Hear our interview with GUHSD member Priscilla Schreiber and Nick Marinovich, who says he was pressured to resign off the district's Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, on why they want to see new candidates step forward to run for the board:

https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2014 (San Diego's East County) -- Tomorrow, August 8 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to file for running for most local offices in East County--though if an incumbent opts not to file for reelection, that deadline can be extended for several more days. 

Some local districts don't have enough people running to fill the seats--including the Grossmont Union High School District, where at last check only two challengers have filed for three seats, despite controversy including a Grand Jury admonishment.  One of those challengers, Dr. Gary Woods, opposes a high school for Alpine and was previously voted out; his election would solidify the anti-Alpine high school majority on the board.  (Note: incumbent Dick Hoy has said he won't seek reelection, thus this filing deadline will likely be extended.)

Alpine's Community Planning Group has just 5 candidates so for to fill 7 seats.

These are just two examples of a race where the balance of power could shift--or not--depending on which candidates if any step forward to run.

Local seats on the November ballot include school boards, planning groups, water boards, fire boards, mayor and city councils across East County.  Currently a numberof these positions have no candidates filed to run, or only one candidate, leaving voters without a choice.  

Plus previews of coming attractions

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2014 (Destination East County) – From fishing at night to fun with firefighters, we have some unique outings featured in this week’s Destination East County – along with some rollicking musical performances and "Politics in Paradise."  Plus we have previews of next week’s top events, from a Cajun concert to a event atop Mt. Helix for lovers of art, craft beer and wine.

Plus previews of coming attractions

By Miriam Raftery

August 6, 2014 (Destination East County) – From fishing at night to fun with firefighters, we have some unique outings featured in this week’s Destination East County – along with some rollicking musical performances.  Plus we have previews of next week’s top events, from a Cajun concert to a event atop Mt. Helix for lovers of art, craft beer and wine.

East County News Service

Photo: Arabo speaking at rally for Iraqi Christians last month in El Cajon

August 6, 2014 (El Cajon)—Mark Arabo,  a local Chaldean leader, and a coalition he has assembled will meet with U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice at the White House on Thursday and possibly Secretary of State John Kerry.  A press release announcing the upcoming meeting states that they will discuss the Christian genocide in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon by the terrorist group ISIS.

August 6, 2014 (San Diego's East County)-- East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• U.S. general killed, 14 wounded in Afghan academy attack: officials (Reuters)
• Colorado officials propose tightening  of rules for marijuana edibles (RawStory)
• What's Happening to America in the Borderlands? (Reason)
• CIA admits to spying on Senate intelligence committee (CS Monitor)
• White House Accidentally E-Mails Torture Report Talking Points to Associated Press (Reason)
• House Votes to Create More Visas for US Afghan Allies Threatened by the Taliban (Reason)
• Verizon defends slowdown of unlimited customers' data to FCC (Reuters)
• Hacker Says He Can Break Into Airplane Systems Using In-Flight Wi-Fi (Reuters)

WORLD

• 5 things to know about Ebola outbreak in west Africa (UT San Diego)
• What Obama can do about Ebola (CNN opinion)
• Sudanese woman who had faced execution for conversion arrives in U.S. (Reuters)
• Liberia shuts schools as Ebola spreads, Peace Corps leaves three countries (Reuters)
• Iraqi PM orders air force to help Kurds fight Islamic State (Reuters)
• Using Water As A Weapon In The Fight To Control Iraq
• Storms, Aftershocks Hurt Rescue Efforts Following Deadly China Quake (NPR)
• Taiwan gas explosions: 12,000 evacuees return to their homes (+video) (CS Monitor)  
• Hamas executes alleged spies, shoots protesters in Gaza (JPost)
• Blockade leaves Gaza cut off from world( CBS)
• Iran Says It Gave Missile Technology to Hamas (AP)
•  Italian Reporter Reveals Hamas Cover-Up Over Misfired Rockets (Israel National News)
• French police arrest Islamist militant at a Paris airport (Reuters)

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

By Susan A. Mahalick

August 5, 2014 (Baja, Mexico) - Want to be outside, see waves splash up onto volcanic rocks, watch dolphins swim by and sea birds perch everywhere? Add to this some of the finest hospitality, drinks and food and this is a sure winner.

August 5, 2014(Santee)--You might say that it’s a slow news day in Santee—where an African desert tortoise weighing 60 pounds has been found roaming the streets in a residential neighborhood.

By Miriam Raftery

July 29, 2014 (La Mesa)--A La Mesa coffee shop has been victimized by patrons passing counterfeit bills, La Mesa Today reports.

August 4, 2014 (San Diego)--Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a new virus named crAssphage, which is living inside about half of the world’s population.

August 5, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Southern California Edison has announced plans to dismantle the San Onofre Nuclear Generation Stations, which were decommissioned after radiation leaks, and restore the beach near the nuclear plants.

August 2, 2014 (Santee)—The San Diego Sheriff’s Department and the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force (FTF) have issued a “be on the lookout” request to the public for Jacquiline Francine Jackson. She is wanted on charges of assault with a deadly weapon at a home in Santee. A no-bail felony warrant has been issued for her arrest.

New owner of Santee’s The UPS Store wants to make a mark within the community and boost small biz

East County News Service

August 4, 2014 (Santee)-- In the fickle sea of small businesses, it’s not a piece of cake to stay afloat. Lean on each other, however, and suddenly it’s easier to survive – even thrive. That’s the new message of Santee’s local The UPS store, led by its new sole owner, Greg Gagnon.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 1, 2014 (San Diego's East County) July, August and right into Labor Day, we use our barbeques more than any other months.

By Miriam Raftery

August 4,2014 (Campo)--Campo will soon have a new family medicine center.   A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 26^th for Mountain Health and Community Services’ new Campo Health Center.