By Ken and Chris Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association 

Photo:  taking part were (left to right) Talon Dobesh, Aviana Dobesh, Union Bank president Greg Seibly, Union Bank head of community banking Lisa Roberts, CEO of MUFG Americas Kevin Cronin, branch manager Carlton Hill and Omar Salah, head of small business banking at Union Bank. Photo by Chris Stone

July 30, 2021 (La Mesa) - The night of May 30, 2020, two banks burned to the ground amid La Mesa rioting. The next day, officials of one, Union Bank, were making plans to rebuild at the same location.

By Liz Alper

Photo via Lorie Shaull, CC on Wikipedia

July 29, 2021 (Tokyo) - Team USA's 3x3 women's basketball team won gold on Wednesday against the Russian Olympic Committee, winning 18-15.  Poway native Kelsey Plum tallied five points.

By Miriam Raftery

Memorial service and fund to help family of Anthony Cano announced

July 29, 2021 (Lakeside) – Anthony Cano, 27, dreamed of being a firefighter from an early age.  For the past five years, he was living his dream as a firefighter and paramedic with the Lakeside Fire Protection District, while enjoying family time with his two children, ages 7 and 2.  But on July 8, he passed away unexpectedly at his home in Temecula of undisclosed causes.

East County News Service

July 28, 2021 (Spring Valley)—Isak Espino, 25, was arrested yesterday and charged with the murder last month of Dante Lopez. Espino is the second suspect charged with murder in the case; George Gomez III, 21, was arrested on July 14. Both suspects are from San Diego.

East County News Service

$49,000 out of a $100,000 goal has already been raised

July 28, 2021 (San Diego) – So far, the community has donated $49,000 to SDCCU Stuff the Bus to help provide back-to-school supplies and meals for students experiencing homelessness in San Diego County. SDCCU Stuff the Bus also includes a partnership with the YMCA of Orange County to collect school supplies for students in both Orange and Riverside counties. The goal is to collect $100,000 to help set these students up for success in the coming school year. Everyone is encouraged to donate at sdccu.com/donate. 

“This is how I am going to die.” – Capitol Police Officer and Army veteran Aquillino Gonell, on his thoughts after insurrectionists beat him, sprayed him with chemicals, and called for his execution.  

View video of full hearing: https://www.c-span.org/video/?513434-1/capitol-dc-police-testify-january-6-attack

By Miriam Raftery

July 28, 2021 (Washington D.C.) – Four l police officers gave emotional and at times, tearful testimony yesterday before the House select committee on the January 6 insurrection, revealing how the mob violently assaulted, tortured, and nearly killed law enforcement officers defending the Capitol 

The officers endured beatings, eye gouging, tasering to the head, death threats, and lasting injuries. Much of their testimony was backed up by newly released body cam video footage showing supporters of Donald Trump brutally attacking the officers, who implored Congressional members to assure that everyone responsible is held accountable.

The House committee includes Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, along with Democrats. Senate Republicans filibustered any effort to appoint an independent bipartisan commission as was done to investigate the 9/11 attacks, so Speaker Pelosi appointed members of both parties and invited House minority leader Kevin McCarthy to name additional members. But after Pelosi vetoed two of his six picks because of conflicts of interest, since the two could be called as witnesses and possible conspirators, McCarthy withdrew all six of his nominations and refused to name others.

Both McCarthy and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell have said they did not watch yesterday’s hearing, citing other business commitments. But for much of the nation that tuned in to watch, the evidence presented was deeply disturbing.

Below are highlights of the officers’ testimony:

East County News Service

July 28, 2021 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Chamber’s 12th annual popular “foodie” event is happening on Monday, August 30. This special evening where guests can “eat their hearts out” will be between 5-8 p.m. at the newly renovated Town & Country Hotel in Mission Valley.

By Miriam Raftery

July 16, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – This week’s Destination East County features the return of more cherished local festivals including Pine Valley Days, the Ramona Country Fair, an End of Summer Palooza, Lakeside's Western Days Parade and a Sip of Julian. Plus find outdoor concerts and movies happening all summer long across San Diego’s inland region.

By Miriam Raftery

July 27, 2021 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Police Department has announced a series of four town halls for residents to meet newly appointed Police Chief Ray Sweeney and police staff. Each two-hour discussion is described as a community conversation and listening session.

The sessions, all on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., are:

July 29           Rolando Elementary School

August 5  Lemon Avenue Elementary School

August 12  Maryland Avenue Elementary School

August 19  Northmont Elementary School

East County News Service

July 26, 2021 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Community Planning Group has an opening for a new member. Requirements are:

• Must be 18 years of age and a registered voter in the County of San Diego
• Must live within the LCPG boundary (map located on the LCPG website (https://lcpg.weebly.com/mapslinks.html)
• Must be able to attend all monthly meetings (held on the 1st Wednesday of every month)
• Experience with planning and land issues is helpful but not required

For more information, contact lakesidecpg@gmail.com. 

By Miriam Raftery

July 26, 2021 (Spring Valley) – Jammerieo Austin, 26, of San Diego has been arrested and charged with the murder of Karmen Dionne Anderson, 40, also known as Karmen Hicks. 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Photo: CC by ND via Bing

July 26, 2021 (San Diego) -- Monsoon Season is upon us.  Here are some reminders of the intensity of lightning and safety reminders during monsoon thunderstorms…

Agenda also includes proposal to create a task force to promote arts and culture in La Mesa

By Miriam Raftery

July 25, 2021 (La Mesa) – A proposal to form a task force to look at options for an expanded library will be on the agenda for the La Mesa City Council on Tuesday, July 27.   You can submit comments up to 300 words  to be read aloud at the Council meeting by the City Clerk; comments must be received by 4 p.m. Tuesdy at comments@cityoflamesa.us. Live public comments can also be made via Zoom.

The current La Mesa Library was originally intended as an interim step, after the old library was torn down to make way for a new police station. But the cash-strapped city never raised the anticipated funds for a larger, contempoary library and county matching funding evaporated. But many residents are advocating for the city to live up to its promises to residents.

The issue has sparked lively discussion on the La Mesa Happenings forum on Facebook.

July 24, 2021 (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.

• The five largest burning wildfires in the U.S. (CBS News)
• Senate Republicans block debate on Biden’s infrastructure bill (USA Today)
• A Supreme Court Ruling That’s Right Out of the 19th Century (DC Report)
• Amid Voter Suppression Push, Texas To Prosecute Man Celebrated For Waiting In Long Line(Huffington Post)
• One Year Later, USPS Restores Service to Pre-DeJoy Levels (Government Executive)
• Pro-impeachment Republicans outpace GOP rivals in second-quarter fundraising (The Hill)
• Trump inaugural committee chair Thomas Barrack charged in illegal lobbying effort with UAE (USA Today)

WORLD

• US extends Mexico, Canada border restrictions through Aug. 21 despite Canada's plan to allow fully vaccinated Americans(USA Today)
• Cuba sees biggest protests for decades as pandemic adds to woes (Reuters)
• Parts of Amazon Rainforest Now Emit More Carbon Dioxide Than They Absorb, Study Confirms  (NPR)
• Iranian Intelligence Agents Planned To Kidnap A U.S. Journalist  (NPR)
• At least 93 dead and more than 1,000 missing as flooding rages across Europe (Washington Post)

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