January 10, 2014 (La Mesa)—A 56-year-old man walking with a cane up a steep sidewalk on Saranac Place to Thorne Drive was struck by a large pickup truck yesterday shortly before 7 a..m.  He suffered several broken bones and internal injuries, according to La Mesa Police.

January 9, 2015 (Borrego Springs) - Enjoy the original artwork of 60 selected fine artists and craftsmen while experiencing the unique beauty of "California's Secret Desert" at the 26th annual Circle of Art Show & Sale March 14 & 15, 2015 in Borrego Springs.  Circle of Art is outdoors on Christmas Circle right in the center of Borrego Springs, just 2 hours from San Diego and Palm Springs.

By Miriam Raftery

January 8, 2015 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have arrested a woman suspected of fraudulently buying at least seven vehicles at dealerships in El Cajon and San Diego.

January 8, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County has events ranging from riding the rails at the Campo Railway Depot to dropping a line at the Santee Lakes trout reopener.  Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including the Martin Luther King Jr. Choir concert in Lemon Grove, candlemaking classes in Alpine, and  a blast from the past when Herman’s Hermits take stage at Sycuan. So stay tuned for all of these events and much more, from East County Magazine.

By Hayden Parsley

January 8, 2015 (Washington D.C.)--After two decades in the senate, California Senator Barbara Boxer announced this Thursday that she will not run for reelection in 2016.

At 74 years old, Boxer states she will put effort into ensuring her seat remains with her Democratic Party. She also says she will, “Keep fighting for the issues I love,” and plans to spend her time helping people. She says that neither her age nor the Republican majority are factors in her decision, but that she wants to come home to the state that she loves.

By Miriam Raftery

January 8, 2015 (San Diego’s East County Magazine)—Congressman Darrell Issa (R-San Diego) has been replaced by Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) as chair of the powerful House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform.

Akram, by Akram Arastehjoo (The Scriptory, Stacy Thunes Krieger, Menlo Park, California, 2014, 115 pages).

Screenplay Review by Dennis Moore

January 7, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - Akram Arastehjoo, a descendant of the great Persian Empire, which we now know as Iran, tells her own and personal family story that encapsulates the long and illustrious history of kings and queens, in a screenplay written by Stacy Thunes Krieger, Akram. The author actually derives her name from the Holy Quran; meaning generosity, or “most generous.” This is pointed out by Krieger in this well-written and warm story.  Arastehjoo is unabashed in her pride for everything that is Persian, and rightfully so. It comes across in my interview of the author and throughout the story. I have been made aware that Iran actually converted from the original name of Persia to Iran in 1935, but it did take some getting used to. Many seem to prefer that bygone era of Persia, and all it stood for, including the iconic Darius the Great.

By Miriam Raftery

January 5, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)—Governor Brown has signed 930 bills into law, covering a broad spectrum of issues.  These range from laws to protect consumer rights and privacy to laws that affect gun owners, immigrants, senior care facilities, renters and condo owners, youth sports, students, prisoners, dog owners, parents, business owners, and many others.

January 7, 2015 (Poway)-- Members of the business community are invited to attend the Poway Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Mixer held at Mt. Olive Church & Preschool, 14280 Poway Rd, Poway.  The Mixer will take place on Thursday, January 22 from 5:30 -7:30PM. Light refreshments and drinks will be available.

January 7, 2015 (San Diego's East County) -- As the second wave of open enrollment into Covered California is in full swing, individuals covered under their parent or spouse's health plan can start feeling safe enough to actually use their insurance. SB 138 - the Confidential Health Information Act - took effect on January 1st to close loopholes in existing state and federal laws that result in breaches in patient confidentiality through Explanation of Benefits letters and other standard communications from health insurance plans.

County News Service

January 6, 2015 (San Diego)--It’s the time of year when people make ambitious resolutions and many of them seem to focus on getting fit, losing weight or just living a more active lifestyle.

January 6, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)-- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL/REGIONAL

• A quick peek at 2015 in the East County (UT San Diego)
• What to Watch for in 2015 (Voice of San Diego)
• San Vicente could be whopper in 2015 (UT San Diego)
• Innocent Alpine resident detained for a week - San Diego County faces federal lawsuit in a case of mistaken identity (SD City Beat)
• City’s cell-phone sniffer cost $738K (U-T Watchdog)

STATE

• Plastic Bag Ban Opponents Turn In Referendum Signatures (KPBS)
• California judges sue Calpers pension system over contributions(Reuters)
• California campus union votes 2-1 for Israel divestment (Jewish Daily Forward)
• Cal Fire puts 16 workers on administrative leave in anticipation of sexual misconduct report (Sacramento Bee)

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

East County News Service

January 5, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) --The American Association of Retired Persons, is offering AARP Tax Aid, free tax preparation and online-filing of tax returns for seniors, low income residents and others in need in the East County Community.

East County News Service

January 5, 2015 (Rancho San Diego)--A man who threatened the lives of Sheriff’s deputies and hurled metal objects at them is now under arrest.

“Articles Concerning Trusts, Wills, Probate, Family Law & more”

By: Stephen C. Ross, Esq.

January 4, 2015 (San Diego County) – A stepparent adoption is the process of terminating a biological parent’s parental rights and recognizing the step-parent as the child’s legal parent. A biological parent’s rights can be terminated by consent or court order.