REAL ESTATE REALITY: SHOULD I RENT OR BUY A HOME?

By Maryanne Jackson

January 25, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) 

Dear Maryanne, 

My fiancé and I have been renting our apartment in La Mesa for two years. Our lease is coming up for renewal and, once again our landlord is raising our rent.

Should we renew our lease and pay the increase in rent? Or, should we start to look at purchasing our own place to avoid this constant increase in rent year after year? 

-- Melissa M., La Mesa, CA


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TRUMP, CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS REACH DEAL TO REOPEN GOVERNMENT, BUT ONLY FOR 3 WEEKS

By Miriam Raftery

January 25, 2019 ( Washington D.C.) – The longest federal government shutdown in history is slated to end tonight, after President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders agreed to enact a temporary bill to fund agencies through February 15th.  That bill does not include any funding for a border wall. 

The Senate passed the short-term funding bill today, one day after the Republican-controlled Senate voted to reject two measures that would have reopened the government long-term. One was a Trump proposal with wall funding and a temporary extension of protection for young immigrants or Dreamers.  The other was a funding bill with no money for the wall passed by the Democratic-controlled House.

During the next three weeks, Congress will convene a bipartisan conference committee on a Homeland Security Department funding bill and attempt to strike a compromise on border security.


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CHICK-FIL-A IN LA MESA, SANTEE HOSTING `DADDY-DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT’ ON TUESDAY, FEB. 5TH

 

 

East County News Service

January 25, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the 14 Chick-fil-A restaurants in San Diego County will host a “Daddy-Daughter Date Night” for fathers and daughters from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5.  Local Chick-fil-A restaurants in the East County are located at 9418 Mission Grove Road in Santee and 8200 Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa.


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HIGHER DENSITY CONDO PROJECT PRODUCES HAND WRINGING IN SANTEE

Santee Drive-In Theatre is one possible site for low-income housing

Council also approves feasibility study on community choice energy option, with two other cities

View Powerpoint presentation

By Mike Allen

January 24, 2019 (Santee) --Believe it not, Santee needs new housing, particularly affordable type, and more rental stock to handle demand from folks who cannot afford to buy houses.

But where to put housing geared to low income earners, and how that construction will impact other properties are not easy subjects, as was revealed at the latest City Council meeting Jan. 23.

The agenda item that prompted much frustration and hand wringing was a proposed residential condo development on a parcel owned by the county. City Ventures, a large Irvine-based developer, recently obtained the 22-acre parcel which is now in escrow. The company wants to build 365 new units at the site, which is just east of Town Center Community Park, behind the YMCA.


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FREE FOOD FOR FURLOUGHED FEDERAL WORKERS MONDAY JAN. 28 IN EL CAJON

 

 

Source:  East County Transitional Living Center

January 24, 2019 (El Cajon) - Are you, or someone you know, an essential employee or furloughed federal employee or contractor?

East County Transitional Living Center (ECTLC) and Christian Fellowship of El Cajon are partnering to provide help to individuals and families affected by the government shutdown.

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JANUARY IN JULIAN

January 25, 2019 (Julian) -- Our editor, Miriam Raftery, snapped this soothing sunset at the twilight's last glow over the mountains in Julian last Sunday.

The photo was taken out the window of the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Station on State Route 79.


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JULIAN FIREFIGHTERS HOST SPAGHETTI DINNER FOR COMMUNITY, COLLECT FOOD DONATIONS FOR THE HUNGRY

“This is your house.” -- Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Mike Van Bibber

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

Editor Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

January 24, 2019 (Julian) –“We’re rising from the ashes and we will emerge like the Phoenix, even better than before we were,” Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Mike Van Bibber told a crowd of some 75 citizens at a spaghetti dinner held Sunday in the main stationhouse on Highway79.

The mood was buoyant, despite storm clouds still looming over the district. A special election to save the county’s last volunteer fire department is slated for March, after residents gathered enough signatures to put the decision on the ballot and temporarily block takeover by the County Fire Department run by Cal-Fire.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

January 24, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) --- East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a  variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

WORLD

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


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

January 24, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

STATE

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


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

January 24, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

SCIENCE & TECH

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


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THE PATIO GROUP TO MANAGE FAMED LA CASA DEL ZORRO DESERT RESORT & SPA IN BORREGO SPRINGS

 

 

East County News Service

 

January 24, 2019 (Borrego Springs)  The Patio Group division of American National Investments (ANI) announces new partnership and management ofLa Casa Del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa in Borrego Springs.


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READERS AND WRITERS CALENDAR JAN. 27 - FEB.10, 2019

 

 

By Sam Warren, Copyright 2019 http://Bookwarren.com

"A good editor understands what you're talking and writing about and doesn't meddle too much." — Irwin Shaw

 

January 24, 2019 (San Diego) – Books and bingo, a writer’s conference, author appearances, book discussion groups and writer’s classes are among the literary happenings on the horizon locally.

CLICK TO SCROLL DOWN FOR A LIST OF BOOK EVENTS


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LA MESA COUNCIL HOSTS TOWN HALL MEETING FOR COMMUNITY JAN. 29

 
 
East County News Service
 
January 24, 2019 (La Mesa) — The city of La Mesa will host a town hall meeting with city councilmembers and the community to discuss La Mesa and its future. 
 
The special meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at La Mesa Dale Elementary School, 4370 Parks Avenue in La Mesa.

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HEARTLAND FIRE SEEKS PARAMEDIC/FIREFIGHTER RECRUITS

 

 

Source: Heartland Fire & Rescue

January 24, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- Heartland Fire & Rescue is currently recruiting for the position of Paramedic/Firefighter. The agencies is looking for individuals who are just starting off their career or are looking for a lateral opportunity.


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CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN DAVIS ANNOUNCES SUBCOMMITTEE SELECTIONS FOR HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE

 

 

East County News Service

January 24, 2019 (Washington, D.C.) - Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, has been appointed to serve on the Military Personnel Subcommittee and the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. Davis returns to Military Personnel as a member. She was Chair of Personnel from 2007 to 2011 and served as Ranking Member from 2011 to 2017. Davis will be the second highest ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee.


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BARONA CASINO AND RESORT WELCOMES “YEAR OF THE PIG” WITH LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION FEB. 5-19

 

 

East County News Service

 

January 24, 2019 (Lakeside) -- Barona Resort & Casino invites you to welcome the Lunar New Year beginning Tuesday, February 5 through Tuesday, February 19 with traditional performances, lion and dragon dancers, lucky Hong Bao, all-you-can-eat lobster, and lobster specials, Party People games, Dragon Alley bonuses as well as over $518,888 in cash giveaways. Visit www.barona.com for entertainment times, restaurant specials and other details.


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AIRLINES, SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK, AND USO SAN DIEGO TEAM UP TO PROVIDE MEALS AND MORE TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES THIS THURSDAY

 
 
East County News Service
 
January 24, 2019 (San Diego) - San Diego International Airport (SAN) airlines, along with community partners including San Diego Food Bank and USO San Diego, will provide free meals and resources for 500 federal employees impacted by the government shutdown.  

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CHOLERA KILLS OVER 1,200 WATER BIRDS AT SALTON SEA

 
 
Source: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
 
January 23, 2019 (Salton Sea) -- Thousands of water birds died of an avian cholera outbreak at the south end of the Salton Sea between Jan. 8-17.
 
“Outbreaks like this one occur annually as a result of birds flocking closely together during migration,” says California Fish and Wildlife spokesman Jordan Traverso.

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MEET COUNCILMEMBER AKILAH WEBER MARCH 6 AT LA MESA CHAMBER BREAKFAST

 
 
East County News Service
 
January 23, 2019 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to meet La Mesa’s newest City Councilmember, Dr. Akilah Weber. She will be the featured speaker, sharing her goals at the chamber’s breakfast meeting on Wed. March 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Marie Callendar’s restaurant, 6950 Alvarado Road, San Diego.

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JAMUL INDIAN VILLAGE OF CALIFORNIA JOINS LARGEST NONPROFIT FUNDER OF BREAST CANCER RESEARCH IN THE COUNTRY TO FIND A CURE

 

 

Source: Jamul Indian Village

January 23, 2019 (Jamul) -- The Jamul Indian Village of California joined the ranks of other outstanding local organizations that contribute to the overall mission of Susan G. Komen® San Diego. 

In an effort to raise awareness and educate the community, the Jamul Casino established a fundraising effort and matched contributions from guests who supported Susan G. Komen San Diego.    Today’s presentation of a check for $10,000 was a culmination of these efforts showing strong community support for the mission.


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GROSSMONT ADULT SCHOOL PARTNERS WITH VIEJAS CASINO & RESORT TO EQUIP EMPLOYEES WITH VITAL SKILLS FOR CAREER SUCCESS

 
 
Source: Grossmont Union High School District

January 23, 2019 (El Cajon) - Grossmont Adult School is completing its second round of multi-level English as a Second Language (ESL) classes with Viejas Casino & Resort. In these classes, employees – and local community members – spend three hours, twice a week in class improve their on-the-job English skills.


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ILLEGAL POT SHOP SHUT DOWN IN SPRING VALLEY

 
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
January 23, 2019 (Spring Valley) — Cookiez Collective, a marijuana dispensary operating illegally at 2913 Sweetwater Road in Spring Valley, was shut down today by county authorities.
 
Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s detectives and crime suppression team members assisted County Code Compliance in serving an abatement warrant. According to Sergeant Matt Cook II, “the abatement warrant was the direct result of numerous complaints from concerned citizens” as well as violating of the county’s zoning ordinance. 

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JOE MACKEY ANNOUNCED AS INTERIM CEO OF SAN DIEGO EAST COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

 

 

Longtime community leader to ensure organization continues as strong voice for business community during transition

Source:  Barry Jantz
 
Photo via Facebook 
 
January 23, 2019 (San Diego) - The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce today announced the appointment of former board chairman Joe Mackey as interim CEO, while the organization continues its search for a permanent CEO/President following the departure of Eric J. Lund.


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D.A. ANNOUNCES TRAFFICKING EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR ALL LOCAL SCHOOLS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 23, 2019 (San Diego) — San Diego ranks among the 13 worst regions in the nation for human trafficking, according to the FBI.  The underground sex economy locally is worth an estimated $810 million a year. To combat this crisis and help protect vulnerable young people, District Attorney Summer Stephan has announced three new programs to bring human trafficking education, prevention and awareness training to kids and teens in all public schools countywide.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: EAST COUNTY’S NATIVE AMERICANS HAD PROMINENT ROLES IN WOMEN’S MARCH

 

 

East County News Service

Photo credits: San Diego Women’s March

January 22, 2019 (San Diego) — Kumeyaay women were among the groups participating in the 2019 San Diego Women’s March and program at Waterfront Park.

Virginia Christman, Kumeyaay elder and cultural educator from Viejas, offered a traditional blessing and bird song at the start of the program. Christman has also served over a decade on the Viejas Tribal Council, including a term as Vice Chairperson.


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SDSU WOMEN'S SOCCER TO HOLD SPRING ID CAMP

 

 

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 22, 2019 (San Diego) - The San Diego State women's soccer program is set to conduct an ID camp Saturday and Sunday, March 2-3, on the SDSU campus.

The ID camp, which will be led by head coach Mike Friesen and assistant coach Chassion Griggs, is designed for players to get maximum exposure in front of the Aztec coaching staff and allows attendees an opportunity to receive valuable instruction on the fundamental and advanced skills of soccer, an introduction to the tactical elements of the game, as well as exposing campers to the mental aspect of soccer.


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ONE LANE CLOSED ON THE NORTHBOUND I-5 TO NORTHBOUND SR-163 RAMP

 

 

Source:  Caltrans

January 22, 2019 (San Diego) - Beginning tonight, Caltrans will close one lane of the northbound Interstate 5 connector ramp to northbound State Route 163 from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for approximately four weeks. Crews will be working Sunday through Thursday nights to fix a slope that is underneath the San Diego Air & Space Museum at Balboa Park.


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RAINS BRING EARLY DESERT WILDFLOWER BLOOMS: BOOKMARK THESE RESOURCES

 

 

East County News Service

January 22, 2019  (Borrego) -- Thanks to the rain, wildflowers are blooming early this year in the Anza-Borrego desert, according to Sunbelt Publications. If you’re planning to visit the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, these sites will provide updates on where and when to view those beautiful blooms:


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PAINT YOUR SWEETHEART FOR VALENTINE’S DAY: ART CLASSES IN FEB. AT NAINSOOK IN LA MESA

 

 

East County News Service

 

January 21, 2019 (La Mesa) – Get creative!  Nainsook Framing + Art in La Mesa is offering a variety of art classes in February.  Enjoy an evening of wine, art and friendship while learning how to create mosaics, watercolor paintings, pendant jewelry and more.  Special for Valentine’s Day, on Feb. 7 you can also learn how to turn a black and white photo of your sweetheart into a painting.


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A HEART-WRENCHING MEDICAL MYSTERY

Newsom proposes $7.5 million to fight black infant mortality.

By Dan Morain, CALmatters

CALmatters is an independent public interest journalism venture covering California state politics and government.

January 21, 2019 (San Diego) - African-American women experience a far higher risk of pregnancy-related death than women in other ethnic groups, and black infants die at far higher rates, a threat that has promped Gov. Gavin Newsom to propose spending an extra $7.5 million to confront the issue next fiscal year.


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