowed to vote?  Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez thinks so – at least in some cases.

By Miriam Raftery

February 13, 2016 (Washington D.C.) – The sudden death of prominent conservative Justice Antonin Scalia today leaves a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court and the prospect of numerous high-profile cases deadlocking 4-4.  President Barack Obama has announced he intends to appoint a replacement, but  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has suggested any nomination would be blocked by Senate Republicans and stated that in this election year,  Obama should leave nominating a Supreme Court justice for the next administration.

McConnell’s remark may be viewed as hypocritical, since he voted for Republican President Ronald Reagan’s appointment of Justice Anthony Kennedy in an election year.  Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate, which was controlled by Democrats.

In fact, since 1900 there has not been a single case of the Senate refusing to confirm a presidential appointment to the Supreme Court in an election year due to the pending election. The stakes are high for both sides in filling the void left by Scalia, but so are the consequences of leaving a seat vacant for nearly a year.

East County News Service

February 12, 2016 (Lakeside) – An 18-year-old man from El Cajon driving a Toyota struck and killed a 49-year-old man from Santee who was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

East County News Service

Photo: A forensic artist has sketched the colorful intricate tattoo located on the unidentified man's upper left arm and shoulder, as well as the Greek letters tattoo located on the man's left forearm.

February 12, 2016 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office is asking the public for help identifying a man whose body was found floating in the ocean Feb. 7. He had several distinctive tattoos, including an intricate and colorful tattoo on the shoulder.

Legislators, educators, youth rally to support expanded voting rights

Source: News Release

February 12, 2016 (Sacramento) - Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) rallied on the steps of the State Capitol today with lawmakers, educators and young adults to announce the introduction of an amendment to California’s constitution allowing 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in their local school board and community college district governing board elections.

East County News Service

February 12, 2016 (Potero) – Michael Walliser, 68, has been arrested and charged with murder of his neighbor, Ronald Drinkard. Drinkard was shot March 22^nd at a residence on Coyote Holler in Potrero.

East County News Service

February 4, 2016 (Descanso) -- City folks are invited to come surround yourselves with adorable animals at a Valentine’s weekend Open Ranch at Alpacas of San Diego, located in Descanso (9718 River Drive).  This free event will be held Saturday, February 13^th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Mention you heard about this event on East County Magazine, and receive a 10% discount on any item purchased!

You can meet the animals, learn about alpacas and even shop for a gift for your sweetheart, including jewelry and crafts made by local artists, natural soaps and of course, alpaca wool products.  There will also be a crafts table for kids.