By Miriam Raftery

September 5, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – Indicted Rep. Duncan D. Hunter (R-Alpine) could lose his Congressional pension if convicted of felony corruption charges under federal reform laws. Those include the “Honest Leadership and Open Government Act” that his father, Duncan Hunter Sr., voted for in 2007.

 
By Miriam Raftery

August 11, 2018 (Boulevard) -- Terra-Gen's proposed Torrey Wind project (with up to 30 giant turbines each up to 586 tall and 4.2 megawatts) in Boulevard is moving through the planning process quickly. Boulevard Planning Group Chair Donna Tisdale is asking all who have concerns or information to share on impacts of wind turbines to come to a public scoping meeting  August 23 at 6 p.m. in the new Cal-Fire/County Fire Station at 40080 Ribbonwood Road, Boulevard.

“These turbines could be twice as powerful and about 100 feet taller than the Tule Wind turbines installed on public recreation land next door,” says Tisdale. “Bigger turbines can churn out much more noise and low frequency vibrations and potential electrical pollution over greater distances that can trigger psychical and emotional stress and the body's fight or flight instinct in people and animals. Turbines have reportedly been deemed nuisances in some legal and administrative proceedings around the world, with some families abandoning their homes and other homes bought out by developers over noise impacts and related litigation.”

By Miriam Raftery

Photos:  Brush fire sparked by exploding wind turbine in Campo  in 2013.  Proposed new turbines would dwarf these older, smaller models.

July 26, 2018 (Boulevard) – The Boulevard Community Planning Group has sent a 26-page letter to the County opposing Terra-Gen’s proposed Torrey Wind project.  If approved, the project would erect 30 wind turbines each 586 feet tall—that’s 90 feet higher than the tallest skyscraper in downtown San Diego—on 2,,000 acres of absentee-owned ranchland formerly known as Big Country Ranch property at the north end of Ribbonwood Road.

The proposed major use permit for Torrey Wind (formerly known as San Diego Wind) will be on the Boulevard Planning Group’s agenda at its August 2^nd meeting at 7 p.m.  (View agenda)

Our guide to unique lodging and adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry and inland areas

Story by Jonathan Ronald Goetz

Photos by Jonathan Ronald Goetz, Ronald Goetz, Miriam Raftery, and County of San Diego, Department of Parks and Recreation

June 18, 2018 (Campo) – People have been hiking, fishing and camping in the area today known as Lake Morena as well as the surrounding creeks and mountains for over 12,000 years, starting with the Kumeyaay, Luiseño, Cupeño and Cahuilla Native American tribes.

Today, much of this area in southeast San Diego County is preserved for the public to enjoy.  At an elevation of 3,000 feet, the park has mountain, desert and coastal habitats including over 3,250 acres of dense chaparral, ancient oaks and open grasslands surrounding the lake, the most remote reservoir in San Diego County, according to ranger Jessica Geiszler..

Lake Morena County Park remains one of the most affordable and inclusive places around, with boating from $12-$50, nightly tent-site for $22, RV for $31 or cabins starting at $50.

Our guide to unique lodging and adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2018 (Santee and Lakeside) – The Lakeside and Santee areas in San Diego’s East County encompass portions of the San Diego River Park as well as multiple lakes and reservoirs idyllic for fishing, boating, hiking, and birdwatching. Lodging options range from camping and cabins to a casino and spa resort on tribal land.  You’ll also find museums, a rodeo, racetrack speedway, breweries, nature preserves, parks, live theatre, modern shopping and quaint downtown district to explore.

There are wonderful getaway adventures to be found along local trails, ranging from easy hikes to mountain climbing, as well as fishing,  kayaking, canoeing, pedal boats, inner tube floats, rowboats and even places to bring jet skis and water skis.

June 6, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• Fletcher leads Dumanis for Supervisor; Desmond holds wide margin (Times of San Diego)
• San Diego City Council: Incumbents fare well, staffer led way for open seat (Times of San Diego)
• SDG&E losing ground to public-energy proposal with vote looming in San Diego (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Police arrest reported active shooter in downtown San Diego near Rock 'n' Roll marathon (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Lemon Grove school district, teachers reach contract agreement (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Ranger Steve’s “egg salad” learning center dedication (Borrego Sun)
• SDG&E to add five new battery storage facilities  (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego home prices up 7.7 percent in a year (San Diego Union-Tribune)

STATE

• Gavin Newsom’s top issues for California: affordability and homelessness (San Francisco Chronicle)
• In race for governor, Newsom and Cox offer competing views on California education (Ed Source)
• Marshall Tuck and Tony Thurmond to square off in runoff for California schools chief (Ed Source)
• L.A. County officials demand answers after more than 118,000 people were left off voter rosters  (Los Angeles Times)
• California’s net neutrality bill could set a national standard (The Verge)
• Cannabis companies now have access to property, liability insurance in California (San Bernadino Sun)

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

May 10, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• San Diego's night-time surf glowing with aqua colored light as bioluminescence takes hold (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• ·People are afraid of retribution’: Hunter clan fights for survival (Politico)
• Gathering aims to relaunch Minutemen, fortify border in response to caravan (SD Union-Tribune)
• Granite Hills High teacher resigns amid misconduct allegations (SD Union-Tribune)
• Lemon Grove teachers, district at impasse, hire mediator (SD Union-Tribune)
• San Diego DA Candidates Spar Over Police Shooting Investigations, Leadership (KPBS)
• Homeless court offers alternative to revolving door (SD Union-Tribune)
• Congressional District 50: Rep. Duncan Hunter's campaign finance issues have drawn plenty of challengers (SD Union-Tribune)

 STATE

• Neo-Nazi candidate kicked out of California state GOP convention (NBC)
• Gig economy faces shakeup after California high court ruling (San Francisco Chronicle)
• Big utilities are desperately trying to stick consumers with bills for  Calif. wildfires (Los Angeles Times)
• Offshore wind farms coming to California — but the Navy says no to large sections of the coast (SD Union-Tribune)
• 3 Californias? The initiative to break up the state may be on the ballot in November
• Calif. Republicans won’t endorse in governor’s race (Los Angeles Times)

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

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Bobbi Zane

Photo, left, and interior photos courtesy Julian Gold Rush Hotel

April 17, 2018 (Julian) -- Julian Gold Rush Hotel is a lovely Victorian bed and breakfast that dates back to the 1890s. Known as the “Queen of the Back Country,” the hotel is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places 

February 22, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• Supervisors adopt new climate plan over widespread opposition from green groups, residents (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• High profile gun control groups to join forces in San Diego (KPBS)
• Utilities commission wants to sanction San Diego attorney Mike Aguirre (SDUT)
• San Diego County refugee numbers plummet following Trump’s block (SDUT)
•  A lot of motorcycle deaths in San Diego County (San Diego Reader)
• Trial date set in Tony Gwynn lawsuit against smokeless tobacco company (Times of SD)

STATE

• Wildfires inspire new idea: charging rural residents more for electricity (San Francisco Chronicle)
• California weighs permanent restrictions for water wasters (AP)
• Retirement debt:  What’s the problem and how does it affect you?  (CalMatters)
• California Democrats to decide endorsements and hear from potential presidential candidates at annual convention (Los Angeles Times)

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

By Miriam Raftery

After four weeks with no new cases associated with the local hepatitis A outbreak reported, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a motion Tuesday ending the local public health emergency which began September 1^st.

El Cajon Councilman Gary Kendrick advised East County Magazine today that sunset language in its temporary ban on feeding the homeless in public places means the measure has officially expired, effective immediately.  So it’s now legal once again for organizations to feed the homeless in El Cajon’s parks or other public property.

January 18, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• SDSU backers turn in signatures for stadium initiative (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Sheriff for Trump’s border wall protoypes costs Sheriff nearly $900,000 (SD Union-Tribune)
• By The Numbers: San Diego County’s Most Diverse Neighborhoods (KPBS)
• Man accused of impersonating doctor at Sharp Grossmont Hospital (SD Union-Tribune)
• Exclusive: Issa mulls running in neighboring district—Hunter’s (The Hill)
• Brother of ISIS fighter gets 10 years in prison after informant’s testimony SD Union-Tribune)
• $61 Million Spent On SANDAG's Bike Program; Only 4 Miles Completed (KPBS)

STATE

• Calif. Public Utilities Commission affirms closure of Diablo Canyon nuclear plant (Friends of Earth)
• Californians take lead on proposal for slimmed-down 'Dreamer' bill    (Los Angeles Times)
• Discovery of 13 emaciated siblings brings new scrutiny to home-schooling in California (LA  Times)
• Calif. mudslide toll rises to 20, as search continues (BBC)
• Lawmakers introduce package of insurance safeguards in wake of Northern California wildfires (Santa Rosa Press Democrat)

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

January 11, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• SDG&E wants another shot at billing customers $379M for 2007 wildfires (SD Union-Tribune)
• Powerful storm sets record, causes countywide havoc (Times of San Diego)
• $900 million bond measure proposed to address San Diego homelessness (SD Union-Tribune)
• Rock vandal targets La Mesa neighborhood  (10 News)
• Some (not all) refugees find new homes after improper settlement practices (KPBS)
• New San Onofre deal reached between utilities, consumer groups (SD Union-Tribune)
• San Diego firefighter who died became trapped by flames (SD Union-Tribune)
• Alpine railway—train, tracks and stations—headed south. Next stop: Campo (SD Union-Tribune)
• Labor boss Kasparian settles one sexual harassment lawsuit (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Lecturer who led mascot retirement fight discriminated against white student because of her race, investigation finds (Daily Aztec)
• Bill Aims to Stop SDPD from Collecting DNA from Minors Without Convictions (Voice of SD)
• Carlsbad License Plate Readers Draw Mixed Reviews from Residents (NBC 7)

STATE

• Jerry Brown’s last budget: 19 billion reasons to smile and two big questions (Sacramento Bee)
• Marijuana Use Is A Likely Death Sentence For A Military Career, Even In California (KPBS)
• 13 dead in southern California as rain triggers mudslides (Sacramento Bee)
• California legislators introduce bill to block Trump’s offshore drilling push (KQED)
• California reduces automatic kill permits for marauding mountain lions (NBC 7)
• San Onofre 2050: Tide’s in, nukes out (San Diego Reader)
• Illegal immigrant acquitted in California death gets prison on gun charge (Reuters)

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

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Santa Barbara oil spill, 1969, dumped up to 100,000 barrels of crude oil off California's coast, killing 3,500 sea birds as well as marine mammals such as dolphins and seals. (Dick Smith Collection, University of Santa Barbara)

January 5, 2018 (Washington D.C.) – Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke yesterday issued a sweeping proposal to open up 98% of all outer continental shelf areas for offshore oil drilling -- including off San Diego’s coastline.  By contrast, drilling is currently allowed in only 6% of those areas.

The proposal, which also includes plans to drill in the Arctic, elsewhere along the west coast, the Atlantic coast and the Gulf coast, has drawn strong opposition from environmental groups and from California’s Attorney General.  View map of proposed drilling sites. The public will have an opportunity to weigh in however in public comments and public meetings to be held around the country.  A schedule of those meetings will be posted here.  Online comments at regulations.gov will be accepted starting January 8^th.

By Miriam Raftery

Updated 12 p.m. to include comments from Pat Landis.

December 30, 2017 (Julian/Cuyamaca)—On January1st,  the full-time staffed San Diego County Paramedic Fire Engine serving the Julian and Cuyamaca areas will be permanently closed. The action leaves the communities to rely solely on volunteer firefighters and one ambulance for fire and life safety services, which could lead to long delays in medical services if that unit is transportation a patient to a hospital, critics contend.

The paramedic engine had been providing fire and emergency medical response services 24 hours a day, seven days a week under a temporary agreement between the County of San Diego and the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District. The CAL FIRE Firefighters that were assigned to the engine have been reassigned to other facilities within San Diego County.

The action comes after the Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District voted to reject consolidation with the County Fire Department and remain independent—the last remaining volunteer fire department in the County.  Cal Fire firefighters blame the board for the current problems, but a former board member faults the district's fire chief.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Dennis Richardson

December 19, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – SDG&E has responded to our inquiry seeking answers to questions raised by concerned readers during planned outages to 17,000 SDG&E customers due to last week’s high winds, which ECM reported on here and here.

Helen Gao,  communications manager for Sempra Energy,  parent company of SDG&E,  sent the following reply to our questions on topics including loss claims, factors that determine when to shut off power, people with medical needs, support for residents during outages in need of water and communications, adjusting bills to eliminate charges during outages, and what might be done in communities with repeated outages to reduce or eliminate that need in the future.

Below is her response in full, followed by comments from rural residents with contrasting opinions on the outages: