Rural communities

JAMUL-DULZURA PLANNING GROUP HOLDS VIRTUAL MEETING TONIGHT TO VOTE ON PROPOSED HOTEL AND EVENT CENTER

By Miriam Raftery

November 14, 2022 (Jamul) – The Jamul-Dulzura Community Planning Group will hold a special virtual meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. The group will her a presentation by a subcommittee and vote on the proposed Jamul Casino Hotel and Event Center expansion project, which includes a 16-story hotel, new event center, multi-purpose/bingo hall and 6-story parking structure, and related infrastructure.

The vote is advisory in regards to the tribe’s environmental impact report; the project is on tribal land so the County has only limited jurisdiction.  The Jamul Indian VIllage tribe plans to begin construction in December.

To join the Virtual Meeting via the web, use the following link:


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INCUMBENTS WINNING REELECTION TO ALPINE SCHOOL BOARD

By Miriam Raftery

Photos: AUSD Trustees Glenn Dickie, Al Guerra and Eric Wray

November 11, 2022 (Alpine) –  Incumbents have solid leads in races for all three seats up for election in the Alpine Union School District and appear headed for reelection.

As of the latest returns tonight, Al Guerra has 26.10%, Board President Glenn Dickie 24.14%, and Eric Wray 23.38%.

The challengers, Erika Simmons and Darlene Cossio, have 16.99% and 9.39% respectively.  Simmons is a marketing and communications director for Goodwlil San Diego County; Cossio is director of assessment services at San Diego Unified School District.


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Mt. MIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION HOSTS HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR DEC. 17

Source: Mount Miguel High School Foundation

November 11, 2022 (Spring Valley) – The Mount Miguel High School Foundation is having its “Holiday Craft Fair” on Saturday, December 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 8585 Blossom Lane, Spring Valley.


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SUPERVISORS ANDERSON AND FLETCHER JOIN JAMUL CASINO AND TRIBE IN HONORING VETERANS

Tribe doubles annual donation to organizations serving veterans

November 9, 2022  (Jamul) – Today, Chair Nathan Fletcher and Supervisor Joel Anderson of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors will join Jamul Casino and the Jamul Indian Village of California Tribe to commemorate Veterans Day with the sixth annual luncheon at Jamul Casino paying tribute to the 53 members of the Tribe and Jamul Casino team who have served in the military.  The event will also feature check presentations to veterans’ organizations: Saddles in Service and Zero8hundred


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DEMOCRATS SET TO SWEEP LA MESA-SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD RACES

By Susan Taylor and Miriam Raftery

Photo: Caitlin Tiffany, Rebecca McRae and Brianna Coston are leading in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District races

The Governing Board of the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District will likely have a Democratic majority if early election leads hold for Caitlin Tiffany, Rebecca McRae and Brianna Coston .They would represent Area 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and were endorsed by both the California Teachers Association and the San Diego County Democratic Party.

McRae, an incumbent, has a solid 56.89% of the vote over Myriam Moody at 43.11% and appears to have won reelection.

Tiffany, an assistant biology professor at Mesa College and assistant dance coach at Santa High School, has 63.6% of the votes in her race against former board trustee Jim Long.

Coston, a La Mesa Planning Commissioner, has a slimmer lead over Kyle Hermann, a history and political science professor at Chula Vista Christian University.


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THREE FAMILY MEMBERS ARRESTED FOR SUSPECTED ABUSE LEADING TO DEATH OF SPRING VALLEY GIRL, 11

Victim was adopted daughter of Rock Church elder and ministry leader

By Miriam Raftery

November 8, 2022 (Spring Valley) -- Three people have been arrested and charged in relation to the death of 11-year-old Arabella McCormack of Spring Valley. Those arrested are the child’s adoptive mother, Leticia McCormack, 49, and Leticia McCormack’s parents, Stanley Tom, 75, and Adella Tom, 49.  All are charged with torture and willful cruelty to a child; Stanley Tom and Leticia McCormack have also been charged with murder.


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PLANNING GROUP MEETS NOV. 8 ON JAMUL CASINO PROPOSED HOTEL AND EVENT CENTER: COMMENT DEADLINE IS NOV. 14

East County News Service 

November 7, 2022 (Jamul) – The Jamul-Dulzura Community Planning Group will hear a subcommittee report this Tuesday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. on a proposal to expand the Jamul Casino site to include a 16-story hotel, event center, bingo hall and parking structure. 

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CHANGES COMING TO I-8 PINE VALLEY CONSTRUCTION LANE REDUCTIONS: FIVE-STAGE PROJECT TO LAST THROUGH SPRING 2024

Source: Caltrans

 

November 6, 2022 (Pine Valley) -- Expect traffic delays if you’re driving between Alpine and Pine Valley for the foreseeable future. Caltrans construction crews working on the Interstate 8 pavement replacement and road improvement project from Viejas Creek to Pine Valley will be reconfiguring the lane reductions through the construction site.  Instead of two construction closures, crews will taper traffic into one single closure, taking motorists from three lanes to one for approximately three miles through the construction site, beginning the week of November 7.


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SIX CANDIDATES VIE FOR THREE SEATS ON LA MESA SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT RACE

By Susan Taylor and Miriam Raftery 

November 3, 2022 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa-Spring Valley School District will soon have a majority of new faces, since incumbents Megan Epperson and Charda Bell are not seeking reelection in trustee areas 1 and 3. In addition, the resignation of Sarah Rhiley resulted in the Board appointing Nathanial Allen last month to complete her term in trustee area 5. 

 

Six candidates are vying for three seats on the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District Board. In trustee area 1, business owner and former board member Jim Long is running against Tiffany Caitlin, a teacher.  In area 2, board president Rebecca McRae, an elementary school teacher, seeks reelection and faces challenger Myriam Moody, a community college professor.  In area 3, La Mesa Planning Commissioner Brianna Coston is running against teacher and university administrator Hermann Kyle.

 

The California Teachers Association has endorsed Caitlin, McRae, and Coston. So has the San Diego County Democratic Party.  The San Diego County Republican Party has endorsed Moody and Kyle.

 

East County Magazine sent questionnaires to all candidates running but disappointingly, only one candidate, Jim Long, replied. His responses are published below.


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JAMUL CASINO WELCOMES INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN INDIGENOUS CHEF FOR SPECIAL CULINARY EVENT NOVEMBER 19

Chef Sean Sherman, James Beard Award winner and founder/CEO of The Sioux Chef company will showcase modern indigenous foods 

East County News Service

November 2, 2022 (Jamul) -- On Saturday, November 19, Jamul Casino will welcome Chef Sean Sherman, Founder and CEO of the company The Sioux Chef, for a one-of-a-kind culinary event on The Rooftop.  Internationally renowned for advancing indigenous cuisine, Chef Sean Sherman will guide guests through a three-course curated meal exclusively prepared for the evening.  Two seating options are offered at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., tickets for the Chef Sherman culinary event. Tickets cost $85 and may be purchased here


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COUNTY MEETING ON IDENTIFYING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS NOVEMBER 9

Source: County of San Diego

October 28, 2022 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) invites you to attend a public meeting to share your thoughts.  The project is identifying Environmental Justice Communities within the unincorporated region of San Diego County. The County will provide project background information and would like your input to help explore priorities, issues and opportunities to inform potential options to expand the identification of “Environmental Justice Communities.” PDS is hosting this virtual public meeting to receive your input on: November 9, 2022, at 6 p.m. (registration link provided below).


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WHY IS THE SPRING VALLEY COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP STILL MEETING ON ZOOM?

By Jake Christie

October 28, 2022 (Spring Valley) – While many other local planning groups and governmental bodies have resumed in-person meetings that were suspended due to COVID-19, the Spring Valley Community Planning Group (SVCPG) is still meeting only virtually.


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VALLE DE ORO COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP APPROVES PRE-FINAL CAMPO ROAD REVITALIZATION DRAFT

By Jake Christie

October 28, 2022 (Spring Valley) -- At its September 13 special meeting, the Valle de Oro Community Planning Group took action on the Pre-final Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan to dramatically reconfigure the area, as well as proposed changes to a forthcoming pickleball club. Planners also heard a presentation on Senate Bill 9, a nine-month-old law that allows homeowners to do duplex lot splits more easily.  The meeting itself was held in the multipurpose room of the Hillsdale Middle School on Brabham Street due to Labor Day.


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HOULAHAN TO VOTERS: THIS ELECTION IS A “FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY”

By Miriam Raftery

October 28, 2022 (Alpine) – Protecting our democracy is the “number one issue” in the Congressional races, says Stephen Houlahan, who is running against Republican Congressman Darrell Issa.  “He is anti-democracy. I am pro-democracy.”

Houlahan says he’s received threats, had his home vandalized, and his pro-choice campaign signs slashed.  During the recent Candidates to Constituents forum in Alpine, Houlahan talked about the positive changes he hopes to bring to the 48th Congressional district. He faults Issa for voting against funding bills and failing to fight for federal dollars to improve firefighting, highway and water infrastructure, as well as Issa's extreme stance on abortion and Issa's vote against certifying the 2020 presidential election while the U.S. Capitol was under assault by insurrectionists.


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READER’S EDITORIAL: SANDAG NEEDS A NEW ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER TO BRING EQUITY FOR UNINCORPORATED AREAS

By Robin Joy Maxson, Chair, Ramona Community Planning Group and Member, County of San Diego Social Services Advisory Board

 

October 28, 2022 (Ramona) -- With a “commitment to equity,” SANDAG the San Diego Association of Governments) should expect and welcome a new advisory board member onto the board of directors.

 

From SANDAG’s website:

“SANDAG is governed by a Board of Directors composed of mayors, councilmembers, and county supervisors from each of the region's 19 local governments. Supplementing these voting members are advisory representatives from Imperial County, the U.S. Department of Defense, Caltrans, San Diego Unified Port District, Metropolitan Transit System, North County Transit District, San Diego County Water Authority, Southern California Tribal Chairmen's Association, Mexico, and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.” 

Website line: https://www.sandag.org/index.asp?fuseaction=about.board

 

These members hold unchecked and unequal power over the planning and funding of the unincorporated communities without providing a balanced voice for a population of approximately 500,000 residents - which comprises the second largest community in the County.

 

The unincorporated communities cannot lead nor effectively participate in their own future without a seat at this table of regional power.


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ALPINE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION: FIVE CANDIDATES VIE FOR THREE SEATS

By Robin N. Kendall

October 27, 2022 (Alpine) -- Alpine Union School District voters can change or keep the status quo in this year’s election for school board trustees, with three seats on the ballot and five candidates. Two candidates are challengers and the other three are incumbents. Trustees in Alpine represent the entire district, so voters can choose three names when they mark their ballots.


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PILOT WHO CRASHED IN JAMUL IDENTIFIED

East County News Service

October 25, 2022 (Jamul) – The pilot who died when his experimental plane crashed on Lyons Peak in Jamul on October 4 has been identified as Craig Houston Cornford, 57, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner.


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SAVOR A TASTE OF ALPINE NOVEMBER 5

East County News Service

October 22, 2022 (Alpine) – Alpine’s first-annual Taste of Alpine will be a self-guided restaurant and business tour on Saturday, November 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’re invited to savor the best that Alpine has to offer.


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MAN DIES AFTER ALTERCATION IN SPRING VALLEY, SUSPECT ARRESTED

East County News Service

October 21, 2022 (Spring Valley) – A 61-year-old man has died at a local hospital after sustaining a head injury yesterday during a fight in Spring Valley.


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TRICK OR TREAT WITH TIGERS: LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS IN ALPINE HOSTS SERIES OF FALL SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDING SPOOKY CAMPOVER

 

East County News Service

 

October 19, 2022 (Alpine)  Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, is hosting its annual Spooky Campover and Pumpkin Bash events, inviting guests to celebrate Halloween amongst majestic rescued big cats, bears and ranch animals this October.   


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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: SCOTTIES ROLL OVER COUGARS IN FIRST GROSSMONT LEAGUE TILT

Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
October 14, 2022 (Spring Valley) - After skipping an uneventful week last week, ECM Sports is back on the gridiron for our first visit to Steele Canyon High School on Senior Night.  Unfortunately, it’s a sad one; the Cougars are having an abysmal season at 1-6.  Tonight, they played host to the Highlanders of Helix, who boast a fairly solid 5-2 record.

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JAMUL INDIAN VILLAGE SERVES BORDER 32 FIRE VICTIMS FLEEING HOMES

By Aarav Pruthi, Legislative Intern, Supervisor Joel Anderson

October 13, 2022 (Jamul) -- “It is in our blood to give back and help and this was just an opportunity to do so,” expressed Erica Pinto, Jamul Indian Village Chairwoman.

Almost immediately after evacuations were ordered for East County communities during the Border 32 Fire, the Jamul Indian Village welcomed fire victims onto their property. Not soon after the site opened, it was temporarily homed by approximately 100 people taking refuge on the site. To coordinate the safety and logistics of the evacuees, Chairwoman Pinto and Tribal Secretary Carlene Chamberlin soon arrived at the site to overlook the necessary arrangements and ensure smooth functioning with the help of the tribe’s security team.


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JAMUL TRIBE’S PROPOSED 16-STORY HOTEL, EVENT CENTER AND PARKING STRUCTURE IS ON AGENDA OCT. 11 FOR JAMUL-DULZURA PLANNING GROUP

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Rendering of proposed Jamul Casino Hotel and Event Center

October 10, 2022 (Jamul) – The Jamul Indian Village is proposing to expand its Jamul Casino to include a new event center, multi-purpose/bingo hall, a 225-room, 16-story hotel, and a six-story parking structure, with associated infrastructure.

The Jamul-Dulzura Community Planning Group will discuss the Tribal Environmental Impact Report on the proposed project this Tuesday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting, held virtually, can be accessed online starting at 7:20 p.m. at  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82400516671?pwd=b2ZJM3pzdmtRZ1p3WkdVZHZ5TFMzQT09 .  To participate by phone use either 669-900-6833 or 346-248-7799. When directed, enter the meeting ID: 824 0051 6671, Password: 156353.


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SHERIFF FINDS MISSING SPRING VALLEY TEEN

East County News Service

October 10, 2022 (Spring Valley) – Alena “Gracie” Mitchem, a 15-year-old Spring Valley teen missing since September 22, was found yesterday by the San Diego County Sheriff department and is safe. Her family has been notified, according to a media release issued today by the Sheriff.

“Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, as well as the fact that this incident involves a minor, this is all the information that can be released at this time,” says Lieutenant Kevin Ralph at the Sheriff’s Major Crimes division.

The Sheriff’s media statement adds, “The Sheriff's Department would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance. We also want to thank our partner law enforcement agencies for their help in this case.”


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ROCHA CALLS OUT JONES OVER CHOICE, BIG OIL AND PHARMA BACKING AND MORE

By Miriam Raftery

October 5, 2022 (Alpine) – California’s 40th State Senate District race is one of the most competitive legislative races in the state, Cal Matters reports. A former Marine Corps captain, Navy veteran and military prosecutor, Joseph Rocha is running against incumbent Brian Jones.  During the Candidates to Constituents forum in Alpine, Rocha spoke about what motivated him to run—and drew clear battle lines on issues separating him from his opponent.

“I’m running because I saw the fabric of this country falling apart,” Rocha said. He says he stands for opportunities for everyone.  “I learned the value of hard work, and one of the reasons I’m running is to make sure that hard work still stands for something....“This race is about working for you,” he told the audience.. He promised that if elected, he’ll be “fighting for workers, not special interests.” 

He told voters that his opponent, Jones, “regularly votes against giving others a leg up and said that Jones’ largest funders including "big oil" as well as the pharmaceutical industry. (Fact check:  the pharmaceutical and oil industries are among the top 10 industries supporting Jones, according to Vote Smart.)


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HAUNTING HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

By Christianne McCormick

October 2, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- Many family-friendly Halloween events are popping up throughout East County and will be available all throughout the month of October. 

Festivities include a spooky campover, costume contests for people and pets, a haunted train ride, pumpkin patches and corn mazes, a haunted amusement park, a fall celebration, safe trick-or-treating for children at a local shopping mall, and Haunt Fest, a family-friendly Halloween festival. 


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PLANE CRASHES ON LYONS PEAK IN JAMUL, ONE DEAD

East County News Service

Photo via UCSD HP Wren

October 5, 2022 (Jamul) – After a homeowner reported seeing a plane in distress yesterday, a Sheriff’s helicopter crew spotted debris from a plane crash and human remains on Lyons Peak in Jamul, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.


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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: MATADORS VICTORIOUS IN BATTLE OF SPRING VALLEY

Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
September 30, 2022 (Spring Valley) - ECM Sports covered Monte Vista last week, but this week, we went to their turf for the battle of Spring Valley as they hosted the Matadors of Mount Miguel.  Both teams are struggling; the Monarchs are 1-4 on the season and 0-1 in league with their loss to El Cajon Valley last week.  The Matadors are 2-4 and 0-2 in league.

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ASSAULT SUSPECT ARRESTED IN SPRING VALLEY AFTER BARRICADING HIMSELF IN A HOME

By Miriam Raftery

September 29, 2022 (Spring Valley) – A suspect accused of assaulting a man parked in a vehicle has been arrested after a manhunt earlier today.

The assault occurred at 11:26 in the 3900 block of Conrad Road, Spring Valley. On social media, a resident posted that her brother-in-law suffered a head injury in the assault and was robbed; she indicated he has been transported to a local hospital.


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GIRL, 15, MISSING FROM SPRING VALLEY MAY HAVE BEEN ABDUCTED, FAMILY FEARS

By Miriam Raftery

Photos:f Alena Mitchem, known as Gracie; her hair  was dyed green when she was last seen

September 29, 2022 (Spring Valley) – The family of 15-year-old Alena “Gracie” Mitchem is asking for public help to find her. She has been missing form her Spring Valley home since late at night on September 22.  Gracie has green eyes and brown hair, but her hair was dyed green when she was last seen, according to a listing on the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website. She is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 155 pounds. (Note, some flyers had a misspelling. Her first name is Alena.)

Her sister, Aleena Christine Jones, posted on Facebook, “We believe she was lured out by someone online via the PlayStation platform...She took important documents that no child would think of…She’s had zero contact with anyone since her disappearance, no social media presence whatsoever… We have to bring her home.… Gracie we love you so much.”

Gracie’s mother, Shannon Hoffman, believes her daughter was lured by an adult. She is frustrated with the Sheriff’s initial response treating the matter as a runaway case, and by the lack of media notification, but added that detectives are now checking into the Playstation contacts. “As a mother, I know deep down something is wrong,” she posted, adding that she suspects someone enticed Gracie with a promise of a job, since the family has struggled financially.


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