A new law requires K-12 schools to add media literacy to curriculum for English language arts, science, math and history-social studies. Among the lessons will be recognizing fake news.

By Carolyn Jones, Cal Matters

Photo:  St. HOPE Public School 7 Elementary in Sacramento used some of its stimulus funds to buy laptops for students. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

 November 15,2023 (Sacramento, CA) -- Pushing back against the surge of misinformation online, California will now require all K-12 students to learn media literacy skills — such as recognizing fake news and thinking critically about what they encounter on the internet. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom last month signed Assembly Bill 873, which requires the state to add media literacy to curriculum frameworks for English language arts, science, math and history-social studies, rolling out gradually beginning next year. Instead of a stand-alone class, the topic will be woven into existing classes and lessons throughout the school year.

By Shiloh Ireland

Photo,left:  Barry Jantz, Debbie Barnum, and Chula Vista Mayor Jim McCann

November 15, 2023 (Lakeside) -- Sixty Chula Vista Learning Community Charter high school students took part in real-world, hands-on experience in construction and drone technology on October 25 at AGC Apprenticeship & Training in Lakeside. The event was hosted by Barry Jantz and attended by Chula Vista Mayor John McCann who took part in Career Exploration Day.

There is an ongoing national discussion taking place about the high cost of a college education and resulting student debt, as well as alternative career pathways to college. So this local community is stepping up, providing students and under-served communities the knowledge of great paying alternatives and paid training right here in our backyard, bringing young people in for hands-on career exploration.

The students participated in a series of 30-minute hands-on workshops in a state-of-the-art training facility, showcasing a variety of excellent careers available in construction and related industries. Experiences included drone technology, heavy equipment simulation, framing, plumbing, and electrical.

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

November 14, 2023 (San Diego) - Five Aztecs scored in double figures led by Jaedon LeDee's career high equaling 27 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Reese Waters chipped in 15 points for the third straight game. Lamont Butler scored 14 while Elijah Saunders set a career high with 11 points in an 88-76 win over Long Beach State (1-2) at Steve Fisher Court at Viejas Arena on Tuesday night.

By Miriam Raftery

November 14, 2023 (San Diego) – San Diego Padres chairman and owner Pete Seidler, beloved by fans for investing in star players and bringing the team to the National League Championship playoffs last year, died today at age 63.

Asked by a reporter last year about the Padres’ 2023 payroll, Seidler replied with a smile, ”I kind of like spending money. You can’t take it with you." 

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the family’s plan is for the Padres to remain in Seidler’s family for generations.

Padres CEO Erik Greupner stated in a press release that the Padres are mourning the loss of their “beloved” chairman, whom he recalled as a “kind and generous man” devoted to his family as well as for having a “heartfelt compassion for others, especially those less fortunate.  His impact on the city of San Diego and the baseball world will be felt for generations. His generous spirit is now firmly embedded in the fabric of the Padres.”

The Aztecs finished the game on a 22-5 run

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

November 13, 2023 (San Diego) - The Aztec women’s basketball team (1-2) rallied to beat UC Davis 77-68 Monday evening. After trailing by eight midway through the fourth quarter, the Aztecs finished the game on a 22-5 run to secure their first win of the 2023-24 season.

Dog owner surrender services on hold through Dec. 1 due to highly contagious disease

East County News Service

November 12, 2023 (Crest) – Ho ho!  Santa will be visiting at the Crest Christmas Craft  Show on Sunday,  December 10.

The event will be held at the Crest Clubhouse, 113North Park Blvd., El Cajon, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

East County News  Service

November 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—Santa Ana Winds and dry conditions early this week will keep fire risk elevated. But rain is forecast later this week, along with strong winds.

Rainfall could begin as early as Wednesday, with heaviest rains Thursday and Saturday across San Diego County. There is potential for moderate to heavy rainfall in coastal and valley areas, that could cause urban roadway flooding and runoff. Minor flooding is also possible in desert areas.

East County News Service

November 11, 2023 (Mt. Helix) – Christmas on Mt. Helix returns on December 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. complete with a Christmas market to shop for holiday gifts, caroling, crafts, food trucks, a holiday program and Santa Claus.

Annual report highlights the public agency’s accomplishments

Photo, left to right:  Christian Wallis, CEO, Michael Emerson, Board Treasurer, Bob Ayres, Board Vice President, Gloria Chadwick, Board President, Virgina Hall, Board Secretary, Randy Lenac, Board Member

East County News Service

November 10, 2023 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) was recently recognized by the Association of California Healthcare Districts as its 2023 Healthcare District of the Year. 

Source:  Covered California

November 9, 2023 (Sacramento) - Covered California kicked off its 2024 open-enrollment period at the Capitol Mall with the Tower Bridge as its backdrop, encouraging uninsured residents of the Sacramento area to sign up for health insurance. 

Book by Judy Reeves

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

November 8, 2023 (San Diego) – In When  Your Heart Says Go, San Diego author Judy Reeves uses memories in her journals, fragments from her writing practice notebooks, short stories, flashes of both fiction and nonfiction, personal narrative essays, and poems to share a piece of her life from thirty years ago. Mourning the loss of her husband, she sold her property and belongings to spend a year on her own doing intense self-reflection and befriending people at AA meetings while she traveled through Europe.

East County News Service

November 9, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – Thrive Lemon Grove invites community members to an International Cultural Celebration honoring veterans on Saturday,  November 11 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Treganza Heritage Park (3200 Main St., Lemon Grove).

Enjoy cultural performances, mouthwatering international cuisine, a vibrant kid zone, arts and crafts vendors, and much more.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy of 10 News, an ECM news partner

November 8, 2023 (San Diego) – Monica Montgomery Steppe is poised to fill the vacancy in district 4 left by the resignation of Nathan Fletcher on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Steppe has 61% of the vote,  while her opponent, Amy Reichert, a private investigator who led efforts to block COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates, has 39%. Steppe, an attorney and San Diego city councilmember, stands to become the first black woman to serve as a San Diego supervisor.

Although the race is officially nonpartisan, her victory will also restore a 3-2 Democratic majority on the board of Supervisors, which has been split since Fletcher resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment and assault by an MTS employee. Fletcher has denied guilt but faces a civil lawsuit.

On social media, Steppe posted, “As your Supervisor, I look forward to teaming up with you to tackle homelessness, promote holistic public safety, and invest in the county.”