May 25, 2012 (Shelter Valley)--The Banner Fire flared up at the eastern end this afternoon, prompting mandatory evacuation of the Stage Coach Trails RV Resort at the south end of the Shelter Valley community.
May 25, 2012 (San Diego) -- Enjoy the 124 photographs now on display in the Visitor Center Gallery as part of our 20th Annual Amateur Photo Contest. View the natural beauty of Mission Trails as captured by our local amateur photographers.
The reception and awards presentation will be held on Sunday, May 27 from to 4 p.m. at the Mission Trails Visitor & Interpretive Center. Come by and vote for your favorite.
May 25, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Crisis House will present East County Homeless Connect, at Christ Church Unity, 311 Highland Avenue, El Cajon from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday May 30. The event will be featuring more than 20 providers of homeless services to East County homeless individuals and families.
May 25, 2012 (La Mesa) -- O’Dunn Fine Art is hosting a first viewing of Paul Strahm’s new paintings on May 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the gallery, 8325 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa.Strahm’s fresh-to the market pieces include paintings of Torrey Pines, the Del Mar Fair, The Gaslamp, Little Italy, Balboa Park and more.
New Child Development Center is part of the GUHSD Teen Parent Program
May 25, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Representatives from Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) and Grossmont High School dedicated the school’s new Child Development Center on Friday, May 18. The 6,193-square-foot center will offer a classroom setting for infant and toddler programs as part of the GUHSD Teen Parent Program.
May 25, 2012 (Lakeside)– Celebrating 10 years of service to the Tribal communities of Southern California, Inter Tribal Sports (ITS) ambassadors Bill Walton (NBA Hall of Fame) and Lorenzo Neal (NFL All-Pro) invite San Diegans to join former San Diego Charger Hank Bauer at the NeXt Generations Gala and Golf Tournament at Barona Creek Golf Course in Lakeside on June 29.
May 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Jamul resident Heather Berner is among those to be honored by Sharp HealthCare Foundation’s 2012 Victories of Spirit event. The event, which honors extraordinary individuals and community organizations for their inspirational achievements and contributions to others, will be held on Friday, June 1 at 6 p.m. at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.
Update: Two people are dead and four injured victims have been transported to local hospitals. A long-term road closure is expected.
May 25, 2012 (Ramona) – A major automobile accident at State Route 67 and Rockhouse Road has claimed the life of one person and others remained trapped, Incident Page Network reports.
The highway is closed between Poway Road and Archie Moore for the investigation and a SIG alert has been issued. A medical helicopter was unable to reach the area due to stormy weather.
May 26, 2012 (Ramona) – At Dos Picos County Park, 17953, Dos Picos Park Rd. in Ramona this Saturday, two family fun activities are planned: A scavenger hunt and a “Snakes N’ Skins” ranger presentation complete with live animals. Scroll down for details and for directions see
By Michael Benoit, Libertarian candidate for Congress, 50th District
May 25, 2012 (San Diego's East County)--Most Americans know we have to cut government spending, but how to do that is a difficult question. Some say we can’t cut any military spending, but is that true? Most ex-service men and women I know say there is more than ten percent waste in that budget.
Let’s start with the fundamentals. We must keep our citizens safe from external attacks. And we must have a military that fits the purpose of the USA.
May 24, 2012 (La Mesa) – They make life or death decisions.Superior Court judges may determine who goes to prison—and for how long.They hear civil lawsuits, juvenile and family court cases. Their decisions can bringvictims closure or tear families apart—and their rulings may set long-lasting precedents.
Yesterday, three candidates vying for San Diego Superior Court Seat 25 presented their arguments why each contends he is the best qualified for the bench. The forum was presented by Foothills Bar Association at BJ’s restaurant in La Mesa.
May 24, 2012 (San Diego)--More than 50 people called for Sempra Energy Chief Donald Felsinger to come down and address the public’s concerns over the San Onofre nuclear reactors, which have been closed for months due to serious safety problems. (Felsinger was invited last Friday in a written-hand-delivered petition.) The crowd chanted “Donald Felsinger come on down” on this overcast afternoon, with Sempra Energy’s building looming above.
Update May 25, 2012-7:45 a.m. - The fire is now 2,500 acres and 20% contained. There have been no reported injuries to firefighters and no structures were damaged or destroyed.
Cal-Fire reports there are currently 36 engines, 17 fire crews, 3 bulldozers, 9 water tenders, 4 helicopters and 6 airtankers (393 firefighters). Shelter Valley residents have been allowed to return home.
May 24, 2012 (Julian) – The “Banner Fire” which started at 2:14 p.m.has burned four to five acres thus far east of Julian near the Banner Grade.
“The fire is located in an area known as Cigarette Canyon close to the location of last year’s `Great Fire,’” Battalion Chief Nick Schuler say, adding that the blaze is spreading at a “moderate rate.”
May 24, 2012 (San Diego) -- The final round of the STOP ,Stop Taxing Our Pupils, 2011 four-step scholarship process will take place at the Merrill Lynch building, located at 701 B St., San Diego (downtown), in the second floor Conference room 2 west, from 7-8:30 p.m.
May 24, 2012 (La Mesa) – East County Magazine extends our heart-felt thanks to the San Pasqual Winery, A Class Act Night Entertainment, Terra American Bistro and our generous readers for making our “Class Act Night in La Mesa” a rousing success!
By Pat Zaharopoulos, President of the Middle-Class Tax Payers Association
May 24, 2012 (San Diego) -- Not long ago the public praised San Diego firefighters and other first-responders for protecting our lives and property from the wildfires that raged across our county. Today the taxpaying public stands to lose as all of our city employees are being pushed aside by politicians attempting to further their own ambitions with ballot Proposition B.
May 24, 2012 (San Diego County) -- Recent analysis from the FBI and other government agencies demonstrates that malicious actors are targeting travelers abroad through pop-up windows while they are establishing an Internet connection in their hotel rooms.
May 23, 2012 (San Diego) -- Steve Danon has been active in Republican politics since his days as College Republican president at San Diego State University. He has worked for Republicans ranging from Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Ron Roberts to Congressman Brian Bilbray.
He is one of a new generation of youthful conservative leaders emerging in San Diego that include Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher and City Councilman Kevin Faulconer (both of whom have endorsed Danon).
May 22, 2012 -- (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 reflecting 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:
U.S.
Obama spending binge never happened (Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch)
GOP Senators push for Medicare cuts (The Hill)
Wall Street rebounds, but investors dump Facebook (Reuters)
As NATO summit wraps, Romney and Obama trade attacks (USA Today)
This terrifying amendment legalizes use of propaganda on the U.S. public (Business Insider)
Republican-led House votes to allow military action against Iran (RawStory)
CEOs who delivered the most and least bang for the buck (Wall Street Journal)
Facebook users file class action over online tracking (RawStory)
Romney, Obama in dead heat, new poll finds (Washington Post)
Troops face same risk of brain-wasting disease as football players (KPBS)
WORLD
U.S. Senate approves bill to toughen Iran sanctions (BBC)
Italy earthquake: Monti prepares for state of emergency (BBC)
Suicide bomber kills 90 in Yemen (Reuters)
Despite end to Afghan war in 2014, U.S. to shoulder burden of funding (Fox News)
May 23, 2012 -- (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
A Q&A on San Miguel’s situation
Tony Gwynn joins group seeking to buy Padres (10 News)
San Onofre future hinges on finding cause of abnormal tube wear (Sacramento Bee)
San Diego ranked least expensive city in state to do business (10 News)
La Mesa may welcome wineries and breweries (UT San Diego)
La Mesa Village Development (La Mesa Today)
No option at all! (for condo/apartment residents with multiple smart meters) (KUSI Turko Files)
Walmart Neighborhood Market planned for La Mesa
Countywide water rates could rise nearly 10% (UT San Diego)
Grossmont baseball coach Jim Earley quits amid parent accusations (La Mesa Patch)
Wounded officer asked `Is this my time?’ (UT San Diego)
STATE
CA Senate passes bill for self-driving cars (Los Angeles Times)
CA Senate passes bill that limits salaries at CSU (Sacramento Bee)
California Democrats balk at deeper cuts for state’s poorest residents (Sacramento Bee)
Purple Super Pac launched to support registered Independents (Sacramento Bee)
U-T: State Plans Big Changes To Testing, Instruction
May 23, 2012 (Poway) -- There's an alarming report about teens behind the wheel. A new study released by the American Automobile Association or AAA this month shows teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a deadly crash if they've got other teens in their car. The study finds having friends in the car can be a deadly distraction for young drivers, but that risk is greatly reduced when parents or other adults are in the car.
“Asone of the first called to the table at Buffet at Viejas, I wish to say, ‘Thank you for a memorable feast. It was delightful.’”—Ariele Johannson
by Ariele Johannson
May 23, 2012 (Alpine)--The new Buffet at Viejas had its grand opening on Tuesday morning. The fanfare included a tribal blessing from Kumeyaay elder Virginia Christman and traditional bird songs led by tribal member John Christman. Viejas Tribal Vice Chairman, Robert “Cita” Welch, addressed a crowd of tribal elders, leaders, local dignitaries, Chamber of Commerce representatives, public and the press during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. With the smell of sage in the air being prepared for the smudging, he called the new buffet at Viejas among the best in the San Diego area.
May 23, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – San Diego Sheriff’s deputies from the Lemon Grove station responded to a residential burglary in progress at 1420 Bakersfield Street, Lemon Grove on May 18 at approximately 9:06 a.m.after a neighbor reported an unknown male forcing open the front door of the residence.The deputies saw two males exiting the residence in the backyard.
May 23, 2012 (Alpine) – Alpine voters will decide on the June ballot whether nearly $12 million in bond monies should be authorized to fund the Alpine Union School District. The District faces a half million dollars in annual budget cuts due to falling property tax revenues and anticipated cuts in state funding.
May 22, 2012 (Mexico) – ECM correspondent Nadin Abbott and her husband, Tom are vacationing in Mexico and captured this image of Popopcapetl, a smouldering volcano 30 miles from Puebla (pictured) and 60 miles from Mexico City. An eruption could occur at any time.
Update: Mr. McKenzie has been found safely, ECM has been informed by family.
May 22, 2012 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police seek public help to find A.McKenzie, last seen in a silver 2011 Honda Insight (license CA 6SCK316) heading west on I-8 at 2 a.m. on May 21 near Pine Valley.His daughter found what appeared to be a suicide note at 12:30 a.m. yesterday.
May 25, 2012 (La Mesa) -- O’Dunn Fine Art is hosting a first viewing of Paul Strahm’s new paintings on May 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the gallery, 8325 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa.
By Michael Benoit, Libertarian candidate for Congress, 50th District
By Miriam Raftery and Sierra Robinson 
Update May 25, 2012-7:45 a.m. - The fire is now 2,500 acres and 20% contained. There have been no reported injuries to firefighters and no structures were damaged or destroyed. 
May 23, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – San Diego Sheriff’s deputies from the Lemon Grove station responded to a residential burglary in progress at 1420 Bakersfield Street, Lemon Grove on May 18 at approximately 9:06 a.m.
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