Wild Night Out: Camp alongside rescued big cats at Lions Tigers & Bears’ spooky campover
East County News Service Oct. 3, 2025 (Alpine) — For a unique, once-a-year experience, Lions Tigers & Bears sanctuary in San Diego County is inviting the public to its annual Spooky Campover event on Friday, Oct. 24. The overnight campout offers the rare chance to sleep under the stars — surrounded by the sounds of rescued big cats and other sanctuary animals. The “spooky celebration” packs in a night of Halloween-themed fun. Attendees will enjoy campfire songs, pumpkin carving and a Halloween costume contest. For those who dare, an all-ages haunted house will also be part of the evening’s entertainment. Visitors can also test their knowledge in an animal trivia challenge (with clues available on the LTB website), make s’mores, and sip on hot cocoa by the campfire. The fun doesn’t end when the sun comes up the next day. The following morning features the “Pumpkin Bash.” The special morning sanctuary visit which starts at 10 a.m. allows campers to watch the big cats and wildlife receive their Halloween treats, all tucked inside the very pumpkins carved by campers the night before. This enrichment activity provides a fascinating and educational sight for all ages. The event offers an unforgettable experience while supporting a vital cause. The Spooky Campover is a crucial fundraiser, with all proceeds directly supporting the rescued animals at the sanctuary. Lions Tigers & Bears is located at 24402 Martin Way in Alpine. Minimum age of attendees is three years old. For more information, visit lionstigersandbears.org or call (619) 659-8078.
Padres’ World Series dream ends in Chicago
The Chicago Cubs celebrate after beating the Padres 3-1 to clinch a spot in the NLDS. Photo courtesy Official Wrigley Field Instagram East County News Service Oct. 3, 2025 (Chicago) — The San Diego Padres’ 2025 season, a 90-win campaign filled with promise and frustration, came to an abrupt halt on Thursday at Wrigley Field. The Padres lost 3-1 to the host Chicago Cubs in the third game of the National League Wild Card Series, eliminating the Friars from the playoffs. MLB.com quoted Padres All-Star Manny Machado after the game: “It just sucks. We want to be holding up the trophy … we fell short.” The elimination mirrored San Diego’s recurring struggle this season: Offense going cold when it mattered most. The first two games of the series set the tone. The Padres dropped Game 1, 3-1, then answered in Game 2 with a 3-0 win fueled by a Machado two-run homer and steady pitching. In Thursday’s deciding tilt, the Cubs struck early. In the bottom of the second, outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong drove in designated hitter Kyle Tucker with an RBI single. Later that inning, with the bases loaded, Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish was pulled after giving up a walk to shortstop Dansby Swanson that made it 2–0. Darvish’s day ended just over one inning in, charged with two runs. From there, the Padres’ bullpen battled the Cubs’ ‘pen. Padres reliever Jeremiah Estrada was tasked with the bases-loaded situation and allowed one run; the Cubs bullpen deployed six pitchers in total to preserve the lead. Machado, the Padres’ third baseman, acknowledged the crew’s effort telling MLB.com: “They did a tremendous job, and we fell short offensively.” San Diego right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. added that it was a “missed opportunity” to back up the pitching. San Diego’s offense was largely stymied for seven innings, and the Cubs were quiet until first baseman Michael Busch launched a solo home run off Robert Suarez, pushing the lead to 3–0. But San Diego refused to go quietly. In the top of the ninth, rookie Jackson Merrill hit a solo homer to ignite hope. Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts followed with a full count, then was called out on strikes on a pitch many believed was low. Cubs reliever Brad Keller then hit two batters, putting runners at first and second. Padres hitters tried to rally but second baseman Jake Cronenworth grounded out and catcher Freddy Fermin’s fly ball to center ended the season. “It hurts. … It’s not fun,” Machado told MLB.com. “We gave ourselves a chance.” The Padres finished the regular season at 90-72. Meanwhile, the Cubs will move on against NL Central rival Milwaukee in the NL Division Series.
Photo of the week: Egret at Lake Morena amid dead plants and green water
East County News Service October 3, 2025 (Lake Morena) — Karen Pearlman snapped this photo of snowy white egret searching for fish at Lake Morena, casting a reflection in the deep green waters. The visit raises a curious question: Why are all the plants in the water at Lake Morena dead? It isn’t drought, since plants further up the shoreline appear green and healthy. Lake Morena had a toxic algae warning issued in 2023, banning all boating on the reservoir. Toxic algae can kill aquatic plants and is also toxic to people and wildlife. It is unclear whether toxic algae is responsible for the current situation at Lake Morena, a reservoir which provides drinking water for the city of San Diego. ECM will be reaching out to county and city officials, since the City of San Diego operates the reservoir and the County owns the surrounding land. If anyone knows what’s making the water green and all plants in the water die off, please let us know at editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
ECM World Watch: National and global news
October 3, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Immigration and detention Hundreds of Alligator Alcatraz detainees drop off the grid after leaving site (Miami Herald) ‘It was heartbreaking’: Naked zip-tied children dragged from homes in ‘surreal’ ICE raid (Raw Story) ICE May Be Breaking the Law to Stonewall Reporters (Columbia Journalism Review) 11 N.Y. Officials Arrested Trying to Access ICE Detention Cells (NY Times) Economy and jobs Grocery prices have jumped up, and there’s no relief in sight (NPR) After cuts to food stamps, Trump administration ends government’s annual report on hunger in America (AP) Trump signs proclamation adding $100K annual fee for H-1B visa applications (AP) Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa shock: Why US may lose more than India (BBC) Travel Republican Plan Would Make It Easier to Revoke US Passports: What to Know (Newsweek) Corruption and lack of transparency Billions in Taxpayer Dollars Have Become Virtually Untraceable (NOTUS) Tom Homan (White House Border Czar) was investigated for accepting $50,000 from undercover FBI agents. Trump’s DOJ shut it down. (MSNBC) The Justice Department Had 36 Lawyers Fighting Corruption Full-Time. Under Trump, It’s Down to Two. (NOTUS) ‘Hobbled’ Campaign Finance Regulator Cancels Public Meetings Until 2026 (NOTUS) Military and defense Trump says US cities should be military training grounds (BBC) Trump Tells Congress U.S. Is at War With Cartels: What That Means (Time) Defense Secretary Hegseth requires new ‘pledge’ for reporters at the Pentagon (NPR) Trump Sends Troops to Portland, Authorizes ‘Full Force, If Necessary’ (Time) Hirings and firings Trump is breaking US diplomacy, State Department staffers say (Politico) Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts Are Stymying Firefighter Safety Fixes: GAO (NOTUS) Supreme Court allows Trump to fire — for now — remaining Democrat on FTC (NPR) Ben Carson Joins the Trump Administration in New Role at USDA (NOTUS) Court actions Reagan-Appointed Judge Gives Trump a Lecture on the First Amendment (NOTUS) Trump asks Supreme Court to let him end birthright citizenship (Politico) INTERNATIONAL Cyberattack disrupts check-in systems at major European airports (AP) Mystery drones over Denmark are ‘hybrid attack,’ defense minister says (ABC) Denmark warns that Russia is waging a hybrid war on Europe, as EU leaders gather for security talks (AP) World leaders rally behind Palestinian statehood at UN, defying US and Israel (Reuters) Hamas under pressure as Trump issues deadline on Gaza peace plan (Reuters) Putin offers Trump one-year extension to nuclear weapons treaty (Reuters) Russia revives Soviet-era tactics to quash dissent, says UN expert (Reuters) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. U.S. Immigration and detention Hundreds of Alligator Alcatraz detainees drop off the grid after leaving site (Miami Herald) As of the end of August, the whereabouts of two-thirds of more than 1,800 men detained at Alligator Alcatraz during the month of July could not be determined by the Miami Herald. The Herald had obtained the names from two detainee rosters. Around 800 detainees showed no record on ICE’s online database. More than 450 listed no location and only instructed the user to “Call ICE for details” ‘It was heartbreaking’: Naked zip-tied children dragged from homes in ‘surreal’ ICE raid (Raw Story) Just hours after President Donald Trump said U.S. soldiers should use America’s cities as “training grounds,” federal law enforcement officials on Tuesday night descended upon an apartment complex in Chicago where witnesses say they broke down residents’ doors, smashed furniture and belongings, and dragged dozens of them — including children — into U-Haul vans. ICE May Be Breaking the Law to Stonewall Reporters (Columbia Journalism Review) Nearly two dozen reporters and other Freedom of Information Act requesters say they are getting the brush-off. 11 N.Y. Officials Arrested Trying to Access ICE Detention Cells (NY Times) …The officials, including Brad Lander, the city comptroller, and city and state lawmakers, were arrested after they showed up at 26 Federal Plaza and sought to inspect the 10th-floor holding cells, which are operated by ICE and closed to the public. The cells have drawn scrutiny following complaints of unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, leading a federal judge to order ICE to improve the conditions last month. Economy Grocery prices have jumped up, and there’s no relief in sight (NPR) A survey this summer by The Associated Press and NORC found the cost of groceries has become a major source of stress for just over half of all Americans — outpacing rent, health care and student debt. After cuts to food stamps, Trump administration ends government’s annual report on hunger in America (AP) The Trump administration is ending the federal government’s annual report on hunger in America, stating that it had become “overly politicized” and “rife with inaccuracies.” The decision comes two and a half months after President Donald Trump signed legislation sharply reducing food aid to the poor. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the tax and spending cuts…means 3 million people would not qualify for food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits. Trump signs proclamation adding $100K annual fee for H-1B visa applications (AP) President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation that will require a $100,000 annual visa fee for highly-skilled foreign workers and rolled out a $1 million “gold card” visa as a pathway to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals, moves that face near-certain legal challenges amid widespread criticism he is sidestepping Congress. If the moves survive legal muster, they will deliver staggering price increases. Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa shock: Why US may lose more than India (BBC) Today, Indian-origin executives run Google, Microsoft and IBM, and Indian doctors make up nearly 6% of the US physician workforce. Indians dominate the H-1B programme, making up more than 70% of the recipients in recent years….. In tech, their presence is even starker…over 80% of “computer” jobs went to Indian nationals… India may feel the shock first,
Trump threatens to fire workers amid shutdown; Newsom says shutdown has halted critical wildfire programs in peak fire season
Healthcare premiums will double for millions of Americans if Republicans don’t renew subsidies By Alexander J. Schorr Photo: Cedar Fire in October, 2003 burned over 276,000 acres, destroyed 2,232 homes and killed 15 people. October is peak wildfire season in our region, yet the shutdown threatens wildfire preparedness and disaster relief. October 2, 2025— The US federal government has shut down after Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to resolve a budget stand-still. The political impasse is expected to put 40% of the federal workforce— about 750,000 people— on unpaid leave. Please follow live updates as to the status of the governmental closure at this time. President Donald Trump has threatened to fire federal workers amid the latest government shutdown after a failure to resolve and pass short-term funding bills. Despite holding a Republican Majority throughout the branches of government, Trump blasted Democrats, saying that “We can do things during a shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them and irreversible.” He went on to say that would entail “cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like. There is no requirement to fire any federal workers due the shutdown, NPR reports. The last time the government shut down, during Trump’s first term as president, workers were temporarily furloughed. Healthcare premium spikes and other shutdown impacts Shutdowns occur when Congress does not pass the necessary appropriations bills to fund agencies’ operations, and during them, federal employees are impacted in oftentimes severe ways. Civil servants are unable to do their jobs and provide vital public benefits, conduct scientific research, manage the economy, or address national security challenges, as well as much more. Civil servants cannot be paid if the needed appropriations have not been passed, and so some federal employees must continue to work without pay for the duration of a shutdown while many others may be furloughed until new appropriations bills are approved. Federal employees fall under three categories: those who are financed through means other than annual appropriations and so continue to work and be paid, those who are furloughed, and those who continue to work without pay. When the federal government shuts down, thousands of federal employees are furloughed while their work is put on hold. These tens of thousands of public servants, such as aviation workers, Transportation Security Officers, civilian mariners, and rail safety inspectors are forced to work without timely pay, all while some government contractors will be working without the guarantee that they will ever receive the payment that they are owed. A shutdown reduces federal safety oversights, strains airport security, and delays vital infrastructure planning projects like road repair and housing projects. In just one week of a shutdown, impacts on tourism and travel could cost the economy $1 billion, according to the US Travel Association. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration’s longer term safety initiatives, including policy work to prevent foodborne illness, will be halted, and the National Park Service will stop collecting trash or continue road repairs. Due to the disruption and lack of productivity, health care costs for everyone— including those with employer-based coverage and those who purchased insurance through the ACA marketplace. This coincides with the Trump administration’s Medicaid cuts and the failure to extend the ACA tax credits for families, as well as forcing hospitals and clinics to absorb billions of unpaid costs as millions lose coverage. A new analysis shows that if President Trump and Republicans do not extend the current support provided that is set to expire at the end of the year— as Democrats are asking for— California would expect to see an average premium cost among those enrolled with financial assistance to increase by 97%. Presently, insurance premiums will spike by 114% for some 22 million people. Additionally, 179 million people with employer-based insurance could be forced to pay $485 more per person per year, which is a nearly $2,000 a year price hike for a family of four. The disruption to government operations, under the present administration, will destroy 130,000 health care jobs, as well as those usurped by Medicaid cuts— totaling 607,000 health care jobs. How long will shutdown last? It is not clear how long this shutdown will last: the Committee for a Responsible Budget, a nonpartisan organization, reported that the longest-lasting shutdown, also under President Trump, was 35 days (December 2028 to January 2019). There have been funding gaps, as defined by when funds were not appropriated for at least one day— that lasted three days or fewer. The Trump administration has already eliminated a significant number of federal employees, and these additional staffing reductions continue to undermine critical government services. The President’s threat to fire federal workers instead of furloughing them would have severe impacts, with the livelihoods of civil servants and their families being leveraged as potential political bargaining chips. Republicans control the White and both chambers of Congress, and they can end the shutdown at any time. Fire danger, disaster relief impacted According to Governor Gavin Newsom, “Communities across our state are less safe because of Trump’s government shutdown. Thanks to Donald Trump. Critical wildfire preparedness and disaster recovery programs are on pause. This can’t go on— Republicans need to act to end this shutdown.” By extension, The American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a lawsuit back in September 30th challenging the Trump administration’s threat of mass firings, stating that it was designed to “inflict punishment on, and further traumatize, federal employees throughout the nation.” The White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt illustrated that the White House had shown no signs of backing away from its plan, stating that “layoffs were imminent.” The National Weather Service continued to issue its vital forecasts and weather warnings, but long-term climate research and upgrades to forecasting tools will ultimately be suspended or at the very least delayed— at a time when California is enduring extensive weather extremes. With the necessary administrative and planning
The Garden Goes Batty Oct. 18
East County News Service October 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — Miss Smarty-Plants will bring a “batty” show to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy trick-or-treat stations, the youth rock band Epidural, and partner booths. Cost is $15 for members, $18 for nonmembers, or $20 at the door. For advance tickets, click here.
Chief’s Corner: Charge into Safety National Fire Prevention Week Oct 6th
East County Roundup: Local and statewide news
October 3, 2025, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s round-up stories include: LOCAL ICE arrests rise at a higher rate in San Diego than across the U.S., data shows (NBC San Diego) Out with the old and in with the new at San Diego International Airport (KPBS) Animal shelter supervisor ‘out of the office’ after revelation of profane recording (KPBS) Ramona cemetery district board member uncovers unusual compensation records (KPBS) Sweetwater Authority Joins Stampede Away from County Water Authority (Voice of San Diego) One killed, another injured in bicycle crash at Lake Murray (ABC) STATE California braces for a health insurance meltdown (Politico) California shrank prisons with sentencing changes. A new study shows how that’s working (Cal Matters) Gavin Newsom signs first-in-nation AI safety law (Politico) More California high school seniors applied for college financial aid this year than last (Cal Matters) For excerpts and links to full stories,click “read more” and scroll down. LOCAL ICE arrests rise at a higher rate in San Diego than across the U.S., data shows (NBC San Diego) The increase was driven largely by spike in arrests of people without a criminal conviction, up nearly seven times through July of this year as compared to all of 2024. Out with the old and in with the new at San Diego International Airport (KPBS) The first flight into the new Terminal One is scheduled to arrive at 8:55 tonight, and the last flight out of the old Terminal One is set to depart 15 minutes later. Animal shelter supervisor ‘out of the office’ after revelation of profane recording (KPBS) The official, who oversaw the county’s animal shelters, complained of “shit dogs” and too few euthanasias in a voice recording. The county isn’t providing details about her employment status. Ramona cemetery district board member uncovers unusual compensation records (KPBS) Pete Smith, a longtime community watchdog in Ramona, is now serving on the board of Nuevo Memory Gardens. He found records of health insurance payments he’d been told were terminated, and an “unheard of” severance agreement. Sweetwater Authority Joins Stampede Away from County Water Authority (Voice of San Diego) The agency supplying drinking water to a large swath of South San Diego County is exploring a groundwater desalination project. One killed, another injured in bicycle crash at Lake Murray (ABC) One cyclist died and another was hospitalized after they collided on the Lake Murray path near the Mission Trails Golf Course on Friday morning. STATE California braces for a health insurance meltdown (Politico) Health care regulators here are raising alarms that a government shutdown could knock the bottom out of the nation’s largest health insurance market. California shrank prisons with sentencing changes. A new study shows how that’s working (Cal Matters) California over the past dozen years enacted a series of criminal justice laws that were meant to give more people an opportunity to be resentenced and thin out the state’s severely overcrowded prisons. This week a state agency released the most-comprehensive look yet at how those changes are playing out among formerly incarcerated people. The report found low recidivism rates among people who were older and had served lengthy sentences. Those patterns contrasted with people serving shorter prison sentences for nonviolent crimes, which showed higher rates of recidivism, the majority of which were for misdemeanors. Gavin Newsom signs first-in-nation AI safety law (Politico) The measure, SB 53, requires some AI developers to publicly disclose their safety and security protocols. It also creates a way for companies and the public to report major safety incidents to the state. The law includes whistleblower protections for AI workers and lays the groundwork for a state-run cloud computing cluster dubbed CalCompute. More California high school seniors applied for college financial aid this year than last (Cal Matters) Nearly three-quarters of California public high school seniors applied for federal financial aid this year, soaring past last year’s figures by 11% and giving further indication that California’s efforts to get more students to apply for federal grants are paying off
Borrego Days Desert Festival October 18-19
East County News Service October 3, 2025 (Borrego Springs, CA) — Borrego Springs hosts its annual Borrego Days Desert Festival on October 18 and 19. Saturday features a morning flyover and parade, as well as the “Shine and Show” vehicle show. There’s also a beer garden, kids’ zone, food stations, and booths featuring everything from art to information. Plus you can enjoy live music and other activities all weekend long. For a full schedule of events and details, visit https://borregodays.com/
Health and Science Highlights
October 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH What the shutdown means for Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs (NBC) American Health Insurance Providers issues statement on vaccines (AHIP) How Trump Boosted Bizarre ‘Medbed’ Conspiracy Theory With Deleted Post (Forbes) Scientists create human eggs in the lab, using skin cells (NPR) RFK Jr. ‘rejects’ a U.N. declaration on non-communicable diseases (NPR) SCIENCE AND TECH Trump DOE bans words including climate change and green (NPR) How a major DOE report hides the whole truth on climate change (Politico) A massive telecom threat was stopped right as world leaders gathered at UN headquarters in New York(AP) NPR cuts $5 million as public radio stations struggle to pay bills (NPR) AI just created a working virus. The U.S. isn’t prepared for that. (Washington Post) For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down. HEALTH What the shutdown means for Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs (NBC) Your Medicare, Medicaid or Affordable Care Act coverage won’t vanish during the government shutdown, but changes to some benefits and fewer government workers to help could still disrupt care for millions.At the heart of the shutdown fight is whether Republican leaders accept a demand from Democrats to extend Obamacare subsidies before they expire at the end of the year and premiums start skyrocketing. Democrats also sought to undo President Donald Trump’s Medicaid cuts, but the GOP has shown no interest. American Health Insurance Providers issues statement on vaccines (AHIP) … “Health plans will continue to cover all ACIP-recommended immunizations that were recommended as of September 1, 2025, including updated formulations of the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, with no cost-sharing for patients through the end of 2026.” How Trump Boosted Bizarre ‘Medbed’ Conspiracy Theory With Deleted Post (Forbes) President Donald Trump shared and then deleted a seemingly AI-generated video in which he was seen promising Americans access to “medbeds” a fictional technology popular with some far-right conspiracy theorists who believe they secretly exist and hold miracle cures for every illness, and have been withheld from common Americans…. Scientists create human eggs in the lab, using skin cells (NPR) Scientists have created human eggs containing genes from adult skin cells, a step that someday could help women who are infertile or gay couples have babies with their own genes but would also raise difficult ethical, social and legal issues. RFK Jr. ‘rejects’ a U.N. declaration on non-communicable diseases (NPR) [U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary] Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the U.S. would “reject it.” The declaration that was being considered at the U.N. General Assembly in New York is the culmination of years of work – and five months of formal negotiations – by governments, health experts and members of civil society. It lays out a roadmap for preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases — like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer — and promoting mental health. SCIENCE AND TECH Trump DOE bans words including climate change and green (NPR) It was sent to employees of the Energy Department’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which is the largest federal funder of clean energy technology…. The email …instructs employees working on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to avoid using about a dozen words and phrases, many of which are central to their work…The move is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to restrict access to information about climate change, and undercut federal efforts to address its causes. How a major DOE report hides the whole truth on climate change (Politico) The Trump administration recruited five marginalized researchers to challenge the international consensus on global warming. Here’s how it went wrong. A massive telecom threat was stopped right as world leaders gathered at UN headquarters in New York (AP) While close to 150 world leaders prepared to descend on Manhattan for the U.N. General Assembly, the U.S. Secret Service was quietly dismantling a massive hidden telecom network across the New York area…[that] could have crippled cell towers, jammed 911 calls and flooded networks with chaos….agents believe nation-state actors — perpetrators from particular countries — used the system to send encrypted messages to organized crime groups, cartels and terrorist organizations. NPR cuts $5 million as public radio stations struggle to pay bills (NPR) NPR asked a federal judge to block the Corporation for Public Broadcasting from awarding a $57.9 million grant to a new consortium of public media institutions to operate the satellite that connects the public radio system for the next five years. AI just created a working virus. The U.S. isn’t prepared for that. (Washington Post) Washington Post – A stunning scientific accomplishment brings both great promise and great risk.