By Miriam Raftery
Photo: Merle Wakefield and Alvin Quarles have been conditionally released into Campo and Borrego Springs.
February 16, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The Sheriff’s department has sent warning notices to residents in Borrego Springs and Campo, announcing that two sexually violent predators have been conditionally released into these communities. The court has ordered Liberty Healthcare, which runs the state’s conditional release program, to continue seeking permanent placement for the two men.
Alvin Quarles, 62, is now in Borrego Springs. Known as the “Bolder than most” rapist for making spouses or partners watch, he was convicted of a series of rapes in the 1980s. He served 25 years in state prison before being committed to Coalinga State Hospital. Quarles was initially to be placed in Campo, but the state has instead opted to place the other offender, Merle Wakefield, in the Campo home instead.
Wakefield, temporarily in Campo, was convicted of lewd acts on a child in 1981 and rape by means of force, violence or fear in 1990. Prior efforts to place Wakefield at homes in Mt. Helix, Borrego Springs, and Poway failed after massive community opposition, either by a judge rejecting the placements or the state rescinding the placement location.
While on conditional release, both men must abide by stringent conditions and will be monitored via GPS and security on a round-the-clock basis.
Another SVP, Alan Earl James, was placed in the Campo home last year, but state hospital officials have requested that his outpatient release be revoked. A hearing in James' case is set for Tuesday. If a judge rules against revoking James' release, Wakefield would have to move again.
By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office
Photo: Alexis & Deondre
February 15, 2025 (San Diego) - The day started with a few showers, but the sun came out for many couples saying “I do” on Valentine’s Day.
A flurry of bridal gowns, hearts and flowers took over wedding venues at Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s (ARCC) offices across the region Friday.
Feb. 14 is traditionally one of the ARCC’s busiest days for weddings.
Between the four ARCC locations, 153 marriage licenses were issued, and 108 wedding ceremonies took place.
The busiest Valentine’s Day on record for the County was a decade ago. In 2014, the office issued 266 licenses and performed 242 ceremonies.
Valentine’s Day wedding appointments this year were booked days in advance, but those who made last minute decisions to tie the knot could still get married. Walk-ins were welcome at the ARCC’s office downtown.
Twenty couples also found themselves the happy recipients of a free marriage license and ceremony package.
ARCC partnered with the Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation to cover the costs. Radio Channel 93.3 gave away ten of the donated wedding packages on their morning show that were good for 90-days. The neighborhood foundation treated the first ten wedding couples at the County Administration Center with free weddings, flowers and chocolates.
The ARCC’s current yearly average for marriage licenses comes to nearly 25,000. For ceremonies, the ARCC reports more than 12,000 ceremonies. Half of customers who request a marriage license also hold their wedding ceremonies at the ARCC’s office.
For more information on how to get a marriage license or reserve a date for a civil wedding ceremony, visit the Marriage License & Civil Ceremony website.
See some of the Valentine’s Day newlyweds or couples getting their marriage license at the County Administration Center below.
February 15, 2025 (Spring Valley) -- The Casa de Oro Alliance invites members of the community who have been affected by flooding to a community dialogue to help bring the community together and build resilience.
The event is Tuesday, February 25 at San Diego Youth Services’ auditorium, 3845 Spring Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977, starting with free tacos (for those who RSVP) from 5:30 to 6 p.m., followed by an interactive discussion and activities from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This event is co-sponsored by the Spring Valley Community Alliance, San Diego Youth Services, and Dr. Allison Brownlee at Stronger Together Community Services.
The event page states, “Are you concerned about flooding, water runoff, or inadequate storm channels in our community? Are you frustrated that “nothing seems to get done”? Let’s come together to build solutions!”
Issue prompts drive to recall Councilman Phil Ortiz
By Alex Schorr and Miriam Raftery
Photo, left: Resolution opponents hold up sign denouncing hate and likening ICE roundups to “Gestapo” tactics
February 14, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s City Council on Tuesday passed a controversial resolution allowing the city’s police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and hand over any undocumented who has been convicted of a violent crime, as well as immigrants merely accused of a crime. The measure was introduced by Mayor Bill Wells, with backing of Councilmember Phil Ortiz and amendments by Councilman Steve Goble.
The meeting was contentious, sparked by numerous emotional outbursts, threats to recall Councilmember Ortiz for supporting the resolution, and playing of phone threats made against Councilmembers who voted against the measure previously.
Just two weeks ago, the Council rejected a similar proposal by a 3-2 vote, but reversed that action on Wednesday after Councilmember Goble switched sides.
“We’re not a sanctuary city,” said Goble, adding that the city should not hinder federal immigration authorities. He voiced support for deporting violent criminals, then revealed that he and Mayor Bill Wells held a meeting in December with Tom Homan, Pres Donald Trump’s border czar, on the issue.
California’s SB 54 law prohibits local law enforcement officers from participating in immigration sweeps and allows officers to only turn over undocumented immigrants to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they have been convicted of certain serious felony crimes and if there is a judicial warrant. But the Trump administration is rounding up many immigrants who have not been convicted of crimes. Both the federal and state government have threatened legal actions against cities that comply or defy SB 54. Ultimately, Goble said he wants to see SB 54 amended to allow more cooperation between police and ICE.
The revised resolution includes several amendments, including one proposed by Goble asking the U.S. Attorney General to indemnify El Cajon and defend its police officers against state challenges over immigration actions. “I don’t want this conflict to punish our police officers,” said Goble, who insisted that the resolution is for the “sole purpose of getting rid of serious and violent criminals and to protect the people of El Cajon.”
But the resolution allows far more than that in authorizing police to handover people merely accused of a crime to ICE for deportation, including to foreign prisons or the infamous Guantanamo Bay “Gitmo” prison without any opportunity for due process or a trial.
In public comments, 46 speakers addressed the Council in heated testimony on both sides. Repeatedly, participants caused vocal disturbances, booed or cheered, and several made racially charged remarks. Several times, Mayor Wells called brief recesses due to disruptions, at one point threatening to “move this upstairs and leave you all out of it,” with only press allowed to be present.
Patricia Mondragon (photo, right), regional and policy manager for Alliance San Diego, said Trump’s promise to remove only violent criminals is “a lie. In city after city, nonoffenders are being detained and living in fear.” Mondragon warned that even some immigrants with legal status, such as those who lawfully requested asylum and are awaiting hearings, are being swept up by ICE.
Mondragon said the resolution’s backers have mischaracterized numbers provided by ICE last year, which suggested that 640,000 undocumented criminals in the U.S. are not detained. In fact, about a third of those have not been convicted of any crime. Of those convicted, many or perhaps most are already in prisons. That data spans decades, so some of those individuals may have died or left the U.S. on their own.
She believes Mayor Wells is “setting the city up as a litigant to challenge existing state law” and “asking the Attorney General for permission to violate state law.”
Many speakers characterized the resolution as racist and voiced fears that people with brown skin will face racial profiling.
Dr. Sergio Conte (photo, left) said he loves living in El Cajon, which has over 70 ethnic communities. He spoke of enjoying ethnic restaurants, walking his dog in the park among people of many cultures, and watching children from Afghanistan playing cricket. “We never had these problems until the Mayor divided us,” he said. Now we are white against brown people...Why? In 116 years we never had one councilmember to represent our community,” he said, noting that 35% of El Cajon voters are of Spanish heritage.
Then he directed his outrage at Councilmember Phil Ortiz—and issued a recall election threat. “We are going to recall you in 90 days, on March 10,” he told Ortiz, “because you were elected by the Latino community and you hate us...We are not criminals.” Ortiz represents a heavily Hispanic district; state law allows recall of an official 90 days after their current term of office begins.
But Mary Davis (photo, right) sees the resolution as “standing up for law and order.” She insists that isn’t racist. While opponents spoke of “kids in cages” in detention camps, Davis spoke of “kids in coffins.” She held up a photo of three children whom she said were killed in Sacramento by an undocumented father after he was arrested for a violent offense, then released.
Closer to home, RAD movement cofounder Sharie Finn says her child was raped and trafficked by an “illegal immigrant who is sitting in prison right now” but was not deported. She said the RAD movement’s volunteers have rescued children being trafficked locally. Finn supports the resolution because “this is one step to help our officers in getting violent offenders off the streets, period.”
Several speakers referenced the Lincoln-Reily act just passed by Congress and signed by President Trump. It mandates federal detention of immigrants accused of even non-violent crimes such as theft.
“We’re talking about sending El Cajon residents to foreign concentration camps without a trial,” one woman said, noting that a notorious prison in El Salvador, which has offered to take in deportees, has had people die of dehydration.
Others predicted the resolution would mire the city in costly litigation. Lawsuits potentially be filed by the state of California as well as immigrant rights and civil rights organizations, since the resolution could be challenged as unconstitutional for violating due process and a right for accused persons to have a speedy trial, since the Constitution applies to everyone in the U.S, regardless of citizenship statues.
Some supporters lobbed inflammatory statements. One woman called for all undocumented immigrants to be deported, adding, “Anybody up here who would like to have a sanctuary city should be arrested...Anybody that wants to protest and burn our flag should be arrested also.”
Some opponents likened ICE tactics to fascism or Nazism. Others quoted Bible verses to support positions on both sides.
Amy Reichert from Restore San Diego (photo, right) spoke in support of the resolution, stating, “This should not be a debate. We should not be called anti-Christian or racist.”
The final speaker, Julianne, told the Council that in 1931, “Mexicans were rounded up from hospitals, from cities, from their homes....they were summarily put in boxcars and trucked to Mexico....One of them was my grandfather. He was taken out of the hospital and sent to Mexico City; he was not from Mexico City...My grandmother despairingly went after him with my mother and my aunt; both were born here in the United States” and remained in Mexico until 1965.
She offered a chilling warning about “people who do not learn history and do not remember history. As you can see, it will be done again—and we need to learn from that.”
After the public speakers, Councilmembers held a discussion.
Councilman Gary Kendrick had the City Attorney clarify that SB 54 was challenged in federal court in 2017, but was upheld as constitutional by atrial court and by the 9th circuit court, with the Supreme Court allowing the law to stand without hearing it, making “SB 54 the law of the land,” Kendrick noted.
He then asked City Manager Graham Mitchell to dispel misinformation circulating online claiming that El Cajon is a sanctuary city. Mtichell made clear, “Not once in the nearly 25 years that I’ve been city attorney has the Council adopted a resolution, ordinance, or anything else that the city is a sancturay city.”
Kendrick asked if an officer violates SB 54, can the state remove their certification to serve as a police officer in California? The City Manager looked up state law and later confirmed that while SB54 doesn’t expressly require decertification, there are provisions that if an officer “violates state law or demonstrates bias, the state can take away your certification.”
Kendrick made clear, ”I don’t want to put our police officers in jeopardy or make it difficult to do their job.” He noted that the police need people willing to cooperate as witnesses and report crimes, not be afraid of police. As a Sunday school teacher, he voiced concern over ICE now being allowed to enter churches, schools and hospitals, adding that if people are afraid to go to clinics or hospitals for treatments or vaccines, diseases such as strep throat, measles or chicken pox could spread. “This is hurting our community,” he said.
He noted that no other local cities have passed such a measure, and only one other city of 480 in California has done so.” Let’s see how all this works out through the courts,” he said, voicing concern over costly lawsuits.
Kendrick also condemned callers who left “profane” and “disgusting” messages on his voice mail at City Hall, the played several of them as examples.
The majority of you are traitors to this country and all your information is public,” one caller threated. Another demanded after the last meeting, “Why did you vote no to get rid of all the dirty, stinking illegal aliens?” One message called him a “retarded, fat piece of s**t.” Yet another denounced Kendrick’s mother, who lived in Czechoslovakia when the Nazis took her Jewish boss, who was never seen again. “Goddamn you to f**ing hell and your mother is a f***ing whore,” the caller ranted.
Kendrick indicated that Councilmember Michelle Metschel received similar messages after voting against the resolution. Both say they support deporting convicted violent criminals as SB 54 allows.
“I am disgusted at such an attack on the democratic process through these attempts at intimidation and the threats that are completely against American democracy,” Kendrick said, drawing a standing ovation (photo,left)
Councilmember Metschel used her time to push back against a woman who forwarded an email that spread on the internet, in which Metschel apologized for becoming emotional in what she termed “bad behavior” at the last meeting, though other speakers applauded her for taking a strong stand. In an ironic tone, she thanked those who spread the message and “making sure the public knew a public official could be human and not jaded.”
Metschel then confronted Amy Reichert over her statements repeatedly claiming El Cajon voted to “stay a sanctuary city” including on an Instagram post and an email to supporters. Reichert leaped out of her seat in the audience, shouting repeatedly at Metschel in an angry outburst that prompted calls for her removal. Instead, the Mayor announced a 10-minute recess for “cooler heads” to prevail.
Councilman Ortiz (photo, left) doubled down on his stance in favor of the resolution. “I want violent criminals removed and I have big problems with SB 54,” he said. He noted that many crimes are not included on the list of those for which immigrants can be handed over to ICE, ranging from shoplifting and theft to disorderly conduct, forgery, fraud, drug offenses and arson.
“I’m not going to be pressured or bullied or shouted into saying that this resolution is something that it’s not,” he said. Ortiz called generalizations on both sides “crazy” such as “every immigrant is a criminal” as well as accusations that “I hate Mexicans.” That’s not true.”
Councilman Goble, who cast the swing vote, insisted that it’s about “public safety” but declined to acknowledge the serious concerns raised over potentially innocent people being deported without a trial or conviction. “I will support this resolution because I authored a resolution to support the backs of our police officers who have our backs,”he said, drawing a chorus of both cheers and jeers from the audience.
Mayor Wells made clear that he supports deportation without convictions in court, calling the resolution “a no brainer. We arrest someone for doing something bad who does not belong in this country, we should be able to do anything we can to get them out of this country.” Mayor Wells noted that the majority of El Cajon voters voted for Trump and wanted change.
He then denounced vocal opponents of the resolution as “completely disingenuous” adding, “People just tuned you out, because they know that you are liars.”
Wells made a motion to approve the resolution, which was seconded by Ortiz. The measure passed 3-2, with Metschel and Kendrick opposed.
The audience erupted into a mixture of gasps, jeers, and cheers, with some chanting, “Recall Phil.”
Latinos in Accion has now launched a website, https://www.recallphilortiz.com/, in Spanish and English.
By Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
Photo: Tara McGrath. Courtesy Southern District of California
February 13, 2025 (San Diego) - After 16 months as the chief federal law enforcement official in San Diego, Tara McGrath has been given her walking papers by the White House.
U.S. Attorney McGrath’s tenure in San Diego and Imperial counties ended Wednesday, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
No specific reason was given, but new presidents typically install new U.S. attorneys. Two weeks before Donald Trump was inaugurated, McGrath highlighted her office’s role in prosecuting January 6 riot defendants.
“As a presidential appointee, Ms. McGrath was informed of her termination in a communication from the White House, at the direction of the president of the United States,” said a news release. “The White House also thanked Ms. McGrath for her service to the nation.”
Under the Vacancies Reform Act, career prosecutor and current First Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden has taken over as the acting U.S. attorney, effective Wednesday.
Writing for Bloomberg Law, Ben Penn on Wednesday said the Trump administration has started firing the remaining Biden-appointed U.S. attorneys — those who hadn’t already resigned. America has 93 U.S. attorneys.
“However, in what was described as a major departure from past practice, the White House didn’t coordinate with DOJ’s Executive Office for US Attorneys and in at least one office, a successorship plan wasn’t known, creating confusion over who would sign court filings,” said the report, citing two sources.
“They said the firings were relayed in a one-sentence message from the White House declaring they’re being terminated, effective immediately, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump.”
In a statement, McGrath said: “It has been an honor to serve as U.S. attorney, working alongside an exceptional team in this office and forging strong partnerships with our law enforcement agencies and communities in pursuit of justice.
“As I step down from a decades-long career in public service, I remain inspired by dedicated public servants across this district and am proud of all we achieved together.”
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former federal prosecutor in San Diego, she was sworn in as the district’s top federal law enforcement official on October 5, 2023.
She oversaw one of the nation’s busiest United States Attorney’s Offices, which has a staff of nearly 300 and serves about 3.5 million residents in San Diego and Imperial counties.
During her tenure, said the release, McGrath prioritized protecting the community from the deadly scourge of fentanyl; investigating and prosecuting scammers targeting vulnerable populations; getting firearms out of the hands of felons and violent offenders; bringing cases to root out corruption and enforce civil rights; and using the legal tools available to safeguard the environment.
The office also successfully prosecuted cases involving Mexican drug cartels and drug trafficking — leading the nation in the number of drug trafficking cases prosecuted — as well as firearms trafficking and violent crime; complex financial frauds; national security and cybersecurity; and human smuggling and trafficking.
Key accomplishments listed for McGrath’s leadership:
- Became first in the nation to charge defendants for smuggling potent greenhouse gases across the U.S.-Mexico border, in violation of U.S. environmental laws.
- Secured sentences of six consecutive life terms and 45 years, respectively, for brothers convicted of murdering their American half sister, her three children, and her partner in Tijuana.
- Reinforced the region’s Elder Justice Task Force in partnership with the FBI and San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, recovering approximately $4.5 million stolen from elderly victims through sophisticated scams.
- Charged 40 individuals with stealing public-assistance benefits from low-income families, as part of an ongoing effort targeting thieves who exploit the government’s electronic payment system.
- Negotiated a $130,131,645 forfeiture settlement with Wynn Las Vegas for criminal conspiracy involving unlicensed money transmitting businesses worldwide. Achieved what is believed to be the largest forfeiture by a casino based on admissions of criminal wrongdoing.
- Secured conviction at trial against a defendant on 25 counts of securities fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering in connection with a $35 million investment and COVID-relief fraud scheme. Highlighted victim impact during the trial, including the defendant’s immigrant uncle who’d been swindled out of $4.5 million and many other victims who collectively lost millions of dollars.
- Facilitated the extradition of Michael Pratt, the alleged mastermind behind the GirlsDoPorn commercial sex trafficking ring, following his arrest in Spain after more than three years as an international fugitive.
This includes cases brought under the False Claims Act across a broad spectrum of program areas including health care, defense procurement, and the Paycheck Protection Program enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
McGrath graduated from University of Michigan Law School in 2001 and earned a B.A., cum laude, from Boston College in 1995.
McGrath — in her late 40s — also oversaw key civil cases, including successful defensive litigation on behalf of the United States, and led efforts to recover millions of dollars from individuals and companies involved in fraud and civil rights violations.
Since McGrath took the helm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has obtained settlements and recoveries in excess of $41 million.
Developing story
By Donald H. Harrison, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
Photo: Roz Allina, second from left, at a Sisterhood luncheon at Sheldon’s Service Station in La Mesa hours before her death. (Photo: Sue Cherlin)
February 12, 2025 (La Mesa) - Hours after attending a birthday gathering for Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood members who were celebrating their February birthdays, Rosalyn Allina and her husband James — Roz, 77, and Jim, 79 — were killed in a chain-reaction freeway accident.
California Highway Patrol reported that the Allinas’ car, a 2004 Toyota, either was “traveling at a slow speed or was stopped” in the third lane of the four-lane eastbound Interstate 8 near the Lake Murray Boulevard/ 70th Street exit around 7:18 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, when they were fatally struck from behind.
The county coroner reported that the Allinas were seated inside their apparently broken-down stationary sedan with its lights off when their car was hit. The resulting four-car pileup prompted the eastbound lanes of the freeway to be closed for several hours. Debris was scattered all over the roadway.
Jim Allina was driving Car #1. The CHP reported that a 34-year-old female from San Diego with a 4-year-old passenger was in Car No. 2, a 2016 Dodge. Car #3, a 2017 Kia, was driven by a 63-year-old female from El Cajon. Car #4, a 2017 Mercedes, was driven by a 30-year-old male from El Cajon.
Jim Allina was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts of witnesses and paramedics to revive him and Roz, City News Service reported via KNBC Television. The California Highway Patrol reported that Roz Allina was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. The driver and passenger of Car #2 were taken as a precaution to Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Car #3’s driver sustained minor injuries. Car #4’s driver sustained no injuries.
The CHP commented on Tuesday, Feb. 11, that “this is an ongoing investigation; it is unknown at this time if drugs and/or alcohol were a factor in the crash.”
Both Roz and Jim were retired; she as a licensed clinical social worker and he as a dealer in European antiques. Cailin Acosta, assistant editor of San Diego Jewish World and editor of the newsletter for Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood, said that Roz had been a Sisterhood board member for many years.
“Roz was in a mahjongg group that met every Friday at 12:30 p.m. until ‘time was up,'” Acosta said. “Roz was always happy to host and always said she would ‘provide the junk.’ She would put out candy and cakes for us to nosh on.”
At Monday’s Sisterhood luncheon, Roz wrote a “happy birthday” message to Acosta’s 12-year-old twins, CeCe and Alex. “I did not think this would be the last time I would see her. … The Lake Murray/ 70th Street exit is the one we take to get home from the I-8 freeway. This will be emotional and we will probably not take this exit for a while.”
Bea Goldberg, a former Tifereth Israel Synagogue congregant and a friend of 40-years standing, reported from her home in Orange, California, that Jim was an inveterate walker around his La Mesa neighborhood. Goldberg and the Allinas joined for lunch last week at an Orange County restaurant.
Roz was originally from Columbus, Ohio; Jim was from the San Francisco Bay area, Goldberg said. A daughter, Lori Laskey, lives in Riverside County.
Tifereth Israel Synagogue, in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego, on Tuesday sent its congregants news of the Allinas’ death. “At this time, we have no further information to share. We will let you know once details become available. Our deepest condolences to all those who mourn Roz and Jim.”
Funds sought to digitalize archived articles
Source: San Diego History Center
February 12, 2025 (Borrego Springs) - The San Diego History Center and Desert Media Holdings Inc, owner of the Borrego Sun newspaper, have reached an agreement forthe transfer of the Borrego Sun archive ensuring the preservation of the San Diego County community’s history for future generations.
The Borrego Sun, established in 1949, remains in publication today and is available through subscriptions and purchase throughout the Borrego Springs community. The archive being transferred to the History Center consists of thousands of files including pictures, articles, maps and clippings that document the history of the community over the past 70 years.
Located in northeast San Diego County, approximately 85 miles from downtown San Diego, Borrego Springs was envisioned to be San Diego’s desert resort, similar to Palm Springs. It was established by a group of businessleaders with deep tiesto San Diego and Los Angeles. Borrego Springsis the gateway to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in the contiguous United States, and is internationally recognized as a Dark Sky Community for its commitment to preserving exceptional night skies for stargazing.
Historically Borrego Springs has attracted artists, Hollywood celebrities, golf and hiking enthusiasts, as well as those who love the desert warmth and wide-open spaces. In addition to Borrego Springs, the Sun has covered news for the communities of Julian, Ocotillo Wells and the Salton Sea.
“We are honored that Patrick Meehan, owner and publisher of the Borrego Sun, recognizes the important role the San Diego History Center plays in preserving this rare resource” said Bill Lawrence, President and CEO of the San Diego History Center. “Our goal is to not only preserve this history but to make it available to students and researchers.”
A member of the Borrego Springs community, who wishes to remain anonymous, has stepped forward to provide the funding necessary to facilitate the archive’s acquisition. Now the San Diego History Center is seeking financial support to catalogue and digitize the collection.
Patrick Meehan, Desert Media Holdings Inc principle, purchased the Sun in 2016 from La Jolla based Copley Press, the owners of the San Diego Union Tribune. Copley had owned the Sun for 55 years which has been an important part of the community. Included in the sale of the newspaper to Meehan wasthe mid-century modern Borrego Sun Building, located in the heart of the Borrego Springs community. With the impending sale of the building, Meehan determined a long-term plan to preserve the archive was needed.
“The building was built in 1960 to house the Borrego Sun offices and a bank.” said Meehan. “Then as the Sun expanded, it took over the full space. The Borrego Sun newspaper will continue to be published although at a new location.”
“We are grateful that Patrick has stewarded the community’s history through this archive and has worked with the History Center on its transfer.” said Lawrence. “We look forward to being able to share this treasure with all San Diegans in the future.”
About the San Diego History Center:
Founded in 1928, SDHC is dedicated to creating a healthy, vibrant and inclusive community by connecting, preserving and revealing the past, present and future of our region. The San Diego History Center operates its Museum and Archive in Balboa Park as well as the Junipero Serra Museum in Presidio Park.
East County News Service
February 12, 2025 (San Diego's East County) -- An atmospheric river is moving into our region, bringing rain today with heavier rain late Thursday and Friday. A flood watch has been issued starting Thursday afternoon through Friday.
The Pacific storm could bring up to 7 inches on Mt. Palomar, up to 5 inchesin Julian, 2-3 inches in valleys, and up to an inch in some desert areas, with snow at higher elevations, up to two inches above 6,000 feet. Strong wind gusts in mountains up to 70 miles per hour and up to 50 mph in deserts are forecast.
California Highway Patrol is warning of winter storm conditions this morning on I-8 east of Willow Road in Alpine.
The County urges residents to be prepared. Check your home by clearing rain gutters, checking storm drains and if needed, pick up sandbags. Go to http://AlertSanDiego.org to sign up for county emergency alerts and more tips.
Mudslides are possible in recently burned areas.
The rainfall is needed, since southern California is now in severe drought conditions, according to the National Weather Service.
Dry, warmer weather is expected over the weekend.
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office
February 11, 2025 (San Diego) - With rainy weather in the forecast, including the chance of flooding in some low-lying areas, emergency officials offer seven safety tips.
If you must drive during heavy squalls, allow yourself extra time, turn on headlights even in the day, and give plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
- When approaching a flooded roadway with moving water, do not attempt to drive through it. It only takes a few inches of water to get a vehicle to float away, and there’s no guarantee the roadway below hasn’t been washed out. You can report flooded roadways or other unsafe road issues in the unincorporated area by calling (877) 684-8000.
- The same caution is true for pedestrians, if moving water can sweep a car away, it can easily do the same to people. Do not try to wade through a flooded roadway.
- If your home gets an evacuation warning, or if you feel unsafe, evacuate.
- Stay informed on adverse weather conditions, with official information from the National Weather Service or news outlets.
- Visit AlertSanDiego.org for disaster preparedness tips including flooding.
- To receive emergency alerts for your area, download the Genasys Protect app or in the App Store or Google Play.
For information on how to use sandbags to divert water from your homes or businesses or where to get them, and additional driving tips, see First Big Rains on the Way, Sandbags Available.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo via Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego on Facebook
February 11, 2025 (San Diego, CA) – Multiple faith leaders and a crowd of around 1,500 people overflowed the St. Joseph Cathedral and then held a procession to the federal building downtown and prayers in support of undocumented immigrants, chanting “our neighbors, our coworkers, our brothers and sisters,” the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego posted on Facebook.
Cardinal Robert McElroy, whom the Pope has appointed Archbishop of Washington D.C., spoke at the event, as did Episcopalian Bishop Susan Brown Snook and other faith leaders.
“Just as Jesus, Mary and Joseph had to flee oppression to another land when they were on this Earth," Cardinal McElroy said, “So too we must stand with those who are immigrants here in our midst now and make sure that their safety is secure, and that humanity is respected.”
The Cardinal acknowledged that countries have a right to control their borders, but said such actions should be done humanely. “This undifferentiated war of fear on our undocumented population is unacceptable and certainly contrary to Catholic faith,” he stated.
We can either move forward with a focused effort to secure the border in a way that is humane and respected of human rights,” the Cardinal added, “or else we're going to embark upon, and are beginning to embark upon, a crusade which will end up breaking up families, causing untold suffering among our people.”
Bishop Snook from the Episcopalian Diocese of San Diego urged those present to “remember what God has called us to do, which is to love our neighbors and exercise compassion on those who suffer and are vulnerable.
She added, “People are afraid to go to school or to go to food pantries or to go to church and exercise their freedom of religion,” 10 News reports.
Young people also spoke out on the sacrifices made by their immigrant parents to build a new life in the U.S., calling for immigrants to be treated with dignity and compassion, the Roman Catholic Diocese posted on Facebook.
Resources and rights of immigrants
The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego is working to provide information for immigrants and their families in the wake of mass deportations and harsh immigration policies imposed by President Donald Trump.
Catholic Charities is launching a webpage to provide “reliable information, such as the rights of immigrants, how to find a relative if he or she has been detained, and what legal documents may be needed, like power of attorney. Resources and training also will be available to parishes,” the diocese posted.
Click on these links to view resources including rights for immigrants:
emergencysafetyplan.org (English)
plandeemergencia.org (Spanish)
Prayer of the Migrant
To travel to You, Lord, is to live,
To leave is to die a little,
Arriving is never arriving definitively until it rests in You.
Thou, Lord, knew the migration,
And thou hast made it present to every man who understands what it is to live,
And he wants to arrive safely at the harbor of life.
Thou brought Abraham out of his land,
father of all believers.
You remembered what were the ways to get to You,
By the prophets and apostles.
Thou hast made thyself a Migrant from heaven to earth,
In the womb of your mother you conceived,
In your hasty escape to Egypt,
by the way sowing, the Gospel,
multiplying the bread, healing the sick,
And returning to the Father in your ascension.
Grant us steadfast faith, confident and joyful hope,
Burning and generous charity,
to emigrate with peace in the soul
And get to You every day and the last day.
Amen.
The above prayer was offered by the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego.