By Kirsten Andelman

Photos courtesy: SD Crescentwood Services

Photo: Newly dozed driveway, with Ben Good's home/barn in background

April 17, 2024 (Pine Valley, CA) -- Neighbors have secured nearly 1,800 signatures on a petition opposing plans to build a cemetery on 38 acres of land about 2.5 miles east of La Posta Ranch, just south of Interstate 8 and Old Highway 80. The cemetery proposed by SD Crescentwood Services would provide burial space for Muslims in San Diego County, which currently has no Muslim cemetery. 

Residents’ primary concern is over potential groundwater contamination, since the graveyard would be over the EPA-designated sole-source aquifer that residents in several backcountry communities rely upon for well water. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported on cemeteries’ potential impacts on public health, when close to aquifers or other water sources.

Alpine Fire Protection District invites public to event April 4

Source:  San Diego Regional Fire Foundation

Photo, left: Alpine Fire Protection District's new wood chipper

April 3, 2024 (San Diego) – The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation and the San Diego River Conservancy are pleased to announce $378,958 in funding for 13 Fire Safe Councils in the Conservancy’s watershed area and a new chipper for the Alpine Fire Protection District. 

Alpine Fire Station will host an event April 4 from 11:30 to 1 p.m.  Alpine Fire Protection District will talk about its new chipper that will provide services for free chipping to the communities and will discuss the new fuel break funds that were made possible through a Community Protection grant.  The attendees at the event tomorrow will be  able to be part of the overall collaboration between the San Diego River Conservancy and the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation.saying thankyou for the hard work and commitments we all have made to focus on supporting the communities of Alpine and Viejas. 

.The San Diego River Conservancy is pleased to announce that it has awarded a grant to the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation and Fire Safe Councils in San Diego County. These Fire Safe Councils are remarkable organizations that work diligently to make local communities safer by engaging in activities aimed at reducing the risk and intensity of wildfires, said Julia Richards, Executive Officer, San Diego River Conservancy. Their efforts are truly commendable and deserve to be recognized year after year.  We proudly stand behind the Fire Safe Councils and support their vital work.” 

By Bransen P. Harper

Photos by Bransen P. Harper and Patrick J. Watkins

April 3, 2024 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Last week, I took a journey out east to a hotspot along the border where undocumented migrants cross over into the U.S. on a daily basis, near the small town of Jacumba Hot Springs and Desert View Tower. International border crossings here have increased over the last couple of years significantly, although the area has seen prevalent human traffic in prior decades.

Using a Google translation program and translators among the migrants,  program, my associate,  Patrick J. Watkins, and I interviewed and photographed several undocumented migrants, whose stories were interesting and diverse. We also spoke with local volunteers aiding the asylum-seekers.

Source: County News Service

March 31, 2024 (San Diego)—An adult who contracted measles overseas may have exposed others to measles in late March at multiple locations in Encinitas and Carlsbad, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency announced Sunday.

There are measles outbreaks currently in 46 nations and 17 U.S. states.  The Centers for Disease Control recently updated its guidelines for travelers regarding measles.

“Measles is a very contagious disease that can be spread easily by coughing, sneezing, or being in the same room with an infected person,” said Ankita Kadakia, M.D., County deputy public health officer. “Anyone who was at any of the specific locations and at the dates and times listed (see below) should watch for symptoms and call their health care provider if they show any signs of the disease.”

By Miriam Raftery

March 30, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Today’s storm brought a flash flood warning from the National Weather Service in effect through 11:30 a.m.

A SIG ALERT is in effect on Sunrise Highway, where one-way traffic control is in effect amid falling snow, the CHP website indicates. On South Grade Road at Mount Palomar, four inches of snow are covering the road and a snow plow has been requested.

Flooding has prompted closure of several roads. In East County, Quarry Road is closed between State Route 125 to Lakeview Drive in Spring Valley, according to the County Dept. of Public Works.

Shortly after 11 a.m., Gayle Falkenthal provided a photo of the arrivals and departures display board at the San Diego International Airport showing nearly all Southwest Airlines flights cancelled or postponed.