El Cajon

CAJON VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING GETS HEATED OVER YMCA CAMP CONTRACT

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch full video

June 22, 2023 (El Cajon) – Last Tuesday, staff and parents with opposing views came to the Cajon Valley School Board meeting to be heard. With well over 200 people in attendance the Cajon Valley boardroom was overflowing with outrage and passion. LGBTQ  rights were at the forefront of the debate.


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SWORD-WIELDING MAN PROMPTS SWAT TEAM STANDOFF IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2023 (El Cajon )  -- A man who swung a sword at neighbors and threatened violence prompted a SWAT team to respond today ending in his arrest 

Around 8 a.m., El Cajon Police began receiving calls reporting a man swinging a large sword at people in the parking lot of 1018 East Lexington.

“The man with the sword went back inside an apartment, and then returned to the parking lot making threats to shoot people, while simulating a gun in his waistband,” says Lieutenant Jeremiah Larson, adding that no gun was seen by any of the victims or witnesses.


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EL CAJON MAY MIRROR SAN DIEGO’S BAN ON HOMELESS CAMPING

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  former homeless camp in unincorporated El Cajon later cleared by the County, which opened a safe parking lot on the site

June 22, 2023 (San Diego) – El Cajon’s City Council voted unanimously on June 13 to direct staff to draft an ordinance prohibiting camping on any public property, such as sidewalks and parks.  The ordinance would mirror a similar, controversial ordinance adopted by the San Diego City Council 5-4 on the same date.


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I-8 REOPENS AFTER MURRAY FIRE HALTED

Story and photos by Josh Stotler

Photo, left: Crews battle the heat and smoke of the Murray fire Tuesday afternoon.

 

June 20, 2023 (El Cajon)-- A small vegetation fire was sparked off Interstate 8 near Murray Drive and Dennstedt Place in El Cajon this afternoon. While East County crews were battling two other wildland fires, calls came into Heartland Fire & Rescue’s dispatch just after 2:20 p.m. reporting a fire on the hill adjacent to Grossmont High School.

Engines were sent to the scene and Interstate 8 was closed to westbound traffic as crews battled the flames.


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MURRAY FIRE HALTS TROLLEY, BLOCKS LANES ON I-8 IN EAST COUNTY

June 20, 2023 (El Cajon) -- A brush fire burning between Interstate 8 and Murray Drive has charred several acres, threatening homes.  The fire began near Murray Drive and Dennstedt Place, El Cajon.

It is reportedly burning at a slow rate of spread, however some homes are threatened, based on scanner traffic.

CalTrans reports that three lanes of westbound I-8 are closed in the vicinity.

MTS announced that the Green Line trolley cannot travel between Amaya Drive and the El Cajon Transit Center, so a bus bridge will be implemented for riders.


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LAMAR ODOM OPENS ODOM WELLNESS TREATMENT CENTERS IN EL CAJON AND LEMON GROVE

By Jessyka Heredia

View interview on Youtube

June 12, 2023 (El Cajon) -- On Thursday, ECM sat down with former Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball star Lamar Odom and Dontae Ralston, Executive Director / Founder of West Urban Outreach in El Cajon, to talk about their new substance abuse treatment centers called Odom Wellness Treatment Centers set in a residential recovery environment.

There are three treatment centers expected to open in San Diego County at this time. El Cajon and Lemon Grove as well as one in the city of San Diego. 

When asked about the type of clients they will be servicing, Odom said, “I’m sure we will have a high-profile celebrity clientele, but of course anybody is welcome with a substance abuse problem. Addiction doesn’t discriminate, so we’ll be ready to help them.”

Odom said his inspiration to open these treatment centers was due to his own very public battle with addiction. Odom told ECM that when he overdosed, he had “12 strokes and six heart attacks,” adding that his purpose is “to help people.” At the time of his near-fatal overdose in 2015, Odom had just retired from the NBA and was going through a divorce with Khloe Kardashian.


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VAN DRIVER KILLED IN EAST COUNTY CRASH

 

Update June 19, 2023  --The Medical Examiner has identified the victim as Christopher Dembowski.

East Count News Service

June 12, 2023 (El Cajon) – A 43-year-old El Cajon was killed in solo-vehicle crash Friday around 6:45 p.m. at the junction of State Route 67 and Interstate 8 in unincorporated El Cajon.

He was driving a 2010 Ford Econoline van on the ramp from SR-67 southbound onto westbound I-8 when for unknown reasons, the vehicle veered right off the roadway and struck a yellow and black advisory sign, then crashed into a tree.


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EL CAJON HISTORICAL SOCIETY CELEBRATES GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY JUNE 24

East County News Service

June 12, 2023 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Historical Society is hosting an open house to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The public is invited to commemorate this special occasion on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knox House Museum, 280 North Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon.


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEW WITH LOCAL LEADERS HELPING REFUGEES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: East County Magazine Radio Show host Miriam Raftery,  Dilkhwaz Ahmed, CEO of License to Freedom, and Bob Gan, Co-Chair of Welcome Home in San Diego

June 3, 2023 (San Diego) – San Diego is a national hub for refugees fleeing war and persecution from nations around the world. Welcome Home in San Diego and License to Freedom in El Cajon are two organizations helping people who have been legally designated as refugees. 

Recently, ECM Editor Miriam Raftery interviewed Bob Gan,Co-Chair of Welcome Home locally and Dilkhwaz Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of License to Freedom. 

You can hear our full interview, originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM radio, by clicking the audio link, or scroll down for highlights to learn how you can help these nonprofit organzations welcoming new Americans.

Audio: 


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LA MESA-EL CAJON AAUW BRANCH TO INSTALL 2023-24 OFFICERS AND FEATURE GUEST SPEAKER DR. HEATHER HAEGER, RESEARCHER IN STEM EDUCATION

Source:  AAUW

May 29, 2023 (La Mesa/El Cajon) - The June 10, 2023 installation meeting of the La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women will be held at the Bay Club Hotel and Marina at 2131 Shelter Island Dr. in San Diego. The luncheon meeting begins at 11:00 and dress is Tropical. The new officers will be led by President Elect, Jane Drinkwalter. For more information, lunch selections and reservations go to AAUW La Mesa-El Cajon (CA) Branch. The cost of the luncheon is $40.00.


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MOVIES IN THE PARK: ON SCREEN AT PARKS COUNTYWIDE

By Miriam Raftery

May 27, 2023  (San Diego’s East County) – The County of San Diego is kicking off its annual movies in the park, which this year features 150 movies at dozens of parks across the County.  Bring the family—along with blankets and lawn chairs—to cozy up for a night under the stars.

The season opens this Memorial Day weekend at Waterfront Park downtown and runs through October.  East  County and inland locations include Anza Borrego,Campo, El Cajon, Encanto, Escondido, Julian , Lakeside,  La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Pine Valley,  Potrero, Poway, Ramona, Rancho Penasquitos, Rolando, San Carlos, and Spring Valley.

Theme weekends have also been scheduled, including Juneteenth (June 16 and 17), Comic-Con (July 21-22), Ladies Night (Aug. 12), International Dog Day (Aug. 25 and 26), Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) and Halloween (late October).


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EPA ALLOCATES HALF MILLION DOLLARS FOR CLEANUP OF POLLUTED SITES IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

May 27, 2023 (El Cajon) – The Biden-Harris administration has announced over $4.8 million in grants to Southern California to cleanup polluted brown field sites and provide technical assistance. That includes a $500,000 grant to the East County Economic Development Council Foundation to address contamination cleanup in the city of El Cajon.

According to the EPA site, the target area for this grant is the 1.4-square-mile El Cajon Opportunity Zone Corridor. Priority sites include a 1.1-acre former commercial and lumber operation; a 3.06-acre former ice house, lumber operation, and garage; and several sites formerly used for auto repair centers, a dry cleaner, a gas station, and a current restaurant and motel.

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego) says, “Safely cleaning up and reinvesting in properties with potentially hazardous materials strengthens our local tax base, promotes job growth, and protects public health and the environment. That’s why I’m so glad East County Economic Development Council Foundation will receive a much-needed $500,000 from the EPA to invest in properties and frontline communities that have been ignored and neglected for far too long.”


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MOTHER ARRESTED FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT AFTER OVERDOSE IN EL CAJON MOTEL

East County News Service

 

May 26, 2023 (El Cajon) – A woman staying an El Cajon motel paid for by a county program for the homeless overdosed on Fentanyl this afternoon. 


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SUPERVISOR ANDERSON AWARDS GRANT TO CITY OF EL CAJON FOR MOBILE CAMERA TRAILERS

East County News Service

 

May 25, 2023 (El  Cajon) --  County Supervisor Joel Anderson, who represents El Cajon at the Board of Supervisors, has awarded a grant of more than $40,000 grant to the City of El Cajon through the Neighborhood Reinvestment Program (NRP). The City plans to use the funds to purchase mobile camera trailers for its law enforcement agencies.


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NEW BASKETBALL COURTS OPEN MAY 25 AT WELLS PARK

Source: City of El Cajon

Image: CC by SA

May 22, 2023 (El Cajon) - New basketball courts at Wells Park (1153 E Madison Ave, El Cajon) will open on May 25 with a ribbon-cutting at 4 p.m. The 18-acre park was built in 1953 and is in the middle of the City’s most population-dense residential housing area.


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OVER 160 POT-BELLIED PIGS RESCUED IN EAST COUNTY

Story and photos by Shiloh Ireland

Photo,left: Several of the rescued pigs

May 21, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Over 160 pot-bellied pigs, many with medical needs, have been rescued from an owner in the Blossom Valley community in unincorporated El Cajon. 

As of May 19, the pigs were being cared for in two secure locations that asked that their locations not be disclosed. On May 13, ECM visited one of the sanctuaries that is providing care including proper nutrition, medical and socialization in hopes that these future pets may be adoptable in three or four months.


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MARTHA AND JOHN KING ENTER WOMEN IN AVIATION INTERNATIONAL PIONEER HALL OF FAME

East County News Service

May 17, 2023 (San Diego) -- "I hang around with Martha."  That's how John King introduces himself when he and Martha take the stage at public events. It proved to be true in a new sense in February, when the Kings were inducted together into Women in Aviation International's Pioneer Hall of Fame earlier this month. John King found himself the first and only man in the company of more than 100 trailblazing women -- the likes of Amelia Earhart, Anne Morrow Lindbergh and astronaut Sally Ride -- who have made their marks in the history of aviation.


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VICTIMS KILLED AT AIR BNB IN UNINCORPORATED EL CAJON IDENTIFIED

East County News Service

May 16, 2023 (El Cajon) –

 

The San Diego County Medical Examiner has identified two homicide victims killed in unincorporated El Cajon on April 27 and determined that gunshot wounds caused their deaths.


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INTERNATIONAL GROCERY CHAIN ALDI OPENS AT PARKWAY PLAZA ALONG WITH 14 NEW LOCAL RETAILERS

Parkway Plaza continues to be a community staple for shopping and retail in El Cajon

East County News Service

May 16, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Parkway Plaza, El Cajon’s regional shopping mall, announces the addition of ALDI to their store directory. The new grocery option is 23,693 square feet, located near Home Goods and Best Buy. The enclosed shopping center currently houses over 130 retailers featuring a balanced mix of popular retailers like H&M and ULTA, as well as specialty shops and local businesses. 


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GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA MUSIC ALLIANCE HOSTS STUDENT BENEFIT CONCERT MAY 25

East County News Service

May 10, 2023 (El Cajon) – You’re invited to an evening of musical celebration to bridge the gap between student success and equity, raising funds for students studying musical arts.  Nationally renowned musical artists will join students from Grossmont and Cuyamaca Community colleges and other local musicians at this inaugural event on Thursday, May 25 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center at Cuyamaca College.


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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE

East County News Service

May 7, 2023 (El Cajon) - ‘Tis the merry month of May, and Shakespeare’s hilarious fairytale about the fickleness of love comes to life in the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre just in time for spring. Spend the evening in an enchanted forest filled with fairies, a quartet of confused royals, and a troupe of actors desperately trying to put on a play for the king. 


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EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS LACROSSE: TWO HAT TRICKS FOR EAGLES IN END-OF-SEASON WIN

Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
May 3, 2023 (El Cajon) - Last night, ECM Sports took in the boys on the lacrosse pitch, so tonight, we checked in on the ladies as we went to El Cajon to take in the lady Eagles as they hosted the lady Vaqueros from El Capitan in the last game of the regular season.  Both squads are having outstanding seasons; the Eagles are 12-4 overall with a 9-2 record in the Grossmont League.  The Vaqueros are an incredible 14-4 overall and 10-3 in league.

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FOLLOWING UNPRECEDENTED WINTER RAINS, EL CAJON LAUNCHES POTHOLE CHALLENGE

East County News Service 

April 24, 2023 (El Cajon) - After record rainfalls across Southern California this winter, potholes are a massive issue for commuters everywhere. The City of El Cajon is taking on the issue of potholes head-on. Last week, the City challenged residents and businesses through a social media video to track down and report as many potholes as possible using the My El Cajon app. This week, the City is keeping up with its commitment to its residents by addressing every reported issue and filling hundreds of potholes across the city streets. 


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EL CAJON POLICE RELEASES VIDEO WITH TIPS TO SPOT SKIMMERS, AVOID ID THEFT

East County News Service

April 22, 2023 (El Cajon) – After ECM reported on EBT scams involving skimming devices,  El Cajon Police Department revealed that it’s recovered 12 skimmers from retailers in the city and released a video with tips for consumers to avoid ID theft wherever you slide a credit card or EBT card.

ECPD included this message: 


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THREE DEAD IN EL CAJON HOUSE FIRE

By Miriam Raftery 
 
April 21, 2023 (El Cajon) – Three people have died and a fourth suffered injuried sustained in a fire that started shortly before midnight on April 20 at a home in the 900 block of North Anza Street in unincorporated El Cajon.

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EL CAJON REVOKES PERMIT FOR MOTEL WHERE ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT OCCURRED

By Miriam Raftery

April 19, 2023 (El Cajon) — El Cajon’s planning commissioners have voted unanimously to revoke the approved status of the Motel 6 on Montrose Court after two registered sex offenders were arrested for alleged sexual assault of an under-age girl. 


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MAN DIES OF FLESH-EATING BACTERIA FROM POND IN JULIAN

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of ECM news partner NBC 7

April 18, 2023 (Julian) - An El Cajon handyman who waded into a pond left by rainwater in Julian to retrieve his dog contracted a rare flesh-eating bacteria.


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MAN ARRESTED IN EL CAJON DIES IN VISTA DETENTION FACILITY

By Miriam Raftery

April 18, 2023 (El Cajon) — Eddie Faulkner, 53, was arrested by El Cajon Police on November 7th last year on charges of failing to register as a sex offender and parole revocation. Last night, he died in the Vista Detention Facility.


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EL CAJON HOLDS FIRST TOWN HALL MEETING ADDRESSING THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS

 


By Daniela Torres

Video by ECM interns Daniela Torres and Jacob Pamus


April 14, 2023 (El Cajon)-- The first of four town halls in order to address homelessness in El Cajon was held on April 4, amidst concerns from the city’s residents.

 

Outrage and controversy have been sparked after the arrests of two sex offenders at a Motel 6 last month for allegedly sexually assaulting an underage girl. The offenders were placed there under the People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) motel voucher program funded by the County of San Diego.


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SCAMMERS TARGET EBT CARDS, BUT GOVERNMENT WON’T REIMBURSE PANDEMIC BENEFITS STOLEN

By Miriam Raftery

April 13, 2023 (El Cajon) – Robert Gehr, a senior citizen in El Cajon, was shocked to discover when he went shopping for groceries at Food 4 Less in El Cajon that $1,118 in CalFresh benefits had been stolen off of his Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.  Since he had only used the card at that store, Gehr and police believe he was a victim of a skimmer device attached by a thief to the store’s card reader.

The County has only reimbursed$120 for the most recent month’s benefits—and Gehr may never see the rest of his stolen benefits returned—benefits that he’d been saving up for months Such scams are alarmingly prevelant -- and hit hard on vulnerable recipients, including low-income individuals, seniors on fixed incomes, and disabled people.

Bianca Sosa-Graciano, program specialist at Self-Sufficiency Services with the County’s Health & Human Services Agency, told ECM that scammers ripping off benefits on EBT cards is a “nationwide issue at this time.”


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