SWAT TEAM RAIDS ILLEGAL POT DISPENSARY IN SPRING VALLEY

 

 

East County News Service

December 21, 2017 (Spring Valley) – The Sheriff's SWAT/Special Enforcement Detail (SED) assisted the Rancho San Diego Crime Suppression Team (CST) and Area Detectives with serving a search warrant at the Club 64 marijuana dispensary located at 8650½ Bancroft Drive in Spring Valley, this morning at 8:30 a.m.

“The search warrant was the direct result of numerous complaints from concerned citizens regarding the illegal marijuana dispensary,” says Sergeant Matt Cook. “As a result of the search warrant, deputies located a large amount of marijuana, marijuana edibles, cash, marijuana paraphernalia as well as items used in the sales of marijuana.”


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GROSSMONT HOSPITAL HISTORY BOOK NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDERING BEFORE ARRIVAL IN BOOKSTORES

 

East County News Service

December 21, 2017 (La Mesa) – A soon-to-be-released book chronicling the history of Grossmont Hospital is now available for online ordering prior to its scheduled Jan. 8 release date in local bookstores.


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEW: JAMES ELIA, ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE RUNNING AGAINST RANDY VOEPEL

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 21, 2017 (San Diego's East County) -- Last week, East County Magazine sat down with James Elia, a Democrat running in the 71st Assembly district against Republican Assemblyman Randy Voepel. Hear our interview, originally aired on KNSJ radio, by clicking the audio link.

Elia, an accountant, has set his sights on establishing a state bank -- a goal he estimates would bring in enough revenues to fund universal healthcare for all Californians. 

He is running on a populist platform that includes creating more affordable housing in East County, bringing economic development and good-paying jobs to the 71st Assembly district.

Audio: 

James Elia interview on 71st Assembly candidacy

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GIARDINO’S NEIGHBORHOOD CUCINA: A DELICIOUS ADDITION TO LEMON GROVE

 

 

New Italian restaurant is open Christmas Day

By Miriam Raftery

December 21, 2017 (Lemon Grove) –Marco Provino, originally from Palermo in Sicily, worked as a chef in San Diego’s Gaslamp District at Panavino’s on Fifth before falling in love with manager Karina Karvalis. The couple married, moved to Lemon Grove and opened up Giardino’s Neighborhood Cucina, a delightfully authentic Italian restaurant with creative, upscale options at affordable pricing.


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SANTEE TO REMAIN ONLY EAST COUNTY CITY TO ALLOW SMOKING IN PUBLIC PARKS; COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS BAN FOR HIKING TRAILS

 

By Paul Kruze

Hear audio of meeting: http://www.mediafire.com/file/bo4c5wwv6k6tmcb/SanteeSPARC12142017Meeting.mp3

 

December 21, 2017 (Santee) -- Cigarette smokers in our region may end up with one less place to smoke if the Santee City Council approves a recommendation of the Santee Park and Recreation Committee (SPARC) to ban smoking on its numerous hiking trails located within the city limits. Smoking would still be allowed in public parks, leaving Santee the last city in San Diego County to still allow smoking in public parks, although the city does restrict smoking to designated areas during special events.

Smoking marijuana, however, will remain prohibited in Santee parks, although the state is set to decriminalize use on January 1 after voters passed Proposition 64 legalizing the public recreational use and commercial purchase of marijuana.


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BLUES FOR JESUS

 

 

December 21, 2017 (San Diego's East County)-- Local songwriter Paul Nichols noticed Santa and elves "running rampant" at shopping malls, but no mention of Jesus. So he wrote "Blues for Jesus' as his tribute to the reason for the sesaon. 


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FALCONRY DEMONSTRATIONS AT WYNOLA PIZZA EACH SATURDAY IN JANUARY

 

East County News Service

December 20, 2017 (Santa Ysabel) - Master falconer Cisco Clibourne will present a falconry demonstration at Wynola Pizza each Saturday in January from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wynola Pizza is located at 4355 California 78 in Santa Ysabel, just outside of Julian.


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COME ONE, COME ALL TO CARNAVAL FANTASTIQUE: JAN. 7 AT SYCUAN

 

East County News Service

December 20, 2017 (Dehesa) -- Carnaval Fantastique will bring performers from around the world to Sycuan’s Live and Up Close Theatre on January 7th in a celebration of music and action that combines gravity-defying acrobatics, contortionists, jugglers, comedy, beautiful dancers and dynamic laser special effects.


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TWO HELIX HIGH STANDOUTS AMONG SDSU FOOTBALL 2018 EARLY SIGNING CLASS

 

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  Carson Baker via Youtube

December 20, 2017 (San Diego) - San Diego State head football coach Rocky Long announced the signing Wednesday of 16 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent or Offers of Aid, including two Helix High School football players.


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

 

December 20, 2017 (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

STATE

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


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LEMON GROVE SHERIFF DEPUTIES HAVE BODY CAMERAS; MAYOR TO SERVE AS REPRESENTATIVE TO SANDAG

 

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: December 19, 2017 was declared Marcos’ Jewelry Day in honor of the retirement of Marcos Ortega.

December 20, 2017 (Lemon Grove) -- Lieutenant S. Amos updated the Lemon Grove City Council yesterday on the Sheriff’s Department progress on body-worn cameras. Amos announced that all Sheriff’s deputies assigned to the Lemon Grove station (excluding those there on overtime from other stations) have body-worn cameras.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

 

December 20, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views.  Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

WORLD

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


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COUNTY TO OFFER CHILD CAR SEATS AND SAFETY CLASSES

 

More child car seats and safety education classes.

That’s what the County Health and Human Services Agency will be offering to low-income parents thanks to a program funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


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CALIF. PUBLIC HEALTH DEPT. ISSUES WARNING ON CELL PHONE USE

 

Source: California Dept. of Public Health

December 20, 2017 (Sacramento) -- As smartphone use continues to increase in the U.S., especially among children, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued guidance for individuals and families who want to decrease their exposure to the radio frequency energy emitted from cell phones. Although the scientific community has not reached a consensus on the risks of cell phone use, research suggests long-term, high use may impact human health.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS DEC. 23-JAN. 13

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 19, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes New Year’s celebrations in Alpine and Jamul, falconry demonstrations at Wynola Pizza, a Star Party at Mission Trails, Sinatra and Friends in Borrego Springs, Carnaval Fantastique at Sycuan, full moon fishing at Lake Jennings, and Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!


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HEPATITIS CASES DROP SHARPLY

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: County nurse vaccinates people in San Diego.

December 19, 2017 (San Diego) -- This holiday week, County Health and Human Services has some cheery news. The region’s hepatitis A outbreak appears to have peaked--and there is a significant drop in the number of new cases reported.


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FULL MOON FISHING AND EXTENDED WINTER HOURS COMING TO LAKE JENNINGS

 

 

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Miriam Raftery

December 19, 2017 (Lakeside) – It’s a great time of year to bring the kids out to enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, lake views, fresh air,  campfires and S’mores at Lake Jennings in Lakeside. This easily accessible lake with beautiful mountain views will be open daily during winter break from Friday, December 22 through Sunday, January 7th.  You may even spot a pair of bald eagles frequenting the lake this winter.  Camping options include traditional tent camping, recreational vehicle (RV) sites, and tipis. 

Also mark your calendars for fishing by the light of a full moon on Saturday, January 13th from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 


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SEEKING SCHOLARSHIPS? SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION HAS AWARDS FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS, GRAD STUDENTS AND ADULT RE-ENTRY STUDENTS

 

East County News Service

December 19, 2017 (San Diego) -- If you’re seeking a college education, here’s some good news for you.

The San Diego Foundation wants students to know that hundreds of scholarships are available for San Diego students to pursue their dreams of higher education.


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GO GREEN: RECYCLE YOUR HOLIDAY TREE

 

East County News Service

December 19, 2017 (San Diego) -- With another holiday season upon us, I Love a Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego have again joined together to encourage residents to recycle their Christmas trees and minimize the amount of waste sent to the landfill. You can put your tree to better use through recycling at locations countywide.


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LAST CHANCE FOR DEDUCTION: SAN DIEGANS CAN PAY 2017 PROPERTY TAXES BEFORE JAN. 1

 

Originally published by Times of San Diego, a San Diego Online News Association member

By Chris Jennewein

Photo, Wikimedia Commons: The historic San Diego County administration building.

December 19, 2017 (San Diego) -- San Diego County residents worried about losing tax deductions may get a little reprieve by paying their full property tax bill before Jan. 1, when the new Republican-sponsored tax reform takes effect.


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ARRESTS MADE IN FATAL STABBING AND ATTEMPTED MURDER IN EL CAJON

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 19, 2017 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have arrested two adults and a juvenile in connection with the December 12th stabbing death of Kyle Khamphan and the attempted murder of a juvenile victim, says Lt. Rob Rainsweier, public information officer for ECPC.


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SDG&E SCHEDULES NEW OUTAGES, THIS TIME FOR REPAIRS, ACROSS DOZENS OF COMMUNITIES

By Miriam Raftery

December 19, 2017 (San Diego) – After restoring power to residents impacted by planned outages due to high winds, some lasting a week or more, SDG&E has announced a new round of planned outages—this time, for equipment repairs.

The utility’s site indicates notices were sent to impacted customers. View full, current map of outages here; click on “planned outages” to view those scheduled:  https://www.sdge.com/safety/outages/outage-map

Some are slated to be extensive; for instance, the Descanso and Viejas areas are projected to have a 10 hour outage starting tomorrow morning.  Parts of El Cajon are slated to be without power for eight hours on Thursday. Many other communities are also affected in the coming days.

But some residents are asking why the repairs can’t wait. Shutting off power over the holiday season raises several concerns, including:


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SDG&E RESPONDS TO OUTAGE CONCERNS, BUT LEGISLATORS HUESO AND VOEPEL IGNORE INQUIRIES

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Dennis Richardson

December 19, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – SDG&E has responded to our inquiry seeking answers to questions raised by concerned readers during planned outages to 17,000 SDG&E customers due to last week’s high winds, which ECM reported on here and here.

Helen Gao,  communications manager for Sempra Energy,  parent company of SDG&E,  sent the following reply to our questions on topics including loss claims, factors that determine when to shut off power, people with medical needs, support for residents during outages in need of water and communications, adjusting bills to eliminate charges during outages, and what might be done in communities with repeated outages to reduce or eliminate that need in the future.

Below is her response in full, followed by comments from rural residents with contrasting opinions on the outages:


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CAL FIRE MAKES PREPARATIONS TO HONOR FALLEN ENGINEER CORY IVERSON

 

Source: Cal Fire

December 18, 2017 (El Cajon) -- CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 6 (IMT 6) has transitioned in partnership with the CAL FIRE San Diego Unit as they make final arrangements for a Celebration of Life to honor Engineer Cory Iverson, who lost his life battling the Thomas Fire in Ventura County. 


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NEW SDG&E RATES WILL MAKE SOLAR COST MORE--UNLESS YOU HAVE A BATTERY BACKUP

 

 

Hear our interview with Daniel Sullivan, founder of Sullivan Solar, by clicking the audio link

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Battery storage unit on garage wall

December 18, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Many solar customers are unaware of new time-of-use rates that took effect December 1st. In an interview with ECM on KNSJ Radio, Sullivan Solar founder and president Daniel Sullivan explains that if you bought solar between June 30, 2016 and Dec. 1, 2017, your rates will be going up sharply after a five-year grace period. Rates for use during evening hours are doubling; a typical family will pay 143% more than in the past. If you buy solar in the future, your rates will also be higher, starting immediately.

But there is a solution:  buy a back-up battery, which will not only lower your rates, but also provide backup power to keep your electricity on during future power outages. Back-up batteries, with subsidies, can be financed out for only about $20 a month – and you’ll likely save $100 a month on your electricity bill, says Sullivan. Rebates end in June 2018, so there's a strong incentive to get a battery soon before the rebates run out.

Audio: 

Interview with Daniel Sullivan, Sullivan Solar, on battery back-ups

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FIREFIGHTERS HELPED BRIGHTEN HOLIDAYS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Paul Kruze:  Pastor Harold Brown and San Miguel Firefighters helped brighten holiday spirits for homeless children

December 18, 2017 (El Cajon) – Over 150 homeless children living at East County Transitional Living Center received gifts of clothing, athletic shoes, and a good dose of Christmas joy at the fifth annual Christmas Party last Saturday in ECTLC's community hall.


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SPRING VALLEY MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR CHLD PORNOGRAPHY POSSESSION

 

East County News Service

December 18, 2017 (Spring Valley) – A federal judge has sentenced Spring Valley resident Robert Lee Talnadge, 55, to six years in prison after he pled guilty to receiving child pornography.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego announced that Talnadge had over a million images and 25,000 videos of children in sexually explicit acts.


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SDSU ATHLETICS PRESS CONFERENCE 12/18: "IT'S A GAME WEEK"

 

 

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Story by Liz Alper

Videos courtesy goaztecs.com

For videos of Brian Dutcher's as well as the football and basketball student-athletes' portions of the press conference, click "read more" and scroll down.

December 18, 2017 (San Diego) - Finally, Bowl Week is upon us and so is the Aztecs' Armed Forces Bowl matchup against Army.  Head coach Rocky Long, senior warrior Trey Lomax and senior wide receiver Mikah Holder joined him.  Men's basketball head coach Brian Dutcher and junior guard Jeremy Hemsley also joined in to talk about the Thursday night matchup against Gonzaga.


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEW: EMMA HIGGINS, GRID ALTERNATIVES

 

 

Company seeks donors to bring solar job training and installations for low-income homeowners to East County

December 18, 2017 (San Diego) -- Emma Higgins with Grid Alternatives in San Diego sat down with ECM editor Miriam Raftery on our KNSJ radio show recently to discuss how the nation’s largest nonprofit solar installer is offering solar installations free to low and moderate homeowners, saving 75-100% on their energy bills.

The organization also provides job training to qualified persons in need including veterans and refugees. Participants can earn an income while training and after completing the program, can make $19 an hour. 

Audio: 

interview with Emma Higgins, Grid Alternatives

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