Delays are expected Thursday night during one-way traffic control operations

Source: Caltrans

October 27, 2016 (San Diego) - Caltrans crews have scheduled lane closures at the intersection of State Route 67 (SR-67) and Dye Road/Highland Valley Road near Ramona on Thursday night from 7 until 5 Friday morning.

Source: Lions, Tigers and Bears

October 16, 2016 (Alpine) -- Lions Tigers & Bears (LTB), a San Diego Big Cat and Exotic Animal Rescue, has sent its rescue team to a sanctuary in South Dakota, which has closed after a recent USDA inspection and tiger mauling last week.  

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Clip art

October 11, 2016 (Dulzura) - A Border Patrol Agent tracking a border crosser on Friday made a grisly discovery:  a human skull.  The Sheriff’s office and Medical Examiner’s office were notified and recovered the remains. During the search, a long bone was located near the skull; no other remains were found.

By Janis Russell

October 10, 2016 (Jamul) - On Saturday, October 1, the public gathered under some oak trees near the Lyons Valley Trading Post in Jamul to hear two experts talk about what has been happening with the coast live oak trees in California.

East County News Service

October 1, 2016 (Alpine) - The Alpine Education Foundation (AEF) invites you to join them for special event at the Alpine Creek Town Center on Thursday, October 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The event is free for all ages.

East County News Service

September 30, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Windy conditions are forecast Sunday through Monday across the County, with strongest winds in the mountains, deserts, and over coastal waters. Gusts could reach 55 miles per hour in the mountain and desert areas, the National Weather Service predicts.

Update 3 p.m.:  Forward spread is stopped at six acres; fire is 25% contained, per Cal Fire.

Update 2:45 p.m.: Cal Fire reports the fire is now six acres and that crews are making good progress.

By Miriam Raftery

September 18, 2016 (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)--1:30 p.m.--A brush fire is burning in the Cuyamaca  Area, multiple sources confirm. A post at WildlandFire.com, a firefighters' discussion forum, indicates the fire started at Harrison Park Road and State Route 79,  burning at least three to five acres so far and moving into timber. 

An air tanker is dropping retardant and two structures are threatened,the post indicates, though there is no official confirmation yet of structure threat.

A caller to ECM reported smoke in the area.  In addition,Trevor Rathfon tweeted a photo ofsmoke behind Lake Cuyamaca indicated,"Fire season has officialy begun."

If you have details on this fire please contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

East County News Service

September 16, 2016 (Pine Valley) – You’re invited to saddle up for the Pine Valley Mountain Riders Poker and Obstacle Ride Extravaganza on September 24th at the Windfall Ranch (21800 Japatul Valley Road) in Alpine.  Spectators are also welcome.

East County News Service

September 15, 2016 (Ramona) — A Ramona father who crashed his pick-up truck head-on into a car on Vista Ramona Road Monday afternoon near Old Julian Highway appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, said Officer Kevin Pearlstein with the California Highway Patrol.

Source: Alpine Fire

September 11, 2016 (Alpine) – The Alpine Fire Protection District (AFPD) recently improved its rating from a national insurance risk company, which may result in lower insurance coverage rates residents and business owners in the District.  The District was recently notified by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) that after a recent re-evaluation of the AFPD a rating of 2/2Y will be effective September 1, 2016.

East County News Service

September 5, 2016 (Alpine) - Children of all ages are welcome to come to the Alpine Library for Funtastic Friday on September 16^th at 3:30pm.

East County News Service

September 1, 2016 (Ramona) - As part of the San Diego County Library's Acoustic Concert Series, the Prairie Bluegrass band will be playing at the Ramona Library Thursday, September 8 at 6 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Lucas Riley, 24, victim in the crash

August 27, 2016 (Ramona) – Roy Dunkin, 51, is accused of driving drunk and causing a fiery, head-on collision on Highway 67 that killed Point Loma Nazarene College student Lucas Makana Riley, 24, of San Diego. Dunkin’s pickup truck also hit a Buick sedan, causing minor injuries to its occupants.  Dunkin has pled not guilty to the charges and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

UPDATE FROM THE MILAGRO FAMILY:  Please note that the Milagro Tasting Room will not re-open as previously announced on Saturday, September 3rd, 2016. We are shooting for a tasting room re-opening date towards the end of September and will confirm that date once all necessary procedures are updated. The exact timing of this completion is out of our control. Please bear with us just a bit longer. The wait will be worth it, we promise!

East County News Service

August 1, 2016 (Ramona) - Milagro Farms Vineyard and Winery in Ramona announces it will reopen its tasting room on Saturday, September 3.  The tasting room has been closed for several months for a major remodel.

An e-mail to wine club members reads, “We have used the down time wisely and made some fantastic improvements here at Milagro.  We assure you that the new experience will not disappoint.  The outdoor area directly adjacent to the tasting room has been re-crafted for optimal relaxation and entertainment purposes, complete with bocce courts, a children's play structure, picnic tables, wooden swings and new patio furniture.  Inside we have added an essential board game library and lots more seating options.”

The new Milagro will include:

August 20, 2016—Two Sig Alerts have been issued due to separate crashes in East County, both forcing long-term shutdowns of  major roadways.

A fatality accident has shut down State Route 67 in both directions for 8 to10 hours. Southbound 67 is closed at Archie Moore Road.  Northbound SR 67 is closed at Poway Road.   A head-on crash between a silver pickup and black Nissan reportedly occurred  on the highway just north of Cloudy Moon Road after the truck veered across the centerline.