SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING PARTY

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

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

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

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

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

News

STATE MAY EASE WATER CUTS ORDERED DURING DROUGHT, BUT GOVERNOR MAKES SOME RESTRICTIONS PERMANENT

 

East County News Service

May 10, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) - On May 18th, the California Water Resource Control Board will determine whether or not to lift a statewide water conservation order imposed nearly a year ago. That order mandated that most cities and water districts cut water use by at least 20 percent.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FULL FREEWAY CLOSURE ON STATE ROUTE 52 WESTBOUND WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHTS

 

Dip Repairs Scheduled Wednesday and Thursday Nights

Source: Caltrans

May 10, 2016 (San Diego) -- Caltrans crews will close all westbound lanes on State Route 52 (SR-52) from Interstate 15 (I-15) to Convoy Street Wednesday and Thursday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to repair pavement dips.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

NORTHBOUND 805 TO CLOSE TUESDAY NIGHT

 

Source: Caltrans

May 10, 2016 (San Diego) -- Caltrans construction crews will close all lanes on northbound Interstate 805 (I-805) from La Jolla Village Drive to Interstate 5 (I-5) Tuesday from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. to restripe lanes.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MISSING MOTORIST FOUND DEAD IN CRASH OFF I-8 NEAR LA POSTA

 

 

Update: The deceased has been identified as 18-year-old James Will, a Mountain Empire football star, East County Sports reports.

By Miriam Raftery

May 7, 2016 (La Posta) — A Campo man driving a 2004 Acura TSX was reported missing yesterday at 12:30 p.m. to the California Highway Patrol and Sheriff  after failing to reach his destination in Pine Valley, where he planned to pick up his great-grandmother at 6 a.m. yesterday morning. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RESPONDS TO ISSA LETTER REQUESTING NUCLEAR STORAGE MEETING IN SAN ONOFRE

 

Agency will send senior official to SONGS meeting on June 22

East County News Service

May 7, 2016 (Washington D.C) -- Congressman Darrell lssa says he is pleased with the Department of Energy's response to a letter he sent earlier this month asking the Department of Energy to hold an additional meeting in Southern California to discuss options for the nation's plan to handle the long-term storage of nuclear waste.

Acknowledging Congressman Issa’s request, the Department of Energy has agreed to send the Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, John F. Kotek, to attend the next SONGS Community Engagement Panel meeting on June 22, where he will be seeking opinions and input from residents, elected officials and community leaders on this important issue. The Congressman encourages members of the public to attend.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MLB MOVES GAMES FROM PUERTO RICO TO MIAMI AMID CONCERNS OF ZIKA

 

By Liz Alper

Photo courtesy Mtmelendez on Wikipedia

May 6, 2016 (Puerto Rico) - The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Miami Marlins were scheduled to play a two-game series in San Juan, Puerto Rico on May 30th and 31st.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

A STEER RUSTLING CAPER IN LAKESIDE

 

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

Photo: Left and right: bull atop El Capitan High School and former Pinnacle Peak restaurant

May 6, 2016 (Lakeside) – A popular icon in downtown Lakeside—the bull statue atop the former Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse on Maine Avenue—vanished recently, leaving locals to ponder, where’s the beef?

Fortunately the missing steer statue was found this morning not far away, standing on the roof of El Capitan High School—and that’s no bull.

No one has come forward to fess up to steering the statue to the high school, though a senior prank is rumored.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FIND WHEEL DEALS AT COUNTY ONLINE AUCTION

 

Want to buy a car, truck, bus, golf cart or caterpillar tractor?

County News Service

May 6, 2016 (San Diego) -- Bidding for the County’s latest online public vehicle auction opens Monday, May 9, so check out what’s available before these deals on wheels drive off without you.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL RAISING SMOKING AGE TO 21, ALSO APPROVING OTHER SMOKING RESTRICTIONS

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 5, 2016 (Sacramento) – California has become the second state in the nation (after Hawaii) to raise the smoking age to 21 years of age. Governor Jerry Brown signed a package of bills into law that also bans sale of e-cigarette products to youths and prohibits use of electronic cigarettes in public places such as restaurants or theaters, as well as at most areas in public schools including charters.

El Cajon Councilman Gary Kendrick praised the Governor’s action. “That’s going to save millions of lives,” said Kendrick, who authored El Cajon’s measures to restrict e-cigarettes and smoking in public places. The El Cajon Council, at Kendrick’s urging, also passed a resolution in support of raising California’s smoking age from 18 to 21.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FEDS CRACKDOWN ON E-CIGARETTES , HOOKAHS AND OTHER OTHER SMOKING ITEMS

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 5, 2016 (Washington D.C.) –Today the U.S. Food & Drug Administration announced that it will regulate electronic cigarettes and hookahs and ingredients for such devices like tobacco products.  Pipe tobacco and cigars are also included in the regulations, which will require pre-approval of all such products in the future.

The FDA announcement calls the action a “milestone in consumer protection.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

POSTERS AT SDSU ALLEGE TIES TO TERRORISM BY SOME MUSLIM STUDENTS, SPARKING PROTESTS

 

East County News Service

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

May 3, 2016 (San Diego) — Muslim student groups at San Diego State University are calling for action after posters appeared on campus claiming certain Muslim students are allied with Palestinian terrorists and anti-Semitism.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BILL REQUIRES CALIF. RENTERS TO PAY UP, EVEN DURING EVICTIONS

 

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service

May 2, 2016 (Sacramento) -- Tenants' rights advocates are criticizing a bill getting its first hearing today in the California Legislature.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SANDAG VOTES TO PUT TRANSPORTATION TAX MEASURE ON BALLOT: MOVE DRAWS OPPOSITION FROM WIDE SPECTRUM

 

By Miriam Raftery

May 2, 2016 (San Diego) – The San Diego Association of Governments  (SANDAG) board voted last week to send a ballot measure that would fund transit, freeway and infrastructure improvements to voters in November.  Next up, Supervisors must decide whether to let voters have the final say.  If approved the $18.2 million plan would raise county sales tax a half cent to fund freeway projects, road repairs, public transit, open space management and complying with state water quality mandates.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

PASSAGES: A FOND FAREWELL TO “MR. EAST COUNTY” B.W. `STONEY’ STONE

 

East County News Service

May 1, 2016 (Santee) -- B. W. "Stoney" Stone, also known as “Mr. East County” of Santee, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, April 20, surrounded by his family and loved ones.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BILLS TO MAKE MEDIATION MORE CONSUMER-FRIENDLY ADVANCE IN LEGISLATURE

 

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service

May 1, 2016 (Sacramento) - If you have a credit card or a job, have ever seen a doctor or needed a nursing home, you've probably signed an arbitration agreement that requires you to give up the right to sue, and go through mediation in the event of a dispute.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LA MESA LEGACY PROJECT AND CLOCK WORK UNDER WAY AT LAST

 

By Mike Allen

April 27, 2016 (La Mesa) -- Better late than never, most would agree.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ROCKY ROAD FOR HOMELESS: CITY INSTALLS SHARP STONES BENEATH OVERPASS WHERE HOMELESS TOOK SHELTER DURING STORMS

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 27, 2016 (San Diego) — Mayor Kevin Faulconer is being rocked by criticism after a homeless advocacy group posted photos on Facebook of sharp, jagged rocks installed by the city of San Diego beneath an overpass where homeless people had been sleeping and taking shelter during storms. San Diego has no year-round homeless shelter and has also been conducting sweeps to confiscate belongings of homeless individuals.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EAST COUNTY LAW DAY MAY 2ND

 

 

By Liz Alper

April 25, 2016 (El Cajon) - The Foothills Bar Association is organizing Law Day. This is an opportunity for the public to meet with lawyers in the community who service different areas of law.

The free legal service will be held on Monday, May 2nd from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the El Cajon Library (201 East Douglas in El Cajon). The event is held once a year and is a unique experience and opportunity.

Attendees can consult with lawyers in a variety of areas including family law, criminal law, probate/trusts/estates, landlord/tenant, general civil and civil harassment orders and more.

Scroll down to view a flyer with full details or call 619-531-3900,


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FIRE DAMAGES MOBILE HOME IN EL CAJON

 

Source:  Heartland Press Release

April 25, 2016 (El Cajon) — A fire at a mobile home in El Cajon has caused an estimated $40,000 worth of structure damage and $20,000 to the contents.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ERADICATION OF WILD PIGS EFFECTIVE

 

East County News Service

Photo: Feral pig, U.S. Department of Agricultural

April 25, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Efforts to eradicate wild pigs across San Diego’s backcountry have proven effective.

 

Officials report that monitoring through trail cameras and other means indicate there could be just eight feral pigs left in our region.  Professional hunters hired by federal, state and local governments have trapped and killed about 150 of the pigs over the past five years, the Union-Tribune reports. Drought has also taken a toll on the invasive species.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

RIDER DIES AFTER HORSE FALLS AT LAKESIDE PARADE GROUNDS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy Billy Ortiz

April 24, 2016 (Lakeside) – Yesterday morning’s Western Days Parade in Lakeside was marred by tragedy.   Diana Cavender, an experienced horse trainer and member of the Escondido Mounted Posse, has died of head injuries suffered in a fall that occurred when her horse spooked while she was riding to a staging area after the parade.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

NEW SIGNS TO GUIDE COMMUTERS ALONG ALTERNATIVE ROUTES DURING MAJOR FREEWAY INCIDENTS

 

Coordinated system aims to improve travel-time, reliability on I-15

April 24, 2016 (San Diego) -- Officials from SANDAG and Caltrans are activating the final piece of a system designed to guide motorists around major incidents when they occur along the Interstate 15 corridor, providing travel choices and improving travel-time reliability.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SMALL PLANE CRASH AT RAMONA AIRPORT

 

Source: San Diego Sheriff's Department News Release

Photo: Ramona Airport, courtesy County News Center

April 23, 2016 (Ramona) - Earlier today, deputies from the Ramona Sheriff's Substation assisted firefighters with CAL FIRE with a plane crash at Ramona Airport.    


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SUPERLOTTO PLUS TICKET SOLD IN SPRING VALLEY WORTH $18,088

 

East County News Service

April 21, 2016 (Spring Valley) – If you bought a SuperLotto Plus ticket sold at the Valero gas station on Campo Road in Spring Valley, be sure to check your numbers.  Some lucky customer has won $18,088.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BILL TO DROP LAND LINES PHONES PASSES COMMITTTTEE AFTER HEATED DEBATE

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 20, 2016 (Sacramento) – Despite intense opposition from more than 100 Californians at a grueling 3-hour hearing on April 13th, the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee approved Assembly Bill 2395 by a 10 to 3 vote.  View hearing video on CalChannel.  (Click on AB 2395 to hear testimony).  The measure would allow elimination of land line telephones in many parts of California.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SWEETWATER VISTAS ON AGENDA APRIL 25 AT SPRING VALLEY PLANNING GROUP MEETING

 

East County News Service

April 20, 2016 (Spring Valley) - The Spring Valley Planning Group will hold a special workshop meeting regard the old Pointe Property at Sweetwater Springs and Jamacha Blvd. known as Sweetwater Vistas, where 243 residential units are proposed.  The meeting will be held on Monday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Otay Water District meeting room, lower level, 2553 Sweetwater Springs Blvd.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

RAMONA WINE INDUSTRY IN JEOPARDY, VINTNERS WARN: SUPERVISORS HOLD HEARING APRIL 27 ON REGULATORY CHANGES

Update April 23, 2016:  County staff has responded to ECM questions on this issue.  View their response here.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Elaine Lyttle, Hatfield Creek Winery & Vineyard, says the county's "priorites are wrong" and faults excessive regulations for stifling her award-winning winery in Ramona.

April 20,2016 (Ramona) –  Leaders in Ramona’s burgeoning wine industry warn in correspondence to Supervisors that Ramona’s wine industry could die on the vine as a result of changes proposed to the County’s Boutique and Small Wineries Regulations.

 The changes are set for hearing by Supervisors on Wednesday, April 27 at 9 a.m. at the County Administration Center (Room310, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego).  View agenda and hearing announcement. 

Two versions of the ordinance will be up for consideration, one approved by the Planning Commission, the other a recommendation by staff of Planning & Development Services. One important note: legal challenges may be limited only to issues raised at a public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the hearing body at or before the hearing, according to the hearing notice.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ZIPSPROUT PROFILES EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE

 

 

East County News Service

April 20, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Zipsprout.com, a national company that puts the "roots" in grassroots marketing, has published a profile on East County Magazine.

Author Megan Hannay writes: “The demise of traditional journalism is a topic of unending fascination for me. Personally, I love a good story, and it’s sad to see so many tales go untold for the sake of another “which cat breed are you?” quiz. Professionally, as a strategy manager for an agency with PR clients, I feel a responsibility to remain on top of industry best practices, and with a decrease in journalists, the chances of local coverage for a brand’s community-oriented story also go down. For these reasons, I’m equally excited to see new forms of local storytelling grow, they be via podcasts, websites or startups. And I’m especially intrigued by nonprofit outlets, such as East County Magazine.”


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

THE GOATS ARE BACK—CLEARING BRUSH IN LEMON GROVE

 

April 20, 2016 (Lemon Grove) -- The City of Lemon Grove, along with its fire department, Heartland Fire & Rescue, will be taking steps to clear brush from eight and a-half acres near Lawton Drive and Camino De Las Palmas in Lemon Grove. Goats will be used as part of the process in clearing heavy brush to minimize fire danger and help create defensible space for homes in this area.

ELM began delivering 150 adult and 50 juvenile goats (kids) on Monday, April 18, 2016. The brush clearing event will last approximately 2 weeks. The goats may be visible to those traveling along the 125 freeway in the area of Lemon Grove during this weed abatement process.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HARRIET TUBMAN TO REPLACE ANDREW JACKSON ON $20 BILL, TREASURY DEPT. ANNOUNCES

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 20, 2016 (Washington D.C.) – A woman’s place is on the money. That was the slogan of “Women on 20s,” a group that launched a national effort to put a woman’s face on our twenty dollar bills.  The group held a national vote, with abolitionist leader Harriet Tubman named their number one choice.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages