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STRUCTURES THREATENED IN TED WILLIAMS FIRE

Printer-friendly version Update 4 p.m.:  Forward spread has been stopped and fixed-wing aircraft dismissed, though helicopters remain on scene. East County News Service January 20, 2025 (Poway) – Structures are immediately threatened by a brush fire in Poway.  The #TedWilliamsFire is burning along Ted Williams Parkway and Pomerado Road.  Evacuations are being conducted near Glen Oak Road, Watch Duty App

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TRUMP LAYS OUT SHORT AND LONG TERM GOALS IN INAUGURAL SPEECH: FACT CHECK AND ANALYSIS

Printer-friendly versionRead full text of Donald Trump’s inauguration speech on January 20, 2025 View video of speech By Miriam Raftery January 20, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Donald J. Trump was sworn in for his second term of office today inside the Capitol rotunda, instead of outdoors, due to bitterly cold weather.  In a 30-minute inaugural speech, Trump promised a “Golden

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SDG&E URGES RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR MORE PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFFS

Printer-friendly version Source: SDG&E January 20, 2025 (San Diego)  – Due to extreme fire weather conditions and forecasted Santa Ana winds, San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) has notified 83,609 customers that it may have to turn off power to reduce wildfire risk as early as late today. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are approved by state regulators as

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IN FAREWELL ADDRESS, BIDEN WARNS THAT OLIGARCHS’ RISING POWER THREATENS AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

Printer-friendly version President Biden also laid out proposed future reforms, including a Constistutional amendment to limit presidential immunity, tax reforms, and term limits for Supreme Court justices By Miriam Raftery Hear audio of President Biden’s farewell address; view video, read transcript January 19, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – In his farewell address to the nation delivered in the White House oval

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NWS FORECAST: FIRE DANGER, FROST AND FOG

Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery January 19, 2025 (San Diego) – January’s freakish weather continues with both fire danger and frost forecast for this week.  The weather hazards line up for a potentially “worse case” scenario, the National Weather Service predicts. A red flag warning has been issued for San Diego County’s inland mountains and valleys Monday and Tuesday due

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LA MESA CITY COUNCILMEMBER LAURA LOTHIAN CALLS FOR “15-STRIKES AND YOUR OUT” HOMELESSNESS POLICY

Printer-friendly version By Michael Howard   Photo:  La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian speaks during a January 14, 2025 City Council meeting. Screenshot from City of La Mesa meeting video.   January 19, 2025 (La Mesa, CA) – La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian is calling for a “15-Strikes And You’re Out” policy to address the rising cost and associated

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GUHSD SUPERINTENDENT MIKE FOWLER TAKES LEAVE DUE TO BRAIN CANCER; BOARD APPOINTS SANDRA HUEZO AS ACTING SUPERINTENDENT

Printer-friendly versionSource:  Grossmont Union High School District January 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — Superintendent Mike Fowler has announced plans to step aside from his duties until March 1, 2025, as he receives treatment for a malignant brain tumor. After his diagnosis, Fowler underwent a successful surgery in December. He has now begun a rigorous treatment schedule which will require him to remain

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ASID INTERIOR DESIGNERS OFFER AFFORDABLE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATIONS DURING ‘WINTER SPRUCE UP’ IN FEB. AND MARCH

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service    January 17, 2025 (San Diego) – Does your home need a design refresh or a whole makeover? Are you curious about working with a professional interior designer but don’t know where to start? The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) San Diego Chapter offers affordable in-home design advice during Winter Spruce Up. The program runs from

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LATINO LEADERS GIVE EARFUL TO EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL OVER PROPOSED IMMIGRATION RESOLUTION

Printer-friendly versionCouncil asks  staff to revise resolution, which will be on the agenda January 28 By Miriam Raftery “I see this as disrespectful from you, the Council, the Mayor and the attorneys…This is going to create a lot of distrust in the community.” — Jose  Cruz, photo, left “It’s about following the law.  California is asking us to ignore federal law.”–Mayor Bill

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TSA INTERCEPTS 6,678 FIREARMS AT AIRPORT SECURITY CHECKPOINTS IN 2024

Printer-friendly versionSource:  TSA January 16, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — During 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted a total of 6,678 firearms at airport security checkpoints, preventing them from getting into the secure areas of the airport and onboard aircraft. Approximately 94% of these firearms were loaded. This total is a minor decrease from the  6,737 firearms stopped in 2023. Throughout 2024, TSA managed

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FORMER GUHSD SUPERINTENDENT TERRY RYAN DIES OF BRAIN TUMOR

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 1, 2008 (East San Diego County) — Terry Ryan, former superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District, died November 24 at his home in Rancho Bernardo.  Battling brain cancer, Ryan resigned from his position at the GUHSD 18 months ago. “He worked hard to improve relations with the teachers after what had been an

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SOLAR HOLIDAY LIGHTS– SAFE, CHEAP & GREEN!

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 2008 (San Diego) — Here’s a bright idea–save money on your holiday electric bills by going green!  Solar holiday lights are now available in white or colored strings, twinkling lights, tree nets, wreaths, illuminated stars and even poinsettia lights for a variety of outdoor applications.  Solar lights are also much safer than electric holiday lights.

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The San Diego Science Festival presents Small Wonders: a day of exploration into the world of nanotechnology and advanced materials for high school students

Printer-friendly versionDecember 12 deadline for schools to apply You have heard about the Stone Age, the Iron Age and the Bronze Age. Now we are in the midst of a new technological revolution driven by nanotechnology and other material sciences, which will usher in a new age of Advanced Materials. On April 1, 175 high school students from all over

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GIFTS FROM THE EAST

Printer-friendly versionOur holiday guide to gifts unique to East County By Miriam Raftery Buckskin baby booties are available at Mountain Oaks Trading Post, Julian December 1, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — This holiday season, why not choose gifts that benefit our community and provide recipients with gifts that are unique to East County and San Diego’s eastern region? In

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LA MESA TO VOTE TUES. NOV. 25 ON WHETHER TO SELL CIVIC CENTER LAND FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Kristin Hobbs-Kjaero November 23, 2008 (La Mesa) — Should the site of La Mesa’s Police Station be sold to the La Mesa Community Redevelopment Agency and turned into a housing project? La Mesa’s City Council will consider this issue on Tuesday, November 25th.  The hearing begins at 7:00 p.m.  The property is zoned “Civic Center” in

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IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS NEWS…

Printer-friendly versionECM has searched high and low to find the most under-reported important national and state news stories that may impact you or your family.  Here are our picks: AARP order investigation concerning its marketing (of deceptive healthcare plans sold to seniors) UC Could Cut Enrollment UC may cut some admission requirements Arraignments set for Cheney, Gonzales in Texas Health

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COOL!  OUTDOOR ICE RINK OPENS AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: ICE SHOW, TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY NOV. 22

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (Alpine) — Looking for the coolest place in East County? The largest outdoor ice rink in Southern California is now open for the holiday season at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine.  Skating costs $12 for 90 minutes, including skates. (Watch skating live via the Viejas webcam) An ice show extravaganza will be held

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Video Documents American War Heroes Sleeping On San Diego Streets

Printer-friendly version homeless sleeping next to the U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier museum, Downtown San Diego With all the vehicles on the streets of America sporting those little yellow “Support Our Troops,” ribbons, it is truly ironic that we have more than 200,000 veterans who are homeless.  But not many Americans realize it.  Mark Schulze and Patty Mooney, of Crystal Pyramid

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WINGS & SNOW ART RECEPTION NOV. 20 – GREEN ANGELS & ORNAMENTS

Printer-friendly versionNovember 17, 2008 (El Cajon) — This holiday season, Sophie’s Art Gallery is going green with a collection of art made form recycled materials.  Green angels are made from recycled wood, blue jean jackets saved from the landfill, and ornaments made from found objects.  The public is invited to a reception on November 20th from 5:30 to 8:30 to

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HOPE BEGINS IN THE DARK

Printer-friendly versionBook Review by Dennis Moore Jamie Reno, an award-winning journalist and an 11-year survivor of stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, has written a book about the resilience of the human spirit. Hope Begins in the Dark chronicles the lives of 50 lymphoma survivors, revealing their exclusive stories. The book speaks of the frailty of our existence as human beings and

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