ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

184 GUNS TURNED IN AT SHERIFF’S LEMON GROVE GUN SAFETY EVENT

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

News

COURT TO FAA: CHECK SAFETY EFFECTS OF SMALLER AIRLINE SEATS

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2017 (Washington D.C.) -  In recent years, passengers have been complaining about shrinking seat sizes while airlines seek to squeeze out maximum profits.

But last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals ordered the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, to conduct a review to determine whether those claustrophobic small seats pose safety hazards to passengers.


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KNSJ RADIO TOWER DAMAGED BY LIGHTNING STRIKE

 

By Miriam Raftery

August 6, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – KNSJ Radio, 89.1 FM Descanso, has been knocked off the air by lightning hitting the transmitter during last week’s monsoonal storm. Funds are needed to help the station get back on the air.


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LOS COYOTES TRIBE FORGING AGREEMENT WITH GB SCIENCES FOR COMMERCIAL CANNABIS VENTURE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Pixabay

August 6, 2017 (Los Coyotes Reservation) – An agreement to grow, manufacture and distribute commercial cannabis products has been reached between GB Science, Inc. and the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeña Indians. The Los Coyotes reservation is located in a mountainous area near Warner Springs in San Diego’s East County.


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WESTBOUND I-8 CONNECTOR RAMPS TO NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND SR-125 CLOSED SATURDAY NIGHT

 

East County News Service

August 4, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Caltrans maintenance crews will close the connector ramps from westbound Interstate 8 (I-8) to northbound and southbound State Route 125 (SR-125) Saturday at 10 p.m. until 10 a.m. Sunday for bridge joint repair work. 


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TEEN GIRL, 15, MISSING FROM ESCONDIDO SINCE JULY 22 WITH PET SNAKE

 

East County News Service

August 4, 2017 (Escondido) – Public help is sought to help locating Seraphine Bustillos, a missing Escondido 15-year-old who may have left home with a foot-and-a-half long ball python snake and a black backpack.  She has hair dyed black, blue eyes, pierced ears, and is 5 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 110 pounds.


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EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS WEIGH LEGAL CHALLENGE TO POWERLINK MITIGATION GRANT DISTRIBUTION, DEERHORN VALLEY ANTLER REPORTS

 

East County News Service

August 4, 2017 (Deerhorn Valley) – The Deerhorn Valley Antler, in an email to its  Jamul-area residents, states that a resident has stepped forward to assemble a legal team hoping challenge the distribution of Sunrise Powerlink mitigation grants.  Deerhorn Valley Antler editor Kim Hamilton writes, "They now have the basic [original] documents along with additional ones that have recently surfaced.  This team is experienced in previous lawsuits vs. Sempra and the recent Porter Ranch gas leak.”


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TRUCK CRASH ON 125 KILLED MOTHER-DAUGHTER FROM RAMONA AND INJURED IRAQI IMMGRANT FAMILY FROM SANTEE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Scene photos credit:  Lynn Spicer

Photo: Kristina Andarus, 6, of Santee suffered a spinal injury in the crash. Her mother, Aneta Andarus, has asked for prayers.

August 3, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The two people killed yesterday after a big-rig lost control on State Route 125 were a mother and daughter from Ramona:  Nancy Jeanette Bauerlein, 57,  and Jennifer Campbell, 29. Campbell leaves behind a husband and two children.  Bauerlein had a husband, five children and 10 grandchildren.

The crash has also left 6-year-old Kristina Andarus of Santee with severe spinal injuries.  She has undergone surgery but may be left paralyzed, her mother told 10 News. Her mother, Aneta Andarus, an Iraqi immigrant and owner of Threading by Aneta in Clairemont, has asked for prayers.


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RESIDENTS SWELTER--AND FROLIC--AS STORM DOUSES REGION

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: East County resident Linda Niman stripped down and cooled off with a free-spirited "rain dance" that piqued interest on social media.  

August 3, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – A monsoonal storm brought torrential rain, hail, lightning strikes and flooding to portions of San Diego County over the past two days.

Residents also sweltered in high heat coupled with high humidity  The National Weather Service San Diego office posted on Facebook earlier today,“Current Dewpoint at the office is 73F degrees, oppressive!"


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SECOND PAGEANT CONTESTANT ALLEGES WRONGDOING, ACCUSES KALASHO OF OFFERING TO TRADE SEX FOR CROWN

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

August 4, 2017 (El Cajon) –The San Diego Reader reports that a second contestant in the 2016 Miss Middle East Pageant has filed a lawsuit against Ben Kalasho and the pageant that he runs.  Paris Kargar told the Reader that on the eve of the pageant, Kalasho, an El Cajon Councilman, pulled her aside and told her, “You stay here at the hotel tonight with me, and you win.”


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BIRTHDAY MARCH REMEMBERS ALFRED OLANGO

 

 

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

 A father's anguish: Richard Olango Abuka shared memories of his late son, a refugee whose American dream ended in gunfire by an El Cajon police officer.  Photo, left by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson.

August 3, 2017 (El Cajon) -- At a march to celebrate what would have been Alfred Olango’s 39th year of life, his father, Richard Olango Abuka, recalled one of his favorite memories; his son’s 13th birthday, “celebrating coming here” one month after they arrived in America.


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RAISE ACT BACKED BY TRUMP WOULD SLASH LEGAL IMMIGRATION IN HALF, REQUIRE ENGLISH AND SPECIAL SKILLS FOR ENTRY TO U.S.

 

Major CEOs say bill would harm tech industry; policy has roots in racist organizaitons

By Miriam Raftery

August 3, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – Going far beyond rounding up  undocumented immigrations, President Donald Trump is now backing a bill that aims to cut legal immigration in half.  It proposes a skills-based immigration system that includes English proficiency and job skills, also prohibiting immigrants from bringing any family members here except for spouse and minor children.


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LEMON GROVE 40TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, ARTS & CULTURE COMMISSION, BASKETBALL & REDUCING HOMELESSNESS

 

Lemon Grove kicked off its 40th Birthday Celebration at Tuesday’s City Council meeting

Photo: (left to right) Councilman David Arambula, Councilman Jerry Jones, founding Councilman W. Dale Bailey, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Mendoza, Mayor Racquel Vasquez, founding Councilman Jack Doherty, Councilman David Arambula, former Mayor Mary Sessom and her grandson, former Councilman Tom Clabby and Helen Ofield with the Lemon Grove Historical Society.

By Jonathan Goetz

August 3, 2017 (Lemon Grove) –  To commemorate the city’s 40th birthday, Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez presented certificates to founding Councilmembers W. Dale Bailey and Jack Doherty; Matt Jennings presented a certificate to the City from Senator Joel Anderson at this week’s Council meeting.


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DOUBLE FATALITY AT STATE ROUTE 125 AND I-8: LONG-TERM CLOSURE IN EFFECT

 

Photo courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News

August 2, 2017 (La Mesa) – A long-term highway closure is in effect at State Route 125 and I-8 in La Mesa, where an out-of-control big rig truck struck multiple vehicles, killing two women in a green Chevy car and injuring six other people, including two children, ages 6 and 3.

The children were in an SUV that was struck.  The 6-year-old was not in a carseat suffered major injuries including a broken neck, KNSD reports. She was reportedly not breathing when emergency responders arrived but she was resusciated.The children were taken to Rady Children's Hospital.

According to the CHP site, the big rig on southbond  125 struck a center divider, then careened into northbound lanes, striking multiple vehicles before coming to rest, jackknifed across the freeway. 


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WONG’S GOLDEN PALACE DAMAGED BY FIRE

 

East County News Service

August 2, 2017 (La Mesa) – A kitchen fire at Wong’s Golden Palace, 7126 University Avenue, caused an estimated $300,000 in damage to the restaurant.  The Chinese restaurant had celebrated its golden anniversary in 2016, its 50th year in business.


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FLOOD WATCH FOR EAST COUNTY AND INLAND AREAS

 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

August 2, 2017 (San Diego’s East County)   -- The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch Wednesday morning for San Diego’s inland region that includes the East County communities of La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Pine Valley and Julian as well as other inland areas of Escondido, Poway and San Marcos. 

The flood watch is in effect through tonight, with the threat of flash flooding and debris flows greatest in areas burned bare by brush fires. A deluge could bring over an inch an hour to some areas.


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LA MESA MEETING AUG. 9 ON FUTURE OF MACARTHUR PARK, EX- GOLF SITE

 

East County News Service

August 1, 2017 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Community Services Commission will host a public meeting on August 9 at 6 p.m. at La Mesa Community Center (4975 Memorial Drive) to get community input on proposed uses for MacArthur Park land, including the former Sun Valley Golf Course.


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LA MESA BOY, 2, DROWNS IN PARENT’S POOL

 

By Miriam Raftery 

August 1, 2017 (La Mesa) – A two-year-old boy has drowned in a swimming pool at his family’s home in the 7200 block of Princeton Avenue in La Mesa.  According to La Mesa Police, it is believed that the boy’s parents put him to bed last night in his bedroom, but somehow the toddler got outside during the night or early morning through a rear sliding glass door that the parents believed was locked.


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LA MESA COUNCIL WEIGHS CHANGING COUNCIL MEETING TIMES, APPROVES OKTOBERFEST AND TRAFFIC CALMING, MOVES FORWARD ON GATEWAY SIGN

 

By Jonathan Goetz

August 1, 2017 (La Mesa) – This year’s Oktoberfest will be September 28-Ocober 1 and run by the La Mesa Village Association.  The La Mesa City Council approved the action at last week’s meeting. A proposal to change all City Council meetings to 6 p.m. was continued to a future meeting to allow more community feedback.  The City’s traffic calming program will use more than just speed humps to slow down traffic. Additionally, private fundraising efforts will be launched to raise money for a large gateway sign for downtown La Mesa.


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LAKESIDE COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP MEETING AUG. 2 INCLUDES WIRELESS FACILITY HEARING AND MORE

 

East County News Service

July 30, 2017 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Community Planning Group meets Wednesday, August 2nd with an open house from 6:00 to 6:30 including public viewing of available project plans.  An earlier Trails Subcommittee meets from 6:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the Planning Group meeting at 6:30 p.m.

The agenda includes a public hearing on a proposed 35-foot-high AT&T wireless facility at Buena Vida and Muth Valley roads disguised as a water tank, a major use permit to expand an assisted living facility on Willow Road, a tentative parcel map approval at West Hills Road and West Hills Terrace, and approval of new Planning Group appointees, as well as subcommittee reports and more.  For full agenda, scroll down.


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THUNDERSTORMS AND HIGH HEAT FORECAST FOR THIS WEEK

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

July 30, 2017 (San Diego) – San Diego County will experience monsoonal moisture starting Monday through at least Friday, with high heat, afternoon and evening thunderstorms and rain possible each day, especially over the mountains and deserts, though dangerous conditions are also forecast along the coast.


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THREE REPUBLICANS, INCLUDING MCCAIN, JOIN DEMOCRATS TO KILL LATEST SENATE PLAN TO REPEAL OBAMACARE

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 28, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – John McCain, an 80-year-old war hero and former prisoner of war who recently underwent brain cancer surgery, has had more than his share of serious health conditions in his lifetime. 

Late last night, the Arizona maverick cast the deciding vote to kill the Senate’s latest and likely final effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act—standing up and giving a visual thumbs down to the so-called “skinny repeal” bill with no replacement plan. 


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SPRING VALLEY COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP SENDS LETTER TO COUNTY, LEAVES SEATS VACANT IN MEETING

 

By Kendra Sitton

Photo: Owners of empty lot at 1056 Leland look on as Member Elizabeth Lavertu presents their site plan to the board.

July 28, 2017 (Spring Valley) -- On Tuesday., July 25th, the Spring Valley Community Planning Group’s meeting had several heated debates and almost no actionable items as two proposed duplexes were not voted on, a new Navy program was not endorsed, and the two empty seats remained vacant. The group did agree to send a letter to Richard Crompton about a .7 mile of Jamacha Rd. not being improved without revision. Despite the seeming passivity of the minutes, vigorous discussion ensued about each item on the agenda.


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JULIAN-CUYAMCA FIRE DISTRICT RESIDENTS TO HEAR DISSOLUTION PROPOSAL FROM COUNTY JULY 27

Country threatens to take away all funds and a fire/paramedic engine if district board refuses County’s offer

East County News Service

July 27, 2017 (Julian) -- On Thursday, July 27 at 6:30 pm, at the Julian Fire Station (3407 Highway 79 in Julian), the San Diego County Fire Authority will make its final presentation to try to convince the community to dissolve its volunteer fire department and be accepted under the Fire Authority. 

The meeting will begin with a professional video mad for  the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District (JCFPD),  followed by a Powerpoint presentation by County Fire Chief Tony Mecham. The audience will be able to ask questions and express concerns.

The County is proposing that, at a cost of $1.5 million, it will provide a staff of three professional firefighters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. But if the JCFPD refuses the offer, the County will withdraw all financial support that it has been giving for 30 years, including a paramedic/engine placed at CalFire almost 2 years ago.


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STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES WARNING ABOUT TAINTED ALCOHOL IN MEXICO AFTER AMERICAN TOURIST DIES, OTHERS SICKENED

 

43% of alcohol served in Mexico is produced illegally and may be dangerous, government study reveals

East County News Service

Photo:  Abbey Conner, whose family alleges she died due to tainted alcohol served at a Mexican resort

July 27, 2017 (San Diego) – The U.S. State Department has issued a warning for Americans visiting Mexico.  Since 2010, over 1.4 million gallons of tainted alcohol have been seized in Mexico. That includes counterfeit booze that reportedly contained pure industrial ethanol used in rubbing alcohol – a substance that can be toxic if consumed.


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TRANSGENDERS OUT OF MILITARY? NOT SO FAST

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Congressman Scott Peters

July 27, 2017 (San Diego) – President Donald Trump’s tweets yesterday stating that he is reinstating a ban on transgender people in the U.S. military do not have the force of law.

Now, the Chairman of the Joint Chief’s of Staff says the military won’t take action until Trump sends directives to the Pentagon. In addition, San Diego Congressman Scott Peters has proposed an amendment to a major defense appropriations bill that would block discrimination against transgender people in the military--and even many staunch conservatives are voicing support for transgender troops.


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ILLEGAL SKY LANTERNS LAUNCHED IN LAKE MORENA VILLAGE RAISE FIRE CONCERNS

 

 

Users could be prosecuted and held liable for damages; sky lanterns have caused fires and serious harm elsewhere

By Miriam Raftery

July 27, 2017 (Lake Morena Village) – Residents in Lake Morena Village are fired up over dangers posed by illegal sky lanterns, also known as Chinese lanterns, launched in the area in recent weeks.  Sky lanterns are illegal in at least 30 states, including California due to fire dangers.

Claudia Millerbragg, moderator of the Campo-Lake Morena Neighborhood Watch Forum, says she found one in her yard about three months ago. Since then, she told East County Magazine,  “Community members have seen four different ones in the sky in the past couple of weeks. Usually Saturday night.”

Millerbragg says she spoke with Captain Cox at the Lake Morena Fire Station.  “This is what he stated,” she posted on the Neighborhood Watch Facebook page yesterday. “1. If a fire lantern lands in your yard, pick it up with gloves on and put in a paper bag. Call the station or main Calfire number. 2. Video any lantern being lit or just leaving property. Call 911. And it is against the law to fire off the lantern.”


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TRUMP TWEETS SAY HE'S BANNING TRANSGENDERS FROM THE MILITARY

 

By Jordan Damond

Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

Photo:  Former Seal Team Six hero Kristin Beck, who transitioned to become a transgender woman after her military service, as challenged President Trump, stating, “I was defending individual liberty.”

July 27, 2017 (San Diego) -- On Twitter yesterday President Donald Trump announced that he was reinstating a ban prohibiting transgender personnel from working in any capacity in the U.S. armed forces. This was the reversal of a policy that Barack Obama implemented, which allowed transgenders to serve openly and gave the Defense Department until July 1, 2017 to craft plans for full implementation, a deadline Trump’s administration delayed before the President’s announcement today of cancelling the Obama policy.


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LA MESA COUNCIL TO CONSIDER LITTLE FLOWERS APARTMENT PROJECT AUGUST 8: RESIDENTS VOICE PARKING CONCERNS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Current structure on site, from city documents

July 26, 2017 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa City Council, at its August 8 meeting at 6 p.m. will consider the a proposal to build 130 apartment units on the former Little Flowers Haven convent site at 8585 la Mesa Blvd.  The key controversy centers around parking concerns raised by nearby residents.

Silvergate Development has taken advantage of a state law meant to encourage affordable housing.  In exchange for dedicated 10 percent of the project to units that fit the state’s definition of affordable housing for 55 years, the developer would be allowed to provide 25 percent fewer parking spaces than La Mesa normally requires. 

On a local community online forum, numerous residents have voiced concerns and at times, outrage.


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TRAVELING? NEW AIRPLANE SECURITY ROLLING OUT FOR SMALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN U.S.

 

New U.S. airport screening procedures for carry-on bags to better focus on threats

 

East County News Service

July 26, 2017 (Washington D.C.)-- To ensure the security of airline passengers and the nation’s airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items that require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes. Following extensive testing and successful pilots at 10 airports, TSA plans to expand these measures to all U.S. airports during the weeks and months ahead. Below are details from a TSA press release issued today:


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ROOMBA WANTS TO SELL A MAP OF YOUR HOME’S INTERIOR

 

East County News Service

July 26, 2017 (San Diego) – More and more homeowners have shown they are ready to “Roomba” – buying robotic vacuums to clean their homes. But many don’t realize that for the past two years, Roomba’s i900 series vacuums have been aided by tiny cameras that have built photographic maps of customers’ homes—capturing far more than dust and dog hair.


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