By Preston Brown

Photo: Preston Brown, copyright (c) 2019

July 23, 2019, (San Diego’s East County) -- Recently at the Board of Supervisors hearing on the Otay Ranch V14 Project, “Adara," all the issues of land use in the wildland urban interface (WUI), environmental protection, conservation, urban planning, housing sprawl, fire safety and the County process for granting approval came together in this one project proposal for Proctor Valley in the Jamul Dulzura Sub Area Plan jurisdiction. 

Some people have a knack for hitting the bull’s eye. That would be our Supervisor Dianne Jacob of the 2nd District. Dianne spoke first and her first question was this. ‘Do you folks have any fire insurance?’ ‘Have you been able to get fire insurance?’ This was a memorable moment. The room just froze. A proposal for 1,119 new high-density housing sprawl in a very high fire prone area in California and no one had thought about fire insurance.

Updated July 23, 2019 with comments from Grossmont Center

By Miriam Raftery

July 22, 2019 (La Mesa) – At tomorrow night’s 6 p.m. meeting, the La Mesa City Council is expected to decide on the future of the city’s farmer’s market, following a rift in the community over the market’s location and who should run the popular event.

The city received four proposals, but one applicant, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, has withdrawn its bid and endorsed a proposal submitted by Grossmont Center. “The Chamber is all about serving our members and our community and that is why we took this path,” Chamber President and CEO Mary England told ECM in an email tonight.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

July 22, 2019 (San Diego) - The sun is shining, but weather forecasts say summer storms could possibly create heavy rains and flooding in the mountains and deserts this week, meaning this could be a good time to stock up on free sandbags.

Source: California Attorney General

Photo: Creative Commons

July 22, 2019 (Sacramento ) -- California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced a nationwide settlement against Equifax resolving allegations that the credit reporting agency improperly exposed the personal information of 147 million consumers, including 15 million Californians, after a massive data breach in 2017. 

Update July 25:  The State has announced it does not have enough women or Latino applicants and is actively seeking more applicants to assure a balanced commisson.

By Chris Jennewein

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

Photo:  Eligible voters are urged to register at a Democratic rally in 2018. Photo by Chris Stone

July 21, 2019 (San Diego) - Concerned about the political gerrymandering that is the norm across much of the United States?  

You can do your part to make California different by applying for one of the 14 seats on the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission.

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

July 21, 2019 (San Diego) - San Diego County Parks and Recreation on Friday opened four new cabins built to be accessible to people with mobility challenges at Dos Picos County Park in Ramona, making it easier for nature lovers of all abilities to stay overnight.

East County News Service

July 20, 2019 (Spring Valley) - Christian Rods & Customs Car Club announces its 20th Annual “Classic Car Show” to be held on Saturday, August 24th, 2019 from 9am until 2pm at Faith Chapel located at 9400 Campo Road in Spring Valley. Pre-registration fee of $25 due by August 20th or $30 day of show. The first 100 registrants will receive a dash plaque, T-Shirt, goodie bag and raffle ticket. All cars, trucks & bikes welcome! No year or model limits!

By Mimi Pollack

July 19, 2019 (La Mesa) - There is nothing better than to see a labor of love come to its fruition.  After six incarnations, the musical play, 33 1/3 House of Dreams, will be presented at the SD REP during the month of August. It is a “dream come true” for Jonathan Rosenberg and Dr. Brad Ross. The history ofhow this play came about is also interesting.

It all started at the dentist’s office. Since 1989, San Carlos dentist, Dr. Brad Ross, has been and continues to beJonathan Rosenberg’s dentist. For many years, they shared a cordial professional relationship. Ross knew that Rosenberg was a special education teacher/psychologist in La Mesa, but it took some years for him to discover that Rosenberg was also a musician and music historian.

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

July 19, 2019 (San Diego) - An employee at the San Diego International Airport has been diagnosed with infectious pulmonary tuberculosis but poses an extremely low exposure risk to the public and staff at the airport, according to San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency officials.

East County News Service

July 19, 2019 (El Cajon) -- Robert Gehr sent in this photo of a native Cottontail Rabbit spotted near city hall in downtown El Cajon.  Winter rains have encouraged growth in grasses and native wildlife that rely on grasses for feed and habitat.

Remember to avoid use of chemical pesticides on your grass, which can also harm cute critters like this one!

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

July 19, 2019 (San Diego) - The public can give input on whether the County should buy and sell electricity during four informational forums set for coming weeks.

Board supervisors started exploring the idea of starting a community choice energy program, also known as community choice aggregation, in February.

Published since 2008. Copyright 2019 by Sam Warren,SDWriteWay@gmail.com

"Of those who say nothing, few are silent." --Thomas Neiel

SCROLL DOWN FOR A LIST OF BOOK EVENTS

July 18, 2019 (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.

• Trump Says U.S. Navy Ship Shot Down Iranian Drone (Newsweek)
• Outdated software could make new voting systems vulnerable to hackers (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Trump administration files regulation that could dramatically limit asylum claims (10 News)
• Refugee mothers separated at border to sue Trump administration for $3 million each (San Diego Union-Tribune
• House holds Barr and Ross in contempt (New York Times)
• Where the candidates stand on issues (Politico)
• U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta resigns amid questions about handling of Epstein case (CBS News)
• …Trump administration agrees to independent investigation of health conditions for children at border facilities  (CNN)
• The Trump Administration Is Making Immigrant Parents Pay $800 for DNA Tests to Get Their Kids Back  (Yahoo news)

WORLD

• France's Macron to speak to Rouhani, Putin and Trump to ease Iran tension (Reuters)
• Israel says EU's response on Iran recalls Nazi appeasement (Reuters) Radiation in parts of the Marshall Islands is far higher than Chernobyl, study says  (Los Angeles Times)
• Man screams ‘die!’ as he sets fire to Japanese cartoon studio, police say, killing at least 20 (Washington Post)
• Italy seizes weapons, missile, Nazi plaques (ABC)

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