October 2019 Articles

October 2019 Articles

DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE TOUR COMING TO SYCUAN ON MARCH 26

Tickets are now on sale

 

Source Sycuan

 

February 21, 2019 (El Cajon) -- America’s favorite dance show is going back on tour this winter with “Dancing with the Stars – Live Tour 2020.” The longest tour to date will be dancing through Sycuan Casino Resort on March 26 at 8 p.m. The all-new production will feature fan-favorite professional dancers wowing audiences with every type of dance style as seen on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars.


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SUPERVISORS CHANGE LANGUAGE ON BALLOT MEASURE SUBMITTED BY OPPONENTS OF NEWLAND SIERRA, ADOPT DEVELOPER’S DESCRIPTION

Project would include 2,135 homes to help meet housing demand plus retail and commercial development; opponents cite concerns over traffic, evacuation during wildfires, and loss of wildlife habitat

By Miriam Raftery

December 7, 2019 (San Diego) – Over 100,000 residents signed a petition opposing the controversial Newland Sierra housing development approved by Supervisors, qualifying an initiative to appear on the March 2020 ballot after to let voters decide whether or not to allow the massive project.  But after the developer, Newland Communities, threatened legal action if neutral wording wasn’t changed, Supervisors voted 3-2 to adopt ballot language changes nearly identical to changes demanded by the developer.

The action angered environmentalists and planning groups opposed to the project, who only learned of the proposed changes when the matter showed up on an agenda days before the Nov. 19 vote.   Supervisors met twice in secret closed-door meetings, first voting down the changes 3-2. But then Supervisor Greg Cox changed his mind, joining with Kristin Gaspar and Jim Desmond to approve the developer-backed wording. Both Gaspar and Desmond have taken campaign contributions from Newland.


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TB CASES REPORTED IN LOCAL JAILS AND A BRIDGE SHELTER FOR HOMELESS

 

By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office

Image Credit: CDC.gov

November 15, 2019 (San Diego) - Three unrelated cases of tuberculosis have been reported in the region, the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) announced today.

Two cases were reported at San Diego County Sheriff’s detention facilities and the third was a person who arrived from out of town after being diagnosed and spent time at the City of San Diego bridge shelter, which serves single adults who are homeless.


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MEET LOCAL AUTHORS AT ECM'S BOOTH DURING CULTURAL ARTS EXPO NOV. 9 IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery

October 24, 2019 (El Cajon) – Stop by East County Magazine’s booth at the Cultural Arts Expo at the Courtyard Marriott, 141 N. Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon on Saturday, November 9th to meet acclaimed local authors, who will be signing and selling copies of their books.  The Expo also features art by local and international artists, live music, and more.

The event runs from 10 a.m.  to 7 p.m. Here are the authors who have confirmed times  to participate at East County Magazine’s booth so far:


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PERSONAL DISASTER PLANS TO BE MAILED TO RESIDENTS IN AREAS OF SEVERE FIRE RISK

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  A new updated Personal Disaster Plan is available for San Diego County residents to learn what to do before, during and after a disaster.

October 21, 2019 (San Diego) - Do you have a plan if there’s a wildfire? Or any emergency? The County of San Diego is mailing a Personal Disaster Plan to residents who live in the areas of highest fire danger in our community. Read it when you get it, discuss it with your family, complete it and practice it.


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STANFORD RALLIES TO BEAT SDSU MEN'S SOCCER 3-2

The Cardinal scored in the 76th and 81st minute

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

October 31, 2019 (Palo Alto) - The Aztec men’s soccer team lost a heartbreaking match 3-2 at No. 5 Stanford Thursday evening. After holding a lead for 71 of the match’s first 75 minutes, the Cardinal scored goals in the 76th and 81st minute to rally for the late win.


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SDSU VOLLEYBALL VICTORIOUS AT NEW MEXICO IN FOUR SETS

Aztecs win first true road match of the season

October 31, 2019 (Albuquerque) - The San Diego State volleyball team avoided a haunted Halloween Thursday night by posting a 3-1 conquest of New Mexico (25-20, 15-25, 25-21, 25-22) in a Mountain West match at the Johnson Center.


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ECM WINS TRIO OF AWARDS FROM SAN DIEGO PRESS CLUB

By Miriam Raftery

October 31, 2019 (San Diego) – East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery and contributing editor Paul Kruze once again won awards in the San Diego Press Club 46th annual Excellence in Journalism Awards.  The awards honored coverage of the West Fire in Alpine as well as investigations into legal and ethical scandals embroiling El Cajon Councilman Ben Kalasho, who later resigned.

ECM has received a total of 116 journalism awards since our lanch in 2008, 11 years ago -- an average of 10 per year


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PROGRESS MADE FIGHTING CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

By Miriam Raftery

October 31, 2019 (San Diego) – As Santa Ana winds begin to diminish, firefighters are making progress against major wildfires burning across California, as well as a small brush fire on Otay Mountain  that started in Mexico and burned into the U.S. Here are updates on fires statewide as of 3:30 p.m. Friday, with links to incident pages where available:


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EAST COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS `CELEBRATE EAST COUNTY’ ON NOV. 9

East County News Service

October 31 2019 (El Cajon) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will present “Celebrate East County,” a community celebration event, from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Holy Trinity Church Social Hall, 405 Ballard St., El Cajon.


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PG&E TO CREDIT RATEPAYERS FOR OUTAGE, BUT SDG&E REFUSES AS THOUSANDS HERE LEFT POWERLESS

By Miriam Raftery

October 31, 2019 (San Diego) – A day after Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the California Public Utilities Commission to create tough new rules limiting mass outages by utilities seeking to limit their liability for fires and mandating compensation for ratepayers,  PG&E announced it will credit its ratepayers for blackouts, Newsom announced.  But San Diego Gas & Electric is refusing to do the same.

In respond to East County Magazine’s inquiry,  SDG&E communications manager Wes Jones responded yesterday, ““SDG&E is not processing any bill credits. SDG&E abides by rules set by the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates how we operate. Per that process, SDG&E is not liable for circumstances beyond our control, including weather conditions like those we have been experiencing this month. SDG&E has a legal obligation to abide by tariffs, or rules, that prevent payment for damages, such as food spoilage.”


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STRASBURG WORLD SERIES MVP AFTER NATIONALS DEFEAT ASTROS 6-2 IN GAME SEVEN

East County News Service

October 30, 2019 (Houston) - Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Srtasburg has been named the World Series MVP after the Nats defeated the Houston Astros in game seven of the World Series tonight.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS OCT. 31-NOV. 30

By Miriam Raftery

October 30, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features a Halloween bash at Parkway Plaza and trick-or-treating at Grossmont Center and in the La Mesa Village.

Plus, we have a preview of coming events I November including the Ramona Art and Wine Festival, concerts at the Magnolia Center, a fall festival in Casa de Oro, a Cultural Arts Expo in El Cajon, a Multicultural Diversity Event in Lemon Grove, the Mother Goose Parade, Pomegranate Days at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, and a Julian Country Christmas.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!


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EIGHT SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO CLOSE THURSDAY DUE TO POWER OUTAGES

Source: County News Service

 

October 30, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- The San Diego County Office of Education reports that because San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has activated a public safety power shutoff in certain parts of the county, schools in the following school districts will be closed on Halloween this Thursday, October 31: 

 

  • Dehesa School District
  • Julian Union High School District
  • Julian Union School District
  • Mountain Empire Unified School District
  • Rancho Santa Fe School District
  • Spencer Valley School District
  • Vallecitos School District 
  • Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District

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LEMON GROVE MULTI-CULTURAL DIVERSITY EVENT NOV. 9

East County News Service
 
October 30, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Multi-Cultural Diversity Event will provide an opportunity for residents to connect with each other through music, dance and art and to share their diverse perspectives, cultures, and values in a space where all can be accepted, appreciated and celebrated.
 
 

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HELIX WATER CUSTOMERS VENT OVER HIGHER BILLS, BUT MOST WERE MISPERCEPTIONS, DISTRICT SAYS

By Mike Allen
 
October 30, 2019 (La Mesa) -- Customers of Helix Water District complaining about their bills doubling and tripling found out their perceptions weren’t in line with reality.
 
The venting about the bills began about a week ago on the online community forum website Nextdoor, instigated by one customer who said her family’s water bill increased 130 percent over bills she received in the last four years.

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FIRES IMPERIAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Easy Fire threatens Reagan Library in Simi Valley; screenshot ABC 7

October 30, 2019 (San Diego) – Much of Southern California is in flames, with several new fires erupting today that have shut down major freeways.  Hurricane-force winds have also toppled over big rigs and trees.  Here are brief updates on existing and new fires:



REPORTER OFFERS TIPS FOR WHAT TO DO DURING OUTAGES AND WILDFIRES

By Leslie Wolf Branscomb
 
October 30, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) - I hate to have to post this again, but here is my advice to all living in areas that might have fires in this next week. Based on personal experience (having been evacuated) and years covering fires for the Union-Tribune. 

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ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

October 30, 2019 (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.

WORLD

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


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CAL FIRE BEEFS UP STAFFING DURING SANTA ANA WINDS

East County News Service
 
Agency brings in 150 out of state engines to California, adds 15 engines in San Diego County
 
October 30, 2019 (San Diego) –  Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire Authority has announced preparations being taken to prepare for extreme Santa Ana winds impacting most of Southern California over the next two or three days. 

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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS


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COUNTY PLANNERS TO HEAR SKYLINE CHURCH PROPOSAL FOR SENIOR RETIREMENT CENTER NOV. 8

East County News Service

October 30, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A controversial proposal by Skyline church to build a senior retirement center is slated for  hearing by the County Planning Commission on November 8 at 9 a.m.at the County’s Campus Center Chambers at 5520 Overland Rd., San Diego.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE!

 

 

October 30, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- Thanks to all who came to our Halloween Party Sunday night at our Mt. Helix "haunted" manor, helping to make our benefit event for East County Magazine a night to remember!


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BORREGO FARMERS MARKET OPENS FOR WINTER SEASON

East County News Service

October 30, 2019 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Farmers Market will return on Fridays from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. starting November 1st at Christmas Circle in downtown Borrego Springs.

The market features certified farm fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, handmade items, T-shirts, soaps, jewelry, and more.

The market is hosted by the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 760-767-5555.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

October 30, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

SCIENCE AND TECH

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


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VICTIM AIR-LIFTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER CRASH IN LA MESA

By Miriam Raftery
 
October 30, 2019 (La Mesa) – A multi-vehicle crash involving at least three vehicles Tuesday morning briefly shut down all lanes of State Route 125 in La Mesa near Spring Street.  A medical helicopter air-lifted at least one injured person to a nearby hospital.
 
The crash was reported at 9:05 a.m. according to the California Highway Patrol and all lanes were reopened by 10:30 a.m.

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: ROCK STAR

East County News Service

October 30, 2019 (Santee) – Just in time for Halloween, someone dressed up boulders in Santee dubbed the “Santee Lady” by photographer Rebecca Jefferis-Williamson.


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SCHOOL CLOSURES ON WEDNESDAY DUE TO OUTAGES

October 29, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- Because SDG&E has announced planned power outages due to high fire danger, the County Board of Education announced that the following school districts will be closed on Wednesday, October 30:

  • Dehesa School District
  • Julian Union High School District
  • Julian Union School District
  • Mountain Empire Unified School District
  • Rancho Santa Fe School District
  • Spencer Valley School District
  • Warner Unified School District


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GOVERNOR NEWSOM ASKS CPUC TO REFORM POWER SHUT-OFF RULES, PENALIZE UTILITIES FOR EXCESSIVE OUTAGES AND MANDATE COMPENSATION FOR IMPACTED RATEPAYERS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Governor Newsom met with officials and emergency responders after touring Getty Fire area in Los Angeles yesterday

October 29, 2019 (Sacramento) –San Diego rural and mountain residents weary of repeated utility-led Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) by SDG&E to prevent wildfires had complaints fall on deaf ears during Governor Jerry Brown’s administration.

By contrast, Governor Gavin Newsom has just issued a series of announced actions aimed at restricting widespread intentional outages and penalizing utilities that violate new rules that Newsom aims to impose.  In addition, Newsom called for an end to charging ratepayers during planned outages and approved funds to help compensate those left without power for losses incurred.

He also made clear that he expects the California Public Utilities Commission to take strong actions. The new Governor has appointed two new CPUC commissioners – and made clear at a press conference that he expects to see reforms, or more changes  will be made.


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SMALL QUAKE NEAR LAKE HENSHAW RATTLES EAST COUNTY

East County News Service

October 29, 2019 (Lake Henshaw)-- A 3.6 earthquake centered near Lake Henshaw, 15 miles northwest of Ramona, rattled the region around 9:20 a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).  

The temblor was felt as far away as La Mesa, where ECM's editor felt a rumble followed by a jolt that startled her two dogs and a cat.  


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