By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Merle Wakefield, left, and Alvin Quarles, right

November 22, 2024 (San Diego) – Two San Diego judges have ordered “transient releases” to temporary locations for sexually violent predators Alvin Quarles and Merle Wakefield. The decisions came after repeated failed attempts at permanent housing for the men. The exact locations where they will be released have not yet been disclosed, though both are slated to wear ankle monitors and be guarded 24/7 by security or law enforcement personnel.

Quarles has been dubbed the “bolder than most” rapist for a series of sexual assaults in the 1980s committed at knife point, sometimes with the victim’s husband or boyfriend forced to watch. Wakefield has been convicted of rape and lewd acts with a child. Both men served many years in prison and received treatment in a state mental hospital prior to the state authorizing their release.

East County News Service

November 21, 2024 (El Cajon) – A 70-year-old man using a walker was struck and  killed on November 19 shortly after 6 p.m.  According to police, the victim was jaywalking across Jamacha Blvd. near Pointe Parkway when he was struck by the SUV.  The pedestrian died at the scene.

November 21, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

• Millions of pounds of meat, poultry recalled over listeria concerns  (NPR)
• First US case of severe mpox strain reported in California (UK Independent)
• Is it the flu or is it COVID? One at-home test can tell you
• E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots sickens people in 18 states
• This year's flu shot protects against 3 strains instead of 4  (NPR)
• Officials launch new online tool and guidance for South Bay’s rotten egg smell (KPBS)
• 22 pesticides show links to prostate cancer (Science News)

SCIENCE AND TECH

• With Musk in tow, Trump eyes changes to government policies on AI and its dangers (CNN)
• Fighting misinformation: How to keep from falling for fake news videos (USA Today)
• New Apple tool will make it easier to find your lost luggage  (USA Today)
• ‘Do not pet’: Why are robot dogs patrolling Mar-A-Lago? (BBC)
• Trump's FCC chair wants to ban TikTok, but 'accelerate' Musk's company  (USA Today)

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

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

November 20, 2024 (Sacramento)-- As President-elect Donald Trump announces immigration hard-liners as his deputy chief of staff and border czar this week, groups supporting undocumented college students in California are vowing to stand up for people's rights.



Golden State colleges serve 83,000 undocumented students, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.



Jessie Ryan, executive director of the Campaign for College Opportunity, part of the California Undocumented Higher Education Coalition, expressed the mounting concerns.



"We got a glimpse into some of what might be done in Project 2025 statements," Ryan explained. "Looking at things like mass deportation, including ending pathways to citizenship."

By Miriam Raftery

JulieAnn Chaet with dog, Chloe, in downtown El Cajon

November 20, 2024 (El Cajon) – Members of the El Cajon City Council voiced surprise at Tuesday's meeting to learn that a 1997 ordinance prohibited dogs in the downtown superblock area where popular events are held. So councilmembers voted unanimously to repeal the ban and legalize dog-walking downtown. 

Assistant City Manager Vince DiMaggio explained that the ban was originally approved due to a perception that dogs might pose health hazards and increase maintenance needs.  However, “none of those concerns have materialized,” he said, adding that bringing dogs to public places has since become commonplace, including companion animals as well as service dogs.

“We see dozens of dog walkers daily in Centennial Plaza,” he noted, adding that technically that’s illegal, as is walking dogs in Prescott Promenade and other downtown areas where the public frequently brings dogs on leashes when they dine at outdoor cafes, enjoy outdoor concerts and car shows, or simply exercise their pets along public streets..

By Miriam Raftery

November 20, 2024 (Lakeside) -- Even sunny San Diego can get snow with the assistance of modern technology. You’re invited to Snow Day at Lindo Lake on December 6 from 2 to 5 p.m., as the County turns this popular park into a family-friendly winter wonderland with fresh snow for sledding and snow play.

You can also enjoy games, giveaways, and photos with Santa.

Update November 21, 2024 -- Today Judge Campos approved releasing Wakefield as a transient, despite 800 signatures on a petition opposing this release.

By Miriam Raftery

November 18, 2024 (San Diego) —After three failed attempts to place sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield at homes run by Liberty Healthcare in Borrego Springs, Mt. Helix and Poway, the California Department of State Hospitals now proposes to release Wakefield as a transient.

By Miriam Raftery

File photo: San Diego Sheriff’s Department

November 17, 2024 (Spring Valley) – Seven sheriff’s deputies opened fire on an armed man who fired shots in the backyard of a home on Leland Street in Spring Valley on Friday evening, ECM news partner 10 News reports.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, law enforcement indicated that a woman called report that her boyfriend, armed with a gun, had entered the home and was acting in an erratic manner with four children present. She told authorities that he had mental health issues and was under the influence.

By Miriam Raftery

November 16, 2024 (San Diego) – By a unanimous vote, San Diego County Supervisors on Oct. 22 authorized the San Diego County Fire Authority to provide a dedicated staffer to assist homeowners with applications to the  Wildfire Prepared Home program.

The program, provided through the Insurance Institute for Business & Home and Safety (IBHS), offers a discount on insurance premiums to homeowners who apply and meet fire safety requirements. To apply, homeowners must pay an application fee of $125 and pass an inspection. Now, County Fire officials can also visit homes to help homeowners assure that they have met the wildfire mitigation requirements.

East County News Service

November 14, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – A cold storm from the Gulf of Alaska is forecast to bring scattered showers across our region Friday and Saturday, with snow possible in the mountain areas and frost in some areas.

Gusty winds are also forecast, with peak gusts up to 55 miles per hour in mountain and desert areas as early as tonight.

East County News Service

November 13, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove invites you to the city’s annual community bonfire on Friday, December 6 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St. in Lemon Grove.

Enjoy visits with Santa, music with a live band, a game truck, crafts, inflatables, free cookies, hot chocolate and popcorn, more foods for purchase, welcoming remarks from the mayor, an ugly sweater contest and more.

Hear our interview with Sierra Club Conservation Chair Ron Askeland and Loveland advocate Russell Walsh, aired on KNSJ

By Miriam Raftery

November 12, 2024 (Alpine) – Supporters of Loveland Reservoir are urging the public to attend a community workshop hosted by Sweetwater Water Authority tonight on trail improvements at Loveland Reservoir.  The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Alpine Woman’s Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd.in Alpine.

Sweetwater will offer an update on Loveland trails improvements at the meeting, the third in a series of public workshops.   The meeting comes after Sweetwater received a $750,000 state grant at the request of Senator Brian Jones for improvements at Loveland, and public input is sought on how to allocate those funds.

Source: County News Service

Proposals from developers due by Dec. 20

November 11, 2024 (San Diego) – Just in time for Veterans’ Day,the County of San Diego has made $11.5 million available to finance the creation of affordable housing to benefit low-income people and unsheltered veterans.  

The notice of funding availability (NOFA) was created from a combination of funds:

View a 3-D video tour by Wow Media

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Wow Media and Miriam Raftery

November 8, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) -- The home that I grew up in is filled with warm memories—and now, a fully remodeled interior and exterior with open floorplan and a wealth of amenities -- ready for new homeowners to create memories of their own.

My brother and I inherited our childhood home at 5810 Marengo Avenue in La Mesa’s Lake Murray neighborhood. Our parents were the original owners when the house was built back in 1956; Eisenhower was president, sock hops were all the rage and Elvis Presley had just released his first gold album.

Since we each have homes of our own, my brother and I decided to sell the house we grew up in and fully remodel it, creating an open floorplan and modern conveniences while retaining elements of vintage charm that respect the home’s mid-century heritage.