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Top hat and tails is theme of La Mesa Chamber’s Salute to Local Heroes Oct. 8

Printer-friendly version September 19, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces its 15th annual Salute to Local Heroes, which will incorporate the theme “Top Hat & Tails” This night celebrates local heroes, recognizes the incoming Chamber Board of Directors, includes a silent auction, raffles and more. This event will be held on  October 8 from 5:30

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Bill to protect Native American children passes Legislature unanimously, heads to Governor

Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 19, 2025 (Sacramento, CA) – After passing both the Assembly and State Senate unanimously (with one abstention), a bill aimed at preventing placement of Native American children in foster care away from their tribes and providing supportive services is now awaiting action by Governor Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 1378 would amend state law to let

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ECM World Watch: National and global news

Printer-friendly versionSeptember 19, 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. Economy Fed cuts interest rates for first time this year amid weakening labor market (Fox Business)

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Find your home’s hazard risks to prepare for an emergency

Printer-friendly versionBy Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office September 19, 2025 (San Diego) – September is Disaster Preparedness Month, and it is an ideal time to think about the critical preparedness steps could reduce risks and protect you and your family in an emergency. County Emergency Services has a free online Know Your Hazards Mapping Tool, where

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East County Roundup: local and statewide news

Printer-friendly versionSeptember 18, 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 San Diego County Supervisors Vote to Expand Oversight of Jail Healthcare After In-Custody Deaths (Hoodline) Elected officials announce proposed ordinance aimed at fed enforcement actions

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Incompetence and cruelty are expensive: Trump’s actions may bankrupt U.S. treasury

Printer-friendly version By Alexander Schorr September 18, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — President Donald Trump could render the US Treasury bankrupt. According to an op-ed by a businsess law educator published in  Newsweek, everything hinges upon whether or not the Supreme Court will side with Trump’s declared tariffs that critics have called illegal — a decision that could force the Treasury to

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Health and science highlights

Printer-friendly versionSeptember 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH West Coast states issue joint vaccine guidelines in shift away from CDC (ABC) CDC panel votes to push back MMRV vaccine recommendation to 4 years old  (The Hill) A common nasal spray may

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Exclusive: ECM obtains video showing start of Coches Fire

Printer-friendly version View video   September 17, 2025 (Lakeside) — East County Magazine photographer Patrick Ward has obtained surveillance video from a Lakeside homeowner who lives next to the spot where the Coches Fire began.  The video from the homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, shows vehicles on the roadway around 2:56 p.m. on September 8, 2025, followed by brush igniting

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Pedestrian death in La Mesa

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 16, 2025 (La Mesa) – Katherine Marie Pederson, 61, suffered fatal injuries when she was struck by a sedan while crossing the 5600 block of Baltimore Drive in La Mesa. The accident occurred on September 8 around 9:49 p.m. Witnesses called 911. Police, firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene.  The victim was transported

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Ramona church mourns murdered pastor

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 16, 2025 (Ramona) – Felipe Ascencio, the pastor at Templo Monte Horbe church in Ramona, was shot and killed Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7, inside his home on Eighth Street. Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Joel Martin Dukes III, 22.  He is being charged with murder. The motive has not been disclosed and the investigation continues.

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3 WATER MAIN BREAKS CAUSE FLOODING IN LA MESA

Printer-friendly version 48 HOMES WITHOUT WATER; SEVERAL ROADS CLOSED August 31, 2009 (La Mesa) –Three water line breaks have caused flooding in La Mesa, resulting in traffic congestion and leaving 48 homes without water.   “There are several areas cordoned off,” said Helix Water District spokesperson Kate Breece at 4 p.m. this afternoon. “We would expect this hopefully to be

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MAN ASSAULTED DURING ROBBERY IN LA MESA

Printer-friendly version POLICE SEEK DRIVER & PASSENGER OF BLUE PONTIAC VIBE  August 30, 2009 (La Mesa) — At 2:54 this morning,  La Mesa Police officers responded to a report of a pedestrian robbery in the 9500 block of Murray Drive, La Mesa.   According to La Mesa Police, the 25-year-old male victim was walking on the sidewalk west on Murray Drive when a Blue Pontiac Vibe with tinted windows drove up behind him.

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GUHSD CONSIDERS BUDGET-CUTTING STRATEGIES IN WAKE OF $40 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING CUTS OVER PAST 2 YEARS

Printer-friendly version  By Francine Phillips August 30, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont Union High School District School Board convened a special meeting at the East Country Regional Education Center on Wednesday, Aug. 26 starting at 2 p.m. The special meeting included a two-hour closed session that dealt mostly with labor negotiations between the Board and representatives of the Grossmont Education Association,

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SD FIREFIGHTING RESOURCES DISPATCHED TO BATTLE L.A. BLAZES

Printer-friendly version SD REGION STILL HAS “SURGE CAPACITY” RESOURCES TO COMBAT FIRE LOCALLY: CHIEF GHIO   August 30, 2009 (San Diego) – Firefighting resources from San Diego County’s region have been dispatched to battle the wildfires that have forced thousands to evacuate in the Los Angeles area. But August Ghio (photo, left), head of the San Diego County Fire Chiefs

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5-ACRE FIRE DOUSED IN RAMONA

Printer-friendly versionAugust 30, 2009 (Ramona) – A five-acre brush fire off Steffy Road near Wilson Road in the Ramona area has been contained shortly after it began, CAL-FIRE reports.   CAL-FIRE dispatched 12 engines, 2 fire crews, 1 bulldozer, 2 airtankers, 2 helicopter, 2 water tenders, and 2 chief officers for a total of approximately 100 fire fighters.   The U.S. Forest Service

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“BILLIONAIRES FOR WEALTHCARE” GROUP MOCKS OPPONENTS OF HEALTHCARE REFORM AT TOWNHALL FORUM HOSTED BY CONGRESSWOMAN DAVIS IN SPRING VALLEY

Printer-friendly version  By Miriam Raftery   August 30, 2009 (Spring Valley) – A rowdy crowd of approximately 1,500 turned out to cheer on and heckle Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) during a town hall meeting in Spring Valley Saturday afternoon. Protests from conservative “teabaggers” and signs with racist overtones were countered by a newly-formed group calling itself “Billionaires for Wealthcare.” (photos)  

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PROMISE OF PEACE CONFERENCE SEPT. 26 TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF PEACE PATROL

Printer-friendly versionOPENING SPEAKER TO HONOR MEMORY OF SLAIN SANTANA STUDENT   By Marisa Kezirian   August 2009 – On September 26, The Promise of Peace Conference, celebrating 20 years of Peace Patrol, will be held in Chula Vista. The opening speaker, Dr. Carol L. Macagba (photo, left), will honor the memory of her nephew, Bryan Macagba Zuckor, who lost his

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RUN WOMEN RUN TO HOST CANDIDATE RECRUITFEST IN EAST COUNTY

Printer-friendly version  August 30, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Whether you’ve played an active role in improving the state of our political and social environment or wanted to but didn’t know how to get involved, joining Run Women Run provides opportunities for you to make a difference.   On September 13, 2009, a Candidate Recruitfest will be held at

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CAR PLUNGES INTO RIVER IN SANTEE; 4 KILLED, BRUSH FIRE ENSUED

Printer-friendly version August 28, 2009 (Santee)–After striking another vehicle near I-125 and SR-52 in Santee at 3:47 p.m. this afternoon, a car plunged into the San Diego River in Santee. The car burst into flames, igniting a brush fire.  A call to 911 reported a stuck accelerator pedal.  Heartland Fire responded to the accident. Four victims were pronounced dead on

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POWER OUTAGES IMPACT 2,403 IN EAST COUNTY & SAN DIEGO

Printer-friendly version August 28, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Power outages have been reported in multiple locations through San Diego County. A map of affected areas can be viewed here: http://www.sdge.com/outages/outageMap.shtml One outage is impacting the following communities: Casa De Oro/ Rancho San Diego,Jamacha/ W Jamul/ Indian Springs, Jamul/ N Jamul/ Lyons Valley, La Presa/ Spring Valley/ Rancho San

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