By Paul Kruze

Miriam Raftery contributed to this report.

September 8, 2017 (El Cajon) – With hurricanes in the headlines this week, El Cajon Councilman Ben Kalasho finds himself in the eye of a storm—or several--yet again.  California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has sent Kalasho a letter of inquiry probing the Miss Middle East Beauty Pageant USA” run by Kalasho. The action follows questions raised by ECM with state regulators over the pageant's nonprofit status.

Sources: County News Service and Career Online High School

September 12, 2017 (San Diego) -- In a significant expansion of the County Library’s online high school program, the County Board of Supervisors approved a contract Tuesday that would offer 160 scholarships to residents interested in finishing high school.

The Career Online High School scholarships allow any resident of San Diego County who is 19 years and older a chance to get their high school diploma. The scholarships would become available starting Sept. 15.

State joined by Minnesota, Maryland, and Maine in lawsuit standing up for Dreamers

East County News Service

September 11, 2017 (Sacramento) -- Today, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, joined by the attorneys general for Minnesota, Maryland and Maine, filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative (DACA). The four States filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California arguing that the Trump Administration violated the Constitution and federal laws when it rescinded DACA.

Video: Teams compete at the 2017 Ramona Grape Stomp Competition

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2017 (Ramona) – To the strains of songs like “Mountain Dew”,  teams of competitors vied to see who could crush the most grapes in two minutes and emerge champion at the first-ever Ramona Grape Stomp this weekend.

Teams chose names such as the “Juicy Lucys” or the “Toe Jammers.”  One team member stomped the ripe purple grapes, the other filled a cup with juice spurting out of a spigot on a wine barrel.

A Grape Stomp princess was also on hand to help officiate as contestants hopped in feet first, demonstrating their stomping skills on stage as the audience cheered them on with gusto.

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2017 (Tecate) – “The history of humanity is the story of people migrating,” French artist JR posted on his Twitter feed.

Drawing attention to the plight of innocent children denied entry to, or facing expulsion from the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s tough policies, JR erected a 70-foot-tall mural titled Kikito. It depicts a one-year-old boy peeking over the border fence in Tecate, visible from the U.S. side of the border in San Diego’s East County.

By Miriam Raftery

September 9, 2017 (San Diego)—President Donald Trump has signed into law H.R. 601, to provide $15.25 billion in emergency appropriations for disaster response. The measure also extends authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program through December 8^th to help those impacted by disasters including Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

The President confounded Republicans in Congress by crossing the aisle to work with Democratic leaders to pass the disaster relief bill, which also extends the nation’s debt ceiling until December 8^th.  Conservatives have opposed raising the debt ceiling, wanting to take money from other programs instead and/or avoid further debt ceiling decisions closer to next year’s elections.  In the end, some Republicans joined with nearly all Democrats to pass the bill.

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For Noble Hall and David Wells' portion of the press conference, click "read more" and scroll down.

By Liz Alper

Videos courtesy goaztecs.com

September 12, 2017 (San Diego) - Aztec football is 2-0 coming into today's press conference with head coach Rocky Long, senior tight end David Wells and junior defensive lineman Noble Hall.

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Little Flower Haven circa 1954, via Postcards.com on City of La Mesa's website.

September 10, 2017 (La Mesa) - The hotly disputed Silvergate apartment development proposed at the site of the former Little Flower Haven convent is back up for a vote this Tuesday in La Mesa. The decision to re-hear the item comes under threat of legal action.

Root scores her third goal in last three games

Source: goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

September 10, 2017 (Columbia, Mo.) - San Diego State took an early 1-0 lead in the first half, but could not hold on as Missouri rallied to win, 2-1, Sunday night at Walton Stadium. The Aztecs fell to 3-4 on the season, while the Tigers improved to 3-4-1.

East County News Service

September 11, 2017 (San Diego) - The San Diego River Park Foundation will celebrate its 16^th anniversary on September 21 from 6-9 p.m. at the Town and Country Resort Hotel in Mission Valley.

Festivities include live music, food, wine, beer, awards presentation and a silent auction –all for a $10 suggested donation.

By Chris Jennewein

Originally posted at Times of San Diego, a San Diego Online News Association member

September 10, 2017 (San Diego) -- The union representing 10,000 San Diego County employees announced Saturday it has reached agreement on a new contract that will avert a potential strike.

“We now have an agreement that helps to close the wage gap for critical public servants like nurses and social workers which is an essential step in alleviating chronic staff turnover and significant short staffing of services to vulnerable residents of San Diego,” said David Garcias, president of the Service Employees International Union local 221.

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

September 10, 2017 (Tempe, Ariz.) - Rashaad Penny accounted for 353 all-purpose yards and scored three different ways, leading San Diego State to a convincing 30-20 victory over Arizona State on Saturday night.

The run-heavy Aztecs (2-0) rolled over the Sun Devils from the start, with Penny bursting through for a 95-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photo: CalTrans crew fixing dips on State Route 52 eastbound

September 8, 2017 (San Diego's East County) -- If you're on the road tonight or this weekend, there are several road closures you should avoid including State Route 125, State Route 52, State Route 67, and Interstate 5.

Tonight, all northbound lanes of State Route 125 is closed in the Navajo Road area due to an officer-involved shooting, the Sheriff's office advises. No deputies were injured and there are no outstanding suspects.

Planned highway closures include:

By Miriam Raftery

September 8, 2017 (Santee) – A 17-year-old has been arrested for allegedly flashing women on a trail at Walker Preserve in Santee.

Volunteers will give City parks extra TLC  

East County News Service

September 8, 2017 (Lemon Grove) -- “I Love a Clean San Diego” and the City of Lemon Grove are co-sponsoring the Lemon Grove Park Beautification and Clean-Up Event at Lemon Grove Park on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017. Join in the fun and participate in your choice of park beautification activities from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Event registration will begin at 8:30 a.m.