By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2017 (Washington D.C.) — Just two weeks after a court blocked merger of insurance giants Aetna and Humana, the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. has blocked another major insurance merger. This time, the court halted Anthem’s proposed merger with Cigna, the Wall Street Journal reports.  The court sided with California and 11 other states, as well as the Obama Justice Department, which had argued that the merger would reduce price competition and lower the quality of healthcare.

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2017 (San Diego) – Immigration raids in cities across the nation conducted since Friday are striking fear among immigrant communities.  Although the Trump administration has claimed the sweeps are routine, some of those picked up for deportation have no criminal backgrounds, belying President Donald Trump’s post-election promise to focus on criminals.

By Mate Garner, originally from https://www.scruffypuppyco.com/blogs/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-hiking-with-your-dog-1

February 11, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - Most dogs love hiking outdoors as much as humans. It's a great workout for both of you, but they also enjoy countless new smells they can sniff. It's important to be prepared for your hike so you have a safe, relaxing adventure with your pup. 

East County News Service

February 11, 2017 (Jamul) - The San Diego Blood Bank will accept blood donations at Hollywood Casino ‑ Jamul on Friday, February 17, 2017 from  1:30 pm ‑  7 pm.  The drive will be held at  14145 Campo Road, Jamul, in Training Rooms 1 & 2

By Sam Warren, Editor, San Diego Writeway

Copyright 2017 by Sam Warren

February 11, 2017 (San Diego) – From a comic convention to author signings to an event with a Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, you’ll find many great events for readers in San Warren’s Literary Calendar.  In addition, the Southern California Writers Conference is coming up—a perfect place for aspiring writers to learn more about the craft.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

February 11, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - The North Coastal Sheriff's Station and San Diego County Fugitive Task Force want your help in finding a man wanted on felony charges of identity theft and burglary. Chance Arnold Bowman, 37,  was previously convicted of I.D. Theft, stealing a car, possessing drugs and violating his parole. He is known to frequent the East County.

He was last seen driving an older model Silver Honda Civic with a red hood and red rear bumper.

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2017 (El Cajon) — In a closed-door session Thursday just before the 6 p.m. public meeting, the Grossmont Union High School District Board will discuss ongoing litigation over funds for an Alpine high school in a case filed by Alpine Union School District and Alpine taxpayers,  as well as a new lawsuit filed in January by San Diegans for Open Government alleging campaign violations by the district over school bond Proposition BB.  A conference with labor negotiators is also on the closed-session agenda.

By Helen Ofield, Lemon Grove Historical Society

By Mike Allen

February 10, 2017 (El Cajon) -- The homeless issue in El Cajon is apparently reaching the boiling point, judging from a Feb. 9 town hall meeting hosted by newly-elected City Councilman Ben Kalasho.

East County News Service

February 10, 2017 (Sacramento) -- California State Assemblymembers Kevin McCarty (D- Sacramento), Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D – San Diego) and Adrin Nazarian (D- Sherman Oaks) have introduced a legislative package that they say builds upon California’s efforts to welcome and successfully integrate refugees from around the world. This legislative package will help refugees access educational and employment resources necessary to become integrated and productive members of the community.

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Story and photo by Liz Alper

February 10, 2017 (San Diego) - San Diego State men's basketball returns home to play host to Nevada on Sunday.  Coach Steve Fisher and junior guard Trey Kell took the media's questions today.

By Miriam Raftery

February 9, 2017 (Poway) –Judge O'Rourke on the Fourth District Court of Appeal has issued a decision finding that Superior Court Judge Richard Strauss erred in not allowing 2007 wildfire survivor William Michael Hensley to present evidence of emotional distress damages.

According to the court decision, William Hensley was out of town when the wildfire forced his wife, Linda, and their daughter to evacuate.  Worried about their safety, he came home early and drove with Linda to a nearby location where they watched the fire burn houses close to theirs, fearing  that everything  had been lost.  Their house was damaged and a large grove of avocado trees burned down.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Dancers performed in front of ECPAC in its heydey.

February 9, 2017 (El Cajon) – The long-shuttered East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) may finally be reopened under management of Live Nation, which claims to be the global leader in live entertainment. According to the company’s website,  Live Nation operates in 7 nations, has produce shows in nearly 40 countries, and has a concert somewhere in the world every 20 minutes.

The El Cajon City Council will vote Tuesday, February 14^th at its 3 p.m. meeting on authorizing the City manager to negotiate a draft management agreement with Live Nation .  View agenda and attachments. 

By Miriam Raftery

February 9, 2017 (Seattle) – In a unanimous verdict in State of Washington v. Trump, a three-judge panel on the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against President Donald Trump and refused to reinstate a travel ban on refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim nations.  That means admission to the U.S. will resume for refugees  and for immigrants who are citizens of of Iran, Iraq, Libya Sudan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, as well as green card holders with permanent residency in the U.S.

In their decision, the judges wrote, “The Government has pointed to no evidence that any alien from any of the countries named in the Order has perpetrated a terrorist attack in the United States. Rather than present evidence to explain the need for the Executive Order, the Government has taken the position that we must not review its decision at all. We disagree…”

East County News Service

February 9, 2017 (Spring Valley) - Karamu, a celebration of  Black History Month, will be held February 25^th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the county library in Spring Valley at 836 Kempton Street from 1 to 3 p.m.  This event will include speakers, art, live entertainment, children’s activities and refreshments.