East County News Service

May 8, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- The merry month of May continues with activities including San DIego River Days, the Manzanita High Mountain Rendezvous, Salsa y Salsa Festival in Lemon Grove, Lilac Festival in Santa Ysabel, Sky tours in Julian, Musica En La Plaza in Escondido, a jazz concert at Mission Trails Church, Open Farm Day at Oasis Camel Dairy, A Taste of Julian, America on Main Street Festival in El Cajon, America on Main Street, Wild in the Country at Lions Tigers and Bears, a Gunsmoke fundraiser for a local Lions Club in El Cajon, El Cajon’s dinner and a concert, Classic Cruise Night’s centennial season in downtown El Cajon, the San Diego Vintner’s Association Wine Festival, a hike across the Santa Ysabel Preserve, a Mount Laguna Living History event, the Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Contest, a Memorial Day Warrior HIke Challenge in El Capitan Preserve, Visions of Broadway: a presentation by Kidz Danz Kompany and the Lavender Festival at Summers Past Farms.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Renée Owens

Photo: Endangered least Bell’s vireo checking its nest

April 23, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This year’s spectacular rainfall has finally ended our eight-year drought and the bounty of spring is one for the records: wildflowers are blooming far and wide, butterflies are migrating by the thousands, birds are nesting early, and the sound of SDG&E chopping at trees fills the air. What? The latter should not be a rite of spring and there’s a very good reason why.

By Maryanne Jackson, Real Estate Broker, CNE. CPRES.

April 20, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -

Dear Maryanne,

My mother and I purchased a home in Lemon Grove last year and it has been very quiet until recently. There is a lot of construction going on lately and the cars are being diverted past our home. We are now interested in finding solutions to creating a quiet and peaceful environment without moving.

Thelma S. & Joy L.

Lemon Grove, CA

East County News Service

March 28, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- April activities include Lake Jennings Spring Carnival, a Star Party at Mission Trails, a Spring EggStravaganza, a warbirds event in El Cajon, Cajon Classic Cruise celebrating its centennial season, live music at the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room in La Mesa, Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa, Earth Day celebrations in La Mesa and Jacumba Hot Springs,a heavenly harp concert near Mission Trails, Lakeside’s Rodeo and Western Days Parade, and a Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival at the Water Conservation Garden.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By David R. Shorey

Photo credit:  CC by SA

East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

April 1, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) - If you were to open my medicine cabinet today, you would probably find a few bottles of prescription medication that I stopped using or didn’t need to finish. Perhaps I’ve forgotten I have them for pain medication, or I might be saving them for an “emergency.” Unfortunately, the availability of excess medication contributes to the problem with prescription medication abuse in the United States.

East County News Service

March 19, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes the 1000 Lights water lantern festival at Santee Lakes, Les Miserables at Steele Canyon High School, Latin vocal star Roberto Carlos at San Diego State University, and Off Broadway Live’s The Bridge in Santee.

Plus we’ll have a preview of April activities including Julian Gold Rush Days, Meet the Winemaker Weekend, the Catfish Opener at Santee Lakes, Lake Jennings Spring Carnival, a Star Party at Mission Trails, a Spring EggStravaganza, a warbirds event in El Cajon, Cajon Class Cruise celebrating its centennial season, live music at the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room in La Mesa, Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa, Earth Day celebrations in La Mesa and Jacumba Hot Springs,a heavenly harp concert near Mission Trails, Lakeside’s Rodeo and Western Days Parade, and a Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival at the Water Conservation Garden.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Maryanne Jackson, Real Estate Broker CNE. CPRES.

March 6, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -

Dear Maryanne,

My partner and I need to jazz up our home. Although we have no plans to move any time soon.

We need ideas. What are the latest home staging trends that would not cost us a fortune and require a building permit?

Marella K. in Grossmont

By Maryanne Jackson Real Estate Broker CNE, CPRES.

February 28, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)

Dear Maryanne,

My husband and I purchased a home last year in East County. My husband is currently Active Duty Military and we used his VA benefits to purchase the home. We have a large area in our fenced in rear yard that has been perfect for growing vegetables.

I have an honorable discharge from the military due to an injury, because of this injury I am subject to constant pain. I have been managing the inflammation and pain flare ups with my medical marijuana license that enables me to purchase the amount of vapor inserts that I need. The cost has become staggering to buy the medical marijuana that I need as it is not covered under my TRI CARE health insurance.

Last spring, I decided to take matters into my own hands and planted several marijuana plants. I have a green thumb to say the least. The plants are getting huge and I am planning on using the dried leaves to offset my cost. Upon my husband’s last visit home from sea he was mowing the grass and noticed the plants. He is concerned that he could get arrested or kicked out of the military for the plants growing on our private property.

Do you know where we stand on this? After all, marijuana has been legalized now in California and I do have a medical marijuana license.

A.J. Lakeside, CA.

By Maryanne Jackson

Image credit: Pixabay

February 18, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)

Dear Maryanne,

My wife and I are starting to consider options for retirement communities as we are getting on in age. The simple things have become more challenging for us to perform and despite our love for our home we feel it is time to start our search. We are looking for any suggestions you can offer for us as we start our investigating.

--J. Mount Helix

By Maryanne Jackson

February 10, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)

Dear Maryanne,

My wife and I are considering selling our home in Spring Valley and purchasing a larger home in the same area. We will need to use the proceeds from the sale to upsize.

Is it recommended to hire a home inspector prior to putting our home up for sale?

If so, what is the advantage of us putting the $450 out to do this? Will the buyer still need to get their own home inspection during the escrow investigation process?

--Eric J., Spring Valley, CA

East County News Service

January 29, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Baron’s backroom beer pairing, a powwow at Cuyamaca College, the Lunar New Year at Barona, and Hawk Watch in Ramona

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions just in time for Valentine’s Day including a group wedding vow renewal at Parkway Plaza, Cupids and Canines at Grossmont Center, and KISS in concert at SDSU. There are also theatrical productions, open farm day at the Oasis Camel Dairy, a Borrego historical tour and living history presentation on the de Anza expedition.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Maryanne Jackson

January 25, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) 

Dear Maryanne, 

My fiancé and I have been renting our apartment in La Mesa for two years. Our lease is coming up for renewal and, once again our landlord is raising our rent.

Should we renew our lease and pay the increase in rent? Or, should we start to look at purchasing our own place to avoid this constant increase in rent year after year? 

-- Melissa M., La Mesa, CA