Source: City of La Mesa

Photo: Creative Commons image CC by NC via Bing

June 10, 2021 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to come to enjoy a line-up of local bands at La Mesa’s “Sundays at Six” free summer concert series. Grab a picnic and lawn chair and relax in the outdoor amphitheater at Harry Griffen Park located at 9550 Milden Street from 6-7 p.m. Sundays starting June 20 through July 25. 

Source: San Diego Sheriff’s Department

June 10, 2021 (San Diego's East County) -- Are you or someone you know looking for a job? The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is hiring. 

Watch the latest recruiting video: One Agency, Multiple Career Possibilities. 

You can apply online at joinsdsheriff.net. Or you can begin the hiring process by texting the word "JOIN" to (855) 737-4374.

Cajon Valley Union School District trustee James Miller is lead plaintiff in controversial case

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2021(Sacramento) – Last week, Judge Roger Benetiz of California’s Southern District court issued an opinion in Miller v. Bonta (previously Miller v. Becerra), holding that California’s tyrannical ban on “assault weapons” is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. However the judge issued a stay on his ruling for 30 days to allow time for an appeal. 

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – Newly elected Assemblywoman Akilah Weber, M.D. will host a virtual meet and greet on Monday, June 14 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.  To RSVP, visit http://bit.ly/weber79. 

By Miriam Raftery

June 9, 2021 (Campo) – A Campo man, 35, suffered major injuries and is under arrest following a crash early this morning in Campo that killed a female passenger, 26, also from Campo.

The motorist was driving a 2004 Toyota Scion XA northbound on Buckman Springs Road, north of Lake Morena Drive when the vehicle drifted onto the shoulder and struck a mailbox.

“As the driver attempted to regain control, the vehicle veered across the roadway, struck a tree on the west shoulder and overturned,” says Officer Travis Garrow with the California Highway Patrol. “It is believed neither the driver nor passenger were wearing a seatbelt and both occupants were ejected out of the vehicle.”

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2021 (Ramona) – The Ramona Valley Vineyards Association invites you to experience the beautiful Ramona wine country and visit up to 16 wineries on Saturdays and Sundays in June during the “Summer of Wine Trail.”  

By Miriam Raftery

June 6, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove Historical Society President Laura Hook was surprised when she was invited to a customer service event at Union Bank’s new location at 3285 Lemon Grove Avenue – and left with a $2,500 check.

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service

June 6, 2021 (Sacramento) - Community activists are urging California lawmakers to reject two bills that would limit local control in order to clear the way for 5G small-cell wireless equipment near homes, schools and businesses.

Source:  Caltrans

June 5, 2021 (Dulzura/Spring Valley) - Caltrans crews continue pavement rehabilitation this week on a nine-mile section of State Route 94 (SR-94) from just west of Arnold Road to State Route 188 in eastern San Diego County.

By Miriam Raftery

June 5, 2021 (La Mesa) – Looking for laughs after a year of quarantining? At the Spacebar Café and Wine Bistro in La Mesa announces Friday night comedy as well as live on June 25th featuring top local talent.

By Miriam Raftery 

Photos by ECM photojournalists Henri Migala, Jake Rose, Miriam Raftery, Paul Kruze and Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

June 5, 2021 (La Mesa) – A racial justice protest on May 30, 2020 erupted into a tense standoff at the La Mesa Police station followed by a night of looting, vandalism, and the burning down of three buildings in La Mesa’s historic downtown district. The events shocked and terrifed the community. 

What began as a peaceful protest focused on the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis, but also on a controversial stop by a La Mesa Police officer of Amaurie Johnson, a young Black man. two days before the protest and riot. A bystander's video of the Johnson incident went viral and was widely viewed as racial profiling, sparking anger. The ensuing chaos resulted in multiple injuries to protesters and widespread property damage.

One year later, however, the city has made strides toward accountability, healing racial rifts, police reforms, helping businesses that were harmed, and moving forward with rebuilding plans.

One million young children in California may be eligible

Source: California Department of Education

June 5, 2021 (Sacramento) -- State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved California’s plan to launch a new food assistance program for young children up to age six whose access to healthy meals has been impacted due to the pandemic. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Department of Education (CDE) will partner to issue Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) benefits to eligible young children.

“The pandemic has placed additional strain on many families that were already struggling to provide healthy meals for their kids,” said Thurmond. “This program provides critical assistance so that our low-income young children can get the nutritious foods at home they need to thrive.”