By Lauren Groff

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels

March 3, 2021 (San Diego) - In recent years, virtual events have been more evident. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events have been the saving grace for people looking to get together during periods of quarantine. Not only do such events save people time and money (when it comes to the planning), but they also make meetups easier for companies, organizations, etc. 

Although virtual meetups pose a unique set of challenges, such events can still be engaging and exciting for everyone involved. By making a virtual event engaging, attendees are more willing to see what future events you’ll have in store next.

Here are 8 innovative ways to create a truly engaging virtual experience that attendees will enjoy:

By Katie Cadiao, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  a COVID-19 vaccine is administered at the Vaccination Super Station at Petco Park

March 1, 2021 (San Diego) - Beginning tomorrow, San Diegans who work in emergency services, child care and education, food handling and agriculture can sign up for COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Those making appointments will be required to show a photo ID and proof of eligibility. Please keep in mind that vaccine supplies are still limited, so patience is required over the next several weeks.

Aztecs' Brian Leonhardt combines for six RBIs on the day

Source:  goaztecs.com

Video courtesy goaztecs.com

March 1, 2021 (La Jolla) - San Diego State closed out its weekend series in style, winning both games of a doubleheader against UC San Diego on Sunday at Triton Ballpark. The Aztecs opened with a 7-5 triumph in 11 innings before recording a 13-6 conquest in the nightcap.

UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK MAN, by Emmanuel Acho (Flatiron Books, New York, NY, 2020, 244 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

February 28, 2021 (San Diego) - Emmanuel Acho believes the only way to cure our nation’s oldest disease – racism – starts with a profound, revolutionary idea: actually talking to one another. No, seriously. Until it gets uncomfortable … and then some!

In Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, “An Oprah Book”, Acho connects his own experience with race and racism – including his majority – white prep school education juxtaposed with his time in majority – black NFL locker rooms – with the lessons of history, culture, and the wisdom of other voices. The result is an essential guide to the conversations we should all be having to increase our understanding and join the anti-racist fight.

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2021(Washington D.C.) – By a 219-212 margin without a single Republican vote, the House of Representative today passed a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill called the “American Rescue Plan.”    

The bill aims to get money immediately into the hands of those  most in need. It includes stimulus payments of up to $1,400 per individual or $2,800 per married couple, as well as an extra $400 a week in unemployment benefits that Democrats aim to pass before unemployment extensions run out March 14.  Funds are also provided for vaccine distribution, rental assistance, reopening schools, and aid to local governments hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The measure contains many other forms of relief, ranging from food bank funding to aid for struggling farmers. View full text of the bill.

By Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  Christopher Paul Parkhurst. Photo via @SDSheriff Twitter

February 27, 2021 (Dulzura) - County authorities on Friday said they have found the remains of Christopher Paul Parkhurst, 47, who was reported missing in early January, sparking an intensive search.

East County News Service

February 27, 2021 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police detectives are investigating an apparent homicide which is believed to have occurred yesterday. At approximately 4:11 am, ECPD received a call from a citizen reporting gun shots in the 800 block of S. Magnolia. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate a crime scene at that time. 

Around 11: 34 a.m., the victim’s girlfriend returned home and found the victim deceased inside their apartment. 

“The victim appears to have been shot at least one time. The suspect is unknown at this time,” says Lt. Keith MacArthur.

The victim’s information is being withheld pending notification of family.

AMERICAN KOMPROMAT: How the KGB Cultivated Donald Trump, and Related Tales of Sex, Greed, Power, and Treachery, by Craig Unger (Dutton, New York, NY, 2021, 345 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

February 25, 2021 (San Diego) - Craig Unger, author of the New York Times bestselling book, House of Trump, House of Putin, has written an explosive and provocative book that is destined to be another bestseller; American Kompromat. Unger asks; “Was Donald Trump a Russian asset? Just how compromised was he?” There are certain aspects of this book that reminds me of Robert Ludlum’s The Matarese Circle, which was also published by Unger’s publisher.

Listen to our exclusive interview with the author on our "East County Magazine Live!" radio show by clicking here.

This is a story of dirty secrets, and the most powerful people in the world. It has been quoted as stating: “Damning in its accumulation of detail, terrifying  in its depiction of the pure evil of those Trump chose to do business with.” I couldn’t put the book down!

Photo:  The Sharp vaccination super station at Grossmont Center in La Mesa. Photo by Chris Stone

February 25, 2021 (San Diego) - San Diego County health officials announced Wednesday that vaccinations of teachers and other essential workers will begin Saturday because most seniors have received a dose and appointments are opening up.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC-NC-ND

February 24, 2021 (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden has announced major actions and new funding to help bring pandemic relief to small businesses with less than 20 workers,  sole proprietors,  independent contractors and minority-owned enterprises.

Starting today and for the next 14 days, only businesses with less than 20 employees can apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, which don’t have to be repaid provided 60% of the loan is spent on payroll and the rest on other qualified expenses. This opportunity will cover 98% of all small businesses in America.

The White House is also revamping guidelines to make more business owners eligible, including those with student loan debts and business owners who are legal residents but not citizens.

By Alexa Oslowski 

Photo by Jake Rose:  suspect exits arson fire at Randall Lamb Building during May 30-31 riot in La Mesa

February 23, 2021 (La Mesa) - The long-anticipated independent report on the La Mesa Police and city’s responses to the May 30-31, 2020 riots was released and reviewed at the January 26 City Council meeting. The creation of the report included briefings from the City Council, City officials, the La Mesa Police Department (LMPD) Heartland Fire and Rescue Department, the Citizen Public Safety Oversight Task Force as well as community outreach, as ECM previously reported.

February 23, 2021  (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.

• The Texas grid got crushed because its operators didn’t see the need to prepare for cold weather  (Washington Post)
• Biden says US is securing 600 million vaccine doses by July (10 News)
• “I Don’t Trust the People Above Me”: Riot Squad Cops Open Up About Disastrous Response to Capitol Insurrection (Pro Publica)
• Migrant parents separated from children since 2018 are reunited at LAX (Los Angeles Times)
• Capitol Police Officer Who Led Rioters Away Gets Congressional Gold Medal
• Biden’s Civilian Climate Corps comes straight out of the New Deal (Grist)
• Montana senator says he'll 'block' Deb Haaland's Interior nomination (Indian Country Today)
• Someone tried to poison a Florida city’s water supply during hack (Tampa Bay)
• Biden says women dropping out of workforce, closed schools are "national emergency" (CBS)
• House votes to remove Marjorie Taylor Greene from committee assignments (CNN)

WORLD

• U.S. officially rejoins the Paris climate accord (CNN)
• Israel reopens for business after half the nation has Covid jab – but you need ‘vaccine passport’ app to visit the gym (The Sun)
• Iran produces uranium metal, IAEA says, in latest breach of deal (Reuters)
• Sudan says Ethiopian forces crossed border, raising tensions
• European rights advocate asks Russia to explain police action over protests (Reuters)
  
   

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

By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 22, 2021 (Lemon Grove/Otay Mesa) - New COVID-19 vaccinations sites are opening in Lemon Grove and Otay Mesa, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.