By Liz Alper

September 5, 2016 (San Diego) - The Boston Red Sox paid a visit to Petco Park for Big Papi’s last San Diego trip and a reuniting with Drew Pomeranz, who pitched today against Edwin Jackson and his old club.

East County News Service

Photo by Kristin Kjaero

September 5, 2016 (Spring Valley) – A 17-year-old was arrested yesterday and is being charged with willfully and maliciously setting fire to forest land, CAL FIRE reports.  The juvenile is believed to be responsible for starting the Pointe Fire on August 17^th, which charred 25 acres in Spring Valley, forced evacuation of homes, put the public at risk and injured a firefighter.

By Miriam Raftery

September 5, 2016 (La Mesa) – A new business association led by prominent business leaders in La Mesa has arisen to fill the gap left by the troubled La Mesa Village Merchants Association. The new 501(c)6 nonprofit, the La Mesa Village Association (LMVA), held its inaugural community outreach meeting last week at the San Pasqual Wine  Bar Tasting Room in the village,  drawing a packed house.

East County News Service

September 5, 2016 (Lakeside) - Discover the beautiful El Monte Valley at the breathtaking Hazy Meadow Ranch. Happy hour begins at 5:00 PM with dessert and dancing concluding at 9:00 PM. What better way to spend a great Saturday evening than to relax in the valley's beauty with wonderful company, great food, and incredible auction items donated by the Lakeside River Park Conservancy's very own community.

By Miriam Raftery

September 4, 2016 (Lakeside) – County Planning Commissioner Michael Beck,founder of the Endangered Habitat League,former head of the Lakeside River Park Conservancy and current board member of theSan Diego River Park Foundation, has drawn sharp criticism from some Lakeside residents over his involvement with the El Monte Nature Preserve LLC that is proposing a sand mine in El Monte Valley.  One prominent activist has called for Beck to recuse himself from voting for conflict of interest reasons.

Now Beck, in an exclusive interview with East County Magazine, says he’s always planned to recuse himself from voting on the controversial project—and also defends his efforts to get the best long-term environmental restoration possible for a project he believes will likely be approved as an allowable use under current zoning. No one has asked that the zoning designation be changed, he notes.

By Liz Alper

Photo courtesy @Padres on Twitter

September 4, 2016 (Los Angeles) - The Padres had the opportunity to split the series with the Dodgers today.  Would they do it?  Jose De Leon started for the Dodgers against Christian Friedrich.

By the East County Eaters

September 4, 2016 (El Cajon) – Long known for its flame-grilled steaks, cattle rancher roots and Western-themed décor,  Black Angus restaurants have now added a new hand-crafted, fresh juice cocktail menu to their Bulls Eye Bar.   From a Brazilian margarita that may make you want to dance the Samba to a Citrus Pomegranate Mule, you’ll find plenty to whet your whistle during all-day Happy Hours each Sunday , or from 3-7 p.m. all other days except Saturday.

We stopped by the Black Angus in El Cajon, where we savored some refreshing libations as well as tasty appetizers that roped us in to stay for a full dinner feast. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Kristin Kjaero and Miriam Rraftery

September 4,2016 The 46^th annual Barona Powwow continues today at the Barona sports park, located on the Barona reservation in Lakeside.

View our video (top left) of Saturday night’s grand entry procession featuring NativeAmerican dancers in full regalia from tribes across the nation, and a second video (below) of a victory song honoring all warriors including our military and veterans.

Volleyball claims four-set win over Murray State

Source: goaztecs.com press release

Photo:  Alexandra Psoma courtesy goaztecs.com

September 4, 2016 (Eugene, Ore.,) - San Diego State volleyball team wrapped up play at the 2016 Oregon Classic in Eugene, Ore., Saturday afternoon with a tight 3-1 victory (25-23, 29-27, 26-28, 25-18) over Murray State. With the win, the Aztecs evened their season record at 3-3 while the Racers ended the weekend with an identical mark.

SDSU finishes in second place as a team in season opener

Source: goaztecs.com press release

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

September 3, 2016 (Brea, Calif.,) - Christine Kent and Elaine Ribeiro finished in first and second place, respectively, at the Mark Covert Classic at Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea on Saturday morning. Overall, the Aztecs finished in second place in a field of four teams.

Our June and July 2016 radio shows are now online!  You can listen online now (sound files may take a minute to load).

For links to listen to the shows plus a full list of topics and interviews in June and July, click here or scroll down.

Our newsmaker interviews included refugees from Nile sisters telling harrowing stories,  an activist discussing the battle to stop a sand mine in Lakeside, local authors and more. Plus we had full coverage of the Border Fire and its controversies,  highlights from the presidential campaign trail, local election highlights, as well as other top national, state and local news stories.

 The East County Magazine Show airs Mondays and Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m. on KNSJ, 89.1 FM.  The shows rerun on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.  Read more and listen to our June and July shows:

Update: The  Medical Examiner has identified the victims.  Clarina Rabe Chu, 88, was the driver of the Toyota Prius. MarjorieBialk,76, was in the Toyota Camry.

East County News Service

September 3, 2016 (San Diego) — A collision at Navajo Road and Park Ridge Boulevard early Friday morning killed two elderly women.

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo courtesy WikimediaImages

September 3, 2016 (San Diego's East County) - In San Diego County, wildfires are our biggest disaster risk, and nearly all of them are human-caused.

Volleyball downs UC Davis, falls to Oregon

Source: goaztecs.com press release

Photo:  Alexandra Psoma courtesy goaztecs.com

September 3, 2016 (Eugene, Ore.,) - San Diego State opened day one at the Oregon Classic in Eugene, Ore., by splitting a pair of matches. The Aztecs began play with a three-set (25-21, 25-22, 25-17) victory over UC Davis before falling in three sets (25-10, 25-12, 25-20) to Oregon.