By Kristin Kjaero

August 1, 2015 (La Mesa) – What a vibrant community we live in! August boasts five free concerts, three free movie screenings, two theater productions, the annual Helix High All Class Picnic, and the annual heART of Mt. Helix. There are free clubs for every age and interest at the La Mesa Library, a broad range of activities at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, and a number of classes at the La Mesa Community Center start in August. For those who love nature there are a number of activities as Mission Trails Regional Park and the Water Conservation Garden, and for the fitness oriented there are several walking groups, aquatics, and even a boot camp. Get out and find your bliss, and while you’re at it meet your neighbors.

July 29, 2015 (Lakeside) – Who knew we had pink or red snakes in East County?

Sarka-Jonae Miller snapped this photo in Lakeside today near the Santee border, close to Riverford Road off State Route 67.  Our researcher team soon identified the reptile as a red racer snake, also known as a red coachwhip for its tail that appears braided like a whip.

July 30, 2015 (Alpne) In an effort to increase the safety of children at Joan McQueen Middle School, the County will be installing new traffic signs on Tavern near the school.   This effort was spearheaded by Mr. Murali Pasumarthi at the prompting of Kristen Gauss, JMMS Principal Jon McEvoy and Planning Group Members Tom Myers and Lou Russo.

Ribbon Cutting Thursday, August 6

July 29, 2015 (Rancho San Diego)--YMCA Camp McGrath in Rancho San Diego will celebrate its ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 6, 2015 at 11:30 a.m.  The beautiful outdoor area, located at the McGrath Family YMCA - 12006 Campo Road, is in a position to provide a variety of recreation programs that allow camp kids and family members to enjoy a serene park atmosphere with numerous exciting features for the kids and the kids at heart.

Hear our interview with Dr. Richard O. Butcher on KNSJ radio:

https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

 

July  29, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Medical Association has awarded long-time local physician Dr. Richard O. Butcher, an El Cajon resident, its prestigious Practitioner of the Year Award.

Dr. Butcher, 76, is an institution in San Diego’s medical, philanthropic and sports communities. He’s been in private practice in Southeastern San Diego for decades. He is president of the Care View Medical Group and past Chief of Staff at Alvarado Hospital. He’s also past president of the San Diego Medical Association and has served on many boards.

July 30, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce was proud to host a gift giving activity in partnership with the Town & Country Resort & Convention Center. "Christmas in July” allowed toys to be given to the La Mesa City Employees Association, who will distribute them to deserving children during this year’s holiday season.

East County News Service

July 28, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)—Nature’s Variety has announced a voluntary recall of its Instinct Raw Chicken Formula food for dogs due to salmonella contamination.  The products, which were distributed in California including San Diego and East County, pose a health risk to pets and people.

East County News Service

July 28, 2015 (San Diego)—Circling the Wagons, a screenplay by Ed Clark, an electrical engineer and insurance investigator, alleges that an electrical design flaw caused the 2003 Cedar Fire as well as the 2007 Witch Creek and Paradise fires.  Moreover, he contends the flaws have not been fixed and public safety remains at risk.  San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) denies those claims.

July 28, 2015 (Fletcher Hills)--The Fletcher Hills Highlands Association’s Board of Directors and Median Improvement Committee announce the completion of the Valley Lake Median Beautification Project.

July 28, 2015 (San Diego's East County) -- Looking for some cool zones to chill out, plus tips to save water, find rebates and save money on your energy bill?  SDG&E has these helpful summertime suggestions.

By Miriam Raftery

July 28, 2015 (Pine Valley)—Angered by the inflammatory and possibly unlawful actions of Pine Valley Municipal Water Company’s chairman Flip Boerman and board, Pine Valley residents/shareholders will convene a town hall meeting on August 2^nd at 3 p.m. in the Pine Valley Community Center.

July 28, 2015 (La Mesa)--Hospital food that’s not only healthy, but also savory, full of fresh ingredients, and visually stunning?  That’s what two celebrated San Diego chefs plan to cook up when they redesign the kitchen menu at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. These culinary experts collective experience includes cooking up feasts for heads of state, rock stars and other celebrities, starring on cooking shows, serving as top chefs at resorts and top hotels, plus winning a Culinary Olympics competition.

As the new executive chefs at Sharp Grossmont, Larry Banares and William Sauer bring their extensive culinary talents to the Sodexo team at Sharp Grossmont, which operates food and nutrition services at the La Mesa hospital. 

East County News Service

July 28, 2015 (Washington D.C.) – A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows dramatic improvements in the care and safety of Medicare patients.  Across the nation, the death rate among Medicare patients fell 16% from 1999 to 2013. In addition, hospitalizations dropped sharply – and costs also fell sharply.

By Kathy Carpenter

www.sdtheatrereviews.com Associate and Youth Reviewer

July 23, 2015 (El Cajon) - Grossmont College 2nd annual Summer Conservatory (where high school students work alongside college students in all aspects to put on a theatrical show) brought us Cinderella A New, Pop Musical. The classic story updated and written by Jennette Thomas, directed by Beth Duggan and Molly Stillens, with fresh music and songs from the 80's and 90's and a fresh attitude from Cinderella, who doesn't need a man to survive, a King willing to adapt to his son's happiness, and a Prince who still thinks Cinderella the most perfect of all.

The show was funny, fun, well-acted, and you couldn't help leaving the theatre with a smile on your face.  This is a perfect summer show for the students to weave their magic, proving as Cinderella's Godmother says "Anything is possible if you believe."

Listen to this week's Destination East County broadcast from the East County Magazine Show on KNSJ radio 89.1 FM! Click the orange link above.(note: sound files make take a few moments to load.)

By Miriam Raftery

July 28, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County features a once in a blue moon hike, a vocal and jazz trio concert, and a watermelon festival at a camel dairy. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including movies at Santee Lakes, a Sip of Julian, the reopening of Rancho San Diego’s Farmer’s Market, and a rollicking new Lamplighters Theatre production.  So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more!