East County News Service

January 4, 2017 (San Diego) – Each year, talented students from San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory's most advanced level Ovation, and intermediate level Showcase programs compete in our solo Concerto Competitions.   In addition to cash scholarship awards, the winners of both competitions gain the opportunity to perform as featured soloists in future San Diego Youth Symphony concerts.

East County News Service

January 3, 2017 (San Diego) – San Diego Republican Congressman Darrell Issa has introduced the Midnight Rules Relief Act, or HR 21.  If approved, it would make it easier for Congress to undo regulations issued in the final weeks of President Barack Obama’s administration.

By Miriam Raftery

January 3, 2017 (Washington D.C) –The first action of the 115th Congress was a closed-door vote by House Republicans to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics’  (OCE) independence and oversight powers.  But hours later,  after media reported on the action and members received a flood of calls from angry constituents, a new vote was held to scrap that plan and keep the OCE intact, for now.

The OCE was created in 2008 by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in response to the corruption scandal involving lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who was later convicted of multiple felonies.  The House Ethics Committee did nothing about that scandal. Nor did it take any action against Randy “Duke” Cunningham, a San Diego Congressman sentenced to a decade in prison for bribery and corruption charges. It also took no action against Congressman Bob Filner when he was charged with trespass after pushing past a TSA agent at an airport.

In light of the House Ethics Committee’s impotence, the OCE  was created to conduct independent investigations, including probes based on tips from staffers, the public and anonymous sources.  

Ray & Joan: The Man Who Made the McDonald’s Fortune and the Woman Who Gave It All Away, by Lisa Napoli (Dutton, New York, NY, 2016, 353 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

January 3, 2017 (San Diego) - Virtually everyone in the world has had and tasted a McDonald’s hamburger at some time or another. In my case I have actually had thousands, and as a matter of fact, my first job at the age of 19 was preparing burgers and fries at a McDonald’s in Kansas City. Ray & Joan: The Man Who Made the McDonald’s Fortune and the Woman Who Gave It All Away, is an intriguing book about fame and fortune, and how it all began.

East County News Service

January 3, 2017 (La Mesa) – About 100 people gathered on New Year’s Day afternoon at Mount Helix Park Amphitheater for a “Prayer Summit,” hosted by Unite San Diego, an East County-based coalition of pastors, elected officials, business owners and community leaders.

East County News Service

December 26, 2016 (Palomar) – Lori Saldaña originally posted these fairy tale-like Christmas morning images on Facebook, with a message reading, “A very Merry Christmas morning to all. Here is my very So Cal Christmas view: snow on the ridge above, trees all around, sun in the valley below. May you enjoy the day with loved ones doing what brings you joy!”

By Sam DiGiovanna

January 2, 2017 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting the possibility of significant storm beginning next Saturday. The NWS is reporting that an Atmospheric River (a narrow corridor of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere) may reach southern California Saturday.

This may produce more rain than we have seen in decades. Start thinking ahead to prepare.

East County News Service

January 2, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Next time you go shopping, you’ll be spending a little bit less.  Effective January 1^st, 2017, California’s statewide sales tax has dropped a quarter of a percent. 

East County News Service

January 2, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – A woman who tried to save a dog yesterday morning that was later fatally struck by a vehicle on State Route 94 near the Broadway/College exit is trying to find the dog’s owner.

By Miriam Raftery

January 2, 2017 (San Diego) - On New Year’s Day, two prominent San Diego politicians posted a wedding announcement on Twitter.  Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, former head of the San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, married former Assemblyman and ex-mayoral candidate Nathan Fletcher in Balboa Park. 

Source: Water Conservation Garden

January 2, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) – Caring for your landscape in winter leads to thriving spring gardens.  On Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College will offer a class titled “Winter Garden Care: Proper Pruning Practices.”

By Melinda Myers

Photo credit: Gardener’s Supply Company

January 2, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - Brighten your winter days by inviting birds into your landscape. Their beauty and motion help enliven the garden and lighten your spirit. Not only do they provide entertainment, but also an opportunity for all ages to stay involved with nature year-round.

By Miriam Raftery

January 1, 2017 (San Diego) -- As of January 1^st, the minimum wage in California has gone up to $10.50 an hour for all businesses with more than 25 employees.  Employers with fewer employees will have an extra year, until 2018, to comply.

East County News Service

January 1, 2017 (Guatay) – The holiday season just got brighter at Tir Na Nog, a horse rescue sanctuary in East County.

In mid-November, as we reported, two golf carts used to feed rescued horses were stolen from the facility in Guatay. But now one of those golf carts has been found on a property nearly five miles away and returned, thanks to an anonymous tipster.

By Liz Alper

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 1, 2017 (San Diego) - What better way to kick off a new year than by kicking off conference play?  The San Diego State Aztecs men's basketball team did just that today against the University of New Mexico.