By Miriam Rafferty

April 13, 2014 (Escondido) – On May 1^st, a new  bilingual newspaper will launch.  The "Escondido Alliance/Alianza Escondido" aims to fill the news void left by closure of the North County Times, which folded after U-T San Diego publisher Doug Manchester purchased the publication.  The former Escondido Times-Advocate had previously been absorbed by the North County Times, so the series of acquisitions has left Escondido without a local press to cover politics, events and more –until now.

“People are so excited when we tell them we’re starting a newspaper,” said Nina Deerfield, co-publisher of the Alliance along with Marco Lopez.  “They’ve had no voice…There is so little coverage of what’s happening in Escondido.”

April 21 April 13

, 2014 (Poway)-- Members of the business community are invited to attend the Poway Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Mixer held at Streeter Printing, 9880 Via Pasar, San Diego (Miramar area near Hwy 15). The Mixer will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 5:30 -7:30PM.  Catering compliments of Dream Dinners and Buca di Beppo. You must RSVP by to avoid being charged $10 at the door.

April 13, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Drug smugglers have been using ultralight aircraft to smuggle narcotics over the border.  The U.S. Border Patrol asks the public to report sightings of suspicious ultralight aircraft.

April 11, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - For complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to www.SDWriteWay.org

By Susan A Mahalick

Photos by Sitara Monica Perez and the author

April 12, 2014 (Baja, Mexico)--Sitara Monica Perez, the woman with the lyrical name, arrived here almost two years ago to accomplish her dream of making wine. She is not only doing that, but also becoming an expert on the winemakers and wineries in the process. Originally from Alaska, she has lived in Costa Rica and Argentina before coming to Baja to learn winemaking.

April 12, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Ariele Johannsen snapped this photo of Joel Talmadge from El Cajon. Talmadge is proud to live in East County – so to show off his East County spirit, he’s tattooed the words “East County” onto his arm.

Photo, left:  Guests at Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians table at the Children's Ball

By Miriam Raftery

April 2004 (San Diego)--More than 400 people from throughout San Diego and East County attended the 48th annual Children’s Ball.  Held at the U.S. Grant Hotel in downtown San Diego, this elegant gathering benefitted the Boys and Girls Clubs of East County. 

This year, the event honored Mary Alice and Ron Brady (photo, right), founders of the Brady Companies which recently donated $3 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of East County. A new  Brady Family Clubhouse on the campus of La Mesa Middle School will be named in their honor.  The Boys and Girls Clubs of East County serve over 3,000 children every year.

Hear our radio interview with term limits advocates Craig Maxwell and La Mesa Vice Mayor Kristine Alessio: http://kiwi6.com/file/257ktyze5y

By Miriam Raftery

April 12, 2014 (La Mesa) – An ad sent in a mailer to La Mesa residents by the La Mesa Term Limits Committee is sparking controversy.  The ad, topped by a no career politicians message, has two photos of convicted former San Diego Mayor Bob Filner – one in 1979, labeled “idealistic, committed, zeal of a new recruit” and the second in 2013 labeled “corrupt, drunk on power, self serving.”  The ad then admonishes voters to “keep all our reps honest with term limits.”

“How could the innuendo in this not be profoundly offensive to the current La Mesa City Council?” asks Anthony McIvor, a La Mesa resident, who calls the mailer a “regrettable smear” piece.

April 11, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego State University campus police have issued an alert warning studies that at 10:45 this morning, a female student reported that a man grabbed her buttocks from behind and asked her to come into a parking structure with him.  The incident occurred while the student was walking on Montezuma Road at East Campus Drive.  The victim continued walking and was not injured.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

April 10, 2014 (San Diego)--Those little nine-volt batteries that you changed last month from your smoke detector or just keep around in drawers could post a serious fire hazard if not stored correctly says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.  The batteries could start a fire if surrounded by the wrong items.  Several house fires have been reported caused by the batteries.

April 11, 2014 (Santee)--On Thursday, May 8, 2014 the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and the Santee Chamber of Commerce invite you to join them for an evening mixer at Lantern Crest Senior Living, 11010 Sunset Trail in Santee.

April 11, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- In 2007, when devastating wildfires ripped through San Diego County, John Hartman and his family were left without a home. But the fires took more than replaceable items; they also separated the family from their dog, Buddy.

Maximum occupancy of 2,600 people is twice the population of Boulevard

Hearing May 8 at Boulevard Planning Group; Comments on proposal accepted through May 12

Photo: Protest held at same site during Sunrise Powerlink groundbreaking

By Miriam Raftery

April 11, 2014 (Boulevard) – Properties controlled by the Hamann Companies entities and family are proposed for a variety of large-scale projects on McCain Valley Road in Boulevard, gateway to the McCain Valley, a federal recreation area.  None are popular with neighbors, thus far. Hamann gained approval for industrial wind turbines as part of Tule Wind and has been pushing to convert another 765 acres to industrial solar as part of Soitec’s controversial proposed projects. The site hosted the groundbreaking for Sunrise Powerlink, drawing protesters from across the county.

Now, Hamann is also seeking a Major Use Permit to construct a conference retreat and wellness center and a campground on 713 acres. At capacity, the facility could house up to 2,600 people—or more than twice the current population of the entire town of Boulevard. 

April 10, 2014 (Poway) – The Poway Chamber of Commerce hosted the first annual Mickey Cafagna Memorial Golf Classic on Friday, March 28, 2014.   The event was held at Maderas Golf Club in Poway.  The tournament included a day of golf and an awards reception that honored the former Poway Mayor, Mickey Cafagna.