By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

Photo left via Creative Commons

February 11, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) - In 1933, the federal government established the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), a program set up as part of the New Deal, intending to address the large number of home loans in default because of the Great Depression and to also expand opportunities for buying homes. Between 1935 and 1940, the HOLC created a series of color-coded maps that it stated was for the purpose of identifying creditworthiness and mortgage security risk. While assessing risk is understandable, the maps and the investments they guided, created a system of inequity and institutional racism that is still affecting poor and minority communities today.

By Elijah McKee

February 11, 2022 (La Mesa) — Phil Rath could see the light at the end of the tunnel. He had the La Mesa Planning Commission’s stamp of approval, as well as the Design Review Board’s. It appeared that his employer, Urbn Leaf, would soon have a new cannabis dispensary at 7901 Hillside Drive.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo credit:  County News Service

February 10, 2022 (San Diego) – Starting February 15, fully vaccinated people will no longer have to wear masks indoors in most places in San Diego County.  But the action runs counter to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control advice, which continues to recommend face masks, particularly N95 masks, as the best way to prevent spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

By Miriam Raftery

February 9, 2022 (San Diego) – Despite a pandemic and record wildfires, California is experiencing a strong economic record and higher than expected revenues, resulting in a projected record budget surplus, The state projects a $45 billion surplus, including $20.6 billion in discretionary funds  Just how those funds should be used, however, has prompted a wide range of opinions.

Source: Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals

February 9, 2022 (Ramona) -- Looking for some fun exercise? How about a walk to view Ramona’s murals and count the hidden hearts? Then check out your blood pressure and maybe win a home blood pressure monitor. And it will all be good for your heart (or H.E.A.R.T.)

East County News Service

February 8, 2022 (San Diego) -- On February 25, Commander Theresa Adams-Hydar will be appointed to the position of Assistant Sheriff of the Detention Services Bureau, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department announced in a media release.

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2022 (Jamul) -- The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has arrested a driver on suspicion of manslaughter after a crash Saturday evening, Feb. 5, that resulted in the death of another motorist. 

By John Fox, Station Manager, Rez Radio 91.3 KPRI

February 6, 2022 (Pala) -- Happy Anniversary to Rez Radio 91.3!  Eleven years ago we received our license from the FCC.  Since then, Rez Radio has never unintentionally gone off the air and has always stood ready to convey important official information in any emergency.  We developed news and other local programming that has earned more than 20 San Diego Press Club awards for Excellence in Journalism as well as recognition from the Southern California News Association for Best Small Station Newscast.  That includes stations in LA, San Diego, the Inland Empire, upper and lower deserts, and the Central Valley all the way to Fresno.   Rez Radio news is the ONLY locally-based broadcast news outlet anywhere between San Diego, LA and Riverside. 

By Miriam Raftery

February 6, 2022 (San Diego) -- Imagine calling your dog’s name to come inside. After a few minutes, you realize they’re gone. One in three pets will get lost in their lifetime. Dogs jump fences, cats escape, even other small pets can become lost. Not knowing where your furry friends may be or if they're safe can be very worrisome for families.  

Sophia Ramos scored 20 or more points for the third straight game

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

February 5, 2022 (Boise) - The Aztec women’s basketball team (10-12, 4-7) lost at Boise State (8-14, 4-7) Saturday afternoon 72-63 despite 20 points from Sophia Ramos and 15 from Asia Avinger.

East County News Service

February 5, 2022 (Lemon Grove) -- Two people have been arrested on weapons and drug charges in Lemon Grove, says Lt. Pat McEvoy with the San Diego Sheriff.

By Rami Ibrahim

February 4, 2022 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon is wrapping up its redistricting process to determine the boundaries of its Council districts for the next 10 years. But there is a catch. The City Council did not redistrict, and is instead on the precipice of adopting the exact map under which the current Council was elected. By ignoring state law and the voices of underrepresented communities who have been advocating for fair and representative districts, the City Council members revealed they had no intention to change the lines at all.

Anza Borrego Foundation

February 3, 2022 (Borrego Springs) -- When you think of the weather in February in the desert, you may think of frigid cold temperatures, wind strong enough to create sandstorms and raging flash floods. While all of this is possible, it is not common. According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric), Borrego Spring's average temperature in February is in the low 50's at night and low/mid 70's in the day; hardly frigid! Winds are generally mellow, averaging just over five mph, and rain, we can always use more rain, averages just around 0.5". 

Near perfect winter weather! 

Supply chain snags, high cost of precious metal leads to increasing thefts with few arrests or prosecutions.

February 3, 2022 (Sacramento) --  Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee) this week introduced a measure to crackdown on the growing crime of catalytic converter theft in California. 

 “The crime of stealing catalytic converters in California has skyrocketed in the last several months,” stated Senator Brian W. Jones. “Unfortunately, unless some changes in the law are made it will only get worse. Thieves often face few risks in getting caught or prosecuted, yet the car or truck owner faces thousands of dollars in repairs and the inability to use their vehicle for days or weeks while it’s being repaired. My bill will help discourage, prevent, and prosecute the growing crime of catalytic converter theft in California.”

Jones’s Senate Bill 919 would attack the crime of catalytic converter theft in distinct three ways: