By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2018 (Washington D.C.) – It’s official:  Russia actively worked to sabotage American democracy and put Donald Trump in the White House.

Today, Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller released copies of indictments filed against 13 Russians and three Russian entities on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and other charges ranging from bank fraud to identity theft in their quest to violate laws that prohibit foreigners from spending money to influence U.S. elections.  Read the full indictment here.

The indictment language is damning, documenting how the Russian organization Internet Research Agency plotted “information warfare against the U.S.” paid for in Russian rubles at a budget of $1.25 million a month. 

Russians posing as Americans used social media to post positive information on Trump and negative information,  much of it false, disparaging other candidates opposing Trump including Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton.  They also organized pro-Trump and anti-Clinton marches and rallies in the U.S.

They were aided by at least 100 U.S. citizens and and communicated with members of the Trump campaign, the indictment makes clear, and funneled illegal contributions into electing Trump.  At least some of those contacts were "unwitting."

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Jose Estrada from Cal rans presents Dan Russell with an award in appreciation of his tireless efforts

February 15, 2018 (Pine Valley/Campo) – Dan Russell worked 27 years for the San Diego Fire Department. Now he’s a local hero for a different reason – working tirelessly to clean up trash along Interstate 8 and other roadways in East County.

“I’ve been doing it now for 12 years,” says Russell.  “I would say I average five hours a day, six days a week.  I pick up just under a thousand pounds a month…real close to 10,000 pounds a year; over 100,000 pounds since I got started.”

By Miriam Raftery

February 15, 2018 (Warner Springs) --  The Ranchita/Warner Springs Sheriff's Substation asks public help to locate a man in a pickup truck who tried to kidnap a woman yesterday shortly before 7:30 a.m. at her mailbox in the 29000 block of State Route 79 in Warner Springs.

The victim, 29, told deputies she was getting off her car to get her mail when a man attacked her and tried to get her into his truck. She was able to fight off the attacker and drive away from the area. She says the man followed her from the scene for some distance and then he continued driving westbound on State Route 76 toward Valley Center.

The woman suffered minor injuries and was treated at a hospital and released, says Sergeant Brian Jenkins with the San Diego Sheriff’s department.

Source: County News Service

February 15, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – Jason and Darinka Viau of East County are among 93 couples married on Valentine’s Day at County facilities. 

They are planning a bigger wedding and reception in Mexico later in the year. Jason Viau said a few weeks ago, he decided he didn’t want to wait any longer to make Darinka his bride and suggested a Valentine’s Day wedding at Waterfront Park. She said yes.

Deadline for new members to apply is Feb. 26 to perform in Spring Concert April 29

By Teresa Fistere, San Diego Festival Chorus and Orchestra

February 15, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- The San Diego Festival Chorus, based in East County, is in its 18^th season, and never sounded so good!

We are non-sectarian, performing choral masterworks and popular choral arrangements in the same program.

Our winter concert featured the Christmas portion of Handel’s “Messiah” and a zany “Musicological Tour of the Twelve Days of Christmas”. 1400 people attended our performance at the College Avenue Baptist Church, a marvelous venue.

This spring’s concert starts with John Rutter’s “Requiem”, a modern choral masterpiece. Anyone would be inspired by it. Then we get to perform songs from a new choral version of “West Side Story”. It’s a wonderful American musical. We finish the concert with delightful songs from “The Wizard of Oz”.

East County News Service

February 14, 2018  (Encanto) -- Brand new 'in style' Valentine Day themed dresses have been provided underprivileged girls around the country by the Believe in Yourself Project for Valentine Day's dances—including in east San Diego’s Encanto community.

By Kendra Sitton

February 14, 2018 (Jamul) — The media has revealed new details on the F.B.I. investigation of an East County lawmaker, as well as his alleged behavior in Washington D.C. According to reports, the investigation is intensifying, as Representative Duncan Hunter’s parents and a female lobbyist have been subpoenaed in the improper spending probe. Fellow Republicans are reportedly worried about his election prospects.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo from Wikimedia Commons by Rhododendrites

February 14, 2018 (Washington D.C.) – Two federal judges have issued rulings to temporarily protect young immigrants known as “Dreamers” registered with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program.

Story and photos by A.J. Herrington

February 13, 2018 (Julian) -- The Board of Directors of the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District (JCFPD) has voted 3-2 to negotiate fire protection standards for the community with the County of San Diego, if the County takes over that responsibility from the district. Many of the area residents who attended the crowded meeting at Fire Station 56 on Highway 79 today believe it’s the beginning of the end for the last volunteer fire department in the county.

By Miriam Raftery

February 13, 2018 (San Diego) – If you work days and can’t get time off, four of the five San Diego County Supervisors don’t believe you should have an opportunity to testify on the County’s proposed budget

“I don’t want to sit here at night,” Supervisor Bill Horn stated in response to a proposal by Supervisor Greg Cox to schedule a special evening meeting on the budget, which the County has done in the past.

East County News Service

February 13, 2018 (Lakeside) - More help is now available to victims of domestic violence in the East County. The Lakeside Sheriff's Substation is partnering with a non-profit group to offer direct and immediate assistance to victims.

February 13, 2018 (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 news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views.  Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Trump’s budget hits poor the hardest (Washington Post)
• White house proposes $4.4 trillion budget that adds $7 trillion to deficits (New York Times)
• Trump blocks release of memo rebutting Republican claims (New York Times)
• FDA to investigate after report exposes euthanasia drug in dog food (ABC 7)
• Who Should Warn the Public of Nuclear War? (NPR)
• Puerto Ricans take matters into their own hands to restore power (CS Monitor)
• U.S. added 200,000 jobs in January, and pay is up by most in 8 years (Marketplace)
• Trump decries lack of ‘due process’ for men accused of sexual harassment, abuse (Washington Post)
• Trump aide resigns after abuse allegations; ex-wife pictured with black eye (Seattle Times)
• Trump pitches plan to replace food stamps with food boxes (Politico)
• Public Officials in Town with Polygamous Sect Resign After Elections (NPR)
• GOP rips Rand for shutdown (Politico)

WORLD

• Cape Town rejoices as rain falls on drought-stricken city (CNN)
• Problems in the pipeline for Sempra’s subsidiary in Mexico (SD Union-Tribune)
• Highlights of the Pyeongchang Olympics opening ceremony in photos (NPR)
• With Holocaust law, Poland imperils reconciliation with its past (Christian Science Monitor)
• Where does this end? Dangers if the U.S. leaves Syria, or stays (CNN)
• Philippines says more than 2,200 citizens in Kuwait want to go home (Reuters)
• Israeli Jet Downed During Attack on Syria After Drone Intercepted, Says Israel (NPR)
• In Russia, a grass-roots bid to expose Stalin's ‘Great Terror’ (CS Monitor)
• South Africa's ANC decides to remove Zuma as head of state (Reuters)
• Cyclone wreaks havoc in Tonga's capital, Parliament flattened (Reuters)

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

February 13, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• From homeless to hopeful in record time (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• From Fallujah to FBI investigation: the undoing of Duncan Hunter (Politico)
• San Diego Democrats stood by labor leader amid sexual misconduct allegation, got $10K the next day (San Diego Union Tribune)
• County’s outrageous targeting of reporter who exposed jail deaths (Voice of SD)
• Tijuana landslide destroys a neighborhood (San Diego Un ion-Tribune)
• Two federal prosecutors appointed to target opioid crisis in San Diego, Imperial counties (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Sons of Charity bank statements leave more questions than answers  East County Californian)
• Report: Duncan Hunter’s wife is target of campaign finance probe (NBC 7)
• San Diego judge who Trump called `Mexican’ reviewing plans for border wall (Times of San Diego)

STATE

• California launches investigation after stunning admission by Aetna medical director (CNN)
• California Officials Set Up Invasive Swamp Rodent Hotline (NPR)
• California’s race for Governor tightens in latest polls (Sacramento Bee)
• Ballot breakdown: These initiatives are headed your way (Cal Matters)
• Cal-State University students struggling with lack of housing, food (KQED)
• California bill would ban tackle football before high school (KQED)

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

East County News Service

February 12, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) – Heritage of the Americas Museum is celebrating its 25^th anniversary with a special event on Saturday. April 14^th from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring guest artist Alfredo Rodriguez. The celebration also features a catered buffet, music, auction, drinks and good times.

Runway Shoes & Accessories is Rancho San Diego’s newest fashion bargain retailer

By Reema Makani Boccia

February 11, 2018 (El Cajon) - Rancho San Diego’s retail offerings have expanded with the recent addition of the fashionable Runway Shoes & Accessories. The boutique is locally owned and operated by an East County family, and features head-to-toe merchandise for any fashionista on a budget.