East County News Service

April 23, 2019 (San Diego) - On May 4, Father Joe’s Villages will host the 35th annual Children’s Charity Gala to support life-changing services for children and families experiencing homelessness, spanning from preschool to medical care.  The event will include awards to “East County Heroes” including El Cajon resident Terry Caster. 

Proceeds will  fund programs that allow children to escape the burden of “cancer kid” label

April 10, 2019 (San Diego) -- On March 23, The Seany Foundation’s 11th Annual Everything is Possible Celebration raised $275,000 to support children and families faced with cancer. 

The $275,000 raised will support The Seany Foundation’s programs that bring happiness and relief to children, siblings and family members struggling with cancer. The camps allow children to escape the burden of a “cancer kid” label and just have fun with other peers who understand what they are going through.

East County News Service

March 19, 2019 (San Diego) — Since 2014,  the volume of crisis team calls received by Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIP) has risen by 60%.  Last year, TIP responded to 1,199 scenes of tragedy, helping 5,288 residents in our community—and the organization is seeking additional volunteers.

El Cajon Library to give away gowns on April 27

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

March 11, 2019 (San Diego) - For many teenage girls, the prom, the quinceanera, the big night out – it’s all about the dress. But special occasion dresses are pricy. That’s why the County Library is playing fairy godmother.

By Gail Sparhawk

Photo:  members and guests enjoying lunch together 

March 8, 2019 (El Cajon) -- “This place brings me peace and comfort,” says Nicholas, speaking about the East Corner Clubhouse operated by Community Research Foundation (CRF) at 1060 Estes Street in El Cajon.

Photo: Creative commons image via S.A.

March 2, 2019 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition is now accepting applications for the “Youth of the Year” Award, recognizing outstanding youth who go above and beyond serving their community!  This annual award is given to one middle school and one high school student, honoring them for their leadership abilities and/or their quality or level of community service. Final awards will be based on dedication and commitment beyond what may be required by the school and its effect on the community.

By Miriam Raftery

February 22, 2019 (Fallbrook) – Farmworker families in De Luz/Fallbrook are in “desperate need of emergency supplies” according to a press release sent by California State University San Marcos and human rights groups.

By Miriam Raftery

February 15, 2019 (Alpine) – “The powerful storm system that swept across our region has taken a toll on our sanctuary grounds - and made a HUGE mess in its wake,” Bobbi Brink, founder of the Lions, Tigers and Bears rescue facility in Alpine writes in an e-mail to supporters.

By Logan Knight  

February 14, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a question virtually every American child is asked from the time he or she begins talking. They are continually asked this question until adulthood, when the question becomes, “What do you do for a living?”

East County News Service

February 5, 2019 (San Diego) - McAlister Institute, a non-profit organization in East County that helps bring life-saving services in substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, life skills education, and vocational training to individuals and families regardless of their inability to pay, has received an $11,195 grant from Las Patronas to fund a wellness courtyard at the organization’s Kiva Learning Center for Women and Children (Kiva).

Kiva, which receives its primary funding through contract with the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency, was established in 1981. With its founding, McAlister Institute became one of the first five organizations in the nation and the first in San Diego County to develop a residential program that allows women to live with their children in a safe, instructive, and supportive environment while they receive treatment. 

By Maryanne Jackson

January 31, 2019 (La Mesa) – The Alma Future Foundation held a dinner on January 22nd at Tiramisu Trattoria restaurant in La Mesa to raise funds for an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico.

Many Thanks to Tiramisu Trattoria owner David Chiodo, who kindly donated the use of his restaurant. Chef and host Giulia Croce (photo) kindly donated her time preparing an amazing five-course meal.

East County News Service

Photo:  (from left to right) Steve Becvar, ALS; Paul Negulescu, Vertex; Keith Miller (wearing Santa hat), ALS; Peter Grootenhuis, Vertex.

By Miriam Raftery

January 18, 2019 (Lakeside) – Kathryn Anne Kennedy, 70, was found in Ocotillo Wells shortly after 11 a.m. this morning, Lt. David Perkins with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department has confirmed to ECM.

“A concerned citizen saw her sitting on the steps of the market at a campground in Ocotillo Wells and called for a welfare check because she seemed disoriented,” Lt. Perkins told ECM. Law enforcement officers identified her as the missing woman and transported her back to Lakeside to be reunited with friends, after making sure she did not appear to have any physical injuries.

“She was shaken, hungry and tired,” says Jill Barto, who helped organize a search for the missing woman and received word via a phone call with the good news.

50 New Bikes and Helmets for Military & First Responders’ Children donated by Cartright Pest Control, ASAP Towing and iWash Car Wash

East County News Service

December 23, 2018( El Cajon) –Three El Cajon businesses are joining to give away 50 new bikes and helmets on Christmas Eve to deserving East County children.

The public is invited to the open-house style event which will feature a brisket and pulled pork BBQ cookout provided by Golden Corral of El Cajon, also from 10am-1pm, at Cartwright Pest Control, 1376 Broadway in El Cajon.