By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 5, 2018 (San Diego) -- Though fire season is pretty much year round we can take preventive measures to prevent the start and spread of them. We educate and encourage those living in wildland fire-prone communities, to follow the “Ready, Set, Go” model to properly prepare for wildfires https://www.fire.lacounty.gov/rsg/

East County News Service

October 17, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes HauntFest on Main in El Cajon, a Julian melodrama, Borrego Days Desert Festival, the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, pumpkin patches filled with festive fall activities, a haunted amusement park, spooky camp overs, safe trick or treating options for children, and a haunted train ride.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life by Pickwick Players in Santee, the Mother Goose Parade in downtown El Cajon, and Tony Orlando in concert at Sycuan.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 24, 2018 (San Diego) -- This is the first week of fall, and with it comes Santa Ana wind season. Though fire season is year round, fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing high fire danger and red flag warnings. 

Salute and Cheers To Firefighters!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 19, 2018 (San Diego) - September is National Wine Awareness Month and wine has become so vital to California that it deserves a whole month. “Last year we saw the devastation from wildfires in Sonoma and Napa and fires are still burning dangerously close in many areas throughout the state, reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. We are far from being out of the woods as we have yet to experience our Santa Ana’s, Sundowners and Diablo winds.”

By Miriam Raftery

September 14, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes the Alley Cat Art Walk in El Cajon, the Julian Music Festival, Santa Ysabel Mission’s Bicentennial Celebration, a Tom Petty Tribute in El Cajon, and the opening of raspberry picking season  at Julian Farm and Orchard.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including Julian’s Old Fashioned Country Fair, Gregory Page and Sky Ladd in concert at Schwaesdall Winery in Ramona, Oktoberfests in La Mesa and El Cajon, a masquerade ball in El Cajon, spooky camping at Lake Jennings, our East County Dining Club at Fourpenny House in La Mesa, fair trade shopping in La Mesa, the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, the Pumpkin Express haunted train ride, HauntFest on Main in El Cajon, and the Borrego Days desert festival.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 3, 2018 (San Diego) -- It’s been about seventeen years since United Airlines flight 175 and American Airlines Flight 11 were purposely flown by hijackers into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center Buildings. The Pentagon was severely damaged by the impact of an additional airliner and resulting fire. Hijackers also crashed a fourth plane into a field near Shanksville Pa. after the passengers and flight crew attempted to regain control of the aircraft.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

August 16, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- “Listen for sprinklers, they sound like sprinklers,” says Tom Minga, a rattlesnake specialist.

Minga, a Flinn Springs resident, who owns Snake Solutions Removal & Relocation, recommends listening for rattlers when you are out in nature or even in your house.   

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

August 5, 2018 (San Diego) -- When I was younger I hated all the back-to-school commercials. They were a dreaded reminder that summer was over and pretty soon, I'd be back inside a hot, stuffy classroom, mourning my lost freedom.

East County News Service

July 26, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a Sip of Julian, Pine Valley Days, Gregory Page in concert at the garden, Lemon Grove concerts in the park, convertible night at El Cajon classic cruises and a Laurel and Hardy fan club film night.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including the HeART of Mt. Helix, the Barona Powwow, Sycuan Powwow and the Julian Grape Stomp Festa, So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

A little help from us can tip the balance between life and death for our wildlife neighbors

By Renee Owens

July 25, 2018 (San Diego) -- Our local wildlife species have evolved over many millions of years, adapting to some amazing extremes of weather where drought is par for the course. That means they can withstand pretty much anything Mother Nature delivers, right? Not necessarily, and especially not when combined with the incredibly high rate of ecological change to which  modern day global warming is exposing them.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 15, 2018 (San Diego) -- I don’t think any of us thought it would get this hot and humid so early in the summer! And the bad news it, it looks like more is in store this week with a long hot summer ahead.

Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. 

When Thunder Roars Head Indoors!

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 12, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - We’ve seen them this week and we will continue to notice large cumulous clouds forming around southern California. This ‘monsoonal pattern’ is produced by an area of high pressure over the four corners. The clockwise flow draws moisture into southern California from the south. These clouds can produce lightning, thunder, hail and heavy rain reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.

Find Fourth of July fireworks, parades, picnics and more

By Miriam Raftery

June 28, 2018 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County includes Sha Na Na at Sycuan, the Jamul Wine Tasting Festival, El Cajon’s 4^th of July picnic and fireworks, Deerhorn Valley's Independence Day Parade, Santee Salutes, Julian’s Fourth of  July Parade, the Lake Murray Music Festival, a patriotic painting class, and a 90^th birthday party for Lemon Grove’s giant lemon.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including the Descanso Days Fair and Parade, open house at the Oasis Camel Dairy, Pine Valley Days, and a local Laurel and Hardy fan club's 40th anniversary film fest party.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes hikes in local parks after dark,  El Cajon movies in the park and more movies in county parks, Santee’s Summer Concerts series, Wags and Wine at the Water Conservation Garden, a Queen Bee Brunch in Alpine and a Passport Through Time along historic highways in East County.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including Sha Na Na. live at Sycuan, the Jamul Wine Tasting Festival, Julian’s Quilt Show, Santee Salutes, Julian’s Fourth of July Parade, the Lake Murray Fireworks and Music Fest, and the Descanso Days Parade and Fair.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Miriam Raftery

June 6, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a Star Party at Oakoasis preserve in Lakeside, Lavender Day at Summers Past Farms, Fido Fest in Santee, the Julian Dance and Back Country BBQ, Art in the Park and a firefighters breakfast in La Mesa, the San Diego Concert Band at Harry Griffith Park, a Taste of La Mesa, and the start of Santee’s summer concert series.

Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a Queen Bee Brunch in Alpine, the Jamul Wine Tasting Festival, Julian’s Quilt Show, Santee Salutes, Julian’s star-spangled Fourth of July Parade, and the Descanso Days Parade and Fair.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!