By Christianne McCormick

September 28, 2022 (El Cajon) -- The East County Transitional Living Center (ECTLC) in El Cajon announced that it has appointed a new CEO to take over after the passing of its previous CEO and founder, Harold Brown.

Michael Branch, the center’s new CEO, is a Navy Veteran who has an extensive career in treating those with addiction, mental health and those experiencing homelessness. The center held a meet-and-greet on September 14, which marked his official fourth week as ECTLC’s new CEO. In an interview with ECM, Branch shared how ECTLC helped him during a difficult time in his own life, and his goals as leader of the nonprofit that helps homeless people transition off the streets.

“I am happy to share that the California Department of Developmental Services just announced Noah Homes’ reimbursement rate – and all other large home providers across the state – is being increased to better align with the actual costs of care. The change is retroactive…” --Molly Nocon, CEO Noah Homes

 By Henri Migala

By Miriam Raftery

September 11, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – Some lost homes. Others lost outbuildings, horses, and vehicles.  Damages included wells needed for water, orchards, and more. One needs help to pay her dog’s emergency veterinary bill. All are survivors of the Border Fire, which scorched through the Barrett Junction, Dulzura and Potrero communities – and all need your help through donations at GoFundMe.com.

December 17^th is National Wreaths Across America Day and one local program is working hard to honor veterans

East County News Service

August 30, 2022 (San Diego) -- Freedom is often defined as “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, a special few Americans will forgo some of their personal freedoms by choosing to serve their country and its citizens. This selfless sacrifice is what makes every veteran a hero. In addition, when asked why they did it, many will answer simply by saying, “Because it was the right thing to do!”

East County News Service

Times of San Diego contributed to this report

Pope Francis urged new cardinals to remember “poor families, migrant and homeless persons.”

Photo:  Pope Francis speaks with Cardinal Robert in St. Peter’s Basilica. Screenshot of EWTN

August 28, 2022 (San Diego) – Former San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy was inducted yesterday as the first cardinal from our region. McElroy, 68, along with 18 other new cardinals from five continents, received a scarlet skullcap, gold ring and silk hat from Pope Francis during the consistory ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Skyler Okerman, USS Constitution Public Affairs

August 1, 2022 (Spring Valley) - Chief Petty Officer Elliott Fabrizio, a Spring Valley, California native, was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal aboard USS Constitution, July 28. Fabrizio currently serves as a mass communication specialist. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Denise Thomas Photography, courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News

July 19, 2022 (Alpine) – Bonnie Baum Roth, 35, was taking her young daughters to a dance competition in Long Beach on Friday when she lost control of her SUV, which plummeted down an embankment on I-8 near Alpine. She was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol.

By Henri Migala

June 5, 2022 (Alpine) -- One of East San Diego County’s great treasures, Lions, Tigers and Bears celebrated its 20^th anniversary on May 21 with a “Diamonds and Denim” themed Wild in the Country gala. The even featured a silent and live auction with items such as wildlife paintings and an African photo safari as well as a VIP cocktail party reception, opportunities to feed exotic animals, buffet luncheon, and entertainment by a Neil Diamond tribute artist.

Situated on 93 acres outside of Alpine, California, on the edge of the Cleveland National Forest, Lions Tigers & Bears is an animal sanctuary for rescued big cats, bears and other exotic animals in beautiful San Diego County.

Source: TIPS

Photo, left to right:  Linda Loehr, Marilyn Carpenter, Dan Roberts, Malcolm Mitchell.  Not pictured: Jennifer Tabanico

Photo Credit: Brant Bender Photography | www.brantbenderphotography.com 

May 28, 2022 (San Diego) -- During Volunteer Appreciation month, Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIP) honored 5 volunteers who have each served with the organization for 10 - 25 years. TIP is a local non-profit that partners with emergency response agencies throughout San Diego to provide immediate, on scene,  crisis intervention to community members experiencing a tragedy. The commitment of these volunteers, as with all TIP volunteers, has been most crucial to the success of the organization and the healing of individuals in crisis. TIP volunteers continue to respond to a high demand need of crisis intervention requests throughout San Diego County. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Harris along with Three Kings Barber Shop Dandre Moore (left) and David Brown (right), courtesy of People’s Association of Justice Advocates.

May 16, 2022 (Lemon Grove) -- May is National Foster Care Month.  The People's Association of Justice Advocates (PAJ) and the Three Kings Barbershop in Lemon Grove are teaming up to provide haircuts free of charge to current and former foster youths up to age 21 during the month of May. Each haircut will save young people between $30-45.

East County News Service

May 12, 2022 (San Diego) - Diego Humane Society is waiving adoption fees for small animals May 13-15, 2022.  The promotion, titled “Big Love, Small Package,” is generously sponsored by Petco Love.  https://petcolove.org/.

East County News Service

May 8, 2022 (San Diego) -- This month, Moms United to End the War on Drugs (U.S.) with partners Moms Stop the Harm (Canada), Recovering Justice (UK) and Red de Enlaces Nacionales (Mexico) are re-launching the #momsunited campaign (What Moms around the World Want for Mother’s Day).

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

April 25, 2022 (El Cajon) - Local Umbrella Media, in conjunction with numerous other “do-gooders,” is sponsoring O’Grady’s Holes for Heroes Golf Tournament on Friday, May 6^th at El Cajon’s Cottonwood Golf Course. The proceeds will benefit active-duty military, veterans, and first responders.

The beneficiary of the proceeds, Saddles in Service, based in Alpine, whose mission is to combat the suicide rates of active-duty military, veterans, and first responders using equine assisted learning and activities, is a non-profit 501(c)(3).

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, cc by SA

April 9, 2022 (San Diego) – “Every child deserves a loving family, and for many that will not be with their biological parents. Fostering or adopting children can be one of the most rewarding things to do so children can have the loving home they deserve,” says Nathan Fletcher, Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Foster families are a vital way for these children to be supported and cared for in a chosen family,” he said in the Sate of the County address.

The County’s Faith in Motion program right now works with 19 local congregations to help youth in the foster system find families. But Fletcher, who has two adopted children, says, “We’re looking for more.” You can  schedule a presentation for your congregation on the Faith in Motion program by calling 1-877-792-KIDS (5437) or visit them online.

Source:  Lemon Grove Lions Club 

April 7, 2022 (Lemon Grove) - Lemon Grove Lions Club will host Quartermania, a cross between an auction, a raffle and bingo. The event will feature preview shopping at 10:30 a.m., quarter auction from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and a light lunch at 12: 00pm. Bring plenty of quarters as you will need them to bid on auction items.