California news

March 21, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• Issa Sues State, Saying Counting Mail-in Ballots After Election Day Violates Law (Times of San Diego)
• Supervisor pushing for notice to residents as federal funding in question (City News Service)
• Marni von Wilpert Announces Candidacy For State Senate in District 40 (Times of San Diego)
• Quiz: Where do the candidates for county supervisor in District 1 stand on the issues that matter to you? (KPBS)
• El Cajon-based raw cat food recalled after 2 pets sickened: Here's which products are affected (CBS)
• Fire destroys family-owned McDonald's restaurant in Spring Valley (KGTV)
• Imperial Beach mayor's EPA superfund request for Tijuana sewage denied (KGTV)

STATE

• California joins 19 Democratic states in suit to stop massive Education Department layoffs (Los Angeles Times)
• California’s Medi-Cal shortfall hits $6.2 billion with ‘unprecedented’ cost increases (KPBS)
• SoCal Edison investigating ‘zombie’ power line as possible start of Eaton Fire (KTLA)
• California has 30 new proposals to rein in AI. Trump could complicate them (Cal Matters)
• Gavin Newsom shocks LGBTQ allies with criticism of transgender athletes (Cal Matters)

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

LOCAL

Issa Sues State, Saying Counting Mail-in Ballots After Election Day Violates Law (Times of San Diego)

Rep. Darrell Issa, the East County Republican, has sued the state of California in federal court to stop mail-in ballots from being counted after Election Day. He claims the practice provides “an unfair electoral advantage for opponents of Republican congressional incumbents.”

Supervisor pushing for notice to residents as federal funding in question (City News Service)

A total of 1.2 million people in San Diego County receive support from at least one federally-funded assistance program.

Marni von Wilpert Announces Candidacy For State Senate in District 40 (Times of San Diego)

 San Diego City Councilwoman Marni von Wilpert Monday announced her campaign for the California State Senate in District 40, currently represented by Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, a Republican from Santee. Von Wilpert, a Democrat, said her campaign will focus on fighting crime, wildfire prevention and reducing the cost of living.

Quiz: Where do the candidates for county supervisor in District 1 stand on the issues that matter to you? (KPBS)

The 2025 District 1 Supervisorial Primary Election is right around the corner. Do you know who you're voting for?

El Cajon-based raw cat food recalled after 2 pets sickened: Here's which products are affected (CBS)

Savage Pet is recalling approximately 140 boxes of its raw chicken cat food products due to potential contamination with H5N1, commonly known as bird flu. / The recall affects 66 Large Chicken Boxes (84 oz.) and 74 Small Chicken Boxes (21 oz.) with the lot code/best by date of 11152026. The affected products were distributed to retailers in California, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.

Fire destroys family-owned McDonald's restaurant in Spring Valley (KGTV)

 A fire destroyed a family-owned McDonald’s restaurant in Spring Valley early Tuesday morning, but no injuries were reported…. / Fire officials said crews noticed strong heat coming from the interior walls, making the firefighting effort a challenge.

Imperial Beach mayor's EPA superfund request for Tijuana sewage denied (KGTV)

“While EPA has been involved in some of these proposed actions and plans to continue this engagement, the report doesn’t contain new information that would warrant changing EPA’s Superfund-related decision as stated in our Jan. 3 letter,” Aguirre read from the letter she received from the EPA.

STATE

California joins 19 Democratic states in suit to stop massive Education Department layoffs (Los Angeles Times)

The states allege the cuts amount to an illegal shutdown of the Education Department’s crucial, congressionally-mandated work, including protecting civil rights.

California’s Medi-Cal shortfall hits $6.2 billion with ‘unprecedented’ cost increases (KPBS)

That’s on top of a $3.4 billion loan that the administration told lawmakers last week it needed to make “critical” payments for Medi-Cal, the state-federal health insurance program for low-income people.Combined, that’s $6.2 billion in spending above what was projected in the budget Gov. Gavin Newsom signed last summer. Almost 15 million Californians have health care coverage through Medi-Cal, also known as Medicaid.

SoCal Edison investigating ‘zombie’ power line as possible start of Eaton Fire (KTLA)

Initially claiming there was no evidence its equipment was at fault, Southern California Edison is now investigating one of its “zombie” power lines as the possible origin of the deadly Eaton Fire. / According to SCE spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy, a “zombie” power line is a power line that is no longer energized. / However, surveillance footage from an Arco gas station recorded on the night of Jan. 7 captured what appears to be electrical arcs and sparks starting from the power line in question.

California has 30 new proposals to rein in AI. Trump could complicate them (Cal Matters)

President Trump is taking a very different approach to AI than the Biden administration, and it could affect how California regulates artificial intelligence.

Gavin Newsom shocks LGBTQ allies with criticism of transgender athletes (Cal Matters)

Gov. Gavin Newsom called it “deeply unfair” for transgender athletes to participate in girls’ sports today — a notable change in his position that thrust the Democratic governor into the center of a national maelstrom. It was unclear whether he will act on his new position as Republicans urged him to follow conservative states in banning transgender athletes from girls’ sports. The comments came on the first episode of Newsom’s new podcast, “This Is Gavin Newsom,” on which the governor has said he plans to interview political figures he disagrees with about the major issues of the day.

March 5, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• More Industrial Chemicals Found in Sweetwater Reservoir (Voice of San Diego
• Keeping Lakeside egg ranch flu-free takes constant vigilance. Would a vaccine help?  (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• ‘Daylighting' law to be enforced in San Diego starting Saturday (NBC San Diego)
• La Mesa’s ‘Parking T’ program aims to end street parking headaches (CBS)
• Trump cuts to NOAA already felt in San Diego (KPBS)
• Could NOAA layoffs affect San Diego? (Fox 5)
• Report finds illnesses among Navy SEALs training in polluted water in San Diego (NBC San Diego)
• Santee School District one of few performing above pre-pandemic levels in math and reading (KPBS)
•  Air Pollution Control District to begin distributing air purifiers to South Bay residents (KPBS)
• San Diego's congressional Democrats send letter opposing science funding cuts (KPBS)
• Family shares history of mental illness in El Cajon man arrested for mother's death (10 News)
• Sobering times for some San Diego breweries as closures rise (NBC 7)

STATE

•  Bill aims to prohibit 'surveillance pricing' based on customers’ online behavior (KPBS)
• ‘It was just a regular morning’: Californians picked up in recent ICE raids include kids, volunteers (KPBS)
• LA mayor dismisses fire chief over response to most destructive wildfire in city history last month (AP)
• Big homeowner rate hike from State Farm shot down by California regulator
• Trump funding freeze includes payments to keep the Colorado River flowing (NPR)
• Power lines sparked new fires in LA after the Eaton Fire began, radio traffic shows (NPR)
• California homeowners will have to fund half of high-risk insurer's $1 billion ‘bailout’ (Cal Matters)

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

LOCAL

More Industrial Chemicals Found in Sweetwater Reservoir (Voice of San Diego

New testing shows rising levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in water sent to thousands of households in South San Diego County. Fixing the problem could cost tens of millions of dollars or require decommissioning the Sweetwater Reservoir. 

Keeping Lakeside egg ranch flu-free takes constant vigilance. Would a vaccine help?  (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Rancher has kept H5N1 at bay with a few relatively simple steps. Experts say avian influenza vaccine, long forbidden by trade policy, may finally be in the offing.

‘Daylighting' law to be enforced in San Diego starting Saturday (NBC San Diego)

Beginning Saturday, motorists may be ticketed for parking in violation of the law -- 20 feet is about the length of an average vehicle and a half.

La Mesa’s ‘Parking T’ program aims to end street parking headaches (CBS)

La Mesa has launched a free program allowing residents to request T-shaped street markings for clearly defined parallel parking spaces in neighborhoods.

Trump cuts to NOAA already felt in San Diego (KPBS)

Cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration affect research and sea monitoring partnerships between NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Could NOAA layoffs affect San Diego? (Fox 5)

...Hundreds of employees, including meteorologists in National Weather Service offices across the U.S., were fired last Thursday.... a spokesperson for NWS confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI there were no cuts made to San Diego’s local office... However, the impact of the layoffs may be felt locally in other ways, especially in research. NOAA was a known benefactor of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, the site of modern-day climate change research.

Report finds illnesses among Navy SEALs training in polluted water in San Diego (NBC San Diego)

More than eleven hundred cases of health issues among NAVY seals were reported after training in the polluted water, including acute Gastrointestinal illnesses... A report released this month by the inspector general earlier this month revealed 76 percent of its test came back with bacteria surpassing safety levels.

Santee School District one of few performing above pre-pandemic levels in math and reading (KPBS)

District leaders say math teacher training, smaller class sizes and counselors at each school have helped.

 Air Pollution Control District to begin distributing air purifiers to South Bay residents (KPBS)

The limited number of purifiers means SDAPCD will prioritize distribution to households with children and people 65 and older, and communities closest to the Tijuana River.

San Diego's congressional Democrats send letter opposing science funding cuts (KPBS)

 San Diego's congressional Democrats are now speaking out about executive orders that could hinder local scientists. That’s weeks after the Trump administration suggested freezing federal funding and banning words that could threaten research. / Reps. Scott Peters, Sara Jacobs, Mike Levin and Juan Vargas signed a letter asking for funding cuts to be reinstated.

Family shares history of mental illness in El Cajon man arrested for mother's death (10 News)

Family members say 51-year-old Jamison Webster had a big heart, especially when it came to those she loved. But it's that kindness that may have cost her life.

Sobering times for some San Diego breweries as closures rise (NBC 7)

Economic challenges and changing tastes are forcing some breweries to tap out.

STATE

 Bill aims to prohibit 'surveillance pricing' based on customers’ online behavior (KPBS)

“What we have found is a growing body of evidence where companies are being encouraged to use surveillance pricing, using your own personal data from your cell phone, from the IP address attached to your home computer, to modulate the pricing on goods and services that you pay,” said Chris Ward, assemblymember from the 78th district. Ward…has introduced a bill to prohibit surveillance pricing in California.

‘It was just a regular morning’: Californians picked up in recent ICE raids include kids, volunteers (KPBS)

A church-going agricultural worker. An Echo Park man taking his son to school. A 16-year-old kid searching for work to support his family in Mexico. Three weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term, a clearer picture is beginning to emerge of some of the first Californians targeted in his high-profile immigration crackdown. It’s very different from the descriptions of hardened criminals President Donald Trump has touted.

LA mayor dismisses fire chief over response to most destructive wildfire in city history last month (AP)

 Six weeks after the start of the most destructive wildfire in city history, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ousted the fire chief Friday amid a public rift over preparations for a potential blaze and finger-pointing between the chief and City Hall over responsibility for the devastation. 

Big homeowner rate hike from State Farm shot down by California regulator

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today rejected State Farm’s request for “emergency” rate increases, setting up what could be a highly consequential showdown with the state’s biggest insurer — and going against the recommendation of his staff experts. 

Trump funding freeze includes payments to keep the Colorado River flowing (NPR)

The first executive order President Trump signed in his second term, "Unleashing American Energy," ... says, "All agencies shall immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022."... at least $4 billion was set aside to protect the flow of the Colorado River, which supplies about 40 million people with drinking water, is the foundation for a massive agricultural economy across the Southwest, and generates significant hydroelectric power.

Power lines sparked new fires in LA after the Eaton Fire began, radio traffic shows (NPR)

 Days after the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles first ignited, firefighters observed that power lines operated by Southern California Edison were live and starting new fires, radio traffic obtained by NPR reveals.

California homeowners will have to fund half of high-risk insurer's $1 billion ‘bailout’ (Cal Matters)

After saying it would run out of funds by March, California’s last-resort fire insurance provider will impose a special charge of $1 billion on insurance companies — which will in turn pass the costs along to homeowners — the first such move in more than three decades. The state Insurance Department today approved a request from the provider, the FAIR Plan, to impose the charge and ensure it stays solvent as it covers claims from victims of the Los Angeles County fires, the department said in an order by Commissioner Ricardo Lara. 

February 13, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• After D.C jet crash, a closer look at San Diego air traffic controller numbers (10 News)
• Investigation continues into military fighter jet crash in San Diego Bay (10 News)
• How getting rid of the Dept. of Education would impact San Diego schools (10 News)
• Jewish Family Service of San Diego announces potential layoffs of its migrant shelter workers   (NBC 7)
• Expecting budget shortfall, Lawson-Remer wants 'no stones unturned' on plans to raise revenue  (KPBS)
• How a Poway City Councilman earned the city’s first-ever censure (Voice of San Diego)
• Residents shocked to learn hundreds of ADUs proposed in Encanto (NBC)
• Friends clash in county special election (La Prensa)
• Peaceful immigrant rights protest turned 'unlawful' in National City  (10 News)

STATE

• CA Wildfire Recovery: Want To Help? These Charities Are Verified. (Patch.com)
• Feds won’t test soil after L.A. wildfire cleanup, potentially leaving contamination behind   (Los Angeles Times)
• Trump suggests getting rid of FEMA, conditioning federal aid for California (10 News)
• Massive Salton Sea lithium project gets judge’s go-ahead, ending advocates’ lawsuit (KPBS)
• The water unexpectedly released from dams on Trump's order didn't help farms or L.A. (MSN)

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

LOCAL

After D.C jet crash, a closer look at San Diego air traffic controller numbers (10 News) — As questions continue about air traffic control staffing in D. C. after the tragic jet collision earlier this week, we wanted to find out what the staffing situation is in San Diego.

Investigation continues into military fighter jet crash in San Diego Bay (10 News)

Just over 24 hours after a military fighter jet crashed into the San Diego Bay, ABC 10News has learned more about the aircraft and the investigation.

How getting rid of the Dept. of Education would impact San Diego schools (10 News)

The future of education in the U.S. could look different - and soon. In a move that's expected any day, the president has indicated he may call for the U.S. Department of Education to be dismantled, sending education policy back to the states. The Department of Education, which was created by Congress, distributes billions of dollars for education nationwide.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego announces potential layoffs of its migrant shelter workers  
(NBC 7)

On Jan. 20, when the federal government shut down the CBP One App, which allowed migrants to claim asylum at the border, JFS says it stopped receiving new families at Shelter Services.

Expecting budget shortfall, Lawson-Remer wants 'no stones unturned' on plans to raise revenue  (KPBS)

Facing possible program cuts from Washington and uncertainties about how tariffs would affect the regional economy, San Diego Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer wants to explore options to raise revenue.  "We pay way more to the federal government than we get in return. But what we get back, we need," she said. "And so when what we get back is being threatened, we got to make another plan. We can't just be sitting ducks."

How a Poway City Councilman earned the city’s first-ever censure (Voice of San Diego)

Public records reveal Councilmember Tony Blain’s history of harassing and threatening elected officials and city staff.  It’s been less than two months since Blain was sworn into office. Now, he’s being accused of vote trading, harassment, intimidation and bullying, earning him the first censure, or official reprimand, in the city’s 45-year history. 

Residents shocked to learn hundreds of ADUs proposed in Encanto (NBC)

San Diego's plan to ease the housing crisis with accessory dwelling units (ADUs) might be backfiring in Encanto. Neighbors are upset after finding out more than 200 ADUs are planned for 20 properties in the area. Dozens are planned for just one lot.  Multi-story buildings proposed with dozens of units is how the nickname “granny flats” evolved to “granny towers.”… “When you think about 33 on one lot that would house one house, it just seems like kind of unbelievable because most people don't think about ADUs in terms of like a massive apartment complex, essentially,” Eggleton said.

Friends clash in county special election (La Prensa)

Democrats and labor unions, which are usually united in campaigns, are facing off against each other in a contentious special election to replace San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, who resigned unexpectedly just weeks after winning a second term. 

Peaceful immigrant rights protest turned 'unlawful' in National City  (10 News)

A peaceful protest quickly growing in size, as Highland Avenue was swarmed with people...Some spreading their message proudly... And some breaking out into a fight on Highland Avenue and East 14th street.

STATE

CA Wildfire Recovery: Want To Help? These Charities Are Verified. (Patch.com)

Options range from legacy relief organizations to a nonprofit that allows donors to transfer cash directly to people who need help the most.

Feds won’t test soil after L.A. wildfire cleanup, potentially leaving contamination behind   (Los Angeles Times)

 The decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers breaks with a long-standing safeguard to ensure no lingering contamination is left behind after wildfires. 

Trump suggests getting rid of FEMA, conditioning federal aid for California (10 News)

Trump revealed on Friday that he would be signing an executive order that would overhaul FEMA or possibly "get rid" of the agency... President Donald Trump said he would end the Federal Emergency Management Agency "right now" if it was up to him.

Massive Salton Sea lithium project gets judge’s go-ahead, ending advocates’ lawsuit (KPBS)

Social and environmental groups sued last year saying the $1.8 billion Hell’s Kitchen project could cause water and air problems not disclosed in its environmental impact report. A judge disagreed.

The water unexpectedly released from dams on Trump's order didn't help farms or L.A. (MSN)

Days after President Trump startled some of his most ardent supporters in California's San Joaquin Valley by having the Army Corps of Engineers suddenly release water from two dams, many in the region and beyond were still perplexed.

January 30, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• Local businesses and nonprofits feeling the impact of federal immigration operations (KPBS)
• San Diego Fire Rescue Department tries out new fire prevention product (KPBS)
• Measuring the potential impact of mass deportations in San Diego  (KPBS)
• How San Diego's 1978 plane crash led to technology included in DC crash investigation (10 News)
• San Diego Council Bashes County Water Authority Over Costs (Voice of SD)
• Ukrainian volunteers from San Diego bring comfort and cuisine to LA fire victims (10 News)
• Despite uncertainty, Comic-Con to remain in San Diego through 2027  (KPBS)
• SDSU plans 7 new dorm towers to house nearly 4,500 more students on campus (KPBS)
• Survey of South Bay households find majority report health issues from sewage (KPBS)
• Oversupply and regulations hit San Diego cannabis revenue amid budget crisis (CBS8)
• Amtrak boosts LA-SD service on Pacific Surfliner (CBS)

STATE

• Trump's California water claim denied by state: "The military did not enter California." (MSN)
• Co-founder of life-saving Watch Duty App awarded for heroism in SoCal fires (KTLA)
• Trump says he wants voter ID laws as condition for wildfire aid for California (ABC)
• Fact check: What really happened with the Pacific Palisades water hydrants? (LAist)
• Cheat sheet: A very short guide for how to leave your house if you need to evacuate (LAist)
• Newsom orders investigation into dry fire hydrants that hampered firefighting in L.A.  (Los Angeles Times)
• Calif. Republicans weigh in on Trump allies’ calls for fire aid conditions (Washington Post)

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

Local businesses and nonprofits feeling the impact of federal immigration operations (KPBS)

Recent images and videos of immigration agents knocking on doors and detaining people have instilled fear in many immigrant communities, and local businesses are feeling the impact. "Typically our store makes between $1,000 to $2,000, the three days that we're there. Lately we've been selling $200, $300 a day. It's been very, very, slow. Nobody's selling. On Friday ... the neighboring store told us that he only sold $10," said an Escondido marketplace vendor...

San Diego Fire Rescue Department tries out new fire prevention product (KPBS)

“It’s a citrus-based food-based product that can be sprayed months in advance on dry vegetation or homes and it’ll stay fire resistant that entire time," [Former San Diego Fire Chief Jeff] Bowman said.

Trump says he wants voter ID laws as condition for wildfire aid for California  (ABC)

Gov. Gavin Newsom's office responded to Trump's comments about California's provision of water and his calls to condition additional aid for disaster response. In an X post, the office said that "conditioning aid for American citizens is wrong." This comes after Trump said that he wanted to see the taps turned on and voter ID laws in the state when asked about whether he'd condition additional aid for California.

Measuring the potential impact of mass deportations in San Diego  (KPBS)

Approximately 300,000 people could be directly impacted by deportations, according to research from a UC San Diego researcher.

How San Diego's 1978 plane crash led to technology included in DC crash investigation (10 News)

Flight 182 is one of a few cases that led to the creation of the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).

San Diego Council Bashes County Water Authority Over Costs (Voice of SD)

 San Diego City Council members spent an hour Tuesday night delivering an unprecedented public bashing of the region’s main water seller for ever-climbing costs. 

Ukrainian volunteers from San Diego bring comfort and cuisine to LA fire victims (10 News)

In response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, a group of Ukrainian volunteers from San Diego offered support to evacuees in a unique and heartfelt way. This week, the Ukrainian volunteers from San Diego joined forces with the Ukrainian community in Los Angeles to set up tents and serve meals to evacuees.

Despite uncertainty, Comic-Con to remain in San Diego through 2027  (KPBS)

Despite the connection to San Diego, the convention staying in the city has never been a given. Rumors circulate annually about moving it to other cities.

SDSU plans 7 new dorm towers to house nearly 4,500 more students on campus (KPBS)

Bob Schulz, SDSU's associate vice president of real estate, planning and development, said the university has long outgrown its reputation as a commuter college. Each year it sees the demand for on-campus housing increase… / Building more on-campus housing is a key component of SDSU's 2017 Climate Action Plan, which commits the university to full carbon neutrality by 2050. Student commutes to campus are the university's largest source of climate pollution….

Survey of South Bay households find majority report health issues from sewage (KPBS)

 Nearly 70% of…households interviewed in a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey believed one or more members of the household had a health symptom from the Tijuana River sewage crisis… Additionally, 80% believed their quality of life was negatively impacted, 67% believed their health had gotten worse since the problem rapidly worsened in recent years and 18% had sought medical care as a result of the sewage crisis.

Oversupply and regulations hit San Diego cannabis revenue amid budget crisis (CBS8)

 As the city faces a $258 million budget deficit, cannabis tax revenue continues to drop as more competition arises and the illicit market continues to dominate.  Cannabis sales in San Diego brought in $1.5 million less revenue during the 2024 fiscal year compared to the year prior.

Amtrak boosts LA-SD service on Pacific Surfliner (CBS)

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner will add three daily round trips between Los Angeles and San Diego, funded by a $27 million grant.

STATE

Trump's California water claim denied by state: "The military did not enter California." (MSN)

...President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social this week: "The United States Military just entered the Great State of California and, under Emergency Powers, TURNED ON THE WATER flowing abundantly from the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. The days of putting a Fake Environmental argument, over the PEOPLE, are OVER. Enjoy the water, California!!!" ...These claims by the president have since been refuted by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).  "The military did not enter California. The federal government restarted federal water pumps after they were offline for maintenance for three days. State water supplies in Southern California remain plentiful." 

Co-founder of life-saving Watch Duty App awarded for heroism in SoCal fires (KTLA)

‘Watch Duty’ co-founder John Mills became an Unsung Hero Award recipient on Friday after his emergency alert app helped thousands of Southern California residents stay safe and navigate the recent devastating wildfires. The free app is powered by active and retired firefighters, first responders and more in over 20 states.

Fact check: What really happened with the Pacific Palisades water hydrants? (LAist)

It’s a headline no one would want to see: Fire hydrants being used to fight the Palisades Fire were running dry... LADWP’s explanation for the shortage comes down to three nearby water tanks, each with a storage capacity of about a million gallons. These tanks help maintain enough pressure for water to flow from fire hydrants in uphill areas — but the pressure had decreased due to heavy water use, and officials knew the tanks couldn’t keep up the drain forever... Indeed, fire hydrants have also run dry in the case of other wildfires that spread to urban areas, including the 2017 Tubbs Fire, 2024’s Mountain Fire and 2023’s Maui wildfires.

Cheat sheet: A very short guide for how to leave your house if you need to evacuate (LAist)

…Here’s some advice from CalFire officials for protecting your property inside and out. But you and your family’s safety is the top priority, so only take these steps if you have time and it’s safe to do so.

Newsom orders investigation into dry fire hydrants that hampered firefighting in L.A.  (Los Angeles Times)

The governor cited news reports that some fire hydrants had lost water pressure and that the reservoir in Pacific Palisades was out of commission and empty during the fires, calling the reports “deeply troubling to me and the community.” He raised his concerns in a letter on Friday to Janisse Quiñones, the L.A. Department of Water and Power’s chief executive and chief engineer.

Calif. Republicans weigh in on Trump allies’ calls for fire aid conditions (Washington Post)

The unusual debate puts California’s Republican lawmakers in a potentially perilous position stuck between suffering constituents and the president-elect’s desires. And it presents another test of congressional GOP loyalty to Trump.

January 8, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• Man sentenced 35 years to life for sex offenses with teen at El Cajon motel (10 News)
• Scripps Health Now Out-of-Network for Anthem Blue Cross Policyholders (Times of San Diego)
• Judge rules Humane Society should not send domesticated cats back outside (KPBS)
• La Mesa man saves passenger of burning car crash in his front yard (10 News)
• Nathan Fletcher’s Accuser Drops Sexual Assault Claim — for Now (Voice of San Diego)
• Spring Valley man faces federal charges over El Cajon bank robbery (10 News)
• Parents sue Grossmont hospital alleging negligence in death of 4-year-old son (San Diego Union-Tribune)

STATE

• Hundreds of new laws in California take effect this year. Here's what to know for 2025. (CBS 8)
• Minimum car insurance coverage requirements are going up in California (KPBS)
• 2 dead and more than 1,000 homes, businesses, other buildings destroyed in fires (Los Angeles Times)
• California 2025: The Next Wave of New Employer Compliance Obligations Is About to Hit (National Law Review)

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

LOCAL

Man sentenced 35 years to life for sex offenses with teen at El Cajon motel (10 News)

A 71-year-old registered sex offender who engaged in sex acts with a 16-year-old girl at an El Cajon motel was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years to life in state prison. Michael Inman was convicted by an El Cajon jury of four felony sex offenses, including sexual penetration of a person under 18 and possession of child pornography for the March 2023 encounter with the minor at the Motel 6 on Montrose Court.

Scripps Health Now Out-of-Network for Anthem Blue Cross Policyholders (Times of San Diego)

After months of negotiations to keep the health system in-network, the contract between Scripps Health and Anthem Blue Cross officially ended Jan. 1, it was announced Wednesday. / The termination impacts all Anthem commercial and Covered California plans, though emergency care remains in-network and Medicare supplemental plans are unaffected, according to the health system.

Judge rules Humane Society should not send domesticated cats back outside (KPBS)

A judge has ruled that the San Diego Humane Society’s policy of releasing some outdoor, domesticated cats without a caretaker is unlawful. / The Community Cats program spays or neuters outdoor cats, vaccinates them, and then releases them back to where they were found. The goal is to keep the population healthy and shrink it over time. There are more than 300,000 unowned, free-roaming cats in San Diego County, according to the Humane Society…. / [The Judge] said the court considered things like the definition of animal abandonment and the Humane Society’s contract with the county.

La Mesa man saves passenger of burning car crash in his front yard (10 News)

Downed trees, the smell of smoke, and a burned car and house are what one La Mesa homeowner saw on his front yard after a car crash in his yard earlier Thursday morning. "Just before 1 in the morning, my wife and I heard a very loud boom, and so we came running downstairs, and we looked out the window, and my wife just screamed, 'It's a car accident, and it's on fire!" said Kerry Campbell, who lives on Baltimore Drive in La Mesa.

Nathan Fletcher’s Accuser Drops Sexual Assault Claim — for Now (Voice of San Diego)

The former Metropolitan Transit System employee who accused ex-county supervisor and MTS chair Nathan Fletcher of sexual harassment and assault has dismissed her most serious allegation against him – at least for now.

Spring Valley man faces federal charges over El Cajon bank robbery (10 News)

A Spring Valley man accused of robbing an El Cajon bank at gunpoint last week is facing federal charges. Maurice Carter is accused of entering the Wells Fargo branch on Fletcher Parkway on Dec. 10, brandishing a handgun, and fleeing with just over $9,000 in cash.

Parents sue Grossmont hospital alleging negligence in death of 4-year-old son (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Suit accuses hospital of failing to properly diagnose young patient’s condition after positive COVID test. A recently filed lawsuit accuses Sharp Grossmont Hospital of negligent care that led to the death of a 4-year-old boy from Canada who visited San Diego with his parents in August 2023.

STATE

Hundreds of new laws in California take effect this year. Here's what to know for 2025. (CBS 8)

Scores of new California laws are going into effect in 2025 after Gov. Gavin Newsom took action on hundreds of bills that crossed his desk last year.  Among the legislation Newsom signed into law were bills to crack down on retail crime and property theft; to address homelessness; and new protections for consumers and patients... Here's what to know about California's most notable new laws and how they'll affect you.

Minimum car insurance coverage requirements are going up in California (KPBS)

KPBS - Starting January 1st, the minimum car insurance coverage for California drivers is doubling. / Under Senate Bill 1107, the Protect California Drivers Act, the new coverage minimums are: $30,000 for injury/death to one person. $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person. $15,000 for damage to property. / Insurance carriers may have already adjusted the coverage that goes into effect January 1st, but drivers should confirm with their insurance carrier.

2 dead and more than 1,000 homes, businesses, other buildings destroyed in fires (Los Angeles Times)

More than 1,000 homes, businesses and other buildings have burned and at least two people are dead in wildfires burning across L.A. County, making this one of the most destructive firestorms to hit the region in memory.

California 2025: The Next Wave of New Employer Compliance Obligations Is About to Hit (National Law Review)

The California Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom have again enacted a number of laws that will affect California employers. This Insight summarizes the significant changes to California employment laws taking effect in 2025. Unless otherwise indicated, the laws discussed below will take effect on January 1, 2025.