East County News Service

October 1, 2016 (Lakeside) – The U.S. Geological Survey has completed and published its report, “Rare Alluvial Sands of El Monte Valley, California” confirming the rich diversity of reptile species found here.  Jonathan Richmond, PhD, of the USGS will present findings on Monday, Oct. 17 from 7-9 p.m. at the Lakeside Christian Church, 13739 El Monte Rd. in Lakeside.

By Miriam Raftery

October 1, 2016 (La Mesa)-- Crowds thronged the streets of  La Mesa last night for the opening of Oktoberfest , savoring an array of international foods,  Bavarian beer, root beer, arts and crafts vendors, and dancing the night away in the beer garden to the strains of a German band.

View video of La Mesans and visitors partying hearty:

East County News Service

October 1, 2016 (Spring Valley) -- In the world of fictional superheroes, Ironman’s alter-ego is Tony Stark, a business-minded intellectual and ingenious engineer.  It fits the theme of what East County Youth Coalition (ECYC) members at Mt. Miguel High School are stressing for their school’s superhero-themed homecoming. The teens are pressing adults to use their intellects to stop providing alcohol to minors.

Source: Saps at Sea

October 1, 2016 (Spring Valley) - It's that most wonderful time of the Fear! .... Yes, the return of the Halloscream Sapstravaganza!  October 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Williams Hall at Trinity Church, 3902 Kenwood Drive in Spring Valley.

Source: press release from Lorena Gonzalez

October 1, 2016 (San Diego) -- A bill by California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) allowing voters to designate a person of their own choosing to return a completed mail ballot to the proper drop-off location or post office was signed into law by the Governor last week.  It will take effect in 2017.

East County News Service

October 1, 2016 (El Cajon) - The Grossmont Healthcare District is hosting "#UThinkUKnowWeed:  How Does Marijuana Impact Our Youth?" on October 10 at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center from 5:30 - 8 p.m.

East County News Service

October 1, 2016 (El Cajon) -- With Election Day just around the corner, here’s an opportunity to get a historical perspective of voting in America.

The Cuyamaca College Department of History, Social and Behavioral Sciences will present “Politics: Past and Present Series 2016,” through the month of October to focus on a variety of political discussion topics, including voter suppression, gender, foreign policy, local propositions, and the role of persuasion in politics.  The free events, sponsored by Student Affairs and led by Cuyamaca College instructors, are open to the public. Refreshments, music and a voter registration drive will cap each discussion.

East County News Service

October 1, 2016 (Sacramento) -- Governor Brown has signed Senate Bill 1330 into law. The bill, which was sponsored by the United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930 (UDW) and authored by Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton), updates the “Be On the Lookout” bulletin to include individuals who are cognitively impaired or developmentally disabled.

Wine Awareness Month

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna October 1,  2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- To date, some of this year’s most destructive fires were dangerously close to the Napa, Paso and Santa Barbara Wine Regions. Our hearts go out to the victims of these dangerous wildfires. Ask any Firefighter - they take any loss personally. Sometimes were just outnumbered, many times mother nature and the fires fury is too much. Especially with these drought conditions.

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 1, 2016 (San Diego) - The Registrar of Voters is urging voters to double-check their registration status on its website after some residents got letters from an organization called the Voter Participation Center claiming the residents aren’t registered to vote.



The organization’s letters offer a pre-filled voter registration form that may include incorrect or outdated information or information for persons who don’t live at the address. The letters are causing some confusion because in many instances, the voter is properly registered to vote.