February 28, 2014 (Ocotillo) -- An Ocotillo resident has prepared a poignant video dramatically illustrating the scope of destruction done by Pattern Energy to build its Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility. The video details the beauty of the desert with closeup images of birds and other wildlife amid the ocotillo forest mowed down on 12,500 acres of public lands, then shows the construction and finished results.
February 27, 2014 (San Diego) -- A San Diego State University staff member who lost a leg in Afghanistan has been honored by the San Diego Hall of Champions. Erick McElvenny was named Challenged Athlete of the Year at the 68th annual Salute to the Champions awards ceremony on February 13 after a year that’s included accomplishments that would be daunting for many able-bodied athletes.
February 23, 2014 (Rancho San Diego) – Jennifer Hanna snapped these images of a brush fire behind her home on Sunday, February 16. The blaze, near Fury and Wieghorst in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon, was swiftly dowsed by firefighters.
February 26, 2014 (Ramona)--County Supervisors moved to make a stretch of road in Ramona safer Wednesday, voting unanimously to seek bids and authorize building the long-discussed San Vicente Road Improvement project.
February 28, 2014 (San Diego)--There’s good news forecasted for this week – Rain! Two storms are possible this week says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. As the rain is very much welcome and needed, it’s important to keep safety in mind. It will be hazardous.”
February 27, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)-- Here’s some good news for the directionally challenged: California’s 5th District Court of Appeal has ruled that it is legal for a driver to check a map application on a cell phone.
February 28, 2014 (San Diego)--By an 8 to 1 vote, the San Diego City Council has voted to create new zoning laws allowing up to 30 medical marijuana dispensaries within the city limits – up to four in each council district.
February 28, 2014 (San Diego)--The County is sponsoring Serving Those Who Serve, a wellness fair for veterans, active duty military and their families.
San Diego Office of Education to act on unification petition at March 12 meeting
February 26, 2014 (Alpine) – The San Diego Office of Education has formally recognized the Alpine Unification petition as complete, according to a press release issued by the Alpine High School Citizens Com
February 27, 2014 (San Diego) – Sick workers, particularly in the food service industry, pose risks to public health. But nearly half of all workers in the private sector locally lack paid sick time locally—including 80 percent of those in food service. That leaves workers a choice of coming to work sick, or losing pay.
February 27, 2014 (San Diego) -- Sempra Energy, parent company of SDG&E and SoCal Gas, reports a billion dollars in earnings for 2013, up from $813 million the prior year. For shareholders, that means earnings of $4.01 per diluted share.
February 26, 2014 (Lakeside)-- Arriving at Blue Sky Ranch on January 16th, a team of 10 young adults from AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) began a 9-week service project. The team is working with Lakeside River Park Conservancy, Blue Sky Ranch and Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary on various projects until their departure on March 20th.
February 26, 2014 (Spring Valley ) – A 15 year old boy running in a crosswalk at Jamacha Boulevard and La Presa Avenue in Spring Valley was struck and killed yesterday at 4:32 p.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, the 20-year-old driver of a Toyota Prius had a green light and was unable to take evasive action.
February 27, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)-- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
February 26, 2014 (San Diego)--It’s been one of the driest winters on record, but finally some significant rain is headed our way.
Once again the County of San Diego is making free sand and bags available to residents in the unincorporated areas. Residents just need to bring their own shovel.
Locations are below, along with links to find updates on road conditions during this storm and other emergencies.
February 27, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A severe storm front moving across Southern California is forecast to bring heavy rains and flooding to San Diego County including coastal and inland regions. Waves up to 15 feet high are forecast along San Diego beaches this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch, forecasting over an inch an hour and a high wind watch is now in effect.
The greatest threat for flash flooding will be over mountains and recent burn areas with debris flow possible, as well as in urban areas with poor drainage. In addition, possible major coastal flooding may occur during high tides on Saturday. Rough surf and storm rip currents are forecast from Friday through early Sunday.
Photo, left: 2013 storm in East County's Boulevard community
February 27, 2014 (San Diego)-- As San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) crews prepare for periods of heavy rain, gusty winds and scattered lightning to continue, the utility is reminding customers to be on alert and prepare for unplanned power outages.
“As the region prepares for much-needed rainfall, SDG&E crews are ready to respond to any impacts the weather may have on our electrical system,” said David L. Geier, vice president of electric operations for SDG&E. “We’re committed to providing reliable electricity service to our customers but sometimes unexpected power outages may occur, especially during storms and high winds.”
The utility reminds customers to follow the following storm safety tips:
February 26, 2014 (El Cajon)--The El Cajon Singing Hills Lions Club is seeking contestants to participate in the 3rd annual Miss Singing Hills and Miss Teen Singing Hills Scholarship Pageant. This pageant is open to all zip code areas.
February 25, 2014 (Ramona) -- A single-engine, fixed-wing aircraft ran off the runway during landing at the Ramona Airport today at 10:30 a.m. Sheriff's deputies from Ramona responded. No injuries were reported.
February 27, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego Police Department will soon be headed up by its first female Chief. Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman will replace retiring Chief William Lansdowne, who steps down March 3. Lansdowne leaves office following a series of scandals including allegations of sexual misconduct by officers, so the choice of a woman to head up the department can be viewed as sending a strong signal that the city is serious about cleaning up the department's tarnished image.
Zimmerman has the support of Mayor-Elect Kevin Faulconer as well as the San Diego Police Officers Association.
February 25, 2014 (Sacramento)--The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) today voted unanimously to adjust the Fiscal Year 2014-15 excise tax rate on gasoline downward by $0.035 during its monthly Board Meeting in Culver City.
February 26, 2014 (San Diego) Chief William Lansdowne has announced he will step down as the San Diego Police Chief effective on March 3. This comes amid a series of scandals involving the police force.
Updated February 27, 2014 (San Diego) – A powerful storm is set to sweep into the region Thursday through Sunday, bringing some of the most severe weather seen in decades, weather experts predict.
The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning and a flash flood watch from late Thursday through Saturday night. Thunderstorms may bring waterspouts or even tornadoes, most likely in coastal areas.
Sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts of 60 miles per hour or higher are forecast for mountain and desert areas in East County. Blowing sand and dust may reduce visibility.
February 26, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – Readers across East County have sent photos and video of a large controlled burn yesterday in Rancho Cuyamaca State Park, voicing outrage over the burning of habitat including mature trees, given than 99% of the pine trees in the park burned during the 2003 Cedar Fire.
Questions have also been raised over why the burn was allowed in windy conditions, why a helicopters was dispatched to use water from Lake Cuyamaca on a controlled burn, and why more notice was not provided to the public and the press that a major controlled burn was underway by State Parks in conjunction with Cal Fire.
February 26, 2014 (San Diego’s East County ) --ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
February 26, 2014 (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:
February 25, 2014 (Alpine)—Alpine teachers approved the new contract this morning after marathon negotiations with the Alpine Union School District, ending a strike that began last Thursday. There are no details of the agreement to be found on the school district website. The contract is not all that teachers wanted, but according to a post at the Alpine Teacher Association website, the Union received the following:
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