December 4, 2022 (San Diego) -- 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

• Poison pill: San Diego County’s battle against fentanyl (NBC San Diego)
• San Diego Has the Highest Rate of Whooping Cough in California  (NBC San Diego)
• East County Company Pleads Guilty To Selling Fake COVID Cleaner (Patch)
• Threatened coastal railroad is San Diego’s only link to national military rail network. What if it shuts down? (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Construction begins in Poway on statewide high-speed internet project (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• The veteran who helped disarm the gunman at gay club says he followed his instincts (NPR)
• Data: no exact link between homeless voucher use, crime increase (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego to Release 250 Million Gallons of Water From Hodges Reservoir Into Nearby River (NBC 7)
• Musgrove Heads to Antarctica Not Just to Set World Record, But to Benefit Challenged Athletes (Times of San Diego)

STATE

• Drying California lake to get $250M in US drought funding (KPBS)
• The shadow race is on to succeed Feinstein (Politico)
• Big tobacco tries to stop California flavored tobacco ban (KPBS)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

November 13, 2022 (San Diego) -- 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

• Uptick in flu cases prompts hospitals to put up overflow tents in parking lots to ease ER burden  (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Lemon Grove officials say a council member bullied employees. But the city is keeping alleged evidence secret (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Neighbors concerned about 64-unit apartment complex planned for La Mesa Village
• With Tuesday’s runoffs, San Diego Democrats will have a 9-0 City Council majority for the first time (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Republicans Won Big Races in Small Cities and That Could Change Regional Transportation and Development Plans (Voice of San Diego)
• Increased border crossings leads to influx of migrants in San Diego homeless shelters  (KPBS)

STATE

• California lost billions in COVID-related fraud and is trying to get some back  (NPR)
• Pipeline operator agrees to $50M California spill settlement  (AP)
• Audubon California says take down bird feeders to help stop avian flu  (KPBS)
• Congenital syphilis rates soar across California as public health funding dwindles (KPBS)
• Regulators propose $155M fine for PG&E for 2020 wildfire (KPBS)
• California enables sexual assault victims to track rape kits (KPBS)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

September 20, 2022 (San Diego) -- 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

• Supervisors OK fee waivers for those affected by Border Fire (KPBS)
• The Group Seeking to Educate Conservatives to Influence Local Politics(Voice of San Diego)
• Homicide puts further scrutiny on troubled El Cajon nursing home (KPBS)
• The Navy arson trial for the burning of USS Bonhomme Richard will soon start (NPR)
• ‘Fat Leonard’ escapes weeks before sentencing in Navy bribery scandal(Washington Post)
• San Diego Fire Department sees wave of heat-related injuries at Snapdragon Stadium(10 News)
• Five sex offenders being housed in a single Lakeside home (KUSI)
• Spring Valley Kids, 2 and 6, Found Safe After Mom Fatally Shot in Tijuana: SDSO (NBC San Diego)

STATE

• Gov. Newsom OKs mental health courts for homeless (KPBS)  
• California school district is asking families to rent rooms to teachers (NPR)
• Bill to track and report toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in California heads to Gov. Newsom (Environmental Working Group)
• The impact of California's environmental regulations ripples across the U.S. (NPR)
• California becomes first state with a law to protect children's online privacy (KPBS)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

June 28, 2022 (San Diego) -- 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

• Santee divvies up extra Covid money to tackle homelessness by the river (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Sheriff’s Department makes changes to health care services, drug-treatment programs for inmates (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Plane crashes while landing at Gillespie Field; no injuries reported (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Trump Aide and Ex-San Diego Politician Peter Navarro Indicted on Contempt of Congress Charges (Times of San Diego)
• Some San Diego police claim a COVID swab test violates their religion (KPBS)
• As housing prices skyrocket, La Mesa won’t raise fees to improve parks
• Seized Russian Superyacht Docks In San Diego (Patch)

STATE

• 'California Dream for All' program could help thousands of first-time home buyers (CBS)
• California Voters to Weigh Constitutional Right to Abortion (NBC 7)
• California’s COVID-19 case rate jumps again as new subvariants spread throughout state (Sacramento Bee)
• California may require labels on pot products to warn of mental health risks (NPR)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

May 24, 2022 (San Diego) -- 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

• 20% of region’s homeless live in East County, data shows (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Lemon Grove residents would have an easier time building accessory units under proposal (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Media, legislators sound alarm on law enforcement radio encryption (North Coast Current)
• No boating or fishing at Lake Hodges while dam is repaired (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Two San Diego tribes receive grants to broaden high-speed internet access

STATE

• First possible Cailfornia monkeypox case reported in Sacramento County (10 News)
• CA Minimum Wage Pushed Up By Unprecedented Inflation Trigger (Patch)
• California could see mandatory water cuts amid drought (10 News)
• California's under-21 gun sales ban is unconstitutional, court says  (NPR)
• Toni Atkins vows to enshrine a woman’s right to choose in California (KPBS)
• Plot to Blow Up Democratic Headquarters Exposed California Extremists Hiding in Plain Sight

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

March 2, 2022 (San Diego) -- 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

• Some school districts in rural San Diego County can’t catch a break with COVID  (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego restaurants pull Russian vodka and wear flags of solidarity to protest war in Ukraine (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego passes San Francisco as least affordable city in the United States (KUSI)
• Baber announces he won’t seek reelection in La Mesa (SD Rostra)
• San Diego's Decades-Old Valley Farms Market Closes BBQ Shack & Releases Plans For New Brewery Restaurant (SanDiegoVille)
• Anger surfaces at SDSU over rule requiring faculty to include Kumeyaay acknowledgment in syllabi (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego firefighter dies of COVID-19 complications (10 News)
• Trial Ordered For Man Accused Of Killing Ex's Twin Daughters (Patch)

STATE

• Will Russia’s attack on Ukraine push gas and food prices even higher? (Los Angeles Times)
• Fast-moving wildfire grows to 500 acres in Cleveland National Forest (Los Angeles Times)
• More college freshmen want to attend University of California schools (San Jose Mercury)
• San Francisco voters recall 3 school board members  (NPR)
• Newsom Rips Into Fox News, OAN, Newsmax, Calling Them “Propaganda Networks”; Announces New State Unit To Combat Misinformation (Yahoo News)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

February 3, 2022 (San Diego) -- 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

• California to pay for wildfire retrofits up to $40,000 per home, starting with rural San Diego (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Federal agency confirms San Diego has the highest electricity rates in the country (CBS 8)
• San Diego unemployment rate sinks. Here are the industries that are hiring (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• SDG&E Rates Have Gone Up — a LOT — and Here's Why (NBC 7)
• San Diego representatives prepare for primary challenges in new districts (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Taylor Guitars: A San Diego Success Story – Owners Leave Legacy in the Hands of Employees (San Diego Business Journal)
• Arson Suspected In Fire That Damaged Supervisor Fletcher's Home (Patch)
• From the Inside: San Diego County jail inmates describe filthy conditions, few COVID-19 protections (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego-born fundraising firms unite: GoFundMe Buying Nonprofit Fundraising Platform Classy (San Diego Business Journal)

STATE

• Don’t have a 401(k) through work? Californians have CalSavers and other options (Los Angeles Times)
• Teens could get vaccinated against parents’ wishes under proposed California law (Sacramento Bee)
• Kamala Harris announces wildfire money in California visit  (Los Angeles Times)
• December storms allow for ‘modest increase’ in state water deliveries  (Los Angeles Times)
• California judge delays enforcement of part of new bacon law (San Diego Union-Tribune)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

Dear Readers:

Many hot news stories are on the horizon in the New Year. Help us cover the stories listed below and more! While other publishers are cutting East County coverage, we’re gearing up to grow our local news reporting in the public interest!  To make a year-end, tax deductible donation, click here. Donors who give $50 or more will receive our Beautiful East County calendar as thanks!

Here are the top 2022 issues we aim to cover, with your help:

December 6, 2021 (San Diego) -- 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

• Trial begins for former La Mesa police officer accused of lying on report (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Arsonist Who Set Fire to Chase Bank in La Mesa Sentenced to Probation (NBC San Diego)
• Lemon Grove Councilmember Liana LeBaron files complaint against city manager, city attorney (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego’s burrowing owls get new homes at Ramona Grasslands after sprawl drove them away (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• 'Making malicious threats'| CEO of Sullivan Solar Power arrested on felony stalking charges (CBS 8)
• Daniel Sullivan of Sullivan Solar Power a no-show at bail review hearing (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Santana Student Raped Countless Times in Early 1980s by Counselor, Suit Alleges (Times of San Diego)
• Black job applicant in San Diego sues company for discrimination over hairstyle (San Diego Union-Tribune)

STATE

• Police investigating several flash mob thefts in California (10 News)
• Rain, snow and chill are heading to Southern California this week (Los Angeles Times)
• ‘There is nothing alive on that tree’: Inside a giant sequoia grove scorched by the KNP Complex fire  (Los Angeles Times)
• Derby winner Medina Spirit collapses, dies in California (San Jose Mercury News)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

November 12, 2021 (San Diego) -- 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

• Invasion of privacy or crime prevention? Santee considers new camera program (Fox 5)
• Common Cause warns El Cajon it may be violating state election law (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Poway Unified School District received death threats, board meetings now virtual (10 News)
• EXCLUSIVE: Sheriff Deputies’ Survey Airs Concerns, Resistance to Vaccines & Reforms (La Prensa)
• Rural Residents Largely on Their Own Negotiating Over Clean Energy Projects (Times of San Diego)
• La Mesa baker gets called into the spotlight (La Mesa Courier)
• The Pentagon released a new report showing….San Diego County receives more money from the Pentagon than almost any other county in the country.  (KPBS)
• Photographer lost 'entire life' in truck theft outside El Cajon theater (10 News)
• Recall effort launched against Poway Mayor Steve Vaus (10 News)

STATE

• Gavin Newsom reveals why he canceled Scotland trip: His kids staged an ‘intervention’ (Sacramento Bee)
• COVID-19 has cost LAFD $22.5 million in overtime, much of it to cover for sick firefighters (Los Angeles Times)
• Satellites reveal the secrets of water-guzzling farms in California (NPR)
• Can California Tourism Survive Climate Change? (New York Times)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

September 2, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine today announced finalists in its Community Champions Awards. Winners will be presented with awards on September 25, 2021 during the nonprofit media outlet’s “Party in Paradise” at the new rooftop venue at Jamul Casino. For tickets, visit  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/tickets-now-sale-our-party-paradise-a....

“We are pleased to recognize these community champions who have done so much to benefit people in our communities, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says ECM Editor and Founder Miriam Raftery. "Thanks to the many readers who sent in nominations -- the judges had many outstanding entries to choose from in selecting finalists."

The awards categories are healthcare, public safety, environmental and wildlife protection, racial and social justice, and humanitarian, as well as a special community benefactor award. Awards will be presented Sept. 25 at ECM's "Party in Paradise' atop the Jamul Casino. Below are the finalists, as well as information on the event and tickets:

July 24, 2021 (San Diego) -- 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

• A plan to repair, revitalize American Legion Hall in La Mesa (La Mesa Courier)
• San Diego County tackles housing shortage with general plan changes (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• A tale of two cities’ transparency: Carlsbad and La Mesa (SD Rostra)
• SD County Planning Commission recommends building Jacumba solar project despite resident opposition (KUSI)
• Judge rules Poway synagogue shooting victims can sue Smith & Wesson (The Hill)
• Good Samaritans Rescue Driver of Burning SUV Accused of Hit-and-Run Spree (NBC San Diego)
• San Diego Police Announce Crackdown on Growing Violent Crime, Deadly ‘Ghost Guns’ (Times of San Diego)

STATE

• Gov. Newsom signs $12 billion plan to address homelessness(10 News)
• California approves 1st state-funded guaranteed income plan (AP)
• California businesses hiring homeless workers can get a $30,000 tax credit through new law (Sacramento Bee)
• California changes course on schools  enforcing mask mandate (AP)
• California’s Cliffs Are Collapsing One by One (Atlantic)
• Trump supporters linked to plot on California Democratic HQ had guns, zip ties, steroids (Sacramento Bee)
• California fires are burning faster, hotter, more intensely — and getting harder to fight  (Los Angeles Times)
• LA County Will Require People To Wear Masks Indoors  (Los Angeles Times)
• Couple charged in Southern California wildfire sparked by gender reveal(10 News)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

June 29, 2021 (San Diego) -- 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

• SEC sues La Mesa financial adviser over selling investments linked to a Ponzi scheme (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Miguel Fire district looking to replace two board members (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Preservation of Galleta Meadows, Sculptures (Borrego Sun)
• La Mesa nursing home fined thousands in sexual abuse case(10 News)
• Woman nearly dies after botched weight loss surgery in Tijuana (CBS 8 San Diego)
• ‘Give me my water back.’ SDG&E project in Valley Center generates complaints from neighbors (San Diego Union-Tribune)

State

• California deserts have lost nearly 40% of plants to hotter, drier weather, satellite data shows( Palm Springs Desert Sun)
• California unveils system to provide digital COVID-19 vaccine records (Los Angeles Times)
• Highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant spreading fast in California  (Los Angeles Times)
• Getting unemployment benefits in California is changing (Los Angeles Times)
• As California reopens, some unvaccinated people feel left behind (KPBS)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

May 11, 2021 (San Diego) -- 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

• County Presents $7 Billion Budget, with Funding for New Homeless Effort, Continued COVID Relief (Times of San Diego)
• East County group sues to stop wind project on Campo Indian Reservation (CBS 8)
• Empty nesters adopt seven Lakeside siblings orphaned in fatal crash (10 News)
• End of Project 100% in county marks new era in assisting needy (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Lemon Grove establishes new protocols for Council meetings (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Nesting migratory birds posing challenges for Lindo Lakes fixes (San Diego Union-Tribune)

STATE

• Will you qualify for the proposed $600 stimulus checks and rental assistance in California? (San Jose Mercury News)
• CA REAL ID Deadline Changed, Again (Patch.com)
• ‘We got unlucky.’ Why melting Sierra snow won’t save California from extreme drought (Sacramento Bee)
• Entire West Coast now has access to early earthquake warning system (10 News)
• ‘I feel freer.’ How California program helps seniors ‘age at home’ during pandemic (Sacramento Bee)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

February 8, 2021 (San Diego) -- 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

• Plan in the works to vaccinate San Diego County’s homebound seniors (10 News)
• Frequently Asked (Yet Largely Unanswerable) Questions on San Diego’s Vaccine Situation (Voice of SD
• In wake of La Mesa riots, report finds La Mesa Police Dept. unprepared (KUSI)
• Woman left alone to die after striking her head in jail, independent review finds (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• San Diego's pension payment spiking $50M, worsening budget crisis during pandemic (SD Union-Tribune)
• Sacramento Report: A Social Media Star Is Born in the Assembly (Voice of SD)

STATE

• Dodger Stadium’s COVID-19 vaccination site temporarily shut down after protesters gather at entrance (Los Angeles Times)
• COVID body count forces air quality agency to end limits on cremations in L.A. County (SacBee)
• Yet another concerning COVID variant increasingly found in California, researchers say  (SacBee)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.