Source:  Ramona Valley Vineyard Association

Photo:  winemaker Micole Moore and co-owner Teri Kerns in the vineyard with ponies Thelma and Louise.

September 14, 2017 (Ramona) — Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery is the first in San Diego County to be designated Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE) as a result of meeting a comprehensive set of standards for “environmental stewardship, conservation of natural resources and socially equitable business practices” set by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA).

Video: Teams compete at the 2017 Ramona Grape Stomp Competition

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2017 (Ramona) – To the strains of songs like “Mountain Dew”,  teams of competitors vied to see who could crush the most grapes in two minutes and emerge champion at the first-ever Ramona Grape Stomp this weekend.

Teams chose names such as the “Juicy Lucys” or the “Toe Jammers.”  One team member stomped the ripe purple grapes, the other filled a cup with juice spurting out of a spigot on a wine barrel.

A Grape Stomp princess was also on hand to help officiate as contestants hopped in feet first, demonstrating their stomping skills on stage as the audience cheered them on with gusto.

East County News Service

September 4, 2017 (Ramona) -- Save the date for the first annual Ramona Grape Stomp on September 9^th from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center pavillion, 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona.

By Miriam Raftery

September 3, 2017 (San Diego) — The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory in effect now through 10 p.m. tonight do to remnants of Tropical Storm Lidia, now downgraded to a tropical depression. Thunderstorms and rain are also impacting the region with heaviest rainfall likely on Mt. Laguna, where an inch of rain may fall.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Billy Ortiz: El Capitan Dam in Lakeside, ranked “fair” for safety, has an “extremely high “downstream hazard status for potential loss of life and property damage.

September 2, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) - The State of California on Friday released data on dam safety in California which found nine percent of dams statewide fall below satisfactory and could pose potential hazards in severe storms or earthquakes—including nine dams in San Diego County.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 1, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - Even though the region’s heat wave continues, the National Weather Service is predicting San Diego County residents could see heavy rains, winds and thunderstorms this weekend, mainly on Sunday.

Winery part of emerging Highland Valley wine region

East County News Service

August 31, 2017 (Escondido) – Located high above the San Pasqual Valley in Escondido, winery Domaine Artefact secured prestigious wins at the 37^th San Francisco International Wine Competition and the Sunset International Wine Competition. The honors draw attention to an emerging, thriving wine region called Highland Valley, located just west of Ramona.

Source: Ramona Valley Vineyards Association

August 30, 2017 (Highland Valley) -- Wines from Altipiano Vineyard and Winery, Escondido, received double-gold, silver, and bronze medals out of 4,300 entries from more than 30 countries around the world at the 37^th San Francisco International Wine Competition held June 29 to July 2, 2017.

By Miriam Raftery

August 30, 2017 (Warner Springs) – Wings of Rescue is working to fly out pets stranded or lost from areas flooded by Hurricane Harvey.  On Monday from 12 noon to 4 p.m., Hawk Watch Winery in Warner Springs is hosted a benefit for Wings of Rescue’s hurricane relief efforts.

East County News Service

August 26, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service is warning of a “dangerous heat wave”  forecast to hit San Diego County starting Sunday mid-morning through at least Wednesday.   Excessive heat warnings and advisories have been issued for the region, with Monday and Tuesday expected to be the hottest days. Even the coast won’t be spared from this heat wave.

By Valerie Watts

August 26, 2017 (Julian) - “Stomp the grapes.  Drink the wine.” 

The Menghini Winery is hosting the 21^st Julian Grape Stomp Festa on September 2 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.  The festivities are located at 1150 Julian Orchards Drive outside of Julian.  This unique event invites you to immerse yourself in the old-world Italian experience, tasting wines from ten local wineries, humming to Italian tunes by Roman Holiday, trying your hand at bocce ball, eating and shopping.  This year a falconry demonstration has been added to the list of attractions, where you can watch these regal birds “volare.”

Update August 22:  The fire is 80% contained and holding at 200 acres, per Cal Fire. 175 federal, state and local firefighters have been battling the blaze.  Cause has not been determined.

Update 6:00 p.m.: Forward spread of fire has been stopped and threat to Campo Indian reservation mitigated, Cal Fire reports.

Update 4:12 p.m.:  Campo Sheriff Substation reports  EclipseFire is at 200 acres. Safe zone is at Mountain Empire High School, 3305 Buckman Springs Rd. in Campo. Fire is advancing at moderate spread, 10-15 mph winds, 0% contained.

Update 3:50 p.m.:  Campo Indian reservation is also now threatened, Cal Fire tweeted moments ago. Evacuations are in progress.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Donna Tisdale

August 21, 2017 (Campo) -- The #EclipseFire has burned 25 acres at La Posta Road and Royal Willie Road in the Campo area.  Structures are now threatened and evacuations are occurring at a Navy training site on La Posta Road, Isaac Sancheez, Cal Fire public information officer, has advised ECM.

The fire is burning at moderate rate of spread and no structures are threatened, according to Cal Fire.  The California Highway has ordered closure of La Posta Road. 

SDG&E has dispatched its air crane to help battle the blaze.

By Miriam Raftery

August 20, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Last month,  rural residents voiced frustration when the County announced meetings on outsourcing animal services with only 24 hours notice before the only meeting in East County, as ECM reported.  This week,  rural community leaders are voicing frustration that public meetings on how to improve ambulance services were again announced on short notice.  All the meetings are slated mid-day on weekdays this week, when working people can’t attend.  Moreover, rural planning group chairs say there were left in the dark and were never notified by the county of these meetings.

East County News Service

August 17, 2017 (Alpine) — Authorities seek public help to find the man shown in this artist’s sketch.  He is wanted for attacking a 63-year-old woman who was walking in Alpine on the evening of June 20^th, breaking her nose and causing numerous scrapes and bruises.

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

August 14, 2017 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego Thursday released a draft Climate Action Plan for a 45-day public comment period scheduled to end Sept. 25.

The draft plan is designed to cut greenhouse gases in the County’s unincorporated communities as well as those related to County government operations. It seeks to meet state requirements with actions that balance environmental, economic and community interests, while taking into account the County’s largely rural character.