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: 

East County News Service 

February 3, 2022 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – You’re invited to a Bathhouse Bazaar at 44450 Old Highway Highway 80 in Jacumba Hot Springs. This Saturday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a Taco Love food truck on site, along with Pine Valley Honey.

By Ray Bello 

Photo: Eveline’s 80th Birthday Party 2011 (partial family photo)

February 3, 2022 (La Mesa) - Imagine having 71 birthdays to remember. Impossible! Eveline Wilson, age 90, has this impossible mission handled. Her son Chuck prepares a calendar for her with each name and birthday. She addresses the envelopes using her Rolodex, personalizes each card and uses lots of x’s and o’s.

February 3, 2022 (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• California to pay for wildfire retrofits up to $40,000 per home, starting with rural San Diego (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Federal agency confirms San Diego has the highest electricity rates in the country (CBS 8)
• San Diego unemployment rate sinks. Here are the industries that are hiring (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• SDG&E Rates Have Gone Up — a LOT — and Here's Why (NBC 7)
• San Diego representatives prepare for primary challenges in new districts (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Taylor Guitars: A San Diego Success Story – Owners Leave Legacy in the Hands of Employees (San Diego Business Journal)
• Arson Suspected In Fire That Damaged Supervisor Fletcher's Home (Patch)
• From the Inside: San Diego County jail inmates describe filthy conditions, few COVID-19 protections (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego-born fundraising firms unite: GoFundMe Buying Nonprofit Fundraising Platform Classy (San Diego Business Journal)

STATE

• Don’t have a 401(k) through work? Californians have CalSavers and other options (Los Angeles Times)
• Teens could get vaccinated against parents’ wishes under proposed California law (Sacramento Bee)
• Kamala Harris announces wildfire money in California visit  (Los Angeles Times)
• December storms allow for ‘modest increase’ in state water deliveries  (Los Angeles Times)
• California judge delays enforcement of part of new bacon law (San Diego Union-Tribune)

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