March 21, 2023 (Alpine)– Hop on over to the San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm (formerly called the Children’s Nature Retreat), a 20-acre farm in Alpine, to celebrate Easter with the animals and participate in one of four Easter Egg Hunts. The annual egg hunts are a tradition at the Farm and this year, there will be one hunt per day from Thursday, April 6 through Sunday, April 9.
March 20, 2023 (Lakeside) – The theme of this year’s Western Days Parade in Lakeside will be “Fighting for Justice.” District Attorney Summer Stephan will service as grand marshal of the parade on Saturday, April 29.
March 21, 2023 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s City Council will convene a special session on Tuesday, March 21 at 2:15 p.m. to weigh proposed regulations aimed at reducing crimes associated with individuals placed in local motels under the county’s homeless voucher program. An open session will be followed by a closed door session, for the Council to weigh legal options.
The action follows El Cajon Police Department’s announcement earlier today that two registered sex offenders staying at Motel 6 in El Cajon under the voucher program have been arrested and admitted sexually assaulting, molesting and videotaping their actions with an underaged girl; police have also indicated they believe at least two more young girls may also have been sexually assaulted by the men, who were both wearing ankle monitors as convicted sex offenders.
March 20, 2023 (San Diego) – Frozen strawberry and tropical fruit products have been recalled due to a hepatitis A outbreak, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced. The recalled products were sold at major retailers including Costco, Aldi and Trader Joe’s.
The recalled products include Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Strawberries made by San Diego-based California Splendor and sold in Costco. In addition, Scenic Fruit Company of Oregon has recalled its Simply Nature brand frozen organic strawberries sold in Aldi stores and an organic tropical fruit blend sold in Trader Joe’s.
March 20, 2023 (El Cajon) – Two registered sex offenders have been arrested after admitting to sexual acts with underage girls at the Motel 6 in El Cajon, where one of the offenders had been placed by an organization that assists homeless people.
Police are asking for public help to identify multiple young girls whom the men have admitted to sexually assaulting during the past week at the same motel.
These crimes validate concerns repeatedly raised by the city of El Cajon over County placement of homeless individuals in motels without vetting for criminal backgrounds, as ECM has reported.
March 19,2023 (Lemon Grove) A fatal shooting occurred at local VFW Post 2082 in Lemon Grove late Saturday night at 2885 Lemon Grove Ave. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting the shooting shortly before 10 p.m. and found a man, 39, unconscious in a vehicle at the intersection of Lemon Grove and San Miguel Avenues, according to Lieutenant Chris Steffen with the San Diego County Sheriff’s homicide unit.
“As the deputies were taking the unconscious man out of the vehicle, they noticed he had gunshot wounds to his upper leg and torso. Deputies applied a tourniquet to the victim’s leg as the paramedics arrived,” Lt. Steffen said in media release.
On March 14, a United States drone flying over the Black Sea was downed by a Russian jet, according to the Pentagon. Remains of the drone, which was built Poway by General Atomics, have not yet been recovered.
March 19, 2023 (Alpine) -- An East County animal sanctuary is in trouble and needs the community’s help. Local humanitarian Agnes Barrelet heads up The San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm in Alpine, a nonprofit, where she and her crew tend to a varied menagerie of animals in need.
Formerly known as the Children's Nature Retreat, this rural 20-acre property in Alpine is a haven for all kinds of animals, including zebras, horses, African cows, camels, mules, donkeys, rabbits, mini horses, mini goats, mini pigs, ostriches, emus, desert tortoises, and more. They have 200 hundred animals with over 95 domesticated livestock, 29 different species and 78 breeds from around the world. There are several animal enclosures, including Barnyard Alley, Tortoise Landing, African Grasslands, and Mini and Big Farms.
Photo right courtesy San Diego Animal Sanctary
Barrelet is known for rescuing animals in need, but that is something she is not going to be able to do anymore without the community’s help.
March 19, 2023 (San Diego) - San Diego State fell victim to the long ball on Sunday as visiting UConn pulled away for a 10-3 triumph in the finale of a four-game series at Tony Gwynn Stadium.
March 19, 2023 (Fort Collins, Colo.) - The San Diego State softball team was edged, 3-2, at Colorado State in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Ram Field in Fort Collins, Colorado. The Aztecs fell to 16-9 overall and 1-2 in Mountain West play, while the Rams improved to 16-8 and 2-1.
March 19, 2023 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) has issued an advisory for all county beaches and bays due to contamination from storm runoff. This incudes closure of one coastal area and advisories cautioning of potential contamination at numerous other beaches.
March 19, 2023 (Ramona) – The Ramona Senior Center will host a car show on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Community Church, 1234 Barger Place in Ramona (corner of San Vicente Road and Barger Place).
March 19, 2023 (La Mesa) - On February 28th, the La Mesa City Council heard an update from Karen Jewel, the Caltrans Project Corridor Director, on the State Route 94/125 Interchange Projectthat aims to provide freeway-to-freeway connection from southbound SR-125 to eastbound SR94 as well as ease congestion and improve traffic flow.
March 19, 2023 (Lakeside) – Reflections Day Spa invites you to its 7th annual Haircuts for the Homeless event on Sunday, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations of items to help the homeless are sought, including sleeping bags, blankets, tents, socks, jackets, beanies and toiletries.
Reflections Day Spa is located at 9909 Maine Ave., Lakeside, CA 92040. Questions? Call (619) 334-2240.
March 18, 2023 (Orlando) - San Diego State had little trouble ending the run of March Madness darling Furman, getting 16 points from Micah Parrish to pace a balanced scoring attack and pulling away for a 75-52 win on Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Photo: migrants at border in Arizona, via Congressional representative Ann Kirkpatrick
March 17, 2023 (San Diego) – On Wednesday, March 15, a federal court largely denied the Biden administration’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit, Immigrant Defenders Law Center et al. v. Mayorkas, brought on behalf of people seeking asylum who were stranded outside the United States as a result of the Trump administration’s unlawful “Remain in Mexico” policy.
March 17, 2023 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa has reached a settlement in a civil case filed by Leslie Furcron, a 59-year-old great-grandmother struck in the head by a beanbag projectile fired by a La Mesa Police officer during a racial justice protest that ended in a riot on May 30, 2020.
Photo: Anti-Semitic graffiti at San Diego State University in 2021
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer to denounce antisemitic rhetoric and hate crimes targeting Jewish people in San Diego County.
In 2021, the Jewish community in San Diego experienced 38 recorded incidents of antisemitism, including 14 cases of vandalism, 23 incidents of harassment, and one assault. In 2020 the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported a 6 percent increase in hate crimes from the previous year, representing the highest total in 12 years, and found that attacks against Jews or Jewish institutions made up nearly 60 percent of all religious-based hate crimes.
March 17, 2023 (Borrego Springs) -- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is beginning to have pockets of blooming wildflowers as well as cacti blooms. The Anza Borrego Foundation offers these tips for those planning to come view wildflowers:
Check the weather forecast before heading to the Park. Make sure to dress in layers and pack plenty of water.
Call the Wildflower Hotline at 760-767-4684 for weekly updates on the best viewing locations.
You can also get printed wildflower maps and viewing tips at the State Park store at 587 Palm Canyon Drive between 11 .am. and 3 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
Check road conditions, including the surrounding mountains for any road closures or chain requirements.
Make sure to visit our State Park store, open daily 9 AM - 5 PM for any needed information or to purchase Park maps.
March 16, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Joshua Spirz, 18, of Campo died Monday night after a solo vehicle crash on Old Highway 80 at Sunrise Highway. He was driving home from his job at Descanso Junction, which has started a fundraiser to help his family.
March 16, 2023 (Santee) – A Santee teenager missing since January has been found safe in San Diego.
Veronica Moreno, 16, has been reunited with her family, Sergeant Matthew Carpenter with the San Diego Sheriff’s Family Protection Detail and Juvenile Services Group announced today.
March 16, 2023 (El Cajon) – If you’re planning on drinking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to bring a designated sober driver, take public transit, or call a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft. The El Cajon Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint tomorrow evening, March 17, from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in the 300 block of West Chase.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired, according to ECPD.
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Photo: job seeker conversing with recruiters at Grossmont College job fair
Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District
March 16, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Grossmont College will welcome more than 50 employers representing industries such as healthcare, hotels and tourism, public safety, local government, retail, and defense, as part of the 2nd Annual Refugee Job Fair March 23.
March 15, 2023 (San Diego) -- The latest atmospheric river to drench our region dumped several inches of rainfall in many San Diego County areas over the two days ending Wednesday at 5:45 p.m.
Palomar had 5.78 inches of precipitation. In East County, the Mesa Grande reservation had 3.82 inches and Lake Cuyamaca got 3.56 inches.Julian received 2.44 inches and nearby Pine Hills had 3.09 inches. Descanso had 2.43 inches. Many other communities received between 1.6 and 2 inches including La Mesa, Santee, Ramona, and Pine Valley.
Though this is heavy precipitation for San Diego County, some areas elsewhere in California have set all-time records for deep snow levels. Cal Trans warns motorists to avoid some areas due to avalanche dangers, and some avalanches have already occurred.
March 16, 2023 (Sacramento) -- Renters these days are getting hit with all kinds of extra charges, and consumer advocates want the federal government to crack down on the so-called "junk rental fees."
A new report from the National Consumer Law Center found many landlords charge excessive fees, not just for utilities but to process a rental application, move trash to the bins, allow roommates or pets, accept certain forms of payment or notify you of late payment.
April Kuehnhoff, senior attorney at the center, said with rents already sky-high, all extra fees must be disclosed ahead of time
March 15, 2023 (Pine Valley) – A 61-year-old man from Yuma, Arizona died at the scene of a rollover crash in Pine Valley this morning.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the motorist was driving a Chrysler 200 eastbound on Interstate 8 east at a high rate of speed during this morning’s rainy weather when he lost control shortly after 7:30 a.m. and rolled over several times.
March 15, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove School District will hold its second annual chess tournament and family day on Saturday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center (3131 School Lane in Lemon Grove).
March 15, 2023 (Santee) -- The 7th annual Fido Fest was held Saturday, March 11 at the Town Center Community Park East. This event provided a great opportunity for dogs and dog lovers to enjoy themselves with giveaways, an agility course, contests, and much more for a tail-waggin’ good time.
Originally, Fido Fest was supposed to take place on February 25. However, it was rescheduled to March 11th due to weather concerns, according to the City of Santee.
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
Story and photos by Jessyka Heredia
By Mimi Pollack
Photo right courtesy San Diego Animal Sanctary
Huskies power past Aztecs with four homers
By Liz Alper
SDSU loses first MW series since 2021
Source: County of San Diego
East County News Service
By Jessyka Heredia
East County News Service
Source: goaztecs.com
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
Photo: Anti-Semitic graffiti at San Diego State University in 2021
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
More than 50 employers to attend 2nd Annual Event
March 15, 2023 (La Mesa) -- Chuck Cibulka snapped this photo of a beautiful Western Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly on pink lantana blooms in La Mesa.
East County News Service
East County News Service
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