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.

Source: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

May 6, 2019 (Washington D.C.) -- For illegal robocallers, the goal isn't always getting you to answer. Sometimes, it's getting you to call back.

Every so often, your phone may ring once and then stop. If that happens to you, and you do not recognize the number, do not return the call. You may be the target of a "one-ring" phone scam.

East County News Service

May 5, 2019 (San Diego) - San Diego River Days is back for its 16th year with a full calendar of interactive activities; including hikes, bike rides, volunteer projects, bird walks, animal tracking adventures, open houses, tours, artists painting, a star party, fishing, a full moon hike and much more.

By Miriam Raftery

May 5, 2019 (Santa Ysabel) – You’re invited to bring Dad to a Father’s Day pit barbecue on June 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic 200-year-old Santa Ysabel Indian Mission (23013 State Route 79 in Santa Ysabel).  Contests will be held for best cowboy hats, boot and mustaches.  There will also be entertainment, vendors, a 50/50 raffle, barbecue ($10 a plate), beer, wine and sodas.

Tickets will be sold at the door, or in advance after mass.  Interested vendors can call (760) 765-0810 or (858) 335-3313. 

SDSU sweeps Bulldogs for first time in program history

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

May 5, 2019 (San Diego) - Kelsey Munoz capped a four-run fifth inning with a bases loaded double to lead San Diego State to a 4-2 win and series sweep over Fresno State Sunday afternoon at SDSU Softball Stadium.

East County New Service

May 4, 2019 (El Cajon) – It’s been 50 years since the Beatles completed their final album, Abbey Road, in 1969.  In honor of the anniversary, a 50th Abbey Road Concert will be held Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon, 500 Farragut Circle, El Cajon.

By Miriam Raftery

May 3, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – A 14-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle in front of San Miguel Elementary School in Lemon Grove this evening at 6:19 p.m.  He was transported via ambulance to Rady Children’s Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, says Sergeant Aaron Montan with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.

Byrd doubles with two outs in the bottom of the seventh

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

May 3, 2019 (San Diego) - Katie Byrd (Santee, Calif./West Hills HS) drilled a two-out double in the bottom of the seventh inning to score Katie Parker from second base and give San Diego State a 1-0 victory over Fresno State Friday night at SDSU Softball Stadium.

By Miriam Raftery

May 2, 2019 (El Cajon) – The vacancy left on the El Cajon City Council by the resignation of Ben Kalasho has generated strong community interest.  Applications have been received from 22 residents, all seeking to fill the seat. They range from prominent individuals including a former mayor to community activists, members of the planning commission, and a retired police officer who received a Medal of Valor. They bring a diverse range of views and visions for  El Cajon as well.

The City Council will interview applicants at the May 14 meeting at 7 p.m.  Earlier, at the 3 p.m. meeting, Council members will discuss procedures for choosing the next Councilmember, who will fill the at-large seat held by Kalasho until the 2020 election.

The applicants are, in alphabetical order, are listed below along with highlights from their applications: