Impact has left refugee aid groups locally and nationally in shock
By Miriam Raftery
Photo via Pentagon: Troops evacuating Afghans after fall of Kabul
January 26, 2025 (San Diego) – Following an executive order issued by Donald Trump to suspend refugee resettlement, the Trump administration has cancelled all flights for over 10,000 refugees already approved to resettle in the United States. According to Associated Press. This includes over 1,660 Afghans who helped America’s military as well as relatives of active-duty U.S. military personnel, Reuters reports.
The impacts hit hard in San Diego County, which in recent years has resettled more refugees from around the world than any other county in the U.S. including refugees from Africa, Asia, war-torn Middle-Eastern countries such as Iraq and Syria, Ukraine and other European nations, Haitian refugees fleeing natural disasters, and many more.
“This executive order is a step backwards for America,” the International Rescue Committee states on its website, urging the Trump administration to reverse the order.
The Trump administration has taken down entirely the State Department's page on the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
The IRC, which helps to resettle vulnerable refugees, warns, “If the program is not restored, political dissidents, religious minorities, and the most vulnerable victims of war and disaster will pay the price, and so will the United States.”
The 1980 Refugee Act established the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which has been managed by the U.S. government, working with the United Nations Refugee Agency to identify, screen and vet backgrounds of refugees for resettlement in the U.S. This has historically been a bipartisan effort that has significantly boosted the economy.
Refugees have contributed a net positive $124 billion to the U.S. economy from 2005 to 2019, the IRC site states, citing a Health and Human Services webpage that the Trump administration has since taken down.
The Trump order claims,"The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans, that protects their safety and security, and that ensures the appropriate assimilation of refugees. This order suspends the USRAP until such time as the further entry into the United States of refugees aligns with the interests of the United States." The order cites no studies to support any of these statements.
Photo, right by Rachel Williams, East County Magazine: Syrian refugee children in El Cajon, 2016
San Diego Navy veteran Shan VanDiver is president of #AfghanEvac, a coalition of veterans and advocates who have helped Afghans obtain permission to resettle in the U.S. after the fall of Kabul at the end of the war in Afghanistan in August 2021. The organization’s policy goa states, “After 20 years of war, the United States has an obligation to help relocate and resettle those who risked all to assist our forces on the battlefield.
After the Trump order banning refugee flights, VanDiver told KPBS, “Veterans, advocates, Afghans are all freaking out, worried about the people that they love.”
He added that the Afghan refugees include “partner forces that stood alongside our U.S. forces” as well as “family, children, babies that were separated during the withdrawal and after. It means lawyers, judges, and prosecutors who put the Taliban away.”
Many have been waiting for years in Pakistan, Jordan, Turkey or other nearbyl nations before receiving permission to come to the U.S. If returned to their homeland in Afghanistan, they could face ostracization, mistreatment or even death at the hands of the Taliban now in control. Others remain in Afghanistan.
Among those in limbo are the father, mother and two brothers of Omid Shiraz, an Uber driver who came to the U.S. on a special immigrant vias three years ago and plans to move to La Mesa this month. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Shirzad’s father was a general in the Afghanistan army who served with American troops and had a Priority One Visa under the U.S. refugee admissions program to come here. Shirzad said of his family members now stranded in Afghanistan, ”They are sleeping with fear every night.”
Noori Barka in El Cajon, founder of the Chaldean Community Council and an Iraqi imimigrant, told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Trump’s order could also affect Iraqis hoping to come to the U.S. A Trump supporter, he voiced hope that through negotiations, the Trump administration may be persuaded to change its order. “I believe that we can make things happen if we approach it the right way,” Barka said.
The Alliance for African Assistance in San Diego posted on Facebook, "These harmful laws blocking refugee resettlement are a tragedy for America. Refugees have already enriched our economy and communities. Denying them the chance to contribute further undermines the values that built this nation." The post notes that many famous people have come to the U.S. as refugees, including Albert Einstein and Madeleine Albright.
Krish O;Mara Vignarajah, head of Global Refugee, one of 10 U.S. resettlement agencies, notes that refugees are different than asylum seekers who come to the border. Refugees must be living outside the U.S. when they apply for resettlement and are typically referred by the United Nations to the U.S. State Department.
Unlike the undocumented immigrants whom Trump has long vowed to target, Vignarajah said in a statement issued January 22, “Refugees go through one of the most rigorous vetting processes in the world, and many are now seeing their travel canceled just days, or even hours, before they were set to begin their new lives in the United States.”
Sources:
Trump cancels flights for Afghan refugees approved to come to U.S. (KPBS)
Afghans who assisted U.S. troops among those targeted in federal suspension of refugee program (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Afghans who fled Taliban rule urge Trump to lift refugee program suspension (AP)
Alliance for African Assistance post on social media
International Rescue Committee statement on social media
By Miriam Raftery
Photo courtesy of Cal Fire
Update January 30,2025 10 a.m.-- All evacuation orders have been lifted. The fire is 100% contained.
Update January 29, 2025 9 a.m.-- The Border 2 Fire is now 90% contained, as rain helped firefighters' efforts. Cal Fire says there is no risk to the public or structure threats.
Update January 27, 2025 12 p.m.-- The overnight shelter at Cuyamaca College has closed. All evacuation warnings remai lifted. Some evacuation orders remain in effect in areas west of highway 94. For map, see: https://x.com/SDSheriff/status/1883974136143438278/photo/1.
Update 7:45 p.m. -- The fire is now 40% contained, per Cal Fire.
Update 5 p.m.-- All evacuation warnings have been lifted. Some evacuation orders remain in areas west of 94. Use caution when reentering, as firefighters are still at work.
Update 1 p.m.-- State Route 94 is reopened; evacuation notices for Dulzura, Honey Springs, and areas east of 94 have been lifted; these areas will be repopulated. Otay Lakes Rd. remains closed. To see maps of the affected areas, visit: emergencymap.sandiegocounty.gov/index.html and protect.genasys.com/fullscreenMap?.
January 26, 2025 8:30 a.m.— Firefighters held the #Border2Fire to 6,625 acres overnight and 10% contained. State Route 94 remains closed between Honey Springs Road and State Route 188.Tecate Rd. Evacuations remain in effect; view current evacuation areas: Genasys Evacuation Map. 1,117 personnel are fighting this fire.
Experts are looking at the soil in the fire’s perimeter to evaluate if there are any mudslide concerns and will work to mitigate those if they arise.
Cal Fire held a virtual community forum last night which can be viewed here. Cal Fire reports good progress on the fire, especially on the west side near Chula Vista Due to improved conditions, the Sheriff reports that jail visits will resume at the 3 Otay facilities.
On the east side and near Doghouse Junction, crews are constructing a containment line to prevent the fire from moving east towards Dulzura, Marron Valley, and Mexico.
.On the south side of the fire, there is some open line on the fire, but resources are working in arduous terrain to combat it. On the southwest side, ground crews and dozers continue to build line to prevent the fire’s spread.
Officials urge the public to not fly drones near the fire, including in the areas of Eastlake, Otay Ranch, Dulzura. Flying drones prevents aircraft from flying and dropping water/retardant on the fire.
Rain that began overnight should last through Tuesday off and on, which should help firefighters’ efforts particularly with grasses and smaller vegetation.
Per Cal Fire, the number one priority is getting people back to their homes once it is safe to do so.
An evacuation center is at Cuyamaca College’s gym, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon.
Sign up to receive our free East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts via email at https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/wild-fire-alerts. You can also follow EastCountyAlert on Twitter.
Hear our interview with Sierra Club Conservation Chair Ron Askeland and Loveland advocate Russell Walsh, aired on KNSJ
By Miriam Raftery
November 12, 2024 (Alpine) – Supporters of Loveland Reservoir are urging the public to attend a community workshop hosted by Sweetwater Water Authority tonight on trail improvements at Loveland Reservoir. The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Alpine Woman’s Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd.in Alpine.
Sweetwater will offer an update on Loveland trails improvements at the meeting, the third in a series of public workshops. The meeting comes after Sweetwater received a $750,000 state grant at the request of Senator Brian Jones for improvements at Loveland, and public input is sought on how to allocate those funds.
Nearly two years ago during the drought, Sweetwater drained Loveland to dead pool status for the first time ever, killing nearly all the fish. Heavy rains followed, causing major erosion, damage to trails, and destruction of a floating fishing dock. Subsequent rains have restored the water level, some fish species have begun to repopulate, and insurance has agreed to fund replacement of the dock, but trails access remains limited. In addition, the fishing community has long advocated for restoration of dawn-to-dusk hours promised in a land swap between Sweetwater and the U.S. Forest Service. In addition, the Sierra Club has gotten involved, advocating for habitat protection for sensitive species.
Friends of Loveland Reservoir, a nonprofit group formed to protect Loveland, urges the public to attend tonight’s workshop to discuss projects planned for the grant funds. The Friends group has emailed Sweetwater Authority’s Board requesting that some of the funds be used to create “a pedestrian gate to access the graded SDG&E power pole access road” as a ”common sense,low-cost solution for a less-demanding hike around the lake,” according to the group’s Facebook page.
"We are pushing for a pedestrian gate to access the already graded roads that SDG&E uses to service the Sunrise Powerlink utility poles," Friends' spokesperson Karen Wood told ECM. "That would allow access to the North section of the shoreline easement and would facilitate easier hiking for those with physical limitations. Currently, the only way to access that end of the lake is follow the shoreline and climb over several rock outcroppings. It is dangerous! We would also like an update on replacement of the HUD funded floating dock. Finally, we want an update on the projects that the SWA previously pitched: the alternate and easier path to the West end of the lake; the bridge to cross to that portion of the lake; the lookout platform; and finally the master plan for future improvements."
Russell Walsh, an avid angler and long-time advocate for restoration of Loveland Reservoir, says the proposed area for trails improvements is too narrow. He agrees with Friends’ goal to expand trails to maximize accessibility. He’s met with county and federal officials, with more sessions planned, he told ECM last week. He hopes to see a Veterans’ Park created that would be accessible to disabled people including veterans, and to see the fishing dock moved to be accessible from the park.
Though the lake itself is now once more filled with water and fish are repopulating, he believes a commitment never to drain the lake to dead pool status again is important. ”While Loveland is beautiful now and more people than ever are enjoying this beautiful resource, a threat of repeat destruction” remains,” he warns in an editorial published by the East County Advocate. “IT is time for all of our leaders to secure what is ours, without doubts and threats of Loveland being drained excessively again, while launching that trend far into the future by restoring access hours and enhancing amenities at overland in balance with the beautiful riparian surroundings.”
Ron Askeland, chair of San Diego Sierra Club’s Conservation Committee, is concerned about protecting both recreational access as well as sensitive species in Sweetwater River and the California Sycuan Peak Ecological Preserve downstream. He told ECM that he’s met with Sweetwater’s general manager on “how we can collaborate so that we have great recreational activities but also species preservation” including habitat protection, particularly for the Southwestern Pond Turtle and Arroyo Toad.
Askeland has visited Loveland and spoke with anglers, some of whom are fishing for food, not recreation. He says all the anglers agree on the need for greater access including sunrise-to-sunset access to help those who work and can’t arrive before the current 5 p.m. closing time.
He also suggests the need for trail improvements. “It’s just a really beautiful area to hike around,” he said in an interview with ECM aired on KNSJ. “But the terrain is steep in places, so trying to get access in that steep terrain is challenging.” (photo, right, via Friends of Loveland on Facebook)
Hiking leader John Allen also urges the public to turn out at tonight’s Alpine meeting. “We need to pack this house,” he said, citing a need to hold Sweetwater Authority accountable. “The budget for the long-range plan has been reduced...This community has a right address the Environmental and Social Justice concerns that have already been compromised, to restore the promises and programs broken in violation of existing funding and recorded easements, and to be made whole.”
East County News Service
December 18, 2024 (Washington D.C.) -- Today, legislation authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) to place 172 acres of land in East County, San Diego into tribal trust for the Jamul Indian Village passed the House and heads to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law, after a companion measure authored by Senator Padilla previously passed in the Senate.
The Jamul Indian Village has sought for years to bring tribal members back onto their ancestral land – so they can raise their families, carry forward their culture, and add to their history,” said Rep. Issa. “This is the right thing to do, and it empowers not government, but individuals, to take new charge and best care of their lives. This Fee-to-Trust bill provides that opportunity, securing Jamul’s land, preserving its sacred sites, and protecting Kumeyaay traditions for generations to come. My thanks to Senator Padilla and Congressman Vargas for their support in pushing forth this important legislation.”
By Miriam Raftery
Times of San Diego and Voice of San Diego contributed to this report
Photo by Chris Stone, Times of San Diego: Nora Vargas at a 2022 rally
December 20, 2024 (San Diego)—In an announcement that surprised even her staff, San Diego County Supervisors’ Chair Nora Vargas today announced she will step down January 6 at the end of her term, despite winning reelection in November with 62.5% of the votes.
“Due to personal and security reasons, I will not take the oath of office for a second term,” Vargas said, Times of San Diego reports.
Vargas has drawn vitriolic and criticism from conservatives and racist remarks over her advocacy for equity and support for immigrants, including her recent measure urging the Sheriff not to cooperative with federal authorities on mass deportation efforts under the incoming Trump administration. (The Sheriff has said she is required to follow state law, not county policy on the latter.) But she has also drawn opposition from allies after recent disputes with labor groups and concerns from residents who feel she hasn’t done enough to address the sewage crisis in the Tijuana River and from Spring Valley residents opposed to sleeping cabins for homeless people in their community, a project which Vargas later withdrew.
She is also the target of legal claims alleging that she and her staff discriminated against prospective employees,including blocking Michael Vu, county administrator and former registrar of voters, from being named the county’s chief executive officer. Vue claims Vargas sought to appoint a Hispanic or black candidate instead. Vargas denies these claims.
The County’s first Latina Supervisor has faced a flurry of hateful comments online as well as abusive remarks at public meetings. She called a recess at the most recent Dec. 10 meeting due to screaming audience member. Voice of San Diego reports that Vargas has said she has had death threats and other extreme harassment. “I have stalkers. I have people who harass me on phones,” she said during a recent board discussion on changing meeting rules to prevent disruptions.
In a statement, Vargas said, “It has been my honor to serve in public office during unprecedented times,” adding that her priority has been to ensure that “everyone can be seen, heard and have a chance to thrive.” She considers her proudest accomplishments to include leading disaster response and recovery efforts such as after last January’s floods, working to keep communities healthy during the pandemic, and working to assure that government serves all members of the public.
Vice Chair Terra Lawson Remer voiced appreciation for Vargas’ service and assures that “the work and new direction of the county will continue moving forward...advancing our agenda to uplift all communities.”
That may prove challenging, however, since Vargas’ unexpected departure will leave the board split with 2 Republicans and 2 Democrats for the second time in two years. In 2023, then Chairman Nathan Fletcher resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment of a Metropolitan Transit System staffer. He denied those claims, but admitted to an alcohol problem and entered a treatment program.
The remaining four supervisors are expected to discuss at the January 7 meeting whether to appoint a replacement, which may prove difficult given the partisan split, or to call for a special election to let voters choose the next supervisor.
Chula Vista Mayor John McCann has already announced he will seek the seat. Other potential candidates include Assemblyman David Alvarez, Chula Vista Councilmember Carolina Chavez, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, and San Diego Councilmember Vivian Moreno.
As for her future, Vargas says in her statement that she will remain “committed to continuing the fight for equity, justice, and human rights—just in a different capacity.”
Her decision not to serve her next term is deeply troubling if due to death threats and harassment as she has indicated, something no public official should have to endure. Whether or not other factors influenced her decision, announcing a resignation due to severe harassment also has the disturbing potential to embolden disturbed individuals to launch racist personal attacks or threaten harm to other elected officials--actions that have no place in a free society.
East County News Service
January 6, 2025 (Santee) – Jordan Marks, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC), has announced that early appointments are now available for civil wedding ceremonies between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Couples can book their Valentine’s Day appointments for marriage licenses and ceremonies at one of four ARCC offices, including Santee, Chula Vista, San Marcos and the San Diego Downtown ARCC headquarters at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. The Downtown location also offers indoor ceremony rooms or a picturesque, outdoor marriage arbor on the waterfront. The ARCC Santee branch office in East County is located at 10144 Mission Gorge Ave.
The ARCC office is responsible for issuing marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, as well as registering business names and recording all legal real estate documents. On average, the ARCC office provides nearly 25,000 marriage licenses and performs more than 11,000 weddings annually.
However, Valentine’s Day is historically one of the busiest and most popular days of the year for same-day marriage licensing and civil ceremonies, according to Marks, a countywide elected official who serves as county commissioner of civil marriages in his role as San Diego County ARCC.
“Valentine’s Day 2025 will be extra special this year because it falls on a Friday, allowing for a weekend of fun for the newlyweds,” said Marks. “Happiness begins here at my County Clerk Office for hundreds of couples looking to tie the knot on this unforgettable day. I highly encourage couples to make their Valentine’s Day 2025 appointment now, using my award-winning online booking system to secure their reservation for love on this highly-sought-after day.”
Cost for a non-confidential marriage license is $129. Cost for an ARCC staff member to perform the ceremony is an additional $107. Ceremonies can be conducted in English or Spanish. To make an appointment, visit www.sdarcc.gov, or call (619) 237-0502.
Our Mountain Living section covers the mountain communities in San Diego's East County north of I-8 including Aguanga, Cuyamaca, Descanso, Guatay, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pine Valley, Ranchita, Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Shelter Valley and Warner Springs.
Our deserts section covers the Anza Borrego Desert State Park and the communities of Borrego Springs, Ocotillo, Ocotillo Wells and Jacumba.
By Olivia Barnard
December 10, 2024 (Lakeside) -- I first met Robin Pawl and her horses Shelby, Indy, Ka Lio, and Phoenix on a Saturday afternoon. The faded Lakeside hills framed the riding center as hawks called out and the pepper trees swayed. I loved horses growing up, but I had never been on a ranch. I didn’t know what to expect from volunteering with horses or students with disabilities. But The Magic Horse website’s description of therapeutic riding practices was interesting, the place charming and intriguing, and I was going to give it a shot.
Upon meeting Robin and the horses, I couldn’t have predicted how much personal growth would come out of our experiences together. In sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to take the opportunity and discover the magic of the horse, just as I did.
My first day went as expected—I was on poop duty. Students were scheduled to arrive later that day, so until they did, I wouldn’t get to see what Robin described regarding the horses’ positive impact on her students. Robin explained on introduction day that The Magic Horse is a nonprofit she founded in 2004. Using her therapeutic riding instructor certification, background with horses, and expertise in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) practices, she runs the center with volunteers. By joining the team, I could contribute to The Magic Horse’s mission statement goal to, “make a life-enhancing difference for people with disabilities and their families through the magic and power of the horse.” However, my first task was manual labor.
The experience was surprisingly meditative. I was out in the open, fresh air and felt the horses’ presence nearby. I welcomed the peace and connected with the environment and my body. Hand over hand, weight shifting between each leg as I lifted the rakefuls, I made steady, satisfying progress.
This initial task was the first interaction where I started to see the various and unique ways people can learn while working with horses. Even mucking out stalls off
ered some unexpected yet important lessons. I saw how getting to the “fun” part of anything requires the completion of other necessary parts. All people at the Magic Horse know this. Volunteers must do chores. The students are taught that in order to ride, they have to prepare their horses. Everyone is expected to be detail-oriented and thorough, even when manual tasks aren’t exciting. These duties build responsibility, train the body, and inspire a feeling of fulfillment. Robin told me she grew up with horses and noticed how much it improved her strength, so now she helps people (especially kids) develop their physical skills through activities with the horses. She said, “Working with horses can increase physicality, balance, coordination, strength, and fine and gross motor skills. If you're tying knots or doing anything with your fingers, those are fine motor skills, while gross motor skills are the big motions, like carrying the brush bucket.” So simply from shoveling poop, I learned there’s a lot more to working with horses than just riding.
It’s these subtler yet equally engaging activities that form the basis for unmounted personal-growth opportunities like horsemanship training, EAL programs, and leadership-development courses. The difference between the three curriculums, which Robin offers students of all backgrounds, is that horsemanship courses focus on strengthening equine knowledge and familiarity. In the program offered by the The Magic Horse, students have hands-on experiences implementing equine training techniques and caring for horses. On the other hand, EAL group programs encourage participants to self-reflect and, with the unique assistance of horses, pursue growth in target skill areas. Leadership development is at the core of all things horses, and can be valuable when specifically focusing on team member contributions, cohesion, and individual composure.The insight I’ve gained has been from months of volunteering, but these styles of teaching accelerate the learning process. The experiences I share in this article are examples of the growth opportunities I’ve found. The Magic Horse offers a range of lessons for fostering self-awareness, growing confidence, practicing group cohesion, and implementing better leadership.
My first task at the Center helped me recognize the value horses can bring to one’s life. In the calm environment of the Magic Horse grounds, I self-reflect and slow down from my busy college-student life. I appreciate the simple things in life, but also find mental clarity to move deliberately toward my goals. Interestingly, the attitudes each person adopts are reflected in the horses, allowing one to increase their self-awareness.
Early on, I heard Robin tell a volunteer who was tense that horses are herd animals and liken their feelings to those they’re working with. Robin explained the 7-4-8 breathing technique and told the volunteer that if she calmed herself, her horse would become less agitated too. As I watched the volunteer and horse relax, I reflected on my own body and where I was holding stress. A big part of being around horses, where body language is key, is recognizing that body and mind are connected forces. Bodily and situational awareness go together as a way to connect to one’s emotional well-being, as well as an accompanying horse’s. Robin would later tell me, “Our bodies can affect our thoughts, and our thoughts affect our bodies. So if we put ourselves into a different posture, it can help change our thinking and feeling. Horses are the same way. If we can encourage them to have a more correct and relaxed body posture, then they can relax in their mind.” In the following weeks, I noticed my own emotions reflected by the horses. Sheila, a volunteer of 17 years and lifetime horse owner, explained how she feels a special emotional connection to horses. “Horses seem to know your heart in a way that other animals don't,” she said.
Though I’d gained a lot from my solo poop-scooping adventures, it was exciting to begin working with other volunteers. Nanami, Aleah, and I work together almost every week and have formed a friendship through our teamwork. We discuss our student lives in our respective high school and grad/undergrad programs, but we also share what we’ve learned from the horses.
All of us have seen an increase in our level of confidence around the horses. At The Magic Horse, all participants learn the ins-and-outs of horse ownership and gain problem-solving and adaptability skills in getting the horses to cooperate. In one frustrating encounter, our objective was to muck Phoenix’s pen out. However, Phoenix is the most dominant horse at the center and tested our will by continually getting in the way. It took our combined volunteer forces to repeatedly shoo him back into his barn, where he eventually stayed for good. In this practice, we had to be persistent and unyielding. Gaining confidence around an incredibly dominant horse is difficult, especially with no equestrian background. However, by taking initiative consistently, self-efficacy can flourish. Its about setting intentions (cleaning the pen) and taking the necessary steps (shooing Phoenix) to reach the goal. Horses sense hesitation. They won’t follow through if you don’t. You improve when you persevere.
It’s through persistence that students like Annabella thrive. Annabella, who is diagnosed to be on the autistic spectrum, has been riding for eight years. In her time at the Magic Horse, she’s gained a deep understanding of horses and more importantly, a better sense of herself and her goals. Her mother Heidi described how amazing it is to see her daughter persevere, saying “Annabella has had a tendency to give up very easily when something's physically hard. Robin challenged her to keep trying. When I first came here she could not do buckles; now, she can almost fully tack up the horse by herself.” I realized the power of the horse when I saw Annabella in her element. In a family of five children, it is through horses that Annabella has found her niche and taken control of her life instead of others telling her what to do. “Horses have been Annabella’s way of self-mastery. She has learned that she can do so much more than she thought she could and more than I thought she could,” Heidi said.
Another student who’s made incredible progress is two-year-old Alden. Alden is bubbly and curious. He’s always smiling, babbling, and exploring. However, he wasn’t always able to express his feelings verbally or walk around on his own. After three months on the horses, Alde
n gained the ability to walk 38 independent steps and strengthened his verbal skills. Robin explained that this process can be very rapid. “Sitting on a horse stimulates children’s bodies to develop so they can start walking. It also stimulates their ability to speak, so kids who are nonverbal can often speak their first words when they're on the horse. Once that starts, it usually keeps going, and pretty soon they’ll be talking up a storm. And then parents wonder, ‘Oh, why did I ever want him totalk?’ They’ll start to walk, and pretty soon they're running. It's like, ‘Oh my gosh, now, we have to chase after them!’” she said.
This type of progress fundamentally alters how children interact with the world, but in freedom, new challenges arise for parents and teachers. Alden’s curiosity is sometimes a source of distraction from goals set by his parents and teachers. Jake, another student, is happy to participate in conversations with volunteers, but these tangents can interrupt lesson plans. In these situations, I’ve gained the ability to recognize and understand other perspectives. Robin gets riding lessons back on track not by brashly making demands but by acknowledging distractions and then redirecting the students’ focus. This approach is also important in working with horses. Horses are prey animals and constantly keep track of their environment, and thus may act in confusing ways that aren’t compatible with the handler’s desires. But I’ve learned in my experience with both people and horses that it’s through taking other viewpoints into account that harmony can be realized. No understanding comes out of simply forcing ones way onto others. Robin wants her horses to keep their personalities. Their dispositions are what make them unique and provide opportunities for people to learn new social skills. She said, “When horses are forced against their will to be something they aren’t, they’ll shut down and become robotic. I want my horses responsive,” said Robin.
Working with horses provides unique experiential learning opportunities in team building and communication. A crucial part to working with horses is to align intentions, words, and actions consistently. This alignment is applicable when strengthening the communication in any r
elationship. Clear communication also promotes fairness. When people contradict themselves in voice and action, it is not fair that the others are punished for misunderstanding. Trust and collaborative relationships can develop between horses and people in horsemanship exercises like round penning.
Round penning requires great equine-human communication, a fair hand, and close physical proximity. When I first entered the pen, I was intimidated by the idea commanding a creature weighing six times more than I did. However, the experience turned out to be incredibly fascinating and rewarding. In a single session with Robin and Shelby, I was able to considerably increase my knowledge of horse language while discovering my own communication and leadership styles.
These interactions are even more amazing when put into context. Shelby is not a bad horse, but he is certainly disobedient and obnoxious in many situations. In the round pen, however, Shelby is well-behaved and a great instructor and partner. He provides feedback when the rules are broken by the student, but, like the other horses, he is forgiving of mistakes and unclear communication. It’s Shelby’s general bad manners though that set him apart from the other horses who act according to their position within the herd hierarchy.
When I arrived at The Magic Horse, what became evident immediately was that horses are unlike other domestic animals. While Maestro the dog was easy to warm to, and Indy the horse was generally interested in being scratched by anyone, Ka Lio and Phoenix made it clear their respect had to be earned. Power and social standing are critical themes in working with horses. Effective leadership and boundary-setting are crucial to gaining horse cooperation.
In my first interaction with Phoenix, he nipped me on the butt. However, it wasn’t out of aggression or the desire to misbehave. The nip was the secondary part to his testing my reaction after he had already entered my personal space. Because I didn’t take charge immediately and move him, he knew he could have his way. With horses, it’s a matter of establishing rules. “You have to set boundaries. Horses are social animals. They understand boundaries. You have to uphold them,” said Robin. Standing tall and adopting a no-nonsense but fair attitude can make all the difference.
Therefore, because herd structures rely so heavily on good leadership and social hierarchy, they can be the ultimate teachers of how to earn and wield authority. What’s important to first understand is each group members’ position and resulting conduct which has to do with mindfulness of oneself and others. Robin explained when strengthening leadership skills through EAL practices and horsemanship drill
s, she pairs individuals to specific horses. She said, “A person who is too timid can't be with a super assertive horse without learning how to deal with a super assertive horse. A horse’s reaction will show when someone comes across too assertively and when one does not come across assertively enough to enforce boundaries.” When Aleah, Nanami, and I moved Phoenix, we needed to take on a more dominant approach than when working with Indy who is far more submissive. In working with horses, volunteers and students learn how to be leaders that earn respect while staying polite and fair. “If you are a good leader, you're fair and just, and you're consistent, then a horse will be willing to follow your lead. In general, adapting yourself to other personalities, abilities, and communication styles is important. You learn to shift your leadership style to be effective. So when you're working with a horse, you have to recognize where in the hierarchy of power this horse sees himself. You have to be a little more powerful than he is, so that you can manage him. If you're not, he's going to manage you,” said Robin.
Since volunteering at The Magic Horse I’ve gained invaluable knowledge about myself and the world around me. Observing the interactions between Robin, the horses, students, parents, and other volunteers has proven incredibly beneficial to how I view my relationship with myself, others, and the world. The experiences I’ve shared with people and horses while upkeeping the grounds, providing equine care, and taking on horsemanship practices have contributed to immense personal progress in varying skill areas. I’ve increased my self-awareness, strengthened my ability to take initiative and persist, become more compassionate and flexible, gained valuable communication skills, and realized how I can become a better leader. My experiences are unique in how they’ve affected me, but the lessons I’ve learned are not exclusive to my role as a volunteer. The magic of the horse can be shared with individuals of all ages and abilities, but only if Robin’s efforts are supported by volunteers, donors, and students. Great commitments of time and money keep The Magic Horse running. However, the space is only preserved and able to continue benefiting the community as long as it is sustained by caring individuals. Overhead costs continue to rise, and The Magic Horse needs support now as Robin introduces three new programs based on the core concepts she’s been teaching for years.
Moving forward, Robin invites students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to visit the center and experience some of the magic firsthand. Reflecting on what I’ve seen, I believe there’s truly something of value here for everyone. If you are interested in learning more about the center, you can go to https://www.magichorse.org/ and schedule a visit. I’m excited to work with all prospective volunteers and students, whether you’re interested in therapeutic riding lessons or the three new programs: group unmounted EAL sessions, horsemanship lessons, or leadership programming (further information for the programs is listed below). But most of all, I’m glad that I’ve been able to contribute to keeping the magic of the horse alive and share it with others. Sheila, a volunteer of 17 years, said it best, “I know what horses have given me, and it's good to see other people getting that too.”
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Group Unmounted EAL Sessions: For groups of up to six interested in general horse care and social interaction opportunities, the center offers one-hour sessions of unmounted group equine assisted learning (EAL). This program provides an education in grooming, feeding, health and ailments, and first aid. With hands-on experience learners have the opportunity to connect with horses in a peaceful setting and develop personal goals and specific skills. While participating in fun activities with the horses, they’ll observe and practice aspects of equine communication to better understand their own body language and interactions with others. This program allows groups of individuals to learn through Robin’s storytelling and focus on their personal wellbeing with practices, such as simultaneously calming oneself and the horse.
Horsemanship Course: This course is oriented towards prospective horse owners and those interested in receiving a thorough equine education. It is not recommended for kids. This program is available for groups of four or less and expands upon the individual-oriented teachings of unmounted EAL to offer groundwork experiences focused on horse training. Groundwork is an essential part of building a deeper connection with horses and includes multiple exercises, including round penning, leading, lunge lining, work in hand, and long lining. These activities provide a strong basis for building confidence around horses and applying effective communication practices. Working with horses in such an engaging way creates a solid foundation in understanding how to foster true cooperation and teamwork.
Leadership Program: This leadership course is composed of four 4-hour sessions and is most applicable to groups of individuals interested in personal development and improving work performance. Groups of four to eight members can engage in a variety of activities that foster leadership and team growth—no previous equine experience needed. In this unmounted program, individuals can learn leadership styles to become more influential and contribute to improved team dynamics. Learners will become aware of themselves and others as they analyze their relationships.
Update January 10, 2025 -- A third suspect has been arrested and charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Darron Willie Singleton, Jr. On Thursday January 9, 2025, 45-year-old Valena Marie Gonzales of San Diego was apprehended by the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force near Valley Road and Rio Drive in San Diego. She has been booked into custody at Las Colinas Detention Facility.
East County News Service
January 8, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Sheriff’s office today announced the arrest of two men suspected in the murder of 23-year-old Darron Willie Singleton, Jr.
On Sept. 18 around 10:55 p.m., deputies responded to reports of gunfire and found Singleton suffering gunshot wounds to the torse in the 2200 block of Dain Street in Lemon Grove. Despite lifesaving efforts by San Miguel Fire Department personnel and Sheriff’s deputies, Singleton died at the scene.
“Months of intensive investigation led to the arrests of two individuals believed to be involved in this heinous crime,” says Lieutenant Michael Krugh.
Yesterday, Richard Charles Lee, 47, of San Diego, was apprehended in San Diego. Additionally, 44-year-old Reality Grayson of Temecula was arrested Temecula. Both suspects have been booked into custody at the San Diego Central Jail on charges related to the murder of Darron Willie Singleton Jr.
The San Diego Sheriff's Office extends its gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the San Diego Police Department, the Riverside Sheriff's Department, and the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force for their support in executing the arrests.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.