By Donald H. Harrison

Originally published at San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Network

May 9, 2019 (San Diego) - At Admiral Baker Field, home to two side-by-side golf courses, one anticipates an occasional “birdie” or an “eagle.” However, here you will also encounter herons, egrets, coots and other birds. The golf courses featuring a pair of artificial lakes created from the San Diego River also are frequented by deer, fox, coyote, bobcat and, very rarely, mountain lion.

May 8, 2019 (Sacramento) -- Insured losses from the most destructive wildfire month in California’s history climbed $614 million in the first three months of the year, pushing total claims over $12 billion as of April. The increase in claims came as homeowners and businesses continue to assess damages from the Camp Fire in Paradise and Butte County and the Woolsey and Hill Fires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

East County News Service

May 8, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- The merry month of May continues with activities including San DIego River Days, the Manzanita High Mountain Rendezvous, Salsa y Salsa Festival in Lemon Grove, Lilac Festival in Santa Ysabel, Sky tours in Julian, Musica En La Plaza in Escondido, a jazz concert at Mission Trails Church, Open Farm Day at Oasis Camel Dairy, A Taste of Julian, America on Main Street Festival in El Cajon, America on Main Street, Wild in the Country at Lions Tigers and Bears, a Gunsmoke fundraiser for a local Lions Club in El Cajon, El Cajon’s dinner and a concert, Classic Cruise Night’s centennial season in downtown El Cajon, the San Diego Vintner’s Association Wine Festival, a hike across the Santa Ysabel Preserve, a Mount Laguna Living History event, the Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Contest, a Memorial Day Warrior HIke Challenge in El Capitan Preserve, Visions of Broadway: a presentation by Kidz Danz Kompany and the Lavender Festival at Summers Past Farms.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

May 8, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• Sacramento Report: These State Bills Would Only Impact San Diego (Voice of San Diego)
• County Supervisors Reject SANDAG’s Big Move (Voice of San Diego)
• Rep. Hunter advocated for a fugitive using language nearly identical to that of a Russian lobbyist, according to government watchdog (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Alleged victims describe horror of being secretly video recorded at Sharp Grossmont hospital (10 News)
• La Mesa drafts ordinance regulating scooter, bike companies (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Major project moves along at Santee Lakes (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Suspect in Poway synagogue shooting expected to face federal hate crime charges (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• La Mesa’s trash rates about to go up  (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Six days after shooting, hundreds gather for Shabbat at Chabad of Poway (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• After Decades Marked by Sameness, the Board of Supervisors Is Changing Rapidly (Voice of San Diego)
• How San Diego Agencies Are Grappling With Domestic Terror Threats (Voice of San Diego)

STATE

• State reviewing Catholic dioceses’ policies on reporting sex abuse (San Francisco Chronicle)
• Census offices are being cut across the country — and California is losing 24 (Sacramento Bee)
• Medical Cannabis Patients Could Use The Drug At Hospitals Under New California Bill (Capitol Public Radio)
• California sends bill requiring presidential candidates' tax returns to governor's desk (CNN)

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

By Miriam Raftery

May 8, 2019 (Jamul) – On Tuesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m., the Jamul-Dulzura Community Planning Group agenda includes a proposed general plan amendment for Otay Ranch Village 14 and Planning Areas 16 and 19, prior to County Supervisors upcoming June 26 hearing. (Note, the county rescheduled its May 22 hearing to June 26.)

The project would include homes, a school, recreational facilities and more on property in the Otay Ranch area as well as land between Jamul and Chula Vista. Concerns have been raised by school districts, tribes, environmentalists and the Jamul-Dulzura Planning Group.  

The Jamul-Dulzura Planning Group’s agenda also includes an update on the Jamul Casino, a General Plan clean-up process and officers’ reports.  

See the full agenda below.

May 8, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

• Religious freedom' rule could cause 'significant damage' to LGBTQ health care, advocates say (NBC)
• Uber and Lyft drivers strike for pay transparency — after algorithms made it harder to understand (Washington Post)
•  U.S. reports 60 new measles cases in worst outbreak since 1994 (Reuters)
• 77% of Americans say kids should get measles shot even if parents object: Reuters Poll
• Suicide attempts using poison have surged among young people, particularly girls  (Washington Post) 

SCIENCE AND TECH

• Scientists warn a million species at risk of extinction (Reuters)
• Alexa has been eavesdropping on you this whole time (Washington Post)
•   Traces of Cocaine, Pesticides Detected In U.K. Shrimp   (NPR)
• Gas that makes a mountain breathe fire  is turning up around the world (New York Times)

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

By Ken Stone

Reprinted with permission from Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association 

Photo:  President Trump during a national address.  Image via CNN broadcast 

May 8, 2019 (San Diego) - Retired attorney Robert “Bob” Ross says lawyers have a hard time agreeing to sign anything “where they aren’t able to make amendments or change words.”

But Rose — and at least seven other former San Diego federal prosecutors — did just that when they agreed to add their names to an open letter that said Donald Trump would face “multiple felony charges for obstruction of justice” if he weren’t president.

“But for the OLC memo, the overwhelming weight of professional judgment would come down in favor of prosecution for the conduct outlined in the Mueller Report,” said a Department of Justice “alumni statement” posted Monday on Medium.

As of Tuesday, it had about 700 signatories.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC by SA

May 8, 2019 (San Diego) – If you need a ride today, you may need to call a taxi or catch a trolley. Uber and Lyft drivers across San Diego County are taking part in a nationwide strike for higher wages and more transparency from the ride-sharing companies.

Some 5,000  southern California drivers plan to turn off their apps today, according to Rideshare Drivers United. Picketing and a rally are also planned at Lindbergh Field’s Terminal 1 today.

The drivers are protesting Uber’s announced pan to slash per-mile compensation from 80 cents to 60 cents. They also want both companies to guarantee a $28 minimum wage to drivers, who use and maintain their own vehicles, paying for gas themselves. 

By Miriam Raftery

May 7, 2019 (Escondido) – Over 25 San Diego County wineries including national and international award-winners will participate in the 2019 Wine Festival.  Hosted by the San Diego County Vintner’s Association, this year’s event will be at Sikes Adobe, a historic farmstead in Escondido (12655 Sunset Dr.) on Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The festival also includes live music, a silent auction and opportunities to buy wines. Food wil be available from the Quick Stop Grill food truck.  Attendees will discover the array of varietals produced county wide and connect with the wine makers, learn more about their craft and San Diego County’s thriving wine community.

“Our annual wine festival is the perfect environment to showcase the unique and varied varietals produced throughout the region,” said San Diego County Vintners Association President Ed Embly, owner of Hungry Hawk Vineyards in Escondido.  “The festival gives our wineries the opportunity to showcase their best wines to fellow wine enthusiasts who are eager to learn more about our growing wine region.”

Aztecs top Cougars in first meeting since 2015

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

May 6, 2019 (San Diego) - The San Diego State baseball team extended its win streak to four with a 10-5 win over No. NR/25 Brigham Young on Monday night at Tony Gwynn Stadium. The Aztecs improve to 30-19 on the year, while the Cougars drop to 31-13. 

By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine

May 6, 2019 (El Cajon) – Cajon Valley Union School District Superintendent David Miyashiro, Ed.D., sent a blistering editorial in an e-mail to East County Magazine, board members and others blasting our article on board President Tamara Otero’s failure to disclose that her son owned a company that received a $665,000 contract.   He did not list any actions planned to address Otero’s lack of disclosure and transparency.

By Jose A. Alvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 6, 2019 (San Diego) - On average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States.

Do you know what to do if someone is having a stroke? If you don’t, you’ll have an opportunity to learn during a stroke awareness event at Petco Park.