February 2025

By a school counselor, who asked to remain anonymous

Photo:CC by SA via Bing

February 13, 2025 (El Cajon, CA) -- The Grossmont Union High School District is set to eliminate 22 school counseling positions next year. This is not just a number—these are people who are on the frontlines, working day in and day out to support our students through mental health crises, academic struggles, and life challenges. Does the public understand what this means? Does anyone care that the care for our kids is about to drastically decrease?

School counselors do far more than manage schedules and guide college applications. We are the ones who step in when students are on the brink of despair, offering a safe space when they feel they have nowhere else to turn.

Today, I saved a life. I had a student walk into my office feeling like there was no hope left, contemplating ending their life. But I was there. I listened, I acted, and I made sure they got the help they needed before it was too late.

Now, this district wants to take away the very people who are trained to recognize the signs of students in crisis, intervene when needed, and be a lifeline in moments of desperation. With 22 counselors gone, where will our kids turn? What happens when we no longer have the time or resources to help those who need us the most? Counselors caseloads will increase by 65%!

I urge the public to recognize the gravity of these cuts. Our counselors are more than just a support system—they are often the first line of defense in preventing tragedy. We need more support, not less. Taking away 22 counselors will leave our students vulnerable, and the consequences could be irreversible.

Do we, as a community, care enough about our children’s well-being to make sure they have the resources they need to thrive? It’s time to ask ourselves: Will we stand by as care for our kids decreases, or will we advocate for the support they deserve?

The opinions voiced in this reader's editorial reflect the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East CountyMagazine. To submit an editorial for consideration,contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org

February 2025 Articles

February 13, 2025 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

SCIENCE AND TECH

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

HEALTH

How close are we to another pandemic? (New York Times)

An outbreak of bird flu has been tearing through the nation’s dairy farms and infecting more and more people. Now there are troubling signs that the United States may be closer to another pandemic, even as President Trump dismantles the country’s public health system.

USDA detects second type of bird flu in dairy cows (NBC)

Dairy cattle in Nevada have been infected with a new type of bird flu that's different from the version that has spread in U.S. herds since last year, Agriculture Department officials said Wednesday.

Senate confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary (CNN)

The Senate voted on Thursday to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Health and Human Services secretary, a victory for President Donald Trump after Kennedy faced intense scrutiny over his controversial views on vaccines and public health policy. The 52-48 vote was largely along party lines, though Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky once again joined with Democrats to oppose the nomination. .. Kennedy has been one of the country’s most prominent anti-vaccine activists and has for years used false and misleading claims to undermine public confidence in vaccines that are indeed safe.

Pro-RFK Jr. letter to the Senate includes names of doctors whose licenses were revoked or suspended (AP)

A letter submitted to the U.S. Senate that states it was sent by physicians in support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as secretary of Health and Human Services includes the names of doctors who have had their licenses revoked, suspended or faced other discipline… The AP found that in addition to the physicians who had faced disciplinary action, many of the nearly 800 signers are not doctors.

SCIENCE AND TECH

11 Years After a Celebrated Opening, Massive Solar Plant Faces a Bleak Future in the Mojave Desert (US News)

What was once the world's largest solar power plant of its type appears headed for closure just 11 years after opening, under pressure from cheaper green energy sources. Meanwhile, environmentalists continue to blame the Mojave Desert plant for killing thousands of birds and tortoises. The Ivanpah solar power plant formally opened in 2014 on roughly 5 square miles of federal land near the California-Nevada border.

Exclusive: Musk aides lock government workers out of computer systems at US agency, sources say (Reuters)

Aides to Elon Musk charged with running the U.S. government human resources agency have locked career civil servants out of computer systems that contain the personal data of millions of federal employees, according to two agency officials.

Solar panels in space show potential for liftoff, despite cost concerns (Christian Science Monitor)

Picture a vast field of solar panels, ranging in an unbroken array across nearly a square mile of land. Now shift that image into outer space, with the giant structure sitting tens of thousands of miles above Earth’s surface, and you have a sense of what space-based solar power seeks to achieve…. Proponents say it can help power parts of the world that struggle to tap into more traditional forms of energy….

Google Maps blocks Gulf of America reviews after rename criticism (BBC)

It controversially updated the Gulf’s name for US users after Pres. Trump ordered it to be changed.

Read more about HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
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Clean energy grants

sustainability

Green Scene

February 2025 Articles

Community Power and SDF will host a webinar for prospective applicants on Feb. 13 at 12 p.m. to provide an overview of the grant guidelines and application questions. Please register here.

February 12, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego Community Power, San Diego Foundation (SDF) and Calpine Community Energy announced today that they anticipate awarding $600,000 in grants to local nonprofits to fund projects or programs that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for the San Diego region.

“The Community Clean Energy Grants Program is representative of Community Power’s commitment to reinvest in our local communities as we shape a more sustainable San Diego region,” said Imperial Beach Mayor and Community Power Board Chair Paloma Aguirre. “These grants have already allowed local nonprofits to bring new resources to the communities they serve, whether it’s by creating opportunities to learn about clean energy in our schools or helping local families install solar panels on their homes.”

Launched in 2023, the third Community Clean Energy Grants cycle is expected to award more than $600,000 in grants. Grant sizes will range from $25,000 to $100,000, and each applicant is eligible to receive a maximum of $125,000 in grants.

Proposed projects or programs must serve Community Power customers (Cities of Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, National City and San Diego, as well as the unincorporated communities in San Diego County) and support energy literacy, energy education, electrification, green workforce development or energy resiliency.

“These grants are an opportunity for our nonprofit partners to invest in projects that will build more climate-resilient communities throughout our region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, Senior Director of Environmental Initiatives, SDF. “By working with San Diego Community Power and Calpine Community Energy to align our grantmaking, we can ensure more San Diegans have access to a clean energy future.”

Funding is made possible by Community Power, California’s second-largest Community Choice Aggregator serving nearly 1 million customer accounts, and Calpine Community Energy, Community Power’s back-office provider which supports billing mechanics and program implementation.

“Calpine Community Energy is and always has been committed to giving back to the communities that we live in and serve, and as a San Diego based company, it’s a distinct joy to support our local community” said Calpine Community Energy Vice President Josh Brock. “The Community Clean Energy Grants Program allows us to put money in the hands of amazing nonprofits, that are doing wonderful things to support the clean energy transition.”

The Community Clean Energy Grant Program was developed as a part of Community Power’s Community Power Plan, a five-year strategic plan informed by extensive community outreach that guides its program selection and development. To date, the Community Clean Energy Grant Program has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants to nonprofits across the San Diego region.

The Community Clean Energy Grant Program application period opens Feb. 10. Community Power and SDF will host a webinar for prospective applicants on Feb. 13 at 12 p.m. to provide an overview of the grant guidelines and application questions. Please register here.

Applicants must submit all application materials through SDF’s grants management system, Foundant. SDF staff will provide ongoing technical assistance through the grant application period. Email environment@sdfoundation.org to schedule a meeting. Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 14, 2025. To apply, visit sdfoundation.org/apply.

The Community Clean Energy Grant demonstrates the power of aligned grantmaking as part of the SDF Fifty & Forward Campaign, an ambitious undertaking to grant $500 million to realize the San Diego region’s greatest opportunities in three key areas: education, children and families and the environment— and raise $1 billion to help shape the community’s future.

About San Diego Community Power

Community Power serves nearly a million municipal, business and residential power customers in the Cities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa and National City, as well as the unincorporated communities in the County of San Diego. Community Power is a not-for-profit public agency that provides competitively-priced clean energy and invests in the community to create an equitable and sustainable future for the San Diego region. Learn more at sdcommunitypower.org.

About San Diego Foundation

San Diego Foundation believes in just, equitable and resilient communities where every San Diegan can thrive, prosper and feel like they belong. We partner with donors, nonprofits and regional leaders to co-create solutions that respond to community needs and strengthen San Diego. Since our founding in 1975, our community foundation has granted $1.8 billion to nonprofits to improve quality of life in San Diego County and beyond. Join us in commemorating 50 years of impact – and looking toward the next 50 – by learning more at SDFoundation.org.

About Calpine Community Energy

Calpine Community Energy is the premier provider of data management and customer contact center services for Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) agencies. Calpine Community Energy is a trusted business and thought partner serving 21 operating CCAs and managing customer data and billing operations for over 5.5 million meters across California. As part of a Fortune 500 company, Calpine Community Energy’s best-in-class back-office services help guide CCA partners from initial program launch through mass enrollment phases and continue to evolve alongside their CCA partners. Decades of utility and billing experience, electronic data interchange, customized implementation planning, and robust customer data management enable Calpine’s clients to achieve their missions and long-term operational success.

From the Fire Chief's Corner

San Diego Events

LA wildfires

Wildfire and Emergency News

February 2025 Articles

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

February 12, 2025 (Temecula) -- Come join us on February 23 at the beautiful South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula Ca. This event is supported by the California State Firefighters' Association: CSFA.

Smooth Jazz legend Dave Koz will be cohosting this event with Michael Paulo who have added Rick Braun, David Benoit, Chris Walker and Richard Elliott to our lineup. This will be the biggest smooth jazz event of the year and all for a good cause. All artists are donating their time and effort so you can enjoy great entertainment and help those that lost their homes and businesses in the LA fires.

There will be live & silent action items. All fundraising & ticket proceeds will go to help local charities the fire victims. Please come and show your support showing we care and stand together while sending a message of hope to those communities that are trying to recover.

Reserved seating sold out! Limited amount of General Admission seats available . This will sell out. Don’t wait to buy your tickets.

For artist line up and ticket link: TIX.COM. If you would like to purchase please call 951-764-1726. Proceeds to go directly to nonprofit charity.

The South Coast Winery is located at 34843 Rancho California Rd Temecula California 92591 www.apauloproductions.net.

February 2025 Articles

Developing story

By Donald H. Harrison, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo: Roz Allina, second from left, at a Sisterhood luncheon at Sheldon’s Service Station in La Mesa hours before her death. (Photo: Sue Cherlin)

February 12, 2025 (La Mesa) - Hours after attending a birthday gathering for Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood members who were celebrating their February birthdays, Rosalyn Allina and her husband James — Roz, 77, and Jim, 79 — were killed in a chain-reaction freeway accident.

California Highway Patrol reported that the Allinas’ car, a 2004 Toyota, either was “traveling at a slow speed or was stopped” in the third lane of the four-lane eastbound Interstate 8 near the Lake Murray Boulevard/ 70th Street exit around 7:18 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, when they were fatally struck from behind.

The county coroner reported that the Allinas were seated inside their apparently broken-down stationary sedan with its lights off when their car was hit. The resulting four-car pileup prompted the eastbound lanes of the freeway to be closed for several hours. Debris was scattered all over the roadway.

Jim Allina was driving Car #1. The CHP reported that a 34-year-old female from San Diego with a 4-year-old passenger was in Car No. 2, a 2016 Dodge. Car #3, a 2017 Kia, was driven by a 63-year-old female from El Cajon. Car #4, a 2017 Mercedes, was driven by a 30-year-old male from El Cajon.

Jim Allina was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts of witnesses and paramedics to revive him and Roz, City News Service reported via KNBC Television. The California Highway Patrol reported that Roz Allina was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. The driver and passenger of Car #2 were taken as a precaution to Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Car #3’s driver sustained minor injuries. Car #4’s driver sustained no injuries.

The CHP commented on Tuesday, Feb. 11, that “this is an ongoing investigation; it is unknown at this time if drugs and/or alcohol were a factor in the crash.”

Both Roz and Jim were retired; she as a licensed clinical social worker and he as a dealer in European antiques. Cailin Acosta, assistant editor of San Diego Jewish World and editor of the newsletter for Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood, said that Roz had been a Sisterhood board member for many years.

“Roz was in a mahjongg group that met every Friday at 12:30 p.m. until ‘time was up,'” Acosta said. “Roz was always happy to host and always said she would ‘provide the junk.’ She would put out candy and cakes for us to nosh on.”

At Monday’s Sisterhood luncheon, Roz wrote a “happy birthday” message to Acosta’s 12-year-old twins, CeCe and Alex. “I did not think this would be the last time I would see her. … The Lake Murray/ 70th Street exit is the one we take to get home from the I-8 freeway. This will be emotional and we will probably not take this exit for a while.”

Bea Goldberg, a former Tifereth Israel Synagogue congregant and a friend of 40-years standing, reported from her home in Orange, California, that Jim was an inveterate walker around his La Mesa neighborhood. Goldberg and the Allinas joined for lunch last week at an Orange County restaurant.

Roz was originally from Columbus, Ohio; Jim was from the San Francisco Bay area, Goldberg said. A daughter, Lori Laskey, lives in Riverside County.

Tifereth Israel Synagogue, in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego, on Tuesday sent its congregants news of the Allinas’ death. “At this time, we have no further information to share. We will let you know once details become available. Our deepest condolences to all those who mourn Roz and Jim.”

Read more about COUPLE FROM TIFERETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE KILLED IN I-8 PILEUP MONDAY NIGHT
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San Diego History Center

Borrego Springs

Desert Media Holdings Inc.

February 2025 Articles

Funds sought to digitalize archived articles

Source: San Diego History Center

February 12, 2025 (Borrego Springs) - The San Diego History Center and Desert Media Holdings Inc, owner of the Borrego Sun newspaper, have reached an agreement forthe transfer of the Borrego Sun archive ensuring the preservation of the San Diego County community’s history for future generations.

The Borrego Sun, established in 1949, remains in publication today and is available through subscriptions and purchase throughout the Borrego Springs community. The archive being transferred to the History Center consists of thousands of files including pictures, articles, maps and clippings that document the history of the community over the past 70 years.

Located in northeast San Diego County, approximately 85 miles from downtown San Diego, Borrego Springs was envisioned to be San Diego’s desert resort, similar to Palm Springs. It was established by a group of businessleaders with deep tiesto San Diego and Los Angeles. Borrego Springsis the gateway to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in the contiguous United States, and is internationally recognized as a Dark Sky Community for its commitment to preserving exceptional night skies for stargazing.

Historically Borrego Springs has attracted artists, Hollywood celebrities, golf and hiking enthusiasts, as well as those who love the desert warmth and wide-open spaces. In addition to Borrego Springs, the Sun has covered news for the communities of Julian, Ocotillo Wells and the Salton Sea.

“We are honored that Patrick Meehan, owner and publisher of the Borrego Sun, recognizes the important role the San Diego History Center plays in preserving this rare resource” said Bill Lawrence, President and CEO of the San Diego History Center. “Our goal is to not only preserve this history but to make it available to students and researchers.”

A member of the Borrego Springs community, who wishes to remain anonymous, has stepped forward to provide the funding necessary to facilitate the archive’s acquisition. Now the San Diego History Center is seeking financial support to catalogue and digitize the collection.

Patrick Meehan, Desert Media Holdings Inc principle, purchased the Sun in 2016 from La Jolla based Copley Press, the owners of the San Diego Union Tribune. Copley had owned the Sun for 55 years which has been an important part of the community. Included in the sale of the newspaper to Meehan wasthe mid-century modern Borrego Sun Building, located in the heart of the Borrego Springs community. With the impending sale of the building, Meehan determined a long-term plan to preserve the archive was needed.

“The building was built in 1960 to house the Borrego Sun offices and a bank.” said Meehan. “Then as the Sun expanded, it took over the full space. The Borrego Sun newspaper will continue to be published although at a new location.”

“We are grateful that Patrick has stewarded the community’s history through this archive and has worked with the History Center on its transfer.” said Lawrence. “We look forward to being able to share this treasure with all San Diegans in the future.”

About the San Diego History Center:

Founded in 1928, SDHC is dedicated to creating a healthy, vibrant and inclusive community by connecting, preserving and revealing the past, present and future of our region. The San Diego History Center operates its Museum and Archive in Balboa Park as well as the Junipero Serra Museum in Presidio Park.

San Diego weather

Flood Watch San Diego

News

Weather

Wildfire and Emergency News

February 2025 Articles

East County News Service

February 12, 2025 (San Diego's East County) -- An atmospheric river is moving into our region, bringing rain today with heavier rain late Thursday and Friday. A flood watch has been issued starting Thursday afternoon through Friday.

The Pacific storm could bring up to 7 inches on Mt. Palomar, up to 5 inchesin Julian, 2-3 inches in valleys, and up to an inch in some desert areas, with snow at higher elevations, up to two inches above 6,000 feet. Strong wind gusts in mountains up to 70 miles per hour and up to 50 mph in deserts are forecast.

California Highway Patrol is warning of winter storm conditions this morning on I-8 east of Willow Road in Alpine.

The County urges residents to be prepared. Check your home by clearing rain gutters, checking storm drains and if needed, pick up sandbags. Go to http://AlertSanDiego.org to sign up for county emergency alerts and more tips.

Mudslides are possible in recently burned areas.

The rainfall is needed, since southern California is now in severe drought conditions, according to the National Weather Service.

Dry, warmer weather is expected over the weekend.

Read more about FLOOD WATCH ISSUED FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
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rain safety

News

Weather

Wildfire and Emergency News

February 2025 Articles

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 11, 2025 (San Diego) - With rainy weather in the forecast, including the chance of flooding in some low-lying areas, emergency officials offer seven safety tips.

If you must drive during heavy squalls, allow yourself extra time, turn on headlights even in the day, and give plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

When approaching a flooded roadway with moving water, do not attempt to drive through it. It only takes a few inches of water to get a vehicle to float away, and there’s no guarantee the roadway below hasn’t been washed out. You can report flooded roadways or other unsafe road issues in the unincorporated area by calling (877) 684-8000.
The same caution is true for pedestrians, if moving water can sweep a car away, it can easily do the same to people. Do not try to wade through a flooded roadway.
If your home gets an evacuation warning, or if you feel unsafe, evacuate.
Stay informed on adverse weather conditions, with official information from the National Weather Service or news outlets.
Visit AlertSanDiego.org for disaster preparedness tips including flooding.
To receive emergency alerts for your area, download the Genasys Protect app or in the App Store or Google Play.

For information on how to use sandbags to divert water from your homes or businesses or where to get them, and additional driving tips, see First Big Rains on the Way, Sandbags Available.

Read more about HOW TO STAY SAFE IN RAINY CONDITIONS
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immigrant march San Diego

immigrant procession

immigrant prayer

Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego

News

Refugee Voices

Latino Voices

February 2025 Articles

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego on Facebook

February 11, 2025 (San Diego, CA) – Multiple faith leaders and a crowd of around 1,500 people overflowed the St. Joseph Cathedral and then held a procession to the federal building downtown and prayers in support of undocumented immigrants, chanting “our neighbors, our coworkers, our brothers and sisters,” the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego posted on Facebook.

Cardinal Robert McElroy, whom the Pope has appointed Archbishop of Washington D.C., spoke at the event, as did Episcopalian Bishop Susan Brown Snook and other faith leaders.

“Just as Jesus, Mary and Joseph had to flee oppression to another land when they were on this Earth," Cardinal McElroy said, “So too we must stand with those who are immigrants here in our midst now and make sure that their safety is secure, and that humanity is respected.”

The Cardinal acknowledged that countries have a right to control their borders, but said such actions should be done humanely. “This undifferentiated war of fear on our undocumented population is unacceptable and certainly contrary to Catholic faith,” he stated.

We can either move forward with a focused effort to secure the border in a way that is humane and respected of human rights,” the Cardinal added, “or else we're going to embark upon, and are beginning to embark upon, a crusade which will end up breaking up families, causing untold suffering among our people.”

Bishop Snook from the Episcopalian Diocese of San Diego urged those present to “remember what God has called us to do, which is to love our neighbors and exercise compassion on those who suffer and are vulnerable.

She added, “People are afraid to go to school or to go to food pantries or to go to church and exercise their freedom of religion,” 10 News reports.

Young people also spoke out on the sacrifices made by their immigrant parents to build a new life in the U.S., calling for immigrants to be treated with dignity and compassion, the Roman Catholic Diocese posted on Facebook.

Resources and rights of immigrants

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego is working to provide information for immigrants and their families in the wake of mass deportations and harsh immigration policies imposed by President Donald Trump.

Catholic Charities is launching a webpage to provide “reliable information, such as the rights of immigrants, how to find a relative if he or she has been detained, and what legal documents may be needed, like power of attorney. Resources and training also will be available to parishes,” the diocese posted.

Click on these links to view resources including rights for immigrants:

emergencysafetyplan.org (English)

plandeemergencia.org (Spanish)

Prayer of the Migrant

To travel to You, Lord, is to live,

To leave is to die a little,

Arriving is never arriving definitively until it rests in You.

Thou, Lord, knew the migration,

And thou hast made it present to every man who understands what it is to live,

And he wants to arrive safely at the harbor of life.

Thou brought Abraham out of his land,

father of all believers.

You remembered what were the ways to get to You,

By the prophets and apostles.

Thou hast made thyself a Migrant from heaven to earth,

In the womb of your mother you conceived,

In your hasty escape to Egypt,

by the way sowing, the Gospel,

multiplying the bread, healing the sick,

And returning to the Father in your ascension.

Grant us steadfast faith, confident and joyful hope,

Burning and generous charity,

to emigrate with peace in the soul

And get to You every day and the last day.

Amen.

The above prayer was offered by the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego.

Read more about 1,500 JOIN FAITH LEADERS IN PRAYERS, PROCESSION FOR IMMIGRANTS
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February 2025 Articles

East County News Service

February 11, 2025 (San Diego) -- The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego is working to provide information for immigrants and their families in the wake of mass deportations and stringent immigration policies imposed by President Donald Trump. The information is available in English and Spanish, as well as translation options for other languages.

Catholic Charities has launched a webpage to provide “reliable information, such as the rights of immigrants, how to find a relative if he or she has been detained, and what legal documents may be needed, like power of attorney. Resources and training also will be available to parishes,” the diocese posted.

Click on these links to view resources including rights for immigrants:

emergencysafetyplan.org (English)

plandeemergencia.org (Spanish)

The site also has “Know your rights” cards that can be carried in wallets, as well as articles and videos on a variety of topics to help immigrants and certain refugees whose legal status has been revoked by the Trump administration, putting them at risk of detention or deportation.