News

36 MEMBERS OF SINALOA CARTEL ARRESTED; DRUGS AND WEAPONS SEIZED, U.S. ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES

Arrestees include Border Patrol agent and East County residents
 
Two more AR-style rifles, a pistol, magazines, and Russian-made ammunition, all of which, prosecutors say, were exchanged for drugs. Photo courtesy of the Office of the United States Attorney Southern District of California
 
East County News Service
 
June 9, 2024 (San Diego) – In sweeping raids across multiple counties including San Diego, 400 officers from dozens of agencies arrested 36 members of the Sinaloa cartel for a “fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution network” based in Imperial Valley, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of California. Charges were filed against 47 alleged members of the criminal operation, including 11 who remain fugitives from justice.

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MEDIA CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT YOUTH FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING

 
 
June 9, 2024 (San Diego) -- San Diegans will soon see and hear a new County media campaign designed to raise public awareness about human trafficking. The educational campaign includes radio announcements, outdoor billboards, and digital media to inform children, youth and their peers on how to protect themselves from exploitation.

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SAFEGUARDING OUR COMMUNITIES FROM WILDFIRES

East County News Service

Photo: 2003 Cedar Fire, via CalFire

June 9,2024 (San Diego’s East County )-- As we head into the summer months, there is increased potential for hot temperatures and strong winds in San Diego County. It is crucial for us to be ready for potential wildfires. East County is especially prone to wildfires, so each of us has an individual responsibility to prepare ahead of time and be ready to evacuate.

Supervisor Joel Anderson and his staff have have compiled a comprehensive list of online resources to aid in our collective efforts to safeguard you, your families, and our community.


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PASSAGES: GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE AND ASTRONAUT WILLIAM ANDERS DIES AT 90

By Chris Jennewein and Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association


 
NASA Photo: The famous “Earthrise” photo taken by astronaut Bill Anders aboard Apollo 8 in 1968.
 
June 8, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Astronaut William Anders, the 1951 Grossmont High School graduate who took what may be the most famous photo of Earth during the history-making Apollo 8 mission, has died at 90.
 
He died Friday when a single-engine T-34 aircraft he was flying crashed near Jones Island in the Puget Sound north of Seattle.

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DEPT. OF INSURANCE SPEAKER JUNE 11 AT FIRE-SAFE MEETING IN JAMUL

By Miriam Raftery
 
June 8, 2024 (Jamul) – Concerned about losing homeowner’s insurance, fire insurance, or rising rates? The Jamul Fire Safe Council invites you to its meeting on June 11. Sharon Smith, insurance outreach analyst from the Calif. Dept. of Insurance will be on hand to address insurance concerns and provide information on the California Fair Plan.

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BEAR SIGHTINGS CONFIRMED ON PALOMAR MOUNTAIN

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2024 (Palomar) – Bears hadn’t been spotted on Palomar Mountain for roughly a decade—until now.  Over the past two weeks, multiple residents and business owners have posted photos and videos showing a black bear frequenting the area.

On May 21,  Deana Marie Freeman posted the photo (left) on social media, which she said was a bear outside her cabin along Fern Trail in the Bailey’s area of Palomar Mountain.  On May 26, Palomar Mountain Snow Play posted a video showing a bear running behind their store. A third video on June 2 shows a bear walking north on Canfield Road near the Palomar Mountain General Store (screenshot from video, right).


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COUNTY CANCELS SLEEPING CABINS FOR SPRING VALLEY SITE

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2024 (Spring Valley) – Nora Vargas, Chair of the San Diego County Board of Superivsors, announced yesterday that she has rescinded approval of plans to build 150 sleeping cabins in Spring Valley, after hearing concerns of neighboring residents.

“I understand concerns expressed by residents about putting these cabins near schoolsand parks where children play,and believe that we can find better,more thoughtful solutions by working with affected commuities,” a statement from Vargas read in part.

Supervisors voted 4-0 in March (with Supervisor Joel Anderson absent) to approve building the sleeping cabins on  Jamacha Road.


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SWIFT RESPONSE SAVES HOMES IN SPRING VALLEY BRUSH FIRE

Story and photos by Josh Stotler

June 8, 2024 (Spring Valley) – A multi-agency response prevented a wind-driven brush fire in Spring Valley yesterday from destroying multiple homes threatened by the flames. The fire was originally dispatched as a residential structure fire near the 9800 block of Ivanho Street.  The first units on scene reported the blaze had extended to the vegetation on the back side of the residence.

As the fire grew, spreading across a grassy field, structures were threatened. The Incident Commander ordered additional engines and helicopter support. An evacuation order for zone SDC-2151 was broadcast as the fire came within a few feet of homes in the area.  Smoke was visible and could be smelled across Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley and parts of La Mesa.


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EVACUATIONS ORDERED IN SPRING VALLEY DUE TO FIRE

Update 3:35 p.m.: Evacuation orders have been lifted.

 

June 7, 2024 -- Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in Spring Valley due to a structure fire that spread into brush.  The evacuations are ordered for the area that is:

North of Omega St., Jamacha Blvd. and Ivanho St.

South of Citrus Tree Lane

East of Galopago St., Lemon Ave., and Maya St.

West of Sweetwater Springs Blvd.

 

San Miguel Fire Department officials told ABC 10News that a structure fire first erupted in the 9800 block of Ivanho Street. Strong winds then blew embers towards a field about a half-mile away and ignited the brush fire.More homes are immediately threatened. Residents are urged to leave now due to an immediate threat to life. The area is closed to public access.


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SDG&E CONSUMER FRAUD ALERT

East County News Service
 
June 6, 2024 (San Diego) — To protect customers, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is alerting customers to a recently documented text-message utility scam trying to defraud local utility customers. The scheme attempts to exploit SDG&E’s legitimate use of text messages and email notifications to inform residential customers of work orders like meter changes, reads and tests.
 
There is an important distinction between a fraudulent and a legitimate customer communication – the fraudster will route the customer to a fake 1-800 number. Legitimate SDG&E texts will always point the customer to SDG&E’s main Customer Care Center, 1-800-411-7343 (or 1-800-311-7343 for Spanish-speakers). When in doubt, hang up and call SDG&E back at the number listed on SDG&E’s webpage

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SAN DIEGO REGIONAL FIRE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2024 GRANTS AND RECOGNITION FOR LOCAL FIRE SAFE COUNCILS

East County News Service
 
$250,000 in grants awarded to 24 local Fire Safe Councils throughout the San Diego region
 
June 6, 2024 (San Diego) – Last Thursday, the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation announced it will be funding 24 Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) with grants totaling $250,000 to aid in wildfire prevention and preparedness, including community education to make their neighborhoods safer.  The announcement was made during the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County’s 17th Annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony, which recognized several outstanding individuals and agencies for their significant contributions to fostering fire-safe and resilient communities. 

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LOCAL LEADERS REACT TO TRUMP'S 34 CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

 

Representative Sara Jacobs says “justice is served” by jurors’ decision. Her opponent, Mayor Bill Wells, leads “save our democracy” rally against verdict.

East County News Service

June 5, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Local officials are speaking on after a New York state jury convicted former president Donald Trump of 34 felony crimes.  The jurors found that Trump falsified business records to pay hush money to a porn star, in order to prevent voters from learning of his alleged affair.

Reactions split down party lines among local representatives, with Republicans criticizing the justice systema and Democrats praising jurors’ actions.

Congressman Juan Vargas, a Democrat, stated, “"No one is above the law. Not even former president Donald Trump. Today, a jury unanimously concluded that he broke the law for his own personal gain. This verdict is another step towards accountability and justice."

In El Cajon, Republican Mayor Bill Wells, also a candidate for Congress, held what he called a “Save Our Democracy” rally at which he denounced the verdicts. “Americans know that a dark time has fallen over the nation and that none of us are safe. We are all potential felons if it is convenient for the people in power,” Wells told the crowd that he estimated at hundreds, but that other observers estimated at several dozen.  Councilmembers Phil Ortiz and Steve Goble also spoke at the rally.

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, whom Wells is running against, concluded, “Justice is served.”


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COUNTY SUPERVISORS APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

 
June 4, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Ebony Shelton as the new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Shelton is the first Afro-Latina in County history to serve in the role. She will start her new position June 14.
 
Shelton has dedicated her career to serving the community, most recently in a dual role as the County’s chief financial officer and as a deputy chief administrative officer, overseeing the departments in the County’s Finance and General Government group.
 
“Ebony has the vision, the talent and the expertise to serve our residents and support working families as the Chief Administrative Officer,” said Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “She has nearly 30 years of experience working for the County and is a native San Diegan who is committed to our communities.”

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CITY OF SANTEE HOSTS DISTRICT 3 TOWN HALL

East County News Service
 
June 4, 2024 (Santee) -- Join the City of Santee and Councilmember Laura Koval on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Santee City Hall located at 10601 Magnolia Ave., Santee, CA 92071 at 6:00 P.M. for the District 3 Town Hall Meeting. The meeting will be led by Councilmember Koval who represents District 3 in the City of Santee.  
 
The presentation and discussion will be mainly applicable to District 3, however, all community members are welcome to attend. Discussion topics include: the City of Santee’s Arts & Entertainment District, road improvements, defensible space, the Santee Fire Department and more. 

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COUNTY COOL ZONES OPEN AS TEMPERATURES HEAT UP

 
June 4, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego opened its annual Cool Zones program Saturday, just as the region is expecting to face its first potential summer-like temperatures this week.
 
The Cool Zones program was created two decades ago. It was designed to give older adults, people with disabilities and people with health concerns free, safe air-conditioned shelters to visit to escape extreme heat.

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EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FOR DESERTS

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

June 4,2024 (San Diego's East County) --The National Weather Service warns that hot conditions up to 113 degrees will be present for San Diego County's hgh deserts from 10 a.m. today until Friday at 9 p.m., with temperatures up to 103 degrees in lower desert regions.

Find a cool place to go and tips to beat the heat at www.coolzones.org and follow this advice from County Emergency Services:


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FELON ACCUSED OF DRUG-FUELED CRIME SPREE IN EL CAJON, INCLUDING INJURING ELDERLY WOMAN

By Miriam Raftery

June 3, 2024 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have arrested Tony Sims, 42, a homeless parolee with multiple prior arrests for violence and drugs.  According to a press release from ECPD, Sims is accused of terrorizing and injuring an elderly woman during  a” “drug-induced crime spree” the night of May 29,  later stealing a knife and threatening a second person in a grocery store.

The suspect allegedly knocked on the room of the elderly woman, who was staying in a motel near Oakdale and Second Street.  “When she opened the door, the stranger forcedly entered her motel room. He grabbed the woman's arm and pushed her down to the ground, causing significant but non-life-threatening injuries,” says Lieutenant Keith MacArthur.  “Before leaving, he destroyed the room and the television.”

The suspect reportedly ran from the motel to a fast-food restaurant, where he jumped through the drive-through window into the restaurant. Lt. MacArthur adds, ”He stole a knife from the kitchen and armed himself with it before fleeing again to a grocery store nearby. Witnesses told police the man threatened another person with the knife while he was inside the store,” but officers were unable to locate that victim.


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EL CAJON HOSTS FOUR TOWN HALLS ON SALES TAX MEASURE

East County News Service

June 3, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon’s special sales tax measure (Prop J) is set to expire, and voters may soon be asked whether to approve extending the half-cent sales tax in the future.  The city invites residents to four town halls (June 13,15,18 and 20) to learn about the services provided through the half-cent sales tax and what services may have to be cut if the funding source is not continued.

Each Town Hall will include an interactive budgeting activity that will provide vital feedback to City leaders.

Below are the town hall meetings scheduled:


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FIRE ON OTAY MOUNTAIN CHARS 400 ACRES

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photo and map via CalFire

June 3, 2024 (Otay) – The #Border53Fire is burning on both sides of the international border.  The fire has charred 400 acres, including 250 acres in the U.S. and150 in Mexico. The wildfire is 60% contained, with no structures threatened and no evacuations, per Cal Fire.

The blaze began June 1 in Buttewig Canyon on the south slope of Otay Mountain.


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SANTEE’S TOWN CENTER COMMUNITY PARK GETTING NEW TURF FIELDS

By Mike Allen
 
June 2, 2024 (Santee) -- Residents of Santee, along with the rest of East County, will soon see two new refurbished turf fields at the city’s Town Center Community Park.  
 
The two fields, just south of the Sportsplex USA ballfields, had the old turf removed in April, but are awaiting water tables to drain further so the new fields can be correctly installed, said Santee Community Services director Nicholas Chavez.

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PROTESTER ARRESTED AFTER VP HARRIS MOTORCADE BLOCKED IN SAN DIEGO; BIDEN CALLS FOR CEASE FIRE AND REBUILDING GAZA

By Miriam Raftery
 
June 2, 2024 (San Diego) – A protester was arrested Friday following efforts to obstruct a motorcade carrying Vice President Kamala Harris to a political fundraiser in Rancho Santa Fe Friday afternoon. Approximately 50 protesters gathered outside the gated community to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.  
 
“One of the protesters jumped in front of the motorcade to stop Vice President Harris from entering the neighborhood. Deputies intervened and detained the protester blocking the motorcade,” says Lieutenant Gavin Lanning. 

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BIDEN, TRUMP DELIVER STARKLY DIFFERENT MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via the Whte House:  President Joe Biden places a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery to honor soldiers buried there.

June 1, 2024 (Washington D.C.)—Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day yesterday,  President Joe Biden praised soldiers who gave their life to protect our country, and highlighted efforts his administration has made to help military families and veterans. His rival in the November election, former President Donald Trump, took no steps to honor veterans in person, nor any promises to improve the lives of veterans or military members, instead issuing a vitriolic attack on America's judicial system.

“Today, we join our grief with gratitude,” President Biden said at Arlington. “Gratitude to our fallen heroes, to their families, and to the brave souls who continue to uphold the flame of liberty around the world.”

He added, “To everyone who’s lost and loved someone in the service of our country...I know how hard it can be,”  recalling his son,  Beau Biden, an Iraq War veteran died nine years ago of brain cancer linked to his exposure to toxic burn pits in Iraq.  Biden noted that the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics  or PACT Act that he championed and signed into law has enabled his administration to approve over a million claims from veterans injured by toxic exposures during their military service.

Biden has signed over 30 bipartisan laws supporting servicemembers, veterans and their families.“Last year, the VA delivered more benefits and processed more claims than ever in our nation’s history, he said, concluding,  “May God bless our veterans, and may God protect our troops.”


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PET ADOPTION FEES WAIVED SATURDAY AT COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTERS

 
May 30, 2024 (Bonita) -- Unleash your love and find your new family member on the first annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day. Overcrowding continues to affect the County’s shelters and shelters throughout the United States. In response, we are asking for the community’s support to make a lifesaving impact on the homeless pet population.
 
Adoption fees are waived for all pets adopted on Saturday, June 1 at the County’s two animal shelters in Bonita and in Carlsbad. All pets will be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped.
 
California Adopt-a-Pet Day is more than an annual event; it celebrates the beautiful bond between humans and animals. It’s a day where the possibility of countless moments of laughter and love converge, waiting eagerly for you to be a part of them.

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CAL FIRE SUSPENDS BURN PERMITS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

East County News Service
 
May 30, 2024 (El Cajon) – After another wet winter, warming temperatures and winds are quickly drying out the abundant annual grass crop. The increasing fire danger posed by the high volume of dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region is prompting CAL FIRE to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of San Diego County. This suspension takes effect 8:00 am on June 1, 2024 and suspends all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves. 
 
"Due to increased fire risk, we are suspending all burn permits effective June 1st. This measure is essential to safeguard our communities and resources during this heightened period of danger," said Unit and Fire Chief Tony Mecham. 

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JURY FINDS TRUMP GUILTY ON ALL 34 FELONY COUNTS IN HUSH MONEY CASE

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: C-Span video screenshot of Trump speaking to reporters after the verdicts.

May 30, 2024 (New York, NY) -- A New York state jury has found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony criminal counts of falsifying business records to conceal payments to a porn star in order to influence the 2016 election. The former President and presumptive nominee will face sentencing at a July 11 hearing, where a judge could sentence him to prison. The hearing is just days before the Republican National Convention.

Trump, released pending the sentencing hearing, held a press conference after the unanimous verdict was read. He denounced the trial as "rigged" and a "disgrace," then said voters deliver the "real verdict" during the November 5 election.


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HOW TO REQUEST ROAD REPAIRS AND MORE FROM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS

East County News Service
 
Photo:  Pothole, by Editor5807, Creative Commons 3.0 license
 
May 28, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)—Got potholes? Graffiti?  Sidewalks  that need repairs?
 
If you live in the unincorporated areas of the county, you can report road repairs needed, drainage issues,  traffic problems, missing or damaged road signs and more at this link: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/dpw/roads/Roads_Service_Reque...
 
Tell Us Now App

People in the unincorporated area can use the Tell Us Now! App (now available in Spanish) to report non-emergency problems to the County of San Diego and track the progress of a reported problem. They can report problems related to unincorporated County roads, pricing and scales (e.g. gas pumps, grocery stores), mosquitoes (e.g. green pools, dead birds, mosquito breeding), air quality (region wide), and code compliance (e.g. graffiti, abandoned vehicles) within the unincorporated area.  

To use the County of San Diego’s free “Tell Us Now!” App just download it from your App store, then select an area of interest, snap a quick picture and add some text on your smartphone and send! The app will alert someone to clean up the mess, repair the sign or fix that error!


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COUNTY TO HOST SECOND COMMUNITY BUDGET SESSION

 
May 28, 2024 (San Diego) -- If you missed the open house on the recommended County budget, a virtual community budget session will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29.
 
County budget experts will give presentations on the County’s $8.48 billion recommended budget and then hold a moderated comment period.

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SCORCHING SCHOOLYARDS: CALIFORNIA GROUPS WANT MORE TREES, LESS ASPHALT AT SCHOOLS

Advocates say California's public schools lack outdoor shade to protect students from the sun and heat

BY ALEJANDRA REYES-VELARDE for Cal Matters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

May 28, 2024 (Sacramento, CA) -- Too few trees at California’s schools mean there’s little protecting students from a warming planet. Here’s how advocates say the state can pay for more shade.


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HEAR OUR EDITOR ON THE JOHN OLSEN SHOW

May 28, 2024 (Santee) -- This week,  John Olsen interviews Miriam Raftery, editor of the East County Magazine. She shares the range of information that our online news source provides (both existing and upcoming), how you can subscribe, and how you can support our community journalism and wildfire alerts.

Listen to the podcast at these links:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1508560/15109333-miriam-raftery-and-how-the-east-county-magazine-serves-our-communities

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0cxFKYwg6b0b1eSwcPHelR

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/miriam-raftery-and-how-the-east-county-magazine/id1541783400?i=1000656693561


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BOARD EXPANDS OPEN SPACE NEAR MOUNT OLYMPUS COUNTY PRESERVE

 

By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office

 

May 28, 2024 (Pala-Pauma) The County took steps last Wednesday to buy more land within the Pala-Pauma community for open space and species protection. The Board of Supervisors approved spending $1.2 million to buy 222 acres adjacent to the existing Mount Olympus County Preserve.


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