News

MORE AMERICANS FREED FROM AFGHANISTAN, ISSA’S OFFICE CONFIRMS

San Diego couple, both in their 80s, repeatedly blocked by the Taliban

East County News Service

September 15, 2021 (San Diego) - Congressman Darrell Issa (R-San Diego) announced today that his office has facilitated the release of two more American citizens from Afghanistan. The Congressman’s constituents, a couple in their 80s, are on their way home and have officially left Kabul.


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NEWSOM WINS BIG: RECALL FAILING BY 2 TO 1 MARGIN

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Gavin Newsom earlier today, via his Twitter feed

September 14, 2021 (San Diego) – Major networks including CNN, CBS and NBC have called California’s gubernatorial recall election, with voters statewide resoundingly rejecting efforts to recall Governor Gavin Newsom. As of 8:30 p.m., the recall is failing by a 67.8% “no” to 32.1% “yes” margin with more than half of all votes tallied.

The recall is losing by wide margins even in conservative counties such as Orange, Riverside, and San Bernadino. In San Diego County, early results show 60.63% voted against recalling Newsom, with 39.37% in favor of the ouster effort.


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PEDESTRIAN KILLED BY MERCEDES IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service

September 14, 2021 (Spring Valley) – A 60-year-old man died at the scene after being struck by a Mercedes Benz C350 last night in Spring Valley at 9:42 p.m. last night.  The Mercedes was traveling west on Jamacha Blvd. just west of Gillespie Drive when it struck the pedestrian.


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FEDERAL PANDEMIC PROGRAM GIVES DISCOUNTS ON INTERNET AND LAPTOPS FOR SENIORS: EXTRA BENEFITS FOR TRIBAL MEMBERS

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

September 12, 2021 (Sacramento) --  Advocates for older Americans are working to spread the word about a federal program to cut people's internet bills.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit program gives people who qualify a $50 credit on their monthly internet bill and a $100 voucher toward a laptop or other mobile device.

Joe Garbanzos, state president for AARP California, said for tribal communities the program goes further, providing a $75 subsidy per month.


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COUNTY GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE TO IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOODS, COMMUNITIES

 

playground structures in a park

By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office

The County is now accepting proposals for grants to improve neighborhoods and communities in San Diego’s unincorporated area.

Funding for the projects comes from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which provides an annual grant to County department of Housing and Community Development Services.

The purpose of the grant is to allow residents and nonprofits to submit projects that benefit low- to moderate-income residents if the project aligns with the County’s Consolidated Plan. Grant applications for the 2022-2023 CDBG awards are now open and will be accepted through Nov. 1, 2021 at 5 p.m.


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FACT-CHECKING RECALL CLAIMS: MASKS, VACCINES, CLIMATE CHANGE AND MORE

By Sameea Kamal, CalMatters

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

Photo:  John Cox showed off Tag the bear on Harbor Island during his campaign. Photo by Chris Stone

September 12, 2021 (San Diego) - Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions, but not to their own facts.

That holds true for politicians, including the candidates in California’s Sept. 14 recall election and Gov. Gavin Newsom. Campaigning during a resurgent COVID-19 pandemic and deadly, unprecedented wildfires, their approaches to the state’s problems can vary.

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GROUNDBREAKING REPORT ON SAN DIEGO’S OLDER ADULT HOMELESS RELEASES FINDINGS, MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS

By Gayle Lynn Falkenthal

September 11, 2021 (San Diego) -- One in four of San Diego’s homeless adults is over the age of 55. More than 40% are experiencing homelessness for the first time in their lives.


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PSYCHEDELIC MUSHROOM LAB, HASH OIL AND HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS FOUND IN WARRANT SEARCH AT WARNER SPRINGS SITE

Illegal drugs likely destined for unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in region, investigators believe

By Miriam Raftery

 

Photo: hallucinogenic mushrooms by Arp; Image Number 6514 at Mushroom Observer, a source for mycological images. CC-by SA 3.0 via Wikimedia.

 

September 11, 2021 (Warner Springs) – A San Diego County Sheriff’s warrant search related to a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extraction lab early Friday morning at 28519 Highway 79 in Warner Springs also found a psilocybin (psychedelic mushroom) lab. 


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LOCAL RESIDENTS SHARE MEMORIES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: World Trade Center burning on September 11, 2001; screenshot from video taken by San Diego County resident Mar Tomic

September 11, 2021 (San Diego) – Twenty years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks claimed thousands of lives in New York, Washington D.C. and  Pennsylvania,  San Diego County residents shared their memories of the tragedy in response to inquiries from East County Magazine and on social media.

Sheriff Bill Gore posted on Twitter, “The images are seared into our memories. We watched in disbelief as passenger planes turned into weapons. It was a time of great pain and heroism. Honor guard members reflect on 9/11 and how it transformed their purpose into a life of service. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLuKaoVAH1M “  Many of those in the honor guard spoke of how the attacks inspired them to protect their country."

Others reacted differently. Local resident Mar Tomic was in New York City to witness first hand the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil.  “I had a chance to see it on TV but also from my apartment in Brooklyn. I took my camera and wandered the streets for many days after the tragedy. I edited this video 7 days after 9.11.”  View video:  https://vimeo.com/29079284.   Tomic’s video captured not only the chaos and sorrow in the days following the attacks, but at a time when the nation was gearing up for war to retaliate against Afghanistan for harboring Al Qaeda leader bin Laden, Tomic’s footage also showed some New Yorker’s rallying for peace  even amid candlelight vigils for those lost.


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SUPERVISOR ANDERSON ASKS PUBLIC TO TAKE SURVEY ON IMPROVING COUNTY TRANSPARENCY

By Miriam Raftery

September 11, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- For his first initiative as County Supervisor, East County’s representative Joel Anderson established the Transparency Subcommittee to solicit ideas from the public to improve access and participation with their County government. At a recent hearing, over 60 people attended and hundreds sent in comments with “great suggestions to ensure the public’s interest is best served,” says Anderson.

He adds,  “I’d love your feedback on the input we have heard so far. Please take this survey and let me know which ideas you support. There’s also room for you to write in your own ideas if you don’t see them listed in the survey,” says Anderson.

Click here to take the survey.


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CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE LAUNCHES 9/11 DAY OF SERVICE

East County News Service

Sign up for #CaliforniansForAll to serve and volunteer in your community

September 11, 2021 (Sacramento) – The 20th anniversary of September 11th - an important time for us to reflect, says Josh Fryday, Chief Services Officer for Governor Gavin Newsom.  Fryday is heading up a statewide day of service for Californians to volunteer, a model backed by the Legislature and Governor as a model to build back trust and create a culture of service for our communities.


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CUYAMACA COLLEGE PRESENTS REMEMBRANCE OF 9/11 ATTACKS

Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

September 10, 2021 (El Cajon) -- On a cloudless morning with the San Miguel Fire & Rescue’s massive 70-foot flag serving as a backdrop, the Cuyamaca College campus community and East County firefighters gathered Friday for an early commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.


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COVERED CALIFORNIA OPENS SPECIAL ENROLLMENT FOR THOUSANDS OF CALIFORNIANS WHOSE FEDERAL COBRA SUBSIDIES EXPIRE SEPT. 30

East County News Service

September 9, 2021 (Sacramento) -- Covered California announced a special-enrollment period for an estimated 138,000 Californians who will soon be losing federal financial help to keep their medical benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as COBRA, which expire September 30.  People who sign up by Sept. 30 with Covered California can potentially save hundreds of dollars a month on health insurance, with coverage starting October 1 – and many will be able to stay with the same brand-name insurance company that they currently have.


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JOIN EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE AT OUR PARTY IN PARADISE AND COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARDS SEPT. 25

SOLD OUT!

Slide show: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/Pa...

You’re invited to join East County Magazine in rooftop revelry at our “Party in Paradise” on Saturday evening, September 25th where we will also present Community Champions Awards to honor outstanding community members. View list of finalists for the awards.  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/east-county-magazine-announces-finali...

The event will be held atop the beautiful new, outdoor rooftop shaded deck atop the Jamul Casino, with panoramic 360-degree views! Enjoy a VIP cocktail reception, tropical dinner, live music by Slack Key Ohana, dancing, auction, raffle, and fun galore.

Proceeds benefit East County Media, supporting East County Magazine, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts, and our Community Champions Awards.

To reserve tickets at earlybird rates, click below:


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ARREST MADE IN 2020 KILLING OF HOMELESS MAN IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

September 10, 2021 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police today announced the arrest of Jafet Prieto, 29, of El Cajon for the murder of Tony Montantes back on March 16, 2020.


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FLEX ALERT CONTINUES TODAY AMID HEAT WAVE

East County News Service

Photo by Dennis Richardson

September 9, 2021 (San Diego) - A statewide Flex Alert has been extended today due to high heat forecast across California and the west through Friday. All California residents are asked to conserve electricity to avoid the need for rolling outages.

“Conserving electricity during the late afternoon and early evening is crucial because that is when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and declining solar energy production,” the ISO reports.


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50 FOR THE FALLEN RUCK MARCH FOR THE 20-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11 IN NYC

Sept. 10 kicks off the Ruck March, including America’s finest active duty & former Special Operation Forces alongside NY first responders

East County News Service

Photo:  Master Sergeant Chad Conley, U.S. Army Special Forces

September 8, 2021 (New York) -- To commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11 and show support for our troops. “50 For the Fallen,” a group of active duty & veteran Special Operation Forces and NY First Responders will ruck march 50 miles around New York City, ending at Ground Zero in honor of 9/11. San Diego-based Maddox Defense is sponsoring the march and matching a portion of proceeds to “50 for the Fallen.”


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES FINALISTS IN COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARDS

September 2, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine today announced finalists in its Community Champions Awards. Winners will be presented with awards on September 25, 2021 during the nonprofit media outlet’s “Party in Paradise” at the new rooftop venue at Jamul Casino. For tickets, visit  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/tickets-now-sale-our-party-paradise-a....

“We are pleased to recognize these community champions who have done so much to benefit people in our communities, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says ECM Editor and Founder Miriam Raftery. "Thanks to the many readers who sent in nominations -- the judges had many outstanding entries to choose from in selecting finalists."

The awards categories are healthcare, public safety, environmental and wildlife protection, racial and social justice, and humanitarian, as well as a special community benefactor award. Awards will be presented Sept. 25 at ECM's "Party in Paradise' atop the Jamul Casino. Below are the finalists, as well as information on the event and tickets:


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PUBLIC WEBINAR ON CALLING 9-1-1 SEPT. 9: IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES WELCOME

Source: San Diego Sheriff

September 8, 2021 (San Diego) – “We want our immigrant and refugee neighbors to know the San Diego County Sheriff's Department embraces people of all backgrounds, faiths, cultures and nationalities. We welcome you to the county. You are a valuable part of our communities,” a press release from the San Diego Sheriff states. “We understand it can be challenging to adapt to a new environment and navigate public safety services.”


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SUPERVISORS APPROVE PUBLIC POWER SAFETY SHUTOFF MITIGATION MEASURES

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Powerlines, creative commons image via Bing

September 6, 2021 (San Diego) -- San Diego County Supervisors held a hearing on August 31st on public safety power shutoffs. Chairman Nathan Fletcher emphasized the importance of this “timely issue” in light of wildfire concerns.


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SUPERVISORS VOTE TO JOIN COMMUNITY CHOICE CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM; BACKCOUNTRY RESIDENTS TO HAVE ALTERNATIVE TO SDG&E

Action praised by climate activists, criticized by residents fearing increased industrial-scale energy projects in East County to power coastal and urban areas

By Miriam Raftery

September 5, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – By a 3-2 vote, San Diego County Supervisors voted Tuesday to join San Diego Community Power, a community choice energy program (CCE).  East County’s two representatives, Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond, both voted no, but for differing reasons.


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‘KNEE ON NECK’ RESTRAINT OF VALHALLA HIGH STUDENT DRAWS OUTCRY

By Miriam Raftery

September 4, 2021 (El Cajon) – A campus supervisor at Valhalla High School has been put on paid administrative leave after a video went viral showing him pressing a knee on the neck of an African-American female student. The controversial restraint tactic was used in an effort to break up a fight between two students on August 31.


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HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT: LOCAL SUPERVISORS HOLD TRANSPARENCY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING SEPT. 7

East County News Service

September 4, 2021 (San Diego) – Supervisors Joel Anderson and Nora Vargas invite you to share your ideas on transparency in county government during a Transparency Subcommittee meeting on Tuesday, September 7 from 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m.  both in person at the County Administration Building and online via Zoom.


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SUPERVISORS DECLARE MEDICAL MISINFORMATION A “HEALTH CRISIS”; STATE ASSEMBLY PASSES SIMILAR MEASURE

By Miriam Raftery

September 3, 2021 (San Diego) – After more than 14 hours of heated testimony, San Diego County Supervisors voted 3-2 late Tuesday night to declare medical misinformation a public health crisis. 


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COVID-19 DEATHS IN COUNTY NEARLY DOUBLE IN ONE WEEK

Source: County News Service

September 3, 2021 (San Diego) – COVID-19 deaths countywide nearly doubled in the past week, with 49 deaths Aug. 25-31, up from 25 the week before, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced on Sept. 1.


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THREE ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH FELONIES AFTER SEARCH OF ILLEGAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service

Photo: creative comments image by NC-ND via Bing

September 3, 2021 (Spring Valley) -- Yesterday around 7;30 a.m., San Diego County Sheriff’s detectives executed a search warrant at an illegal marijuana dispensary located at 9966 Dolores Street in Spring Valley.


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PASSAGES: VERN MARSTON, "MR. POWAY"

Source:  Poway Chamber of Commerce

September 2, 2021 (Poway) - The Poway Chamber today announced the passing of long-time Chamber member and former Chamber President, Vernard “Vern” Marston. Vern, a 49-year resident of Poway, died with his family at his side on August 24, 2021. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, community banker, retired USAF Lt. Colonel, and dedicated member of the Poway Chamber of Commerce. Vern was often referred to as "Mr. Poway".


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EL CAJON MAN DIES IN COUNTY JAIL

East County News Service

August 31, 2021 (El Cajon) – An inmate found dead in the San Diego Central Jail yesterday has been identified as Glen William Davey, 55, a resident of El Cajon. He had been arrested on August 27 on a parole violation.


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ARIZONA MAN DIES AFTER FIERY CRASH ON I-8 AT IN-KO-PAH

By Miriam Raftery

August 31, 2021 (In-Ko-Pah) – James Coe, 63, of Arizona, has died after being rescued from a fiery rollover crash shortly after 3 p.m. yesterday on Interstate 8 eastbound at In-Ko-Pah Road in Jacumba, near the San Diego and Imperial County line.


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CHP INVESTIGATES SHOOTINGS ON I-805 AND SR-94

East County News Service

August 31, 2021 (San Diego) – The California Highway Patrol is asking for witnesses to two freeway shootings early this morning by a shooter in a black four-door sedan who remains at large. The shootings injured two motorists.

The first shooting occurred around 2:14 a.m. on north I-805 in Imperial Avenue; the second occurred about 11 minutes later on east State Route 94 east of College Grove Way near Lemon Grove.

Below are details provided by the CHP:


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