East County News Service

May 2, 2019 (Ramona) -- A new, one-of-a-kind immersive arts festival is coming to Ramona this summer and will provide attendees the opportunity to explore hands-on creative activities.

Sponsors of the event are the non-profit organizations 2Create Gallery and The Art Center of Ramona, both located at 438 Main St., Ramona, Calif.

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 2, 2019 (San Diego) - Along with continuing to urge parents to ensure their infants are vaccinated, San Diego County public health officials are advising adults to be aware of their inoculation history and records.

Source:  SDSU

May 1, 2019 (San Diego) - On Wednesday, May 1, at 2:35 p.m., a suspect was arrested on allegations of making criminal threats via Snapchat toward a member of San Diego State University’s black community. The suspect, an SDSU student not currently enrolled in classes, was identified by the University Police Department within 48 hours after being notified of the incident. Officers immediately began investigating the incident and worked quickly to identify the suspect based on his description in the video and social media account handle. The suspect has been identified as Martin J. Ruiz.

Source:  City of La Mesa

May 1, 2019 (La Mesa) - The City of La Mesa invites the public to participate in the Livable La Mesa project by attending upcoming community action planning sessions. After collecting feedback from the community, La Mesa residents have prioritized the following domain topics for the La Mesa Age-Friendly Communities Action Plan: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social & Civic Participation, Community Information, and Health & Wellness. All action planning sessions are open to the public.  Residents are encouraged to attend any session for the topic areas that are important to them. Light refreshments will be provided.

Source:  MTRP

May 1, 2019 (San Diego) - Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) has a series of events coming up in May, from a Kumeyaay ethnobotany presentation to star parties, guided hikes, a live hawk demonstration and more.  Scroll down for details.  Plus, the annual MTRP photo competition ends May 3rd and will be on display starting May 11. Click here for more information.

East County News Service 

May 1, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Spring is here – time to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. The County is offering a series of special hikes in county parks, from leisurely strolls to a rugged “Warrior hike challenge” up El Capitan.

Find details below provided by County Parks: 

Thousands turn out at vigil to commemorate victims of Chabad synagogue 

By Miriam Raftery

May 1, 2019 (Poway) – District Attorney Summer Stephan has said she may pursue the death penalty against John T. Earnest, 19, who is accused of one count of murder with special circumstances for a hate crime and three counts of attempted murder when he opened fire inside the Chabad of Poway synagogue Saturday during a Passover celebration. He is also charged with arson at a house of worship for setting fire to the Islamic Center of Escondido.

By Donald H. Harrison

Reprinted with permission from San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Network

April 30, 2019 (La Mesa) - Sherman C. Grable, a Methodist from Ohio who evidently knew his Hebrew Scriptures quite well, purchased hundreds of acres of land here in 1906 and decided thereafter to offer to potential settlers a view that the Prophet Moses might envy.

By Chuck Carter

Outbid contractor claims irregularities with bid process

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

April 30, 2019 (El Cajon) - A $655,000 construction contract for a new modular building at Los Coches Creek Middle School  was awarded on March 26 to the son of Cajon Valley Union School District Board of Trustees President Tamara Otero.  In total, 37 contractors “pulled plans” for the project and eight actually submitted bids.

Prior to the vote Otero was asked by fellow board member Jill Barto, “It looks like….is this your husband’s company?” Hear audio. Otero replied, “No,” and immediately brushed off the question, saying the internet connection to her computer on the dais was disconnected. (Barto says she asked about the family connections but her phrase, “and your family” was masked by Otero’s response.)

Tamara Otero is the mother of Dryw Ortero, the owner of Otero Construction, Inc., State Contractors License #1025227, with offices located on the 8400 block of Magnolia Street in Santee. The young company has been in business less than two years, founded in April 2017.

East County News Service

April 29, 2019 (Poway)  -- In the wake of Saturday’s tragedy at Chabad of Poway, the San Diego Jewish community and its allies will gather at Poway High School (1550 Espola Rd., Poway) tonight at 6:30 p.m. to honor the victims and to stand together against anti-Semitism – and hate of all kinds.

In partnership with Poway Unified School District, the vigil is being convened by the Anti-Defamation League of San Diego County, Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Family Service of San Diego and Jewish Federation of San Diego County. The  Mayors of Poway and San Diego will speak, along with religious, law enforcement, civil rights and education leaders.

By Miriam Raftery

April 29, 2019 (Los Angeles) — A major outbreak of measles (or rubella) in Los Angeles and other U.S. cities could soon spread to San Diego, health officials warn. Here are fast facts you should know:

Aztecs suffer 5-1 loss on Sunday despite surrendering just one earned run

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

April 28, 2019 (Las Vegas) - The San Diego State baseball team fell victim to a pair of run-producing errors in a 5-1 loss at Earl E. Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Aztecs fall to 26-19 (11-9 Mountain West) on the year while UNLV captures a series win and improves its record to 25-20 (12-12 MW)

By Miriam Raftery

Photos: Lori Kaye, the sole fatality, and injured survivors Rabbi Ysroel Goldstein, Almog Perez, and Noya Dahan

Updated April 29 with information on Iraq War veteran Oscar Stewart, who chased the gunman out of the synagogue

April 28, 2019 (Poway) – When a gunman opened fire on unarmed worshippers and a rabbi inside the Chabad Congregation synagogue on Saturday, his victims displayed remarkable courage—saving many lives.  About 100 people were in the synagogue, but only four were struck, according to Sheriff Bill Gore.

 Lori Gilbert-Kaye, 60, a founding member of the synagogue, jumped between the gunman and Rabbi Ysroel Goldstein, sacrificing her own life to save the spiritual leader, CNN reports. She had come to say a Kaddish prayer for the dead for her late mother, but now the prayer will be recited in her memory.

Rabbi Goldstein raised his hands and bullets tore through his fingers.  ““I saw a group of children in the banquet hall, including my granddaughter,” he told NBC TV after surgery, “not even knowing that my fingers were blown off, I got the kids and everyone out of the sanctuary safely.”  Outside the sanctuary, despite his bloody wounds, the Rabbi continued to deliver his Passover message and told his congregation, “We are united.”