East County News Service

August 27, 2016 (Alpine) - The Alpine Woman’s Club will hold its Eleventh Annual “Christmas in Alpine” Home Tour on Saturday, December 10th from 10am to 3pm. You will have an opportunity to stroll through five stunning country estates, and visit Kathy and Mario’s quaint and spectacular place they call Alpine Country Garden and Gifts Shop. The Historic Town Hall will be open from 1pm till 4pm, where you can view Dickens Christmas Village on the Town Hall stage. Ticket holders can also enjoy light refreshments and a surprise gift to say thank you for your support.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Lucas Riley, 24, victim in the crash

August 27, 2016 (Ramona) – Roy Dunkin, 51, is accused of driving drunk and causing a fiery, head-on collision on Highway 67 that killed Point Loma Nazarene College student Lucas Makana Riley, 24, of San Diego. Dunkin’s pickup truck also hit a Buick sedan, causing minor injuries to its occupants.  Dunkin has pled not guilty to the charges and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

By Liz Alper

Photo courtesy @Padres on Twitter

August 26, 2016 (Miami) - After being swept by the Cubs at home, the Padres traveled to the beaches of Miami to take on the Marlins.  Jarred Cosart started for the Padres against David Phelps for the Marlins.

East County News Service

August 26, 2016 (San Diego) - Media Arts Center San Diego celebrates the 3rd annual Exitos Del Cine Latino film festival, a summer celebration of Latino film, music, and celebrities, starting tonight at Westfield Plaza Bonita.

The festivities also include an opening night fiesta. This weekend's movies include (Click on film titles below to read synopses & purchase tickets on-line):

East County News Service

August 26  2016 (San Diego) -- California’s state Senate today approved a measure which would allow human trafficking victims arrested or convicted of non-violent crimes while they were trafficked to have those charges removed from their records.

East County News Service

August 25, 2016 (Ramona) - The August Open Farm Tour and Show at the Oasis Camel Dairy is set for this next weekend, August 27th and 28th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

Hear our interview with Colin Parent, originally aired on on KNSJ Radio: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

August 25,2016 (La Mesa) – Recently,  we  sat down for an in-depth interview with Colin Parent, a lawyer with extensive experience as an affordable housing expert in the Governor’s administration. Currently he’s the policy counsel/attorney for Circulate San Diego, an nonprofit that advocates for public transit, safe and pedestrian-friendly streets, safe routes to school, and smart growth issues.  He’s also cofounder of La Mesa Conversations, a civic discussion group.

Now he’s running for the La Mesa City Council in a three-way race for two seats currently held by incumbents Ruth Sterling and Kristine Alessio.

“I’m running to improve La Mesa,” says Parent, who calls La Mesa a great place, but adds that it can be even better.  Here are the ideas he discussed:

Senior cornerback lands on second team

Source: goaztecs.com press release

Photo: Damontae Kazee courtesy goaztecs.com

August 25, 2016 (San Diego) - San Diego State senior cornerback Damontae Kazee has been named a 2016 preseason second-team All-American by USA Today, the publication revealed on Thursday. The honor is one of many for the San Bernardino product, who was named the preseason Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year earlier this month in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Source: Chargers press release

Photo: Square courtesy chargers.nfl.com

August 25, 2016 (San Diego) - Damion Square of the San Diego Chargers has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2016 regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. 

The 46^th annual Barona Powwow will take place September 2^nd -4^th at the Barona sports park, located on the Barona reservation in Lakeside just north of the Barona Casino and Resort. Powwows aim to preserve Native American cultural traditions for future generations. 

Barona’s powwow attracts tribal dancers and drummers from across the nation, as they compete for prizes. (Admission for spectators is free). You can also shop for Native American arts and craft items at vendor booths, and purchase food such as Indian fry bread.

UPDATE FROM THE MILAGRO FAMILY:  Please note that the Milagro Tasting Room will not re-open as previously announced on Saturday, September 3rd, 2016. We are shooting for a tasting room re-opening date towards the end of September and will confirm that date once all necessary procedures are updated. The exact timing of this completion is out of our control. Please bear with us just a bit longer. The wait will be worth it, we promise!

East County News Service

August 1, 2016 (Ramona) - Milagro Farms Vineyard and Winery in Ramona announces it will reopen its tasting room on Saturday, September 3.  The tasting room has been closed for several months for a major remodel.

An e-mail to wine club members reads, “We have used the down time wisely and made some fantastic improvements here at Milagro.  We assure you that the new experience will not disappoint.  The outdoor area directly adjacent to the tasting room has been re-crafted for optimal relaxation and entertainment purposes, complete with bocce courts, a children's play structure, picnic tables, wooden swings and new patio furniture.  Inside we have added an essential board game library and lots more seating options.”

The new Milagro will include:

By Liz Alper

Photo courtesy @Padres on Twitter

August 24, 2016 (San Diego) - The Padres are facing the winningest team in baseball and they’re trying to avoid being swept.  Not the best situation, but they do what they can.  Another ace Cubs pitcher was on the mound in Kyle Hendricks; he started against Paul Clemens for San Diego.

East County News Service

August 24, 2016 (La Mesa) - La Mesa Wine Works invites you to their grand opening celebration this Saturday, August 27^th, including live music by the Barnyard Casanovas band from 7 to 10 p.m. The La Mesa Wine Works is a co-op designed to showcase local wines; currently they are pouring vintages from both the award-winning San Pasqual and Wyatt Oaks wineries.

By Liz Alper

Photo courtesy @Padres on Twitter

August 23, 2016 (San Diego) - The long ball killed the Padres last night and even though pitching phenom Jake Arrieta was on the mound tonight, they still tried their best.  Christian Friedrich started for San Diego.

By Miriam Raftery

August 23, 2016 (Santee) — Long-time Mayor Randy Voepel is running for the state Assembly and is not seeking reelection.  Two Council members are running to lead the city as Mayor: retired police detective John Minto real estate/mortgage professional Rob McNelis.  A special selection will be held to fill the Council seat of whoever wins the mayoral race, since these terms are not expired.

In addition, three candidates are running for the Council seat being vacated by Jack Dale, who is retiring.  Stephen Houlahan is president and co-founder of Save Mission Trails, which led the successful effort to stop the Quail Brush gas-fired power plant. He is also a registered nurse. Dustin Trotter, a carpenter, owns a door and trim company and has been an active community volunteer in organizations such as the Santee Santas and Santee Food Bank. Mason Herron is legislative director for Assemblyman Brian Jones and has also worked as a policy consultant.