News

SAN DIEGO ANNUAL REPORT SHOWS WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 12, 2023 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego released an Annual Report earlier this month that listed numerous accomplishments and stated that the County, the public it serves, local cities, community groups and organizations are better when they work together.


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OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Jonathan Goetz, East County Magazine

According to Bing AI series of chats. Search for your community or health provider and zip code for better individualized results and for books, try one of these.

Images created by Bing Image Creator

October 11, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign that takes place in October. The campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote screening and early detection, and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The month-long event is recognized by the White House and major breast cancer charities and organizations worldwide 1 2.

If you’re looking for places to get screened for breast cancer in East County, you can check out the Every Woman Counts (EWC) program. They provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up services to eligible women in San Diego County. The program is offered through the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and includes clinical breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests. To qualify for these free tests, you must live in San Diego County, meet the age requirements, have no insurance or limited health insurance, have health insurance with a co-payment or deductible you cannot afford, or have low household income. You can call (619) 515-2300 or fill out the form on their website to see if you qualify.


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VOLUNTEERS USE PEANUT BUTTER DIPLOMACY TO RESOLVE TOUGH BORDER SITUATION

By Rebecca Person

Photos by R. Person and Noah Miller

October 10, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) -- What began as a trickle of migrant activity at the Mexican border outside small towns in the farthest corner of east San Diego County has surged to a humanitarian crisis - a river, a deluge of hundreds of border crossings here daily. The scene has mirrored and surpassed the crisis last May, when the towns of Jacumba Hot Springs and Boulevard felt a sudden wave of migrants when Title 42 was lifted and Title 8 returned.

Those changes allowed migrants to apply for asylum.  But for those not able to qualify for asylum, crossing the border can lead to formal deportation back to one’s country of origin and possible criminal prosecution if the person makes a second entry within five years. 

Humanitarian groups such as Border Kindness have joined local resident volunteers and some church groups to bring a steady supply of donations - bottled water, blankets, jackets and tarps to migrants camped along the border fence. Also sandwiches, especially the peanut butter kind.


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PRESIDENT BIDEN PLEDGES MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL, WILL ASK CONGRESS FOR EMERGENCY ACTION

View video of President Joe Biden’s speech

By Miriam Raftery

October 10, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden today delivered a forceful speech pledging full support for Israel against the attacks by Hamas, which the president called “pure evil.” Biden promised that the U.S. is surging assets to Israel, including ammunition and receptors to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, as well as sending the USS Gerald Ford air force carrier to the region.  

He also announced plans to ask Congress to take urgent action as soon as Congress reconvenes (after the House elects a speaker). Biden also said he has consulted with European leaders to forge a united response. In addition, he spoke of beefing up security for Jewish centers in the U.S. and assured that the FBI and Homeland Security are on the alert for any potential domestic terror threats.

“There is no justification for terrorism,” the President said, then offered this message to the Palestinian people. “Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Their stated purpose is the annihilation of the state of Israel and the murder of Jewish people, They use Palestinian people as human shields. Hamas offers nothing but terror and bloodshed with no regard for who pays the price.”

The President detailed atrocities reportedly committed by Hamas, which he likened to ISIS, including slaughtering babies, grandparents, and young people at a music festival, raping women and parading them through the street, as well as taking hostages including Americans.


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SAN DIEGANS COMMEMORATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S DAY

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Screenshot of Indigenous People’s Day video posted by San Diego Miramar College on Facebook.

October 10, 2023 (San Diego) -- Indigenous People’s cultural awareness day was celebrated in different ways in San Diego County in 2023. Here are some of the events and activities that took place:

At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians hosted an all-day event that included tellings of the tribe’s cultural stories and exhibitions of the tribe’s art and craftsmanship. There were also traditional foods available throughout the park. There was an opening blessing ceremony at 10 a.m., a closing prayer at 4 p.m., and live music performed by members of the San Pasqual band.

At San Diego Miramar College, there was an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration with free frybread tacos and a musical performance by the Soaring Eagles of Southern California.


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HAPPY FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

East County News Service

 

Photo: Brett Sayles (Pexels)

 

October 10, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Filipino American History Month is a time to celebrate and honor the contributions and achievements of Filipino Americans in the United States. It is also a time to learn about the rich and diverse history and culture of the Philippines and its people.

California and San Diego have a special connection to Filipino American history, as they are the places where the first Filipinos arrived in the continental United States. On October 18, 1587, a group of Filipino sailors landed on what is now Morro Bay, California, aboard the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Esperanza1They were the first modern Asians to set foot on American soil, and they established trade and cultural exchanges with the native Chumash and Obispeño peoples2, according to Bing AI.


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AUTOWORKERS STRIKE EXPANDS

By Jacob Pamus

 

The United Auto Workers (UAW) continues to expand, with the strike now in its 26th day. On Sept. 29, the UAW added new locations: Fords’ Chicago Assembly plant and General Motors Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant in Michigan. The number of workers striking is now over 25,000.

 

Today, Canadian autoworkers walked out on strike against Ford in solidarity with the UAW in the U.S.


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CALIFORNIA LEADERS VOICE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

 

By Miriam Raftery

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and the California Senate Republican Caucus have both issued statements supporting Israel in the wake of the deadly Hamas attacks and Israel’s declaration of war on Hamas. The statements voice a rare example of unity in standing behind America’s ally.

“California stands with Israel. What we are witnessing is nothing short of horrific. Women, children — innocent people — being targeted with brutal acts of terrorism by Hamas. All on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War,” Governor Newsom posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 8.

He continued, “There is simply no justification for this. I stand with Israel and its people in denouncing this horrific act of terrorism. We must demand an end to this violence — now.”

Two days later, the California Senate Republican Caucus issued this statement strongly denouncing the attack as "barbaric."


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BODYCAM REVEALED: POLICE CHIEF WHO ORDERED NEWSPAPER RAID RESIGNS

Editor's Note: Well, at least he was honest

By Rachel Mipro, Kansas Reflector

Marion police chief resigns after body cam footage shows him rifling through records about himself

October 9, 2023 (Marion, Kansas) — Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody has resigned, less than two months after he instigated a widely covered raid on a local newspaper that culminated in a federal lawsuit and one woman’s death. 


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SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER SWAT STANDOFF IN SPRING VALLEY

Source: San Diego Sheriff Dept.
 
October 9, 2023 (Spring Valley)-- A man is in custody after attacking his wife and sparking a five-hour standoff in the East County that began shortly after 4:30 p.m. yesterday.

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RAMONA WOMAN ARRESTED FOR SETTING HOUSE ON FIRE

East County News Service

October 9, 2023 (Ramona) -- A woman has been arrested on suspicion of deliberately starting a house fire in Ramona early this morning.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department received a call around 6 a.m. from one of two residents at a home in the 200 block of Haley Street,  stating that their house was on fire.   


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BUY YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME HERE TO SUPPORT EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE

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Click the images left or right for 8-10% of your Halloween costume purchase to benefit East County Magazine

Smurfs

East County News Service

October 9, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Halloween is a night of mystery, magic, and mischief. It is a time when people dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and go trick-or-treating. But how did this tradition start? And what does it mean to different cultures and religions?


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ATTACK ON ISRAEL KILLS MAYOR OF SAN DIEGO’S SISTER CITY; JEWISH FEDERATION LAUNCHES DRIVE TO HELP FAMILIES, PLANS VIGIL TUESDAY

By Miriam Raftery

October 7, 2023 (San Diego) – The San Diego Jewish Federation today announced that the attacks by Hamas on Israel including in Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister city, has had “terrible consequences…Our dear friend, Mayor Ofir Libstein z”l’ was killed in a gun battle with Hamas terrorists early this morning.”

The SDJF has launched a fundraising drive to help families impactedin Sha’arHaNegev, and assures, “We are assessing the situation in partnership with the leadership of the municipality and will make sure all dollars donated go directly to the areas of greatest need.” You can learn more or donate at https://www.jewishinsandiego.org/.


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ISRAEL “AT WAR” AFTER HAMAS LAUNCHES MISSILE ATTACKS ON ISRAELI CITIES, KIDNAPS CIVILIANS

By Miriam Raftery

October 7,2023 (San Diego) --    The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced early this morning, “We are at war,” after Hamas launched attacks targeting Israel cities, killing and capturing civilians.  “Thousands of rockets have been firedto the south and center of Isarel, including at Jerusalem.” The Israeli government accused Palestinian “terrorists” of patrolling streets and “slaughtering innocent civilians” releasing a video that showed bombs igniting fires in urban areas and gunmen in the streets. The post on X added that civilians have been captured, adding, “We will take every measure to protect our citizens and target those who harm them.”  The post said at least 100 Israelis were killed and 900 wounded.

Hamas claimed it fired 5,000 rocket and claims to have captured Israeli soldiers including senior military officers. Hamas spokesman Khaled Qadomi told  Al Jazeera that its goal is for “the international community to stop atrocities in Gaza, against Palestinian people, our holy sites like Al-Aqsa,” a reference to a mosque that has been the site of conflicts between Gaza settlers and Palestinians in recent days.

Film on social media shows a bulldozer apparently breaking down a border fence that separated Israel and Gaza.


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CELEBRATE HOWL-O-WEEN WITH A DEAL ON YOUR NEW DOG COMPANION

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 6, 2023 (San Diego) - It’s no trick! Take advantage of an October treat during National Dog Adoption Month.  The San Diego County Department of Animal Services is waiving dog adoption fees throughout October to help find loving homes for dogs who have been in the shelter for more than 14 days.


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TASTE OF AFRICA: TICKETS NOW ON SALE! OCT. 8 IN LA MESA, BENEFITS EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE

 

View South Africa video

View Zulu Nyala video

September 7, 2023  (La Mesa) –Tickets are now on sale for our “Taste of Africa” event!  The festivities will be Sunday, October 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center in the Arbor Room (4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941).

Join us for a fun-filled evening including tastes of African cuisine from local African restaurants and caterers, African dancers and drummers, DJ and dancing, speakers including wildlife conservation leader Coe Lewis of NSEFU and Assembly member Akilah Weber, Africa videos Community Champion awards, raffle, live and silent auction.

The grand prizes are six-night photo safari packages for two at Zulu Nyala - a fabulous private wildlife preserve in South Africa! Other live auction prizes include a larimar bracelet, wine basket, hand-crafted ukelele with African theme, camping gear, and more.

Our raffle and silent auction is huge with many gift certificates and gift baskets from local restaurants, stores, wineries and other vendors, as well as hand-crafted African items and more.

Suggested attire:  African themed (animal print fabric, traditional African, safari wear, or tropical)

Get tickets now! We are nearly sold out.  Questions? Call 619-698-7617


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LARGEST HEALTHCARE STRIKE IN U.S. HISTORY BEGINS AS KAISER WORKERS REVOLT

"We have folks getting injured on the job because they're trying to do too much and see too many people and work too quickly," said one union leader, demanding better staffing levels. "It's not a sustainable situation."

By Jake Johnson, staff writer, Common Dreams

Photo:  Kaiser Permanente workers are seen on strike in Roseville, California on October 4, 2023. (Photo: SEIU-UHW)

Reprinted under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams

October 4, 2023 (San Diego) - Tens of thousands of healthcare workers across the United States began a three-day strike against Kaiser Permanente on Wednesday to protest the nonprofit hospital giant's alleged unfair labor practices, bad-faith bargaining, inadequate wages and chronic staff shortages that employees say are harming them and patients.


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GOP 'POLITICAL ARSONISTS' GET THEIR MAN: MCCARTHY OUSTED IN HISTORIC HOUSE VOTE

"In less than a year, Kevin McCarthy has proven himself to be the weakest House speaker in modern history," said Rep. Bill Pascrell.

By Brett Wilkins, staff writer, Common Dreams

Reprinted under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams

October 4, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) - For the first time in U.S. history, the House of Representatives voted to oust its own leader Tuesday after a motion by far-right Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to vacate the appointment of Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy's speakership passed with eight GOP votes and the support of every Democrat present.


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NEWSOM APPOINTS LAPHONZA BUTLER TO FILL FEINSTEIN SEAT

Governor Gavin Newsom has selected Laphonza Butler to complete Senator Feinstein's term in the U.S. Senate

 

By Lynn LaCal Matters

 

October 2, 2023 (Sacramento) -- Late Sunday evening, Gov. Gavin Newsom confirmed that Laphonza Butler, president of EMILYs List — a political action committee focused on electing pro-choice, Democratic women — will replace the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and finish out her term through 2024.


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OVER 50 GUNS SEIZED AFTER SWAT TEAM SEARCH OF POTRERO HOME

East County News Service

October 1, 2023 (Potrero) -- Two people have been arrested after more than 50 firearms were seized in a search of a  Potrero residence.


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BIDEN SIGNS STOPGAP BUDGET BILL TO FUND GOVERNMENT FOR 45 DAYS

By Miriam Raftery

October 1, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden has signed a stopgap bill to prevent a government shutdown threatened by right-wing Republicans.  The measure funds the government for 45 days.

All five members of San Diego County’s Congressional delegation voted Saturday keep the federal government open.  The  Spending Reduction and Border Security Act, as the stopgap bill was called, passed with House Democrats joining some Republicans to pass the measure, though 91 Republicans voted against it.

The Senate later passed the stopgap measure, which President Joe Biden signed over the weekend.

The stopgap bill will provide short-term funding for federal employees, from military members and Border Patrol agents to air traffic controllers and national park rangers. But it does not include aide to Ukraine, which far-right Republican legislators have refused to support.


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ALL MEMBERS OF SAN DIEGO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION VOTE TO KEEP GOVERNMENT OPEN

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

September 30, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) -- All five members of the San Diego County congressional delegation voted Saturday keep the federal government open, as Democrats in the House offset a revolt by right-wing Republicans.


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HOMELESS REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER EXPOSES SELF TO WOMAN AT BUS STOP TWO DAYS AFTER RELEASE FROM JAIL

East County News Service

September 30, 2023 (El Cajon) –  A homeless sex offender exposed himself to a  66-year-old woman waiting at a bus stop in El Cajon on Sept.22 at 1 p.m.

According to Lt. Jeremiah Larson, the suspect told the woman he would not hurt her. The victim ran towards people nearby and asked for help to call police. Officers arrived and arrested  ClarenceWhite,62, for indecent exposure.


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ARREST MADE IN SPRING VALLEY SHOOTING: SUSPECT HAD ILLEGAL AR-15 GHOST GUN

 

East County News Service

 

September 28, 2023 (Spring Valley) -- A man is in custody in connection with a shooting in Spring Valley. The shooting happened on September 4 around 1:00 a.m. near the 100
00 block of Chavacan Lane. 

 

Deputies from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station arrived at the location and found over a dozen gun casings, along with multiple bullet holes to a nearby home. No one was hurt


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HOUSE REPUBLICANS OPEN IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY HEARING AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN LOOMS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: C-span screenshot  of impeachment inquiry opening hearing

September 29, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – With a government shutdown set to cripple the economy just days away,  House Republicans have failed to pass a budget and instead, focused their efforts on opening an impeachment inquiring hearing yesterday. The GOP leaders say the hearing aims to investigate claims of corruption or bribery involving President Joe Biden, but even expert witnesses called by the  Republicans testified that so far,  there is no solid evidence to support such claims.

This is not a hearing that will result in a vote to impeach the president, but rather an impeachment inquiry to determine whether or not there is evidence of any high crimes or misdemeanors that could warrant a separate impeachment hearing.

Meanwhile a vote to prevent a shutdown failed, as Republicans in the House reneged on an earlier budget agreement with Biden. Even a stopgap spending measure has thus far failed,  meaning in two days, federal workers will stop getting paid for jobs ranging from military positions to TSA agents at airports, national park rangers to Border Patrol officers.


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JUDGE FINDS TRUMP AND SONS REPEATEDLY VIOLATED NEW YORK FRAUD LAWS, ORDERS COMPANIES DISSOLVED

 

By Miriam Raftery

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Trump Tower in New York, Creative Commons 3.0 image by Bin im Garten

September 29, 2023 (New York, NY) --  Donald Trump and his sons Eric and Don Jr. stand to lose their business empire, after New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron ruled that the company repeatedly violated the state’s fraud laws. The judge found that the Trumps  inflated the value of their assets by billions of dollars to get favorable loans and insurance terms, while claiming far lower values on the same properties when it suited them to do so.

For example, Trump valued his Mar-a-Lago golf club at $714  million on his annual financial statements, even though a tax assessor estimated its value at must $18 million. Trump even listed the size of his Mar-a-Lago  penthouse at 30,000 square feet, instead of its actual size—just 10,000 square feet, according to the civil fraud lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Judge Engoron has ordered business certificates for Trump’s New York properties cancelled and ordered independent receivers be appointed within 10 days to manage dissolving the companies, which could include selling off the assets. Trump could be entitled to money from any such sale.


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SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN, AN ICON FOR WOMEN IN POLITICS, DIES AT 90

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left, by Ron Logan:  Senator Dianne Feinstein addressed California Democratic Convention in San Diego

September 29, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, who represented California for over three decades and served as a trailblazer for women in politics, died last night at her home in Washington, D.C.  Vaulted into the spotlight when dual assassinations elevated her to Mayor of San Francisco, she later became one of the most powerful women in America, chairing the Senate Intelligence Committee and serving as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

She fought for women’s rights,  gun control, and LGTBQ rights from AIDS funding to gay marriage. She led an investigation into CIA torture and  demanded reforms, and once said the vote she most regretted was supporting the Iraq War initiated by President George W. Bush.  She was, however, viewed as a political moderate,also supporting law and order measures, the death penalty, and a strong national defense.

Her staff issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) calling the senior Democrat’s passing “a great loss for so many,  from those who loved and cared for her to the people of California that she dedicated her life to serving. Senator Feinstein never backed away from a fight for what was just and right. At the same time, she was always willing to work with anyone, even those she disagreed with, if it meant bettering the lives of Californians or the betterment of our nation.  There are few women who can be called senator, chairman, mayor, wife, mom and grandmother…She left a legacy that is undeniable and extraordinary.”

Feinstein cast her last vote, an effort to stop a government shutdown, yesterday morning.  Despite failing health, she had pledged to complete her term of office, but had announced she would not seek reelection next year, opening the door for a new generation of leadership for California on Capitol Hill.


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FAMILY SEEKS 90TH BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR CONNIE NIERODZINSKI, LONG-TIME JAMUL RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY LEADER

September 28, 2023 (Jamul) -- Connie Nierodzinski will be celebrating 90 years of life in December. She and her late husband, Joe, celebrated 61 years together and were long-time residents in Jamul since 1963. She and Joe established their home in the back country hills of Lawson Valley, where they raised eight children. Connie was a long-time member of the St. Pius X Catholic Church and participated in many church-sponsored parades and gymkhanas.

 In 1991, Connie was nominated by Bud and Blossom Snively and honored by the community and County Supervisor Diane Jacobs as Woman of the Year for her 25 years of leadership at the helm of the robust Jamul Chaparros 4-H Club founded in 1970. The youth organization flourished and was well recognized over the years throughout San Diego County.  

Connie inspired volunteerism, community, and hard work. As a mother of a busy household and leader of a very active youth organization, her skills as a teacher, seamstress, homemaker, medic, goose whisperer, chicken-feather plucker, goat catcher, pig wrangler, hair braider, cheese maker, tortilla roller, food preservationist, driver of the big red truck, farmer and gardener were always at the ready.


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VOWING TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY, BIDEN HITS HARD AT TRUMP

President warns of dangers to democracy posed by Trump’s attack on government, call to execute General Milley, and disdain for Constitution

 

By Patsy Widakuswara, Voice of America

September 28, 2023 (Washington D.C.)-- U.S. President Joe Biden sharpened his attacks against Donald Trump on Thursday, delivering his most forceful assertion to date that the former president and Republican front-runner represents an existential threat to the country’s democratic values and institutions.

In a speech in the western state of Arizona, Biden charged that Trump holds the "dangerous notion" that he has unchecked power and is above the law.

"Trump says the Constitution gave him, quote, the right to do whatever he wants as president, end of quote. I've never heard a president say that even in jest," Biden said. "Not guided by the Constitution or by common service and decency toward our fellow Americans, but by vengeance and vindictiveness."


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LA MESA REVIVES HEATED DEBATE OVER DIGITAL BILLBOARDS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Gene Carpenter

September 28,2023 (La Mesa) – Last night, the La  Mesa City Council voted 4-1 to ask staff to prepare a revised RFP (request for proposals) for digital billboards, with Councilman Jack Shu opposed.

The action reverse a July 25 vote, when Council rejected a similar proposal by a 3-2 vote. The major difference? The new plan would provide that any revenues the city receives off digital billboards for the first five years would be spent equally on police, fire protection, and the arts, said Councilman Colin Parent, who introduced the revised measure.

Several people showed up before the meeting with protest signs, such as “Keep digital billboards out of  La Mesa,” though some others spoke in support.


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