First-in-the-county retail licensing program credited for decline

October 8, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present Tin, written and directed by Jerry Hager, October 22 & 23 at 7:30 p.m. and October 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Stagehouse Theatre. All tickets for this event are $6 each. The story, Tin, is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story The Steadfast Tin Soldier, an adventurous tale in which toys come to life in the shadows of night.

By Miriam Raftery
 

October 7, 2010 (El Cajon) – Mayor Mark Lewis grew up in El Cajon, served three terms on the Council and is now running for his fourth term as Mayor. “I was on the 75th anniversary committee, and now I look forward to the 100th,” he said, referring to the City’s upcoming centennial in 2012.

October 5, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Artwork created by faculty members of the Grossmont College Art Department will be on display through Oct. 28 at the Hyde Art Gallery, located on campus. The public is invited to view the exhibition of approximately 55 pieces from 29 different art department instructors.

September 27, 2010 (El Cajon ) – Retired after 19 years as an El Cajon police officer, Todd Moore now says he has a new vision for El Cajon.  “We need leadership that we can count on to do what is right, to serve the residents of El Cajon," he said, "and to move this community to a place where it thrives…not just survives.”

September 15, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Officers from El Cajon Police Department responded to a 911 call from a man asking for help last night at 10 p.m. The man, 18, had suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his upper thigh. The victim told officers that and his cousin had been sitting in front of 273 Wisconsin when they were confronted by a young, bald Hispanic man. The victim told police the assailant pursued him and shot him in the leg as he fled.

September 13, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Adult Reentry Program will host “Who Foots The Bill,” a free informational meeting for adults interested in returning to school to reenter the workforce, learn a new career, earn a college diploma or upgrade skills for a job promotion. The event is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 21. Speakers include financial experts offering advice on estimating and planning for college expenses, along with information on admission procedures, transfer programs and financial aid.

By Miriam Raftery
 

September 12, 2010 (Sycuan) – Tina Santiago, a member of the Conshatta tribe from Louisiana, weaves a basket of willow reeds while onlookers browse her wares at the Sycuan Pow-Wow in El Cajon. “It takes about 25 hours to make this basket,” she said of a finely-crafted, finished basket priced at $250.

By Miriam Raftery

September 11, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – The Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce hosting a ribbon-cutting today for its newest member, Vienna Flowers.

September 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore has released a sketch of a man suspected of assaulting and trying to kidnap a 19-year-old woman on Saturday at 5 p.m. The teen was jogging near Quail Canyon Road and Palomino Ridge in the Blossom Valley community.

August 26, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Citing concerns over a recent audit report, the El Cajon City Council voted 4-1 to extend funding for the El Cajon Community Development Corporation for six months instead of the full year. While the Mayor expressed confidence that a new director has agreed to correct problems identified in the audit, some Councilmembers warned that the City could exercise the City’s 30-day right to terminate the ECCDC’s contract if their concerns are not adequately addressed.

By Buck Shott

August 19, 2010 (San Diego's East County) – The races are on for mayor and council positions in East Couny. Two local mayors’ seats are up for reelection in November. Both face challengers vying for the leadership spots in El Cajon and La Mesa. In addition, a pack of contenders is vying to run for council seats in East County’s cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Santee. Here's the lineup: 

By Miriam Raftery

August 13, 2010 (El Cajon) – The Center for Social Advocacy in El Cajon has been awarded the Organizational Leadership Award from the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Socioeconomic Status. The award recognizes CSA’s dedication and leadership on behalf of poverty and socioeconomic issues.

Update 11:30 a.m.  The gas line has been repaired and all roads are now open.
August 5, 2010 (El Cajon) – Road closures and evacuations are being ordered in El Cajon due to a damaged gas line at 613 Mundy Terrace.

By Miriam Raftery

July 31, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – San Diego Sheriff deputies along with U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials conducted sweeps of homeless camps in wooded areas of Rancho San Diego in the grey light of early morning.

East County Magazine accompanied officers on the first sweep, behind Savanna Grill. More sweeps were held near Cuyamaca College, the YMCA, Target, and the old Steele Canyon bridge off Highway 94. No homeless people were present or arrested, though many left behind trash and/or treasures that could not be toted away in a backpack or shopping cart. Makeshift tents, lean-tos and mattresses were found, along with more poignant items: a large stuffed monkey, a cracked mirror with ornate frame, a pushcart, cooking utensils, nail polish, and a chipped china pitcher.

All lay forgotten in the mud, symbols of shattered lives and broken dreams.