By Miriam Raftery

File photo: Snow on Sunrise Highway, Mt. Laguna

February 21, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – A severe storm moving into our area is forecast to bring heavy rains across most of the county, along with high winds and substantial snow in mountain areas today through Wednesday.  Snowfall is forecast to dip below 4,000 feet, including portions of Interstate 8 east of Alpine.

Mount Laguna could get up to a foot and a half of snow, with six to eight inches forecast for Julian.  The blizzard could create white-out conditions in snowy areas, so avoid travel if possible. Frost is forecast for some valley areas including Ramona and Escondido.

Gusts of up to 70 miles per hour are forecast in mountains and in desert areas such as Borrego and Ocotillo Wells.

By Miriam Raftery

February 13, 2022 (Alpine) – High winds howled through Alpine this week, causing damage to homes over multiple days.

In the Loving Life Alpine group on Facebook, residents posted descriptions and photos, including some also sent to ECM via email.

Brandon Hamilton came home on Thursday, February 10^th  to find his propane barbecue submerged in his swimming pool. (photo, left)   

His post prompted quips from neighbors who posted quips about a BBQ pool party and a need for snorkels.

Elizabeth Livingston wrote, “Lost all of my carport.” Her damage occurred on Sunday, February 6, she told ECM. (photo, right)

Lisa Dawn Reese described the scenario as “hurricane force winds.”

Source: Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Murals

February 9, 2022 (Ramona) -- Looking for some fun exercise? How about a walk to view Ramona’s murals and count the hidden hearts? Then check out your blood pressure and maybe win a home blood pressure monitor. And it will all be good for your heart (or H.E.A.R.T.)

January 31, 2022 -- A septic truck has overturned on Highway 78 at Yaqui Wells.

The injury accident has shut down the highway in both directions this morning.

Insurance coverage will be available starting February 1st for farm owners, wineries, and other outdoor businesses previously ineligible  

East County News Service

January 21, 2022 (Sacramento) -- Acting to address the growing needs for a competitive insurance market for farm owners, wineries, ranchers and other outdoor agricultural businesses, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today approved the FAIR Plan to offer new commercial coverage for farm structure risks starting February 1, 2022. The FAIR Plan is an association made up of all admitted insurance companies to be the state’s property “insurer of last resort.”

East County News Service

January 11, 2022 (Ramona) – The Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit is investigating a deadly fire in Ramona. 

The fire was reported in an accessory dwelling unit shortly before 8:30 this morning in the 2200 block of Montecito Road. 

“When deputies from the Ramona Sheriff's Substation arrived on the scene, they met with the reporting party who told them someone may be inside the burning structure.  Within minutes, firefighters from the Ramona CAL FIRE Station arrived and began to put out the flames,” says Sergeant Greg Hampton. 

East County News Service

January 9, 2022 (Ramona) – Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona has three Open Farm Day tour dates in January on Sunday the 16^th as well as Saturday January 22 and 29.

The tours run from 12 to 2 p.m.  In addition to the outdoor tour of the facility, the admission fee ($15, children 3 and under free) includes treats to feed camels and miniature sheep.

Camel rides are also available for an additional fee. You can also shop for gifts such as camel milk soaps, bath products and more.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

January 4, 2022 (Alpine) – The driver of a blue Peterbuilt truck towing a double-axle flatbed Fontaine trailer was killed in an accident this afternoon on I-8 east of Dunbar Lane in Alpine.  All but one lane remains closed and a SIG Alert has been issued due to traffic delays of an hour or more.

According to Officer Travis Garrow with the California Highway Patrol, the as yet unidentified man applied the brakes and a load of steel sheet pile beams shifted forward, penetrating the back of the truck and impaling the driver.

By Miriam Raftery

December 26, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – Heavy snowfall is forecast Monday, along with wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour in San Diego’s mountain areas.  Snow is forecast to blanket local mountain communities including Pine Valley and Julian. Above 4,500 feet, four to eight inches of snow are forecast, with up to 16 inches above 6,500 feet at the highest peaks in San Bernadino and Riverside counties. 

By Miriam Raftery

December 14, 2021 (San Diego) – A powerful storm moving down from Orange and San Bernadino Counties into the San Diego region has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a high wind warning for San Diego County’s mountain and desert aeras, with gusts up to 70 miles per hour. A wind advisory is in effect for inland valleys. Along the coast, a gale warning and high surf advisory have been issued locally.

Snow is forecast late today and tonight down to 3,500 feet which could include areas such as Pine Valley and Descanso in addition to places at higher elevations such as Julian, Cuyamaca, Mount Laguna, and Palomar Mountain. If you must travel in the mountains, carry chains and be aware of hazardous conditions.

Flash floods are also possible late today and tomorrow as heavy rains pelt our region. Cleveland National Forest reminds drivers to turn around and don’t drive across flooded roadways, since even shallow swift-moving water can quickly sweep a vehicle downstream to deeper waters.

Update December 15, 2021 - Only a trace of snow fell at high elevations. There was no snow left in Julian as of  late morning, per the Julian webcam, and less than an inch at Mt. Laguna, per a representative of the Laguan Mountain Lodge.

By Miriam Raftery 

December 13, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – A winter storm is forecast to bring rain across our region starting today, with snow Tuesday in San Diego County’s mountainregions reaching elevations as low as 3,500 feet. 

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

(Photo—(L) Pine Valley PO – Postmaster Jessie Rose Hoffman. Depicting & shot by Jessie Rose Hoffman)

December 10, 2021 (Pine Valley) -- Pine Valley Postmaster Jessie Rose Hoffman brings holiday cheer to her community. She is Pine Valley’s postal “Elf”, delivering seasonal joy to all and most likely working harder than any elf in Santa’s workshop.

By Kiki Skagen Munshi

December 4, 2021 (Julian) -- Julian’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah will take place on Sunday, December 12, in the Julian Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. and all are welcome.  This is a community event, free of charge though donations are welcome. 

East County News Service

Photo via Cal Fire Twitter feed

November 27, 2021 (Ramona) – The medical examiner has identified the woman found dead after a fire at her home as Deborah Ann Hester, 61.

Based on preliminary law enforcement investigation, on the early morning hours of November 15^th, Hester called 9-1-1 and requested emergency assistance due to a fire at her residence. San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the decedent’s residence at 566 Telford Lane in Ramona and heard her screaming for help.