Veteran Public Works czar Michael Throne brings vast experience to the position

Source:  City of La Mesa

April 14, 2022 (La Mesa) - With a commitment to tackling aging infrastructure, the City of La Mesa has tapped Michael Throne to be the new Director of Public Works. Throne, who started on April 11, has more than three decades of experience in reimagining engineering in the public sector.

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

By Elijah McKee

April 13, 2022 (La Mesa) — City of La Mesa employees are now eligible for $500 bonus checks — and if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, they can receive an additional $500. 

East County News Service

Update April 14:  Nicole Pare has been found safe, according to SDPD, which did not release details.

April 13, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Police seek help to locate Nicole Marie Paré, 32, a Pacific Beach woman who vanished without picking up a family member at the airport on Monday, April 11. Her white Audi A5 (CA license plate 7VAZ668) was seen Monday in La Mesa and Lemon Grove, and her purse was found in La Mesa.

She is considered at risk due to the circumstances; her family told police she has never gone missing before.

She has blond hair, brown eyes, is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds.

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.

By Miriam Raftery

April 10, 2022 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Art Institute will begin accepting artwork submissions April 30 for its “Celebrating the Summer Art Show” slated to run May 7 through October 2.

April 10, 2022 (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park) -- Though there wasn't enough rain for a superbloom season in the Anza Borrego Desert this year, you can still see examples flowering desert plants and trees in a demonstration garden at the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association center.

This orchid tree blossom was among the most striking examples during a recent visit by our editor, Miriam Raftery, who snapped this photo of the beautiful bloom resembling those found in the tropics, but thriving in the local desert.

East County News Service

April 9, 2022 (Rancho San Diego) – In honor of San Diego Tree Week, the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego will be giving away free trees and donuts on a first-come, first-serve basis.

By Miriam Raftery

April 7, 2022 (Mt. Helix) – The amphitheater atop Mt. Helix has been holding Sunrise Easter Service since 1917 and the tradition continues this year on April 17. Now for the first time, the venue will also hold a “Good Friday Under the Stars” on April 15.

By Kylie Dees

April 7, 2022 (El Cajon) -- The Bachelor Live is coming to the Magnolia in El Cajon on Monday, April 25th. This event will be an interactive night of laughter, games and fun hosted by Becca Kufrin, who was the winner of the 22nd season of ABC’s “The Bachelor” and the lead of the 14th season of “The Bachelorette."

By Kylie Dees

View video, left, to watch the full interviews

April 7, 2022 (Lemon Grove) -- Hunter’s Nursery, located in Lemon Grove, California, was started in 1919 by Howard Hunter. He began by running an orchard, growing lemons and oranges. It has been in the Hunter family all 103 years. 

Kendall Rhodes is a fourth-generation owner of the nursery, along with her dad. Rhodes explained that the nursery has a wide variety of ornamental plants for the yard. They also have a huge selection of house plants, along with cactuses and succulents. Many customers are now trying to grow their own food, so the Nursery now specializes in fruit trees and vegetables. They also feature a variety of roses, in a wide range of colors and sizes.

"Roses are fun to grow and fun to have as a part of your garden!” Rhodes told us.

By Elijah McKee

April 6, 2022 (Lemon Grove) — It’s an election year, and there’s a slew of seats up for grabs that impact East County — including a spot in the United States Senate, a race that has 23 current candidates. 

One of the Californians vying for this slot in Congress is Dr. Myron Hall, a respected podiatric surgeon, former Naval Officer and combat veteran with ties to the San Diego region. On April 2, he addressed a room of old friends and colleagues at a Town Hall Meet and Greet in Lemon Grove, held at the North Park Apostolic Church.

East County News Service

April 5, 2022 (Santee) – The Santee Chamber of Commerce will host its Santee Heroes Celebration on Tuesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at Carlton Oaks Golf Club.