Photos:  Left: Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber with East County Magazine Editor Miriam Raftery.  Center: Slack Key Ohana.  Right: Jamul Casino Manager Mary Cheeks accepts Community Benefactor Award on behalf of Chairwoman Erica Pinto; Paul Gomez speaks at presentation of Briana Gomez Award for racial and social justice.

 By Miriam Raftery

By Miriam Raftery

October 1, 2021 (San Diego) – In the wake of restrictive laws and fears that the Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade, a March for Reproductive Rights is slated to be held Saturday, October 2 at 10 a.m. at San Diego’s Waterfront Park. The march is one of 500 marches planned nationwide in the wake of restrictive laws in several states and fears that the Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade. Details are available on the event’s Facebook page.

Numerous other states have enacted abortion restrictions and Missippi is reportedly preparing to ask the conservative majority on the Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs. Wade. These actions have galvanized both anti-abortion activists and abortion rights supporters.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has passed legislation that aims to protect most abortion access. Among San Diego’s Congressional delegation, Democrats Sra Jacobs, Mike Levin, Scott Peters, and Juan Vargas voted in favor, while Congressman Darrell Issa voted against.

East County News Service

September 30, 2021 (Alpine) – The beautiful gardens at Summers Past Farms (15602 Olde Highway 80 in Flinn Springs) is the setting for the 30^th annual Vintage Alpine: A Wine Experience in the Country. The event takes place on Sunday, November 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

September 30, 2021 (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• Residents of tiny town sue to stop 600-acre solar project: Opponents of the facility in Jacumba Hot Springs hire law firm that fought the Keystone XL pipeline. (Los Angeles Times)
• Insurance Companies Increasingly Drop Homes Throughout San Diego County As Fire Risks Rise (KPBS)
• Grossmont High students break the (dress) code (The Reader)
• Families who fled Afghanistan describe harrowing journey to escape Taliban (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Santee officials attack SANDAG’s transit-centered plan: ‘It’s a frickin slap in the face’ (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Chabad Of Poway Shooter Pleads Guilty To All 113 Federal Charges (KPBS)
• Anti-Vaxxer Turns Vaccine Advocate After Husband Dies From COVID-19 (NBC 7)
• Survey: Many SDPD officers say they would rather quit than comply with vaccine mandate (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Bob Baker, car dealership owner, philanthropist, dies at 89 (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• El Cajon police identify sergeant, gunman he hit with vehicle and fatally shot (San Diego Union-Tribune)

STATE

• California outlawed the all-white-male boardroom. That move is reshaping corporate America
• Not enough subs: California schools face severe teacher shortage (Cal Matters)
• With recall defeated, Newsom scores well in poll against 2022 rivals (Los Angeles Times)
• What just happened with single-family zoning in California? - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
• Newsom Marks California Vaccination Milestone: 80% With at Least One Dose Times of San Diego)
• Education Dept. opens investigations into 5 statewide bans on mask mandates (The Hill)

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

Source: County of San Diego

September 30, 2021 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego has provided notice of intent to amend the County Zoning Ordinance and County Subdivision Ordinance to automatically withdraw inactive permits after two consecutive years of inactivity. The proposed ordinance amendments can be reviewed at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/pds/Public_Review_Non-CEQA.html. 

East County News Service

September 30, 2021 (Julian) -- The Julian Arts Guild’s Open Studios tour is October 9 – 10 this year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  A dozen artists are participating in the tour through the Cuyamaca mountains area of Julian in San Diego’s East County.

East County News Service

September 30, 2021 (Sacramento) -- Over 10,400 firefighters are on the front lines battling 11 major wildfires burning across the state, making headway on many of the most devastating blazes, Cal Fire reported over the weekend. Get the latest fire updates in California at https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents.

East County News Service

September 30, 2021 (San Diego) – The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is considering a proposal to tax drivers for every mile driven.  SANDAG leaders say the plan would help fund future transportation needs and encourage use of mass transit. But opponents say it unfairly penalizes motorists in areas such as East County, where many communities lack access to mass transit and drivers have no choice but to commute long distances to work, shop, or attend college.

East County News Service

August 21, 2021 (Borrego Springs) – The 55^th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival is slated to take place October 23 and 24 at Christmas Circle Community Park on Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free.

East County News Service

September 28, 2021 (Sacrament) -- Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of legislation yesterday to increase voter access and strengthen integrity in elections, including a bill to send all registered voters a vote-by-mail ballot.  Voters will have options to mail-in ballots, drop off ballots at designated locations, or still vote at polling places if they prefer.

By Kristen Hwang, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  Maria Jimenez swabs her daughter, Glendy Perez, 7, for a COVID-19 test at Canal Alliance in San Rafael on Sept. 25, 2021.

September 27, 2021 (San Diego) - Sarah Voit likes to keep 10 to 15 rapid test kits on hand in case any of the residents of the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition in Hayward need to be tested for COVID-19. They’ve had some infection scares, and the antigen tests — which return results in minutes — have been crucial to curbing the virus in the family shelter.

By Erik Wiese, President, Wiese & Associates

September 26, 2021 (Santee) -- The city Councilmembers and staff of Santee should be congratulated on their historical opposition to allowing cannabis dispensaries to open up in our city. For years, they have maintained the health and safety of our citizens as their primary concerns.

By Miriam Raftery

September 26, 2021 (San Diego) – The 18^th annual San Diego Restaurant Week starts today and runs through October 3.  This year, the 90 participating restaurants include six in East County. La Mesa’s emergence as a dining destination is evidenced in its five options: Antica Trattoria, Farmer’s Table, Oyster & Pearl Bar, Pioneer BBQ, and Smokey & the Brisket.  Lemon Grove’s Giardino Neighborhood Cucina is also included. All have outdoor dining options.

By Liz Alper

Photo via @prepzone on Twitter

September 24, 2021 (Anaheim) - When Helix High School junior tight end Quincy Herron took the bus up to Aneheim to face Servite High School tonight, he had no idea what would be waiting for him in Orange County.