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.

By Colleen Cochran

April 2, 2022 (Santee) - During a recent townhall meeting, Stephen Houlahan, candidate for CA’s 48^th Congressional District, discussed the ways Gillespie Field airport negatively impacts adjacent Santee and El Cajon residents. He cited crashes and noise and air pollution, and said, given all the development that has taken place in these East San Diego County cities over the years, the region may not be the right place for an airport anymore.

East County News Service

March 31, 2022 (Lakeside) – Lakeside’s 57^th annual Western Days Parade is set to take place on Saturday, April 23.  This year’s theme is “Reading – a passport to adventure.”

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson: Las Colinas Detention facility, Santee

March 31, 2022 (Santee) – Brandi McCrystal, 26, has been arrested for felony domestic violence after allegedly severely injuring her partner, a 24-year-old woman.

Deputies responded to a medical aid call on March 29 shortly after 9:30 p.m. in the 8700 block of Graves Ave., Santee. Fire department personnel provided medical aid to the victim, who was transported to a hospital for treatment.

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.

By Kathy Carpenter 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Matt Manosh: Lemon Grove City Clerk Audrey Malone denied attorney Cory Briggs' request to inspect public records the day before a proposed censure motion of Councilmember Liana LeBaron.

March 28, 2022 (Lemon Grove) – Attorney Cory Briggs has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the nonprofit Project for Open Government against the city of Lemon Grove. The suit alleges that the city acted illegally in failing to respond to multiple public records requests related to the city’s proposed censure and discplinary actions toward Councilmember Liana LeBaron. The City also denied Briggs access to inspect public records when he came to city hall in person the day before the censure hearing, and has still failed to respond weeks later.

The suit seeks a court order requiring the city to full comply with the California Public Records Act, California Constitution, common law and other applicable laws by disclosing all records requested. Briggs also seeks injunctive relief to inspect and copy public records (or portions allowed by law), as well as attorney fees and legal expenses.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Screenshot via ECM news partner 10 News

Photos below by Robert Gehr

March 26, 2022 (El Cajon) – Jesse Nunez, a bail bondsman was shot in the face while attempting to find a wanted man yesterday afternoon at an abandoned building at 333 West Lexington Avenue in El Cajon. The shooter was not the person sought by the bail bondsman, says Lieutenant Will Guerin with the El Cajon Police, who added that squatters were occupying the building and two men ultimately surrendered after a brief stand-off.

The wanted fugitive, Jesse D. Tansey, remains at large, 619 news reports. He was being sought for failing to appear in court on charges that included drug dealing and possession of a firearms.

An ECM photographer says he repeatedly called ECPD to report break-ins at the property, as well as apparent drug sales.

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.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Dr. Sugata Das, courtesy of Yuma Regional Medical Center

March 23, 2022 (San Diego) – An autopsy of Dr. Sugata Das, the pilot killed October 11 when his Cessna plane crashed into a Santee neighborhood, found no evidence of drugs, alcohol, or medications. The Medical Examiner’s office also indicates Dr. Das had no history of medical conditions and found no evidence of suicide.

Festival Chair share insights in interview with East County Magazine 

By Matthew Manosh

Photo: Borrego Springs Film Festival 2022 Poster

March 23, 2022 (Borrego Springs)  -- A desert town away from the city, with films by independent artists from around the globe. It sounds like the perfect setting for a film festival. That’s the backdrop for the Borrego Springs Film Festival, which normally takes place in January, but was pushed back due to the COVID pandemic to this week, starting Thursday, March 24 and continuing through Monday, March 28.

East County Magazine got a chance to sit down and talk with the chairman of the film festival, Fred Jee who discussed the early days of the festival and what’s yet to come.

Iconic Diane Powers restaurant honored by San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce 

East County News Service

March 21, 2022 (La Mesa) - Diane Powers’ Mexican restaurant Casa de Pico has been named the “Best Restaurant in East County” by the members of the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, awarded during the chamber’s 110th annual East County Honors ceremony on February 27.  

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. 

By Miriam Raftery

March 16, 2022 (Lemon Grove) – Looking for plants to enhance your yard?  Need info on gardening or homesteading?  Bring cuttings or other items from your garden to swap with neighbors  to find all of these things and more at the Lemon Grove Garden and Nature Club’s swap event this Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main Street in Lemon Grove.