Rural communities

SUPERVISOR ANDERSON REQUESTS AN MOU TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS ALONG THE SAN DIEGO RIVER

East County News Service

Photo by Shiloh  Ireland: homeless man pores through rubble of burned encampment along San Diego River in Lakeside

September 23, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- In an internal memo to County Chief Administrative Office, Helen Robbins-Meyer sent on September 12, Supervisor Joel Anderson, who represents East County communities of District 2, asked if staff had looked into the possibility of establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the County and jurisdictions along the San Diego River, such as the San Diego River Park Foundation, and the Cities of San Diego and Santee. The goal of this MOU would be to address homelessness along the San Diego River.


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BARBARA BRY SEEKS TO MODERNIZE COUNTY RECORDER, ASSESSOR, AND CLERK’S OFFICE TO IMPROVE SERVICES FOR PUBLIC

 

By Miriam Raftery

September 28, 2022 (Alpine) – Barbara Bry has a long history of empowering women to break glass ceilings. Now she’s set her sights on becoming San Diego County’s first woman to serve as the County Recorder, Assessor and County Clerk.

Speaking at the Candidates to Constituents Townhall on Sept. 18 in Alpine, Bry pledged her priority will be “excellent service” to the public as well applying her skills in business, high tech, journalism and local government to “bring new technology and innovation” to the office.


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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: NEW AND IMPROVED BRAVES TROUNCE MONTE VISTA 37-8

Story by Liz Alper
 
Photos by Liz Alper and P.J. Panebianco
 
September 23, 2022 (El Cajon) - For week six, ECM Sports went to Braves country as El Cajon Valley hosted the Monarchs of Monte Vista at Daryl R. Priest Field.  Both teams are struggling; the Braves are at 1-4 and the Monarchs at 1-3.

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NOAH HOMES FUNDING RESTORED WITH NEW DDS REIMBURSEMENT RATES SIMPLIFIED

“I am happy to share that the California Department of Developmental Services just announced Noah Homes’ reimbursement rate – and all other large home providers across the state – is being increased to better align with the actual costs of care. The change is retroactive…” --Molly Nocon, CEO Noah Homes

 By Henri Migala

 

September 21, 2022 (Spring Valley) - The California Department of Developmental Services announced yesterday new reimbursement rates for Community Care Facilities (CCF) that supersedes a funding formula announced earlier this year and restores nearly $1 million of state funding to Noah Homes in Spring Valley.


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HUMANE SOCIETY RESCUES JAMUL HORSE AFTER FALL INTO EMPTY POOL

East County News Service

September 23, 2022 (Jamul, CA) -- A young horse named Shocker is safe this morning, after somehow getting into his owner’s empty pool in Jamul on Wednesday.

“Shocker’s owner tried to build a ramp to get him out, but was unsuccessful,” says Nina Thompson, director of public relations for the San Diego Humane Society. 

So San Diego County’s Department of Animal Services responded to the residence in the 13,000 block of Proctor Valley Lane and called San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team for help to rescue the horse. 


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RAMONA WOMAN, 68, DIES AFTER COLLISION, SECOND MOTORIST INJURED

East County News Service

September 20, 2022 (Ramona) – A Ramona woman, 68, has died of injuries sustained in a collision yesterday afternoon. According to the CHP, she was driving a 2005 Dodge Ram westbound on Mussey Grade Road when after stopping at a stop sign, turned left onto southbound State Route 67, directly in the path of a 2004 Toyota Prius that was heading north.

The Prius, driven by an 83-year-old Ramona woman, broadsided the Dodge, which flipped over and came to rest on its roof. The Dodge driver was airlifted to Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, where she succumbed to her injuries, says Officer Matthew Baranowski with the California Highway Patrol.


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MT. MIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION HOSTS QUARTERMANIA OCT. 1 FOR MT. MIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL PROJECTS

 East County News Service

September 19, 2022 (Spring Valley) – Mt. Miguel High School Foundation, the nonprofit organization devoted to helping Mt. Miguel High School, is hosting Quartermania on Saturday, October 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  


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EXPERIENCE SKY FALCONRY RANCH IN EAST COUNTY

Discover the fabulous world of raptors right in East County’s backyard

By Josh Stotler

September 19, 2022 (Alpine) -- As I hike along the dirt trail, the morning fog rolls through the canyon. A hawk swoops from a branch and glides gently by. I am in awe as this amazing creature effortlessly soars by me, heading for the sun-drenched rock just to my left. It is a treat to see this animal up close and I’m lost in the moment, completely enveloped in the East County back country. This is no chance encounter though; I am at Sky Falconry, a 40 acre ranch located in the hills of Alpine.

When I arrived at the property earlier in the morning, the fog was heavy and the diffused sun rays were shining through the oak trees. I was warmly greeted by Kirk Sellinger and Denise Disharoon, the owners of Sky Falconry. Dressed exactly as one would envision a raptor handler to look (think Dr.’s Sadler & Grant from Jurassic Park) they quickly made me feel at home. As the other participants arrived and shuffled toward the circle of benches, we filled out a waiver and it was time to learn about these amazing birds.


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EVACUATIONS ORDERED IN HAUSER FIRE

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

September 17, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – An evacuation warning has been issued for the #HauserFire. It applies to residents who live west or north of Buckman Springs Road at Lake Morena Drive, the Sheriff reports.  Evacuees can go to Mountain Empire High School, 3305 Buckman Springs Rd., Pine Valley.

According to Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire, the brush fire began around 4:15 p.m. near 2022 Lake Morena Drive and Big Potrero Truck Trail in the Hauser Creek area of Lake Morena. Around 5-10 acres have burned with a moderate rate of spread.


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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: PACK EMERGE VICTORIOUS IN DEFENSIVE SHOWDOWN

Story and photos by Liz Alper

September 16, 2022 (Spring Valley) - We’re finally mostly into conference play and to kick it off, ECM Sports ventured to Spring Valley, where the Matadors of Mount Miguel hosted the Wolf Pack of West Hills.  Both teams are gridlocked at 2-2 and hoping to make some headway going into conference matchups.


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REPORTED GUNSHOT PROMPTED SCHOOL LOCKDOWNS IN ALPINE

East County News Service

September 16, 2022 (Alpine) – Shadow Hills Elementary School in Alpine and Creekside Learning Center were briefly locked down today after a report of a gunshot fired near the campuses shortly after 10 a.m.

 Out of an abundance of caution, school staff immediately initiated a campus-wide lockdown at both schools.

Deputies searched both schools.  “They were unable to locate any evidence of a shooting,” says Captain Michael Rand with the Alpine Sheriff’s station. “The lockdown was lifted just before 11:00 a.m. No children, teachers or staff were hurt.”


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LMSV TO FILLL VACANCY ON SCHOOL BOARD BY APPOINTMENT: OCT. 14 DEADLINE TO APPLY

By Susan Taylor

Photo: Map of LMSV Trustee District 4

September 16, 2022 (La Mesa) -- A new trustee to the La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board is needed. At the Board’s September 6 meeting, Sarah Rhiley, District 4 Trustee, announced her immediate resignation.  This left the Board with two ways to fill the vacancy.  It could hold a special election, or it could appoint a new School Board member.

 In a special meeting held on September 12, the board voted unanimously that an appointment will be made to fill out the remainder of Rhiley’s term through December 2024.

The process for applying to be appointed as trustee is posted on the LMSV website at https://www.lmsvschools.org/board/#board-vacancy. The application is available online and must be submitted no later than October 14 at 4:45 p.m to be considered.


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SUPERVISORS VOTE TO WAIVE FEES FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY BORDER 32 FIRE

19 structures including homes, mobile homes and recreational vehicles were destroyed in the fire  

Source: Supervisors Fletcher and Anderson

September 15, 2022 (San Diego) -- Chair Nathan Fletcher, Supervisor Joel Anderson and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors have voted to waive fees for people affected by the Border 32 Fire when they apply for a permit to rebuild a structure, or acquire replacement copies of important documents lost in the fire, such as birth certificates.

Chair Fletcher and Supervisor Anderson, the authors of the policy presented on Wednesday, issued the following statements after today’s vote:


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MISSING PERSON IN SPRING VALLEY

Source:  San Diego Sheriff's Department

September 13, 2022 (Spring Valley) - The Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station wants your help in finding a missing person from Spring Valley.

72-year-old Eddie Joe Taylor was reported missing on Friday, August 5. He was last seen on Thursday, August 4 when he left his girlfriend's home in Lemon Grove. As he was driving home to Spring Valley, he called his girlfriend saying he mistakenly continued on SR-125 south towards Mexico and crossed the border into Baja California, Mexico. 


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SUPPORT PROVIDED TO BORDER 32 FIRE SURVIVORS

By Chuck Westerheide, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 13, 2022 (Potrero/Dulzura) - County Emergency Services opened a Local Assistance Center Monday to support those affected by the Border 32 Fire.  The fire burned 4,400 acres and destroyed more than a dozen homes and buildings in the area between Dulzura and Potrero.


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SAPS AT SEA PRESENT HOWL-O-SCREAM OCT. 15

East County News Service

September 13, 2022 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the official Laurel & Hardy fan organization, present their Halloween program, "Howl-O-Scream," October 15 at Williams Hall at Trinity Presbytarian Church in Spring Valley.


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GOFUNDME SITES SET UP TO HELP SURVIVORS OF BORDER 32 FIRE

By Miriam Raftery

September 11, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Some lost homes. Others lost outbuildings, horses, and vehicles.  Damages included wells needed for water, orchards, and more. One needs help to pay her dog’s emergency veterinary bill. All are survivors of the Border Fire, which scorched through the Barrett Junction, Dulzura and Potrero communities – and all need your help through donations at GoFundMe.com.


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DESPITE HEROIC EFFORTS TO SAVE PROPERTY DURING BORDER 32 FIRE, FAMILY SUSTAINS LOSSES AND NEEDS HELP

Retired paramedic loses RV home; family’s water well, solar panels and dreams up in smoke

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Henri Migala, Miriam Raftery, Ryan and Gemma Sommers

September 10, 2022 (Potrero) – Ryan and Gemma Sommers had a dream—to build an earth-berm home on 80 acres in Potrero that Ryan grew up on and inherited from his father. So when the Border 32 Fire swept through the community last week, Ryan didn’t hesitate – he headed into the wildfire and fought singlehandedly to save what he could. But the family had no insurance, and their losses are overwhelming.

“I have been trying to live out my father’s dream of living self-sustainability on a ranch,” says Ryan, who lost his father to pancreatic cancer in 2020. Now the fire has torched much of their property, including burning his uncle’s RV home to the ground.  “My uncle has lost everything,” Ryan reflects. Ryan and Gemma also suffered major losses, with Ryan risking his life to save what he could.

On a GoFundMe page set up to help the family repair and rebuild their lives, Gemma wrote, “We don’t want to say goodbye to our land that has been in our family these past 21+ years..”


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SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN RURAL AND MOUNTAIN AREAS CURTAIL CLASSES DUE TO STORM

By Miriam Raftery

September 9, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – High winds, rain and potential for storm damage have led several East County school districts to curtail classes today, the San Diego County of Education has announced. Others are holding minimum days due to the inclement weather.

  • Mountain Empire Unified School District has closed all schools today.
  • Spencer Valley School District schools will close at 11:30 a.m., with all after-school activities cancelled this afternoon.
  • Julian Union High School will follow a minimum day schedule.
  • Julian Union Elementary Elementary School District also has a minimum day.

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POST OFFICES REOPEN IN TECATE, POTRERO AND DULZURA AFTER BORDER FIRE

East County News Service

September 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The Tecate, Potrero and Dulzura Post Offices have all been reopened and have resumed operations at their facilities. 


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TWO WEEKENDS OF POWWOWS

By Miriam Raftery

September 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – This weekend, the Barona Band of Mission Indians hosts its 50th annual powwow September 2-4.  Next weekend, the Sycuan Powwow will be held September 9-11. Each powwow commences on Friday night, continuing through the weekend.


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ALL BORDER 32 FIRE EVACUEES CAN RETURN HOME

East County News Service

Photo by Josh Stotler: Hose near ruins of a burned home in Barrett Junction area.

September 2, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- Everyone who was evacuated due to the Border 32 Fire can now return home, San Diego County officials confirm.  County officials have also established a recovery email, RecoverySanDiego@sdcounty.ca.gov, to help those affected by the fires. People whose property was affected by the fire can reach the County at the recovery email and County officials will respond.


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SOME EVACUATIONS LIFTED: BORDER32 FIRE IS 14% CONTAINED

By Miriam Raftery

September 1, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- Firefighters have held the #Border32Fire to 4,438 acres today, only slightly more than last night, thanks to the courageous efforts of crews working in extreme fire conditions overnight. The fire is now 14% contained, thanks to milder fire activity today. Find links below to our coverage of the harrowing conditions faced by firefighters.

Tonight, starting at 6:30 p.m. residents in the following areas are being allowed to return home, the Sheriff has announced:

  • West of Cochera Via Drive
  • East of Potrero Valley Road

Residents returning to Potrero must enter from eastbound State Route 94.  Those returning to Dulzura must enter from westbound State Route 94.

The following road closures remain in effect until further notice:


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MOUNTAIN EMPIRE HIGH SCHOOL SHELTERING PETS AND PEOPLE AS FIRE CONTINUES

Source: County News Service

Photo: CC via Bing

September 1, 2022 (Pine Valley) -- Shelter for people affected by the Border 32 fire continues to be provided at Mountain Empire High School, located at 3305 Buckman Springs Road in Pine Valley. The shelter has been opened for people and pets. The San Diego Humane is providing support on site.


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FORMER INMATES HELP SLOW SPREAD OF BORDER 32 FIRE

Story and photos by Nadin Abbott

Photo:  battalion chief in charge of former inmates in training as firefighters

September 1, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- According to CAL FIRE Captain/Public Information officer Thomas Shoots, crews made a lot of progress overnight on the Border32 Fire. While it is still five percent contained, crews have been busy building a containment line. So they expect the containment to be bigger soon.  Crews-–including formerly incarcerated firefighters--held the fire to 4,438 acres as of 5:30 p.m., only about 200 acres more than last night.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: FIRE AT BARRETT JUNCTION

East County News Service

September 1, 2022 (Barrett Junction, CA) – Connie Kirkpatrick took these photos of the #Border32Fire last night and early this morning from the parking lot of her business in Barrett Junction.


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ECM PHOTOJOURNALIST AIDS CAL-FIRE HELITACK CREW TO EXIT SAFELY, WITNESSES FIRE OVERTAKE HIGHWAY AMID BORDER32 FIRE

Story and photos by Josh Stotler

ECM photojournalist Josh Stotler provides eyewitness account of harrowing conditions

 

August 31, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Covering the Border 32 Fire last night, I observed some of the most extreme fire behavior that I’ve seen in my career as a firefighter and now, photojournalist. Amid the rapidly changing conditions, I wound up assisting a firefighting crew with a ride away from advancing flames and taking dramatic video as walls of flames crossed Highway 94, where fire crews and I narrowly escaped the fast-moving flames.

The fire has charred huge swaths of San Diego’s East County, burning 4,246 acres as of this morning. The blaze is 5% contained and has destroyed at least four homes, as firefighters continue to battle adverse conditions.


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COUNTY APPROVES AGRICULTURAL PASSES TO GIVE FARMERS AND RANCHERS ACCESS DURING FIRES OR OTHER DISASTERS

 

Application period begins Sept. 6 for phase 1 of the Ag Pass program

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Horses at a Clydesdale farm near Boulevard during Shockey Fire in 2012

September 1, 2022 (San Diego) --  Tragic stories have emerged during past local wildfires of livestock that perished not from flames, but from lack of food, water, or medical care. Farmers may lose crops due to lack of irrigation. That’s led some farmers and ranchers to risk their lives and not evacuate, knowing that they would not be allowed back in to care for their animals or crops.

That’s about to change.  On Tuesday, County supervisors voted to approve issuing an agricultural pass (Ag  Pass) that will allow a farmer or rancher limited access to their land  in evacuated areas during emergencies in order to care for livestock or crops during emergencies, once emergency responders deem conditions safe.

The program comes too late for those evacuated from the #Border32Fire currently threatening Potrero, Tecate and Dulzura. Overnight, some residents posted frantic messages on social media seeking help for animals trapped inside the evacuation area, after volunteers with horses trailers were denied access. The new program would not help volunteers, but would allow commercial ranchers and farmers or their managers who undergo safety training to be allowed limited access in future emergencies.

 The plan was proposed by East County Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond.


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EXTREME FIRE CONDITIONS: BORDER 32 FIRE THREATENS TOWNS

Story and photos by Nadin Abbott

Photo, left: View from one mile west of Barrett Junction, looking east toward Potrero

August 31, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Fueled by extreme heat, dry and windy conditions, the Border32Fire has grown to 4,324 acres tonight and is exhibiting extreme fire behavior. The communities of Potrero, Barrett and Tecate are threatened by the fire, Cal Fire reports tonight.

It began around 2 p.m. near Barrett Road and Highway 94. Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies responded. The fire was under attack by ground and air assets initially, including a very large air tanker, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Night operations for aircraft are extremely dangerous and are rarely done, even by San Diego Fire Department helicopters that are equipped for this. So as of now this is under attack only  by ground based crews, and multiple engine companies, including brush trucks and fire trucks. The latter are used to defend structures.

There are other agencies involved and when I drove to the scene saw plenty of Border Patrol vehicles escorting people out of the areas where there are mandatory evacuations. They were driving them west towards Jamul. According to San Diego County Emergency as of this writing there are over 400 homes under mandatory evacuation. The fire is also burning mostly east.


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EXPLOSIVE GROWTH IN FIRE NEAR BORDER CLOSES HIGHWAY, SPARKS EVACUATIONS

 

Update 10 p.m.  The fire is now 4,234 acres and 5% contained.  The fire continues to threaten the communities of Barrett, Potrero, and Tecate.  Multiple agencies are on scnee fighting fire and protecting structures through the night.

Update 9 p.m.:  An ECM reporter on scene tonight reports "explosive" fire behavior.  A second ECM reporter on scene witnessed electrical equipment explode. The fire is burning near State Routes 188 and 94, heading north. Scanner traffic indicates several homes burned and two civilians suffered burn injuries; a firefighter had a minor heat-related injury.  If you are in the path of this fire, do not wait -- get out now.  The Border Patrol is assisting the Sheriff Dept. with evacuations.

Update 8 p.m. : All schools in the Mountain Empire School District will be closed tomorrow due to the fire.  

SDG&E reports fire damaged electrical equipment, causing an outage for 309 homes in Dulzura, Potrero and Campo. Restoration is expected by noon tomorrow.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left, by Nadin Abbott, view from Barrett Junction east toward Potrero

August 31, 2022 (San Diego’s East County)—The #BorderFire32 has swelled to 1,600 acres since starting this afternoon near State Route 94 and Barrett Lake Road near Dulzura. 

The fire is burning eastward, with zero containment, and has crossed State Route 94 on the eastern portion of the fire.  Structures are threatened, at least one has burned, and more than 400 homes have been ordered to evacuate tonight  as the fire burns at a critical speed. Mandatory evacuation areas include much of Potrero, Barrett Junction, Dulzura and Tecate.

State Route 94 is closed all the way from Otay Lakes Rd. in Dulzura to Forrest Gate Rd. in Campo.  The Tecate border crossing is also shut down.

Evacuation centers have changed from earlier today.

Current evacuation centers are set up at:


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