East County News Service

June 2, 2021 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for San Diego County Deserts, effective until Friday at 9 p.m. Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures of 105 to 110 degrees expected.

Several County facilities will be open as Cool Zones in Alpine, Borrego Springs, Fallbrook, Lakeside, Potrero, Santa Ysabel, Spring Valley, and Valley Center. For location information, hours of operation, and tips to beat the heat, visit: www.coolzones.org.

By Alexa Oslowski

May 31, 2021 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa City Council is on track to fill  Dr. Akilah Weber’s former seat with a special election, but the date remains uncertain. The vacancy occurred after Dr. Weber won a special election to the state Assembly, filling a vacancy left when her mother, Shirley Weber PhD, was appointed Secretary of State.

The Council has until a June 18 deadline to announce an appointment process or call for an election, under the city charter. But on April 27, the Council meeting ended in no decision after a 2-2 vote, with Mayor Mark Arapostathis and Councilman Bill Baber in favor of an election and Councilmen Jack Shu and Colin Parent in favor of an appointment.  So the Council agreed to postpone its decision until the May 11 Council meeting.

On May 11, a still divided Council agreed to monitor the California Secretary of State's office for announcements of the recall election for Governor Gavin Newsom, since a special election for Dr. Weber’s seat would be less costly if timed to coincide with the statewide recall race and should also generate higher voter turnout.

The El Cajon Police Department reminds drivers to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and to share the road.

By Miriam Raftery

May 30, 2021 (El Cajon) –  A 23-year-old man has died after being struck by a white Chevrolet truck at 8:00 Friday morning in El Cajon. El Cajon Police officers and paramedics from Heartland Fire Department treated the victim at the crash site in the 200 block of North Johnson Avenue but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Bill could revoke licenses from officers such as fired LMPD officer Matt Dages, who is charged with falsifying a police report after a stop involving Amaurie Johnson.

May 28, 2021 (Sacramento)  -- California may soon become the 47^th state to require decertification of police officers who conduct serious offenses, an action aimed at ending the option for “bad apple” officers to move to another law enforcement department and potentially reoffend.

The bill would create a new state license for police officers which could be revoked if an officer is convicted of a serious crime or is fired due to misconduct, including violating a person’s civil rights.

East County News Service

May 28, 2021 (San Diego) -- San Diego Gas & Electric, the San Diego Housing Commission, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council and its member unions are partnering for a one-night event in City Heights to help struggling San Diegans apply for a variety of utility bill and rental assistance programs. The event will be held Friday, May 28 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 4265 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105.

Those experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic may qualify for help from the City of San Diego’s COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program, which is administered by the Housing Commission, the County of San Diego’s Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program, and SDG&E’s bill discount and payment assistance programs.

Representatives from various organizations (including those who speak Somali and Spanish) will be on-site to share information and provide step-by-step online enrollment assistance for those who do not have access to a computer or internet.  Computer tablets will be available to assist people with online enrollment.

Source: San Diego Sheriff’s Department

May 25, 2021 (Poway) -- The Poway Sheriff's Station wants your help in locating a missing woman at risk.

On May 20, 71-year-old Denise Bellafiore left Poway by taxi to return to her residential care facility in Chula Vista.  During her travels, she reportedly told the taxi driver to take her to Downtown San Diego.  Bellafiore was dropped off near the intersection of 10th Street and Broadway in Downtown San Diego.  She has not been seen or heard from since, according to Detective Justin Cole.

By Miriam Raftery

May 22, 2021 (Mt. Helix) – Residents on Horizon Hills near Mt. Helix are reveling in a ruling by Superior Court Judge Theodore Weathers which blocks the state from placing Douglas Badger, a sexually violent predator (SVP) in the community. Earlier this month, another judge blocked placement of a second SVP, Merle Wakefield, at the same site.

The residents have announced a "Super Victory Party" on May 31 to celebrate keeping their neighborhood safe.

By Miriam Raftery 

May 22, 2021 (Jamul) – A tenant asked to move out of a residence on Lyons Valley Road in Jamul in February shot his landlord, then killed himself following an argument.  The landlord’s health declined and on May 7th he was readmitted to a

hospital, where he died.

The Medical Examiner has determined that the cause of death was homicide due to complications from the gunshot wound to his torso.

By Miriam Raftery

May 22, 2021 (San Diego) – Fifteen months after COVID-19 shut downs began, the state of California will be lifting all capacity limits and color-coded tiers starting June 15, allowing all businesses to reopen at full capacity without physical distancing. Locally, that includes Padres games at full capacity, a return of symphony concerts, festivals and more.

The announcement came Friday from Dr. Mark Ghaly, head of the California Health and Human Services Agency, who indicated the state will largely follow guidelines U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There will, however, be some requirements for mega-indoor events as well as guidelines for massive outdoor events. In addition, rules remain pending for workplaces and some travel limits may be imposed for travelers from nations with high rates of COVID, in accordance with CDC recommendations.

By Miriam Raftery

May 19, 2021 (San Diego) – With over two-thirds of Californians now at least partially vaccinated and half fully vaccinated, many people are looking forward to resuming normal activities. But if you haven’t had the COVID-19 vaccine, you may be surprised to learn that you won’t be allowed to go many places.

These include all cruise ships, many colleges and universities, and some sports arenas and stadiums. Nursing homes and other senior care facilities may require vaccinations before admitting new patients or indoor visitors. Some employers are also requiring vaccines. Even some event planners are requiring guests to be vaccinated to attend functions such as weddings.

Not getting the vaccine is a personal choice, but a growing number of places are opting to protect their customers, workers or patients by banning the unvaccinated. Others are allowing unvaccinated people only if they can pass a COVID test. But who really wants to have your nose swabbed every time you go to a Padres game? Similarly, some places are allowing unvaccinated travelers – but only if you both pass a COVID test and quarantine in your hotel room for a number of days after arriving, which can spoil vacation plans unless you have an extended trip.

So where can’t you go, as of now, if you’re not vaccinated?

Story and photo by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

May 16, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – Should you get your dog vaccinated to protect against rattlesnake bites?

The County of San Diego’s Department of Animal Services cautions that rattlesnake season is year-round, but sightings may spike during hot spells or in the summer months.  The San Diego Humane Society also notes that rattlesnake bites can happen all year-round, but the worst months are from April through September.  County Animal Services says rattlesnakes can show up at any time from the coast to the deserts.