By Miriam Raftery

View dramatic rescue by a Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire battalion chief of a woman walking through flames in Airport Fire

September 13, 2024 (San Diego) –Firefighters have reached significant containment levels on two of the three major wildfires still burning across four Southern California counties. In addition, an arsonist has been arrested in connection with the devastating Line Fire in San Bernadino County. The federal government has approved resources to help fight all three large Southern California fires.

Click the links below for Cal Fire’s full updates, maps and current evacuation details.

East County News Service

September 8 ,2024 (La Mesa)-- From Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 6, the quaint streets of La Mesa Village will transform into the largest German celebration in San Diego. This free event takes place Friday, October 4, 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, October 6, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

This beloved Bavarian-style  festival has become an annual pilgrimage for thousands, drawing revelers for three days of vibrant live music, authentic German cuisine, and a plethora of German and Craft beers. This year, La Mesa Oktoberfest is set to exceed all expectations, capturing the spirit of Munich with unmatched enthusiasm and charm. From the traditional Bavarian decor and lively music to the delicious food and drinks, attendees can expect an unparalleled experience that honors the festival's rich heritage

East County News Service

Lemon Grove Farmers Market  announces that talented local artist Calvin Manson will be presenting his amazing artwork this Thursday, September 12, at the Farmers Market, located at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main Street, Lemon Grove, between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.

A native of San Diego, Calvin Manson is a highly accomplished visual artist, award-winning writer, producer, and theater director with a strong commitment to promoting African American culture and arts. As the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of the Ira Aldridge Repertory Players, Mason has inspired our community for more than 45 years by presenting and celebrating African American stories and theater.

In addition, Minola Clark Manson will be knitting or crocheting for a “craft, meet and greet” during the event.

East County News Service

Photos, left: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, by Ron  Logan and Gage Skidmore

September 10, 2024 (San Diego) – The first presidential candidate debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will take place tonight, Tuesday Sept.10, at 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This marks the first time the two candidates will meet in person, and the first opportunity for voters to view a debate featuring Harris as the Democratic nominee, after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

The much-anticipated debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia will  air live on ABC TV and stream on ABC News Live, Disney and Hulu.  Some other networks including NBC and CNN also plan to air the debate,  with many beginning pre-debate commentary ahead of time.

The race pits Harris, a seasoned prosecutor and former California Attorney General with strong courtroom speaking skills, against Trump, a prominent businessman convicted on 36 counts of fraud. Hot campaign topics include the economy, women’s reproductive health, immigration, inflation, climate change, foreign policy including the Ukraine and Israel-Gaza wars, the future of our democracy, Project 2025, personal freedoms, and more.

Update September 11, 2024 -- Parole has been denied for Williams. At yesterday's hearing, Board of Parole Hearings Commissioner Kevin Chappell stated that Williams still poses a threat to public safety, telling Williams "“By your testimony today, it is really unclear if you understand why you committed this horrendous act of violence.”  Testimony was overwhelmingly against Williams' release, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

By Miriam Raftery

September 9, 2024 (Santee, CA) – It’s been 23 years since 15-year-old Charles Andrew “Andy” Williams took his father’s revolver to school and repeatedly opened fire, killing two students and injured 13 other people at Santana High School in Santee.

Tomorrow, as the result of a new law regarding youthful offenders, he will have his first parole hearing—drawing a strong response from community members, many stilll traumatized by loss and grief.

By Miriam Raftery

September 9, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Yesterday’s sweltering temperatures broke numerous all-time temperatures across our region, as the heat wave continues today with triple-digit  temperatures. New high temperature records for September 8 were set in several local communities, including some that have been keeping track of weather records for over a century:

LOCATION             NEW RECORD         OLD RECORD        PERIOD OF RECORD

ESCONDIDO             109                        104 in 1944              1893

RAMONA                   110                        103 in 2018              1974

ALPINE                      105                        104 in 1984              1951

EL CAJON                 108                        104 in 1984              1899

The highest minimum temperatures on record were also raised. San Diego tied  a record set back in 1875, with the low temperature a balmy 75 degrees. The follow communities also raised the record for highest minimum temperatures:

East County News Service

Update Sesptember 9, 2024:  The victim has been identified as Diego Omar Valera-Trujillo.  A suspect, Joshua Gonzalez, 27, has been arrested near his home on Lincoln Ave. in Lemon Grove. He will be charged with murder.

September 8, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – A 21-year-old  man has died in the hospital after being shot multiple times last night in Lemon Grove.

Sheriff’s deputies were on Lemon Grove Avenue when they heard several gunshots at 11:34 p.m. While checking the business area, they were told that  a group of people were arguing in the 3100 block of  School Lane. Deputies searched the area and found the victim.  They provided medical aid until Heartland Fire Department arrived and transported the victim to a hospital, where he died of his injuries.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Update 5:15 p.m.-- Forward spread has been halted at 65 acres and evacuation orders have been lifted. 

September 7, 2024 (Campo) -- Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for a brush fire burning at Church Road south of the Golden Acorn Casino near Old Hwy 80. The #ChurchFire has potential for 1,000 acres; it has burned 65 acres so far, per Cal Fire.

View an updated evacuation map here:  Genasys Protect  A temporary evacuation center is at the Golden Acorn Casino,1800 Golden Acorn Way in Campo.

By Miriam Raftery

September 6, 2024 (La Mesa) – Caleb Carvalho, 14, was riding his bicycle to school yesterday morning when he was struck and seriously injured by a garbage truck at the intersection of University Avenue and La Mesa Blvd. 

A Go Fund Me site has been set up to help the teen, a freshman and football player at Helix Charter High School, with his medical bills as he faces long road to recovery.

His father, David Carvalho, told NBC 7 that Caleb’s pelvis was broken on both front and back. Currently hospitalized, Caleb will need rehabilitation and costly medical treatments. 

Caleb was in the bicycle lane but the trash truck driver didn’t see him, running over Caleb as the truck pulled into a driveway.

September 5, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Homeowners are rushing to refinance their mortgages after rates finally dropped (CNN)
• Judge in Texas orders pause on Biden program that offers legal status to spouses of US citizens (AP)
• Cooling July Inflation Sets Stage for Fed’s September Rate Cut (Wall Street Journal)
• Grocery price gouging to feature prominently in Harris economic plan (Politico)
• Special counsel reindicts Trump with narrower set of accusations after Supreme Court immunity decision (CBS News)
• RFK endorses Trump as he suspencts campaign (Politico)
• Potential 2024 ‘Chaos’: Election Deniers Refusing to Certify Results (Rolling Stone)
• Trump allies test a new strategy for blocking election results (Washington Post)
• FBI concludes Iran was behind Trump campaign hack (The Hill)
• Trump seeks to delay his hush money sentencing until after the election (Politico)
• Biden, Harris hail Medicare drug price cuts that will save billions  (Reuters)
• US FAA requires inspections of Boeing 787 planes following mid-air dive (FAA)

WORLD

• Large-scale polio vaccinations begin in war-ravaged Gaza after first case in 25 years  
•  US charges Hamas leaders over Oct. 7 attack on Israel (Reuters)
• Ukraine racks up gains with Russia incursion, faces challenge holding territory (Reuters)
• What we know about the six hostages killed in Gaza (CNN)
• West Bank Palestinians Fear a Gaza-Like War  (Time)
• France investigating synagogue explosion as suspected terrorism (BBC)
• Japan urges 4 million to evacuate as lumbering Typhoon Shanshan threatens south with up to a meter of rain (CNN)

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