By Miriam Raftery, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts
October 31, 2023 (Aguanga) -- The #HighlandFire in Aguanga has swelled to over 2,200 acres overnight and is 0% contained in Riverside County just over the San Diego County line. Aguanga is just north of Warner Springs; smoke is impacting areas west of Aguanga including Escondido and Palomar. Highway 79 is closed in both directions.
Road closures are in effect and evacuation orders have been issued north of the San Diego County line, south of State Route 79, east of Forest Route 8S07 and west of Crosley Truck Trail. (See evacuation details at https://www.rvcfire.org/incidents/fact-sheets/HighliandFire-Oct2023.)
A reception and care center has opened at: Great Oak High School 32555 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula, Ca 92592. Large and small animals can be taken to: San Jacinto Animal Shelter 581 South Grand Avenue, San Jacinto, Ca 92582
Video posted by FirePhotoGirl on social media shows structures in flames. Cal Fire reports structures remain threatened threatened.
Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that the fire was at DeAnza Springs Resort in Jacumba; in fact it is at De Anza Springs Country Club in Borrego Springs.
By Miriam Raftery
October 30, 2023 (Borrego Springs) – Sixty firefighters are at the scene of an early morning commercial structure fire at De Anza Springs Country Club in Borrego Springs. When Cal Fire arrived, 75% of the structure was engulfed in flames.
Firefighters are making good progress and have kept the fire from spreading to other buildings or vegetation.
October 29, 2023 (La Mesa) – A 38-year-old San Diego man was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 8 east., east of Baltimore Drive n La Mesa on October 24. The victim was walking in the #4 lane at 8:38 a.m. when he was hit by a white 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck.
October 29, 2023 (San Diego) – Santa Ana winds, along with low humidity and above average daytime temperatures, will bring heightened fire risks this week to our region.
The highest risks will be on Monday and Tuesday, when wind gusts of 40-60 miles per hour are forecast in San Diego’s inland valleys areas such as Alpine and Ramona, as well as mountain areas such as Julian and Mt. Laguna.
October 29, 2023 (Lakeside) -- Wreaths Across America is offering an opportunity for San Diego County residents, businesses, schools, fraternal organizations to celebrate the holidays and honor local veterans.There are over 120,000 souls interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and over 16,000 at Miramar National Cemetery. Join me in sharing this link and viewing QR code and contributing.
How does this work? You may purchase one or two wreaths for either Rosecrans or Miramar (either for someone you name, or a gravesite they will choose). You can add information about the veteran. If you buy two wreaths, a third wreath will be placed at a deserving veteran’s grave chosen by the cemetery.
The wreaths are genuine wreaths that arrive fresh from Maine. The deadline is November 26th. to place your order. Please consider this special gift and memory honoring our Veterans.
October 29, 2023 (El Cajon) – Two teens have died after being shot by an assailant outside a house party in El Cajon last night.
Shortly before midnight, El Cajon Police officers responded to a series of 9-1-1 calls reporting a loud house party and multiple gunshots in the 700 block of Mahogany Drive.
“Upon arrival, officers saw numerous people fleeing from the area. Tragically, two victims, a 16-year-old male, and an 18-year-old male were found critically wounded, one in the street and the other in the front yard of a residence,” says Lieutenant Will Guerin. “Despite swift medical attention, both victims succumbed to their injuries after being transported to local trauma hospitals.”
Photo: Supervisor Jim Desmond at press conference calling for border closure
October 28,2023 (San Diego) – The Israel-Hamas war has inflamed anti-U.S. sentiments around the world, sparking protests outside U.S. embassies in several nations,. NBC news reports. That’s led some local conservative politicians including Supervisor Jim Desmond and Supervisorial candidate Amy Reichert to call for closure of the border to new immigrants, citing fears that militants allied with terrorist groups supporting Hamas could potentially cross the border into the U.S. with an aim to harm Americans.
October 28, 2023 (San Diego) -- I would be remiss if I did not write this as we step into and are preparing for our first Red Flag Warning for 2023 in Southern California. This is dedicated to the men of Engine Co. 57.
Oct. 26, 2006, it seems like yesterday. Time passes so quickly. This day sticks with me and always will. I was at my home leaving for work in Los Angeles. I saw the large plume of smoke. In a matter of seconds, it intensified. The plume expanded and rose quickly into the atmosphere. I knew something went bad, but little did I know how bad it really was.
October 28, 2023 (El Cajon) --- In a forum held Oct. 18 at Cuyamaca College, District 4 supervisorial candidates Monica Montgomery Steppe, a Democrat, and Republican Amy Reichert answered questions from the public ranging on health care, homelessness, housing, highway improvements, and diversity.
October 27, 2023 (Lakeside)-- Oma's Family Farm has been a Lakeside business since 1960. The farm’s pumpkin patch offers a variety of pumpkins, plus you can opt for wagon rides, a petting zoo, sand sledding and more. Saturday is the last day this season for the pumpkin patch, and reservations must be made online here.
If you miss the pumpkin patch, the farm offers many other attractions such as Furry Animal Friends, Dump Trucks & Dozers, Land of Milk and Honey, Bubble Blast, Country Fair, and soon, Homestead Holidays, Christmas trees, Christmas Cinema, visits with Santa Claus and more. The farm also hosts private events.
October 27, 2023 (Santee) – The Santee Fire Department and the San Diego Sheriff’s department invite the public to a pancake breakfast on November 11 from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The event will be held at 8950 Cottonwood Ave, Santee. Tickets are $5.
Photo, left: Former San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Ernest J. Dronenberg cuts ribbon to dedicate the Archive Reading Room in Santee
October 25, 2023 (Santee) – A ceremony was held today at the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder’s office in Santee, where Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Jordan Marks dedicated the Archive Reading Room to his predecessor, Ernest J. Dronenberg, Jr. The event also celebrated Dronenburg’s legacy of public service.
The facility was full of guests, local county politicians and officials including Mayor Bill Wells of El Cajon, Santee City Councilmembers Ronn Hall and Vice Mayor Laura Koval, Andrew Hayes, staffer for Senator Brian Jones as well as an Assembly candidate and Lakeside Union School Board President, Padre Dam Director Bill Pommering, Jordan Gascon, Chairman of the San Diego Republican Party, and others.
Bow ties were requested to be worn, since that was Dronenburg’s signature look during his tenure. Dronenburg was accompanied by his wife. His colleagues described him as a “numbers guy” and praised his service.
October 12, 2023 (Poway) -- On September 23-24; Poway held its annual rodeo and celebrated the 50th Anniversary of this action- packed event. Rodeo Chairman Murray Bankhead, the rodeo’s board and many volunteers made this event a success with a large turnout, talented performers, and a family-friendly environment. ECM found smiling faces, helpful volunteers and vendors with a variety of merchandise. But, the action was in the arena, where a variety of disciplines were witnessed by a positive and cheering crowd.
Performers and athletes from across the US. and Canada engaged the audience with roping, trick riders, bulls, bucking broncos, mutton busting, barrels and more. Rodeo queens from Poway, Lakeside and Ramona were present, supporting the rodeo.
October 24, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Most, if not all of us have travelled down Interstate 8 countless times, but you have likely passed up a lot of history that dates back more than 100 years while getting to your destination. The Old Spanish Trail Centennial Celebration Association (OTS100) is in town celebrating 100 years of the trail’s history with a series of events the community can attend free in early November including a museum reception, history lectures, and drives through our backcountry.
October 27, 2023 (La Mesa)— San Diego’s East County has lost one of its most beloved philanthropists and local business owners, Sandy Burr. Burr passed away at Sharp Grossmont Hospital on October 11, 2023, at 84. Sandra Burr and her late husband, Edward “Ed” Gene Burr, founded EDCO, creating a legacy of giving back and engaging with East County that shaped the way EDCO is viewed today as a company for the customers they serve.
October 27, 2023 (Santee) -- The new Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Santee, which opened at Town Center earlier this month, is holding a Sensory Sensitive Halloween geared to children with autism and sensory needs on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
October 27, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine journalists Rebecca Person and Miriam Raftery picked up awards in San Diego Press Club’s Excellence in Journalism Competition earlier this month. ECM has won 146 major journalism awards since its inception 15 years ago.
Rebecca Person received third place in the breaking news category for her article, “Jacumba Hot Springs community stunned by arrival of hundreds of migrants.” Person described efforts by local residents to aid migrants left without food, water, shade or shelter in sweltering desert heat. Her coverage prompted an investigation by a human rights organization and filing of a federal complaint accusing Border Patrol agents of violating U.S. and international laws.
ECM editor Miriam Raftery received third place in the Radio interviews category for her interview on KNSJ Radio with Kathi Torres, a sex trafficking survivor who now works with Freedom from Exploitation, an organization that helps survivors of human trafficking.
"Now that Johnson is speaker, he will do what the Republicans never stop doing—everything in their power to cut our Social Security and Medicare, by hook, crook, or commission." -- Alex Lawson, Social Security Works
By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams CC BY-NC-ND 3.0
October 27, 2023 (Washington D.C.) The newly elected Republican speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives has previously proposed trillions of dollars in cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and suggested that slashing the programs should be the top priority of Congress.
During his tenure as chair of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) between 2019 and 2021, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) helped craft budget resolutions that called for roughly $2 trillion in Medicare cuts, $3 trillion in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts, and $750 billion in Social Security Cuts, noted Bobby Kogan of the Center for American Progress.
To report suspicious activity in the San Diego area, contact FBI San Diegoat 858-320-1800, or submit a tip to tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL FBI.
East County News Service
October 27, 2023 (San Diego) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in San Diego has asked media outlets to alert the public to threats associated with the Israel-HAMAS conflict. The FBI and the Dept. Of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a joint public service announcement on Oct. 25. The agencies are also asking the public to report any suspicious activity.
“The FBI is continuing to monitor threats associated with the Israel-HAMAS conflict, both in the United States and overseas. As the conflict continues, the FBI has seen an increase in reports of threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities and institutions, raising our concern that violent extremists and lone offenders motivated by or reacting to ongoing events could target these communities,” the FBI announcement states. “We take all potential threats seriously and are working closely with our law enforcement partners to determine their credibility, share information, and take appropriate investigative action.”
Annual signature luncheon to feature conversation on human connection
East County News Service
October 25, 2023 (San Diego) - Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is hosting its annual signature luncheon at 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 2 with nationally renowned Rabbi and author Sharon Brous for a discussion on human connection.
By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office
Photos by Bing AI (prompt: Jonathan Goetz with East County Magazine)
October 25, 2023 (San Diego) -- San Diego’s new Crop Report covering the County’s 2022 growing season shows production was higher than last year at $1.78 billion in value, making it the seventh year in the past 10 years in which the region has seen an increase.
October 24, 2023 (Spring Valley)-- on October 20 around 3:34 a.m, California HIghway Patrol reported that a 54-year-old man was struck and killed while walking in the number 3 lane of eastbound State Route 94, east of Spring Street.
By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office
October 24, 2023 (San Diego) - San Diego County doctors share the top 6 tips to help you fight winter viruses and stay healthy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop, so get vaccinated early.
October 23, 2023 (El Cajon) - – The California State Senate, California Department of Transportation, and California firefighters have teamed up to recognize the accomplishments of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Division Chief William “Bill” Clayton, by renaming a section of Interstate 5 in his honor.
By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office
Photo by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay
October 22, 2023 (San Diego) -- Are you seeing more urban coyotes in your neighborhood? If so, don’t panic! The County’s Department of Animal Services (DAS) has some tips to keep them away and help you, your family and pets stay safe.
"It is embarrassing that MAGA House Republicans continue to let the petty sniping and infighting in their own party prevent them from working with the president," President Joe Biden's campaign said.
Photo: U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) speaks at the 2018 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland on February 27, 2018. (Photo: Gage Skidmore/flickr/cc)
October 20, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) - In what could be the final nail in the coffin of Ohio GOP Congressman Jim Jordan's speakership bid, U.S. House Republicans on Friday secretly voted to drop the far-right 2020 election denier's candidacy, leaving the fractured party without a nominee for the chamber's top job more than two weeks after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy's ouster.
October 19, 2023 (El Cajon) – Mark Lewis, who served El Cajon as mayor and city councilman for 25 years overseeing major changes the community, has died of complications from a stroke suffered last year. His family members were with him at a hospice center, where he passed away on October 12, 2023 at age 75.
“He loved El Cajon and everyone in it,” his wife, Sarah Christine “Chris” Lewis, told East County Magazine.
He led the city through a recession and a centennial, leading efforts to revitalize downtown, bring "fun" to city residents and create a cleaner, greener community for future generations.
The affable mayor, known for his sense of humor and commitment to a clean environment, also served as the County of San Diego’s waste management coordinator, chaired SANDAG’s public safety board, was foreman of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Grand Jury, served on the Draft Board and on the Indian Gaming Commission.
A complex, larger-than-life figure, Lewis also wrote poetry and authored a book of Haiku dedicated to mankind "in the hope that those who read it,will act in some way,as to improve the existence of man." In his younger days,he enjoyed stints as a stand-up comedian.
But he was most proud of leading efforts to revitalize downtown El Cajon and implement green programs that cleaned up the city’s air pollution.
October 20, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Enjoy a healthy Halloween and free admission to The Water Conservation Garden on Thursday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. courtesy of the Grossmont Healthcare District.
October 19, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Today, the US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory. “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”
The State Department advises that U.S. citizens should stay alert in locations frequented by tourists; enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)) to receive security updates and make it easier to locate you in an emergency; and follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
The U.S. government has authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel and some non-emergency personnel on a case-by-case basis from Mission Israel and Lebanon.
October 19, 2023 (Spring Valley) - ECM Sports is back to work after a long break and we’re finally in Spring Valley for our first-ever Thursday night football game, as the Norsemen from Valhalla head to Monte Vista to face the Monarchs. Both teams are a little worse for wear; Valhalla is 2-7 overall and winless at 0-3 in Grossmont League play. Monte Vista is 2-6, 1-1 in league.
By Miriam Raftery, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
In a forum held Oct. 18 at Cuyamaca College, District 4 supervisorial candidates Monica Montgomery Steppe, a Democrat, and Republican Amy Reichert answered questions from the public ranging on health care, homelessness, housing, highway improvements, and diversity.
East County News Service
By Shiloh Ireland
Most, if not all of us have travelled down Interstate 8 countless times, but you have likely passed up a lot of history that dates back more than 100 years while getting to your destination. 
San Diego’s East County has lost one of its most beloved philanthropists and local business owners, Sandy Burr. Burr passed away at Sharp Grossmont Hospital on October 11, 2023, at 84. Sandra Burr and her late husband, Edward “Ed” Gene Burr, founded EDCO, creating a legacy of giving back and engaging with East County that shaped the way EDCO is viewed today as a company for the customers they serve.
The new Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Santee, which opened at Town Center earlier this month, is holding a Sensory Sensitive Halloween geared to children with autism and sensory needs on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
East County News Service
Annual signature luncheon to feature conversation on human connection
By 
Source: Cal Fire
"It is embarrassing that MAGA House Republicans continue to let the petty sniping and infighting in their own party prevent them from working with the president," President Joe Biden's campaign said.
“He loved El Cajon and everyone in it,” his wife, Sarah Christine “Chris” Lewis, told East County Magazine.
East County News Service
East County News Service
Story and photos by Liz Alper
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