By Miriam Raftery

October 7,2023 (San Diego) --    The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced early this morning, “We are at war,” after Hamas launched attacks targeting Israel cities, killing and capturing civilians.  “Thousands of rockets have been firedto the south and center of Isarel, including at Jerusalem.” The Israeli government accused Palestinian “terrorists” of patrolling streets and “slaughtering innocent civilians” releasing a video that showed bombs igniting fires in urban areas and gunmen in the streets. The post on X added that civilians have been captured, adding, “We will take every measure to protect our citizens and target those who harm them.”  The post said at least 100 Israelis were killed and 900 wounded.

Hamas claimed it fired 5,000 rocket and claims to have captured Israeli soldiers including senior military officers. Hamas spokesman Khaled Qadomi told  Al Jazeera that its goal is for “the international community to stop atrocities in Gaza, against Palestinian people, our holy sites like Al-Aqsa,” a reference to a mosque that has been the site of conflicts between Gaza settlers and Palestinians in recent days.

Film on social media shows a bulldozer apparently breaking down a border fence that separated Israel and Gaza.

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 6, 2023 (San Diego) - It’s no trick! Take advantage of an October treat during National Dog Adoption Month.  The San Diego County Department of Animal Services is waiving dog adoption fees throughout October to help find loving homes for dogs who have been in the shelter for more than 14 days.

The Aztecs will have two games broadcast on national television

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

October 5, 2023 (San Diego) - The Mountain West released the women’s basketball conference schedule Friday. The Aztecs schedule is highlighted by two home games that will be broadcast on national television.

"In less than a year, Kevin McCarthy has proven himself to be the weakest House speaker in modern history," said Rep. Bill Pascrell.

By Brett Wilkins, staff writer, Common Dreams

Reprinted under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams

October 4, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) - For the first time in U.S. history, the House of Representatives voted to oust its own leader Tuesday after a motion by far-right Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to vacate the appointment of Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy's speakership passed with eight GOP votes and the support of every Democrat present.

By Cecilie Shamanow

The city of El Cajon is holding a forum for local business owners and managers on Tuesday October 17^th at 7:30 a.m. at the El Cajon Police Station 100 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020.

The aim is to discuss the impact the unhoused population is having on local businesses.

The forum is a collaborative effort between the City of El Cajon and the El Cajon Police Department; the meetings will be led by Police Chief Mouton and City Manager Graham Mitchell.

Popular family chicken event hosts ‘Meet the Flockers,' Oct. 7 in Fallbrook, Escondido & Santee

East County News Service

October 2, 2023 (Santee) -- – Flocktober is upon us and Hawthorne Country Store invites San Diegans to ‘Meet the Flockers,’ Saturday, Oct. 7 at all three of its locations in Escondido, Fallbrook, and Santee.  

By Rebecca Person

Photos by Rebecca Person and photographers who asked to be anonymous

October 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- Waves of border crossers quietly filter into the high desert towns of Jacumba Hot Springs and Boulevard in the farthest eastern corner of San Diego County.

Local residents and volunteers there respond with rounds of water and supplies. Surprisingly, many locals are unaware of the human drama unfolding all around them. Some who do encounter bands of migrants on back country roads use caution, fearing arrest for assisting illegal border crossers.

Restaurant to be featured at East County Magazine’s “Taste of Africa” Oct. 8

By: Jessyka Heredia

September 29, 2023 (City Heights) -- Ethiopian cuisine is known for spicy meats and savory vegetable dishes. Red Sea Restaurant located at 4717 University Ave in City heights has authentic cuisine and a traditional experience the diner might have if they had traveled all the way to Ethiopia. Red Sea restaurant is the oldest Ethiopian restaurant here in San Diego, according to its website. Look no further for a true Ethiopian delight!

By Miriam Raftery

October 1, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden has signed a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown threatened by right-wing Republicans.  The measure funds the government for 45 days.

All five members of San Diego County’s Congressional delegation voted Saturday keep the federal government open.  The  Spending Reduction and Border Security Act, as the stopgap bill was called, passed with House Democrats joining some Republicans to pass the measure, though 91 Republicans voted against it.

The Senate later passed the stopgap measure, which President Joe Biden signed over the weekend.

The stopgap bill will provide short-term funding for federal employees, from military members and Border Patrol agents to air traffic controllers and national park rangers. But it does not include aide to Ukraine, which far-right Republican legislators have refused to support.

East County News Service

October 1, 2023 (Lemon Grove) - Sheriff Kelly Martinez reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

By Jakob McWhinney, Voice of San Diego

Photo by Ariana Dresler, Voice of San Diego

October 1, 2023 (San Diego) -- For many workers, the pandemic upended the concept of the commute. Instead of getting in their cars and sitting in traffic to make it to the office, they went from their bed to their couch or dining room table. They curated office spaces in the corner of their living room, purchased a computer monitor for their laptop and maybe even upgraded their Wi-Fi. 

East County News Service

September 30, 2023 (El Cajon) – The East County Economic Development Council is excited to announce the return of its annual East County Manufacturing Expo in collaboration with the national Creators Wanted campaign. This year's theme, "Explore, Create, and Innovate - What Does A Future In Manufacturing Look Like?" promises to bring together industry leaders, educators, and aspiring creators on October 3rd, 2023.  

East County News Service

September 30, 2023 (El Cajon) –  A homeless sex offender exposed himself to a  66-year-old woman waiting at a bus stop in El Cajon on Sept.22 at 1 p.m.

According to Lt. Jeremiah Larson, the suspect told the woman he would not hurt her. The victim ran towards people nearby and asked for help to call police. Officers arrived and arrested  ClarenceWhite,62, for indecent exposure.

September 28, 2023 (Lakeside)--Helix Water District announces the winners of the 2023 Lake Jennings Photo Contest, with this year’s first place in the adult category going to photographer Billy Ortiz of Lakeside for his image “Reflection.” (Photo, left)

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: C-span screenshot  of impeachment inquiry opening hearing

September 29, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – With a government shutdown set to cripple the economy just days away,  House Republicans have failed to pass a budget and instead, focused their efforts on opening an impeachment inquiring hearing yesterday. The GOP leaders say the hearing aims to investigate claims of corruption or bribery involving President Joe Biden, but even expert witnesses called by the  Republicans testified that so far,  there is no solid evidence to support such claims.

This is not a hearing that will result in a vote to impeach the president, but rather an impeachment inquiry to determine whether or not there is evidence of any high crimes or misdemeanors that could warrant a separate impeachment hearing.

Meanwhile a vote to prevent a shutdown failed, as Republicans in the House reneged on an earlier budget agreement with Biden. Even a stopgap spending measure has thus far failed,  meaning in two days, federal workers will stop getting paid for jobs ranging from military positions to TSA agents at airports, national park rangers to Border Patrol officers.