February 2025 Articles

By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County

February 17, 2025 (San Diego) -- The start of a new year often brings the promise of new beginnings. For many, that includes resolutions focused on personal health and well-being, from hitting the gym to adopting healthier eating habits. In recent years, however, more and more of us have embraced a different kind of New Year’s resolution: abstaining from alcohol for the month of January. This annual challenge, known as Dry January, has gained popularity, particularly among the “Sober Curious” movement, which seeks to explore the impact of alcohol on mental and physical health. In San Diego County, it’s more than just a passing trend. It's a growing cultural shift.

Dry January is a public health campaign encouraging individuals to refrain from consuming alcohol for the entire month. The idea is simple yet powerful. Give your body and mind a break after the holiday season’s overindulgence, reset your habits, and reflect on how alcohol affects your life. While it began in the UK as a grassroots initiative in 2013, the concept has spread rapidly worldwide, including the United States, where the movement has grown significantly in the past decade.

According to recent surveys, millions of Americans now participate in Dry January, and the statistics show that the practice has real, tangible benefits. A study from the University of Sussex revealed that over half of participants reported improved sleep, more energy, and even weight loss after a month of sobriety. Beyond the physical benefits, many participants also reported a greater sense of clarity and an overall improvement in mental health.

While Dry January has become a cultural phenomenon, it’s also part of a larger movement quietly taking root over the past several years. This trend is not about forced abstinence or a commitment to lifelong sobriety, but rather about exploring life without alcohol and questioning its role in social settings and personal well-being. It appeals to those who are curious about the impact of alcohol on their lives but don’t necessarily identify as alcoholics or intend to quit drinking forever. For many, the goal is to embrace a more mindful relationship with alcohol, whether that means cutting back, abstaining altogether, or just becoming more aware of their drinking habits.

The Sober Curious movement has been bolstered by an increase in alcohol-free social spaces, beverages, and online communities. In San Diego, a city known for its laid-back lifestyle and vibrant nightlife, there’s been a noticeable shift in the offerings available to those seeking an alcohol-free experience. Many local bars and cafes now offer creative non-alcoholic cocktails, and businesses like “Club Soda,” a local sober social club, provide spaces for people to enjoy social activities without the pressure to drink. These innovations highlight the growing demand for options that support a sober or sober-curious lifestyle, not just for January, but year-round.

The appeal of Dry January and the Sober Curious movement is not limited to big cities like Los Angeles or New York. In fact, San Diego County is a prime example of how this trend is taking off in a community that is often associated with a heavy drinking culture thanks to beach parties, craft breweries, and a year-round vacation mindset.

Recent data from the County's Binge and Underage Drinking (BUDI) Initiative shows an increase in individuals who binge drink. The popularity of Dry January has become a gateway for those interested in taking the first steps toward more mindful drinking. It’s a low-pressure way to engage with sobriety and can be an effective tool for anyone looking to better understand their relationship with alcohol.

In San Diego, the shift toward sobriety and mindful drinking is not only about individual health but also about community connection. Local organizations, like the San Diego Sober Meetup group, host a variety of alcohol-free social events, from hikes and yoga sessions to movie nights and happy hours. This growing sober community provides a supportive environment for people who may feel isolated in their journey toward sobriety or simply curious about a different way to socialize.

So, what’s driving this shift? For one, the growing body of research on the effects of alcohol on both physical and mental health is hard to ignore. Studies have linked alcohol consumption to a wide range of health issues, from liver disease and cancer to anxiety and depression. Many people, especially those in their 20s and 30s, are opting to take a break from drinking to lower their risks and improve their overall well-being.

In addition, the rise of social media has played a significant role in amplifying the Sober Curious movement. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have given voice to individuals exploring life without alcohol, creating a sense of community and solidarity among people who might otherwise feel alienated by mainstream drinking culture.

Dry January’s effects can last well beyond the first month of the year. The rise of the Sober Curious movement is a testament to the growing interest in healthier, more mindful lifestyles. In San Diego County, where people constantly seek balance between the fun of coastal living and the realities of health and wellness, Dry January and the sober-curious culture represent an exciting new direction.

For those who took part in Dry January, the challenge may be just the beginning of a deeper, more reflective journey. Whether you decide to go alcohol-free, cut back, or simply make more mindful choices, the Sober Curious movement is here to stay. And in San Diego, it’s becoming more than just a trend. It’s a movement toward greater health, community, and awareness.

IPS works alongside communities to build power, challenge systems of inequity, protect health, and improve quality of life. IPS has a vision for safe, secure, vibrant and healthy communities where everyone can thrive. To learn more about IPS East County, follow us on our social media platforms: IPS East County Facebook, IPS East County X, and East County Youth Coalition Instagram. Our website is at IPSEast.org. Resources and services are available to assist with screening, treatment, and recovery for individuals with a substance use disorder via the Access & Crisis line, which is open year-round, 24/7 at (888) 724-7240 or dial 988.

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.

Looking to chow down on an all-American burger, steak, or seafood dinner?  Or savor regional cuisine such as Cajun, Southern, soul food, California cuisine, or Texas-style barbecue?

Perhaps you’re hankering for health food, jarm-to-table fresh meals, or vegan options.  Or you're craving a sub sandwich or Jewish deli.  You can even sample exotic foods from Hawaii or U.S. territories including Guam and Puerto Rico—all in San Diego’s East County!

Our guide below lists many delicious options, arranged alphabetically by category.  Note:  Many of these eateries also offer options beyond American. Click each link to view full menus.

American-general

Applebee’s  (El Cajon and Rancho San Diego) – steaks, bowls, seafood, sandwiches, salads

Centifoni’s Restaurant  (La Mesa) –sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads and more

Denny's (all locations) -American-style breakfasts, lunches and dinners

D’Carlos (Ramona) – steaks, sandwiches, burgers and more

Descanso Junction (Descanso) – cowboy classics, frontier favorites, barbecue and more

Fox Bistro at La Casa del Zorro (Borrego Springs) -  seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, and more

H Brothers (Escondido) – North American comfort food

Jimmy’s of Santee (Santee) -- home-cooked American such as chicken pot pies, country-fried steak, prime rib, and meatloaf

Maria Callender’s  (La Mesa) – American foods and pies

Mastiff Kitchen (La Mesa) -  burgers, salads, flatbread pizza and more

Outpost by Valley Farms (Mt. Laguna) – Burgers, barbecue, and more

 Pine House Café and Tavern (Mount Laguna) – American, French, and fondue

Rainbow Oaks Restaurant (Rainbow) -American foods in a historic rustic setting

Ram’s Hill Restaurant (Borrego Springs) – upscale dining; steak, seafood, burgers, chicken, and more

Rank & File -  (Sycuan Casino & Resort in El Cajon) – American comfort food

Red Ocotillo (Borrego Springs) -- benedicts, burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, pasta

The Trails Eatery (San Carlos) – American, breakfast and lunch

Bagels

Einstein Brothers Bagels (Del Cerro, San Carlos, Santee) – bagels, bagel sandwiches

Gold Coast Bagel (La Mesa/Lake Murray) – bagels and bagel sandwiches

Golden Bagel Café (El Cajon/Fletcher Hills) – bagels and bagel sandwiches

Memo’s Bagel Café (El Cajon) – bagels, sandwiches, wraps, focaccia, acai bowls, more

Barbecue

Buckboards BBQ & Brew  (El Cajon) – Santa Maria-style barbecue

Cali Comfort   (Spring Valley) – barbecue and pub food

Chamorro Grill (Grantville/Mission Gorge) – island barbecue with dishes from Hawaii, Guam and more

Coop’s West Texas BBQ (Lemon Grove) – Texas barbecue

Del’s Hideout (Del Cerro) – Texas-style slow-cooked barbecue

Descanso Junction (Descanso) – cowboy classics, frontier favorites, barbecue and more

Fat Ivor’s (Valley Center) – Texas-style barbecue

Grand Ole BBQ (Flinn Springs/El Cajon) – Texas-style barbecue

I-Que BBQ  (La  Mesa) – barbecue ribs, burgers, hot links andmore

Jay’s Southern Barbecue (Alpine) – Southern-style barbecue and soul food

L & L Hawaiian Barbecue (Ramona)

Phil's BBQ (Santee)  -- mesquite-brilled barbecue

Pioneer Barbecue (Fletcher Hills/El Cajon) -Texas-style barbecue

Smokey and the Brisket  (La Mesa) - Barbecue

Texas Roadhouse (El Cajon) – barbecue

Valley Farms Market - The Shack (Spring Valley) - barbecue, bowls, burritos and breakfasts

Breakfasts

Broken Yolk (Santee and SDSU College area)

International House of Pancakes (IHOP) (La Mesa)

Omelette Factory (Rancho San Diego and Santee)

Original Pancake House (Poway)

Sunshine Pancake House (La Mesa)

Breweries serving food

BJ’s Brewhouse (La Mesa)

Burning Beard Brewing Company (El Cajon)- beers, burgers, tri-trip, tacos, and more

Julian Beer Company (Julian) – pizzas, barbecue, salads and more

Mike Hess Brewing (Alpine) –Pub foods and craft beers

Burgers

Bighorn Burgers and Shakes (Borrego Springs)- burgers and shakes

Boll Weevil (Lakeside) – steer burgers, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches

Brody’s Burgers and Beers (Jamul) – burgers, beers and more

Duke’s Old Fashioned Onion Burgers (La Mesa) – Oklahoma-style onion burgers

Full Metal Burgers (Escondido) – hand-crafted burgers, sandwiches and vegan options

Habit Burger and Grill (El Cajon, La Mesa, and SDSU college area) --charburgers

Johnny B’s  (La Mesa)  -- burgers and brews

Cafes and diners

Black Bear Diner  (El Cajon) – American cuisine

Brother’s Family Diner (Del Cerro) 

Campo Café (Campo) - American cuisine

Carlee's  (Borrego Springs) -American diner

Downtown Cafe  (El Cajon) – American

Izzy's Cafe (El Cajon) barbecue and country-style cooking

Kendall’s Café (Borrego Springs) – American and Mexican

Lakeside Café and Bakery (Lakeside) – American and Mexican entrees

Lemon Grove Café (Lemon Grove) - Mexican, Greek, and American

Lunchbox (La Mesa) - American breakfast and lunch

Julian Café and Bakery (Julian) – American foods and pies

Memo’s Bagel Café (El Cajon) – bagels, sandwiches, wraps, focaccia, acai bowls, more

Miner’s Diner (Julian) -burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, soda fountain

Patty's Cafe (La Mesa) – American and Mexican

Janet’s Montana Café (Alpine) – American and Mexican entrees; breakfast and lunch

Off the 8 Café (Alpine) -- breakfast

Rachel’s Café and Eatery (Ramona)

Ramona Café (Ramona)

Sheldon’s Service (La Mesa) – Coffee, breakfast and lunch

Steele 94 Restaurant and Bar – roadhouse serving American and Mexican

Urbane Cafe (El Cajon) – sandwiches, salads, soups

California Cuisine

Bellamy’s Restaurant (Escondido) – California modern cuisine

Julian Grille  (Julian) – California cuisine and timeless dishes

Sage Cafe  (Barona Casino in Lakeside) – California cuisine

Viewpoint Neighborhood Kitchen (Sycuan) – Southern California cuisine

Cajun

Boxing Crab (Roland) – seafood and Cajun

Crab Pub (SDSU college area) – Cajun seafood

Cheeses

Bougie’s Cheese Shop (La Mesa) – cheeses and salamis

Chicken

Ali’s Chicken and Waffles (City Heights)

Chick-Fil-A  (La Mesa and Santee)

Chicken Charlie’s (Rancho Bernardo) - chicken

El Pollo Loco (La Mesa and Santee)

Greek Chicken (El Cajon and Lakeside) 

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers (Lemon Grove and Santee) – chicken

Coffee shops

See our guide here:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/where-get-good-cup-coffee-east-county

Delis 

Ben and Esther’s Vegan and Jewish Deli (Rolando

Corner Deli and Pizza (Sycuan Casino Resort)

Danny’s Deli (Jacumba Hot Springs) – sandwiches, pizza and more

D.Z. Akins (La Mesa)

Hangry's Sunset Deli and Pizza  (Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon) – pizza and deli

Jersey Mikes (many locations) – sub sandwiches

K&B Bistro (Del Cerro) – sandwiches, tacos, burger, flatbreads, salads and more

Main Street Donuts and Deli (El Cajon)

Pepper Farm Deli (Santee) – deli sandwiches

Philly Steak Subs (El Cajon) Philly steak sandwiches

Ramona Family Naturals Market and Deli  (Ramona) – natural foods deli

Subway  (Alpine, La Mesa and other locations) – sub sandwiches

Sunrise Deli  (Spring Valley) – deli

Tommy’s Pizza and Subs (Santee) – sub sandwiches and pizza

Trolley Stop Deli (La Mesa) – deli sandwiches

Farm to Table

Collette’s on Grand (Escondido)  farm-to-table, American and French-inspired

Farmer's Table (La Mesa) – farm-to-table cuisine

Farmhouse 78  (Ramona) – farm to table

Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel Restaurant (Jacumba Hot Springs) – farm-to-table, Mexican, seafood, and more

Jeremy’s on the Hill (Wynola/Julian) – farm to table

Marinade on Main  (Ramona) – farm to table

Rachel’s Café and Eatery (Ramona) – farm-to-table

Rolando Garden Kitchen  (Rolando) – farm to table, special events only

Fruits and juice bars

Edible Arrangements  (La Mesa) – fruit arrangements

Extraordinary Fruits (Spring Valley) – fruits, juices, bowls, smoothies, salads, vegan, tortas and more

Fruity Loco (Spring Valley) – juices, smoothies, acai bowls, more

Tropifruit Juice Bar (El Cajon) – juices, sandwiches, bagels, smoothies, juice bars, sandwiches

Hawaiian

Island Style Café (Santee) -- Hawaiian

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue (El Cajon, Escondido, Ramona, SDSU College area)

Poke’Ona (Ramona) -- Hawaiian (Rancho San Diego) – American cuisine

Healthy foods

Extraordinary Fruits (Spring Valley) – fruits, juices, bowls, smoothies, salads, vegan, tortas and more

Tropifruit Juice Bar (El Cajon) – juices, sandwiches, bagels, smoothies, juice bars, sandwiches

Kali’s Garden (Julian) – Vegan cuisine, Mexican and Asian options; juices, smoothies

La Mesa Bistro (La Mesa) – healthy and nutritious foods; breakfast and lunch

Plant Power Fast Food (SDSU College area) – meatless burgers, salads, and more

Ramona Family Naturals Market and Deli  (Ramona) – natural foods deli

Spacebar Cafe  (La Mesa) -- soups, salads, panini sandwiches, bagel sandwiches, pastries, breakfast items, Spanish style tapas, coffees, juices, smoothies, wine bar

Swami’s Café (La Mesa) – salads, soups, burgers, wraps, sandwiches ,smoothies, juices, breakfast and lunch

Tropifruit Juice Bar (El Cajon) – juices, sandwiches, bagels, smoothies

Jewish deli

Ben and Esther’s Vegan and Jewish Deli (Rolando) – vegan Jewish deli

D.Z. Akins (La Mesa) – traditional Jewish deli

Pubs, Bars, and Taverns serving food

The Barn Bar and Dining (Ramona) – steak, burgers, pizza, salads, and more

Baron Long Bar & Grill  (Viejas Casino and Resort, Alpine) – bar foods, craft beers and cocktails

Casino Inn  (Alpine) bar and grill

Double Down Grill (Sycuan Casino & Resort, El Cajon) –pub food: sandwiches, burritos and more

Eastbound Bar and Grill (Lakeside)

The Hills Pub (La Mesa) -Pub food

Junction Bar and Grill (El Cajon) – burgers, steaks, tacos, pasta and more

Press Box Sports Lounge

Pub at Lake Cuyamaca (Cuyamaca) -soups, sandwiches, burgers, salads, fish and chips, and breakfast foods

Public House (Scripps Ranch) - gastropub

Red Tail Bar and Grill at Singing Hills (El Cajon) -Southern California cuisine

Tony Gwynn's Sports Pub  (Jamul Casino) – burgers, brews, sandwiches, pizza, tacos, and more

Puerto Rican

Jibaritos de la Isla (Bonita)—Puerto Rican

Salads

Crafted Greens  (El Cajon) – salads, hot sides, flatbreads

Seafood

Anthony's Fish Grotto  (La Mesa)

Boxing Crab (Roland) – seafood and Cajun

Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar (La Mesa) - seafood

California Fish Grill  (El Cajon) – seafood, wraps, Cajun tacos, and more

Crab Pub (SDSU college area) – Cajun seafood

Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant (La Mesa) -- Mediterranean

Prime Cut Steak and Seafood  (Jamul Casino) – steak and seafood

Surf and Soul (Roland) – seafood and soul food

Surfing Crab (Escondido) – seafood boils, South Carolina-style

Surfside Fish House (Scripps Ranch) – fresh fish

Terramar Mexican Kitchen (Ramona) -Mexican and seafood

Soul Food and Southern

Bankhead Mississippi-Style Cooking (Spring Valley) – Southern and soul food

Jay’s Southern Barbecue (Alpine) – Southern-style barbecue and soul food

Rise Southern Biscuits and Chicken (SDSU College Area)

Surf and Soul (Rolando) – seafood and soul food

Steak

Black Angus Steakhouse (El Cajon) – steak, prime rib, seafood and more

Bull and Bourbon Steakhouse (Sycuan) steak, seafood and more

Coyote Steakhouse  (Borrego Springs) – steak, chops, seafood and more

Grove Steakhouse (Viejas in Alpine) -steaks, classic and contemporary cuisine

Outback Steakhouse (El Cajon) – steaks, lobster, shrimp, burgrers and more

Prime Cut Steak and Seafood  (Jamul Casino) – steak and seafood

Ram’s Hill Restaurant (Borrego Springs) – upscale dining; steak, seafood, and more

Riviera Supper Club  (La Mesa) -grill-your-own steakhouse and bar

Vegan and vegetarian

El Veganito (La Mesa/Grossmont Center food court) – Vegan/Mexican

Kali’s Garden (Julian) – Vegan cuisine, Mexican and Asian options; juices, smoothies

Plant Power Fast Food (SDSU College area) – meatless burgers, salads, and more

Purple Mint (City Heights) – Vegan Asian cuisine

Purple Owl Café (Julian) – coffee, crepes, salads, vegan foods

Split Bakehouse (La Mesa) – vegan pastries

Wine bars with food

Reds,  Whites and Blues (Ramona)

San Pasqual Winery  - (La Mesa) wine tasting, charcuterie

Spacebar Cafe  (La Mesa) -- soups, salads, panini sandwiches, bagel sandwiches, pastries, breakfast items, Spanish style tapas, coffees, juices, smoothies, wine bar

Village Vino (Kensington) – small bites, charcuterie, salads, flatbreads

Zest Wine Bistro (Lemon Grove) - appetizers, soups, salads and flatbreads

Wraps

Wrap Shack (Santee and El Cajon) -- wraps (Lemon Grove) – International winds, charcuterie, and tapas

Our guide to delicious desserts in San Diego's inland region

San Diego’s East County has many options to satisfy your sweet tooth, thanks to our diverse population and rich heritage. From all-American Julian apple pies, candy cottages and ice cream parlors to international desserts such as Franch pastries, Mexican cakes and Middle Eastern baklava, you’ll find a wide variety of delicious desserts to savor—and even a vegan bakery.

Bakeries

Apple Alley Bakery (Julian) – pies, pastries and lunch items

Baklava King (Santee) – baklava

A Delight of France (Escondido)- French bistro and bakery

Al-Hamdani Sweets (Spring Valley) – Baklava and Middle Eastern sweets

Dudley’s Bakery (Santa Ysabel) – fresh-baked breads, sandwiches, pies

CroBean Bakery (Alpine) French bakery and coffee shop

Einstein Brothers Bagels (Del Cerro, San Carlos, Santee) – bagels, bagel sandwiches

Frank's Bakery- Gibaldi's Italian Bread (Spring Valley) – bakery

French Oven Bakery and Café (Scripps Ranch) – French pastries and more

Gold Coast Bagel (La Mesa/Lake Murray) – bagels and bagel sandwiches

Golden Bagel Café (El Cajon/Fletcher Hills) – bagels and bagel sandwiches

Julian Café and Bakery (Julian) – American foods and pies

Julian Pie Company (Julian and Wynola)

Lakeside Café and Bakery (Lakeside) – American and Mexican entrees

Lilac Heights Bakery (Ramona) home-based bakery

Maria Callender’s  (La Mesa) – American foods and pies

Memo’s Bagel Café (El Cajon) – bagels, sandwiches, wraps, focaccia, acai bowls, more

Miss Donuts (Casa de Oro/Spring Valley) – donuts and coffee

Mom’s Pie House (Julian) – pies

Split Bakehouse (La Mesa) – vegan pastries

Sultan’s Baklava (El Cajon)  --Turkish delights

Su Pan Bakery (El Cajon, Poway and San Marcos) – Mexican cakes and breads

Candy Stores

Bighorn Fudge Company (Borrego Springs) – fudge candy

Julian Candy Basket (Julian) – old-fashioned candy store

Wisteria Candy Cottage (Boulevard) – hand-dipped chocolates and candies

Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts (Ramona)

Main Street Donuts and Deli (El Cajon)

Mary’s Donuts (Lakeside)

Steph’s Donut Hole  (Alpine) -donuts

Ice Cream

Baskin Robbins  (La Mesa, El Cajon, and Ramona)

Café Amor (Spring Valley) Menu – ice cream, smoothies, Crepes, sandwiches, bagels

Cold Stone Creamery  (Rancho San Diego, Santee, and other locations) – ice cream

Foster’s Freeze (Allied Gardens and Spring Valley) – ice cream, shakes, burgers, hot dogs

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream (Santee)

Miner’s Diner (Julian) – old-fashioned soda foundation

Puddings

Extraordinary Banana Pudding (La Mesa) – hand-crafted puddings

Yogurt, frozen

Alpine Chill  (Alpine) – frozen yogurt

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt (La Mesa, El Cajon and Rancho San Diego – frozen yogurt

Yogurt Mill (La Mesa) – frozen yogurt

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.

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!”

Please RSVP. 

Issue prompts drive to recall Councilman Phil Ortiz

By Alex Schorr and Miriam Raftery

View video

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 9^th 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.

February 14, 2025 -- As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

DOGE controversy

• Trump and Musk’s dismantling of government is shaking the foundations of US democracy (AP)
• As Musk cuts federal spending, his own firms have received billions in contracts (ABC News)

Legal actions

• Elon Musk’s DOGE sued by 14 states (Newsweek)
• Trump administration pauses prosecutions of individuals and entities bribing foreign officials  (Jurist)
• Inspectors general fired by Trump file lawsuit to get their jobs back (ABC)
• A 2nd U.S. judge says Trump administration must pause its federal spending freeze  (NPR)
• Judge blocks Trump’s executive order on transgender prisoners (Politico)
• Trump sued in attempt to block his anti-diversity orders (Reuters)
• Oath Keepers founder barred from D.C., U.S. Capitol unless judge signs off  (NPR)
• Jan. 6 court evidence ‘disappeared,’ attorneys for press group say  (NPR)

Cabinet appointments

• Trump Cabinet confirmation status: Which nominees have been confirmed? (AP)
• Trump’s FCC chief investigates NPR, PBS (NPR)
• ‘Terrifying’: Public Health Experts React to Senate’s Confirmation of RFK Jr. to Lead HHS (Time Magazine)
• Senate confirms Doug Burgum as interior secretary after Trump tasked him to boost drilling (AP)
• Trump's FBI chief pick, Kash Patel, insists he has no 'enemies list' and won't seek retribution (AP)
• Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to oversee US spy agencies, grilled about Snowden, Syria and Russia (AP)
• Trump’s pick to lead counter-terrorism unit is a white supremacist dream (New Republic)

Immigration

• Homan warns daily migrant arrests will 'steadily increase' as Trump admin targets nonviolent illegal aliens (Fox)
• Trump will send up to 30K illegal immigrants to Guantanamo Bay: ‘It’s a tough place to get out of’ (New York Post)
• ’Legal black hole’: ACLU sues over immigrants being sent to Guantanamo (USA Today)
• Trump signs first bill of his second presidency, the Laken Riley Act, into law (NPR)
• Trump Immigration Targets: Ukrainians, Venezuelans, Haitians (NY Times)
• Some migrants arrested in Trump's immigration crackdown have been released back into the U.S. (NBC)
• Trump administration begins sending migrants to Guantánamo Bay (Washington Post)

Safety and oversight

• Trump fires heads of TSA, Coast Guard and guts key aviation safety advisory committee (AP)
• Trump fires the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (AP)
• Air traffic controllers were initially offered buyouts and told to consider leaving government  (AP)
• Trump ends Fauci's security detail and says he'd feel no responsibility if harm befell him (AP)

Protests

Protesters in cities across the US rally against Trump’s policies, Project 2025 and Elon Musk (AP)

Women’s health

• Government's reproductive rights resource goes dark hours into new Trump administration (RawStory)

WORLD

• South Africa suspends American businesses and mineral exports (Maravi Post)
• What would happen if the US military went after cartels on Mexican soil? (Guardian)
• Europe fears Trump-Putin ‘dirty deal’ as Ukraine scrambles for a seat at the table(CNN)
• El Salvador’s millennial dictator offers to hold American criminals in mega prisons (Yahoo News)
• Russian drone struck Chernobyl reactor shell but radiation levels normal, Zelenskyy says (AP)
• Syria's new leader denounces Iran, calling its proxies a regional threat  (NPR)
• European Leaders Condemn Musk's 'Ominous' Push for Germany to 'Forget' Holocaust (Common Dreams)
• Colombia yields on US deportation flights to avert trade war (BBC)
• A U.S. dual citizen is among 3 Israeli hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners (NPR)
• Emergency crews deployed on Santorini as an earthquake swarm worries Greek experts (AP)
• Baltic nations count final hours to ending electricity ties to Russia   (NPR)

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

U.S.

DOGE controversy

Trump and Musk’s dismantling of government is shaking the foundations of US democracy (AP)

...  Three weeks in, the change the Trump administration has brought is a disruption of the federal government on an unprecedented scale, dismantling longstanding programs, sparking widespread public outcry and challenging the very role of Congress to create the nation’s laws and pay its bills. Government workers are being pushed to resign. Entire agencies are being shuttered. Federal funding to states and nonprofits was temporarily frozen. And the most sensitive Treasury Department information of countless Americans was opened to Musk’s DOGE team in an unprecedented breach of privacy and protocol.

As Musk cuts federal spending, his own firms have received billions in contracts (ABC News)

As billionaire businessman Elon Musk has been leading an unprecedented effort to slash government spending, his own companies have, over the last several years, received an increasing amount of funding through government contracts, according to federal spending data. Over the last decade, Musk's companies SpaceX and Tesla were awarded at least $18 billion in federal contracts, according to spending data -- with SpaceX winning more than $17 billion worth of contracts since 2015.

Legal actions

Elon Musk’s DOGE sued by 14 states (Newsweek)

On February 14, attorneys general from 14 states filed a lawsuit in a Washington, D.C., federal court, arguing that Musk was illegally appointed and calling for the court to stop DOGE's drastic cuts across the federal government. The lawsuit states that DOGE has spread "chaos and confusion" across the U.S. and describes Musk as "an agent of chaos."

Trump administration pauses prosecutions of individuals and entities bribing foreign officials  (Jurist)

 US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pause future and review all existing investigations and enforcements under The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). FCPA was established in 1977 to outlaw the practice of bribing foreign government officials to assist in obtaining or retaining business by people and entities.

Inspectors general fired by Trump file lawsuit to get their jobs back (ABC)

... The eight inspectors general claimed Trump broke the law when he attempted to terminate them without justifying their removal or giving Congress 30-day notices... Trump attempted to fire 17 inspectors general during his first week in office, sending a two-sentence email to each of the independent watchdogs. The eight inspectors general who brought the lawsuit are from the departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, State, Agriculture, Education and Labor, as well as the Small Business Administration...

A 2nd U.S. judge says Trump administration must pause its federal spending freeze  (NPR)

Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. who issued the Friday order, noted that he came to his conclusion after reviewing statements by the Trump administration in response to the widespread confusion sparked by the OMB memo. The judge's review included a post on Xissued by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued after the OMB memo was rescinded. As the judge noted, the post said that the president's executive orders on federal funding "remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented."

Judge blocks Trump’s executive order on transgender prisoners (Politico)

A small number of transgender women in women’s facilities cannot be transferred to men’s prisons, the judge ruled.

Trump sued in attempt to block his anti-diversity orders (Reuters)

The city of Baltimore and three other groups sued U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration on Monday, asking a federal court to halt and declare unconstitutional a pair of executive orders that seek to end diversity programs.

Oath Keepers founder barred from D.C., U.S. Capitol unless judge signs off  (NPR)

 A federal judge on Friday barred Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right Oath Keepers extremist group who was convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection with the Capitol riot, from entering Washington, D.C., or the U.S. Capitol without the court's permission. / [The judge also banned] seven other Oath Keepers convicted in connection with the Capitol riot from entering Washington, D.C.,..

Jan. 6 court evidence ‘disappeared,’ attorneys for press group say  (NPR)

Attorneys for a group of news organizations, including NPR, said in a legal filing on Tuesday that evidence used at the sentencing of a rioter charged in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol had "disappeared" from an online government platform.

Cabinet appointments

Trump Cabinet confirmation status: Which nominees have been confirmed? (AP)

Donald Trump has chosen the people he wants in high-level positions during his second presidency. The nominees must be confirmed by the Senate. These are his picks for Cabinet-level posts, including some positions that have been part of the Cabinet in recent administrations. (16 of 22 have been confirmed so far.) See the latest confirmation hearing schedule.

Trump’s FCC chief investigates NPR, PBS (NPR)

President Trump's new head of the Federal Communications Commission has ordered an investigation of NPR and PBS, with an eye toward unraveling federal funding for all public broadcasting... Public broadcasting stations are prohibited from running commercials. Instead they present what are considered corporate underwriting spots, which are supposed to stop shy of a "call to action" telling listeners and viewers to buy a product or service.

‘Terrifying’: Public Health Experts React to Senate’s Confirmation of RFK Jr. to Lead HHS (Time Magazine)

The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of America’s most notorious vaccine skeptics, to run the country’s leading health agency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), on Thursday, sparking outrage among public health experts who worry that Kennedy will harm public health and further erode trust in science and medicine.

Senate confirms Doug Burgum as interior secretary after Trump tasked him to boost drilling (AP)

The Senate confirmed Doug Burgum as interior secretary late Thursday after President Donald Trump tapped the former North Dakota governor to spearhead the Republican administration’s ambitions to boost fossil fuel production.

Trump's FBI chief pick, Kash Patel, insists he has no 'enemies list' and won't seek retribution (AP)

... The reassurances were aimed at blunting a persistent line of attack from Democrats, who throughout the hearing confronted Patel with a vast catalog of prior incendiary statements on topics that they said made him unfit for the director’s job and raised alarming questions about his belief in conspiracy theories and loyalty to the president.

Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to oversee US spy agencies, grilled about Snowden, Syria and Russia (AP)

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s pick to be director of national intelligence, faced sharp criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike Thursday during a fiery confirmation hearing focused on her past comments sympathetic to Russia, a meeting with Syria’s now-deposed leader and her past support for government leaker Edward Snowden.

Trump’s pick to lead counter-terrorism unit is a white supremacist dream (New Republic)

... President Trump nominated Joe Kent as director of the National Counterterrorism Center... Kent’s nomination immediately raised alarm, as multiple people pointed to reporting from years ago documenting his very real connections to extremist groups...

Immigration

Homan warns daily migrant arrests will 'steadily increase' as Trump admin targets nonviolent illegal aliens (Fox)

Trump's admin deported 500 illegal immigrants on day one, and that number is set to rise

Trump will send up to 30K illegal immigrants to Guantanamo Bay: ‘It’s a tough place to get out of’ (New York Post)

 President Trump said Wednesday that he plans to send up to 30,000 illegal immigrants to detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as part of his campaign to mass-deport migrants who have committed crimes. Trump inked a memorandum requiring the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security to prepare for migrants there after previewing the plan while signing the anti-illegal immigration Laken Riley Act.

’Legal black hole’: ACLU sues over immigrants being sent to Guantanamo (USA Today)

...President Donald Trump opened the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay with a plan, he said, to send the "worst of the worst" immigrant detainees – people with violent criminal histories. But attorneys say the administration is moving individuals without criminal charges or convictions

Trump signs first bill of his second presidency, the Laken Riley Act, into law (NPR)

President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law on Wednesday, expanding the scope of those who can be arrested, detained and deported by federal immigration officer... The measure directs federal immigration enforcement to detain and deport those without legal status charged with minor theft or shoplifting, assault of a law enforcement officer or crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury of another person. Several criminal offenses could already be grounds for deportation — and indeed Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said Tuesday that those who had broken the law by entering the country illegally had already committed a crime. Critics of the measure argue the act skips the current practice of waiting until someone is convicted before considering the removal process.

Trump Immigration Targets: Ukrainians, Venezuelans, Haitians (NY Times)

The president-elect has vowed to end a program that allows thousands of people from troubled nations to stay in the United States.

Some migrants arrested in Trump's immigration crackdown have been released back into the U.S. (NBC)

Space constraints and court orders have led ICE to release migrants on monitoring programs after they’re arrested.

Trump administration begins sending migrants to Guantánamo Bay (Washington Post)

As immigration officials run out of detention space for migrants who might be deported, the Trump administration plans to send thousands to the U.S. naval base in Cuba.

Safety and oversight

Trump fires heads of TSA, Coast Guard and guts key aviation safety advisory committee (AP)

President Donald Trump moved quickly to remake the Department of Homeland Security Tuesday, firing the heads of the Transportation Security Administration and Coast Guard before their terms are up and eliminated all the members of a key aviation security advisory group...The aviation security committee, which was mandated by Congress after the 1988 PanAm 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, will technically continue to exist but it won’t have any members to carry out the work of examining safety issues at airlines and airports

Trump fires the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (AP)

President Donald Trump has fired the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Rohit Chopra, in the latest purge of a Biden administration holdover.  Chopra was one of the more important regulators from the previous Democratic administration who was still on the job since Trump took office on Jan. 20. Chopra’s tenure saw the removal of medical debt from credit reports and limits on overdrafts penalties….

Air traffic controllers were initially offered buyouts and told to consider leaving government  (AP)

Air traffic controllers were initially offered buyouts and told to consider leaving government Just a day before a deadly midair collision at Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C., employees at the Federal Aviation Administration were sent an offer to resign with eight months’ pay. 

Trump ends Fauci's security detail and says he'd feel no responsibility if harm befell him (AP)

President Donald Trump has ended the federal security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who advised him on the COVID-19 pandemic, a person familiar with the matter said Friday.

Protests

Protesters in cities across the US rally against Trump’s policies, Project 2025 and Elon Musk (AP)

Demonstrators gathered in cities across the U.S. on Wednesday to protest the Trump administration’s early actions, decrying everything from the president’s immigration crackdown to his rollback of transgender rights and a proposal to forcibly transfer Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

Women’s health

Government's reproductive rights resource goes dark hours into new Trump administration (RawStory)

...Hours after Trump was inaugurated as the country’s 47th president, it was reported that the website ReproductiveRights.gov shutdown. The website provided information on “birth control, medication, abortion services, and other preventive health services, as well as important facts about privacy, rights associated with reproductive health care, and how people with and without health insurance can obtain reproductive health care,” according to the Office of Population Affairs.

WORLD

South Africa suspends American businesses and mineral exports (Maravi Post)

In a bold and unprecedented move, the South African government has officially suspended all American businesses within its territory and halted mineral exports to the United States. This drastic measure comes on the heels of Donald Trump’s decision to cut off all funding from the US to South Africa, including USAID. The South African government has made it clear that it will no longer tolerate the disrespect and disregard shown by the Western world.

What would happen if the US military went after cartels on Mexican soil? (Guardian)

Experts say any incursion could come with serious repercussions, include violence against US tourists.

Europe fears Trump-Putin ‘dirty deal’ as Ukraine scrambles for a seat at the table(CNN)

US President Donald Trump’s “lengthy and highly productive” phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has sparked fears in Europe of a “dirty deal” being struck to end the war in Ukraine on terms favorable to Moscow without Kyiv’s involvement. President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday said Ukraine would not accept a peace deal negotiated by the United States and Russia alone. He conceded it was “not pleasant” that Trump spoke with Putin before calling Kyiv

El Salvador’s millennial dictator offers to hold American criminals in mega prisons (Yahoo News)

Nayib Bukele, El Salvador’s millennial dictator, has offered to house migrants and “dangerous criminals” deported by the United States in his country’s infamous mega jails, according to Marco Rubio.

Russian drone struck Chernobyl reactor shell but radiation levels normal, Zelenskyy says (AP)

A Russian drone with a high-explosive warhead hit the protective containment shell of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Kyiv region during the night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday.

Syria's new leader denounces Iran, calling its proxies a regional threat   (NPR)

Sharaa's remarks highlight the efforts by his transitional government to realign Syria's relations with much of the world. For decades under Assad, Syria relied heavily on Iran and Russia and was isolated from the West. The new Syrian leader is pushing hard to rebuild ties that were badly strained or broken, starting with his neighbors.

European Leaders Condemn Musk's 'Ominous' Push for Germany to 'Forget' Holocaust (Common Dreams)

"We must not forget the tragic lesson of our past," said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. "Evil, violence, and contempt cannot triumph anew."

Colombia yields on US deportation flights to avert trade war (BBC)

A looming trade war between the US and Colombia appears to have been averted after the Colombian government agreed to allow US military flights carrying deported migrants to land in the Andean country.

A U.S. dual citizen is among 3 Israeli hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners (NPR)

The release includes U.S. and Israeli dual citizenKeith Siegel, 65, Yarden Bibas, 35, and Ofer Kalderon, 54….In exchange, 183 Palestinian prisoners and detainees were released from Israeli jails, including some serving life sentences.

Emergency crews deployed on Santorini as an earthquake swarm worries Greek experts (AP)

Authorities deployed emergency rescue crews to Greece’s volcanic island of Santorini on Monday as hundreds of people scrambled to leave after a spike in seismic activity raised concerns about a potentially powerful earthquake. Schools on four islands were also to shutter through Friday.

Baltic nations count final hours to ending electricity ties to Russia   (NPR)

Nearly 3 1/2 decades after leaving the Soviet Union, the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania this weekend will flip a switch to end electricity-grid connections to neighboring Russia and Belarus — and turn to their European Union allies. The severing of electricity ties to oil- and gas-rich Russia is steeped in geopolitical and symbolic significance. Work toward it sped up after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine three years ago, battering Moscow's EU relations.

By Patrick Cameron, El Cajon

February 13, 2025 (El Cajon) -- In one of Donald Trump’s first acts in office, he stripped away protections for schools, hospitals, and places of worship from immigration enforcement. These were once safe spaces where people could learn, receive health care, and pray without fear. Now they have been turned into targets for ICE raids.

This is unconscionable. As the world’s largest historical climate polluter, the United States has a responsibility to immigrants. Our pollution is causing the climate chaos — droughts, floods, hurricanes, rising waters — that is forcing people in Latin America, Asia, Africa and elsewhere to leave their homes. Others are fleeing violence, poverty, and hunger — all of which are caused or made worse by the climate crisis.

People have the right to be able to leave their homes and migrate with dignity to find safe haven. But right now, immigrant families are facing the unimaginable: the fear that seeking education or health care could mean deportation, or that a peaceful moment of prayer might be shattered by ICE agents barging in.As municipal leaders, mayors have the power to fight this. They can protect immigrant families by ordering police not to participate in ICE raids and even to block ICE agents’ entry into schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

The future of so many families in our communities is on the line. We must call on local leaders to do the right thing, even as the federal government does not. I’m writing to urge mayors to hear this call and take action to protect immigrants.

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