Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

January 21, 2024 (San Diego) -- A Lovely Girl, the Tragedy of Olga Duncan and the Trial of One of California’s Most Notorious Killers tells of a 1958 murder as the evidence was collected. The story ends with the last woman to ever be executed in California.

Local author Deborah Holt Larkin tells her personal story. Larkin was 10 years old when Olga Duncan disappeared from her apartment in Santa Barbara, California. Larkin’s father, a reporter for the Ventura County Star Free-Press, covered the case and followed the story through all its court cases and final judgments.

Facility will house migrants,  serve as control center for enforcement  

By Michael Howard

An artist rendering of the new Dulzura Border Patrol facility slated to open in September 2024. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Border Patrol

January 20, 2024 (Dulzura, CA) –  A new $74 million U.S. Border Patrol station has begun construction and is slated to open in Dulzura next year, spokesperson Michael Scappechio said in an emailed statement this week.

“This new station will provide CBP law enforcement personnel with much-needed facilities, technologies, and other infrastructure carefully designed to meet the demands and challenges of an ever-evolving border environment,” Scappechio wrote.

The station will be used to process and house migrants short-term, as well as serve as a control center for border patrol enforcement activities. The facility sits on an approximately 9-acre plot of land and will include a helipad for air support, fuel stations, and dog kennels.

Source:  goaztecs.com

Video courtesy goaztecs.com

January 20, 2024 (Boise) - O'Mar Stanley's 17 points helped Boise State defeat San Diego State 67-66 at ExtraMile Arena on Saturday.

By Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

January 20, 2024 (Sacramento) -- The U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on whether cities can legally ban or limit unhoused people camping in public spaces — a case that could grant California officials more power to sweep homeless camps.

The case, originating from the Oregon city of Grants Pass, could overturn or narrow a five-year-old precedent from a federal appeals court that limited how much cities in Western states could criminalize those who sleep on the streets when there aren’t enough shelter spaces available.

By Miriam Raftery

January 20, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – January and February are prime times to enjoy a full moon desert walk, Valentine’s dinners and wine pairings, farm tours, hawk watching, new nature walks at Lakeside’s River Park, concerts, theatrical productions and more in San Diego’s East County.

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

January 19, 2024 (San Diego) - Overcrowded shelters are a problem across the nation and in our local communities. Hundreds of shelter dogs need to be adopted or to be fostered temporarily. County Animal Services is asking caring individuals in the community: Can you be a Hero for a Husky?

By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office

January 19, 2024 (San Diego) -- The investigation of oyster-linked illnesses by County of San Diego health officials has expanded to include additional oyster harvest locations in Mexico. Health officials are recommending consumers and restaurants throw away any oysters imported from locations in Mexico until further notice. 

The local norovirus outbreak now includes 69 confirmed and probable cases. The severity of the infections in San Diego County has remained mild, with no hospitalizations reported to date. The initial investigations identified 41 probable and confirmed norovirus cases linked to oysters harvested in Sonora, Mexico. The sickened patrons dined at the Fish Shop chain and Carlsbad Aquafarm. Twenty-eight more cases have been added including 20 who ate oysters from other food venues. 

East County News Service

January 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service is forecasting a major storm bringing widespread rain this weekend and early next week countywide, with thunderstorms possible in San Diego’s mountains, valleys and coastal areas. The storm is also expected to bring gusty winds, graupel (similar to hail) and lightning that could pose hazards to those outdoors.

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

January 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- A Western Harvest mouse collected from the open space area on the eastern side of Mission Trails has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus.

Finding hantavirus in wild rodents is not uncommon in San Diego County, there were a total of 17 cases in 2023. However, people rarely come into direct contact with infected animals because wild rodents naturally avoid humans.

While exposure to hantavirus is rare, people should be careful around wild rodents as there is no cure or vaccine for hantavirus.

Symptoms of hantavirus usually develop between 1-8 weeks after exposure and include:

Source: San Diego County Sheriff

January 18, 2024 (El Cajon) -- A woman is behind bars on suspicion of starting a fire on January 11 at an apartment complex on E. Bradley Ave. in unincorporated El Cajon. The fire engulfed 14 garages at the complex.

Offenders deceive and manipulate victims to create sexually explicit material for extortion purposes

Source: FBI

Image:  CC via Bing

January 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- The FBI wants to warn parents, educators, caregivers, and children about the dangers of online activity that may lead to the solicitation and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual acts.

“Nationwide, and right here in San Diego, sextortion has become a major problem. Cases in our area have doubled over the past year and the overwhelming majority of the cases target minors,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge, John Kim. “The best form of prevention is education and continued awareness. Parents and caregivers should learn about what’s happening so they can talk with their kids about online safety.”

By Miriam Raftery

Photos:  Screenshots of loose dog photos posted on Deerhorn Valley social media

January 17, 2024 (Jamul) – Residents of Deerhorn Valley, a Jamul community, are speaking out to warn neighbors about loose dogs posing threats to people, pets and livestock.

East County News Service

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January 16, 2024 (El Cajon) – Authorities are asking for public help to locate Mavis Williams, 43.  She is suspected of setting a fire that burned 14 garages in the 400 block of East Bradley Avenue in unincorporated El Cajon last night.  A warrant has been issued and a $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to her arrest.

Story and photo by Michael Howard

Photo: Tobacco retailers like this smoke shop will be subject to licensing later this year. 

January 15, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) - The La Mesa City Council adopted a new ordinance earlier this month that mandates tobacco retailers shall have a license to sell tobacco products.

The ordinance passed unanimously during the January 9,2024 City Council meeting upon Councilmember Jack Shu’s motion to adopt. Shu showed his support of the ordinance by wearing two lapel pins.

“One is ‘I love clean air’ and the other is a lung that was given to me for cleaner lungs by not smoking,” Shu said.

By Mikhail Zinshteyn, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  members of the California Faculty Association. Image from CFA Facebook page

January 14, 2024 (San Diego) - The faculty union of the California State University is planning a week of strikes across the 23 campuses Jan. 22 – 26 after the system said that it would provide 5% raises to members, far below what the union is seeking.