Listen to our interview:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

June 13, 2014 (El Cajon) -- A terrorist group that splintered off from Al Qaeda has taken the city of Mosul in Iraq, where several other cities have erupted in violence.  East County Magazine interviewed Ben Kalasho, president of the East County Chaldean-American Chamber of Commerce on the escalating hostilities and humanitarian crisis, as well as the impacts on members of the Iraqi community in El Cajon -- home to our nation's second highest population of Iraqi Chaldean immigrants. 

June 11, 2014 (San Diego) – The public is invited to a free  Aging Summit hosted by the County of San Diego.  This year, the primary focus will be on Alzheimer’s and related dementias.  The event will take place on June 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Town and Country Hotel Convention Center. For more information, visit

http://www.alz.org/sandiego/in_my_community_62650.asp

By Nadin Abbott

June 9, 2014 (San Diego) Imagine if you will, going to the doctor and not understanding what your doctor is telling you. Worst, imagine if you will, an EMS crew taking you to the Emergency Room, a life or death situation, and again you are not being able to understand what language the EMS crew, or later the hospital, is speaking.

Age-progressed photo released of teen who vanished in Anza-Borrego Desert in November 2009

By Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2014 (Ocotillo Wells) -- Nearly five years ago, 16-year-old Mickey Guidry disappeared in the Anza-Borrego Desert.  The Jeep he’d taken from his family was found broken down and abandoned, its tire worn down to the rim near Fish Creek wash, 22 miles from the nearest highway  over Thanksgiving weekend.  He has not been seen since November 26, 2009.

By Susan A. Mahalick

June 11, 2014 (Baja California, Mexico)--Designed by Jo Ann Knox Martino, and situated in the eastern portion of the valley in the same area as Baron Balché in Porvenir, is the elegant cava built for storage, wine making and tastings of her famous Tango wines. The name, Vintango, comes from Jo Ann’s love of tango.

June 9, 2014 (San Diego) — Flanked by the families of victims who have suffered serious health issues as a result of not having a medical interpreter, San Diego Councilmember Marti Emerald today called for support of state legislation that would increase the number of interpreters in medical settings to help ensure Californians with limited English receive safe, appropriate care and treatment.

June 7, 2014 (Ramona)--On Saturday June 7^th, the San Diego Farm Bureau hosts its annual farm tour. This is an exclusive look at a side of San Diego County few people get to see. So if you’re ever hankered to experience country life down on the farm, here’s your chance.

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2014 (San Diego) – Alba Quiñones  fled domestic abuse in El Salvador, hoping to seek asylum in the United States.  But after enduring abusive conditions in a U.S. Border Patrol detention facility, she has now filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government—the latest in a string of such lawsuits, Mother Jones magazine reports.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

June 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- We recently celebrated Memorial Day and D – Day honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom. True heroes, no doubt! We also celebrated National EMS/First Responder Week as well. It recognizes fire, police and medical first responders who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of emergency medicine's "front line."  Father's day is upon us and there are lots of Hero’s to recognize. Have you ever considered yourself as a Hero?

Recognized as a Top Performing Casino Resort as Reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site

SAN DIEGO – June 9, 2014 – Viejas Casino & Resort today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.  Establishments awarded the Certificate of Excellence represent the upper echelon of businesses listed on the website.

By Laura Finley

June 9, 2014 (San Diego)--In April 2014, the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault issued a series of recommendations for college and university campuses related to responding to and preventing sexual assault. Given that one in five college-aged women endure a sexual assault, the White House is to be applauded for prioritizing this issue and for organizing the task force. But of course, it should be so simple to recommend that campuses do the right thing.

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2014 (Borrego Springs)—For decades, Borrego Springs has been draining down its aquifer at an increasingly rapid pace.  If action is not taken soon, a new report warns, the community could face dire consequences.

The Borrego Water Coalition invites the public to a public outreach meeting on Thursday, June 12 from 4:30 to 7 p.m at the Borrego High School Library, 2281 Diegueno Road in Borrego Springs.

By Jaden Jimenez

June 5, 2014 - The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a regulation Monday that would cut carbon dioxide emissions from existing coal plants by up to to 30 percent by 2030 compared with 2005 levels, the Washington Post reports.

Viejas and State Farm team up for annual smashing event

View video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djXNah2BaRM&feature=youtu.be

By Nadin Abbott

Photos by Tom Abbott

June 7, 2014 (San Diego) The engines roared and dust filled the large arena at the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar arena, where the cars were ready to go. It was time for the first heat of the Demolition Derby, an event sponsored by the Viejas Tribe and State Farm to benefit the Burn Institute of San Diego. The fair, which opened June 7, continues through July 6. For full information on this year’s fair, visit www.sdfair.com.