TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S IMPACT ON CALIFORNIA’S ENVIRONMENT AND THE AGENCIES THAT WORK TO PROTECT IT

GUHSD BOARD ADOPTS RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW BROWN ACT AND BYLAW— PRESIDENT WOODS DENIES VIOLATIONS

FBI AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS ARREST MEMBERS OF MEXICAN MAFIA PRISON GANG

RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR BRINGS SUMMERTIME FUN AUG. 1-3

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: HOT AUGUST NIGHTS BRING LATE SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

JULIAN MOUNTAIN BREWFEST SET FOR AUG. 23

MT. HELIX PARK FOUNDATION FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL AUG. 16 FEATURES GATSBY THEME

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING ON LONG-TERM GAS SYSTEM PLANNING

UPGRADES TO RAMONA AIR ATTACK BASE PLANNED FOR NEW CAL FIRE TANKER

CONGRESSWOMAN SARA JACOBS HOSTS TOWN HALL JULY 27 IN ESCONDIDO, SINCE ISSA WON’T HOLD LIVE SESSION WITH HIS CONSTITUENTS

SUPERVISORS TO WEIGH IN ON COTTONWOOD SAND MINE IN SEPTEMBER

THREE-VEHICLE CRASH ON DEHESA ROAD KILLS EL CAJON WOMAN

GOING TO THE SNOW? READ THIS FIRST

 

Source: San Diego Sheriff

February 21, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- Due to this week's winter storm, there is the possibility of snowfall in San Diego County Mountain areas including Julian, Pine Valley and Descanso.

For those planning to head out to the mountains, the Sheriff's Department wants to remind you to be prepared. Be sure to check road conditions before heading out. Have a full tank of gas, water and food supplies in case you are stranded in traffic since this region is known for “snow jams.”

CPUC PRESIDENT’S PROPOSAL TO CHARGE RURAL RATEPAYERS HIGHER RATES SPARKS ANGRY RESPONSES

 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

Photo: Sunrise Powerlink high voltage lines in Lakeside, by Billy Ortiz

February 21, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) president Michael Picker has suggested that utilities be allowed to charge residents in high-fire risk areas higher rates for electricity.  The reason would be to cover costs of upgrades to prevent power lines from causing wildfires, including changes to meet tougher new fire safety rules approved by the CPUC in December, the San Francisco Chronicle reports

Picker’s proposal, made during a meeting on fire safety for utilities on January 31st, has sparked outraged responses among East County residents, planners, and County Supervisor Dianne Jacob.

SPRING THAW: TIME TO GET BACK TO THE MOUNTAINS AT THE LAGUNA MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS MARCH 9-18

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 21, 2018 (Santa Ysabel) – You’re invited to step back in time and enjoy an authentic 1805-1840s Rocky Mountain fur trader’s encampment March 9-18 at the Mataguay Scout Reservation in Santa Ysabel.  Visit part of our historic past by attending a fun, educational and exciting mountain man rendezvous.

EL CAJON MAYOR BILL WELLS ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR CONGRESS AGAINST INCUMBENT DUNCAN HUNTER

 

 

By Paul Kruze

Hear audio: http://www.mediafire.com/file/5a742c5cj30npzp/BillWellsCampaignAnnouncement.mp3

February 21, 2018 (El Cajon) – If San Diego’s East County politics aren’t complex enough, another chess piece got moved on Tuesday with El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells announcing his intention to run against the troubled 50th District Republican incumbent, Congressman Duncan D. Hunter. 

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS FEB. 22-APRIL 22

 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 21, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) --This week’s Destination East County includes Seussical, the Musical in Spring Valley’s Encore Theatre, Hawk Watch in Ramona, the Boots Ball in Borrego Springs, Gregory Page at Mission Trails, and the St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon in El Cajon.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions, including a First Fridays art show at 2Create Gallery in Ramona, the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, Circle of Art in Borrego Springs, Tomatomania at the Garden, the Alaskan String Band at Kroc Center, the Bunny Train at the Campo Depot, Spring Extravaganza at Santee Lakes, Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa and a night of Laurel and Hardy comedy films in Spring Valley, all in March.

April’s events include Julian Gold Rush Days, Julian Family Fiddle Camp, Sweet Pea Days and an antique show at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, Heritage of the Americas Museum’s 25th anniversary party, the season opening of Cajon Classic Cruises in El Cajon, and Musical Journeys, a spring concert presented by the San Diego Festival and Chorus.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

VEHICLE THIEVES FIRE SHOT AT OWNER

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 20, 2018 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police seek public help to locate two suspects wanted for stealing a pickup truck and shooting at the vehicle’s owner Tuesday morning shortly before 4 a.m.

The victim called 911 to report that two men had stolen his white, 2001 Toyota Tacoma parked in the 7200 block of Baldrich Street in La Mesa.  He told police that he was alerted to the theft when he heard his dog barking.

TRUMP TRIES TO ELIMINATE FUNDS FOR EARTHQUAKE EARLY WARNINGS

 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 20, 2018 (San Diego) – Earthquake warning systems have been proven effective in Japan, Taiwan and Mexico, where residents received warnings ranging from a few seconds to a minute before major earthquakes struck. 

Even a short warning can be enough to save lives at hospitals, airports, power plants, schools and other locations.

FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE DISABLED MAN

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 20, 2018 (La Mesa) –  Firefighters from Heartland Fire and Rescue, aided by San Diego Fire Department, saved an elderly and disabled man from a burning apartment building Tuesday night in La Mesa.

Crews responded to the blaze in the 7300 block of La Mesita Place around 6:45 p.m. after receiving reports of black smoke coming from underneath an apartment door, with an elderly couple inside. The fire was in the living room of their downstairs unit.

BOYS BASKETBALL: HIGHLANDERS LOSE OT THRILLER IN ROUND ONE OF CIFSDS

 

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

February 20, 2018 (La Mesa) - Helix High boys basketball is in the playoffs again.  Tonight, they hosted round one of the CIFSDS Division 1 playoffs against Cathedral Catholic.  The Dons just barely squeezed into the playoffs with a 12-13 record overall and a 7-5 record in league.

COLD SPELL SETS RECORDS AND CLOSES SCHOOLS: FROST WARNING EXTENDED

 

East County News Service

February 20, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- Frigid weather across our region caused closure of schools in the Julian and Warner Springs areas on Tuesday.  A frost warning has been extended through Wednesday morning.

The cold front brought record low temperatures, according to the National Weather Service, including a chilly 23 degrees Tuesday at Ramona in East County’s mountains and 35 degrees in coastal Oceanside.

MOMS AND ACTIVISTS RALLY FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION OUTSIDE CONGRESSMAN HUNTER’S OFFICE

 

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Cheri Robertson and Vicki Shepperd Chin

February 20, 2018 (El Cajon) - Gun violence was at issue on Monday, President's Day, to protesters outside of Congressman Duncan D. Hunter Jr.'s office in El Cajon. Approximately 25 people showed up to hold signs and an American flag to protest Hunter's acceptance of National Rifle Association (NRA) money and his opposition to gun safety legislation.

SUPREME COURT LETS STAND CALIFORNIA’S WAITING TIME TO BUY GUNS

 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 20, 2018 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear a challenge by gun rights advocates to California’s law requiring a 10-day cooling off period before buying a new gun. 

The CalGuns Foundation’s lawsuit contended that the waiting period violated the 2nd Amendment and was unreasonable, since it applied even to people who already owned other guns. A lower court agreed. However, an appeals court rejected those claims and the Supreme Court allowed the appellate decision upholding California’s law to stand.

SANTEE SHERIFF HOSTS COFFEE WITH COMMUINTY FEB. 27

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 20, 2018 (Santee) – The Santee Sheriff’s station will host a coffee with the community on Tuesday, February 27th from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Santee Branch Library (9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. #17).

This is an opportunity to meet and engage with the San Diego County Sheriff’ Department. You’ll have a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know deputies who patrol your neighborhood. You can also get crime prevention tips and learn more about free safety programs, helping work together to keep your community safe.

For questions, call Crime Prevention Specialist Martha Miramontes at (619) 956-4022.

STUDENTS LEAD CALL FOR GUN REFORMS, ANNOUNCE NATIONAL “MARCH FOR OUR LIVES” MARCH 24

 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

Photo cc by Fabrice Florin

You can sign up to join or lead a march in your community at www.MarchForOurLives.com.

February 20, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida have a message for lawmakers and the national media in the wake of a mass shooting that killed 17 people on their campus last week.

CHIEF’S CORNER: RODENTS AND COLD WEATHER--AWW, RATS!

 

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

February 19, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- A cold front is passing though this week and people aren't the only ones who value a dry, cozy home in cold weather. Rodents do, too. As it gets colder, everything that was out tends to want to find some sort of harbor inside.

EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL CONTINUES TO ADDRESS HOMELESS COMMUNITY ISSUES

 

By Paul Kruze

February 18, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon City Council on Tuesday continued to address issues concerning the city’s growing homeless population, such as considering signs to direct the homeless to resources. 

PASSAGES: DON PARKER, FORMER SHERIFF’S SEARCH AND RESCUE COORDINATOR, DIES OF BRAIN CANCER

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2018 (San Diego) – Sergeant Don Parker, who saved many lives as head of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue operations for many years, died on Valentine’s Day after battling glioblastoma brain cancer, with which he was diagnosed last May.

WEST HILLS HIGH'S KATIE BYRD DELIVERS WINNING RUN AS SDSU SOFTBALL KNOCKS OFF FULLERTON IN FINAL GAME OF CAMPBELL-CARTIER CLASSIC

 

Updated with box scores

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!  Type “Sports” on the donation line!

Check out our sports section for more sports stories!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Story and photo by Liz Alper

February 18, 2018 (San Diego) - San Diego State softball is...struggling, to say the least.  They’re 1-8 on the young season, but things don’t seem to be getting better.  Now, in the final game of the Campbell-Cartier Classic, they had a chance to redeem themselves against CSU Fullerton.

BUNNY TRAIN DEPARTS MARCH 24, 25 AND 31 FROM CAMPO DEPOT

 

East County News Service

February 18, 2018 (Campo) -- The Easter Bunny will board the train at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum’s depot in Campo on March 24th, 25th and 31st to visit with passengers as the train travels through San Diego’s beautiful east-county mountains.  

PADRES SIGN FREE AGENT ERIC HOSMER

 

 

World Series champion ex-Royal heads to San Diego

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!  Type “Sports” on the donation line!

Check out our sports section for more sports stories!

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By Liz Alper

Photo via theathletic.com

February 17, 2018 (San Diego) - We've heard it for two years.  Rebuilding.  Rebuilding.  Rebuilding.  And we never believed it.

We believe it now.

Late tonight, the Union Tribune reported that ex-Kansas City Royal and 2015 World Series champion first baseman Eric Hosmer is headed to the Padres.

SPECIAL COUNSEL ROBERT MUELLER INDICTS 13 RUSSIANS

 

The Plot To Hack America: How Putin’s Cyberspies and WikiLeaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election, by Malcolm Nance (Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., New York, New York, 2016, 186 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

“I wouldn’t know anything about it. You know, there are so many hackers today and they work with such finesse, planting a trail where and when they need…. It’s difficult to trace, if even possible…. The important thing here is what the public was shown…. One shouldn’t draw the public attention from the core of the issue by replacing it with secondary details like who did it.” – VLADIMIR PUTIN

February 17, 2018 (San Diego) - Coming on the heels of my recent review of former Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Donna Brazil’s book Hacks, Malcolm Nance, international expert on counterterrorism intelligence, and MSNBC TV contributor, as well as New York Times Bestselling Author of Defeating Isis, has written a provocative and timely book on espionage and the state of affairs between the United States and Russia; The Plot to Hack America: How Putin’s Cyberspies and Wikileaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election.

TOP COUNTY PARKS TO GET MARRIED IN

 

Take a fresh approach to your wedding ceremony and say “I do” in a park. From romantic country meadows to bayfront ocean views or rustic ranchos, San Diego County Parks and Recreation has a wide array of outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions in every part of the county.

With venue fees starting at $105, County parks are not only a beautiful option, but a budget-friendly one, too! To tour event spaces or make reservations, contact Parks at (858) 565-3600.

Here are just a few of the scenic spaces to exchange vows. Find the complete list of venues online.

LA MESA OFFICIALLY INVESTIGATES HELIX USE OF FORCE INCIDENT

 

 

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Barry Aninag, B.A.investigations, via Linked In

 

February 16, 2018 (La Mesa) – La Mesa's City Manager Yvonne Garrett and City Attorney Glenn Sabine signed an agreement today with Barry Aninag, B.A. Investigations, LLC, in connection with the January 19, 2018 use of force incident by a La Mesa Police school resource officer on a handcuffed female student at Helix Charter High School.

Aninag's LinkedIn profile states that Aninag is the owner of B.A. Investigations and is a “retired police executive after having served thirty years in law enforcement.”

YOU'RE INVITED TO OUR MARDI GRAS DINNER PARTY FEB. 28!

 

 

February 17, 2018 (La Mesa) – You’re invited to our Mardi Gras dinner party benefit for East County Magazine!

Join us Wednesday, February 28 at 6 p.m. at the award-winning San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room (8364 La Mesa Blvd.) in La Mesa for a catered New Orleans Cajun/Creole dinner and festivities -- all for just $28 (leap year pricing on leap day!).  

$28 price includes tax, tip, Mardi Gras mask, beads, New Orelans dinner and a glass of wine

RSVP required by Feb. 21 as we must guarantee a number and prepay the caterer.

There will also be opportunity drawings, a silent auction, games and prizes galore! Scroll down or click “read more” for the delicious details.

ALASKA STRING BAND IN CONCERT MARCH 16 AT KROC THEATRE

 

East County News Service

February 17, 2018 (San Diego) -- The Alaska String Band will perform at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre on Friday, March 16th at 7 p.m. to benefit the ministries of Alpine’s Christ the King Episcopal Church.  Be entertained by the delightful talent of this family band, as they take you on a musical journey filled with the rich sounds of bluegrass and a variety of timeless American classics while wide-screen images portray the beauty of Alaska to create a visually captivating setting.

13 RUSSIANS INDICTED BY SPECIAL PROSECUTOR MUELLER FOR INTERFERING IN 2016 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2018 (Washington D.C.) – It’s official:  Russia actively worked to sabotage American democracy and put Donald Trump in the White House.

Today, Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller released copies of indictments filed against 13 Russians and three Russian entities on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and other charges ranging from bank fraud to identity theft in their quest to violate laws that prohibit foreigners from spending money to influence U.S. elections.  Read the full indictment here.

The indictment language is damning, documenting how the Russian organization Internet Research Agency plotted “information warfare against the U.S.” paid for in Russian rubles at a budget of $1.25 million a month. 

Russians posing as Americans used social media to post positive information on Trump and negative information,  much of it false, disparaging other candidates opposing Trump including Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton.  They also organized pro-Trump and anti-Clinton marches and rallies in the U.S.

They were aided by at least 100 U.S. citizens and and communicated with members of the Trump campaign, the indictment makes clear, and funneled illegal contributions into electing Trump.  At least some of those contacts were "unwitting."

CIRCLE OF ART SHOW AND SALE IN BORREGO SPRINGS MARCH 10-11

 

East County News Service

February 15, 2018 (Borrego Springs) – Art lovers can view works of over 70 fine artists at the 29th annual Circle of Art Show and Sale on Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs. This popular event will be held Saturday, March 10th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 11th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

RETIRED FIREFIGHTER BECOMES HIGHWAY “HERO” IN EAST COUNTY

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Jose Estrada from Cal rans presents Dan Russell with an award in appreciation of his tireless efforts

February 15, 2018 (Pine Valley/Campo) – Dan Russell worked 27 years for the San Diego Fire Department. Now he’s a local hero for a different reason – working tirelessly to clean up trash along Interstate 8 and other roadways in East County.

“I’ve been doing it now for 12 years,” says Russell.  “I would say I average five hours a day, six days a week.  I pick up just under a thousand pounds a month…real close to 10,000 pounds a year; over 100,000 pounds since I got started.”

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS FEB. 17-APRIL 24

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 14, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes President’s Day weekend activities at Lake Jennings, a jazz concert at San Pasqual Winery’s tasting room in La Mesa, the Martin Luther King Community Choir in Lemon Grove, a star party and a Celtic harp concert at Mission Trails, Seussical the Musical in Spring Valley, tips from La Mesa Beautiful, and hawk watching in Ramona.

Plus, we’ll have coming attractions including Boots Ball in Borrego Springs, a St Patrick’s Day run through El Cajon, Gregory Page in concert at Mission Trails, Tomatomania at the Garden, a harmonica festival in La Mesa, Santee Lakes’ Springtime Extravaganza, Sweet Pea Day at Summers Past Farms, the season opener of Cajon Classic Cruise nights, an antique and crafts fair, and Heritage of the Americas Museum’s anniversary party.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

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