By Miriam Raftery

February 12, 2022 (Lakeside) – Bryan Luther Edwards, 27, has been arrested for the shooting death of his brother, Derek Maurice Edwards, 32, at their Lakeside home.  Bryan was stabbed in the altercation with Derek and was transported to a local area hospital for treatment.

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2022 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Historical Society’s featured speaker on Monday, February 28^th at 6 p.m. will be Richard Edmonds, a Lakeside resident, retired firefighter and Africanized bee safety trainer.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: 2020 Valley Fire in Alpine by Ryan Grothe

February 11, 2022 (Alpine) – The deadline for public comments has been extended to March 5 for the Alpine Community Plan Update and a proposed General Plan Amendment that would allow increased density on formerly protected lands in close proximity to Cleveland National Forest lands. A Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) has been prepared to analyze and disclose the environmental impacts of the project.

Source: City of La Mesa

February 10, 2022 (La Mesa) -- To help struggling La Mesa families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City announced today the expansion of the current Mortgage Assistance Program to also include rent payment relief for residents. Beginning Monday, February 14,  applications will be accepted for rental assistance.

Source: Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals

February 9, 2022 (Ramona) -- Looking for some fun exercise? How about a walk to view Ramona’s murals and count the hidden hearts? Then check out your blood pressure and maybe win a home blood pressure monitor. And it will all be good for your heart (or H.E.A.R.T.)

East County News Service

February 7, 2022 (La Mesa) – A 32-year-old man died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash in a blue 2018 Hyundai Genesis early this morning on Fletcher Parkway east of Amaya in La  Mesa.  A male passenger, 29, was injured.

By Elijah McKee

February 5, 2022 (Lemon Grove) — “It always feels good to have people ask questions and comment on what I am creating,” says artist Maxx Moses on his personal website. “Most of the time they ask me ‘What is the meaning behind the concept?’ And my response is always…what do you see?”

By Rami Ibrahim

February 4, 2022 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon is wrapping up its redistricting process to determine the boundaries of its Council districts for the next 10 years. But there is a catch. The City Council did not redistrict, and is instead on the precipice of adopting the exact map under which the current Council was elected. By ignoring state law and the voices of underrepresented communities who have been advocating for fair and representative districts, the City Council members revealed they had no intention to change the lines at all.

East County News Service 

February 3, 2022 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – You’re invited to a Bathhouse Bazaar at 44450 Old Highway Highway 80 in Jacumba Hot Springs. This Saturday, February 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a Taco Love food truck on site, along with Pine Valley Honey.

By Mike Allen

Photo:  the current Santee district boundaries

February 2, 2022 (Santee) -- The city of Santee continues the process of redoing the boundaries for its four electoral districts, which will likely result in keeping the lines as they currently are.

By Miriam Raftery

February 1, 2022 (Alpine) – Beer lovers in East County will soon have more to cheer about.  Mike Hess Brewing of San Diego (www.mikehessbrewing.com) is expanding through their acquisition of Alpine Beer Company’s Outpost. The announcement comes after Alpine Beer Co. sold its Green Flash and Alpine brands in late December to Canada’s Tilray.

By Miriam Raftery and  Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Photo via El Cajon Citizens of the Year

February 1, 2022 (El Cajon) – Pastor Harold Brown overcame homelessness and other hardships to become a community leader dedicated to helping others. As founder and CEO of the East County Transitional Living Center (ECTLC) in El Cajon, he championed programs that have helped thousands of people escape homelessness and find hope instead of despair. Brown was also senior pastor of Christian Fellowship  of El Cajon.

Following a long battle with lung cancer, he was hospitalized last week with pneumonia and passed away yesterday morning.

Community leaders voiced sorrow as well as praise for Rev. Brown’s remarkable achievements.

January 31, 2022 -- A septic truck has overturned on Highway 78 at Yaqui Wells.

The injury accident has shut down the highway in both directions this morning.

By Miriam Raftery

January 30, 2022 (Spring Valley) – A Spring Valley woman found dead of traumatic injuries Thursday night has been identified as Ericka Joyce Wilson, 29. She died of multiple stab wounds, the Medical Examiner’s office has concluded after an autopsy.

“Ericka Wilson and the suspect who was arrested in this case, 29-year-old Kandynn Taylor Wilson, were married but estranged.  The motive is still under investigation,” says Lieutenant Joel Stranger with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Family Protection unit.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Jake Rose: Randall Lamb building in flames

January 29, 2022 (La Mesa) – Daniel Louis Sandoval, 44, of Campo has been sentenced for his role in the burning down of the historic Randall Lamb building in La Mesa shortly after midnight on May 31, 2020 during civil unrest.