Source:  National Action Network San Diego

July 18, 2016 (San Diego) - Reverend Shane Harris, president of the National Action Network San Diego branch, will meet with Congresswoman Susan Davis today at 3:30 p.m. to find common ground in policy and reform in regards to the recent police shootings.

By Helen Ofield

July 18, 2016 (Lemon Grove) - Short films from six countries will delight viewers on Film Night in the Library, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the beautiful Lemon Grove Library, 3001 School Lane.

By Liz Alper

Photo:  National Ice Cream Day at Petco Park.  Courtesy @Padres on Twitter

July 17, 2016 (San Diego) - It's that day again, folks.  Sweep day.  Do the Padres finally break the curse?  Surprise:  they did.  And they did it in a dramatic way.  The kind of dramatic that's way more dramtic than it should've been.  Not the good kind of dramatic.

East County News Service

Slideshow photo courtesy @CNN on Twitter

July 17, 2016 (Baton Rouge, La.) - Three police officers and one shooter are dead and three officers are wounded in a shooting in the latest incident of police violence, this time in the capital of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, this morning, CNN reports.

By Dick Rogers

July 16, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - This year's camping experience starts on July 24th with the Traditional Barbeque hosted by the El Cajon Valley Host Lions club. 

By Jonathan Goetz

July 16, 2016 (Ankara) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has survived what he calls a coup attempt. Military officials who closed a CNN office were arrested by police, who guarded the military men in custody from an angry crowd. 161 people are confirmed dead as three bombs exploded at Parliament, which went into lockdown. 

By Randy Jordan

July 15, 2016 (Lakeside) - The Optimist Club of Lakeside Bulls Only Rodeo XXIII will be held at the Lakeside Rodeo Arena, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 15, and Saturday, July 16, 2016.

East County News Service

July 15, 2016 (La Mesa) - Annually, La Mesa Beautiful presents Spirit Awards to La Mesa residents who have been selected based on their beautiful spring landscapes.

By Janis Russell 

Source: County News Service

July 14, 2016 (Lakeside) - Are you ready for a challenge? El Capitan is arguably one of the most rugged and difficult trails in San Diego County. Bring a gallon of water and snacks, a hat, sunscreen and wear sturdy shoes for this very difficult 7-hour, 12-mile round-trip hike up to the top of El Cajon Mountain.

East County News Service

July 14, 2016 (Washington D.C.) - Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump has selected Indiana governor Mike Pence to be his vice presidential running mate.

East County News Service

Photo: Chrestin, Salwan, and Sinan pray at St. Peter’s Chaldean American Church in El Cajon, California.

July 14, 2016 (El Cajon) - In light of the conflict in the Middle East and drastic increase in hostility and persecution over the past 10-15 years, thousands of Chaldeans have fled Iraq and are now seeking refuge in the United States. Over the past 30 years, they have arrived impoverished and traumatized; and, today, over 40,000 Chaldeans reside in the city of El Cajon, California.

By Miriam Raftery

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July 13, 2016 (Lakeside) -- East County Magazine's show on KNSJ recently sat down with Ana Nita, an investigative journalist and activist who is working on a documentary about controversies involving a proposed sand mine that could have devastating consequences for people and wildlife in Lakeside's picturesque El Monte Valley.

She also discusses apparent conflicts of interest involving Michael Beck, a county planning commissioner with financial ties to the sand mining company, and has called for Beck to resign or be removed. 

As an update, after this interview aired, Supervisor Dianne Jacob's office advised us that she is asking County Counsel for advice on the appropriate way to handle Beck's conflict of interest issue.

By Miriam Raftery

July 13, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Captain Hank Turner from the Sheriff’s Rural Substation in Campo has reached out to address concerns raised by residents at recent public meetings regarding issues that arose during the Border Fire.

Those concerns have prompted two avenues for potential  reforms:  an internal investigation regarding a search for two missing people found dead 10 days after the fire, and an action report  on a broader set of issues, along with recommendations forchanges for the future.

“I’ve lived in East County most of my life. I’m glad to be working out here; my kids go to school with the people out here, and if a fire hits, I’m not living in La Jolla,” Captain Turner told East County Magazine. “I’m living out here and I’m going to be working out here during the fires.”