The Aztecs were led by Kim Villalobos' 16 points

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

November 6, 2023 (Portland, Ore.) - The Aztec women’s basketball team lost at Portland 72-58 in their season opener. SDSU forced the Pilots into 23 turnovers, but saw Portland shoot 47 percent from both the field and from three.

November 5, 2023 (Boulevard, CA) -- Benjamin Hayden took these scenic shots earlier this year in Boulevard, a high-desert town in San Diego's East County.

From colorful sunrises to dramatic sunbeams, the photos depict spectacular skies over mountains, rocky terrain, and ridges topped with wind turbines.

East County News Service



November 4, 2023 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors, by a unanimous 4-0 vote, has approved a resolution asking President Biden to order U.S. flags flown at half-staff in remembrance of American lives lost at the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. The resolution, introduced by Supervisor Joel Anderson at the Oct. 24 board meeting, has resulted in the County sending a letter to the White House requesting the half-staff order.  

by Chris Jennewein

Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association.

The historic Rotary International clock in Liberty Station. Photo by Chris Jennewein

November 5, 2023-- Daylight Saving Time for 2023 ended at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4, in California, with clocks resetting to 1 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Source:  goaztecs.com

Video courtesy goaztecs.com

November 4, 2023 (San Diego) - The San Diego State football team finished with 384 total yards, its most in its last four contests, but an overtime interception spelled doom for the Scarlet and Black in a 32-24 loss to Utah State on Saturday evening at Snapdragon Stadium.

East County News Service

November 4, 2023 (Santee) – International touring musician Mean Mary, with her brother, Frank James, will appear at Summit UU Fellowship, 8778 Cottonwood Ave. in Santee on Saturday,  November 25 at 7 p.m. Her special performance will include some crowd favorites such as her original songs, "Iron Horse" and "Blazing," new songs and holiday music from her brand-new Christmas CD.

November 3, 2023 (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 a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include

U.S.

House Speaker elected

• House Speaker Mike Johnson's First Big Bill Cuts Biden's Climate Change Funding (Bloomberg News)
• Election denier, climate skeptic, anti-abortion: seven beliefs of new US House speaker Mike Johnson (Guardian)
• 55 things you need to know about Mike Johnson (Politico)

Economy

• US economy grows at fastest pace in nearly two years (BBC)
• U.S. budget deficit jumps 23% to nearly $1.7 trillion as Social Security, health costs rise

Trump trials

• Another Trump lawyer who pushed to overturn 2020 election pleads guilty (Politico)
• Trump tells court he had no duty to 'support' the Constitution as president (RawStory) 
• Trump forced to witness stand, fined $10000 for gag order violation (Courthouse News)
• Judge bars Trump from 'smear campaign' against prosecutors, witnesses (Reuters)
• Trump valued holdings at 'whatever number' he picked, Michael Cohen testifies (Reuters)

U.S. impacts of  Israeli-Hamas conflict

• Senate confirms Jack Lew as U.S. ambassador to Israel (CBS)
• About 2,000 U.S. troops told to prepare for deployment in response to Israel-Hamas war (NBC)
• US troops attacked in Iraq, Syria and on alert for more strikes (Reuters)
• Two Americans held hostage by Hamas, a mother and daughter, have been released(AP)
• Likud minister: Trump’s ‘shameful’ comments show he can’t be relied on (Times of Israel)
• US Navy warship near Yemen intercepted projectiles, Pentagon says (Reuters)

Immigration

Venezuelans top Mexicans for first time in illegal U.S. border crossings  (NPR)

Presidential race

RFK Jr. spent years stoking fear and mistrust of vaccines. These people were hurt by his work   (AP)

WORLD

Mexico

• Mexican authorities report at least 27 people killed by Hurricane Otis  (CBS 8)

Israel-Hamas War

• Hamas  top commander killed in airstrike (The Hill)
• More aid arrives in Gaza as desperation mounts and Israel widens military offensive (PBS)
• Israeli air strikes kill 50 in north Gaza refugee camp -Palestinian medics (Reuters)
• Americans among first foreigners to leave Gaza through Rafah border crossing into Egypt (CBS News)
• Under heavy bombing, Palestinians in Gaza move from place to place, only to discover nowhere is safe (AP)
• Video Analysis Shows Gaza Hospital Hit By Failed Rocket Meant for Israel (Wall St. Journal)
• 'Top secret' Hamas documents show that terrorists intentionally targeted elementary schools and a youth center(NBC)
• Evidence shows Hamas militants likely used some North Korean weapons in attack on Israel (AP)
• Gaza is plagued by poverty, but Hamas has no shortage of cash. Where does it come from?  (NBC)

Ukraine

• Ukraine claims a major strike on Russian airfields and thanks US for providing long-range missiles  (AP)
• Russia taking heavy losses as it wages new offensive in Ukraine  (ABC)

Other world news

• Iranian teenager Armita Geravand is 'brain dead': state media (Reuters)
• Iran sentences women journalists on charges over Amini protests (Reuters)
• Hundreds stormed an airport in Russia's Dagestan, looking for passengers from Israel  (NPR)
• The Maduro regime is disrupting the opposition's efforts before Venezuela's election  (NPR)

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

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

Photo courtesy UnitedAgainstHateWeek.org

November 2, 2023 (San Diego) -- Our world is feeling increasingly divided along lines of race, religion, and political affiliation, which is causing a significant increase in hate crimes and hate incidents. That's why United Against Hate Week, November 12-18 this year, is more significant than ever. It serves to promote unity, tolerance, and understanding while serving as a reminder that despite our differences, we are all members of the human family. Together we can combat hate and prejudice. In addition to fostering a sense of unity, it's also an ideal time to address another issue that often divides us: substance misuse.

by Brooke Binkowski

 Times of San Diego

Andrea and Jesus Cardenas. Photos from Facebook and LinkedIn pages

November 3, 2023 (Chula Vista)-- Two well-known Democratic political players and siblings in South Bay — a Chula Vista City Council member and a former San Diego City Council member’s chief of staff — are facing fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering charges, the San Diego District Attorney’s office announced yesterday.

East County News Service

November 2, 2023 (Ramona) -- The San Diego Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit has been activated to help locate a missing person in Ramona. Shortly after 2:30 p.m. today, the Sheriff's Communications Center received a call from the family of 66-year-old Zita Swanson. They told a Sheriff's Dispatcher that Swanson had walked away from her home in the 700 block of G Street in Ramona. She has not returned home.

Swanson does not have any known access to vehicles. She is not believed to be carrying a cell phone or purse. She has a history of walking away from home.

 Swanson is a Hispanic woman standing about 5'5" tall and weighing around 174 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a Navy blue sweater and blue pants.

Source: California Attorney General’s office

Image: CC via Bing

November 1, 2023 (Sacramento) -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a multistate coalition of 25 attorneys general, today submitted a letter to urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to strengthen guidance and provide clear warning labels regarding incorrect pulse oximeter readings for patients of color.

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Iranian flag 

November 1, 2023 (San Diego) – The Biden administration this week has imposed new sanctions  aimed at cutting off funding for Hamas, amid growing evidence that Iran provided weapons and training to Hamas prior to the terror group’s deadly attack on Israel. 

The New York Times reports that the new U.S. sanctions target:

• Companies and investors that Hamas uses to hide its control of assets
• Members of Iran’s military that train Hamas
• Members of Hezbollah and Palestinian Jihad, which have also attacked Israel
• A Jordanian national, Khaled Qaddoumi, who lives in Iran and acts as a liaison between Iran and Hamas.

The U.S.and Qatar have also agreed to block Iran’s access to $6 billion that was part of a deal to release five Americans imprisoned in Iran. None of that money has been spent, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has confirmed.

By Miriam Raftery

November 1, 2023 (El Cajon) – East County Arts Association announces the grand opening of Surje Coffee Shop at the Gallery, sharing space with the Association at 124  East Main Street. 

“We invite you to immerse yourself in the rich aroma and artistic inspiration that coffee brings,” the association’s website states. “Our theme for November special month is Coffee in Art, where we welcome any artwork related to coffee or inspired by the captivating world of caffeine.”

Artists are encouraged to drop off their works on Wednesday, Nov. 15 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.  All artworks must be wired (no sawtooth hangers).