By Miriam Raftery

August 8, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) - A “Super moon” and a meteor shower will both light up the sky this Sunday night, according to NASA.  The Super moon is caused by the Earth’s orbit bringing us closer to the moon, and it will be most visible in the early evening, appearing larger and brighter than usual.

Applications received will be considered for the 2015 and 2016 hiring years:

Deadline Friday, August 15, 2014

August 8, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - Joining the FBI is like no other career choice you have explored.  It is challenging. It is exciting.  It is rewarding and every day you have a chance to serve your country.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: President Obama meets with national security advisors on August 7 (WhiteHouse.gov)

August 8, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – U.S. fighter jets today dropped two 500-pound bombs on terrorists’ artillery that were being used to attack Kurdish forces in Irbil, the capitol of the Kurdish province in Iraq. In addition, U.S. planes dropped humanitarian relief to aid refugees stranded without food or water.

President Barack Obama last night authorized the use of force against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the Al Qaeda splinter group that has renamed itself the Islamic State.  The President also authorized humanitarian aid for victims of ISIS forced to flee their homes or be killed, including persecuted Christians and other religious minorities. The President made clear however that he will not authorize ground troops in the conflict.

Locally the announcement drew praise from Mark Arabo, CEO of the Neighborhood Market Association and a national spokesman for Iraqi Christians.

​"​Our work that began seven weeks ago in Congressman Juan Vargas’ office has resulted in a crescendo of tears, smiles and joy throughout the ​entire Iraqi Christian community​," Arabo said, referring to a Congressional resolution authored by Vargas and drafted by Arabo calling for humanitarian aid. 

By Janis Russell

August 7, 2014 (San Diego)- At the July 31 Somali Bantu Association of America board meeting, president and CEO, Said Abiyow, told ECM he is specifically looking for more volunteers to help promote events and they also hope to promote themselves.

August 7, 2014 (La Mesa) – On Wednesday, August 13, La Mesa's Chamberof Commerce invites you to take mix, mingle and enjoy food provided by local businesses and the Chamber.

By Nadin Abbott

August 6, 2014 (San Diego)--The County of San Diego has recognized the reality of climactic change since the County Board of Supervisors adopted the Climate Action Plan in 2012, This is a comprehensive plan that partly complies with the state mandate imposed by AB 32. AB 32, which is the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, signed into law by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Church launches drive to save lives, help children fleeing violence

"Jesus himself was a refugee, who with his family fled to a foreign as an infant." --Rev. Kaji Dousa

Hear our interview with Doug Brunson from UCCLM: http://www.kiwi6.com/file/gvviv3lgb6

View or sign a petition to help the children: http://tableucc.com/witness/sign-the-petition-central-american-refugee-crisis/

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2014 (La Mesa)—United Church of Christ in La Mesa has stepped forward to help children from Central America who have sought refuge in the United States, fleeing violence, drug trafficking and threats of death.   The public is invited to a Border Children panel discussion on Sunday, August 17 at 3 p.m.  at the church, located at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa.

 “We need to welcome the strangers. We need to help those in need,” Doug Brunson with UCCLM told East County Magazine in a recent radio interview, quoting Jesus.  “This is a crisis…something that needs to be addressed now,” he said of the 50,000 children.

Hear our interview with GUHSD member Priscilla Schreiber and Nick Marinovich, who says he was pressured to resign off the district's Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, on why they want to see new candidates step forward to run for the board:

https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2014 (San Diego's East County) -- Tomorrow, August 8 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to file for running for most local offices in East County--though if an incumbent opts not to file for reelection, that deadline can be extended for several more days. 

Some local districts don't have enough people running to fill the seats--including the Grossmont Union High School District, where at last check only two challengers have filed for three seats, despite controversy including a Grand Jury admonishment.  One of those challengers, Dr. Gary Woods, opposes a high school for Alpine and was previously voted out; his election would solidify the anti-Alpine high school majority on the board.  (Note: incumbent Dick Hoy has said he won't seek reelection, thus this filing deadline will likely be extended.)

Alpine's Community Planning Group has just 5 candidates so for to fill 7 seats.

These are just two examples of a race where the balance of power could shift--or not--depending on which candidates if any step forward to run.

Local seats on the November ballot include school boards, planning groups, water boards, fire boards, mayor and city councils across East County.  Currently a numberof these positions have no candidates filed to run, or only one candidate, leaving voters without a choice.  

Plus previews of coming attractions

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2014 (Destination East County) – From fishing at night to fun with firefighters, we have some unique outings featured in this week’s Destination East County – along with some rollicking musical performances and "Politics in Paradise."  Plus we have previews of next week’s top events, from a Cajun concert to a event atop Mt. Helix for lovers of art, craft beer and wine.

Plus previews of coming attractions

By Miriam Raftery

August 6, 2014 (Destination East County) – From fishing at night to fun with firefighters, we have some unique outings featured in this week’s Destination East County – along with some rollicking musical performances.  Plus we have previews of next week’s top events, from a Cajun concert to a event atop Mt. Helix for lovers of art, craft beer and wine.

East County News Service

Photo: Arabo speaking at rally for Iraqi Christians last month in El Cajon

August 6, 2014 (El Cajon)—Mark Arabo,  a local Chaldean leader, and a coalition he has assembled will meet with U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice at the White House on Thursday and possibly Secretary of State John Kerry.  A press release announcing the upcoming meeting states that they will discuss the Christian genocide in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon by the terrorist group ISIS.

August 6, 2014 (San Diego's East County)-- East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• U.S. general killed, 14 wounded in Afghan academy attack: officials (Reuters)
• Colorado officials propose tightening  of rules for marijuana edibles (RawStory)
• What's Happening to America in the Borderlands? (Reason)
• CIA admits to spying on Senate intelligence committee (CS Monitor)
• White House Accidentally E-Mails Torture Report Talking Points to Associated Press (Reason)
• House Votes to Create More Visas for US Afghan Allies Threatened by the Taliban (Reason)
• Verizon defends slowdown of unlimited customers' data to FCC (Reuters)
• Hacker Says He Can Break Into Airplane Systems Using In-Flight Wi-Fi (Reuters)

WORLD

• 5 things to know about Ebola outbreak in west Africa (UT San Diego)
• What Obama can do about Ebola (CNN opinion)
• Sudanese woman who had faced execution for conversion arrives in U.S. (Reuters)
• Liberia shuts schools as Ebola spreads, Peace Corps leaves three countries (Reuters)
• Iraqi PM orders air force to help Kurds fight Islamic State (Reuters)
• Using Water As A Weapon In The Fight To Control Iraq
• Storms, Aftershocks Hurt Rescue Efforts Following Deadly China Quake (NPR)
• Taiwan gas explosions: 12,000 evacuees return to their homes (+video) (CS Monitor)  
• Hamas executes alleged spies, shoots protesters in Gaza (JPost)
• Blockade leaves Gaza cut off from world( CBS)
• Iran Says It Gave Missile Technology to Hamas (AP)
•  Italian Reporter Reveals Hamas Cover-Up Over Misfired Rockets (Israel National News)
• French police arrest Islamist militant at a Paris airport (Reuters)

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

By Susan A. Mahalick

August 5, 2014 (Baja, Mexico) - Want to be outside, see waves splash up onto volcanic rocks, watch dolphins swim by and sea birds perch everywhere? Add to this some of the finest hospitality, drinks and food and this is a sure winner.