Rural communities

STABBING SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER SEARCH IN CASA DE ORO

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2022 (Spring Valley) – A stabbing suspect has been apprehended following a  search yesterday in the Casa de Oro area of Spring Valley. Rene Soto, 41, is charged with assault with a deadly weapon.


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LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS CELEBRATES ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY

By Henri Migala

June 5, 2022 (Alpine) -- One of East San Diego County’s great treasures, Lions, Tigers and Bears celebrated its 20th anniversary on May 21 with a “Diamonds and Denim” themed Wild in the Country gala. The even featured a silent and live auction with items such as wildlife paintings and an African photo safari as well as a VIP cocktail party reception, opportunities to feed exotic animals, buffet luncheon, and entertainment by a Neil Diamond tribute artist.

Situated on 93 acres outside of Alpine, California, on the edge of the Cleveland National Forest, Lions Tigers & Bears is an animal sanctuary for rescued big cats, bears and other exotic animals in beautiful San Diego County.


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COUNTY KICKS OFF 2022 COOL ZONES PROGRAM

 

By Katie Cadiao, County of San Diego Communications Office

Video by James Kecskes

June 2, 2022 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego on Wednesday kicked off its 2022 Cool Zones program to help San Diegans beat the heat this summer. Cool Zones are free, air-conditioned locations, available throughout the region, where people can go to escape extreme temperatures.


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GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 2022 GRADUATION INFORMATION

Source:  Grossmont Union High School District

May 31, 2022 (El Cajon) - Throughout the month of June, approximately 4,847 students earning a high school diploma from nine comprehensive high schools, two charter high schools, and three alternative high schools in the Grossmont Union High School District will be donning caps and gowns for commencement exercises. Listed below are the total graduate numbers and the names of the Valedictorians and Salutatorians at each school.


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NEW PARK OPENS IN SPRING VALLEY WITH COMMUNITY GARDEN, PLAY AREA, EXERCISE EQUIPMENT AND MORE

 

By Matthew Manosh 

Video courtesy County News Service

May 22, 2022 (Spring Valley) -- On Friday, May 13th, the grand opening of the Ildica County Park located at 8604 Ildica St. in Spring Valley took place. The new park is about half an acre and includes a play area, exercise equipment and a 20-plot community garden.


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ARREST MADE FOR MURDER OF MAN WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND BY HIKERS JAN. 23 IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service

May 18, 2022 (Spring Valley) – Two people have been arrested for the murder of Ronald Ray McKinney, 59. His body was found by hikers on January 23 off the roadway in the 3500 block of Millar Ranch Road in Spring Valley.


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YAT IN SPRING VALLEY PRESENTS DISNEY’S “DESCENDANTS”

Review by Kathy Carpenter 

May 15, 2022 (Spring Valley) - Good versus evil.  Most of us have a little of both. When we successfully merge the two, we become better people. Young Actors' Theatre in Casa De Oro presents Disney's “Descendants," based on the book by Nick Blaemire. Disney entertainment equals happiness. The show, directed by Katie Wallace with music director Mary Rose Vadaboncoeur, will have you leaving with a smile.


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ELEGANT JAMUL HAVEN BED AND BREAKFAST IS UP FOR SALE, ALONG WITH ADJACENT DREAM HOME

By Miriam Raftery

May 14, 2022 (Jamul) – Many area residents have fond memories of visits to Jamul Haven, a five-star Victorian-era bed and breakfast inn where William and Marianne Roetzheim hosted overnight guests, as well as an adjacent home where they hosted special events and teas. Now the entire property near Steele Canyon Golf Course is up for sale, including both the historic and new homes, pool and more. 


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READER'S EDITORIAL: PLEASE DO NOT EXPORT YOUR HOMELESS PROBLEM TO CAMPO

This letter was written in response to La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian's proposal to purchase land in Campo to house La Mesa's homeless population. The item is slated to be heard tonight, May 10. Tisdale sent copies of her letter to the city of La Mesa, Supervisor Joel Anderson, and Campo-Lake Morena's planning group chair Billie Jo Jannen.

By Donna Tisdale, Chair, Boulevard Planning Group (photo, left)

First and foremost, It would be the courteous and ethical thing to do to provide timely notice and ask the Campo - Lake Morena Community Planning Group to weigh in on your proposal to export your problem to their predominantly low-income rural community where most residents are already struggling to survive the pandemic, government-induced inflated cost of living, and a basically open US/Mexico border with daily smuggling activities. They don't need an additional problem foisted on them.

Rural residents have the added burden of an expensive commute due to the increasing cost of gas. We make many sacrifices in order to enjoy the benefits of quiet country living.  A serious lack of local services is one of those sacrifices ,including very limited medical and law enforcement .  In some cases, it may take days for law enforcement to answer a call to a rural home.

Exporting your homeless problem to Campo's underserved rural area is neither justified nor warranted for local residents or the homeless population. Shelters / alternative housing should be placed close to services, not an hour away.


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GET YOUR BOOTS ON FOR DESCANSO DAYS ON JUNE 4

East County News Service

May 6, 2022 (Descanso) – You’re invited to don your cowboy attire for Descanso Days. The annual fair and parade will take place on June 4, with the parade rolling out at 9 a.m.  The fair and live music begin at 10 a.m. and run until 6 p.m.


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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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SUPERVISORS VOTE TO ALLOW AMUSEMENT BUSINESSES IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS

Source:  Senator Joel Anderson

April 27, 2022 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a board letter put forth by Supervisor Joel Anderson and Vice Chair Nora Vargas that will provide economic opportunities for small businesses in the unincorporated County.  Their board action was inspired by a letter written to Supervisor Anderson from an Alpine constituent and was approved unanimously at the April 26, 2022 Board of Supervisors meeting.


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SPRING VALLEY EARTH DAY

Spring Valley community members come together to host an intersectional environmental outreach event to empower, educate, and inspire their neighbors
 
East County News Service
 
Photo: Hands Around the Earth, Public Domain Vectors
 
April 21, 2022 (Spring Valley) – The Spring Valley Cleanup Crew, San Diego County Parks and Recreation, and a coalition of Spring Valley community groups are collaborating for Spring Valley Earth Day this Saturday, Apr. 23, at 1 p.m. at 3180 Bancroft Dr, Spring Valley, CA 91977 for a fully encompassing and intersectional Earth Day event. 
 
The cleanup crew plans to empower their community by involving the public in the process of planting new trees in the park, participating in a community cleanup, registering their neighbors to vote, offering free skate lessons, and providing folks with information regarding local board meetings. This way, there is a community investment in Spring Valley’s urban canopy along with a newly reclaimed agency.

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THREE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO STABBING IN SPRING VALLEY

Source:  San Diego County Sheriff

April 19, 2022 (Spring Valley) - Three people are under arrest in connection with a stabbing in Spring Valley.It happened on Monday, April 18 just before 10:00 p.m. near a fast food restaurant in the 8700 block of Jamacha Boulevard.


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WIND ENERGY COMPANY FINED FOR DEATHS OF 150 EAGLES, PLEADS GUILTY TO CRIMINAL CHARGES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Bald Eagle in East County by Scott Lagace

April 16, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Opponents of wind farms in San Diego’s East County have long voiced concerns over potentially deadly impacts on eagles. Now a major wind energy company, NextEra Energy, a subsidiary of ESI Energy, has pleaded guilty to violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and killing 150 eagles at multiple wind energy facilities.


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SHERIFF’S DEPT. HOSTS COFFEE WITH THE COMMUNITY APRIL 27 IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service

April 15, 2022 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego Sheriff’s Rancho San Diego station invites you to Coffee with the Community. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the San Diego Youth Services East Campus auditorium 3845 at Spring Drive in Spring Valley.

For more information, contact crime prevention specialize Nancy Ortiz at (619) 660-7009 or nancy.ortiz@sdsheriff.org.


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COLD CASE ARREST FOR 2003 DOUBLE MURDER IN UNINCORPORATED EL CAJON

East County News Service

April 15, 2022 (El Cajon) -- An arrest has been made in a 2003 shooting that killed two people in the unincorporated area of El Cajon. Michael Romero, 45, has been arrested and charged with the murders of Brandon Vigil and Patrick John Greene.


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SPRING VALLEY RISES: COMMUNITY FORUM APRIL 19

East County News Service 

April 15, 2022 (Spring Valley) -- The Spring Valley Community Alliance is working to make Spring Valley greener, cleaner, healthier and safer. The Alliance is hosting a community forum on Tuesday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m. featuring two experts on community empowerment and revitalization who will share specific examples and resources that residents can use in Spring Valley and other communities. Folks are invited to attend and learn how to become agents of change in Spring Valley and surrounding communities.


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KIDNAPPED GIRL SAFE, MOTHER ARRESTED FOR ABDUCTION AT SCHOOL IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service

April 14, 2022 (Spring Valley) – Six-year-old Jolyn Gutierez has been found unharmed.  Her mother, Wendy Gutierez, who does not have custody, has been arrested for kidnapping Jolyn on February 22 from Kempton Elementary School in Spring Valley


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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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DRAMATIC MAKEOVER OF CAMPO ROAD CORRIDOR IN CASA DE ORO SET FOR COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING APRIL 22

By Miriam Raftery

April 12, 2022 (Casa de Oro) – A dramatic transformation of the Campo Road Corridor through Casa de Oro in Spring Valley is planned to create a Main Street ambience in the heart of the community.  On April 22, the County Planning Commission will hold a hearing on the proposed Campo Road Revitalization specific plan.

A central plaza for outdoor community activites, roundabouts, bike and pedestrian friendly changes, trees, outdoor seating, a center median, new street parking, and housing up to four-stories high are all in the revitalization plan. It covers 60 acres centered on Campo Road from Rodgers Rd. to Granada Ave. to be completed in three phases aimed at attracting private investors and enhancing the community. The plan would also seek grants and governmental funding, as well as potentially a planned business improvement district (PBID).

View the Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan here, which includes many photos and illustrations of possible prototypes in other cities.The hearing will be both in person and online. The agenda and details will be posted under the “upcoming meetings” listing within 3 days of the April 22 hearing. Here are details on how to stream County Planning Commission meetings to watch from home or participate. Scroll down for details.


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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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BOIL WATER ORDER ISSUED FOR POTRERO COUNTY PARK

Source:  County of San Diego

April 6, 2022 (Potrero) - The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) has issued a Boil Water Order for the Potrero County Park water system located at 25800 Potrero Park Drive, Potrero, CA 91963, effective immediately. The water system supplies water to 37 service connections including the office, ranger residence, 32 recreational vehicle spaces and 3 public restrooms with an average daily population of 100 persons. 


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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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SAPS AT SEA PRESENT 'NO FOOLING' APRIL 30

East County News Service

March 31, 2022 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the worldwide Laurel and Hardy fan organization, present their April program, "No Fooling!", on Saturday, April 30 at Williams Hall at Trinity Presbytarian Church in Spring Valley.


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THE ADDAMS FAMILY - CRAZIER THAN YOU: ON STAGE AT STEELE CANYON HIGH THROUGH MARCH 27

By Kathy Carpenter 

March 26, 2022 (Spring Valley) - The world is a crazy place, with everything turned upside down the past couple of years. The Addams Family is as close to normal as anybody else. Steele Canyon Players and Instrumental Music present The Addams Family: A New Musical. It’s funny, romantic and a totally entertaining production.


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ANIMAL TALES: CAMPO’S FARM ANIMAL REFUGE GOING STRONG AFTER COVID

By SJ Miller

Photo:  Matt Lieurance with rescue Diamond.  Photo courtesy Farm Animal Refuge

March 24, 2022 (Campo) — When Jordan Russo and Matt Lieurance met working at Chili’s 14 years ago, they had no idea they would eventually become close friends, roommates, and co-founders of an animal sanctuary in Campo.


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SPRING VALLEY FREEWAY SHOOTING VICTIM DIES; ARREST MADE

By Miriam Raftery

March 19, 2022 (San Diego) – Today the California Highway Patrol announced the arrest of Thomas Evans III, 47 of La Mesa. He is charged with the murder of Saundralina Williams, 27, who was shot while driving her white SUV on State Route 94 in Spring Valley on March 5 near the Kenwood Drive exit. 

Williams was the mother of three young children and a resident of National City. 


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MAN GRABS GIRL, 13, NEAR SPRING VALLEY ACADEMY: SUSPECT MATCHES DESCRIPTION FROM PRIOR CHILD HARASSMENT CASE

By Miriam Raftery

March 16, 2022 (Spring Valley) – A 13-year-old girl has reported that a man grabbed her from behind and inappropriately touched her on Friday, March 11 around 4 p.m. at the intersection of Conrad Drive and Campo Road in Spring Valley as she was walking home from Spring Valley Academy. Other students yelled at the man, who walked away toward Conrad, and the student went home.


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