Mountains

DENIM AND DIAMONDS AT WILD IN THE COUNTRY MAY 21

East County News Service

April 5, 2022 (Alpine) - Wild in the Country is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Lions Tigers & Bears animal sanctuary in Alpine. After a two-year hiatus, the event returns May 21 with a “Denim and Diamonds” theme. You’re invited to  dust off those jeans, put on something sparkly, and get ready to visit with the animals, bid on amazing auction items, and rock out with The KING of Diamonds himself, Rob Garrett America's #1 NEIL DIAMOND tribute artist and impersonator who is a lead Las Vegas act.


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FOUR ORPHANED BEAR CUBS SUCCESSFULLY RETURNED TO THEIR HOMES IN THE WILD

Cubs received care, grew strong at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center.

April 25, 2022 (Ramona) -- Four orphaned bear cubs who have been growing strong at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center for the past six months, have been returned to the wild. The bears were released on April 14, 2022 by biologists with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in Central and Northern California.

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IIPAY NATION PRESENTS ‘SOARING SPIRITS’ KITE FESTIVAL APRIL 23

East County News Service

Photo:  CC by NC

April 21, 2022 (Santa Ysabel) - April is National Kite Flying Month and the Iipay Nation presents the Soaring Spirits Kite Festival this Saturday, April 23.


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RAMONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO MEET EMERGING COMMUNITY NEEDS

Source:  Ramona Community Foundation

April 20, 2022 (Ramona) - Ramona Community Foundation (RCF), an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation, announced the availability of grant funding to enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and play in Ramona. 


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TROUBLE FOR MAJORS: GOFUNDME SITE SEEKS TO SAVE PINE VALLEY DINER

By Matthew Manosh

April 15, 2022 (Pine Valley) -- Major's Diner (also known as Major’s Coffee Shop) has been a staple in the Pine Valley community for over 60 years since its doors first opened in 1961.


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CHEERS! HESS BREWING NOW OPEN IN ALPINE, ITS SIXTH LOCAL LOCATION

By Henri Migala

April 12, 2022 (Alpine) -- One of the greatest benefits of living in East County is to be able to enjoy our wide open and natural spaces. The best thing to come out of the pandemic is the move of restaurants to open outdoor eating and drinking areas.


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EGG-CITING EVENTS IN COUNTY PARKS: FIND EGGS, PLAY GAMES, EAT CAKES AND MEET BUNNIES

East County News Service

April 10, 2022 (San Diego) -- Are you looking for springtime activities to get the family outdoors? “Chick” out County Parks and Recreation, which has several “Egg-citing” Spring events lined up to help you celebrate the new season.

Take a peep below:


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LEARN HOW TO CREATE A SAFE HAVEN FOR MONARCH BUTTERFLIES APRIL 30 IN ALPINE

East County News Service

Photo by Miriam Raftery

April 10, 2022 (Alpine) -- Would you like to be part of creating your own special garden where Monarch Butterflies can thrive? You’re invited to learn more on Saturday April 30th at 1 p.m. at the Alpine Town Hall (Alpine Woman’s Club), 2156 Alpine Blvd in Alpine.


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CHILDREN’S NATURE RETREAT IN ALPINE HOSTS EASTER EGG HUNTS APRIL 11-17

Source: Children’s Nature Retreat

 

April 6, 2021 (Alpine) -- You’re invited to hop on over to the Children’s Nature Retreat, a 20-acre animal sanctuary in Alpine, to celebrate Easter with the animals and participate in an Easter Egg Hunt. The annual Egg Hunts are a tradition at the Retreat and this year there will be one hunt per day all week, from Monday, April 11 through Sunday, April 17.  


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COUNTY ASKS PUBLIC TO TAKE SURVEY ON EMERGENCY SERVICES

Source: San Diego County Office of Emergency Services

April 4, 2022 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services is asking County residents to provide feedback for two emergency plans.

 

The goal is to further protect residents, their property, and the environment. The survey feedback will be incorporated into the Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan and the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.


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CAMEL CAMP APRIL 29-MAY 1 IN RAMONA

By Miriam Raftery

March 14, 2022 (Ramona) – Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona will host a hands-on “Camel Camp” April 29-May 1 for adults age 18 and up. Enjoy midnight at the Oasis – and the rest of the time, too.   The fun starts with a meet and greet at the dairy on Friday, April 29, to meet fellow campers, staff and camels while enjoying camel milk chocolate s’mores and other snacks.


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VIDEO OF THE MONTH: MOUNTAIN LION IN DESCANSO

 

 

March 14, 2022 (Descanso, CA) -- Ana Lilia sent in this video of a mountain lion spotted in the backyard of her home in Descanso, a rural community in San Diego's backcountry.  “I love how the last shot of him/her is just as he passed by our statue of St. Francis of Assisi -- the patron Saint of Ecology & Animals," she says.


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DAFFODILS BLOOM BY THE THOUSANDS IN JULIAN DURING DAFFODIL DAYS

By Kyle Alderman
 
March 12, 2022 (Julian) — Already famous for its autumn apple harvest, the rustic mountain mining town of Julian is developing a new reputation for its spring daffodil season.
 
This year all eyes are on Julian Farm and Orchard, where more than 50,000 daffodil bulbs have already begun to explode in bright yellow color just days before the start of the first annual “Daffodil Days” event.  The 25-acre family-friendly farm and orchard will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays beginning March 19 through May 1 for “you-pick” daffodil harvesting as well as hayrides, a petting zoo experience, and axe throwing.

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VINTAGE ALPINE OFFERS TASTES FROM 40 LOCAL WINERIES, BREWERIES AND RESTAURANTS ON MAY 1

By Miriam Raftery

March 10, 2022 (Flinn Springs) – What could be more delightful than strolling through the beautiful gardens at Summers Past Farms, then sipping and savoring tastes from over 40 local restaurants, wineries and breweries?  It’s all for a good cause, too, benefitting the Kiwanis Club of Alpine Foundation, which supports services and programs for children in San Diego County.


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SAVOR A TASTE OF JULIAN, A RURAL DINING ADVENTURE APRIL 30

East County News Service

March 9, 2022 (Julian) – Julian’s annual “Taste of Julian” celebrates the town’s diverse culinary delights – proving there’s much more here than the community’s famed apples.  The self-guided tour includes a variety of participating restaurants, bakeries, and tasting rooms for wine, beer and cider on April 30 from 12:30 to 5 p.m.


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SIGNS OF SPRING: JULIAN DAFFODIL SHOW MARCH 19-20, U-PICK DAFFODILS IN MARCH AND APRIL

By Miriam Raftery

March 9, 2022 (Julian) -- The Julian Daffodil Project was started by Sally Snipes in 1990 as a memorial to her father Jack Snipes. Now there are 4 million bulbs planted in Julian, according to the Julian Daffodils page on Facebook.

Each year, the group hosts the Julian Daffodil show. This year, the free event will be held Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall, 2129 Main Street in the heart of historic Julian.

In addition, you can enjoy U-pick daffodils on Saturdays and Sundays from March 19 through May 1 during Daffodil Days at Julian Farm and Orchard, 4381 Highway 79, Julian.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: BOBCAT CLOSE ENCOUNTER

East County News Service

March 9, 2022 (Ramona) – Photographer Scott Lagace was hiking in the Ramona Grasslands Preserve this week when he was fortunate enough to encounter a bobcat basking in the sun that obligingly posed for photos. Though this was one cool cat around the human present, bobcats are normally secretive and solitary. They have been protected species in California since 2020.


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EAST COUNTY EATER: THE ALL NEW PUB AT LAKE CUYAMACA

By Henri Migala

March 6, 2022 (Julian) -- If you live in San Diego, then you have probably enjoyed a country drive to the charming mountain town of Julian and perhaps stopped to have lunch at what used to be the Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant overlooking the lake. It’s now under new ownership and has been fully renovated, reopened as the Pub at Lake Cuyamaca.


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BETTER READ THAN DEAD: MYSTERY BOOK CLUB IN ALPINE TO FOCUS ON “THIN ICE” MARCH 15

East County News Service

March 2, 2022 (Alpine) - Do you like whodunits, creepy psychological thrillers, or even cozy detective tales? Join your fellow mystery fans in a relaunch of the mystery and thriller book discussion group at the Alpine library on Tuesday, March 15 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. 


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AUTHORS OF BOOK ON ANZA-BORREGO NATURAL HISTORY TO VISIT JULIAN LIBRARY MARCH 18

East County News Service

March 18, 2022 (Julian) – Mike Wells and Marie Simovich will speak and sign copies of their book, A Natural History of the Anza-Borrego Region, Then and Now, at the Julian branch of the San Diego County Library.

The event is slated for Friday, March 18 at 2 p.m. The Julian library is located at 1850 Highway 78 in Julian.


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ST. PATRICK’S DAY TEAS MARCH 17-21 IN JULIAN

East County News Service

March 2, 2022 (Julian) – Julian Tea and Cottage Arts will be serving up St. Patrick’s Day Teas March 17-21, both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting.  They are also available to go.


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ST. PATRICK’S DAY LUCKY ADVENTURE MARCH 17

East County News Service

March 2, 2022 (Santa Ysabel) – You’re invited to a lucky day of fun at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and learn some history about St. Patrick on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: HOLY GUACAMOLE!

East County News Service

March 2, 2022 (Alpine) – Richard Edwords of Kamp's Propane sent in this photo from the Preferred MM SD Insurance Services wiinning team, which took home the first place trophy in the Alpine Kiwanis Club's recent guacamole contest.

The competition benefits Sports for Exceptional Athletes.

 




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CAMPO DAY: RELIVE THE WILD WEST, MILITARY HISTORY AND MORE ON APRIL 30

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2022 (Campo) – You’re invited to experience the history and heritage of San Diego’s East County during Campo Day. The event will take place on Saturday, April 30  at four separate locations encompassing the community’s colorful past which includes a historic railway, Wild West shootout, Native Americans, pioneers, cowboy skills, Buffalo soldiers, a cavalry camp and living military history. There’s also an evening dance.

Specifically, the Campo venues and events at the event organized by the Mountain Empire Historical Society include:


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: WINTER WONDERLAND ON MOUNT LAGUNA

East County News Service

February 23, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – UCSD’s HP Wren webcam captured this serene image of snow-covered pine trees and land atop Mount Laguna during a break in today’s winter storm.


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STORM BLANKETS EAST COUNTY MOUNTAIN AND HIGH DESERT COMMUNITIES IN SNOW; SOME ROADWAYS ARE CLOSED

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, right: Snow in In-Ko-Pah, by Greg Curran

February 23, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – A late winter storm brought much-needed rain across much of the county, also bringing heavy snowfall to Mt.Laguna and lesser amounts of snowfall to elevations as low as Campo, Descanso, Lake Morena and In-ko-pah. In addition, a freeze warning has been issued for valley areas tonight and a frost warning for coastal communities.

The snowstorm has caused traffic snarls on I-8, where at least 10 semi-trucks got stuck this morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The road was cleared with snow ploughs by around 9 a.m. However, Sunrise Highway is closed due to snow between State Route 79 and mile marker 27.5 due to snow.

Chains are required to access the following roadways:


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SNOW DAY: SCHOOLS CLOSED IN EAST COUNTY MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES

February 22, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- Due to an impending snowstorm, schools in the following school districts will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 23, the County Office of Education has announced:

  • Julian Union Elementary School District
  • Julian Union High School District
  • Mountain Empire Unified School District
  • Spencer Valley School District

Schools in the Julian Union Elementary and Julian Union High school districts will have a late start on Thursday, Feb. 24.


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SNOWSTORMS TO IMPACT I-8, CREATE WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS IN MOUNTAINS

By Miriam Raftery

File photo: Snow on Sunrise Highway, Mt. Laguna

February 21, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – A severe storm moving into our area is forecast to bring heavy rains across most of the county, along with high winds and substantial snow in mountain areas today through Wednesday.  Snowfall is forecast to dip below 4,000 feet, including portions of Interstate 8 east of Alpine.

Mount Laguna could get up to a foot and a half of snow, with six to eight inches forecast for Julian.  The blizzard could create white-out conditions in snowy areas, so avoid travel if possible. Frost is forecast for some valley areas including Ramona and Escondido.

Gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are forecast in mountains and in desert areas such as Borrego and Ocotillo Wells.


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CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL COMING TO ALPINE; CHANGE IS WELCOME BY MANY RESIDENTS, BUT LOSS OF STUDENTS COULD IMPACT GUHSD’S BOTTOM LINE

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Alpine Elementary School, site for the future Liberty Charter High School.  Photo courtesy George Barnett

February 20, 2022 (Alpine) – For over 20 years, Alpine residents pined for a high school, even engaging in unsuccessful litigation with the Grossmont Union High School District after the GUHSD reneged on promises to build one due to declining district enrollment.  But in August, Liberty Charter High School will open at the site of the recently closed Alpine Elementary School.


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WILD WINDS IN ALPINE

By Miriam Raftery

February 13, 2022 (Alpine) – High winds howled through Alpine this week, causing damage to homes over multiple days.

In the Loving Life Alpine group on Facebook, residents posted descriptions and photos, including some also sent to ECM via email.

 

Brandon Hamilton came home on Thursday, February 10th  to find his propane barbecue submerged in his swimming pool. (photo, left)   

His post prompted quips from neighbors who posted quips about a BBQ pool party and a need for snorkels.

 

Elizabeth Livingston wrote, “Lost all of my carport.” Her damage occurred on Sunday, February 6, she told ECM. (photo, right)

 

Lisa Dawn Reese described the scenario as “hurricane force winds.”


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