June 16, 2009 (La Mesa) -- Gio Bistro Wine Bar and the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invite area residents to savor the first annual "Taste of La Mesa" event. Sample fare from many of the La Mesa area’s finest restaurants and food while savoring an East County evening complete with music, food and drinks. The event will to be held at the La Mesa Community Center 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

June 15, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – Many local small businesses will soon be eligible for interest-free loans under a new program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) announced today.

"It would make little sense for the federal government to assume responsibility for the 300 million Americans who are able to fend for themselves."

By Jim Stieringer

June 15, 2009 (San Diego's East County)--East County artist Phebe Burnham, whose work has previously been profiled in East County Magazine’s Arts & Music section (http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=0809phebeburnham), will have several showings of her works in June and July. Venues include El Cajon, Alpine and Santee.

June 14, 2009 (La Mesa)--This evening marks the opening of La Mesa's "Sundays at Six" summer concert series, which run June 14 through July 25. Bring a picnic dinner and groove to the sounds of jazz, country, concert bands and variety music at the free concerts, which will be held at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street in La Mesa from 6 to 7 p.m.

Move Comes After ACLU Letter Alleged District Violated Student’s Constitutional Rights

June 13, 2009 (Ramona) – A Ramona school district has apologized to sixth grader Natalie Jones for censoring her classroom presentation about Harvey Milk last month, and school officials promised they won't engage in allegedly unconstitutional restriction of similar free speech in the future.

Move Comes After ACLU Letter Alleged District Violated Student’s Constitutional Rights

June 12, 2009 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Committee invites students in grades K-12 to submit a poem or work of art in which they reflect upon the environment. The new “Our Planet, Our Home” environmental literacy contest is open to youths living or attending schools within the La Mesa-Spring Valley or Grossmont Union High School Districts.

Entrants need not submit work through their school; individual submissions are also accepted. Sixteen entries will be honored for special recognition, two in poetry and two in art for each of four age categories:

By Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2009 (Alpine)—Cheers and tears of joy filled the room tonight as the Grossmont Union High School Board unanimously voted to approve construction of a new high school in Alpine. The decision drew a rousing ovation from parents and others who have fought for more than a decade to bring a high school to their community.

Trustee Priscilla Schreiber praised Viejas and Sycuan tribal leaders and other community members for their support, then thanked new Superintendent
Bob Collins for honoring his pledge “to fulfill a promise long overdue.”

”It’s outrageous and it’s irresponsible. That’s cold, that’s hard, that’s the truth. There are many other areas where life is not at stake.” –Leonard Villareal, San Miguel Fire District spokesman, on state budget cuts' impact on fire protection.

An East County Magazine special report

By Miriam Raftery

By Kyle Serzen

Photo by Leon Thompson

June 11, 2009 (El Cajon)--Cowboys and Indians crowded the streets of El Cajon last weekend during the Olaf Wieghorst Museum’s 7th Annual Western Heritage Days, a festival celebrating American history and the expansion of the western frontier. Western Days showcased gun fight reenactments, blacksmiths at work, cowboy storytellers, and Native American dancers. However, a troop of warriors clad in navy and gold stood out from the sea of six shooters and spurs; they were the Buffalo Soldiers.

June 11, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Carrie Prejean, a senior at San Diego Christian College in El Cajon, has been dethroned as Miss California USA. Her turbulent reign, which weathered revelations of topless photos and a controversy over her statements opposing gay marriage, came to an end over the beauty queen’s alleged refusal to honor commitments for public appearances on behalf of the pageant. Her saga sparked controversy both locally and nationally.

June 11, 2009 (La Mesa)--The public is invited to attend the 9th annual Summer Healthcare Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at the Grossmont Center shopping mall, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa. Free health screenings will include diabetes, blood pressure and stroke prevention.

By Miriam Raftery

La Mesa Dentist Jeff Gray has been chosen by PEOPLE Magazine and Major League Baseball as one of three finalists for the “All-Stars Among Us” campaign to represent the Padres at the All Star Game in July. To win, Gray has to receive your vote.