July 21, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – San Diego Sheriff’s officers launched a foot chase against a suspected parolee, possibly armed with a gun, near Jamacha Road and Calle Albara in the Cottonwood area of Rancho San Diego shortly before 7 p.m. this evening.
 

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male adult, age 30, six feet tall, 200 pounds, with dark hair. When last seen he was wearing a yellow shirt, white hat, and sunglasses.

ECM investigation reveals record of deaths, prior injuries from "lion walks," Africa's latest tourism attractions

By Miriam Raftery

May 7, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) Updated May 9, 2011: --A lion attack near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe has injured Rancho San Diego resident Colleen Garbaczewski. Garbaczewski, an executive with Pacific Coast Rentals and active community volunteer, had taken a “lion walk” with her husband when the attack occurred.

An East County Magazine investigation reveals that lion walks, in which tourists are encouraged to walk alongside and even pet “tame” lions, have resulted in other serious injuries and at least two deaths.

Event at Heritage of the Americas Museum attracts a full house
 

By Miriam Raftery
 

April 7, 2011 (Rancho San Diego)—Bring the family to visit with live native animals, join a guided nature hike, get free art and photography lessons, view a firetruck and more this Sunday, April 10.

Festivities to celebrate the 15th birthday of the San Diego National Wildlife Refugee will take place near the old steel bridge on Highway 94 at Singer Lane in Rancho San Diego from 1-5 p.m.
 

Schedule of events:

“CHAMBER MAIDS" TOUR ANNOUNCED

April 1, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – A free banjo lesson taken during a Chamber-led tour of Deering Banjo factory in Spring Valley proved music to Valerie Harrison’s ears. “I never knew I had musical talent before,” said the plucky President of the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce. 

March 14, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Don’t want to fight crowds to head to downtown San Diego for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, or drive home after a night of partying? Sure ‘n’ we’ve got the answer!

Irish pubs in La Mesa, Rancho San Diego and Poway are hosting their own celebrations—complete with free cab rides home. For families, an Escondido park is offering a St. Patrick’s Day hike and crafts.  Plus a Scripps Ranch church is holding a special St. Patrick’s Day mass--in Gaelic.

Don’t forget to wear green!

January 31, 2011 (Santee) – Two-year-old Ethan Miller, son of Darren and Christie Miller in Santee, has neuroblastoma cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. A charity golf event will be held on Thursday, April 7th at Cottonwood Golf Course in Rancho San Diego to benefit Ethan Miller and his family.

Rancho San Diego festivities also include snowman contest, bonfire, and more

December 11, 2010 (Rancho San Diego)--The Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Olde Time Christmas Village December 11th from 3-9 pm in the Rancho San Diego Professional Center, 3855 Avocado Bl., La Mesa.

This free public event celebrates children and community. Activities include a snowman building contest, a bonfire, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday treats, sweets and more.

November 10, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – Score a birdie this Thanksgiving Day—and no, we’re not talking about a turkey on the table.

Cottonwood Golf Course in the Rancho San Diego area of El Cajon is serving up a Thanksgiving Day Shotgun Golf Tournament—complete with buffet breakfast on the lake, green fee and cart for $49.

Update 8:45 p.m. - The injured woman was a daycare worker, neigbors have said.  Channel 8 News reports a "large-scale" evacuation that was expected to continue for several hours as the FBI bomb squad searches other vehicles throughout the area.  Officials have not yet stated whether they believe the victim was targeted or not, or what the motive may be.

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.

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2010 (Sacramento) - The California State Senate unanimously passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution 131, which grants historic designation to the portion of Highway 94 from Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego to the junction with Historic Route 80. Authored by Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon), the Resolution previously passed the Assembly and is now law.