By Miriam Raftery

March 4, 2017 (La Mesa) – I come from a farming family, so I’ve looked forward to sampling the farm-to-table fresh cuisine at Farmer’s Table in La Mesa. The restaurant lives up to its pledge of “honest food done right” with locally grown, organic vegetables and an array of tasty dishes to savor.

East County News Service

February 27, 2017 (San Diego) — After receiving customer reports of glass pieces found in Trader Joe’s unsweetened applesauce jars, the supermarket chain has issued a voluntary recall on three varieties of its applesauce.

East County News Service

February 7, 2017 (Santee)  – The nine Chick-fil-A restaurants in San Diego County, including the Chick-fil-A restaurant at 9418 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, will give a free breakfast entrée to every guest between 6:30 and 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday morning throughout the month of February. The free entrées will vary from week to week, including Chick-n-Minis (3 count) on Feb. 8 and 22 and a Chicken Biscuit on Feb. 15.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Dr. Gary Woods, GUHSD school board member, tastes locally-sourced foods along with students at Grossmont College “California Thursdays” event.

January 26, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Nearly 20,000 students in the Grossmont Union High School District participated today in a novel approach to school food: healthy, freshly prepared meals made with California-grown produce and fresh ingredients.

East County News Service

January 21, 2017 (La Mesa) -- People's hearts tend to grow 3x the size when Valentine's Day rolls around. This year, the community can show their love by attending Cupid's Carouse, an annual tasting party, on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 7 - 10 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center.

East County News Service

January 18, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – If you bought milk or other dairy products such as yogurt, half and half or cream anytime since 2003, you may be eligible for a refund through a class action suit that alleges price-fixing by the dairy industry. Claims must be submitted by January 31^st.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

Photos, left:  Bill Schweitzer, Ramona Valley Vineyards Association cofounder and past president at Highland  Hills Winery; Pamo Valley Tasting Room on Holiday Wine Tour

January 8, 2017 (Ramona) –“2016 is going to be our greatest vintage so far. Everybody says it came in perfect,” says Bill Schweitzer, cofounder of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) in 2002,  and a driving force in attaining an American Viticulture Area (AVA) designation for Ramona back in 2006.  That’s due to the ideal combination of heat, rains and drought years—as well as years of efforts by local vintners now savoring the fruits of their labors.

Sipping wine on the sunny patio at Highland Valley Winery during the Holiday Wine Trail event in December, he reflected that back in 2001,  Ramona had just one winery (Schwaesdall) and 20 vineyards growing grapes.  Today, there are at least 29 wineries in Ramona, soon to be 35, and 150 vineyards.

By Greg Dunne

December 26, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) — The first of the year is almost here.  Some New Year’s resolutions maybe? Hopefully eating healthy is one of them. I’m going to talk a little bit about juicing, how fun it can be, and of course how good it is for you as well.

By Miriam Raftery

December 7, 2016 (Dulzura) –The Highway 94 Club, in partnership with East County Vintners, will present their 4^th annual Wine Tasting on Thursday, December  15^th at 6:30 p.m. in the Barrett Junction Café on Highway 94.

By Robin Norris Kendall

November 22, 2016 (Lakeside) -- When you die and go to heaven the first thing you will put in your mouth is one of Mary’s donuts. At least that is what I thought when I bit into one at the new Lakeside location. I am not like Homer Simpson, I don’t dream of donuts…donuts, but these are so fresh and light that I am now a fan.

East County News Service

November 20, 2016 (San Diego) – The Sabra company has announced a voluntary recall of its hummus dip products after finding Listeria Monocytognes at the manufacturing facility, but not in tested finished product.

Consumers with any product with a "Best Before" date up through January 23, 2017 are urged to discard it. You can find code and "Best Before" date on the lid of each package. The recall includes all hummus products by Sabra except not organic hummus. The recall does not include other Sabra products such as guacamole, salsa, or Greek yogurt dip.

Source: Ramona Valley Vineyard Association press release

November 16, 2016 (Ramona) - Participating wineries from the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) will be holding a Holiday Wine Trail in the heart of San Diego Wine Country on Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11, from noon until 5:00 p.m.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Now You’re Cooking – With Safety!

November 14, 2016 (San Diego)--Thanks giving is quickly approaching and did you know Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year? “Thanksgiving is a fun, festive holiday, but it’s also very hectic says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. “All the entertaining and distractions make it easy to forget about what’s cooking on the stovetop.”

Apple recipes included

By Greg Dunne

October 26, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Let’s compare apples to apples. The change of the season from summer fruits, to fall and winter apples is under way. The start of the new crop apples begins the middle of October and will run through early May. The variety of apples we see in the markets are increasing all the time. Some of the relatively new varieties include Opal Apples, Sweetie Apples, Envy Apples, Ambrosia Apples, Ginger Gold Apples, Autumn Glory Apples, and Sweet Tango Apples.

Sycuan returns for twelfth year, joins bakers such as Behind the Scenes Catering and Sweet Cheeks Baking Co.; Sales begin October 10, 2016

East County News Service

October 15, 2016 (San Diego) - Wells Fargo, Walmart, The Original Pancake House of Poway & Temecula, and Sycuan Casino are just a few of the local companies that have pledged their resources a successful upcoming Mama’s Pie in the Sky Thanksgiving Bake Sale. The fundraiser in its twelfth year benefits Mama’s Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides nutritional support at no cost to San Diego men, women and children affected by AIDS or cancer who are vulnerable to hunger. Sales begin October 10 and continue through November 20, 2016. Pie flavors are pumpkin, traditional apple, pecan and Dutch apple, and are available for just $25 each. Pies can be purchased online via www.mamaspies.org or by calling (619) 233-6262.