East County News Service

February 4, 2015 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- The state has approved funding for construction of infrastructure improvements at the Jacumba Hot Springs airport . Back in 2012, County Supervisors authorized a co-pay with the state to pave the runway and make other upgrades.

By Miriam Raftery

View video of full hearing: http://sdcounty.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=1660

Note: Tune in Friday to our radio show on 89.1 FM from 5 to 6 p.m. to hear interviews with Boulevard residents and a hydrologist sharing their views on this outcome.  Jim Whelan, a representative of Soitec project property owners Hamann and Gibson was invited and refused to participate.

February 4, 2015 (San Diego) – Boulevard residents fought down tears in stunned disbelief today (photo, left) as San Diego Supervisors voted 4 to 1 to approve Soitec’s Tierra Del Sol and Rugged Solar projects, overriding a unanimous vote by Boulevard’s elected planning group that opposed the projects. Collectively the two massive projects will cover 1,185 acres (the equivalent of 185 city blocks) of rural terrain with thousands of concentrated solar tracking panels, each 48 feet wide by 30 feet tall.

Only Supervisor Dianne Jacob voted against the project, following an extensive speech in opposition. She called county staff’s finding that the project was compatible with rural community character “absolutely incomprehensible to me.”  Jacob pointed out that the General Plan is supposed to assure environmental stewardship, preservation of agricultural lands, open space and community character, among other qualities – all of which will be destroyed if the Soitec projects are built.

February 3, 2015 (Santee Lakes) - Santee Lakes will be stocking lakes two and three with 1,000 pounds of trout on Friday, February 6^th – bringing the total of Rainbow Trout planted in the lake since November to a whopping 10,500 pounds.  For  fishing information, you can visit www.SanteeLakes.com.

February 3, 2015 (Rancho San Diego)--The Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station is holding a Coffee with the Community event on Tuesday, February 17th  from 8-10 a.m. at Dolci Café Italia (2650 Jamacha Road, Suite 121) in Rancho San Diego.

February 4, 2015 (Warner Springs) – What could be more romantic than chocolate and wine? 

Hawk Watch Winery invites you to a special Valentine Dessert and Wine pairing on February 14 and 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..  The winery will be releasing its new 2012 Syrah paired with a dark chocolate raspberry syrah mousse.

February 6, 2015 (Ramona) – Treat your sweetheart to an afternoon of opera, art and wine at Salerno Winery in Ramona. Each Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., savor operatic performances by Jorge D’Soria, a gifted tenor who sings in six languages, and Salvador Padilla, a brilliant baritone who has performed around the world and won numerous awards for his vocal talent.

You can also stroll through a sculpture garden that includes many sensual creations, enjoy authentic Italian-style pizza hot out of a brick oven, sample cheeses, Caprese trays, salad and fresh-baked bread to go with your favorite wine.

February 5, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County has events ranging from an art show to a pow-wow. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including  a poetry campout and a salute to local heroes. Stay tuned for all of these events and much more, from East County Magazine.

By Miriam Raftery

February 2, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) -- What better way to infuse passion into your relationship than to slip away for a Valentine weekend stay  at one of East County’s romantic inns, cabins or lodges? Or give a getaway gift for later in the year as the perfect way to say”I love you.”

Here are few idyllic places to rejuvenate your spirit with that special someone:

By Miriam Raftery

February 3, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - It’s rare for members of  Congress to agree on anything these days. .Both both the House and Senate voted unanimously to approve the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act.  The measure now heads to President Obama’s desk for signature.

January 3, 2015 (El Cajon) - Circus Vargas wil bring its newest big-top tent circus performance, Arlequin, to the parking lot at Parkway Plaza shopping mall in El Cajon  February 5 through 9.

East County News Service

February 2, 2015 (La Mesa) – San Diego Police have arrested John David Weissinger, 53, of La Mesa for making a criminal threat against the Council on American-Islamic Relations.  He is also charged with illegally owning, buying or selling an illegal large-capacity ammunition magazine.

February 6, 2015 (San Diego) – Andiamo Ristorante Italiano in Tierrasanta is featuring a special four-course prix fix menu on Valentine's Day, February 14th for $45. 

Call 858-277-3501 fpr details or visit www.andiamo-ristorante.com to make reservations.  Andiamo’s is located at 5950 Santo Road, San Diego.

February 2, 2015 (Santee) - The BNS Brewery in Santee (10960 Wheatlands Avenue) is serving up live music on Saturday night, February 7^th. Popular singer Dannie Marie will perform from 6 to 6:45 p.m., followed by Rick Eilliot and the Secondhand Smoke Band from 7 to 9:30 p.m.  For more information visit www.bnsbrewinganddistilling.com/

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

It’s February, put your Heart into it!

February 2, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - Heart disease kills over a half million people every year. It’s no surprise February is Heart Awareness month. Together, we all can prevent and cardiovascular disease (CVD), one step at a time says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.