Communities

By Mike Allen

Photo: Workers at GKN opening ceremony

December 18, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The site that was once planned as an Amazon warehouse is taking shape to house some of the most sophisticated machinery in the world, as well as the skilled workers to run it.

Just across the street from Gillespie Field at the confluence of Cuyamaca Street and Weld Avenue is the new home for GKN Aerospace, a top tier aircraft components supplier and refurbisher of engines for such customers as Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, General Electric and Boeing.

GKN has been operating in El Cajon for more than 70 years, but its two segments, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and Repair Solutions, have been growing at such a nice clip, soit needed added room.

“We’ve outgrown that campus and needed a little more space so we decided to move the repair solutions here,” said Eric Viklund, vice president of strategic growth. The company held an opening day ceremony on December 17.

A “little” translates to about 162,000 more square feet or about a third of the new Weld Distribution Center that began construction some two years ago. Viklund said the plan is to relocate some 300 employees to the new facility, and hire another 50 workers next year. At the current West Bradley Avenue site, there are about 850 total employees, making it among the largest employers in East County.

GKN Aerospace said it spent about $55 million on the project both in construction and new machinery to maintain the competitive edge it has with its customers, which are most of the world’s airlines.

When you’re talking about that size of an investment, it isn’t done lightly and not without considerable research on the best location for the expansion, said Joakim Anderson, president of GKN Engines. But after going through the process, the company determined El Cajon, the site where it was already doing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) work for the last 40 years made the best sense, he said.

“We’ve done repair work here for 40 years and it’s time to take it to the next level” Andersson said.

He noted the growth of commercial airline traffic is the key driver to the local expansion. Today, some 25,000 jets are flying the skies, but over the next two decades, “we think that’ll be 50,000,” he said. “That’s 100,000 engines.”

To give a value on what the aerospace industry means to the San Diego region and state, State Sen. Brian Jones (photo, second from right) noted in his speech that it employs more than 500,000 people, generates some $100 billion in revenue and about $7 billion in state and local taxes. “When aerospace does well, all sectors of the California economy benefits,” Jones said.

In a tour of the still unfinished warehouse floor, project manager Aaron Parkinson (photo, left) showed visitors the various steps that jet engine blades go through before being returned to the airline customers. The MRO work, which included the use of robotic machinery on the engine blades and other components “is our bread and butter. We do about 50,000 to 60,000 blades a year,” he said.

An average blade may cost about $150,000, although those made for the defense department, say for an F-35 jet, will run more than $1 million, so the industry’s emphasis is on maintaining aircraft equipment quality. A typical blade needs maintenance every six to seven years.

GKN is constantly reevaluating its systems and upgrading its technology in an effort to maximize the performance and longevity of the engine’s parts while minimizing the heretofore disposal of certain parts, Parkinson said.

“Our goal is to stop throwing components away.”

Both GKN executives and elected officials speaking at the ceremony noted the success the company has attained is largely the result of its dedicated and skilled workers, several hundred of whom were in attendance.

Assemblyman Chris Ward said the company’s expansion was mostly due to the company’s local workforce. “This is about the people here who are going to be able to make the business grow, and your investment is going to have a profound impact on this region, creating a lot of well-paying, high skilled jobs,” Ward said. On the firm’s website, he said there are openings for machinists, programmers, engineers and electricians.

Chris Blessum, GKN’s HR director, said the positions for the bulk of the staffing excluding management at the new facility pay annual salaries ranging from $55,000 to more than $130,000.

To help GKN get many of these jobs filled, the state of California’s Employment Training Panel recently awarded a $785,000 grant to the company.

While GKN Aerospace keeps a low profile locally, it’s known worldwide as a supplier of both aircraft parts that range from engine components, wing and fuselage parts, electrical systems and windows, and a dominant player in the MRO space. It competes in both the civil and defense realms. As a subsidiary of Melrose PLC, a London stock exchange traded company, GKN is on track to surpass 3 billion pounds in revenue this year with the repair solutions segment alone exceeding $100 million next year.

GKN’s roots can be traced to the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution in England, when the Dowlais Ironworks Co was founded in 1759 in Wales. The first products revolved around making iron parts for Britain’s new railroads and bridges, but also included cannon balls during the Napoleonic Wars. Ever evolving and shifting through the various changes inherent in technological progress, the company also acquired and merged and at one point in the 1900s was known as Guest, Keen & Nettlefolds, Ltd.

Today, GKN Aerospace operates from 31 locations in 12 countries, employing some 16,000 workers, including its newest site in El Cajon.

By Miriam Raftery

December 30, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—It’s been a turbulent year, from the resignation of a supervisor to a tropical storm slamming our region, from environmental impacts of a drained reservoir to a migrant crisis at the border, from homelessness challenges facing local cities to financial challenges shutting down a popular parade, to name just a few of the top local stories. National and international news stories also sent shock waves across our region, from a former president and current candidate indicted on criminal charges to the Israeli-Hamas war igniting anguish and protests.

Our reporting team has worked hard to bring you in-depth coverage on the most important stories of the year affecting residents across East County.

Here are the top news stories and issues that we covered in 2023.

NEW SUPERVISOR IN DISTRICT 4

FLETCHER RESIGNS, STEPPE ELECTED AS FIRST BLACK SUPERVISOR

Supervisor Nathan Fletcher announced his resignation after sexual misconduct allegations arose in March, following a lawsuit and an investigation by the Metropolitan Transit System. After the remaining Supervisors voted to hold a special election to fill the District 4 vacancy, East County Magazine reported on the candidates who qualified for the August  primary and ECM held a candidate forum . After the field narrowed to two finalists for the general election, our media outlet covered another candidate forum held at Cuyamaca College.  San Diego City Councilwoman Monica Montgomery Steppe won the race handily in November, becoming the first black woman to serve on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

IMMIGRATION CRISIS IN EAST COUNTY

MIGRANT SURGE IN JACUMBA, BOULEVARD AND CAMPO RAISES HUMANITARIAN AND BORDER SECURITY CONCERNS

East County Magazine was the first media outlet to report when hundreds of migrants appeared in Jacumba Hot Springs as well as nearby Campo and Boulevard in April, winning a journalism prize for our coverage. Our report led to an investigation by Southern Border Communities Coalition, which filed a lawsuit accusing Border Patrol of human rights violations for failing to provide detained migrants with water, food, shade or other essentials. Calls for increased border security also grew.  But the surge continued, as local residents chipped in to use “peanut butter diplomacy” as they gave sandwiches, water, jackets and more to those seeking a better life in America. They set up a website, BorderKindness.org, to seek donations. In October, Supervisors voted to use $3 million in federal funds for a migrant center to shelter the immigrants, who face dangers not only from extreme weather and crossing rugged terrain, but also from smugglers such as a former LAPD officer convicted of rape, arrested in November for smuggling people in Campo.  In December, Supervisors voted for more funding to keep the migrant shelter open, but failed to provide any money to aid migrants in the high desert border towns where they first arrive. So volunteer efforts remain the only means of providing basic humanitarian aid.

CRIME

LICENSE PLATE READING CAMERAS

Days after installing new license plate reading cameras, El Cajon Police reported multiple arrests and stolen property recovered, thanks to the license plate reading technology, though critics have raised privacy concerns. In November, El Cajon’s cameras helped identify suspects in a double murder of two teens outside a house party. In December,  La Mesa became the second East County city to approve adding license plate reading cameras, which have also rolled out in the city of San Diego.

MURDER FUGITIVE HELD PUBLIC OFFICE IN CAMPO

The arrest of Donald Santini, known locally as Wellman Simmonds, in June sent shockwaves through the rural Campo-Lake Morena community. A fugitive for nearly 40 years, he was hiding in plain sight—brazenly even holding public office as an elected member of the Campo-Lake Morena Community Planning Group and president of the Lake Morena Views Mutual Water Company. His local wife and daughter were double shocked to learn that he was also a bigamist, with another wife and child in Texas. Extradited to Florida, he pleaded guilty in November to the murder of a young Florida mother of three and was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

SCAMMERS STEAL EBT BENEFITS

Scammers stole EBT (formerly known as food stamp) benefits from recipients, including an ECM volunteer, as we reported in April.  El Cajon Police initially declined to take a report, referring such crimes to the County. But at the urging of ECM, ECPD eventually did take a report—and released a video to alert consumers how to spot skimming devices used to steal benefits.

JAIL DEATHS

The high number of jail deaths in recent years prompted a state auditor’s report and legislative oversight.  This year, newly elected Sheriff Kelly Martinez has implemented many reforms since taking office and has more planned. In an interview with East County Magazine in March, she talked about reforms to medical and mental health screenings and treatment, availability of Narcon that saved 15 people from overdoses, infrastructure improvements and body-worn cameras by deputies in jails. Those efforts are praiseworthy, but 12 more deaths occurred as of August, when a Ramona man was found dead of suicide by hanging.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Sex trafficking of children in San Diego “is happening in every single school district inSan Diego County,” NBC San Diego investigative reporter Monica Dean told parents and teachers during a showing of the documentary film “Stolen” at El Capitan High School in Lakeside in January. East County Magazine interviewed sex trafficking survivor Kathi Torres, who is now offering help to protect others.  In February, California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta announced 48 arrests for human trafficking and related offenses in San Diego, as well as rescue of 8 children. In March, Bonta held a press conference with local civil rights leaders calling for repeal of a law that has made it easier for trafficking predators to prey on minors.

JIMMIE JOHNSON FAMILY TRAGEDY

Seven-time NASCAR champion and hometown hero Jimmie Johnson cancelled his participation in the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago due to the tragic deaths of his wife’s parents in an apparent murder-suicide in late June. Locally, Johnson is beloved not only for his  sports achievements, but also for his philanthropic support of local schools through the Jimmie Johnson Foundation that he and his wife run. 

COUNTY SUED OVER SHERIFF SHOOTING

A Lakeside man who suffered permanent injuries from being shot 16 times has filed a lawsuit against San Diego County and two Sheriff’s deputies who opened fire. The civil lawsuit filed by Erik Talavera alleges that deputies gave conflicting commands and used excessive force and negligence during the incident in El Cajon. The deputies were cleared of criminal wrongdoing following an investigation by the District Attorney. Talavera was pulled over for driving a van towing a stolen trailer that was bait in a sting operation; he pleaded guilty to the theft and was sentenced to probation.  He had exited the vehicle when body cam footage shows one deputy ordered him not to move, while the other ordered him to get on the ground. Deputies shot him 12 times, firing twice more after he was on the ground. Gunfire also struck a National City officer involved in the vehicle theft task force; he also sued the County, calling deputies’ actions “reckless.”

ENVIRONMENT

LOVELAND RESERVOIR  RESTORATION

ECM has provided the most in-depth coverage of Loveland Reservoir controversies. Heavy January rains caused major damage, including trails and destruction of a fishing dock, after extreme draining of the lake by Sweetwater Water Authority. Yet in late January, Sweetwater drained water again and closed the lake to recreation, outraging residents. Friends of  Loveland Reservoir formed to advocate for restoring public access to this liquid asset. At a heated Alpine Planning Group meeting, Sweetwater officials promised to reopen the lake, but wouldn’t set a date to restock fish killed by draining, nor pledge not to drain the lake to dead pool status again. Activists spoke out at a Sweetwater hearing in Chula Vista, as ECM reported. On May 30, the reservoir did reopen, but with some areas off limits due to erosion. By August, Friends of  Loveland gained support from State Senator Brian Jones. A state grant was approved for Loveland improvements; in December, Sweetwater held a workshop on how to spend the money—but still would not commit to when fish would be restocked, or when dawn-to-dusk hours may be restored.

DECARBONIZATION PLAN CHALLENGED

As Kermit the frog once lamented,  “It isn’t easy being green.”  The County’s regional decarbonization plan drew opposition from rural residents concerned about waivers to expedite big energy projects with negative impacts on communities. In February, the Jamul-Dulzura community planning group agreed to send a letter to Supervisors opposing the draft plan. In March, the Protect Our Communities Foundation led by Bill Powers filed a lawsuit against the county alleging it hired a biased utility consultant and that findings were based on false data. Powers said putting solar on infill lots, roofs and parking lots would be more cost efficient without the environmental damages that industrial-scale energy projects cause, or the fire risks posed by power lines. In May, Supervisors responded, voting unanimously to approve a proposal by Supervisor Jim Desmond to study capacity for renewable energy projects on infill lots, roofs and parking lots, though the budget still includes funds for regional decarbonization.

COTTONWOOD SAND MINE EIR REVISED

Hundreds of residents showed up at a July meeting in Rancho San Diego held by the County to voice concerns over a revised environmental impact report released on the proposed Cottonwood sand mine along the Sweetwater River. East County Magazine was on hand to report on the points raised by opponents and share the positions of supervisorial candidates on this important environmental issue.

ADVANCED WATER PURIFICATION PLANT UNDERWAY

Construction is underway on the Advanced Water Purification plant in Santee, running on schedule and on budget. Upon completion in 2025, the facility will produce around 11.5 million gallons of drinkable water daily for about 500,000 East County residents—a vital resource, particularly during times of drought.

HEALTH

VSV DISEASE AND LIVESTOCK QUARANTINES

East County Magazine was the first media outlet to alert readers to a case of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in a local horse in May, with more cases suspected. We were also first to report on livestock quarantines as the disease spread in East County. ECM informed readers of a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture webinar  and expanded quarantines, with San Diego the most impacted county in the nation. Even a rhino at the San Diego Zoo safari park caught the disease, as ECM was first to report.  Thankfully at year’s end, there are no more cases locally and all quarantines have been lifted, according to the USDA.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC ENDS

Three years after the first COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in the U.S., California and San Diego County reached a major milestone, declaring an official end to the pandemic emergency on February 28.  Though cases remain, the prevalence of vaccines and Paxlovid treatments have made the disease, now endemic, less dire than in the past. Ending the pandemic declaration brought a hardship—7.7 million fewer CalFresh meals per month in San Diego County. In response to new COVID variants, updated vaccines and free COVID-19 tests were once again made available in September.

ABORTION RESTRICTIONS

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs.Wade and ruled that states can ban or restrict abortion, sparking nationwide protests, conservative appellate court judges ruled that the abortion drug Mifepristone could not be mailed to patients or prescribed by any medical professional other than a doctor. If upheld by the Supreme Court, this could restrict access even for women in states such as California, where abortion remains legal. Conservatives in Congress, meanwhile, are pushing to outlaw abortion nationwide. One voice speaking out against such limits is San Diego Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, one of the few Congressional members of child-bearing age, who has called the Mifepristone ban ““gross attack on our bodies and freedom.”   

DRUG DEATHS

Deaths from the opioid fentanyl have soared locally in recent years, prompting enforcement crackdowns.  In May, the Dept. of Homeland Security reported a 300% increase in fentanyl seizures in San Diego County during Operation Blue Lotus and a 30% increase in prosecutions. Many victims are unaware that street drugs and counterfeit painkillers are now laced with fentanyl. In February, a shocking report found that 71% of pills tested in Mexican pharmacies contained fentanyl—even medications for children. In November, Border Patrol seized $10 million in illicit drugs including fentanyl at our county’s ports of entry. But fentanyl isn’t the only problem. A county report found a 244% increase in methamphetamines locally, prompting ECM’s Advancing Healthy Communities columnist David Shorey to call for this crisis to be addressed head-on.

EMERGENCIES

TROPICAL STORM HILARY HITS REGION

As Hurricane Hilary barreled toward San Diego (later becoming a tropical storm),  our editor realized the trajectory was similar to that of Tropical Storm Kathleen in the 1970s, which caused major flooding in Jacumba and Ocotillo.  We sent our first warning on Aug. 17 to alert desert and mountain residents.  By Aug. 18, our county’s first-ever tropical storm warning was issued. Governor Gavin Newsom visited on Aug. 19 and declared an emergency ahead of the storm, deploying the National Guard. As the storm hit on Aug. 20, other media focused on coastal areas.  East County Magazine was first to report on boulders blocking I-8 at In-ko-pah near Jacumba, evacuation of Ocotillo due to flooding, and a rare tornado alert; we also published photos of Hilary’s havoc after the storm.

NIGHT AERIAL DROPS HALT HIGHLAND FIRE IN AGUANGA

The Highland Fire in Aguanga, at the county line separating San Diego and Riverside, showed what a difference night-time aerial drops can make. In October 2003, the deadly Cedar Fire started at 5:37 p.m. and a decision was made not to put pilots at risk with night drops. That fire grew to 273,000 acres and destroyed 2,200 homes. By contrast, when the Highland Fire began October 30 and burned 2,200 acres the first night, Cal Fire incident personnel made the decision to fight the fast-moving wildfire by air throughout the next night – preventing what could have become another regional inferno. Thousands of homes were threatened, but in the end, firefighters held the Highland Fire to 2,457 acres, with seven homes burned. The incident also shows the value of regional coordination; over 1200 firefighters battled the blaze including crews from federal, state, local and tribal governments.

FINANCIAL INVESTIGATIONS

MOTHER GOOSE PARADE AT RISK

Is the Mother Goose Parade cooked after 75 years of delighting children and the young at heart?  After organizers cancelled for the fourth straight year, an East County Magazine investigative report revealed troubled finances and a lack of accountability by the El Cajon Valley Mother Goose Parade Association, which refused to answer questions for ECM’S investigative report. The city manager suggests anyone who wants to save the parade for future generations should step forward and consider forming a new organization.

WATER  CONSERVATION GARDEN IN FINANCIAL CRISIS

The Water Conservation Garden at the campus of Cuyamaca College is a cherished community resource. But it’s facing a financial crisis, after Friends of the Water Conservation Garden took out massive loans to cover salaries, then the IRS froze federal COVID employe retention loans that the Garden had countedon, leaving the group unable to stay afloat without more money. ECM broke the story in December, also announcing resignation of the garden’s executive director.

BUSINESS AND LABOR

EQUESTRIAN CENTER OPENS IN LAKESIDE

A grand opening of the Dianne Jacob Equestrian Center in Lakeside was held on December 12.  Jacob served 28 years as County Supervisor and is an avid equestrian who led efforts to make her dream of a premier equestrian center become a reality.  The $16.9 million facility will host livestock shows, equestrian events and more. “It’s one-of-a-kind and it’s going to bring in events from all over the state of California,” said Jacob, as she enthusiastically cut the ribbon to open the facility. “This is going to put Lakeside on the map.”

DE ANZA SPRINGS COVER-UP

East County Magazine was the first media outlet to bare the news that the De Anza Springs resort in Jacumba Hot Springs would no longer be clothing optional, much to the chagrin of long-time residents and guests. New owners of the long-time nudist haven imposed a mandatory cover-up policy this fall, as it transitions to a concert venue. The change leaves naturists with no nudist destination for baring all in San Diego County.

SANTEE DRIVE-IN CLOSES

It's the end of an era in Santee. The last drive-in theater in East County,opened in 1958, plans to close its doors on January 1.  We first reported on this in May, based on reliable sources including city contacts. The owners initially denied that the property was being sold to a developer.  But in September, Susan Boyd, a member of the Forte Family, said the business “is no longer economically viable.” In a press release, she stated, “We are facing loss of customers, higher costs, equipment obsolescence, competition from streaming services, and the inability to show some of the newly released films.  Like movie theaters across the country, we can’t afford to stay open."

LA MESA PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT

In a win for workers, La Mesa City Council voted unanimously in August to become the first city in San Diego County to adopt a Project Labor Agreement with the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council and associated craft unions. The PLA will apply to public construction  projects in La Mesa with a construction value of at least $1 million.

KAISER STRIKE

From October 4 to Saturday, October 7, 75,000 Kaiser healthcare workers held an unfair labor practice strike. The actions, led by workers across multiple states and in Washington, D.C., constituted the largest strike of healthcare workers in U.S. history.  More than 85,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers reached a historic agreement for a new contract to  substantially raise wages, bolster patient safety and make critical investments in the healthcare workforce at hundreds of Kaiser facilities across California and several other states.

PUBLIC SAFETY

NEW EVACUATION WARNING SYSTEM ROLLS OUT

San Diego County’s Sheriff announced roll-out of a new hi-low evacuation warning system on patrol cars for use during wildfires, earthquakes, hazardous waste spills, gas leaks, and other emergencies. This is a vital life-saving addition to our region’s emergency preparedness. When you hear the hi-low signal, heed the warning and evacuate immediately.

LA MESA REJECTS E-BILLBOARDS

After initially voting down legalizing electronic billboards, the La Mesa City Council majority reversed its stance in September and asked staff to prepare a request for proposals.  Opponents feared e-billboards would distract motorists and cause accidents.  So East County Magazine obtained California Highway Patrol records and reported that a high number of crashes in the vicinity had results in 20 fatalities in recent years. Opposition continued to grow, and in December the Council reversed course again, voting unanimously to reject digital billboards and end the request for proposals.

NATIVE AMERICANS

TRIBAL MEMBERS COMPLETE CROSS COUNTRY RUN

Local Native Americans completed the longest  indigenous prayer run in U.S. history in June. Lakeside resident Bobby Wallace, a member of the Barona Band of Mission Indians established the cross-country “Run with the Sun” from Maine to San Diego in hopes of protecting waters across America from pollution. In an interview with ECM, he, ““It’s been awesome making changes in people’s minds about water everywhere.”  The effort, which began a year earlier, was supported by the Barona, Sycuan and Viejas tribes in San Diego’s East County, as well as participants from other tribes across the U.S.

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS

EL CAJON STRUGGLES WITH HOMELESS CHALLENGES

Homelessness remains a crisis across our region. El Cajon has felt the brunt of county efforts to temporarily house homeless people in motels. The City objected to the county’s inclusion of convicted felons, after numerous crimes linked to the homeless motel voucher recipients occurred, including sexual assaults by homeless sex offenders. The City held a hearing to weigh options and hosted townhalls to get residents’ input. But when the City sent warning notices to motels exceeding city limits for voucher recipients, the state’s attorney general ordered the city to rescind those notices, claiming they violated fair housing laws. The City later restricted homeless encampments and ended funding for the East County Homeless Task force. Councilmembers, two of whom were once homeless, continued to fund the East County Transitional Living Center and the Mayor organized a benefit concert for the ECTLC, which helps homeless people transition off the streets provided they agree to stay clean and sober. Council also approved providing shelter space and veterinary care for dogs of homeless people. Sleeping cabins approved by El Cajon are now a model the County hopes to replicate elsewhere. In November, HomeStart held a rally for homeless youths in El Cajon. Just over the city limits in unincorporated El Cajon, a safe parking area for homeless people opened by the County on the site of a former homeless camp. Over 100 people have been served onsite, with 30% being seniors. Nearly half have exited the program into stable housing, the County reports.

HOUSING SHORTAGE

Lack of affordable housing is a key factor behind both homelessness and people leaving our state. The city of San Diego this year was named the most expensive housing market in the nation by U.S. News and World Reports. Local leaders took several steps to alleviate this problem in 2023. In January,  La Mesa broke ground on an affordable housing project on the site of its former police station. approved apartments on the site of the Randall Lamb building that burned down in the 2020 riot. In May, County Supervisors approved 22 actions to deliver different types of housing faster by reducing and guaranteeing review times for housing plans and permits. This will provide builders with certainty during the development process for both market-rate developments as well as affordable housing projects. The Governor signed AB 1287, creating density bonuses for middle income apartments and condominiums.

JULIAN VACATION RENTAL FIRE SPARKS CONCERNS

An unauthorized campfire at a vacation rental home in Julian’s Pine Hills community sparked a brush fire that threatened neighbors. At a community planning group meeting in November, concerned residents spoke out. A robust debate ensued, with some seeking limits to vacation rentals, which restrict availability of affordable housing for residents, while others touted the tax benefits that vacation rental homes bring to the area. Research presented at the hearing revealed how rampant the problem has become countywide, extending far beyond Julian. While planning group members seek information from Supervisors, owners of the site  where the fire occurred informed neighbors that they would end camping on their property. 

RURAL REPRESENTATION

UNINCORPRATED AREAS GET A SEAT ON SANDAG

East County’s community planning groups have long lacked a voice on the San Diego Regional Association of Governments, where decisions on issues such as big energy projects and a proposed mileage tax have long failed to represent the interests of rural residents. ECM first reported in February on a Ramona planner’s proposal to add an advisory member to SANDAG chosen by chairs of community planning and sponsor groups in the unincorporated areas. In May, Supervisors unanimously supported the proposal.. The Association of Planning Groups-San Diego County was formed, and December, SANDAG approved adding an advisory member to assure that unincorporated areas have a voice through representation—though still without a vote.

“BACKCOUNTRY WARRIOR” DONNA TISDALE RETIRES

For more than two decades,  Donna Tisdale has been a champion for residents in San Diego’s backcountry, leading battles against massive energy projects and a dump. She started a nonprofit, Backcountry Against Dumps and chaired the Boulevard Planning since 1991. She’s filed countless lawsuits against an array of Goliath-scale projects and organized community opposition after San Diego’s East County was declared an energy corridor by the federal government. Former Supervisor Dianne Jacob hailed Tisdale as a “backcountry warrior.” But on April 12, she announced her retirement, soon after moving to Oklahoma.  Ending an era of community activism, she shared one final victory in August, when the Federal Aviation Administration blocked the Campo Wind project over concerns previously raised by Tisdale over risks to airplanes.

REDEVELOPMENT

CAMPO ROAD REVITALIZATION

After five years of community discussion, county supervisors in January approved an ambitious plan to revitalize the Campo Road corridor in Spring Valley’s Casa de Oro community and make the 60-acre business district a destination. The Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan calls for better access by public transit, walking and bicycles with roundabouts,  wider sidewalks, on-street parking and protected bike lanes, as well as mixed use residential and commercial.  Supervisors have applied for grants to fund these future improvements.

PARKS AND RECREATION

LEMON GROVE TO UPDATE PARKS

In December, Lemon Grove’s City Council approved a major gift to families in the community. The city’s two parks will receive upgrades including new play equipment, shade structures and ADA access, funded primarily by a state grant through Proposition 68 capital improvement funds. 

TRANSGENDER RIGHTS

YMCA LOCKER ROOM CONTROVERSY

A teen girl’s claim to have seen a naked man in a YMCA women’s locker room in Santee prompted an outcry from parents, a rally that drew 500 people, and temporary closure of the facility over fears of violence. The individual in the locker room, however, was actually a transgender woman who had undergone gender-change surgery. At a Santee City Council meeting, a packed crowd including both concerned parents and supporters of transgender rights; Times of San Diego dubbed the incident a “naked display of transgender animus.”  The city declined requests to end its contract with the YMCA and the Y added privacy options in its dressing areas.  In June, a Santee Pride Walk drew hundreds of participants, including Mayor John Minto, who told critics his job was to represent all of the people.

COURTHOUSE NEWS

DAVID ARAMBULA TRIAL

East County Magazine was the only media outlet present to cover the trial of David Arambula, who was accused while serving on the Lemon Grove City Council of assaulting a dispensary applicant after a night of drinking and partying at his home.  Witnesses included the mayor and city manager—clearly a matter of public interest. Arambula beat the rap, when the jury returned a not guilty verdict.

LA MESA PAYS HEFTY PRICE FOR PROTESTER INJURED BY POLICE

The City of La Mesa in March reached a settlement in a civil case filed by Leslie Furcron, a 59-year-old great-grandmother left partially blind after she was struck in the head by a beanbag projectile fired by a La Mesa Police officer. She protesting during a racial justice demonstration that ended in a riot on May 30, 2020 when she tossed a soda can and an officer fired a beanbag, striking her in the forehead. The City will  pay $10 million to Furcron, one of the largest officer use-of-force settlements in the San Diego region, according to Furcron’s attorney. The City has since implemented reforms in its police department under leadership of a new police chief, closing the book on the city’s most turbulent time.

KALASHOS HELD IN CONTEMPT, DEFY COURT ORDER

Former El Cajon Councilman Ben Kalasho and his wife, Jessica, were ordered by a judge in September to return to San Diego and serve a jail sentence for contempt of court. The order came after the couple lost a defamation suit filed by attorney Lina Charry but repeatedly refused to answer questions about their finances so that she could be paid the judgment. Kalasho has been working as a chef in North Carolina, according to his social media accounts. But the couple defied the order,  failing to return to San Diego, and thus far, have evaded accountability.

NATIONAL POLITICS

TRUMP CRIMINAL AND CIVIL TRIALS

For the first time in history, a former president was indicted on criminal charges – in four jurisdictions, with a total of 91 counts. ECM published the indictment documents, key facts, and quotes from constitutional experts to educate our readers. In March, Donald Trump was arraigned on alleged payments of hush money to a porn star. He pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges of falsifying business records in New York in April. Then in June, he was indicted under the Espionage Act for felony violations of national security laws and obstruction of justice related to classified documents he refused to return and shared with unauthorized persons. We shared how international media covered this news. Later, fake electors in several states faced probes and charges.   In July, Trump was charged for destroying surveillance videos. By August, a Grand Jury had indicted him for attempting to overturn the 2020 election and his involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. Georgia then charged him under racketeering laws for a conspiracy to overturn the election. Trump also faces loss of his businesses after being found guilty in a New York civil fraud case. Yet he still leads polls among Republican voters as the 2026 presidential primary approaches.

JOE BIDEN IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY AND HUNTER BIDEN PROBE

With a government shutdown set to cripple the economy just days away in September,  House Republicans focused their efforts on opening an impeachment inquiring hearing. GOP leaders said the hearing aimed to investigate claims of corruption or bribery involving President Joe Biden, but even expert witnesses called by the  Republicans testified that so far, there has been no solid evidence presented to support those claims. On Dec. 14, The House voted to formally authorize its ongoing impeachment inquiry despite lack of evidence of criminal actions by the President, though it’s unknown what the probe may yet find. Rep. Darrell Issa of East County was part of the 221-212 party line vote to approve the probe, which is examining whether Biden improperly benefited from his 53-year-old son Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. While there is no evidence to date that the President violated any laws, a special prosecutor was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate the actions of Hunter Biden, the President’s son, who has already been charged with tax frauds and illegal ownership of a handgun and may face more allegations.

THREATS TO AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

Constitutional experts have begun sounding the alarm over Trump’s threats to democracy including his pledges to arrest critics, terminate constitutional protections, eliminate free speech rights,  end independence of the Justice Dept. and FBI, and install autocratic rule, as well as his past refusal to accept the outcome of an election that he lost. These warnings have come from prominent Republicans as well as Democrats, including a former Republican National Committee Chair. The conservative Lincoln Club warns that America is in a “fight for democracy,”  stating in an ad, “The fate of your country, your family and your freedom are on the line” in the 2024 election. “We’re not liberals. We’re not progressives. We’re former Republicans who put country over party. We’re Americans who know that unless we stop Trump, he will end this democracy we cherish.” President Joe Biden criticized Trump for saying the Constitution gave him to the right to do whatever he wished, guided by “vengeance and vindictiveness.”  Biden concluded in a September speech, “"There’s something dangerous happening in America right now," adding that American democracy is "still at risk."

RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS

ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR HAS IMPACTS LOCALLY

The brutal attack by Hamas terrorists on October 7 included the brutal slaughter of over 1,300 Israelis including children, as well as missile attacks, rapes and kidnapping of civilians, many still held hostage. Israel’s prime minister promptly declared war. Victims of the Hamas attacks included the mayor of San Diego’s sister city; San Diego’s Jewish Federation launched a drive to help Israeli families. Israel launched devastating missile attacks on Gaza, killing more than 12,000 people as it has sought to destroy Hamas. President Biden pledged humanitarian aid for displaced Gazans. Locally, students held rallies in support of both Israel and Palestine. As the Mideast crisis deepened, Biden announced restrictions on Hamas funding sources including Iran, while local Congressman Darrell Issa introduced a bill to further restrict Iranian funds. All five San Diego representatives voted in support of a resolution backing Israel on Nov. 5, though by Nov. 20,  Jewish Congresswoman Sara Jacobs called for a bilateral cease fire to allow release of hostages and humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

ANTI-SEMITISM

Anti-Semitism was on the rise even before the Israel-Hamas war.  In March, county Supervisors approved a resolution denouncing anti-Semitic rhetoric and hate crimes after numerous local incidents .In July, an Orthodox rabbi was assaulted near San Diego State University. After anti-Semitic flyers were disseminated in several local neighborhoods, La Mesa hosted a hate crimes forum in December, along with the District Attorney’s office.  During Chanukah in December, Chabad House at SDSU hosted a gathering to commemorate Israeli lives lost and erected a 20-foot tall steel Menorah to replace one destroyed by vandalism at SDSU.

CHALDEAN CROSS RISES IN JAMUL

The largest cross in San Diego County was raised atop Rancho San Diego Hill on 80 acres of private land in Jamul on December 15. .  It was made possible by Samad (“Sam”) Attisha, son of Iraqi immigrants, and his wife, Evone. The 36-foot tall Chaldean Catholic cross, which weighs nearly 20,000 pounds, serves as a memorial for persecuted Christians in throughout the Middle East including the Attisha family’s homeland in Iraq, where ISIS massacred Christian people. 

UKRAINIAN CHURCH APPROVED IN SANTEE

As the war in Ukraine fueled by Russia’s invasion continues to rage,  displaced Ukrainian immigrants in East County received some positive news in November.  The Santee City Council unanimously approved a proposal to build a Ukrainian Church, helping Ukrainian-Americans put down roots in their new homeland.  

January 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – 2024 has been a turbulent year, from devastating floods in January to controversies over homelessness and immigration, contentious elections, land use and fire issues, expansion of Jamul tribal lands, officials grappling with hate speech, resignation of the County Supervisors' Chairwoman Nora Vargas, and at year’s end, Syrian-Americans rallying in El Cajon to celebrate the fall of the Assad regime.

Below are the top stories of the year which had an impact in East County communities.

FLOOD INNUNDATES REGION

The year opened with extreme flooding in January, resulting in county, state and federal emergency declarations. As ECM reported, thousands sought help at a flood assistance center in Spring Valley. A woman drowned in a flooded Santee creek. In East County, floodwaters caused severe damage to homes in areas such as Rolando and destroyed relief supplies for Ukraine gathered by a Ukrainian church in Spring Valley, where community members sought donations to help neighbors. ECM published links to multiple relief and donation efforts to help victims, also highlighting acts of heroism.  A civil rights advocate announced plans to sue the city of San Diego over its failure to clear storm drains and attorney Mike Aguirre filed a class action suit. But those legal actions offered no help for residents of unincorporated areas, some still struggling to rebuild their lives.

FBI PROBES SHOOTING OF DENTIST IN EL CAJON

In February, a shooting suspect was arrested following a manhunt after he opened fire at an El Cajon dental clinic, killing Dr. Benjamin Harouni, who was Jewish, and injuring two other employees. The FBI launched an investigation and community members voiced concerns over a possible hate crime, though the shooter, Mohammed Abdulkareem, was a disgruntled patient.  Dr. Harouni’s family held a vigil and fundraised to help the surviving victims, also announcing plans to start a charity, Hearts over Hate.

DEADLY MARINE HELICOPTER CRASH

Crash of a Marine helicopter during a winter storm in February over rugged terrain near Pine Valley triggered a desperate search for survivors. Sadly, all five Marines on board were later confirmed dead.

HATE SPEECH LEADS TO BAN ON REMOTE PUBLIC COMMENTS IN LA MESA

In response to anti-Semitic rants in February during a La Mesa City Council meeting which may have been AI generated as part of a national campaign, councilmembers in March voted to ban remote public comments.  The action triggered objections from La Mesa activists who say remote comments allows greater public access; they hope that a newly elected Council majority may lift the ban in 2025.

WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

In February, the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College abruptly closed amid restructuring, due to financial challenges after the Joint Powers Authority denied pleas to boost funding. Later in the month, the garden reopened with reduced hours and the Garden’s Joint Powers Authority taking over operations from the troubled Friends of the Water Conservation Garden nonprofit, which later declared bankruptcy and defaulted on several large loans.

By June, under leadership of interim director Lauren Magnuson with help from JPA members and volunteers, the garden reported strong growth in revenues, though a budget gap remained. The Garden drew a large crowd for its 25^th anniversary event in November, showing that the community supports the venue and wants it to thrive.  But troubles remain, since some JPA water agency members facing financial troubles of their own have voiced intent to withdraw and the remaining agencies don’t want to pick up the other agencies’ shares of funding.  Options include finding new funding sources, persuading reluctant water agencies not to bolt, or turning the Garden over to Cuyamaca College to use as an educational facility,  an option which some fear could limit or eliminate public access.

GUHSD STAFFING AND SAFETY CUTS

In March, over the objections of a vocal crowd, the Grossmont Union High School District’s board majority voted to lay-off 91 full time employees, including teachers, certified staff members, interpreters, and administrative assistants. The board also terminated the district’s school safety director and eliminated its department of school safety.

The action was shocking and particularly troubling in a district that survived two deadly  mass shootings at Santana and Granite Hills high schools in 2001. School shootings are at record levels nationwide today.

IMMIGRATION ISSUES

With a surge in migrants in Jacumba, ECM reporters used Google Translate to interview people in April who had come here from around the world including some fleeing violence in their homelands, others hoping for economic opportunities, and a young Russian opposed to the war in Ukraine. Their stories were harrowing and heartwarming; our coverage received journalism awards. Some political leaders stoked fear of migrants, much of it unjustified such as claims of rampant crime (in fact the crime rate among immigrants is lower than among citizens).  But one fear had a legitimate basis: border fires sparked by migrants seeking to keep warm or alert authorities when they needed help. By year’s end, local city and county leaders found themselves in the crosshairs between state and federal regulations, with the incoming Trump administration threatening to arrest civic leaders who refuse to cooperate in mass deportation efforts, while state law prohibits such actions. El Cajon’s City Council on January 7 will consider Mayor Bill Wells’ proposal to cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities. County Supervisors took an opposite path, seeking to protect migrants beyond what state law requires, but the Sheriff announced she will follow state law, which allow cooperation for deportations of serious criminals but not other migrants.  Coming next year: a new Border Patrol Station in Dulzura to house migrants, as ECM reported last January.

HOMELESSNESS

The point-in-time count conducted in January and released in May showed that while East County’s overall homeless population dropped 28% over the prior year, La Mesa and Lemon Grove had sharp rises, like due to the city of San Diego banning homeless camps. In June, a Supreme Court ruling found it legal to sweep homeless camps and effectively criminalize homelessness.

Yet efforts to provide housing for the homeless have proven frustrating for officials. Supervisors approved sleeping cabins for homeless people in Spring Valley in March, only to withdraw the plan in June after vocal public opposition. A new proposal to build the sleeping cabins in Lemon Grove raised hopes among homeless people interviewed by ECM in Lemon Grove. But residents accused county officials of ramming through the project before any public hearing and objected to some councilmembers voicing support for the plan with no public hearing.  One bright spot for the homeless came when the county announced plans in May to build an East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit and Recovery Bridge in El Cajon.

RABBIT HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE

An ECM investigative report in April on rabbit deaths in rural East County led the state to analyze carcasses, after residents said their requests to do so had been ignored. In June, the state confirmed deaths of rabbits in Jamul and Dulzura were due to rabbit hemorrhagic disease. The disease, a form of viral hepatitis, is fatal 50 to 100% of the time in wild rabbits and hares

CPUC REJECTS AT&T PLAN TO PULL PLUG ON LAND LINES

Land-line telephones remain the only reliable source of communication during emergencies in some rural East County areas.  So when ECM published a report on the proposal, local residents flooded the California Public Utilities Commission with comments objecting to the plan. At a March hearing, rural residents from across California warned that eliminating AT&T’s responsibility as telephone carrier of last resort could cost lives.  In May, the CPUC announced its intent to deny AT&T’s request, assuring rural residents would not be left without communications during emergencies.

CEMETERY PROPOSAL IN PINE VALLEY RAISES GRAVE OBJECTIONS

A proposed cemetery with capacity for 25,000 burials over Pine Valley’s sole-source aquifer drew strong objections from rural planning group members and residents concerned over potential groundwater contamination. One neighbor claims he was duped by a project representative, allowing access over his property in the belief that a single-family home was slated to be built, instead of a massive cemetery. At year’s end, the project remains pending, with no hearing date set yet by the County Planning Commission.

INCUBATOR BUSINESS CENTER OPENS IN EL CAJON

Fulfilling a decade-long dream, the Chaldean Community Council opened an incubator business center in El Cajon in May with a goal of helping refugees start up businesses to fulfill the American dream.  The county and city provided funding, using monies from the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Small Business Stimulus Grant program, and the County’s Community Enhancement program.

Supervisor Joel Anderson, presenting a half-million dollar check, called the day a “joyous occasion,” adding, “In East County, we’ve got enterpreneurial spirit to be tapped. He predicted that the enterprise will produce new entrepreneurs, “bringing wealth and opportunities to East County.”

CAMPUS PROTESTS OVER ISRAEL-GAZA WAR

Campus protests over the Israel-Gaza war erupted nationwide in May, including here in San Diego. Locally, a student protest at San Diego State University remained peaceful, but arrests were made at the University of California San Diego campus and in Los Angeles, student protests turned violent.  Pro-Palestinian protesters demanded an end to the war and to American funds and weapons being shipped to Israel as the Gaza death toll rose, also calling on universities to divest from investments in Israel. Counter-protesters expressed support for Israel, citing the deadly Hamas attack last year, and voiced concerns over safety of Jewish students and anti-Semitism.

BATTERY STORAGE FIRES IGNITE SAFETY CONCERNS

A fire at a lithium battery storage facility in Otay Mesa in May forced neighboring businesses to evacuate for nearly two weeks.  Another fire in May broke out at an Escondido lithium ion battery storage site, prompting evacuation of residents. In La Mesa, where a smaller lithium battery storage site was proposed, City Manager Greg Humora issued safety assurances, highlighting key differences between the Otay and La Mesa projects in size, technology, and fire protection plans. The incidents are reminders that clean energy technologies, though less polluting and free of greenhouse gases that fuel climate change, can pose safety issues of their own.

FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP CONVICTED ON 34 FELONY COUNTS

In May, a New York jury found former president Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony criminal counts of falsifying business records to conceal payments to a porn star in order to influence the 2016 election. But after his reelection in November, the judge delayed sentencing until after Trump’s four-year term of office. The action left Trump supporters rejoicing and critics decrying lack of accountability.

LEGENDS LOST

In May, two of East County’s most famous residents passed away: NBA basketball superstar Bill Walton of La Mesa and world renown architect/artist James Hubbell of Santa Ysabel. Their lives have ended, but their legacies live on. Read about other local leaders lost in 2024 here.

LOVELAND RESERVOIR RESTORATION

In a win for local fishing enthusiasts, Sweetwater Water Authority voted in May to restore the floating fishing dock destroyed by a storm, after extreme draining of the reservoir left the dock vulnerable. But activists’ efforts to restore sunrise-to-sunset access remain unresolved.

FIRE INSURANCE AND ZONE ZERO DEFENSIBLE SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Soaring and often inaccessible fire insurance rates, new “zone zero” defensible space mandates for the five feet closest to structures, and how to form fire-wise communities were among the hot topics discussed at the Jamul-Dulzura Fire Safe Council meeting in June. Speakers Sharon Smith, outreach analyst with the Calif. Dept. of Insurance, and Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire Captain Thomas Shoots provided insights, as ECM reported. In September, ECM interviewed Cal Fire Captain Mike Cornette, with tips on how to prepare for wildfires and keep households safe.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE DECLARES BANKRUPTCY

In June, Cardinal Robert McElroy announced that the San Diego Roman Catholic Diocese was declaring bankruptcy. The action shields the church from paying out full settlements over sexual abuse claims and enables the church to continue it religious mission. But an attorney representing survivors of clergy sex abuse is blasting the action as a deceptive legal ploy to protect church assets and hide secrets.

18 LOCAL WATER SYSTEMS FAIL SAFE DRINKING STANDARDS

In San Diego County, 18 water systems failed repeated tests due to contaminants that include arsenic, uranium, nitrate, nitrite, manganese, E-coli, heavy metals, and more, including numerous water providers in East County. Sixteen other local water systems are at risk or potentially at risk, according to state records. ECM interviewed state water officials on our radio show for in-depth details on why so many water systems are failing safety tests—and what’s being done about it.

EGG RANCH FIRE IN RAMONA

A fire at the Demler Brothers Egg Ranch in July killed tens of thousands of chickens, raising animal cruelty concerns.  The ranch supplies eggs to Walmart, Smart & Final and other major retailers, yet had no plans to evacuate birds even in adjacent barns to the one in which chickens burned to death.  The ranch has previously been investigated for animal cruelty complaints after investigators from Direct Action Everywhere, an animal rights group, reportedly found tens of thousands of birds in extreme confinement, with corpses on the floor and injured birds languishing in trash bins.

PARKWAY PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT

With online sales taking a bite out of retail traffic, shopping malls across the U.S. are struggling and some have closed down. Seeking to avoid that scenario, the City of El Cajon commissioned a market analysis envisioning redevelopment options for Parkway Plaza,  East County’s largest regional shopping mall. In July, El Cajon Councilmembers unanimously favored a motion to move beyond proposed aspirational measures and begin the next step toward transforming Parkway Plaza into a mix of residential, retail, offices, entertainment and community space.

TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS

A would-be assassin opened fire at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania in July, killing an audience member, injuring Trump’s ear and wounding two other rally goers before Secret Service killed the gunman. Two months later, Secret Service agents spotted a man pointing a rifle as Trump golfed two holes away at his Florida course.  An agent opened fire and the man fled, dropping the weapon. He was arrested a short time later. The incidents raise questions over the adequacy of Secret Service steps to protect former presidents, and presidential candidates.

SHERIFF ANNOUNCES DRUG SCREENINGS FOR EMPLOYEES AT JAILS

In the latest effort to address the high rate of deaths in local jails, Sheriff Kelly Martinez announced in July that random drug and contraband screenings would be implemented at county-run jails. The action had long been called for by advocates of jail reforms to prevent drug overdoses among incarcerated individuals.

BIDEN DROPS OUT OF PRESIDENTIAL RACE, HARRIS ACCEPTS NOMINATION

Following a shaky debate performance, 84-year-old President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race in July, just months before the November election. In this unprecedented situation, Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her party’s nomination to head the ticket at the July Democratic National Convention.  Despite a strong debate performance against Trump in September, Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, ultimately lost the election to Trump in November, when Republicans also took control of both the House and Senate.

WILDFIRES THREATEN HOMES

ECM sent alerts on dozens of brush fires in 2024 across our region, including several with evacuations in East County communities. The largest was the Nixon Fire, which scorched 4,941 acres in late July and early August. The blaze burned 7 homes in Riverside County and caused evacuations in the Warner Springs area in San Diego County before firefighters finally extinguished the fast-moving fire.

JUDGE BLOCKS FANITA RANCH IN SANTEE

In the latest round of legal wrangling over the proposed 3,000-home Fanita Ranch project in Santee, a in August judge ordered Santee’s City Council to rescind its latest approval of Fanita Ranch. Judge Katherine Bacal ruled on behalf of environmental groups led by Preserve Wild Santee, finding that the city illegally ignored its own rule which required that voters be allowed to weigh in on any new development requiring a change to the city’s general plan.

LOCAL CLIMATE ACTIONS

In September, County Supervisors adopted a new climate action plan, a blueprint for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the unincorporated area and at County facilities to reach net zero emissions by 2045. In November, La Mesa’s City Council adopted an enhanced climate action plan which Councilman Jack Shu called “best climate change plan” in the region. Although the incoming Trump administration has pledged to slash climate action programs and withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, the actions of local governments still have a role to reduce greenhouse gases and work to slow climate change.

PROJECT 2025

Project 2025 is an 887-page blueprint for a second Trump administration, according to its authors. Trump has alternately praised it, claimed never to have read it, and said he disagrees with parts of it; he has denied knowing its authors, even though those authors include 140 top officials and advisors from Trump’s first presidential term, some of whom wrote entire chapters. ECM reviewed the entire document and provided an analysis of its most controversial provisions and how they could impact our readers and our community.

Project 2025’s  stated mission is to restore family as centerpiece of American life, “dismantle the administrative state”, defend our nation’s sovereignty and borders against global threats, and secure ”God given individual rights to live freely.” But if fully implemented, it would dismantle many branches of our federal government, shut down the department of education and the federal emergency management agency (FEMA), politicize federal agencies,  weaponize the justice department, weaken environmental protections and abandon climate change goals, as well as take away many rights and protections for women, minorities, and the LGBTQ community.

SALES TAX MEASURES APPROVED BY VOTERS IN 3 OF 4 EAST COUNTY CITIES

With local governments grappling to fund essential services ranging from police and fire protection to filling potholes, four East County cities put measures on the ballot to increase or extend prior sales tax hikes.  Voters in Lemon Grove, La Mesa and Santee voted enthusiastically to support passage of those measures, but Santee voters defeated a sales tax initiative intended to bolster fire protection.

NEW FACES TO REPRESENT EAST COUNTY

The November election swept in some new faces to represent East County communities.  Lemon Grove voters sought change, ousting an incumbent mayor and councilmember while voting in Alysson Snow as the new mayor, along with new councilmembers Steve Faia and Alysson Snow.  In La Mesa, two open seats were won by Lauren Cazares and Genevieve Suzuki, giving La Mesa a diverse city council with four women, two Latinos, an African-American, and the city’s first LGBTQ+ representative.  ECM held candidate forums for Lemon Grove’s mayoral and council candidates, as well as for La Mesa’s city council contenders.

In the state Assembly, Carl DeMaio defeated fellow Republican Andrew Hayes, while LaShea Sharp-Collins won over fellow Democrat Colin Parent. Akilah Weber, formerly in the Assembly, advanced to the State Senate, defeating Bob Divine.  California also has a new U.S. Senator, Democrat Adam Schiff. 

Incumbents won reelection handily in the El Cajon and Santee City Council races, while East County’s incumbent Congressional members Darrell Issa and Sara Jacobs also won reelection by wide margins.

ISRAEL-LEBANON CEASE FIRE

In November, U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emanuel Macron announced a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. The historic accord  included assurances that Israel will be secure from threats by Hezbollah, which had been bombing Israel from southern Lebanon, and other terrorist groups, with stabilization of southern Lebanon to be provided under international supervision. The agreement called for withdrawal of Hamas from southern Lebanon and withdrawal of Israeli forces, with a goal of ultimately allowing residents of both Israel and southern Lebanon to return safely to their homes.

SERIAL ARSONIST ARRESTED

In early December, Cal Fire announced the arrest of a serial arsonist accused of setting nine fires in November including blazes in Rancho San Diego, Jamul, La Mesa, San Diego, and Dehesa. The news came as a bright spot, helping to keep our communities safer.

BIRD FLU EMERGENCY

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state emergency in December over bird flu, after the virus began spreading through dairy cows and raw milk. San Diego County Public Health officials issued a warning to consumers not to consume raw, unpasteurized milk and not to feed it to their pets, since some have died as a result.  Bird flu has also been transmitted to workers handling farm animals or wildlife carrying bird flu, which can be fatal to humans as well as animals.

SYRIANS IN EL CAJON CELEBRATE LIBERATION OF THEIR HOMELAND

After the fall of the Bashar Assad regime in Syria, hundreds of local Syrians gathered in El Cajon’s Kennedy Park to celebrate Syria’s liberation with dancing, sharing stories, and waving. U.S. flags. Emotions ran high among refugees who fled Syria to escape the brutal Assad regime. Now, local Syrians report seeing  friends and family members freed from the infamous Saydnaya prison. Many harbor hopes of someday returning home, but for now, they are waiting to see the results of the new leadership and whether its promise of a stable Syrian future will hold.

SUPERVISORS’ CHAIR NORA VARGAS STEPS DOWN OVER SAFETY CONCERNS

In a surprise announcement, newly reelected Nora Vargas, Chair of the County Board of Supervisors, announced she will step down January 6 when her term ends due to “safety and security” concerns. Vargas has said she has received death threats and harassment. The County’s first Latina Supervisor has also faced hateful comments online and abusive remarks at public meetings, as well as harsh criticism and racist remarks over her advocacy for equity and support for immigrants. She has also drawn concerns from Spring Valley and Lemon Grove residents over her support of sleeping cabins for the homeless. She and her staff have also been targets of legal claims claiming they discriminated against prospective employees.  

Her resignation will leave the board with a partisan 2-2 split until the position is filled either by appointment or special election.  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.

JAMUL TRIBAL LAND EXPANSION

 In December, legislation authored by Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) to place 172 acres of land in East County into tribal trust for the Jamul Indian Village passed the House and headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law, after the measure passed the house and a companion measure authored by Senator Padilla passed in the Senate.

Tribal Chairwoman Erica Pinto told Senators that in approving the measure, “The federal government would be helping the Tribe to honor its ancestors and their sacrifices in order to remain and prosper in the place that we have always called home.”  Legislators approved the measures despite objections raised by the Jamul-Dulzura Planning Group over potential traffic issues and concerns over the procedures followed.

Congressman Issa stated, ““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.”

By Sergio Olmos, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  Farmworkers work on a field outside of Bakersfield in Kern County on July 25 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

January 22, 2025 (Kern County, Calif.) - Acres of orange fields sat unpicked in Kern County this week as word of Border Patrol raids circulated through Messenger chats and images of federal agents detaining laborers spread on local Facebook groups. 

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

“A society is always eager to cover misdeeds with a cloak of forgetfulness, but no society can fully repress an ugly past when the ravages persist to the public. America owes a debt of justice which it has only begun to pay.” – Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a press conference in 1964; public domain image via Wikipedia

January 22, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – While the nation honored slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, President Donald Trump ironically issued sweeping executive orders to revoke not only Biden-era diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) guidelines for all federal agencies, but also roll back actions to protect minorities dating back to the 1960s, such as affirmative action, USA Today reports.

The actions drew swift condemnation from Bernice King, MLK’s daughter.  She posted on social media, “This is what my father described in his book, ‘Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?’, as #WhiteBacklash. That’s when any work and progress in the areas of racial justice and equity are met with assertions that no change is needed; with insistence that programs purposed for preventing pervasive, historically anti-Black policies and practices are harmful and unneeded; and with lies and distortion to convince people to curtail the work and progress.”

She noted that her father’s “dream encompassed eradicating racism, including in healthcare, policing, banking, and education,adding,”We have not done that. So don’t attribute canceling #DEI to wanting to honor #MLK.”

DEI programs aim to assure that people of all backgrounds are welcome and have resources to succeed regardless of race, color, or gender orientation. It differs from affirmative action programs, which have a goal of remedying historical injustices through preferential hiring practices.

Trump’s order claims that DEI has corrupted federal institutions by “replacing hard work, merit, and equality with a divisive and dangerous preferential hierarchy.”  His order to eliminate DEI will impact all levels of the federal government, including aviation, medical programs such as Medicare, and federal law enforcement agencies.  The federal government employees over 2 million civilian workers, of whom the largest number, 147,000, are in California, according to the Congressional Research Office.

During Trump’s first term, he issued executive orders to ban government contractors and federal agencies from offering diversity training, even setting up a tip line for whisteblowers to turn in employers who defied the order.

Private-sector employers may be targeted next, a Trump official told USA Today.

Already, some private employers, notably Amazon and Meta,  have announced that they are dropping or scaling back DEI programs.

But other companies are pushing back, such as Apple and Costco. Both have urged shareholders to reject anti-DEI proposals, and argue that diversity initiatives are good for business.

A USA Today investigation suggests the need for DEI remains.  The study found that the top ranks of America’s largest companies remain predominantly white and male.

Civil rights leaders have voiced outrage over Trump’s latest actions.

“We have DEI because you denied us diversity, you denied us equity, you denied us inclusion, “ the Rev.Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, said at the Metropolitan AME church, a historic black church in Washington  D.C.  “DEI was a remedy to the racial institutional bigotry practiced in academia and in these corporations.”

By Henri Migala

Photo: cc via Bing

January 22, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- On Monday, January 20, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time, once again placing the world's top historic emitter of greenhouse gases outside the global pact aimed at pushing nations to tackle climate change.

The withdrawal comes amid increasingly severe wildfires, hurricanes and other severe weather disasters fueled in large part by rapidly accelerating climate change. A National Climate Assessment study found that climate change is affecting every region in the U.S., across economic sectors.

Far from taking any other steps to reduce carbon emissions, however, President Trump has issued executive orders to end actions aimed at cutting carbon and increase use of fossil fuels that accelerate climate change.

His administration has also deleted all climate change information and references from federal websites, eliminating access to key data for researchers, the press, and the public.

What is the Paris Climate  and why is it important?

The Paris Climate Agreement is a landmark international accord that was adopted by nearly every nation in 2015 to address climate change and its negative impacts. The agreement holds countries accountable to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to limit the global temperature increase in this century to 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, while at the same time pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees.

The only countries in the world which have not ratified the 2015 Paris Climate  are Iran, Libya and Yemen. With President Trump’s removal of the United States from the Paris Agreement, the U.S. has now joined those countries.

From the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):

The Paris Climate Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on 12 December 2015. It entered into force on 4 November 2016.

Its overarching goal is to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.”

However, in recent years, world leaders have stressed the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C by the end of this century. That’s because the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that crossing the 1.5°C threshold risks unleashing far more severe climate change impacts, including more frequent and severe droughts, heatwaves and rainfall.

To limit global warming to 1.5°C, greenhouse gas emissions must peak before 2025 at the latest and decline 43% by 2030.

The Paris Climate Agreement  is a landmark in the multilateral climate change process because, for the first time, a binding agreement brings all nations together to combat climate change and adapt to its effects.

History of U.S. climate action and commitments under Paris Climate Agreement

The United States' relationship with the Paris Climate Agreement has seen significant shifts, influenced by changes in presidential administrations. Under President Barack Obama, the U.S. was an active participant in the negotiations and played a significant role in shaping the agreement. In 2016, President Obama formally signed the Paris Agreement, committing the U.S. to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025.

In 2017, President Donald Trump, who called climate change “a hoax,” announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Agreement, citing concerns about its economic impact and fairness to American industries. The formal withdrawal process took effect in November 2020.

On his first day in office, President Biden formally notified the United Nations of the United States’ intent to rejoin the Agreement, which the US did thirty days later, on February 19, 2021 (a delay required by policy).

The U.S., under President Biden, took an active role in global climate negotiations, aiming to reduce emissions, invest in renewable energy, and encourage other countries to enhance their climate commitments. The U.S. pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and was working to advance both domestic and international climate action.

In 2022, less than two years since taking office, President Biden’s leadership to tackle the climate crisis had boosted U.S. manufacturing and deployment of cost-cutting clean energy technologies, put the country on a durable path aligned with limiting warming to 1.5 °C, and galvanized global action by partners and the private sector – building unprecedented momentum towards achieving critical climate goals and strengthening global resilience.

Former President Biden’s climate action plan, presented at the COP27 (The 27^th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Egypt in November 2022, positioned the United States to achieve the ambitious goals of reducing emissions 50-52% below 2005 levels in 2030 and to net-zero by 2050 through a series of unprecedented climate actions. 

These Green New Deal actions were not only reducing emissions, but promised to bolster energy security, help families save money on their energy bills, create good-paying jobs for workers and spur a new era of clean American manufacturing, advance environmental justice, and ensure healthier air and cleaner water for communities.

Trump declares national energy emergency,  moves to worsen greenhouse gas emissions

On Monday, January 20, President Trump terminated America’s commitments to address climate change, both domestically and internationally, while promising to actively and aggressively engage in activities that directly contribute to climate change, such as committing the US to use more fossil fuels that increase greenhouse gas emissions.

The U.S. has been the world’s largest oil and gas producer for years. The CEOs of Exxon  and Chevron have said oil and gas production levels are based on market conditions and are unlikely to change meaningfully in response to Trump’s desire to “drill, baby, drill.”

As part of President Trump’s energy agenda, the President has declared a national energy emergency, arguing that the U.S. faces a “precariously inadequate and intermittent energy supply, and an increasingly unreliable grid” that threatens national security.

In anticipation of President Trump’s promise to expand U.S. production and use of fossil fuels, President Biden moved to protect U.S. coastal waters from oil and gas drilling. President Trump has issued an order to revoke Biden’s ban, although it is uncertain if the President has the authority to do so. A federal court struck down a similar order by Trump during his first term that sought to reverse President Obama’s move to protect Arctic and Atlantic waters from similar exploitation. President Trump has also ordered the exploitation of natural resources in formerly-protected , environmentally sensitive raeas in Alaska.

Excerpts from the President’s Executive Order:

Sec. 3.  Implementation.  (a)  The United States Ambassador to the United Nations shall immediately submit formal written notification of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

(b)  The United States Ambassador to the United Nations shall immediately submit written formal notification to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, or any relevant party, of the United States’ withdrawal from any agreement, pact, , or similar commitment made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

(c)  The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, in collaboration with the Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury, shall immediately cease or revoke any purported financial commitment made by the United States under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

(e)  The U.S. International Climate Finance Plan is revoked and rescinded immediately.  (Note: all references to the US International Climate Finance Plan have been removed from all US government websites and was not available for review for this article).

(f)  Within 30 days of this order, the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Agriculture, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Chief Executive Officer of the International Development Finance Corporation, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, President of the Export-Import Bank, and head of any other relevant department or agency shall submit a report to the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs that details their actions to revoke or rescind policies that were implemented to advance the International Climate Finance Plan.

Global and domestic reactions to the announcement of the second U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement:

World Meteorological Organization Spokesperson Clare Nullis:

"The United States of America accounts for the lion’s share of global economic losses from weather, climate and water-related hazards. According to the U.S. figures, the U.S. has sustained more than 400 weather and climate disasters since 1980 where overall costs exceeded $1 billion... The need for the Paris Agreement is more urgent than ever."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning:

"China is concerned about the U.S. announcement that it will withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Climate change is a common challenge facing all of humanity. No country can stay out of it, and no country can be immune to it."

Brazil's Environment Minister Marina Silva:

"President Donald Trump in his inaugural speech started to confirm the most pessimistic predictions about the challenging times to come. His first announcements go against backing the energy transition, combating climate change, and valuing renewable energy. They are the opposite of policies guided by evidence brought by science and common sense imposed by the reality of extreme weather events, including in his own country."

Former French Prime Minister and President of COP 21 Laurent Fabius:

"This is a serious decision, contrary to scientific evidence, but one that should not prevent us from continuing the vital international fight against climate change and its serious consequences for humanity."

New York Governor Kathy Hochul And New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Co-Chairs of the U.S. Climate Alliance:

"Our states and territories continue to have broad authority under the U.S. Constitution to protect our progress and advance the climate solutions we need. This does not change with a shift in federal administration ... It's critical for the international community to know that climate action will continue in the U.S. The Alliance will bring this message to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil (COP30) later this year."

Ani Dasgupta, President and CEO of World Resources Institute:

"It simply makes no sense for the United States to voluntarily give up political influence and pass up opportunities to shape the exploding green energy market."

Resources:

“Everything you Need to Know” about the Paris Climate Agreement: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/paris-climate-agreement-everything-you-need-know

To read the full text of President Trump’s Executive Order to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and revoke the US International Climate Finance Plan, see: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/putting-america-first-in-international-environmental-agreements/

For additional information and to read the full details about the strategies and goals of the Paris Agreement, see:  https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement

The Green New Deal: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/109/text

Extreme Weather and Climate Change:

https://www.c2es.org/content/extreme-weather-and-climate-change/

National Climate Assessment: https://refresh-stg-c2es.pantheonsite.io/content/national-climate-assessment/

East County News Service

December 31, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) - Our region lost civic leaders and luminaries this year in fields including a basketball superstar, an astronaut, a famous architect, a retired Sheriff’s deputy and Chamber of Commerce chairman, a World War veteran, an HVAC industry leader, a noted philanthropist, a former college president, a retired teacher, an engineer and newscaster, a political party chairwoman and a community theatre cofounder.  They are gone but not forgotten, leaving lasting legacies and memories.

Read more about their remarkable lives below; each title links to a full obituary.

BILL WALTON, basketball champion and hometown hero

NBA Hall of Famer and former Helix High School superstar Bill Walton, 71, died May 27 after a prolonged battle with cancer. One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Walton later became an award-winning sportscaster.

But he also won hearts and minds in the La Mesa community through his philanthropic efforts, including raising millions of dollars to build the Bill Walton Gymnasium at the Boys & Girls Club in La Mesa, where he was mentored in his youth.

JAMES HUBBELL, famed architect and artist

Visionary artist and internationally acclaimed architect James Hubbell passed away on May 17 at age 92, surrounded by family members including his wife, Anne.  Hubbell founded the  Ilan-Lael Foundation, founded by Hubbell to inspire future generations of budding artists, architects and builders. 

Hel designed hundreds of public and private artworks locally and around the world. Internationally,  he headed up efforts to create a series of international peace parks at locations rimming the Pacific Ocean.  He also began a 30-year volunteer project to build Colegio La Esperanza, an elementary school embedded with mosaics to bring hope, education and beauty to students east of Tijuana, Mexico.
JOAN JACOBS, philanthropist, wife of Qualcomm’s founder

Joan Jacobs, a San Diego community leader who along with her husband, Irwin, made transformational philanthropic gifts to many local arts organizations, died of heart failure in May  at age 91.  She was the wife of Qualcomm Founder Irwin Jacobs and grandmother of Congresswoman Sara Jacobs.

Irwin and Joan Jacobs’ philanthropic gifts included large bequests to the San Diego Symphony, La Jolla Playhouse, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Salk Institute, and the Jacobs School of Engineering at UCSD. She was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy and remembered by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria for her “profound impact on San Diego.”

ROBERT “BOB” SCHULZE,  cofounder of Off Broadway Live Theatre in Santee

Bob Schulze, a singer and actor who co-founded the Off Broadway Live musical theatre in Santee, died of a heart attack on August 30. 

He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1984 to 1987 and dedicated over 30 years to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, before his retirement. He was passionate about keeping his country safe and prosperous, serving both at home and abroad. He also served on the worship service team at Sonrise Church in Santee.

WILLIAM ANDERS,  astronaut famed for his photo of planet Earth

Astronaut William Anders, who took the famous “Earthrise” photo of our planet during the historic Apollo 8 mission, died on June 8 at age 90 when the small plane he was piloting crashed near Seattle. “We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth,” Anders said of his role in man’s first mission to the moon.

Anders graduated from Grossmont High School in 1951 and then the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. He joined the Navy and later the Air Force, flying fighter jets, becoming a test pilot and then a NASA astronaut. After NASA he served in government roles, including chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, then entered the business world with positions at General Electric, Textron and General Dynamics, where he ultimately became chairman and CEO.

STEPHEN WEBER, former SDSU president

Stephen Lewis Weber, who led San Diego State University as President for 15 years, left a legacy of academic excellence and service.   Born on March 17, 1942, he also left this world on St. Patrick’s Day in 2024.

During his tenure, SDSU led the nation in improved graduation rates. Weber also raised academic standards, diversified the campus, and pioneered programs to help veterans and low-income, first-generation college students enter SDSU.  He chaired the NCAA executive committee, AVID, and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.  After his diagnosis with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, he published a collection of essays and continued to support charities, as well as his beloved Aztecs sports teams, throughout his life.

JOHN FISTERE, JR., Engineer, humanitarian, and broadcaster on ECM’s radio show

John Fistere, a news broadcaster on the East County Magazine Radio  Show, died July 26 at age 89 of complications from Parkinson’s disease. A long-time La Mesa resident, Fistere served in the U.S. Navy and then had a 40-year career in engineering, ending with his retirement from Solar Turbines, Inc.

He served as president of Rotary Club in La Mesa, founded the East County Physics Meetup, co-founded the Prostate Cancer Research and Education Foundation, and published a software program to help prostate cancer survivors track results. He also served as President of San Diego Festival Chorus and Unity San Diego, leaving a lasting impact on our community.

JIM WIEBOLT, Sheriff’s deputy and La Mesa Civic Leader

A respected deputy in the San Diego County Sheriff's Crime Prevention Unit for more than a dozen years, James “Jim” Warren Wieboldt died on Dec. 7 at age 67. Wiebolt was also a civic and business community leader, serving as founding chairman of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the city’s Parking Commission, and Chair of the La Mesa Centennial Project’s Events and Calendar Committee. He was also active in the La Mesa Village Merchants Association.

A graduate of Grossmont High School in 1975,  he later earned a degree in criminal justice from National University in San Diego and owned several businesses. He also ran for La Mesa Mayor, City Council and Treasurer. 

BECCA TAYLOR, San Diego County Democratic Chair

Rebecca “Becca” Taylor, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, died in July of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in Utah. 

She served in the U.S. Navy, where she volunteered as an advocate for sexual assault victims. She founded and served as first chair of the Veterans Caucus for California Young Democrats in 2014.  She also worked with Serving Seniors, on the board of directors of the Ocean Beach Town Council, and as secretary of the Metro West Area Caucus. In addition, she was a volunteer manager with the San Diego Rapid Response Network, helping asylum seekers. Acting party chair  Kyle Krahel-Frolander said of Taylor, “She embodied the best of us.”

ADALBERT “DEL” CONNOR,  WWII veteran

Adalbert Connor, a World War II veteran who participated in many significant battles as part of the “greatest generation, passed away on November 10 at age 103.

In the U.S. Army, he participated in multiple beach landings in the East Indies, including Leyte, Luzon, and Japan. Rising to the rank of sergeant, he returned home in 1946 with immense pride in his service to his country. He obtained a teaching degree from San Diego State University and later, worked for the Money Mutual of New  York insurance agency. He resided in Allied Gardens for over 70 years.

ROB DEASON, retired teacher

Rob Deason, a retired teacher in the San Diego Unified School District and husband of Deerhorn Valley Antler publisher Kim Hamilton, died January 2 after a long illness

Deason studied liberal arts at California Western University.  A talented woodworker, he also studied woodworking and electronics at San Diego State University California. He married Hamilton in 1987.His articles and photos on backcountry life appeared in the Deerhorn Valley Antler.  After losing their barn in the Harris wildfire in 2007, Deason built a new art and music studio, Casa Calibri, that has doubled as meeting space for the Deerhorn Valley Community Association and a pickup site for CSA farm boxes.  "Rob loved having people just stop by a stay a while. Lots of good community vibes,"  Hamilton told ECM.
KATALINA “KATY” FRAUSTO AGUILAR, HVAC industry trail blazer

Katy Aguilar, a trailblazer in the HVAC industry, died January 29 in a car crash in El Cajon, leaving behind a wife and three children. She attained national recognition in business as among the top 1% of HVAC technicians in the U.S. and inspired women to attain success in the male-dominated field.

She made a national impact, inspiring women by proving that women can achieve success in the male-dominated trade. She achieved recognition as the top 1% of HVAC technicians in the U.S. and continued to break records year after year. She was known for devotion to her family, her sense of humor, enthusiasm as a Dodgers fan, and for helping others in need.

San Carlos resident and wheelchair dancer Isaac Whiting

Isaac Paul Whiting, 43, died on Decembr 8 due to oxygen related issues following chronic asthma complications after contracting COVID in 2020.

Whiting grew up in East County. He started High School in Clairemont as a middle schooler and graduated from Helix High School in East County. He later attended Cuyamaca College and Grossmont College, but was unable to attend for most of the past year.

Confined to a wheelchair due to spina bifida, he began wheelchair dancing in his mid-twenties.  He eventually danced with singer Jason Mraz in the Wheelchair Dancers Organization (WDO).  He attended church religiously in San Carlos and El Cajon.  His favorite color was green and he enjoyed books and concerts such as Weird Al as well as camping in Seattle near his father.

He is survived by his parents, sister and a grandmother.

Biden hopes to next achieve a cease-fire in Gaza before his term ends, with an agreement for a Palestinian state and security for Israel

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Hezbollah fighters in Southern Lebanon in 2023, via Tasnim News Service

November 28, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – In a historic accord, on Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden and President Emmanuel Macron of France issued a joint statement announcing that after “weeks of tireless diplomacy,” Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a cease fire that went into effect yesterday.

“The United States and France will work with Israel and Lebanon to ensure this arrangement is fully implemented and enforced,” the statement continued. Though the U.S. has supported Israel including sending war planes used to bomb Hezbollah targets,  U.S. troops will not be sent to the region, the President assured.

The agreement includes assurances that Israel will be secure from threats by Hezbollah, which has been bombing Israel from southern Lebanon, and other terrorist groups.  Hezbollah must move its forces north of the Litani River, about 20 miles from the Blue Line marking the Israel-Lebanon border. 

Over the next six weeks,  stabilization of southern Lebanon is to be provided by the Lebanese army  and State Security Forces will deploy 10,000 troops, under international supervision. The agreement also includes withdrawal of Israeli forces, ultimately allowing residents of both Israel and southern Lebanon to return safely to their homes.

But President Biden made clear in a press conference, “This is designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.”

President Biden, in a press conference, noted that over 70,000 Israelis and over 300,000 Lebanese people have been forced to live as refugees in their own countries due to Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, bombing Israeli communities and Israel retailing with military strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah. 

Photo, right, via Israeli Defense Forces:  F-151 fighter jet provided by the Biden administration to Israel, shown here in bombing run against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in September 2024.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he supported the agreement, along with Israel’s Security Cabinet, to focus on the threat from  Iran, which has backed Hezbollah, and to work toward bringing hostages taken by Hamas home now that Israeli actions have killed Hezbollah’s leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and decimated its ranks. Netanyahu has made clear that Israel reserves the right to respond militarily if the agreement is violated, such as if Hezbollah resumes bombing, building tunnels or bringing in more weapons, San Diego Jewish World reports.

The peace is a fragile one. Already in the past 24 hours, each side has accused the other of violating the cease-fire.  Israel claims Hezbollah was moving its people into the no-go zone, and responded with warning shots from drones followed by bombing of a missile storage site. Hezbollah has claimed these were Lebanese civilians returning, though civilians have been warned to stay out of the area until it has been made safe.

Mike Huckabeee, Trump’s U.S. ambassador to Israel designee, told Fox News the peace agreement is “certainly good news”  for both Israelis and Lebanese, “if it holds, but the problem is that Hezbollah and its Iranian backed proxies like Hamas and the Houthis, they’ve never kept an agreement.”

Al Jazeera, an Arab news service, reports that tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese have begun returning home to southern Lebanon and celebrating in the streets, despite warnings from the Israeli military to wait until it is secured and Israeli forces have withdrawn.

Congressman Darrell Issa, a Republican from San Diego who is of Lebanese descent, refused to acknowledge Biden’s contributions despite intense negotiations by the Biden administration.  Issa tweeted, @realDonaldTrump deserves credit for peace in the Middle East. Biden deserve none.”

However the international media hails Biden, along with Macron, for achieving the daunting task of a cease fire  in Lebanon and aspiring for a broader peace.

Reuters, the French news service, calls the ceasefire agreement “a rare diplomatic feat in a region racked by conflict.”

Similarly, the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, makes clear, “The US, Israel's key backer, had led the charge with France in negotiating the deal in Lebanon.”

According to Reuters, Hezbollah strikes in Israel have killed 45 civilians and 73 Israeli soldiers, while Israel strikes in Lebanon have killed 3,961 people and injured 16,520 more. According to Israel, however, all but a handful of those kills were Hezbollah militants, not civilians.

As for the Gaza conflict, President Biden made clear that while he blames Hamas for initiating the war by slaughtering over 1,300 Israeli civilians on Oct. 7,2023, the people of Gaza have “been through hell” and deserve an end to the fighting and displacement.  Over 40,000 Gazans have been killed as a result of Israel’s relentless military campaign to destroy Hamas.

Biden faults Hamas for refusing to “negotiate a good faith ceasefire and a hostage deal.” He said Hamas now has a choice to make, and that the “only way out is to release the hostages including American citizens” in order to “bring an end to the fighting which will make possible a surge of humanitarian relief.”

Next up, Biden revealed that in the coming days, the U.S. will be pushing along with allies in Turkey, Egypt and Qatar to attain a cease fire in Gaza.  Any such agreement would have to include plans for a future Palestinian state as well as assurances that it cannot threaten Israel or harbor terrorist groups backed by Iran.

President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20, and has pledged to be a staunch supporter of Israel and a hard-liner against terorrism, though domestically he has drawn criticism for praising anti-Semitic leaders, such as saying of Swastika-bearing marchers in Charlston, "There are good people on both sides." 

The U.S. is also prepared in the waning days of the Biden administration to conclude historic deals with Saudi Arabia including a security pact and economic assurances, along with what Biden described as “a credible pathway for establishing a Palestinian state and the full normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel."

President Biden pledged, "In my remaining time in office, I will work tirelessly to advance this vision for an integrated, secure and prosperous region—all of which strengthens America’s national security.” 

By Miriam Raftery

January 8, 2025 (La Mesa) – Dozens of public speakers at yesterday’s Grossmont Healthcare District meeting urged the board to move its 9 a.m. meetings to evenings in order to accommodate people with full-time jobs. The proposal was made by newly elected director Nadia Farjood, a working mother who says her new full-time job at the District Attorney’s office prevents her from attending daytime meetings.

The district represents about 520,000 residents. Around 271 people signed a petition in support of Farjood’s proposal, and around 40 showed up in support at yesterday’s meeting. But despite testimony from union representatives, healthcare workers, district residents and local elected officials, Farjood’s proposal failed, with no other director in support.

Some speakers voiced concern not only for Farjood, but for the potential chilling effect on would-be candidates who may be persuaded from running for office if they have full-time day jobs.

Jesse Garcia from the carpenters’ union called it “unfair” and “unAmerican” to “disenfranchise the 23,000 voters” who backed Farjood in the recent election by refusing to accommodate her request, potentially forcing her off of the board. He noted that he serves on multiple boards and committees, which all have evening meetings.

Regina Beasley, a Sharp Healthcare worker and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) member, said restricting meetings to mornings is “discriminatory” based on age, gender and employment status, noting that “most of us in here have children.”

Leila Kater (photo, left) testified that she represents almost 2,000 healthcare workers in the Grossmont district. She told the board that workers “will start paying a lot more attention to these meetings” in order to “hold this board accountable.”

Toni Vargas, a phlebotomist, voiced concerns over "exclusion" of working people including healthcare workers by holding morning meetings, and said avoiding evening meetings is "about preserving power."

Briana Costen,  a trustee on the La Mesa Spring  Valley School District board, said she was “deeply troubled” by the tone of the discussion.  “This is a public board, and you serve the public,” she stated, noting that “75% of voters in this district are below retirement age” and thus likely to have work conflicts that would make it difficult to attend daytime meetings.

Patricia Dillard, Vice Mayor of La Mesa, called for “transparency and accountability.” She said if any member cannot attend evening meetings that are more accessible to the public,  “you should have no choice to go get off this board.”

Former La Mesa Councilmember Jack Shu said he would often take calls late at night from constituents. “Public service means you serve the people when it is needed,” he said after dozens of others had spoken out. “I have not heard one person speak in favor of keeping the 9 a.m. time,” he said, noting that the city of La Mesa changed its meetings to 6 p.m. and had an increase in attendance as a result.

Melinda Vasquez said she worked with Farjood and voted for her because “I knew that she would bring a different vantage point to this board...She should not have to quit her day job to do public service.”

Several callers gave remote testimony on Zoom, including La Mesa Councilwoman Lauren Cazares, who praised the “excellent service” she received from the healthcare district after being hit by a drunk driver and injured in December.  She noted, “I have a full-time job and am a councilmember.  It shouldn’t be difficult to participate in meetings,” then urged the board to “please serve the community that elected all of you.”

After public testimony, the board held a discussion led by board president Bob Ayres, who thanked everyone for sharing their views.

Director Virginia Hall disputed claims by some speakers that all board members are retired and should be more flexible. “I do work,” she said, adding that she’s also helped care for her grandson. “It saddens me to hear these comments.” She praised the district for accomplishments including lowering tax rates for taxpayers, giving out $1.5 million in grants to community organizations, receiving a Golden Watchdog Award, and being named the Best Healthcare District in California in 2023.

Hall noted that people who can’t attend in person may participate via Zoom, and noted that the board did launch a pilot program holding meetings at 5 p.m. for six months last year, but that attendance did not increase. She suggested that attendance at meetings is low because the community trusts board members to make wise decisions.

Director Randy Lenac, participating remotely, noted that the head of LAFCO has said the Grossmont Healthcare District is the “gold standard of healthcare districts” and that Sharp Grossmont is a “great hospital.”  He voiced support for keeping meetings at  9 a.m. and said the meeting time has been “settled for a long time,” drawing groans from the crowd.

Farjood pointed out that the issue at hand was not whether or not the district has done good work. She then pressed her colleagues over their responses to a survey sent to board members about their availability for meetings at other times. Though all other members had written down a preference to keep meetings at 9 a.m., she noted, “None of the members identified any conflict with 6 p.m..”  She said she has seen board members at other evening meetings, including a recent holiday party.

Lenac insisted that “9 a.m. is the best time to assure principal participants can attend,” and insisted that his availability for other times is “irrelevant,” drawing laughter from the audience. He noted, however, that when meetings used to be at 7:30 a.m. he sometimes had to drive through snow from his rural residence, but added, “I never missed a meeting.”

Farjood asked who Lenac considered principal participants, prompting the attorney to try and stop her questioning. This drew shouts from the audience, such as ”No one elected him!” and “Stop speaking down to us!”

Assured she could continue, Farjood stated, “My view is that the public are principals.”

Lenac then clarified that he was referring to members of the hospital who regularly address the board on matters such as healthcare quality, finances, facilities, and future projects.

Farjood said the board is the oversight body for the hospital.  “To say we would put the interests of the hospital above the public you’ve heard from today is backwards,” she added. She asked Lenac how he knew that hospital principals couldn’t attend a 6 p.m. meeting, and he admitted, “Well, I don’t know, but I know that 9 a.m. works.”

As for the 5 p.m. pilot program, Farjood called it a “sham” and noted that many people get off work at 5 p.m. and are commuting home at that hour. She also objected to what she views as inadequate outreach by the district, noting that most constituents she met walking precincts said they “never heard of it.”

Farjood clarified that she is not asking the board to change its days, which alternate between Tuesday and Thursday, but only to shift times to 6 p.m. or later.

Hall objected, saying that people are tired at the end of the day, and that traffic can be bad at 6 p.m.

Farjood suggested that better outreach could boost meeting attendance. When Hall asked why so many people showed up at this meeting, when meetings are usually sparsely attended, Farjood replied, “Because I let them know about this,” drawing cheers from the audience.

Board Chair Gloria Chadwick (photo), a retired nurse and long-time advocate for seniors, noted that some seniors are vision-challenged, particularly with night driving.  Pressed on her own availability for evening sessions, Chadwick said, “I will do whatever our board decides.”

Direcftor Ayres (photo,left) said “it’s possible” he could attend evening meetings, but noted that he has an outside full-time job that often requires evening work, including talking with clients in other countries.  “Last night I didn’t finish until almost 9 p.m.,” he noted.

As for Farjood’s conflict with attending daytime meetings,  Ayres noted that directors are also expected to attend training sessions, committee members, legislative days, grantees’ events and community events, which are often during daytime hours.

Farjood asked why the board needs two meetings a month. She then made a motion asking the board to change to one meeting per month, on the third Thursday at  6 p.m. No member seconded the motion, which died without a vote.

“Today is a dark day for the Grossmont Healthcare District,” concluded Farjood (photo, left), who added that increasing public access was a key part of her campaign. “No amount of years serving on this board can erase the message sent today—that working people cannot serve on this board.”

But she added defiantly,  “I am not going anywhere,” suggesting she may seek accommodation from her employer or, as an attorney, perhaps pursue a legal remedy.  “I will be advocating for this at every meeting,” she pledged, thanking all who showed up in support.