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

SDSU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: ELECTRIFYING FOURTH QUARTER PROPELS AZTECS OVER WOLF PACK

 

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

February 10, 2018 (San Diego) - After a heartbreaker Wednesday afternoon against Fresno State, the lady Aztecs took to Steve Fisher Court again this afternoon to try again in a matinee against Nevada in the “Pink Game” for Play4Kay Day at Viejas Arena.  The lady Wolf Pack are a vastly different team than the Bulldogs; seventh in the Mountain West and in a slump; 11-11 overall and 4-7 in league.

MISSING WOMAN, 70, FOUND SAFE IN LAKESIDE

 

 

Update February 11, 2018:  Mrs. Scinto has been found near her vehicle , reunited with her family and taken to a local hospital for evaluation. See details below:

"We thank the public for looking out for Mrs. Scinto, as well as our Search and Rescue volunteers," says Sergeant Kristin Brayman.

The Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) is an all-volunteer unit. Together, they perform wilderness and urban rescues, as well as search for missing and at-risk persons. Teams are available 24 hours per day to respond to local, state and federal agency requests. If you would like to volunteer, visit www.sdsheriff.net/volunteers.

If you have a loved one who has Alzheimer's or suffers from a physical or mental disability, you can sign them up for the Sheriff's Take Me Home Program. It's a FREE and confidential service that can help law enforcement find a loved one in the event they get lost or wander away. For more information or to enroll online, visit: www.sdsheriff.net/tmh.

REAL ESTATE BROKER HONORED WITH EL CAJON CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD

 

East County News Service

February 10, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon Citizen of the Year Committee recently honored real estate broker Joe Garzanelli with its 2017 Citizen of the Year award.

Garzanelli was recognized for his community involvement, including support to nonprofits and charitable volunteer work. He has been a member of the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce member since 1995 and served on the board of directors from 2007 to 2010. He is a 1997 graduate of the Chamber’s San Diego East County Leadership Program and a 2015 graduate of the Leadership East County Masters Program. He also is actively involved with the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), a real estate trade group for San Diego-area realtors.

“PROMISE ZONE” BILL BY HUESO AIMS TO HELP BLIGHTED RURAL AND TRIBAL AREA

 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 10, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- Legislation introduced by State Senator Ben Hueso aims to expand a successful “promise zone” program originally used to improve inner city areas in the city of San Diego.  If enacted,  Senate Bill 635 would allow blighted rural and tribal communities as well as cities with populations under 200,000 people to also apply for promise zone designation.

RAMONA SKATER HELPS PUT TEAM USA IN SECOND AFTER FIRST DAY OF OLYMPIC TEAM EVENT

 

By Miriam Raftery

View video of their Olympic debut performance: http://www.nbcsports.com/video/alexa-scimeca-knierim-chris-knierim-avoid-major-error-top-pairs-short

February 10, 2018 (Ramona) – Chris Knierim, a former Ramona resident, along with his wife and pair-skating partner Alexa Scimeca-Knierim, skated a nearly flawless short program during the first day of the team ice skating competition at the Olympic winter games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The duo nailed their triple twist and thrown jump, skating with exuberance and sheer joy to propel the U.S. into second place thus far, after much-heralded singles skater Nathan Chen had a rare botched performance with a fall and an invalid element.

CONTRACTOR OUTREACH EVENT FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AT GRANITE HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

 

$11.5 million PE and Food Services project will begin construction in late spring

East County News Service

February 9, 2018 (El Cajon) - The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) and Erickson-Hall Construction are hosting a Contractor Outreach Event, designed to bring the District’s construction management team together with local general contractors, subcontractors and small and/or historically underutilized businesses looking for opportunities on the upcoming construction of the new PE and Food Services Buildings at Granite Hills High School.

ROMAS, BEEFSTEAKS, STRIPES AND MORE AT TOMATOMANIA MARCH 10TH AND 11TH

 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 9, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) - Countless people are heard to utter, “There is nothing like eating a homegrown tomato” at Scott Daigre’s Tomatomania® event every year in March. Tomatomania® returns on March 10th and 11th from 9.a.m.  to 3 p.m. at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College.  This famous weekend-long sale features heirloom and hybrid tomato seedlings of every size, shape, color, and taste profile.

VIEJAS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF THE WILLOWS HOTEL AND SPA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

 

 

February 9, 2018 (Alpine) – At the grand opening last week of The Willows Hotel & Spa, an adults-only luxury high-rise  at the Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine, located in San DIego's inland region, tribal chairman Robert Welch reflected told the crowd to "put on your sunglasses, because the future of Viejas has never looked brighter!”

The entire facility is reserved for adults only (families may stay at the original Viejas Hotel nearby). Each suite is sumptuously appointed and attention to architectural and design details are evident in craftsmanship throughout.

The Willows features a tower with 159 suites, a saltwater swimming pool, spa and salon facilities, restaurants, fitness center, and business center.

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS FEB. 10 - MARCH 10

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Cupids and Canines at Grossmont Center, open farm day at the Oasis Camel Dairy, hawk watch in Ramona, chamber music in La Mesa, a valentine’s tea and valentines dinners in Julian.

Plus, we’ll have coming attractions including a valentine tour at the Water Conservation Garden, a jazz concert at a La Mesa winery, gospel music in Lemon Grove, a star party, a Celtic harp concert and international performer Gregory Page at Mission Trails, Seussical the Musical in Spring Valley, live bands at the Riviera Supper Club, the Boots Ball benefit for the Anza Borrego Foundation in Borrego Springs, and a St. Patrick’s Day half marathon in El Cajon.

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

ART IN THE PARK CAMP OFFERED FOR KIDS ATOP MT. HELIX MARCH 26-30

 

East County News Service

February 8, 2018 (Mt. Helix) -- Art in the Park camp is being offered for the sixth season by Art Smarts, Inc. at Mt. Helix Park starting Monday, March 26 and running through Friday, March 30 from 9 a.m. until noon each day. You’re invited to treat your kids to a creative outdoor experience at the historic Mt. Helix Park and Amphitheater.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY CANDIDATE TO SPEAK FEB. 15 IN SANTEE

 

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 8, 2018 (Santee) – Genevieve Jones-Wright, a candidate running for San Diego County District Attorney, will be the featured speaker at the East County Democratic Club’s meeting on February 15 at 7 p.m. at Jimmy’s Family Restaurant, 9635 Mission Gorge Road in Santee.

MARRIAGE: TILL DEATH DO US PART!

 

Marital Advice to my Grandson, Joel: How to be a husband your wife won’t throw out of the window in the middle of the night, by Peter Davidson (Sweet Memories Publishing, San Bernardino, CA, 2018, 137 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

February 8, 2018 (San Diego) - Where was this book by Peter Davidson some 40 years ago, when I first got married, as I possibly could have avoided the angst and pitfalls so many encounter in marriage? Davidson gives whimsical and sage advice to all men contemplating marriage, and those hoping to maintain and survive it, in this thought provoking book; Marital Advice to my Grandson, Joel.

FABRISON’S OFFERS COUNTRY FRENCH FANCY OR RUSTIC OPTIONS FEB. 14 IN JAMUL

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2018 (Jamul) – What could be more romantic than a Valentine’s dinner at a French restaurant?  Fabrison’s Country French Cooking in Jamul is offering two dinner packages for you and your sweetheart on February 14. Choose from Country French fancy at $50 a person or Country French Rustic at $35 a person.

Each includes a three-course meal with multiple options.  Bon appetit!

FARMER’S TABLE ADDS NEW HAPPY HOUR MENU

 

By Casey Sorrell

February 7, 2018 (La Mesa)-- Just a week shy of their one-year anniversary, Farmer’s Table in La Mesa has debuted a new happy hour menu, and foodies around the city are invited to get a taste.

Available in the lounge and bar areas from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, their new menu features discounted specialty appetizers including $5-off Heirloom Tomato Burrata, $4-off Stuffed Portobello, $3-off Housemade Meatballs, and discounts on their wood-fired Margherita Pizza, Farmer’s Pizza and Short Rib Flatbread.

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

 

February 7, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views.  Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

WORLD

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

JACUMBA HIKERS AND WALKERS HEAD TO DESERT VIEW TOWER FEB. 18

 

East County News Service

February 7, 2018 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – The Jacumba Hikers and Walkers  will lead a guided hike this Saturday to the Desert View Tower, one of the oldest roadside attractions/historic landmarks in this region, with a spectacular view of Imperial Valley.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

 

February 7, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

STATE

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

TWO HELIX HIGH STANDOUTS, GROSSMONT COLLEGE TRANSFER AMONG SDSU FOOTBALL 2018 SIGNING CLASS

 

Aztecs add seven more players to finish 24-member class

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

February 7, 2018 (San Diego) - San Diego State head football coach Rocky Long announced the signing Wednesday of seven more players to National Letters of Intent or Offers of Aid. Including the 17 that signed in the first-ever class during the early signing period from Dec. 20-22, a total of 24 athletes will join the Aztecs for the 2018 season.

CALIFORNIA TO BAN TRANSPORTING OIL FROM OFFSHORE RIGS IN STATE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: U.S. Coast Guard image of Deepwater Horizon 2010 explosion and fire in Gulf of Mexico

February 7, 2018 (Sacramento) – The Trump administration last month announced its intent to open virtually all U.S. offshore oil and gas reserves to drilling, including off San Diego’s coast.  But now California officials say the state will prohibit transporting crude oil pumped from offshore rigs through California.

IT'S TIME TO LOVE YOUR HEART ON VALENTINE'S DAY

 

 

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your heart a little love.

The annual Love Your Heart Day event takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at more than 150 sites in San Diego County and allows adults to get a free blood pressure screening. The event, now in its seventh year, is part of the County of San Diego’s Live Well San Diego vision.

CALIFORNIA’S RAINFALL AND SNOWPACK LEVELS ARE FAR BELOW AVERAGE

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2018 (Sacramento) – California could be heading into a new drought.  Electronic measurements taken February 1st by the state’s Department of Water Resources reveal that rainfall and snowpack water levels remain below average, four months into the rainy season.

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMER GREGORY PAGE AT MISSION TRAILS MARCH 4

 

East County News Service

February 7, 2018 (San Diego) - Gregory Page, international touring and V2 recording artist returns to Mission Trails Regional Park auditorium on Sunday, March 4  at 3 p.m. This London-born Irish-Armenian citizen of the world has imagination and a conscience as well as vocal talent.  He will share his stunning guitar work, anthemic songs of peace, ballads of “Optimistic Melancholy” and in his words, “true stories he makes up” with the Mission Trails listening audience in a performance for the whole family.

THE SAPS AT SEA PROUDLY PRESENT COMIC CALAMITIES NIGHT MARCH 31

 

East County News Service

February 7, 2018 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the official Laurel & Hardy fan organization of San Diego, continue their slam-bang festival of funtastic films on Saturday, March 31st at 7:00 p.m. at Williams Hall at Trinity Church in Spring Valley (3902 Kenwood Drive) with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

10 TERRIFIC TRAILS TO BLAZE IN 2018

 

Whether you are new to nature or have many miles on your hiking boots, here are 10 terrific trails at San Diego County Parks to try this year.

Admission to the parks is free unless otherwise noted. Additional information and park phone numbers can be found on individual park pages. Just click on their links.

Several of these parks offer camping as well. Book a camping reservation online, or call 877-565-3600 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It can get very hot on the park trails, and many don’t have shade. Always hike with appropriate footwear, dress in layers, wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring plenty of water.

DEFIANT TRUMP REFUSES TO IMPOSE SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA PASSED BY CONGRESS; TRUMP LAWYERS SEEK TO BLOCK PRESIDENT FROM TALKING TO MUELLER ON RUSSIA PROBE

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2018 (Washington D.C.) – President Donald Trump has defied Congress, refusing to impose sanctions against Russia passed by Congress before Monday’s deadline.  The law required the President to sanction companies or individuals doing significant business with Russian defense and intelligence entities, moves that aimed to punish Russia for meddling in the U.S. presidential election including hacking into several U.S. states’ election systems.

WOMAN DEAD IN EL CAJON SHOOTING

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Robert Gehr

Robert Gehr contributed to this report

Update:  The  deceased woman has been identified as Brandi Duhamell. According to El Cajon Police Lieutenant W. Miller, officers arrived to find her fiancee performing CPR on Duhamell, who had shot the fiancee in the leg before committing suicide by shooting herself in the chest.

February 6, 2018 (El Cajon) – A woman is dead and a man hospitalized with a gunshot wound, El Cajon Police Department posted on Twitter this evening.

ECM photographer Robert Gehr, who lives across the street from the Park Royale apartment complex at 193 West Park avenue, said a SWAT team was deployed and reported seeing “at least 12 police units” and 20 or more officers at the scene following the shooting that occurred around 6 p.m. as well as paramedics and a fire truck.

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