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LOCAL RESIDENTS OBJECT TO TRUMP SLASHING FUNDS FOR LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo courtesy of Library Foundation San Diego March 26, 2025 (San Diego) – On Friday, March 14, President Trump issued an Executive Order intended to drastically reduce funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services. “Without IMLS funding, the 37-branch San Diego Public Library system

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WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN JPA CONSIDERS NEW FINANCIAL PATH FORWARD

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 25, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Today, the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) for the Water Conservation will meet to weigh opens for long-term funding and stability of the Garden at Cuyamaca College. At its Feb. 25 meeting, the board discussed future funding options after the City of San Diego’s representative Nicole Beaulieu DeSantis announced intent

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AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION SAN DIEGO SANDIE AWARDS CALL FOR ENTRIES; OPEN THROUGH APRIL 1

Printer-friendly versionThe Sandie Awards invites San Diego marketing professionals to submit their best campaigns and projects – from branding and creative to storytelling and social – to compete for top honors among their peers. East County News Service March 25, 2025 (San Diego) – The American Marketing Association (AMA) San Diego Chapter has opened a call for entries for its Sandie Awards, the

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CITY OF LA MESA TO LAUNCH E-BIKE INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Printer-friendly versionProgram to promote sustainable transportation Source:  City of La Mesa Image by raju shrestha on Pixabay March 24, 2025 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa is introducing a pilot E-Bike (Electric Bike) Incentive Program, designed to encourage biking as a primary mode of transportation for those who live and work in La Mesa. As transportation remains the largest

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REP. JACOBS, AT TOWN HALL, SEES ‘RED LINE’ FOR GOP IF TRUMP DEFIES COURTS

Printer-friendly versionBy Tesa Balc, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo:  Rep. Sara Jacobs in her congressional office. (File photo courtesy of Jacobs’ office via Facebook) March 24, 2025 (Jacumba) – A San Diego Democrat said Saturday that Republicans have told her they will not back President Donald Trump if he defies court orders.

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WIFE OF SLAIN CALFIRE CAPT. REBECCA MARODI ARRESTED IN MEXICO

Printer-friendly version By Jennifer Vigil, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association March 23, 2025 (Ramona) – The woman accused of killing her wife, a CalFire captain, has been arrested in Mexico more than a month after the slaying, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities had been searching since late Feb. 17 for

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USDA CANCELS PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDED LOCAL FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS AND FOOD BANKS

Printer-friendly versionThe USDA has cut funding for two programs that allowed schools and food banks to purchase fresh food from local farms, also halting deliveries to food banks.    By G. A. McNeeley    March 21, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Trump administration has cut two programs that provided more than $1 billion

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CITY OF LA MESA AND JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE LAUNCH LA MESA’S FIRST-EVER OLDER ADULT RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: LEARN MORE AT OFFICE HOURS MARCH 24, 26 AND 27

Printer-friendly versionEligible low-income residents aged 55, older may receive funds for housing   Source: City of La Mesa and Jewish Family Services   March 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa and Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) are launching the City’s first-ever Older Adult Rental Assistance Program, assisting seniors aged 55 and older who are at risk of homelessness. The

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ATTORNEY GENERAL BONTA URGENTLY ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT FOR 23ANDME CUSTOMERS

Printer-friendly versionSource: California Attorney General’s Office March 21, 2025 (Oakland) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert to customers of 23andMe, a genetic testing and information company. The California-based company has publicly reported that it is in financial distress and stated in securities filings that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue, which is a growing

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Mail might not be postmarked until days after you send it, under new rules that could cause tax penalties, result in ballots not counted

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 30, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Don’t wait until the last minute to mail in a ballot, tax return or other important documents. A change in U.S. Postal Service regulations that took effect December 24 means that mail is no longer considered postmarked on the date that you drop it in a mailbox or at a post office

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CRASH ON PINE VALLEY BRIDGE DELAYS MOTORISTS

Printer-friendly versionEast County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Image via CHP on X Dec. 30, 2025 (Pine Valley) — A motorhome accident on the Pine Valley bridge has shut down one lane of I-8 east and knocked down 80 feet of guardrail, per the California Highway Patrol. Westbound lanes remain open. Motorists traveling east are advised to take an alternative route

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Cities can’t punish outreach workers for helping homeless Californians under new law

Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kendall, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo:  Physician assistant Brett Feldman checks Carla Bolen’s blood pressure at her encampment on the Figueroa Street Viaduct above Highway 110 in Elysian Valley Park in Los Angeles on Nov. 18, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local December 30, 2025 (Sacramento) – Senate Bill 634 would have made a

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County warns residents about deadly wild mushrooms

Printer-friendly versionBy Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo courtesy California Department of Public Health December 30, 2025 (San Diego) – County public health officials are urging residents to avoid foraging for, or eating, wild mushrooms as some could contain a dangerous toxin called amatoxin that causes severe liver damage and can even lead to death. Winter rainfall creates

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House Republicans pass healthcare bill without extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire December 31: costs set to double or triple for many Californians

Printer-friendly versionBy G.A. McNeeley and Miriam Raftery Image: CC via bing December 28, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – With both houses of Congress adjourned until January, 22 million Americans can expect to see large increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare premiums, since subsidies will expire on December 31. While Democrats fought to extend the subsidies, House Republicans passed their own

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PFAS “forever chemicals” found in Warner Springs groundwater: Navy to host open house January 12 and provide testing of wells at nearby properties

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Updated Dec. 31 with comments from the Warner Spring Community Sponsor Group chair and a local winery representative, plus a statement from the Vista Irrigation District. December 27, 2025 (Warner Springs) — The U.S. Navy has announced that PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” have been detected in groundwater in Warner Springs.  The contamination is believed to be linked to a

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Federal cuts and reversals upend California health care in 2025

Printer-friendly versionPhoto:  CC by NC-ND via Bing This story was originally published by Cal Matters. Sign up for their newsletters. By Ana B. Ibarra for CalMatters Dec. 27, 2025 (San Diego County) — After a decade of expanding health coverage and safety net programs, the Golden State took a sharp detour in 2025. As federal funding reductions and policy changes rippled through the

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Ring in the new year safely with free transit rides New Year’s Eve after 6 p.m. throughout San Diego

Printer-friendly versionSource:  MTS December 26, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) announced plans to offer free transit rides and extended late-night service on New Year’s Eve, giving the region a safe, convenient and affordable way to celebrate and get home.   “We want everyone to enjoy New Year’s Eve and celebrate responsibly,”

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Escaped felon in Lemon Grove

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Dec. 24, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — The Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Substation is looking to the public for help in locating a wanted felon who escaped from custody. Just after 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, Sheriff’s Deputies observed Hiram Sanchez, 36, in the 7100 block of Broadway in Lemon Grove. He was wanted on an

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SDG&E urges caution around downed power lines

Printer-friendly versionSource:  SDG&E December 24, 2025 (San Diego) – With the current rainstorm approaching our region, SDG&E is urging the public to exercise caution around downed power lines.  During rainstorms, power lines may become damaged or fall, potentially posing a threat to those nearby. It is crucial for customers to stay safe, be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid potential

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