By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 8, 2019 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego on Monday released a $6.21 billion recommended budget for fiscal year 2019-2020 that invests $112 million in new spending to help the region’s most vulnerable residents.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC by SA

May 8, 2019 (San Diego) – If you need a ride today, you may need to call a taxi or catch a trolley. Uber and Lyft drivers across San Diego County are taking part in a nationwide strike for higher wages and more transparency from the ride-sharing companies.

Some 5,000  southern California drivers plan to turn off their apps today, according to Rideshare Drivers United. Picketing and a rally are also planned at Lindbergh Field’s Terminal 1 today.

The drivers are protesting Uber’s announced pan to slash per-mile compensation from 80 cents to 60 cents. They also want both companies to guarantee a $28 minimum wage to drivers, who use and maintain their own vehicles, paying for gas themselves. 

Source: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

May 6, 2019 (Washington D.C.) -- For illegal robocallers, the goal isn't always getting you to answer. Sometimes, it's getting you to call back.

Every so often, your phone may ring once and then stop. If that happens to you, and you do not recognize the number, do not return the call. You may be the target of a "one-ring" phone scam.

By Miriam Raftery

May 3, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – A 14-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle in front of San Miguel Elementary School in Lemon Grove this evening at 6:19 p.m.  He was transported via ambulance to Rady Children’s Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, says Sergeant Aaron Montan with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.

By Miriam Raftery

May 2, 2019 (El Cajon) – The vacancy left on the El Cajon City Council by the resignation of Ben Kalasho has generated strong community interest.  Applications have been received from 22 residents, all seeking to fill the seat. They range from prominent individuals including a former mayor to community activists, members of the planning commission, and a retired police officer who received a Medal of Valor. They bring a diverse range of views and visions for  El Cajon as well.

The City Council will interview applicants at the May 14 meeting at 7 p.m.  Earlier, at the 3 p.m. meeting, Council members will discuss procedures for choosing the next Councilmember, who will fill the at-large seat held by Kalasho until the 2020 election.

The applicants are, in alphabetical order, are listed below along with highlights from their applications:

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 2, 2019 (San Diego) - Along with continuing to urge parents to ensure their infants are vaccinated, San Diego County public health officials are advising adults to be aware of their inoculation history and records.

Source:  SDSU

May 1, 2019 (San Diego) - On Wednesday, May 1, at 2:35 p.m., a suspect was arrested on allegations of making criminal threats via Snapchat toward a member of San Diego State University’s black community. The suspect, an SDSU student not currently enrolled in classes, was identified by the University Police Department within 48 hours after being notified of the incident. Officers immediately began investigating the incident and worked quickly to identify the suspect based on his description in the video and social media account handle. The suspect has been identified as Martin J. Ruiz.

By Gig Connaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 1, 2019 (Lakeside) - San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to move ahead with a $7.5 million first-phase improvement project for the popular Lindo Lake County Park in Lakeside.

Thousands turn out at vigil to commemorate victims of Chabad synagogue 

By Miriam Raftery

May 1, 2019 (Poway) – District Attorney Summer Stephan has said she may pursue the death penalty against John T. Earnest, 19, who is accused of one count of murder with special circumstances for a hate crime and three counts of attempted murder when he opened fire inside the Chabad of Poway synagogue Saturday during a Passover celebration. He is also charged with arson at a house of worship for setting fire to the Islamic Center of Escondido.

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

April 30, 2019 (San Diego) - The County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to amend its social host ordinance to add marijuana, so that as with alcoholic beverages, adults providing these substances to minors could be cited or arrested.

Outbid contractor claims irregularities with bid process

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

April 30, 2019 (El Cajon) - A $655,000 construction contract for a new modular building at Los Coches Creek Middle School  was awarded on March 26 to the son of Cajon Valley Union School District Board of Trustees President Tamara Otero.  In total, 37 contractors “pulled plans” for the project and eight actually submitted bids.

Prior to the vote Otero was asked by fellow board member Jill Barto, “It looks like….is this your husband’s company?” Hear audio. Otero replied, “No,” and immediately brushed off the question, saying the internet connection to her computer on the dais was disconnected. (Barto says she asked about the family connections but her phrase, “and your family” was masked by Otero’s response.)

Tamara Otero is the mother of Dryw Ortero, the owner of Otero Construction, Inc., State Contractors License #1025227, with offices located on the 8400 block of Magnolia Street in Santee. The young company has been in business less than two years, founded in April 2017.

East County News Service

April 29, 2019 (Poway)  -- In the wake of Saturday’s tragedy at Chabad of Poway, the San Diego Jewish community and its allies will gather at Poway High School (1550 Espola Rd., Poway) tonight at 6:30 p.m. to honor the victims and to stand together against anti-Semitism – and hate of all kinds.

In partnership with Poway Unified School District, the vigil is being convened by the Anti-Defamation League of San Diego County, Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Family Service of San Diego and Jewish Federation of San Diego County. The  Mayors of Poway and San Diego will speak, along with religious, law enforcement, civil rights and education leaders.