CANDLEWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL MARCH 23 HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC ART IN BORREGO SPRINGS

THUNDERSTORMS, SANTA ANA WINDS AND SNOW

GARDENERS, HEADS UP! CITY LAUNCHES JUNE BLOOM OF EL CAJON COMPETITION

SUPERVISORS APPROVE 150 SLEEPING CABINS FOR HOMELESS IN SPRING VALLEY

SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE ANNOUNCES STEW

TWIN BROTHERS ARRESTED FOR SERIES OF RETAIL THEFTS IN EL CAJON

COUNTY AUTHORIZES EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO STORM DRAINS IN FLOODED EAST COUNTY COMMUNITIES

EL CAJON SEEKS MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS FOR EAST COUNTY MARKET NIGHTS EVENTS

SANTEE SEEKS PLAN FOR PARK AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT BARN SITE

PASSAGES: KATHRYN “KATHY” CARPENTER, THEATER REVIEWER FOR EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE

LA MESA CITY ADDRESS SHOWS BRIGHT DAYS AHEAD FOR JEWEL OF THE HILLS

LA MESA WOMAN DROWNED IN LAKE HAVASU

CANDLEWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL MARCH 23 HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC ART IN BORREGO SPRINGS

4th annual event showcases commissioned public art by Karla Diaz, Jake Freilich, Pearl C. Hsiung, Debra Scacco, and student artists from Borrego Springs High School
 
March 14, 2024 (Borrego Springs) -- The Candlewood Arts Festival returns to the Anza Borrego Desert on March 23 with commissioned public art works as well as a gallery exhibition of art by local youth. The Festival, sponsored by Under The Sun Foundation, will include a performance, workshops, an artists’ talk, and an opening party for visitors and residents to experience contemporary art together in the unique desert community of Borrego Springs. Events will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

SEXUALLLY VIOLENT PREDATOR TO BE RELEASED IN CAMPO

East County News Service

March 14, 2024 (Campo)—Yesterday, Sheriff’s deputies with the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force went door to door in Campo to advise residents that Alan Earl James, a registered sexually violent predator (SVP) with the state and county, will be released into their neighborhood at 1138 Custer Road, Campo.

SAN DIEGO SELECTED AS HOST FOR 2024 MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Source: Major League Rugby
 
March 24, 2024 (San Diego) – Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier professional rugby league in North America, has named San Diego as the host site for the 2024 MLR Championship. The Quest for the Shield will culminate at Snapdragon Stadium on Aug. 4, 2024 at 4 p.m. (EST) featuring the champions from the East and West conferences.

AZTECS BEAT BOISE ST., ADVANCE TO MW CHAMPIONSHIP

The Aztecs will play in their sixth championship game and first since 2013.
 
Source: GoAztecs
 
Photo: SDSU Aztecs senior guards Abby Prohaska (24) and Jazlen Green (11) celebrate on the court following the team's 72-69 win over Boise St. SDSU will face UNLV for the Mountain West Tournament championship. (SDSU)
 
March 14, 2024 (Las Vegas) -- The San Diego State women's basketball (22-12) outlasted Boise State (21-13) 72-69 in the semifinals of the Mountain West Tournament to advance to their first championship game since 2013. The Aztecs will face the regular season champion, No. 21/19 UNLV, on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

THUNDERSTORMS, SANTA ANA WINDS AND SNOW

 

March 14,2024 (San Diego)--A storm sweeping into our region is forecast to bring Santa Ana winds through Friday, with rain countywide and gusts up to 70 miles per hour in high desert areas. 

Mountains and deserts could have thunderstorms through Saturday, with snow down to 5,000 feet in elevation.

SUPERVISORS APPROVE 150 SLEEPING CABINS FOR HOMELESS IN SPRING VALLEY

A similar number of hotel vouchers may be phased out in favor of less glamorous, but fully inclusive, wrap-around services
 
By Jonathan Goetz
 
March 14, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- In an effort to address the homelessness crisis, Supervisors Wednesday voted 4-0 (with Joel Anderson absent due to a medical issue) to spend $18.5 million for 150 sleeping cabins at the corner of Jamacha Road and SR-125 in Spring Valley as part of Governor Gavin Newsom's sleeping cabin effort.

GARDENERS, HEADS UP! CITY LAUNCHES JUNE BLOOM OF EL CAJON COMPETITION

By Chris Berg, marketing and engagement manager,  City of El Cajon

 

March 14, 2024 (El Cajon)  - The City of El Cajon announces its inaugural June Bloom of El Cajon competition, a community-focused event designed to inspire and reward the creation of green spaces across our urban landscape. This initiative, in partnership with Armstrong Garden Centers, aims to engage citizens and businesses alike in fostering a greener, more vibrant City.

 

The June Bloom competition invites all residents and business owners in El Cajon to participate in transforming the community through the power of gardening. By enhancing front yards, balconies, storefronts, and community spaces with lush plants and creative landscaping, participants will not only contribute to the beautification of the City but also have the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes.

SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE ANNOUNCES STEW

East County News Service
 
Photo: Jamaelya Hines and Danielle Bunch, courtesy: Scripps Ranch Theatre
 
March 14, 2024 (San Diego) -- Scripps Ranch Theatre continues Season 44 with STEW by Zora Howard, a co-production with Common Ground Theatre and directed by Yolanda Franklin.
 
Mama is up early to prepare an important meal and, even with her family on hand to help, time is running short. Tensions simmer with three generations of Tucker women under one roof, but things come to a boil as the violence hovering around the periphery of their lives begins to intrude.

COUNTY AUTHORIZES EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO STORM DRAINS IN FLOODED EAST COUNTY COMMUNITIES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Storm drain, San Diego County Dept. of Public Works

March 13, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – County Supervisors, at a Flood Control District meeting today, approved continuation of storm drain emergency repairs in several unincorporated communities, following catastrophic flooding on January 22 that overwhelmed county stormwater drains.

TWIN BROTHERS ARRESTED FOR SERIES OF RETAIL THEFTS IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

 

March 13, 2024 (El Cajon) – El  Cajon Police have arrested twin brothers for a series of retail thefts between January 23 and February 24. Ali and Shuaib Ahmed, 28, are accused of orchestrating five retail thefts at the Ultra Beauty Store in El Cajon, allegedly stealing over $3,000 in merchandise, as well as a Feb. 24 theft at JC Penney in El Cajon, where goods valued at $700 were stolen.

EL CAJON SEEKS MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS FOR EAST COUNTY MARKET NIGHTS EVENTS

By Chris Berg, marketing and engagement manager, city of El Cajon

March 13, 2024 (El Cajon) —The city of El Cajon is inviting experienced and innovative event planners and organizations to submit proposals for the management of the newly conceived East County Market Nights. This weekly event, set to transform downtown El Cajon every Thursday evening, combines a certified Farmers Market with a dynamic nightlife experience, including live music, gourmet food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. Video Preview

SANTEE SEEKS PLAN FOR PARK AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT BARN SITE

By Mike Allen

March 13, 2024 (Santee) -- Santee is hoping to strike a deal with San Diego County to create a new park surrounding the historic Edgemoor Barn as well as much needed affordable housing.

At its most recent meeting on Feb. 28, the city council approved a resolution supporting a collaborative effort between the city and county for a plan on some 21 acres next to the Las Colinas Women’s Detention Center.

PETER PAN JUNIOR THEATER PRESENTS: ANNIE

By Jonathan Goetz

March 13, 2024 (San Diego) -- Join the Peter Pan Junior Theater for a heartwarming performance of the beloved musical “Annie,” set to take place from March 20th to 23rd at the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Performing Arts Center in San Diego. This enchanting production promises to bring the classic tale of hope and adventure to life, featuring the talents of young performers who have been rehearsing and training to deliver an unforgettable experience.

SUSPECTED DUI IN SPRING VALLEY RESULTS IN SOLO DRIVER FATALITY

East County News Service
 
March 13, 2024 (Spring Valley) – On March 10, 2024, at approximately 3:00 a.m., an unidentified female driver was traveling in a silver sedan, southbound in the northbound lanes of State Route 125, just north of Jamacha Road, at an unknown speed. Preliminary investigation and physical evidence suggested the solo female driver was driving wrong way and as a result, the sedan collided with a concrete bridge, lost control and collided with a metal chain link fence, and left the roadway. The sedan came to rest on Jamacha Road.

PASSAGES: KATHRYN “KATHY” CARPENTER, THEATER REVIEWER FOR EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE

East County News Service

March 12, 2024 (San Diego) – Kathryn “Kathy” Lynn Carpenter, East County Magazine’s theater reviewer for the past 15 years, passed away on September 16, 2023,  two days after her 65th birthday.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Kathy’s passing last fall,”  said ECM editor Miriam Raftery. “Kathy was a kind-hearted person and a valued member of our team who loved showcasing the works of community and youth theaters, high school and college performances, as well as highlighting the talents of young actors. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and all who loved her. This is a loss to the entire San Diego theatrical community.”

LA MESA CITY ADDRESS SHOWS BRIGHT DAYS AHEAD FOR JEWEL OF THE HILLS

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch Video Here

March 7, 2024 (La Mesa) – Dr. Mark Arapostathis, Mayor of La Mesa, gave a State of the City address in February that spoke of progress in processes at City Hall, growth in housing and business opportunities, as well as community engagement such as new park facilities and festive events all year round.

WALL THAT HEALS COMES TO EL CAJON MARCH 21-24: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

By Miriam Raftery

 

Image courtesy of the City of El Cajon

 

March 12, 2024 (El Cajon) -- “The Wall That Heals”, a ¾-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with a Mobile Education Center, will be at Wells Park in El Cajon March 21-24. Volunteers are needed to help make this amazing educational opportunity happen. 

LA MESA WOMAN DROWNED IN LAKE HAVASU

East County News Service

Photo via Cynthia Marin's Facebook page

March 12, 2024 (Mohave County, Arizona) -- A  La Mesa woman jumped off a boat to go swimming in Lake Havasu, AZ Sunday afternoon when according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s office. “Her improperly secured life jacket came off. The victim began to panic, then went below the surface of the water.”

A Sheriff’s dive team, aided by side scan sonar technology, found the victim at a depth of 42 feet in chilly 59 degree water. She has been identified as Cynthia Marin, 49, of La Mesa.

IT’S A NAIL-BITER IN 79TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photo: Mayor Racquel Vasquez has a slim 8-vote lead over Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins, in the battle for the second-place run-off slot
 
March 12, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – If you think your vote doesn’t matter, take a look at the latest results in the 79th Assembly District, where the top two candidates will advance to a November run-off. 

EL CAJON STATE OF CITY ADDRESS TOUTS REVITALIZATION

By Bransen P. Harper
 
Photos courtesy: City of El Cajon screenshots
 
March 11, 2024 (El Cajon) -- In his State of the City address on February 7, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells outlined his major plans for growth in a city that has been plagued by several issues related to the post-recovery period of Covid and the homelessness epidemic. 

PARENTS SPEAK OUT OVER DEMOTION OF SANTANA EDUCATORS

By Kirsten Andelman

March 11, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -- Close to 100 people came before the Grossmont Union High School District board meeting February 22, eager to hear -- and be heard -- regarding disciplinary action taken against four educators at Santana High School after a teenager was sex-trafficked in 2021. 

GROSSMONT UNION DISTRICT BOARD SET TO CONSIDER CUTTING DOZENS OF JOBS

By Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
 
A school bus at Grossmont High School. Photo by Chris Stone, Times of San Diego
 
March 11, 2024 (El Cajon) -- An East County school board will consider two items Tuesday that could lead to the elimination of teaching, administrative and classified positions.
 
Eighty-six jobs are on the line, according to two human resources items on the agenda for the Grossmont Union High School District.

REGIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU

Source: Department of Environmental Health and Quality

March 10, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County is looking to understand how we can improve services to the community during disasters. To learn more about the specific challenges communities are facing during these disasters, we are hosting online webinars open to the community as well as a survey to learn more and hear directly from the public. This information will be used to develop policy recommendations to the County Board of Supervisors about what actions the County should take to help better serve the public before, during, and after disasters. For more information and to take the survey and register for webinars please go to: https://engage.sandiegocounty.gov/regional-disaster-management

COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT 17 PERCENT RISE IN TB LAST YEAR

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office

 
In Summary:
 
  • Cases of TB are up in San Diego County.
  • TB symptoms could include a lasting cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. 
  • Treatment is available if you have a TB infection or are sick with TB.

REP. SARA JACOBS SECURES $13.5 MILLION FOR 15 SAN DIEGO PROJECTS

Source: Congresswoman Sara Jacobs

March 10, 2024 (Washington, D.C.) -- Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51) secured $13.5 million for 15 local community projects in San Diego in an appropriations package that passed the House today. These projects were submitted by local governments and non-profits across California’s 51st district, from Lemon Grove to Grantville to Miramar. The Senate is expected to pass this package later this week, and then it will head to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “Bringing home federal dollars to San Diego is one of my biggest responsibilities, so I’m incredibly proud that I secured $13.5 million for local projects across California’s 51st district – especially during such a politically fraught time in Congress. This much-needed funding will help address homelessness, support children, prevent wildfires, care for service members and veterans, build beautiful community spaces, and more. I’m excited to see all the good that this funding will do to make our community healthier, safer, and stronger.”

Rep. Sara Jacobs secured $13.5 million for these 15 San Diego projects:

HAYES OVERTAKES JUZA IN 75TH ASSEMBLY RACE; 79TH DISTRICT NARROWS TO SLIM 183-VOTE MARGIN IN RACE FOR RUNOFF SLOTS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Andrew Hayes has moved into 2nd place in 75th Assembly district; LaShae Sharp-Collins has pulled within 183 votes of Racquel Vasquez in the 79th district

March 9, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Latest election results released at 5 p.m. this evening show results have flipped in the Assembly district 75—with two Republicans now in the first and second place positions poised to run-off in November, if these positions hold.

Andrew Hayes, a  Lakeside school board member and long-time aide to Senator Brian Jones and Supervisor Joel Anderson, has narrowly pulled ahead of Democrat Kevin Juza, a business consultant. Carl DeMaio, founder of Reform California and conservative talk radio host, remains in first place. Currently DeMaio has 43.21%, Hayes 18.65% and Juza 18.18%. With just 555 votes separating Hayes and Juza, however, this race is still too close to call.  Three lesser-known candidates are trailing far behind.

The race has also tightened in the 79th Assembly District, where three Democrats are vying for the two top slots to advance to the November general election.

TRADER JOE’S CONFIRMS SANTEE STORE AT BEST BUY SITE

By Mike Allen

March 9, 2024 (Santee) -- Trader Joe’s, purveyor of its own wine label Charles Shaw (formerly “Two Buck Chuck”) and prepared gourmet entrees, said that its next store will be at the former Best Buy site at 9680 Mission Gorge Road in Santee. It will be the chain’s 16th store in San Diego County.

In late December, the Monrovia-based grocery chain had announced Santee would be the location for a new store, as ECM reported, but declined to say anything more. But word leaked out that the old Best Buy site between Navy Federal Credit Union and Discount Tire is the new address.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY PROPERTY TAX AUCTION COMING SOON

Bidders must register by March 14 to participate in online auction; Auction runs from March 22-27 
 
March 9, 2024 (San Diego) - San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister is reminding San Diegans that there is only one week left to register for the 2024 online property tax auction. The auction site currently has a total of 411 properties for sale.   
 
“The deadline to register to participate in the online tax auction is a week away,” said McAllister. “Our online system makes it simple to sign up, research, and bid on a variety of properties across San Diego County.”  

THE SQUIRREL AND THE MOON

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

March 8, 2024 (San Diego) -- The Squirrel and the Moon, a picture book, is beautifully written by Jacob Haffner and illustrated by Clarissa Janeen. It’s perfect for the young reader who loves to explore a book through its pictures. The book tells a warm and tender mother/child story.

The squirrel tells his mother he’s going to the moon. When the squirrel sets out to bring a souvenir home from the moon, he discovers that his task is more daunting than he'd expected. Can he make it to the moon and back? If so, how will he get there?

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