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.

April 11, 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

• Local firefighter leads mission to help search and rescue efforts in Ukraine (10 News)
• As spring open house season approaches at famed Hubbell art compound in Santa Ysabel, a torch is passed (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• La Mesa will use federal money to aid new businesses amid high vacancy rates (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Other cities have tried sending less serious 911 calls to nurses, not hospitals. Did it work? (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Rise Up Industries in Santee helps former prisoners (10 News)
• Attorneys argue case over ex-La Mesa police officer's firing (KPBS)
• East County asphalt company must improve safety after emissions reach potentially dangerous levels (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego police shoot armed man, 60, in garage of San Carlos home (San Diego Union-Tribune)

STATE

• Proposed bill would shorten California workweek to 32 hours. Here’s what you need to know (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• California Is About to Test Its First Solar Canals (Smithsonian)
• Superblooms of fungus’: Climate change is making valley fever worse (Los Angeles Times)
• California Lawmakers Extend Eviction Ban for Some Renters (NBC San Diego)
• California corporate diversity law ruled unconstitutional (10 News)
• California to pay $55 million for massive wildfires (AP)
• California drought: Sierra snowpack falls to one of lowest levels in 70 years (Mercury News)

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

View video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Shc-5Og5pc

Note: This interview was recorded in early February.

March 22, 2022 (San Diego) – Joseph Rocha, the Democratic Party's endorsed candidate in the newly redrawn 40^th State Senate district currently represented by Republican Brian Jones, recently sat down for an in-depth interview with East County Magazine that originally aired on KNSJ radio.  He’s running to focus on jobs, housing, infrastructure, veterans and climate change among other important issues. The interview addressed these topics and more.

Rocha is a veteran of both the Navy and Marine Corps. He served as a bomb dog handler in the Persian Gulf and later, after obtaining his law degree, as a Marine Corps captain and prosecutor. He’s also a former intern at East County Magazine, where in 2008 he gained interest in politics while interview candidates for Congress and City Council. 

“I think the adversity in my life has given me the passion for service,” he says.  “I’m second generation Mexican-American,” he says. His mother was a grocery store worker who struggled with addiction; his father worked as a truck driver, raising five children. “These bread and butter, working class issues of the middle class have been a core passion of mine since I can remember," Rocha says.

March 2, 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

• Some school districts in rural San Diego County can’t catch a break with COVID  (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego restaurants pull Russian vodka and wear flags of solidarity to protest war in Ukraine (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego passes San Francisco as least affordable city in the United States (KUSI)
• Baber announces he won’t seek reelection in La Mesa (SD Rostra)
• San Diego's Decades-Old Valley Farms Market Closes BBQ Shack & Releases Plans For New Brewery Restaurant (SanDiegoVille)
• Anger surfaces at SDSU over rule requiring faculty to include Kumeyaay acknowledgment in syllabi (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego firefighter dies of COVID-19 complications (10 News)
• Trial Ordered For Man Accused Of Killing Ex's Twin Daughters (Patch)

STATE

• Will Russia’s attack on Ukraine push gas and food prices even higher? (Los Angeles Times)
• Fast-moving wildfire grows to 500 acres in Cleveland National Forest (Los Angeles Times)
• More college freshmen want to attend University of California schools (San Jose Mercury)
• San Francisco voters recall 3 school board members  (NPR)
• Newsom Rips Into Fox News, OAN, Newsmax, Calling Them “Propaganda Networks”; Announces New State Unit To Combat Misinformation (Yahoo News)

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

East County News Service

Photo: Joylin Gutierrez, 6, and her suspected captor, her non-custodial parent Wendy Guttierez

Update:  Authorities indicate the abductor may have taken Joylin Gutierrez into Mexico.

February 22, 2022 (Spring Valley) -- The Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station wants your help in locating a missing six-year-old girl from Spring Valley.

On Tuesday, February 22 around 1:15 p.m., Joylin Gutierrez was taken from Kempton Elementary School located in the 700 block of Kempton Street in Spring Valley. Joylin  is Hispanic, three feet tall with long brown hair and brown eyes.  She was last seen wearing a pink or purple sweater.

 Joylin is believed to be with her biological, non-custodial parent, 45-year-old Wendy Gutierrez.

They were last seen around 4:00 p.m. in the area near East Plaza Boulevard and South Harbison Avenue in National City.

By Miriam Raftery

Image: CC via Bing

February 18, 2022 (San Diego) – After revelations that San Francisco police used DNA collected from rape kits to charge a rape victim with a property crime, San Francisco’s District Attorney Chesa Boudin dismissed the charges and called the police actions a violation of the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures.

So East County Magazine asked the San Diego Sheriff department whether it has submitted rape victims’ DNA collected at hospitals to a database that could be used to link rape victims to other crimes.

Within hours of our request, Lieutenant Amber Baggs, the Sheriff’s Media Relations Director, sent this response:  “No we do NOT do this.  I read the article as well and checked with our Crime Lab Director. We do not match victim's DNA to other crimes. Thank you for asking so this can be clarified.”