East County News Service

May 28, 2021 (San Diego) -- San Diego Gas & Electric, the San Diego Housing Commission, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council and its member unions are partnering for a one-night event in City Heights to help struggling San Diegans apply for a variety of utility bill and rental assistance programs. The event will be held Friday, May 28 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 4265 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105.

Those experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic may qualify for help from the City of San Diego’s COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program, which is administered by the Housing Commission, the County of San Diego’s Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program, and SDG&E’s bill discount and payment assistance programs.

Representatives from various organizations (including those who speak Somali and Spanish) will be on-site to share information and provide step-by-step online enrollment assistance for those who do not have access to a computer or internet.  Computer tablets will be available to assist people with online enrollment.

Source: San Diego Sheriff’s Department

May 25, 2021 (Poway) -- The Poway Sheriff's Station wants your help in locating a missing woman at risk.

On May 20, 71-year-old Denise Bellafiore left Poway by taxi to return to her residential care facility in Chula Vista.  During her travels, she reportedly told the taxi driver to take her to Downtown San Diego.  Bellafiore was dropped off near the intersection of 10th Street and Broadway in Downtown San Diego.  She has not been seen or heard from since, according to Detective Justin Cole.

By Miriam Raftery

May 22, 2021 (Mt. Helix) – Residents on Horizon Hills near Mt. Helix are reveling in a ruling by Superior Court Judge Theodore Weathers which blocks the state from placing Douglas Badger, a sexually violent predator (SVP) in the community. Earlier this month, another judge blocked placement of a second SVP, Merle Wakefield, at the same site.

The residents have announced a "Super Victory Party" on May 31 to celebrate keeping their neighborhood safe.

By Miriam Raftery 

May 22, 2021 (Jamul) – A tenant asked to move out of a residence on Lyons Valley Road in Jamul in February shot his landlord, then killed himself following an argument.  The landlord’s health declined and on May 7th he was readmitted to a

hospital, where he died.

The Medical Examiner has determined that the cause of death was homicide due to complications from the gunshot wound to his torso.

By Miriam Raftery

May 22, 2021 (San Diego) – Fifteen months after COVID-19 shut downs began, the state of California will be lifting all capacity limits and color-coded tiers starting June 15, allowing all businesses to reopen at full capacity without physical distancing. Locally, that includes Padres games at full capacity, a return of symphony concerts, festivals and more.

The announcement came Friday from Dr. Mark Ghaly, head of the California Health and Human Services Agency, who indicated the state will largely follow guidelines U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There will, however, be some requirements for mega-indoor events as well as guidelines for massive outdoor events. In addition, rules remain pending for workplaces and some travel limits may be imposed for travelers from nations with high rates of COVID, in accordance with CDC recommendations.

By Miriam Raftery

May 19, 2021 (San Diego) – With over two-thirds of Californians now at least partially vaccinated and half fully vaccinated, many people are looking forward to resuming normal activities. But if you haven’t had the COVID-19 vaccine, you may be surprised to learn that you won’t be allowed to go many places.

These include all cruise ships, many colleges and universities, and some sports arenas and stadiums. Nursing homes and other senior care facilities may require vaccinations before admitting new patients or indoor visitors. Some employers are also requiring vaccines. Even some event planners are requiring guests to be vaccinated to attend functions such as weddings.

Not getting the vaccine is a personal choice, but a growing number of places are opting to protect their customers, workers or patients by banning the unvaccinated. Others are allowing unvaccinated people only if they can pass a COVID test. But who really wants to have your nose swabbed every time you go to a Padres game? Similarly, some places are allowing unvaccinated travelers – but only if you both pass a COVID test and quarantine in your hotel room for a number of days after arriving, which can spoil vacation plans unless you have an extended trip.

So where can’t you go, as of now, if you’re not vaccinated?

Story and photo by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

May 16, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – Should you get your dog vaccinated to protect against rattlesnake bites?

The County of San Diego’s Department of Animal Services cautions that rattlesnake season is year-round, but sightings may spike during hot spells or in the summer months.  The San Diego Humane Society also notes that rattlesnake bites can happen all year-round, but the worst months are from April through September.  County Animal Services says rattlesnakes can show up at any time from the coast to the deserts.

Source: Caltrans

May 14, 2021 (Spring Valley) -- Crews will close all lanes of westbound State Route 94 (SR-94) from Avocado Boulevard/Calavo Drive to Kenwood Drive Sunday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., according to Caltrans. The westbound SR-94 nightime closures include the on-ramp from Avocado Boulevard/Calavo Drive, the off- and on-ramps at Sweetwater Springs Road/Campo Drive, and the Kenwood Drive off-ramp.

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 13, 2021 (San Diego) - A limited number of people can attend and provide public comment in person at the County Board of Supervisors meetings next week as long as certain COVID-19 safety measures are followed.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via The Mountain Community on Facebook, posted by Laura Palmer Vikara

Update May 13, 2021 -- The California Highway Patrol reports that the  driver was trapped in the vehicle and died. The body of a second male victim as found later in the afternoon. Both of their identities are unknown. Around 7:48 p.m. the driver hauling a semi-trailer (big rig) lost control and struck the center divider, hit a bridge rail and rolled down an embankment off I-8 east of Sunrise Highway, where the truck became engulfed in flames. CHP, Border Patrol and Cal Fire arrived shortly after the crash. It is unknown what caused the accident and whether the victims wore seatbelts. CHP asks anyone who witnessed this crash to call the CHP in El Cajon at (619)401-2000.

May 12, 2021 (Pine Valley) – Westbound Interstate 8 is shutdown from Buckman Springs Road to Sunrise Highway due to a big rig truck that caught fire, crashed and damaged a bridge. Traffic is being diverted onto Old Highway 80.

According to the CHP Incidents page, the accident occurred near the Border Patrol Checkpoint, which is three miles east of Pine Valley.  Damage to 30 feet of metal and concrete on the bridge is reported.