Updates to this story have now been posted on the victim, as well as on a new ban on jumping, alcohol, and other activities at the falls. Get the latest details at: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/6613
July 6, 2011 (Ramona) – The U.S. Forest Service has closed Cedar Creek Falls for an investigation into a deadly fall today that killed one visitor and injured another.
The fatal accident is at least the fourth serious injury incident during the holiday weekend at Cedar Creek Falls, according to Incident Page Network. The Forest Service recently opened a new trail to make the popular destination accessible to more people.
Alexis Swanstrom to represent California in National Pageant
July 5, 2011 Jamul -- On Friday, July 8 family and friends of Alexis Swanstom, Miss California Teen USA, of Jamul will gather at 6:00pm at BJ’s' Restaurant in Grossmont Center to wish her well as she heads to the Bahamas to compete for the title of Miss Teen USA. Miss California USA, Alyssa Campanella recently won the Miss USA title and supporters of Alexis are hoping California will have the same luck in the teen contest.
July 6, 2011 (Lakeside) -- Mr. Botter entered this life on August 16, 1955 in Utica, New York, and passed away on July 1, 2011 at the age of 55 after a short illness. Anton lived in the San Diego area nearly his entire life. He was the proud owner and operator of Anton's Tree Service of Lakeside for the past 30 years. Anton served on the Lakeside Planning Group and had been a Director for the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce from 2004 to 2010.
A Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, July 14th at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, followed by burial services with military honors at Miramar National Cemetery at noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions made to the charity of your choice.
July 6, 2011 (San Diego's East County) - East County Roundup highlights top news stories of interest to East County, published in other media. Latest Roundup headlines include:
Region: Supervisor proposes seceding from the state
Cajon city manager steps down
Millions made from cars impounded at DUI checkpoints
Amazon cuts ties with California to avoid tax
"I bought the cop" ; Witness quotes Stanley Lloyd Jr.
Foodnetwork "Makeover" coming to Jackson Drive
Spring Valley man convicted of putting $3,000 bounty on daughters' boyfriend
July 6, 2011 (Santee) -- The City of Santee hosted its annual "Santee Salutes" patriotic celebration on July 4th, drawing families from across East County for this major event.
Scroll down to view photos of participants enjoying fun in the sun, followed by fireworks in the park after dark.
July 6, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Thunderstorms brought lightning strikes and spectacular skies over much of East County yesterday.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather warning today, indicating a chance of more thunderstorms this afternoon and evening over the mountain and desert areas. Storms may produce gusty winds, dangerous lightning, hail and potentially, isolated flash flooding.
July 6, 2011 (McCain Valley) – Cal-Fire and the San Diego County Fire Authority have announced cancellation of plans to conduct controlled brush fire training tomorrow, July 7, the McCain Valley area of East County. Cal Fire Captain Mike Mohler advises.
July 5, 2011 (Santee) -- Labradors and Friends will host rattlesnake avoidance training on July 10 in East County. This event will help educate and train dogs and their human companions in the prevention of snakebites. At the same time, the training will assist with raising funds for homeless canines.
July 5, 2011 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Historical Society will hold open casting calls on July 10th and 11th from 6:00p.m. until 9p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove. The play will be the amusing, 19th century melodrama, "He Ain't Done Right by Nell."
July 5, 2011 (Culver City) -- The California Citizens Redistricting Commission, in order to accommodate and incorporate greater public input, voted to move its release of second draft district maps to July 12th. The Commission is charged by voters to draw California Congressional, Legislative and Board of Equalization districts.
July 5. 2011 (Alpine) -- On the morning of July 9th 2011 get rattlesnake aversion training for your dog in Alpine at Natural Instincts Pet Store. Natural Instincts is partnering with High On Kennels to offer rattlesnake aversion training in Alpine. Besides the hiking trails, rattlesnakes are often found in backyards and even while out walking your dog.
July 6, 2011 (Lakeside)--Jakeb Otto Hume, of Lakeside, was found not guilty last month of all charges, including murder, stemming from the Dec. 3, 2009 stabbing of then-29 year-old David Fleming Jr. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. outside of a party on Riverview Rd. and Water Hill Rd. in Lakeside.
July 5, 2011 (San Diego) -- Introducing Passport to Prana, a new yoga business that just launched in San Diego that lets residents dictate when, where, and how they’ll take their yoga classes for a fraction of the price.
There are 19 studios throughout the San Diego. Yoga enthusiasts with a Passport to Prana can may attend any of the studios, or all of them. There are no drop-in fees or long term contracts. Members completely customize their yoga experience...from schedule to area of interest to neighborhood to fitness level.
July 5, 2010 (San Diego) -– The board of directors of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) announced that Debra L. Reed has been elected chief executive officer of the company and a new member of the company’s board.
Reed, 55, succeeds Donald E. Felsinger, who will continue in the role of Sempra Energy’s executive chairman until his planned retirement at age 65 in late 2012. Neal E. Schmale, president and chief operating officer of Sempra Energy, will remain in his current role until his planned retirement later this year.
July 4, 2011 (Santee) - An estimated 7,000 people turned out for Santee Salutes, including families from throughout East County as well as local dignitaries including Assemblyman Brian Jones and Mayor Randy Voepel. Live music, patriotic presentations, carnival rides and a spectacular fireworks show were all part of the festivities.
July 4, 2011 (Escondido) – The charred remains of a man were discovered in the burned wreckage of a Dodge Caravan minivan that was involved in a T-bone collision with a black Lexus ES300 Sedan in the 700 block of Washington Ave. at the intersection of Elmwood Drive at 2:15 a.m. yesterday. The minivan became engulfed in flames immediately after the accident.
July 4, 2011 (Lakeside) – Brian Persson, 47, lost control of his motorcycle while driving around curve on northbound Highway 67, 1.5 miles of Slaughterhouse Canyon in Lakeside at 2:10 p.m. yesterday, the San Diego Medical Examiner reports. Witnesses called 911.
California Highway Patrol and medics responded and found the victim unresponsive and not breathing with extensive traumatic injuries.
July 4, 2011 (La Mesa) – Christopher Sanchez, 22, of Paradise Hills was struck and killed last night by an eastbound Green Line San Diego Trolley approximately 200 yards east of the Grossmont Center trolley stop in Mesa, according to the County Medical Examiner. La Mesa Police and Fire personnel confirmed death at the scene due to obvious fatal trauma.
Campo, the Forgotten Gunfight by Bryon Harrington (www.CampoGunfight.com, 2009 Campo, 372 pp.)
Review by Miriam Raftery
July 3, 2011 (Campo) –Few San Diegans are aware that a Wild West shoot-out deadlier than the famed O.K. Corral confrontation occurred in our own East County.
A patron in a Tecate cantina overheard a notorious group of banditos boast of plans to rob the entire town of Campo, a frontier settlement near the Mexican border.So he rode north and tipped off the Gaskill brothers, owners of the Campo Store.The brothers asked San Diego’s Sheriff to send a posse for protection—to no avail. Left to fend for themselves with their lives on the line, the townspeople planned a defense. Then they mounted a vigil that lasted for weeks, until the fateful showdown on December 4, 1875.
July 4, 2011 (Poway) –Decked out with red and blue bunting on wooden railway bridges, water tower and gazebo/bandstand, Old Poway Park today looked like a scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. The Old West-themed park exemplifies the best of Americana this 4th of July, compete with rides on the Baldwin steam train (watch for train robbers), a Dixieland jazz band, square dancing, quilting show/contest and craft show—plus two-acres of picnic grounds and family-oriented activities such as three-legged races.
July 4, 2011 (Bonsall) – Cal-Fire is on the scene of a fire that is now 4 to 5 acres. A motorhome fire reported at 3:05 p.m. at Gopher Canyon Road and I-15 north of Escondido, near the community of Bonsall spread into the brush. No structures are threatened, however a SIG ALERT has been issued for traffic on I-15.
July 4, 2011 (La Mesa) – O’Dunn Fine Art gallery is celebrating our nation’s 236th birthday all month long by showcasing collector-grade American-made pottery as well as paintings.
Besides savoring the fine art works displayed, guests can celebrate the gallery’s gift to buyers—no sales tax charged during July.
“The urgency is great and we require your help to meet this need in our community”—Alpine Food Bank
July 4, 2011 (Alpine)—The Alpine Food Bank reports a “significant increase” in need, according to a press release seeking donations of funds and food.
“Our economy over the last few years has been struggling, leaving many families barely scraping by to make ends meet. These people, who come from all walks of life and economic backgrounds, have one thing in common, the need to provide the basic necessity of food for their family,” says a statement issued by the Alpine Food Bank, a new partnership between Bethel Christian Assembly and the San Diego Food Bank to help those who are hungry in our backcountry areas.
June 28, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Communities across San Diego's inland regions will host a variety of events celebrating Independence Day on Monday, July 4th including festivals, parades, picnics, an ice cream social, Western-themed events, and of course, fireworks.
Below are highlights of celebrations planned in numerous East County and inland San Diego areas:
July 3, 2011 (Lemon Grove) – Lon Scully, 74, was struck and killed around 2 a.m. Friday morning while attempting to cross the southbound lanes of State Route 125 north of Spring Street in La Mesa when he was struck by a silver Hyundai sedan, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s office reports.
The accident severed the victim’s legs and hurled his torso through the windshield, where it became lodged in the front seat, CHP spokesman Brian Pennings said, La Mesa’s Patch.com reported.
July 2, 2011 (Crest) -- For the past 65 years, the small town of Crest has hosted a 4th of July parade that's like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting.
Festivities include floats, decorated horses, wagons, and bikes. A young girl and young boy are the reigning royalty. Sometimes there are bands from schools. Often you'll see the Lawnchair Brigade of ladies marching with folding lawn chairs, spinning them around their heads, and sitting down on them as they parade. People line up along the street wearing red,white, and blue, waving flags as dignitaries drive by.
MTS Board Chair Emeritus and SDSU Alum was critical in bringing Trolley to San Diego State
July 2, 2011 (San Diego) -- With more than 100 friends, family, and elected officials looking on, the Metropolitan Transit System dedicated the San Diego State University Trolley Station to Leon Williams on Wednesday, June 29, 2011. The dedication honors Leon Williams for his tireless support of public transit and more than 30 years of public service.
July 2, 2011 (La Mesa) –When it came time to review Swami’s Café, East County Magazine found a team of eager volunteers. The menu is too vast and diverse for any single “eater” to assess, so we sent in our ravenous reviewers to sample the fare. Each enjoyed it so much that they went back again—and again!
Story and photos by Miriam Raftery
July 6, 2011 (McCain Valley) – Cal-Fire and the San Diego County Fire Authority have announced cancellation of plans to conduct controlled brush fire training tomorrow, July 7, the McCain Valley area of East County. Cal Fire Captain Mike Mohler advises.
6, 2011 (Lakeside)--Jakeb Otto Hume, of Lakeside, was found not guilty last month of all charges, including murder, stemming from the Dec. 3, 2009 stabbing of then-29 year-old David Fleming Jr. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. outside of a party on Riverview Rd. and Water Hill Rd. in Lakeside.
July 5, 2011 (San Diego) -- Introducing Passport to Prana, a new yoga business that just launched in San Diego that lets residents dictate when, where, and how they’ll take their yoga classes for a fraction of the price. 
July 5, 2010 (San Diego) -– The board of directors of 
July 4, 2011 (Lakeside) – Brian Persson, 47, lost control of his motorcycle while driving around curve on northbound Highway 67, 1.5 miles of Slaughterhouse Canyon in Lakeside at 2:10 p.m. yesterday, the San Diego Medical Examiner reports. Witnesses called 911.
Campo, the Forgotten Gunfight by Bryon Harrington (
June 28, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Communities across San Diego's inland regions will host a variety of events celebrating Independence Day on Monday, July 4th including festivals, parades, picnics, an ice cream social, Western-themed events, and of course, fireworks. 
July 3, 2011 (Lemon Grove) – Lon Scully, 74, was struck and killed around 2 a.m. Friday morning while attempting to cross the southbound lanes of State Route 125 north of Spring Street in La Mesa when he was struck by a silver Hyundai sedan, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s office reports.
July 2, 2011 (Crest) -- For the past 65 years, the small town of Crest has hosted a 4th of July parade that's like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. 
Swami’s Café
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