By Miriam Raftery

June 24, 2014 (Borrego Springs)--Where have all the flowers gone?

Anza-Borrego has long been famous for its spectacular spring wildflower blooms.  But now the region’s biodiversity is threatened by an invasive weed—the Sahara mustard.

Increased Income Guidelines Expand Eligibility

June 23, 2014 (San Diego)– More San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) customers are now eligible to save every month on their bill and receive energy efficient home improvements due to new income guidelines that went into effect June 1, 2014.  Households of two with a yearly income of $31,460 or less can now enroll in the money-saving, state sponsored customer assistance programs California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and the Energy Savings Assistance Program.

East County News Service

June 23, 2014 (Alpine) – A proposal before the San Diego Supervisors on Wednesday would weaken protections for federal forest lands by allowing development encroachment in East County. The plan could double the size of rural Alpine, putting forest lands at risks, conservationists warn.

Now Jack Shu, president of the Cleveland National Forest Foundation, has issued a plea for the public to contact Supervisors and urge them to support protections granted by the Forest Conservation Initiative that was approved by two-thirds of local voters but recently expired.  Below is the letter he sent to conservationists countywide.

June 23, 2014 (San Diego)— “Pertussis activity continues at a high level locally and the California Department of Public Health declared a pertussis epidemic in the state,” Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., San Diego County public health officer has announced.

By Miriam Raftery

June 23, 2014 (El Cajon)--Kassim Alhimidi, an Iraqi immigrant who was convicted of bludgeoning his wife, Shaima Alawadi to death at their home in El Cajon in March 2012 has been sentenced to serve 26 years to life in prison.

By Miriam Raftery

June 23, 2014 (Lakeside) – A suspect has been arrested by San Diego Police in the case of a triple homicide  of three young people with ties to Lakeside, where their family runs an Italian restaurant.

By Jaden Jimenez

June 16, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Waggin' Train LLC reached an agreement with pet owners in several states to create a $6.5 million fund to compensate dog owners who believe their animals were harmed by eating chicken and other jerky treats sold by the companies.

June 20, 2014 (Boulevard) – Michele Strand sent in this serene scene of a sunset over rural Boulevard in San Diego’s East County.

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Here are highlights of important issues on the agenda this week impacting San Diego's unincorporated areas as well as residents in the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee.

The San Diego Board of Supervisors meets on Tuesday and Wednesday this week with many important items slated to be heard. On Tuesday, Supervisors will deliberate the county budget and a joint powers agreement with Caltrans for the Next Generation regional communications system and more.

On Wednesday, supervisors will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Initiative Lands General Plan amendment.  This is a controversial  issue that will determine what sort of development will be allowed on properties in the vicinity of Cleveland National Forest in East County.

June 21, 2014 (Alpine) -- Alpine Fire Department held a ceremony on June 17^th to honor residents who saved the life of Scott Holland. Holland was working at a construction project on Kevin Court in Alpine on October 9, 2013 when he suddenly collapsed from a severe cardiac event.

Lori Abbott, California News Service

June 18, 2014 (Sacramento)--The first day of summer may be on Saturday, but parts of California already have seen triple-digit heat this year - and more is on the way. With that in mind, health officials across the West are urging people to be careful in the potentially deadly heat.

East County News Service

June 22, 2014 (Campo)—Kids of all ages are invited to join the fun and showcase pets at the first annual Pet Parade and St. Adelaide Parish Family Festival On July 12 at the Campo baseball field.  The parade begins at 11 a.m. and the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and most entertaining costumes, as well as the pastor’s choice.  Drawings will also be held for prizes including a 50/50 raffle plus two chances to fill your freezer by winning half a steer, donated by Wright Ranch of Potrero.  The festival also includes vendor booths, inflatable slide and water combo with all-day jumper tickets for $10. Other activities will include face painting and refreshments.

In April, we interviewed top newsmakers on hot local issues ranging from closure of rural fire stations to a State Senate race.  We also covered some national and international topics including an interview with a local pastor whose family is impacted by Uganda’s new law criminalizing homosexuality.  Plus we’ll take you on the road to discover Lakeside’s colorful history, cover the 50^th anniversary of the Lakeside rodeo, interview local authors and much more.

For a complete list of interviews and topics covered in April, and to listen to our shows online now, click here.

You can hear our show Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. on KNSJ 89.1 FM.

Book Review by Dennis Moore

Andrea Nelson-Royes, EdD, an educator, researcher, author, and parent who has a passionate interest in how children learn to read and how to keep them reading, has authored a book that demonstrates all that she has experienced and believes in; Transforming Early Learners into Superb Readers: Promoting Literacy at School, at Home, and within the Community. It starts for her at home with her own children, endeavoring to give them the opportunity at the best possible education that they can get. Being a mother of four children gives her ample time and opportunity to test her passion for the education of other parent’s children.

June 20, 2014 (La Mesa)--On Thursday, July 16, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to an evening mixer at Anthony’s Fish Grotto, 9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa from 5:30-7 p.m.. This popular location has been a favorite of locals for years, so guests can sample the food that has made them famous.