By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, front, and the landing ship USS Carter Hall, by U.S.Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Riley Gasdia

October 17, 2023  (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden is traveling to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu tomorrow, after which he will head to Jordan for a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, USA Today reports.

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has said that while Biden fully supports Israel’s “right and indeed the duty to defend its people,” the President will also work with Israel to develop a plan “that will enable humanitarian aid from donor nations and multilateral organizations to reach civilians in Gaza—and them alone,”  Voice of America reports. He voiced concerns that Hamas, the terrorist organization that governs Palestine and launched the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, could intercept supplies of food, water, fuel and medicines.

Israel reports that the Hamas attacks killed at least 1,400 people in Israel and injured more than 4,121.  Hamas has also taken an estimated 200 to 250 hostages.  The dead and captured include American citizens as well as Israelis.  Palestinian officials estimate that Israel bombings in Gaza, which Israel says targeted  Hamas militants, have killed 2,778 people and injured 9,938. 

The United Nations warns of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

AB 399 ensures impacted residents get to vote on detachment proposals

East County News Service

October 17, 2023 – The Water Ratepayers Protection Act of 2023 (Assembly Bill 399) was signed Friday by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, adding affordability safeguards for residents and businesses in the San Diego County Water Authority’s service area. The legislation, introduced by Encinitas Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and sponsored by the City of San Diego, expands voting requirements should agencies seek to withdraw or “detach” from the Water Authority.

By Donald H. Harrison, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  cantor Hanan Leberman, in happier times, led congregants of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in song during Sukkot {SDJW photo}

October 16, 2023 (San Diego) - Cantor Hanan Leberman of Tifereth Israel Synagogue bade his congregation an emotional goodbye Sunday, Oct. 15,  as he prepared to return to Israel to join his IDF Reserve unit now preparing for whatever may come in the war with Hamas.

Weapons seized included handguns and parts to make AR-15 rifles

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

Updated 10 p.m. with additional details from the Sheriff's department

October 16, 2023 (Spring Valley) – Roger Bell, 38, a suspect who prompted a  five-hour SWAT team standoff in the Casa de Oro area of Spring Valley, is under arrest. 

The incident began shortly after 11 a.m. when the Rancho San Diego and Lemon Grove Sheriff’s substations responded to a call reporting a stabbing in the 9600 block of Campo Road.  They spoke with the victim, who said he was stabbed in the hand with a 10-inch knife by his roommate. 

"The victim and a friend were reportedly threatened with a gun and held against theirwill by the suspect for two hours," saysDetective Guadalupe Catano. 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

October 16,2023 (Tecate,CA) --  Cal Fire/San DIego County Fire crews and a water-dropping helicopter are at the scene of a vegation fire in Marron Valley, west of Tecate.  The fire has burned at least four acres on the U.S. side of the international border.

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch full video here

October 15, 2023 (El Cajon)-- A group of community members came to address the Cajon Valley School District at their monthly board meeting Tuesday due to policy changes on the agenda that would shift Superintendent  David Miyashiro’s evaluation to private session without the public in attendance, leaving the public unable to comment on or express criticism.

By Mike Allen

October 15, 2023 (Santee) -- For everything Santee, there’s an app for that.

Cell phone users or anyone with a digital device linked to the Internet can download the free application, called MySanteeCA, which allows users (with both Android and Apple versions) to access an array of things.  These include the city’s website, a permitting and licensing portal, a space to report city issues such as graffiti removal, and even the city’s own television channel, SanteeTV.

By Cecilie Shamanow

El Cajon – Imagine going to sleep at night in your home, content, safe and secure, only to wake up to it going up in flames. Melissa Taylor didn’t have to imagine such a tragedy because it was her reality.  The 65-year-old El Cajon resident woke up the night of August 7th to a fire rapidly spreading through her home.

Taylor, who normally falls asleep to the sound of her television, was awoken at 5:30  pm. by the sudden silence caused by the power going out in her trailer. She could hear the sound of her neighbors outside yelling for her to get out.

She narrowly escaped; the trailer was burned beyond repair in a matter of moments. Taylor could do nothing but watch as it burned, and listen to the sounds of her four cats crying inside, unable to escape.

October 13, 2023 (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.

• Steve Scalise drops out of speaker’s race as House GOP faces leadership crisis (CNN)
• White House calls top lawmakers over to discuss Israel aid package (Politico)
• Hollywood writers ratify new contract with studios (CNBC)
• Candidates’ differences on Ukraine reflect stark divide within GOP (Washington Post)
• Student loan payments restart in October. Here's what borrowers should know (CNN)
• Major tests await conservative US Supreme Court in new term (Reuters)
• Pro-Palestinian events across the U.S. trigger outrage from many politicians  (NPR)
• At least 11 American citizens killed in Israel, Biden says (Reuters)
• RFK Jr. goes independent. Does that hurt Biden or Trump? (Politico)
• US Senator Bob Menendez charged with acting as unregistered agent of Egypt (Reuters)
• A new bill could reduce the fees shop owners are charged when customers swipe a card  (NPR)

WORLD

Israel-Palestine War

• Israel-Gaza attacks: Netanyahu forms emergency government and war cabinet (BBC)
• Israel orders siege of Gaza Strip (Washington Post)
• UN says nearly 200,000 displaced in Gaza, water shortages expected (Reuters)
• Israel festival revelers shot at point-blank range, video shows (CNN)
• Israel War Map Shows Areas Reclaimed by IDF  (Newsweek)
• Fate of more than 100 Israeli hostages consumes, unifies a terrorized nation (Washington Post)
• At least 40 babies killed, beheaded in Israeli kibbutz outside Gaza Strip, reports say  (NBC)
• Major airlines halt flights to Israel after Hamas attack (CBS)

Other world news

• Afghanistan earthquake: More than 1,000 dead as villagers dig for survivors  (BBC)
• Russian Black Sea fleet commander killed in Crimea, Ukraine claims( Guardian)
• China and Syria announce 'strategic partnership' after its leaders met in Beijing (NPR)
• UK firm sold thousands of unverified jet engine parts, CFM says (Reuters)
• 'Half the village is gone': Ukraine hamlet reels after missile strike (Reuters)
• Hungary, Poland rail at EU migration policy as bloc leaders meet (Reuters)

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

October 13, 2023 (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 round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• UC San Diego Health to welcome Alvarado Hospital into network (KPBS)
• SANDAG votes to exclude 'road user charge' from future transportation plans (KPBS)
• Mercury levels in fish caught from El Capitan Reservoir prompts advisory (Fox 5)
• 'Oscars of Beer': Success for San Diego brewers amid industry changes  (KPBS)
• San Diego County pension debt increased 10-fold in past 15 years, records show (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Two Large Medical Groups Shun Medicare Advantage Plans (MedPage Today)
• More than $1 billion needed to overhaul San Diego's stormwater system  (NBC San Diego)

STATE

• New California law aims to force people with mental illness or addiction to get help 
• California governor signs law to bolster eviction protections for renters (Associated Press)
• Newsom blocks a bill to ban caste discrimination in California (Cal Matters)
• With Feinstein’s death, what happens with her seat on Judiciary committee, other panels? (Los Angeles Times)
• California legislature passes bill that prevents counties from taking foster children benefits
• California bill to have human drivers ride in autonomous trucks is vetoed by governor 
• California is first state to ban 4 food additives for cancer, other health risks 

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

By Miriam Raftery

View our exclusive interview with Robert Neary.

October 13, 2023 (El Cajon) – Musical entertainer Robert Neary, also a TV and Broadway actor, brings his acclaimed “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience”  show to the Magnolia theatre in El Cajon on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.  His uncanny renditions of 22  of Diamond’s classic hits such as Cherry, Cherry,” “I’m a Believer,” “Solitary Man,” “Holly Holy,” “Coming to America,” and “Sweet Caroline” are backed by New York's premier band, The Mystic.  Neary will also share Diamond’s personal stories about some of his songs, and provide a finale that has dazzled critics. View a promo reel.

In an exclusive interview with ECM aired on KNSJ radio,  Neary talks about his inspirations growing up, his path to stardom on TV, stage and the musical world, what motivated him to create a Neil Diamond tribute show, and his favorite Diamond piece.

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San DIego Online News Association

Photo:  attendees bow their heads in prayer for Israel. Photo by Chris Jennewein

October 13, 2023 (San Diego) - Over 4,000 San Diegans crowded a park in University City on Tuesday night in a solemn vigil to show unity and support for Israel following the deadly attacks from Gaza.

By Miram Raftery

October 12, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Following Hamas terror attacks and kidnappings in Israel, Hezbollah bombings in the north and the Israeli military response, the U.S. State Department has issue the following travel advisory:

Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza. 

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Do Not Travel To:

• Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict

Reconsider Travel To:

• Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
• West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest