Illegal drugs likely destined for unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in region, investigators believe

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: hallucinogenic mushrooms by Arp; Image Number 6514 at Mushroom Observer, a source for mycological images. CC-by SA 3.0 via Wikimedia.

September 11, 2021 (Warner Springs) – A San Diego County Sheriff’s warrant search related to a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extraction lab early Friday morning at 28519 Highway 79 in Warner Springs also found a psilocybin (psychedelic mushroom) lab. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: World Trade Center burning on September 11, 2001; screenshot from video taken by San Diego County resident Mar Tomic

September 11, 2021 (San Diego) – Twenty years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks claimed thousands of lives in New York, Washington D.C. and  Pennsylvania,  San Diego County residents shared their memories of the tragedy in response to inquiries from East County Magazine and on social media.

Sheriff Bill Gore posted on Twitter, “The images are seared into our memories. We watched in disbelief as passenger planes turned into weapons. It was a time of great pain and heroism. Honor guard members reflect on 9/11 and how it transformed their purpose into a life of service. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLuKaoVAH1M “  Many of those in the honor guard spoke of how the attacks inspired them to protect their country."

Others reacted differently. Local resident Mar Tomic was in New York City to witness first hand the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil.  “I had a chance to see it on TV but also from my apartment in Brooklyn. I took my camera and wandered the streets for many days after the tragedy. I edited this video 7 days after 9.11.”  View video:  https://vimeo.com/29079284.   Tomic’s video captured not only the chaos and sorrow in the days following the attacks, but at a time when the nation was gearing up for war to retaliate against Afghanistan for harboring Al Qaeda leader bin Laden, Tomic’s footage also showed some New Yorker’s rallying for peace  even amid candlelight vigils for those lost.

East County News Service

Sign up for #CaliforniansForAll to serve and volunteer in your community

September 11, 2021 (Sacramento) – The 20^th anniversary of September 11^th - an important time for us to reflect, says Josh Fryday, Chief Services Officer for Governor Gavin Newsom.  Fryday is heading up a statewide day of service for Californians to volunteer, a model backed by the Legislature and Governor as a model to build back trust and create a culture of service for our communities.

East County News Service

September 10, 2021 (Alpine) - The Children’s Nature Retreat in Alpine is hosting its 9^th annual Fundraiser Gala with ‘An Evening On Safari’ on Saturday, Sept. 18.   

East County News Service

September 9, 2021 (Sacramento) -- Covered California announced a special-enrollment period for an estimated 138,000 Californians who will soon be losing federal financial help to keep their medical benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as COBRA, which expire September 30.  People who sign up by Sept. 30 with Covered California can potentially save hundreds of dollars a month on health insurance, with coverage starting October 1 – and many will be able to stay with the same brand-name insurance company that they currently have.

East County News Service

September 10, 2021 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police today announced the arrest of Jafet Prieto, 29, of El Cajon for the murder of Tony Montantes back on March 16, 2020.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC via Bing

September 10, 2021 (Spring Valley) – The latest in a long string of raids on illegal marijuana dispensaries in Spring Valley occurred yesterday morning at 645 Grand Avenue.

Monthly bazaar and street market also set for same datea

By Rebecca Person

September 9, 2021 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- The Festival of Sunflowers is an annual exhibit featuring the work of a handful of local artists. This year, the event hosted by Gilliam Gallery at 44555 Old Highway 80 in Jacumba Hot Springs will be held October 2 from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

East County News Service

September 9, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – A gala dedication to the newly-named Treganza Heritage Park will be held October 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the Parsonage Museum at 3185 Olive St, Lemon Grove.

Sept. 10 kicks off the Ruck March, including America’s finest active duty & former Special Operation Forces alongside NY first responders

East County News Service

Photo:  Master Sergeant Chad Conley, U.S. Army Special Forces

September 8, 2021 (New York) -- To commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11 and show support for our troops. “50 For the Fallen,” a group of active duty & veteran Special Operation Forces and NY First Responders will ruck march 50 miles around New York City, ending at Ground Zero in honor of 9/11. San Diego-based Maddox Defense is sponsoring the march and matching a portion of proceeds to “50 for the Fallen.”

By Mike Allen

Photo:  the old Pure Flo site. Seven of the 10 acres will be developed to 80 condos and called Laurel Heights.  The part fronting Mission Gorge, 3.3 acres, will likely be developed for housing, but owners haven’t signed any deal yet.

September 9, 2021 (Santee) -- Santee is doing its part to create much-needed, new housing.

Last month, the Santee City Council approved an 80-unit condominium project on a seven-acre parcel that makes up most of what’s called the Pure Flo Water site at 7739 Mission Gorge Road.

September 10^th is World Suicide Prevention Day.  Civilian.com and the California Mental Health Services Authority have provided tips for talking to youths about suicide.

By Joe Camero, Civilian.com

September 8, 2021 (San Diego) – Numerous research studies indicate children and youth have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced into remote learning and physically isolated from their peers and activities, many have suffered declines in social, emotional, physical and academic health. And the impact continues to linger.

Source: San Diego Sheriff

September 8, 2021 (San Diego) – “We want our immigrant and refugee neighbors to know the San Diego County Sheriff's Department embraces people of all backgrounds, faiths, cultures and nationalities. We welcome you to the county. You are a valuable part of our communities,” a press release from the San Diego Sheriff states. “We understand it can be challenging to adapt to a new environment and navigate public safety services.”

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Powerlines, creative commons image via Bing

September 6, 2021 (San Diego) -- San Diego County Supervisors held a hearing on August 31^st on public safety power shutoffs. Chairman Nathan Fletcher emphasized the importance of this “timely issue” in light of wildfire concerns.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Update Sept. 6, 2021 9:45 a.m.  All evacuation orders have been lifted; the fire is 30% contained this morning.

Update Sept. 5, 2021 9:40 p.m.  Forward spread has been stopped; the #ArubaFire is 15% contained, Cal Fire posted on Twitter with this video: https://twitter.com/i/status/1434722088250589189

September 5, 2021 (Rainbow) -- Cal Fire and cooperators are at the scene of a vegetation fire, southeast of the community of Rainbow in northeast San DIego County. The fire is approximately 40-50 acres with a moderate rate of spread. 

Evacuation orders are now in effect for areas in the community.  A temporary evacuation point has been set up at Vallecitos Elementary School.