Scientists identified vulnerable site on multiple coronaviruses that could be targeted to prevent future pandemics

Source: Scripps Research

February 11, 2022 (La Jolla) -- The COVID-causing virus SARS-CoV-2 harbors a vulnerable site at the base of its spike protein that is found also on closely related coronaviruses, according to a new study from Scripps Research. The discovery, published Feb 8 in Science Translational Medicine, could inform the design of broad-acting vaccines and antibody therapies capable of stopping future coronavirus pandemics.

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, IAVI, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the San Diego Center for AIDS Research, the John and Mary Tu Foundation, and the James B. Pendleton Charitable Trust.

Leashes help to keep dogs & people safer by preventing bites, fights & traffic accidents!

Source:  City of La Mesa

February 11, 2022 (La Mesa) - La Mesa City leaders are reminding dog owners to be good neighbors by keeping their dogs on a leash, unless in a designated off-leash area. It's also the law. Leashes keep dogs and the people around them safer by preventing bites, fights and traffic accidents, as well as avoiding potentially dangerous encounters with snakes, coyotes, or other wild animals.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: 2020 Valley Fire in Alpine by Ryan Grothe

February 11, 2022 (Alpine) – The deadline for public comments has been extended to March 5 for the Alpine Community Plan Update and a proposed General Plan Amendment that would allow increased density on formerly protected lands in close proximity to Cleveland National Forest lands. A Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) has been prepared to analyze and disclose the environmental impacts of the project.

East County News Service

February 11, 2022 (San Diego) – Doyle Nyles Marler, 63, has died while in custody of a hospital guard unit while awaiting palliative care for a terminal illness.

Marler, was arrested on May 2, 2020 and charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Two months later, on July 24, 2020, he was committed to Patton State Hospital but never sent there, due to COVID-19 restrictions at the hospital. 

Source: City of La Mesa

February 10, 2022 (La Mesa) -- To help struggling La Mesa families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City announced today the expansion of the current Mortgage Assistance Program to also include rent payment relief for residents. Beginning Monday, February 14,  applications will be accepted for rental assistance.

By Miriam Raftery

February 9, 2022 (San Diego) – Last week, the California State Auditor affirmed that over 185 people have died in San Diego County jails from 2006-2020. Today, the People’s Association of Justice Advocates (PAJ) called for a racial breakdown of those deaths as well as data on how many of those who died ever came before a judge.

Story and photos by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson 

Feb. 9, 2022 (Santee)  -- Santee is putting out a dog whistle for all dog owners, dogs, and dog lovers to attend the up-and-coming Fidofest on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 550 Park Center Drive.

Fidofest will have a wide range of exhibitors, doggie adoptions, live entertainment, a doggie fun zone, “arfs”  and crafts, exciting demos, contests, and offer licensing, microchips, and vaccinations.

This is the city’s sixth annual dog festival.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo credit:  San Diego County

February 8, 2022 (San Diego) – Senate Bill 866, the Teens Choose Vaccines Act introduced on January 21 by California State Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat, would allow young people age 12 and up to receive vaccines for COVID-19 and other serious illnesses without parental consent. The bill, which is sparking conflicts among public health experts and parental choice advocates, has not yet been scheduled for hearing. 

East County News Service

February 7, 2022 (La Mesa) – A 32-year-old man died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash in a blue 2018 Hyundai Genesis early this morning on Fletcher Parkway east of Amaya in La  Mesa.  A male passenger, 29, was injured.

East County News Service

February 6, 2022 (El Cajon) — El Cajon Police seek information from the public on a collision that occurred around 2:55 a.m. in the 400 block of Vernon Way.  Officers found a black 2010 BMW with a man estimated to be in his late 20s or 30s dead in the driver’s seat.

East County News Service

Photo: CC by SA

February 6, 2022 (Sacramento) -- As homeowners across California continue to find their property insurance policies cancelled or struggle to find affordable, comprehensive property insurance, Assemblymember Marc Levine (D – Marin County) today announced legislation that will require mandatory issuance of homeowners’ insurance and establish a grant program to harden residential properties in areas prone to wildfires.

By Elijah McKee

February 5, 2022 (Lemon Grove) — “It always feels good to have people ask questions and comment on what I am creating,” says artist Maxx Moses on his personal website. “Most of the time they ask me ‘What is the meaning behind the concept?’ And my response is always…what do you see?”

East County News Service

February 4, 2022 (San Diego)—California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office has issued an alert warning consumers of dried plum fruit and candies containing “dangerous” levels of lead far above legal limits. His office also sent letters ordering retailers to immediately remove the products, including some marketed to children and several sold in the San Diego region.

Lead-tainted products sold in San Diego County include:

• El Chavito Saladitos Enchilados Salted Plums W/Chili

• El Leoncito Ponchin Saladitos con Chile/Dry Salted Plums with Chili

• El Super Leon Saladitos/Dry Salted Plums with Chili & Chamoy

• Hola Lobito Fresco Ciruela Salada Sabor Limon/Lemon Flavored Salted Plum

• La Fiesta Saladitos Con Chile/Salted Plums with Chili.