East County News Service

May 2, 2015 (Warner Springs)—Sheriff’s homicide detectives are investigating the shooting deaths of two women and a man last night in Warner Springs.

Hikers find belongings 13 miles off Highway 79, north of Warner Springs

East County News Service

February 24, 2015 (San Diego) updated February 26, 2015—San Diego Search and Rescue Crews are hunting for a 28-year-old hiker, Chris Sylvia, who left Anza, California on Thursday, February 12^th to hike south on the Pacific Crest Trail for a week or more. He called a friend February 16th to meet him near Warner Springs to pickup supplies on February 17^th, but never arrived.   

His friend told authorities he assumed Sylvia had continued his hike without stopping. But when he failed to reach his final destination, Campo, Sylvia’s friend became concerned and contacted the Sheriff on February 24.

Also on the 24th, other hikers found gear including a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and backpack that appear to belong to Sylvia. His identification was also found at this site approximately 13 miles off Highgway 79, north of Warner Springs.

By Janis Russell and Miriam Raftery

November 11, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A week after the election with 28,000 absentee and provisional ballots remaining to be counted countywide, two East County race remain too close to call.

September 29, 2013 (Warner Springs) – Wine lovers are invited to savor wines from five wineries of the “North Mountain Wine Trail” area on Saturday, November 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The event will be held at all five wineries and will pair wines with a full menu of gourmet foods.  Live music will also be provided at each site.

Participating wineries are La Serenissima, Orrin, Shadow Mountain, Hawk Watch, and Sierra Roble. The wineries are all within two miles of each other.

Tickets cost $45 and must be purchased in advance.  Last year’s event sold out early.  To purchase tickets online, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/480324.

March 25, 2013 (Warner Springs) -- Sgt. Gil Cortez, an officer with the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, was killed along with his service dog after his vehicle rolled over this morning on State Route 79 half a mile south of San Felipe Road.

Cortez was leading several corrections vehicles taking dogs to conduct drug searches at La Cima Conservation Camp in Julian, a fire training camp for inmates. For unknown reasons, he lost control of the Crown Victoria, which rolled over and landed upright.  Officers rushed to extricate Cortez, who was taken to the Warner Springs Fire Station but died before he could be airlifted to a hospital. 

December 21, 2012 (Warner Springs) --Hawk Watch Winery, which has won international honors for its vintages, is hosting a free party open to all on Saturday, December 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Enjoy solo saxophonist Jason Weber while sampling homemade holiday desserts among the twinkling Christmas lights in the barrel room, where you can also sign up to savor some locally made wines.

By Bill Weaver

November 13, 2012 (San Diego)—On Election Night, several important races in San Diego and East County were too close to call.  Counting is underway of mail-in and provisional ballots at the County Registrar of Voters, where about 210,000 ballots countywide remain to be counted. 

August 11, 2012 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for County Line BBQ and Cafe located at 23446 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086 effective immediately.

As a result of the boil water order, the restaurant has voluntary closed. The restaurant is situated close to the Chihuahua Fire currently burning in the area.

August 9, 2012 (Warner Springs)--Reverse 911/AlertSanDiego contacted residents in Chihuahua Valley at 10 p.m. to tell them sheriff's deputies would be conducting mandatory evacuations due to the Chihuahua Fire. Residents need to be prepared to evacuate when called upon by deputies to do so.

 
Buy a bottle of “Sequoia” wine and help save animals at a no-kill shelter

August 26, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory today for mountain areas in San Diego County. Strong and persistent thunderstorms are occurring with heavy rainful just west of the Eagle Fire burn scar between Anza Borrego and Warner Springs.

By Miriam Raftery

July 27, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Cal Fire investigators have determined that arson is the cause of the Eagle Fire, which has thus far burned 14,100 acres and injured 14 firefighters.

Who set the blaze, and what was the motive? Cal-Fire has not disclosed details on how the fire was started, or if there are any suspects. If caught, the perpetrator could face not only jail time, but a hefty bill--since firefighting costs now exceed $11.6 million.

July 2, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The Erickson Air Crane, a heavy-left helicopter contracted by SDG&E for construction work on Sunrise Powerlink, was called early this afternoon to help battle the Eagle Fire. The massive chopper can carry up to 30,000 gallons of water or fire retardant chemicals.

The Eagle Fire has scorched 2,500 acres and remains just 5% contained as of 5 p.m. this evening. It is currently burning about 14 miles east of Santa Ysabel near Warner Springs on tribal lands as well as state park property.

January 11, 2010 (Warner Springs) – Richard Hawkins, 87, has died of injuries after the World War II Trainer plane (tail number N57027) that he was flying crashed crashed late yesterday at Warner Springs Airport. His son remains hospitalized in critical condition at Palomar Medical Center, 10 News reports.

“Tonight at 5:24 p.m., three engines companies under the direction of Battalion Chief John Butz responded,” Cal-Fire battalion chief Nick Schuler said yesterday. “When firefighters arrived, the aircraft was in multiple pieces.”