East County News Service

Photo: Laguna Mountain Lodge

March 3, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--A storm that swept into our region over the weekend dropped over 8 inches of snow on Mt. Laguna and more than a foot on Palomar Mountain.

By Miriam Raftery

March 2, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – California’s Supreme Court has invalidated a portion of Jessica’s Law, tossing out as unconstitutional restrictions that prevented sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of schools, parks or other places with children.

Lori Abbott, California News Service

March 2, 2015 (Oakland, California)-- One in four California children is living in poverty, but according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, those numbers would be much higher without federal safety net programs and tax subsidies.

New report finds over 500 important stories went unreported in last five years because of a squeeze on investigative reporters, and that freelance investigative journalists are an endangered species. 

Source: Project Word. The report can be downloaded here.

February 28, 2015 (San Diego's East County)--The report, which was conducted by Project Word, under the auspices of Investigative Reporters and Editors, shares the results of a 2014 survey that collected feedback from over 200 freelance investigative journalists. Based in 36 states and 26 countries the respondents represented all ages, media beats, and experience levels.

CPUC Chair Peevey complained his own bills went up after smart meter installed;  

Edison pushed higher fees to force smart meters on the poor

Consumer watchdog groups have analyzed 120,000 e-mails and attachments released by the California Public Utilities Commission. The emails suggest smart meter fees were deliberately set high to discourage opting out analog meters, even when those leading the CPUC admitted in e-mails that smart meters emitting pulsed microwave radiation were harming Californians.

By Josh Hart, Stop Smart Meters

February 28, 2015 (San Francisco) -- New e-mails brought to light between Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reveal the extent of corruption and backroom dealing that have characterized the state’s smart meter program.

By Miriam Raftery                                                                 

February 28, 2015 (Washington D.C.) – A shut-down of Homeland Security due to take effect Saturday has been postponed, but only short-term. On Friday, the House and Senate passed a one-week funding bill which the President signed shortly before midnight.

East County News Service

February 28, 2015 (Alpine)—“Remembering our Fallen”, a memorial photo exhibit honoring  710 Californians killed in the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan (including 77 local residents) is now on display at the Alpine Wall of Honor. The exhibit, adjacent to the Alpine Community Center at 1830 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine, is open from  8 a.m. to 8 p.m. now through March 7^th.

February 27, 2015 (Otay)--U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa cargo port of entry Thursday seized more than 15 tons of marijuana hidden in a cargo shipment of mattresses.  The seizure is the largest narcotics seizure ever at the border crossing, and second largest seizure at any border crossing nationwide.

East County News Service

February 27, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – A class action lawsuit claims that dry kilbble dog foods  sold under the Purina Beneful brand have killed and caused serious illness to thousands of dogs.  More than 3,000 online complaints have been filed with the federal government over the products.

By Miriam Raftery

February 26, 2015 (Washington D.C.) – Advocates of free and open internet access won a major victory Thursday when the Federal Communications Commission voted 3 to 2 to adopt net neutrality.

By Miriam Raftery

February 25, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s rare for a labor leader and a tax fighter to agree on most issues.  But AB 717, a bill to eliminate sales tax on diapers in California, has accomplished just that.

By Miriam Raftery

February 26, 2015 (San Diego)--Alaska has become the 3^rd state to legalization the recreational use of marijuana, with limits similar to those in place in Colorado and Washington state, the other states where marijuana is now legal for adults to own in small quantities for personal use.

By Miriam Raftery

February 25,2015 (San Diego’s East County)--While San Diegans are enjoying the sunshine lately, the Northeastern U.S. has been gripped by record cold temperatures and snow – a LOT of snow.  Just how deep is it?

Hikers find belongings 13 miles off Highway 79, north of Warner Springs

East County News Service

February 24, 2015 (San Diego) updated February 26, 2015—San Diego Search and Rescue Crews are hunting for a 28-year-old hiker, Chris Sylvia, who left Anza, California on Thursday, February 12^th to hike south on the Pacific Crest Trail for a week or more. He called a friend February 16th to meet him near Warner Springs to pickup supplies on February 17^th, but never arrived.   

His friend told authorities he assumed Sylvia had continued his hike without stopping. But when he failed to reach his final destination, Campo, Sylvia’s friend became concerned and contacted the Sheriff on February 24.

Also on the 24th, other hikers found gear including a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and backpack that appear to belong to Sylvia. His identification was also found at this site approximately 13 miles off Highgway 79, north of Warner Springs.

February 20, 2015 (El Cajon) – Advocates of Safe Airport Policies (ASAP), a nonprofit citizens group, invites the public  to a community meeting on Wednesday, March 4^th at 6:30 p.m. to learn what you can do if you’re concerned about noise from planes disturbing your neighborhood.