By Karen Pearlman

Photo:  Rabbi Scott Meltzer said his synagogue in San Diego has twice been vandalized with antisemitic graffiti.   

March 26, 2025 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon City Council took a step toward condemning hate by unanimously voting for a resolution to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Working Definition of Antisemitism.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

March 26, 2025 (San Diego) - Have you ever wanted to speak about an issue at a San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting?

By Miriam Raftery

March 25, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Today, the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) for the Water Conservation will meet to weigh opens for long-term funding and stability of the Garden at Cuyamaca College.

At its Feb. 25 meeting, the board discussed future funding options after the City of San Diego’s representative Nicole Beaulieu DeSantis announced intent for San Diego to withdraw from the JPA in light of the city’s budget crisis. Helix and Otay water district representatives voiced optimism that their agencies will likely be able to fill the funding gap left by San Diego’s departure and avert having other agencies leave the JPA.

Prepare for a rollicking good time in Gilbert and Sullivan’s uproarious comic opera, brimming with endearing pirates, bumbling policemen, zany escapades, and delightfully ridiculous paradoxes.

 

By G. A. McNeeley 

Photos by Heather Longfellow

March 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera that was created by Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert. Directed and Choreographed by Melissa Glasgow, with Musical Direction by Patrick Marion, this is one show at the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre you won’t want to miss. 

By Tesa Balc, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  Rep. Sara Jacobs in her congressional office. (File photo courtesy of Jacobs’ office via Facebook)

March 24, 2025 (Jacumba) - A San Diego Democrat said Saturday that Republicans have told her they will not back President Donald Trump if he defies court orders.

Cesar Chavez passed away in 1993. Where are today’s heroes?

By  Dr. Sergio R. Conti, MPH

March 23, 2025 (El Cajon) -- I once asked a 12-year-old seventh grader who his Latin idol was. Without hesitation, he replied, “El Canelo Álvarez.” I explained to him that a hero is admired for their brave actions, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Heroes can emerge in history, literature, film, or real life. They are individuals who fight for justice, save lives, inspire others, or demonstrate extraordinary courage in the face of adversity. The boy looked at me thoughtfully and admitted he didn’t know anyone like that.

Eligible low-income residents aged 55, older may receive funds for housing

Source: City of La Mesa and Jewish Family Services

March 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa and Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) are launching the City’s first-ever Older Adult Rental Assistance Program, assisting seniors aged 55 and older who are at risk of homelessness. The program, operated by JFS, will provide 40 participants with a $500 monthly housing subsidy paid directly to their landlords for 12 months and individualized case management. Applications are being accepted beginning the last week of March. Priority will be given to applications filed by April 4.

According to the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, nearly half of unhoused Californians are 50 and older, and more than 41% are experiencing homelessness for the first time in their lives.

"With many seniors on fixed incomes challenged by increasing expenses, this program serves as a vital lifeline,” said La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis. “The program will help rent-burdened older adults in La Mesa maintain housing stability and financial security, allowing them to age in place with dignity.”

Source: California Attorney General's Office

March 21, 2025 (Oakland) - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert to customers of 23andMe, a genetic testing and information company. The California-based company has publicly reported that it is in financial distress and stated in securities filings that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue, which is a growing concern. Due to the trove of sensitive consumer data 23andMe has amassed, Attorney General Bonta reminds Californians of their right to direct the deletion of their genetic data under the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). Californians who want to invoke these rights can do so by going to 23andMe's website. 

East County News Service

March 21, 2025 (Valley Center) – Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call yesterday reporting that a family member who recently passed away was buried on the family property in the 29000 block of Paso Robles Road, Valley Center.  Deputies found a grave that appeared recent.

March 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s springtime in East County—the season for flower festivals, Easter egg hunts, Lakeside’s rodeo and Western Days Parade, outdoor roller skating at Viejas , an aerobatics competition in Borrego Springs, and bunny rides aboard a historic train in Campo.

This  April, you can also enjoy a roaring ‘20s party atop Mt. Helix for the  Mt. Helix Park’s centennial celebration, a Taste of Lakeside, a mystery dinner theater in El Cajon, plus a winetasting festival in Ramona.

Scroll down for details on these activities and more.

"We won't be silent as anti-public education politicians try to steal opportunities from our students, our families, and our communities to pay for tax cuts for billionaires," said the head of the nation's largest labor union.

By Brett Wilkins, Common Dreams

March 20, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) - U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday afternoon directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin the process of shutting down the Department of Education.

East County News Service

March 20, 2025 (Ramona) -- The Ramona Valley Vintners Association and the Ramona Chamber of Commerce invite you to Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival on Saturday, April 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona).

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 19, 2025 (San Diego) - On March 9^th we changed our clocks "back" for daylight savings. Did you change your smoke detector batteries and check their condition asks Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occurred in homes without working smoke alarms. Since most fatal fires occur at night, it’s essential that every home have working smoke alarms to provide an early warning.

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

Video by José Eli Villanueva:  prepare for a disaster with an emergency supplies kit, or “go bag.” When disaster strikes, often there are only a few minutes warning to evacuate. So, don’t wait until the warning comes, when you will likely be anxious and stressed, assemble your kit today and put it in a handy place to grab on your way out.

March 19, 2025 (San Diego) - Giving yourself and your family the best chance in a local disaster isn’t  just about luck, it’s about planning and preparing for various hazards to lower injuries, deaths and perhaps even damages.