Dozens dead, estimates of injured range from 600 to nearly 1,200

Photo: Maryam Deuge and Mina Abdelahad want Iraq to have water, food, electricity, internet and jobs, and an end to widespread corruption

By Jonathan Goetz

October 4, 2019 (El Cajon) - “Over the last 24 hours all these people in Iraq are dying,” Mina Abdelahad told East County Magazine at an impromptu rally yesterday in downtown El Cajon following reports of brutal crackdowns on protesters in Baghdad.

Around 450 protesters gathered in El Cajon, home to tens of thousands of Iraqi immigrants and refugees. The local protesters stand in solidarity with demonstrators in Iraq and decried the violent crackdowns on protesters in Iraq that have injured between 600 and 1,200 people, killing 20 to 30 or more.

Abdelahad shows us graphic pictures on her phone: people carrying dead bodies, a child with a gunshot wound, and protesters weeping over a dead one-year-old girl. As of Thursday, Al-Jazeera put the death toll at 20, the Associated Press 33, CNN 22, Fox 31 and Reuters 27. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Centers for Disease Control

October 3, 2019 (Washington D.C.) – Biopsies of vapers’ damaged lungs reveal that inhaling chemicals through vaping is causing chemical burns, the Mayo Clinic reports, suggesting oils may not be the primary cause of serious lung damage and deaths linked to e-cigarettes and other vaping products. Meanwhile the Centers for Disease Control reports the number of serious injuries linked to vaping has soared to 1,080  including more than 100 in California, with 18 people dead as a result.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  Brush mouse, Peromyscus boylii

October 3, 2019 (Julian) - A brush mouse collected in routine monitoring in Julian has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus, prompting County officials to remind people to never sweep or vacuum up after rodents if they find them in their living spaces.

By Miriam Raftery

October 2, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features Oktoberfests in El Cajon and La Mesa, fall festivals in Jacumba and Jamul, Kids Care Fest in Lemon Grove, the Ramona Air Fair, Fall at the Farm and Julian’s Autumn Jubilee.

Plus, we have a preview of coming events including Ms. Smarty Plants Goes Batty at the Water Conservation Garden, La Mesa’s Fair Trade gift faire, a spooky campover at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, vocalist Lillian Palmer at Mission Trails Church, headliner shows at The Magnolia Center in El Cajon, a chamber music series at Cuyamaca College, the Borrego Days desert festival and parade, Pints 4 the Park in Borrego Springs, a Spooky Camp-O-Ween at Lake Jennings, a Green Homes tour, Haunt Fest on Main in El Cajon,  Halloween costume contests for people and dogs at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center, and Trunk or Treat in downtown El Cajon.

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

By Miriam Raftery

October 2, 2019 (Sacramento) - After passing both houses of the California Legislature unanimously, Senate Bill 22 is now awaiting action by Governor Gavin Newsom.  If signed into law, the measure will require law enforcement agencies and forensic labs to expedite the handling, analysis and testing of rape kit evidence.

By Miriam Raftery

October 2, 2019 (Washington D.C.) – A New York Times report based on interviews with a dozen White House officials describe disturbing statements by President Donald Trump last March, when he repeatedly pressed aides to take illegal actions toward migrants before ultimately ordering the border shut down. 

“Privately, the president had often talked about fortifying a border wall with a water-filled trench, stocked with snakes or alligators, prompting aides to seek a cost estimate. He wanted the wall electrified, with spikes on top that would pierce human flesh,” the Times reports. “After publicly suggesting that soldiers shoot migrants if they threw rocks, the president backed off when his staff told hm that was illegal But later in a meeting, aides recalled, he suggested that they shoot migrants in the legs to slow them down. That’s not allowed either, they told him.”

Trump attacked the Times report in a Tweet, calling it “fake news” and misspelling “moat” as “moot.”

Source: SDG&E

Photo: SDG&E air crane and helicopters help fight fires

October 1, 2019 (San Diego) – As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen wildfire preparedness and prevention in the region, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) has formed the SDG&E Wildfire Safety Community Advisory Council, a group of diverse local leaders from public safety, tribal government, business, nonprofit, and academic organizations who will provide feedback and recommendations on how SDG&E can continue to protect the region from wildfires.

Earlybird ticket rates extended to Oct. 2 for our Oct. 5 fiesta

East County Magazine and our East County Dining Club invite you to party hearty at our 

FALL FIESTA!

When: Saturday, October 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where:  D&S Farms, home of Granite Lion Cellars Winery

                                                                     (in their shaded oak grove at 2801 Jamul Highlands, Jamul)

• Catered dinner from La Loteria de Jamul (choice of entrees: chicken poblano or fish in jalapeño/pineapple sauce, plus apple salad, ceviche, chips and salsa, potatoes, roasted vegetables, avocado aioli, and churro)
• Music by Sergio D. Tala (Spanish, Caribbean, rhumba and flamenco. Ole!)
• Wine tasting, wine by the glass available
• Prizes galore, festive fun and more! Prizes include:  $300 gift basket from E-Med spa (facial and skincare products), $200 gift basket from Ava Hair Salon, gift certificates from La Loteria del Jamul,  Round Table Pizza, Home Depot and others, original wine-themed art by Annette Cirillo, purse with fringe and rhinestones, wine lovers' gifts, jewelry and more.

Cost: $33 with RSVP by Oct. 2,  $38 after Oct. 2 (if not sold out); designated driver/no alcohol $28

Tickets:  Click arrow below for menu of ticket options to pay via credit card or Paypal:

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

October 1, 2019 (Lakeside) -- Is it time for a Halloween showing of the comedy-horror flick “Slaughterhouse,” filmed in Lakeside in 1987? 

Many would say no.  Others, fans that are into the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie-genre, might say yes. 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 30, 2019 (San Diego) - The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced "Not Every Hero Wears a Cape, Plan and Practice Your Escape!" as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2019. This year’s campaign recognizes the everyday people who motivate their households to develop and practice a home fire escape plan; these seemingly basic behaviors can have life-saving impact.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  President Trump and Congressman Adam Schiff, whom Trump accused of “treason” for chairing an impeachment inquiry

September 30, 2019 – Attorneys for the whistleblower whose complaint launched an impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump have sent letters to the Acting Director of National Intelligence and to Chairs of the House and Senate intelligence committees requesting federal protection for their client.  The letter cites overt threats made by the President calling for the death of whistleblowers and leakers. On Sept. 26, Trump stated during a meeting with United Nations leaders caught on tape by the Los Angeles Times:

"I believe we need more independents in Congress because  parties are so mired in their fighting…they’re not representing the country. I value our community, and I want to serve the country.”  -- Helen Horvath, mliitary veteran, federal consultant and Alpine resident

By Miriam Raftery

September 29, 2019 (San Diego) – Like many voters, Helen Horvath is an independent whose views on key issues cross political aisles. She’s a fiscal conservative who wants to use her expertise to cut the national debt, but also believes we need to move toward a clean energy future and protect women’s rights, while taking a moderate stance on gun issues. She supports strong border security while also showing compassion for refugees fleeing violence, and pledges to be a strong voice for military families and veterans.

Now she’s entered the 50^th Congressional district race, vying against indicted Rep. Duncan Hunter,  Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar, conservative talk show host Carl DeMaio, former Rep. Darrell Issa and State Senator Brian Jones. (Note: the latter two entered the race this week, after our interview).

Hear our interview: In an interview originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM radio last month, Horvath shared her thoughts in depth. Listen to the full interview by clicking the audio link,  and scroll down for highlights.