February 9, 2023  (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• In State of the County speech, Board Chair Nora Vargas pledges to boost housing, small businesses and air quality (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• ‘We are not forgotten’: Formerly deported veterans become U.S. citizens in special San Diego ceremony (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• After the Vaccine, Republicans Became Far More Likely to Die with Covid-19 Than Democrats (Voice of San Diego)
• Here come the flowers (Borrego Sun)
• Reopened Chamber rebuilds (The Alpine Sun)
• Change in towing policy coming to San Diego (KPBS)
• Rincon reclaims power from state to oversee its gaming (Valley Roadrunner)
• Sharp data breach impacts nearly 6,300 (Fox 5 San Diego)

STATE

• California won't require COVID vaccine to attend schools (KPBS)
• The winter storms in California will boost water allocations for the state's cities  (AP)
• New Bill Would Mandate California Gun Owners Purchase Liability Insurance (Times of San Diego)
• President Biden Approves Emergency Aid for California in Wake of Deadly Storms (Times of San Diego)
• New cars in California must be zero-emissions by 2035. Can the power grid handle it?  (NPR)

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

January 2, 2023  (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• Looking ahead, these are the top local stories to watch in 2023 (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Minimum wage in city of San Diego increases to $16.30 an hour Sunday (10 News)
• County freezes Harmony Grove housing project after Sierra Club legal victory (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Can caring group save clinic? (Borrego Sun)
• The next Republican card falls in SANDAG make up: McCann won’t represent Chula Vista (SD Rostra)

STATE

• Absent for More Than a Century, California Condors Soar Above the Redwoods Again (Audobon)
• What to know about California’s Pay Transparency law that takes effect Jan. 1 (NBC San Diego)
• Buried treasure: California politicians stash $35 million in leftover campaign cash  (KPBS)
• How record snowfall could soften the 2023 drought season  (NPR)
• Think those bags are recyclable? California says think again  (KPBS)
• California university apologizes for prisoner experiments  (AP)

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

December 5, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- ECM intern John Lekven and editor Miriam Raftery highlight the many annual autumn attractions, festivals and events across San Diego's East County.

From colorful fall foliage to Oktoberfests, grapestomps at local wineries, Halloween happenings and fall festivals, culiminating in events to herald in the holiday season, each fall brings a magnificent array of options for residents and visitors to San Diego's inland region.

By Richard G. Opper

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

December 4, 2022 (San Diego) -- The Body in the Barrel is a compelling crime novel set in 1973 in San Diego.

The book opens on October 15, 1973: “I shifted the Smith & Wesson Model 10 to a more comfortable place on my hip, which was feeling tender this morning. The bay had a smell of rotting plants, and together with the smell of the diesel it triggered thoughts about the Mekong—which was not so long ago, even if it was half a world away. It was the reason my hip ached, but that life was over. I was back home in San Diego, and glad for it. Whatever I’d thought I was going to accomplish in the Navy’s swift boats turned out to be a bad dream. A nightmare. So, the fact that I ended up in the Harbor Police is a whole lot better—but still a whole lot of not much. I was out of the shit storm and into a more peaceful life, but for crying out loud, at twenty-eight here I was with nothing really going on, already going nowhere. But who cared? Other than my dad, I guess, and that only went so far.”

East County News Service

November 24, 2022 (San Diego) – Pilots safely landed two helicopters that collided near San Diego’s Brown Field Tuesday shortly after 6 p.m. 

A  UH-60A Firehawk contracted by SDG&E for year-round firefighting in our region collided in midair with a U.S.  Navy MH-60R Seahawk with three crewmembers aboard.

Despite the damage, crews and their families have much to be thankful for. "Both aircraft landed safely and there were no injuries to personnel," said ENS. Bryan Blair, Assistant Public Affairs Officer for Commander, Naval Air Forces, NBC 7 reports.

November 13, 2022 (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• Uptick in flu cases prompts hospitals to put up overflow tents in parking lots to ease ER burden  (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Lemon Grove officials say a council member bullied employees. But the city is keeping alleged evidence secret (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Neighbors concerned about 64-unit apartment complex planned for La Mesa Village
• With Tuesday’s runoffs, San Diego Democrats will have a 9-0 City Council majority for the first time (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Republicans Won Big Races in Small Cities and That Could Change Regional Transportation and Development Plans (Voice of San Diego)
• Increased border crossings leads to influx of migrants in San Diego homeless shelters  (KPBS)

STATE

• California lost billions in COVID-related fraud and is trying to get some back  (NPR)
• Pipeline operator agrees to $50M California spill settlement  (AP)
• Audubon California says take down bird feeders to help stop avian flu  (KPBS)
• Congenital syphilis rates soar across California as public health funding dwindles (KPBS)
• Regulators propose $155M fine for PG&E for 2020 wildfire (KPBS)
• California enables sexual assault victims to track rape kits (KPBS)

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

October 16, 2022 (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• East County School Coach Investigated For Alleged Sexual Misconduct (Patch.com)
• Fate of more Than 100 pet pigs abandoned in Santa Ysabel still unclear  (KPBS)
• 'Invisible' crime of extortion takes a heavy toll on Tijuana, according to new study(KPBS)
• Buonasera Cucina To Replace Trattoria Tiramisu In San Diego's La Mesa (San Diegoville
• Metrolink, Amtrak suspend train service to Oceanside because of unstable slope (San Diego Union-Tribune)

STATE

• New California housing laws let builders convert commercial property more easily  (NPR)
• California could ban gas furnaces and gas water heaters  (KPBS)
• California agencies float Colorado river water cuts proposal (AP)
• A California project would store solar energy to use when the sun goes down  (NPR)
• San Diego researchers probe underwater chemical dump (KPBS)
• Did Incumbent Democrat Schaefer give $30K to buy Republican support? (Sacto Politico)
• California governor approves farmworker unionization law (AP)
• Ex-PG&E execs to pay $117M to settle lawsuit over wildfires (AP)
•  New California abortion laws set up clash with other states(KPBS)

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

New York declares statewide emergency after wastewater testing repeatedly finds polio in four counties; man left paralyzed

By Dr. Henri Migala

Photo: Iron lung machines in Downey, CA circa 1953, U.S. FDA

September 22, 2022 (San Diego) -- San Diego County funds wastewater testing in our region for COVID-19 and, more recently, for Monkeypox. But so far, no testing for polio has been authorized locally-- despite a resurgence in the U.S. of polio, the Governor of New York declaring a ‘state of emergency after the detection of polio in multiple counties, paralysis of one patient, and a directive this week from the Centers for Disease Control urging wastewater testing in at-risk communities.

Discover the fabulous world of raptors right in East County’s backyard

By Josh Stotler

September 19, 2022 (Alpine) -- As I hike along the dirt trail, the morning fog rolls through the canyon. A hawk swoops from a branch and glides gently by. I am in awe as this amazing creature effortlessly soars by me, heading for the sun-drenched rock just to my left. It is a treat to see this animal up close and I’m lost in the moment, completely enveloped in the East County back country. This is no chance encounter though; I am at Sky Falconry, a 40 acre ranch located in the hills of Alpine.

When I arrived at the property earlier in the morning, the fog was heavy and the diffused sun rays were shining through the oak trees. I was warmly greeted by Kirk Sellinger and Denise Disharoon, the owners of Sky Falconry. Dressed exactly as one would envision a raptor handler to look (think Dr.’s Sadler & Grant from Jurassic Park) they quickly made me feel at home. As the other participants arrived and shuffled toward the circle of benches, we filled out a waiver and it was time to learn about these amazing birds.

By Miriam Raftery

September 9, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – High winds, rain and potential for storm damage have led several East County school districts to curtail classes today, the San Diego County of Education has announced. Others are holding minimum days due to the inclement weather.

• Mountain Empire Unified School District has closed all schools today.
• Spencer Valley School District schools will close at 11:30 a.m., with all after-school activities cancelled this afternoon.
• Julian Union High School will follow a minimum day schedule.
• Julian Union Elementary Elementary School District also has a minimum day.
  

By Miriam Raftery

September 1, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- Firefighters have held the #Border32Fire to 4,438 acres today, only slightly more than last night, thanks to the courageous efforts of crews working in extreme fire conditions overnight. The fire is now 14% contained, thanks to milder fire activity today. Find links below to our coverage of the harrowing conditions faced by firefighters.

Tonight, starting at 6:30 p.m. residents in the following areas are being allowed to return home, the Sheriff has announced:

• West of Cochera Via Drive
• East of Potrero Valley Road

Residents returning to Potrero must enter from eastbound State Route 94.  Those returning to Dulzura must enter from westbound State Route 94.

The following road closures remain in effect until further notice:

Application period begins Sept. 6 for phase 1 of the Ag Pass program

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Horses at a Clydesdale farm near Boulevard during Shockey Fire in 2012

September 1, 2022 (San Diego) --  Tragic stories have emerged during past local wildfires of livestock that perished not from flames, but from lack of food, water, or medical care. Farmers may lose crops due to lack of irrigation. That’s led some farmers and ranchers to risk their lives and not evacuate, knowing that they would not be allowed back in to care for their animals or crops.

That’s about to change.  On Tuesday, County supervisors voted to approve issuing an agricultural pass (Ag  Pass) that will allow a farmer or rancher limited access to their land  in evacuated areas during emergencies in order to care for livestock or crops during emergencies, once emergency responders deem conditions safe.

The program comes too late for those evacuated from the #Border32Fire currently threatening Potrero, Tecate and Dulzura. Overnight, some residents posted frantic messages on social media seeking help for animals trapped inside the evacuation area, after volunteers with horses trailers were denied access. The new program would not help volunteers, but would allow commercial ranchers and farmers or their managers who undergo safety training to be allowed limited access in future emergencies.

 The plan was proposed by East County Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond.

June 28, 2022 (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• Santee divvies up extra Covid money to tackle homelessness by the river (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Sheriff’s Department makes changes to health care services, drug-treatment programs for inmates (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Plane crashes while landing at Gillespie Field; no injuries reported (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Trump Aide and Ex-San Diego Politician Peter Navarro Indicted on Contempt of Congress Charges (Times of San Diego)
• Some San Diego police claim a COVID swab test violates their religion (KPBS)
• As housing prices skyrocket, La Mesa won’t raise fees to improve parks
• Seized Russian Superyacht Docks In San Diego (Patch)

STATE

• 'California Dream for All' program could help thousands of first-time home buyers (CBS)
• California Voters to Weigh Constitutional Right to Abortion (NBC 7)
• California’s COVID-19 case rate jumps again as new subvariants spread throughout state (Sacramento Bee)
• California may require labels on pot products to warn of mental health risks (NPR)

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

East Count News Service

Image: Mariupol, 22 000 civilians are dead, by Daniil Movchan

June 14, 2022 (San Diego) – Today, San Diego hosts a unique exhibition of Ukrainian artists called “Ukrainian Voice. Your choice!" There are 58 artists from Kyiv, Kharkov, Lvov, Odessa, Mariupol, Bucha, Irpin, Militopol and other Ukrainian cities showcasing their work, telling their war stories through contemporary art.  Each artist is considered a voice of Ukraine to be heard. What is also remarkable is that most of the authors still remain in Ukraine, fighting for the freedom of their homeland.

The art exhibit, “Ukrainian Voice. Your choice!” – which also features video and audio installations – will be held at the “Bread & Salt” gallery in Logan Heights. It illustrates the war from the beginning of the invasion to the present day, telling stories of bravery, sadness, desolation and hope captured in real time as the conflict rages on. The show is free to the public. All funds raised from purchases of artwork and donations will be sent directly to Ukrainian families in need.

June 13, 2022 (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• Ex-Christian youth theater employee pleads guilty to sex abuse charge (10 News)
• Navy to ‘pause’ non-deployed flight operations Monday after spate of crashes (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Lemon Grove will likely have a balanced budget, but not for the best reasons (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• East County cities pledge to find more homes for the homeless. How many places actually exist? (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Surge of fentanyl deaths, staffing shortages create backlog in county Medical Examiner’s Office (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• New leader takes over Taylor Guitars, as founder steps back (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego County family sues over alleged Hepatitis A infections linked to strawberries (10 News)
• Lemon Grove residents would have an easier time building accessory units under proposal (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Rules for Outdoor Dining Spaces About to Get More Strict in City of San Diego (NBC San Diego)
• What to know about Bishop McElroy, who will soon be a cardinal (Catholic News Agency)

STATE

• California lawmakers push gun control legislation toward final approval by Gov. Newsom  (Sacramento Bee)
• The California Highway Patrol has 1,000 officer vacancies. A new campaign aims to fill them (Sacramento Bee)
• Invasive jumping earthworms spotted in California (Ecowatch)
• Pelosi’s Husband Faces Drunken Driving Charge in California (New York Times)

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