Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure by Dave Grunenwald
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh September 28, 2025 (San Diego) – Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure is a children’s book for 5- to 10-year-olds. It is designed to inspire children and their families to volunteer in community programs that help those in need. In the book, two friends and a grandparent visit a group that make and deliver sandwiches. Next, they go to a large food bank. They then end their day with a visit to a neighborhood food bank. In each visit, the children and grandfather volunteer and enjoy their visits. David Grunenwald has written over ten children’s books as part of the Grandparent Merit Badges initiative. The books encourage families to disconnect from digital devices and connect through shared activities.
Dental to mental, affordable health insurance coverage is available with Covered California
East County News Service Sept. 27, 2025 (San Diego County) — Health insurance can feel confusing and daunting, and typically is expensive. But Covered California, the state’s Affordable Care Act Marketplace, offers a less stressful way to shop for and compare plans, and works with all the major health insurance companies to negotiate the lowest possible prices for coverage, helping reduce costs and increase options for consumers throughout California. Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies, and is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program. Covered California has helped connect nearly 2 million Californians to health insurance in 2025 — the most ever in a single year — and is able to limit 2026 rate increases in California to about half of the national average, with an average weighted rate change of 10.3 percent. That rate change could be reduced, if Congress extends the enhanced federal subsidies that were put in place in 2021 and have spurred growth on Affordable Care Act marketplaces across the nation and in California. Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman said the reason the organization exists “is to provide all Californians with an opportunity to get high-quality health insurance coverage that works on any budget. “No matter the reason you’re looking for health insurance, explore your options with Covered California and sign up during our upcoming Open Enrollment period,” Altman said. Those who have insurance through Covered California can choose to renew their plan beginning Oct. 1, and those looking to enroll for coverage beginning next year can do so during Open Enrollment, which takes place from Nov. 1, 2025 through Jan. 31, 2026. “All plans through Covered California include a whole set of important health benefits that can help protect against physical, mental and financial hardship,” Altman said. “At a time when it seems like prices are rising everywhere for everything, we’re doing all we can to reduce costs for health care for all Californians.” Plans through Covered California include coverage for preventive care, like annual checkups and screenings, mental health and substance use services — and even free children’s dental coverage. “Getting your kids into the dentist early is a great way to set a strong foundation for overall well-being,” said Dr. Monica Soni, chief medical officer for Covered California. “Building good dental habits can have significant long-term health benefits — for adults and children.” Adult dental coverage can be added to any Covered California plan, with an average monthly cost of $27 — a price that has remained steady while costs are rising elsewhere. “Dental health is critical for overall well-being,” Dr. Soni said. “There is a clear link between strong oral health and total wellness, including heart health, diabetes control and even pregnancy outcomes.” Getting access to the health and dental care you and your family deserve may be easier than you think. More information about options can be researched by visiting CoveredCA.com, where it explains how to qualify for financial help and find coverage options in your area. You can also keep up to date on important changes to health insurance. Those interested in learning more about their coverage options can also get free and confidential assistance over the phone, in a variety of languages, from one of more than 14,000 certified agents and community-based organizations throughout the state. A certified enroller also can call you and help you for free, or you can call Covered California at (800) 300-1506. Those who qualify for Medi-Cal can enroll on CoveredCA.com year-round. Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature.
Post-Thanksgiving fun with big cats and bears at LTB
East County News Service Photo by Karen Pearlman Sept. 27, 2025 (Alpine) — While most San Diego County residents are planning their Thanksgiving feasts, a much wilder kind of holiday celebration is in the works for a special group of residents in Alpine. Lions Tigers & Bears, the county’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bash in the days after Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 27) at the venue at 24402 Martin Way in Alpine. The Turkey Bash at LTB is set for both Friday, Nov. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 29. The seasonal event offers a heartwarming and unforgettable way to spend the Thanksgiving weekend, as visitors get to witness the sanctuary’s rescued animals receive their very own holiday spread. “This event is one of the most heartwarming highlights of the season,” said Bobbi Brink, Founder and Director of Lions Tigers & Bears. “It’s incredibly moving to see our animals enjoy these special moments after everything they’ve been through. It’s a season of gratitude and joy.” Unlike a traditional holiday dinner, the “turkeys” and seasonal surprises prepared for the sanctuary’s collection of big cats and bears are carefully crafted enrichment items. Filled with meat, produce and other animal-safe items, the festive treats provide both essential nourishment and mental stimulation for LTB residents — many of whom were rescued from exploitation and abuse. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras to capture the activity as the sanctuary’s resident lions, tigers and bears pounce, play and chow down on their Thanksgiving bounty. The celebration does more than just enrich the animals’ day; it provides crucial funding for their lives, Brink said. Proceeds from the Turkey Bash directly support the lifelong care of the sanctuary’s residents, covering everything from nutritious meals to veterinary care and habitat upkeep. Every ticket purchased helps ensure a safe, permanent home for the animals. The Turkey Bash begins at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine. Because space is limited for this highly anticipated event, the sanctuary strongly encourages guests to secure their spots in advance. For those looking for a truly unforgettable experience, the sanctuary is also offering a “Feed with a Keeper” opportunity. Adults 18 and older can purchase a special ticket to help feed a portion of the Thanksgiving feast to one of the rescued big cats or bears — a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Cost to attend one of the Turkey Bash events for LTB members is $30 per adult, $15 per child (12 and under). For nonmembers, the cost is $60 per adult and $35 per child (12 and under). The cost to experience Feed with a Keeper starts at $130 and participants must be 18 or older. Guests can also support the animals by bringing an item from the sanctuary’s Wishlist, which includes the most-needed supplies for daily care and enrichment. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit the Lions Tigers & Bears Turkey Bash page. For any questions about the sanctuary or the event, call (619) 659-8078.
Chance for showers, thunderstorms expected in East County; mountains and deserts under Flash Flood Watch
East County News Service Sept. 27, 2025 (San Diego County) — The latest National Weather Service forecast for the San Diego area shows below-seasonal temperatures and a chance of thunderstorms, especially over the mountains and deserts, with a Beach Hazard Statement for coastal areas due to elevated surf. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the San Diego County mountain and desert areas until 7 p.m. Saturday. The NWS reports that an unanticipated weather pattern continues to affect the county, particularly the East County’s mountains and deserts, bringing chances of showers and thunderstorms and unseasonably cool temperatures. The Flash Flood Watch is due to the potential for heavy rainfall associated with thunderstorms, with hourly rates possibly reaching 0.50 to 1 inch per hour in affected areas. The main concern is flash flooding of low-water crossings and the potential for debris flows over burn scar areas. The Beach Hazard Statement is also in effect for San Diego County and Orange County coastal areas from Sunday through Tuesday due to elevated surf and a high rip current risk caused by a south swell from Hurricane Narda. South-facing beaches could see sets up to 8 feet. Today’s forecast for the mountains from the NWS shows cloudy conditions early with patchy fog, becoming mostly cloudy. There is a chance of showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms, primarily this afternoon. High temperatures are expected to be between 68 and 76 degrees, which is well below average for this time of year. Winds will be light, generally 10 mph. The chance of measurable precipitation is 50%. Tonight is expected to be partly cloudy with a slight chance of evening showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog is expected overnight. Lows will be chilly, ranging from 46 to 56 degrees. Sunday should bring clouds with morning fog, then becoming mostly sunny. Highs will be 70 to 77 degrees. A slight chance of afternoon showers/thunderstorms remains. Today’s forecast for the deserts from the NWS shows partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon. Highs are forecast to be 86 to 90 degrees. Winds will be light. The chance of measurable precipitation is 50%. Tonight is expected to be partly cloudy, becoming mostly clear. Lows are expected to be between 65 and 72 degrees. Sunday should be mostly sunny. Highs will warm slightly to 88 to 92 degrees. The unstable weather is expected to gradually weaken as the low-pressure system moves east on Sunday, leading to a much drier forecast starting Monday. However, temperatures in the mountains and inland valleys will remain below normal through early next week before a gradual warming trend begins mid-week. For more details on the weather, visit the National Weather Service’s website.
San Diego County Assessor’s Santee office hosting free archives celebration Saturday, Oct. 4
East County News Service Sept. 27, 2025 (Santee) – The San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC) will host an American Archives Month Celebration to highlight San Diego County history from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the ARCC’s East County office, 10144 Mission Gorge Road, Santee. Admission is free. The event will include exhibits and tours of the county archives, recognition of San Diego’s cultural heritage and conversations with cultural heritage experts. Information will be available for students, researchers, genealogists and curious amateur historians to connect with and help preserve county history. Jordan Marks, San Diego County ARCC, will host a panel discussion on county history with tribal representatives, share information on accessing county archives and present awards to local cultural heritage champions. “Don’t miss this opportunity to explore, discover and celebrate San Diego County’s heritage,” Marks said in a statement. For more event information, visit www.sdarcc.gov or call 619-236-3771. The San Diego County ARCC office, with more than 450 employees and five offices, oversees assessing the value of real estate and personal property, which in San Diego includes planes and boats. San Diego is the fifth largest assessor jurisdiction in the U.S.
Jones sexually violent predator housing law heads to Governor for approval
East County News Service Photo: sign posted by East County residents when two sexually violent predators were proposed for release in their neighborhood September 27, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) announced the passage of his Senate Bill 380, which directs the Department of State Hospitals to examine placing sexually violent predators in state-run transitional housing facilities upon release. Current law allows for their conditional release into the community where they pose a significant risk to the public safety. “This is a victory for public safety statewide. Community release is a dangerous proposition, period,” said Jones. “The department needs to step up and take responsibility to fix this broken system, not continue to dump sexually violent predators into our neighborhoods.” Supported by a coalition of local government, law enforcement and victims’ advocacy groups, SB 380 implements a recommendation from the California State Auditor to study the feasibility of transitional housing for sexually violent predators. The auditor’s recommendation came after Jones secured an audit of the state’s handling of the conditional release program. The department refused to implement the recommendation on its own, requiring legislative action. “State hospital officials have repeatedly shirked their responsibility to the public by digging in and resisting recommendations from the auditor,” said Jones. “The passage of SB 380 will ensure we explore every possible alternative to a status quo that puts children and families at risk.” Senate Bill 380 now heads to the governor’s desk where it will await his signature. “The governor and I don’t always see eye-to-eye, but I don’t see how any parent could not support this bill to keep California children safe in their communities,” said Jones. “I’m confident it will earn his signature.” Placement of sexually violent predators in neighborhoods has been a key issue in several East County communities including Borrego Springs, Campo, Boulevard, Jacumba, Julian and other areas, where residents strongly opposed placement. Jake Donahue, Capitol Director for Senator Jones, told ECM that transitional housing could “look a number of ways and the possibilities are near endless. In Washington, for example, they’ve placed them in state-run housing on an island in the Puget Sound. In Texas, they have housing that looks closer to a halfway house that’s situated in an isolated area. There are variations in several other states that take their own unique form. That is a big part of why this study is needed. TO take a close look at the unique characteristics of our state, our SVP population, our available funding, available land and many, many other considerations to determine if transitional housing would work here (we would argue it definitely would) and, if so, what the best model for California might be.” For more information on the SVP issue, please click here.
Lemon Grove teen reports suspicious person following them
East County News Service Sept. 26, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — A teenager in Lemon Grove reportedly was being followed by a suspicious person in a car earlier this week and the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Substation is now investigating the matter. Just after 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, a 13-year-old student was walking to Lemon Grove Middle School when the student said they noticed an older man driving a gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, spotted at a stop sign near the intersection of Cypress Avenue and Lemon Grove Avenue. The driver reportedly waved at the student as they crossed the street. The student says the driver then made a U-turn in their direction. The student later explained that they feared the driver was planning on kidnapping them. The student began to run and was approached by a woman driving another vehicle. The woman asked the student if they needed help and offered them a ride to school. The student entered the woman’s vehicle and was driven to Lemon Grove Middle School without incident. School officials and deputies spoke with the student about the incident. At this time, there is not enough evidence to prove a crime took place. Tthe case has been assigned to a Sheriff’s Detective and an investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Substation at (619) 337-2000. The public is reminded to remain vigilant and “If you see something, say something.” Report suspicious activity by calling the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office at (858) 868-3200. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
Senate passes bipartisan Padilla, Mullin bill strengthening cybersecurity for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Source: Alex Padilla September 26, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Mental Health Caucus, and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) announced that the Senate unanimously passed their bipartisan legislation to strengthen the cybersecurity protocols for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in response to previous outages that resulted in a day-long outage for those in crisis. The 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act passed as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes key public health programs focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery for patients with substance use disorder. “People struggling with their mental health shouldn’t be met with disruptions or service outages when they call the 988 Lifeline at the most critical times of need. We can’t let cybersecurity vulnerabilities get in the way of providing lifesaving support,” said Senator Padilla. “I am glad to see the Senate unanimously pass our bipartisan bill to better identify and prevent cyberattacks so people in crisis have access to the Lifeline whenever they need it.” “I am grateful to my colleagues for their support of this critical legislation. Increasing cybersecurity measures for the 988 Lifeline is imperative to suicide prevention,” said Senator Mullin. “Suicide is a heartbreaking tragedy, and every life lost is one too many. This bill will keep the lifeline secure to ensure that those experiencing a mental health crisis have access to the resources and support they need when they need it most.” Since its launch in July of 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has received 10.8 million contacts, including 1.4 million within the Veterans Crisis Line. The Lifeline’s services are critically important and must stay secure. The cyberattack on the 988 Lifeline in December of 2022 exposed vulnerabilities in the system where individuals who tried to call the suicide prevention hotline were instead greeted with a recorded message informing them of the service outage. Specifically, Padilla and Mullin’s 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act requires coordination between the Lifeline and the Chief Information Security Officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to prevent cybersecurity attacks and eliminate known vulnerabilities. The suicide hotline’s network administrator would also be required to notify the government of cybersecurity vulnerabilities and incidents within 24 hours of discovery. Lastly, the Government Accountability Office would be required to conduct a study evaluating cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities in the 988 system. The 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act is supported by the following groups: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, Crisis Text Line, inseparable, Mental Health America, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, National Alliance on Mental Illness, The Jed Foundation, and Vibrant Emotional Health. Last year, Padilla applauded the Federal Communications Commission’s adoption of his bipartisan Local 9-8-8 Response Act of 2023, making critical improvements to the 988 Lifeline to help callers access localized, lifesaving behavioral health resources. Any person in crisis and in need of help can dial 9-8-8 to reach free and confidential professional support 24/7 or can visit 988lifeline.org/chat/ to start a free and confidential conversation. Click here to learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.