Mountains

RAMONA WOMAN ARRESTED ON WEAPONS CHARGES

By East County News Service
 
October 17, 2024 (Ramona) -- A Ramona woman is behind bars on numerous weapons charges, says Sergeant Kristy Trampus with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

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RAMONA ART, WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPANDS OFFERINGS AT NOVEMBER 2 EVENT TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY MURALS

By East County News Service

 

October 16, 2024 (Ramona, CA) -- The Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival will expand music performances to include live music on four stages, add beer and hard cider tastings, and introduce food and beer for purchase at its 12th annual festival on November 2 at Begent Ranch,18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona.


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JULIAN PERFORMING ARTS PRESENTS THE FANTASTICKS MUSICAL OCT. 11-20

By East County News Service
 
October 12, 2024 (Julian) – The Fantasticks is the longest running production in American theater, since its debut in May 1960 at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York.  The musical features a timeless fable of love that is both nostalgic and universal, transcending cultural barriers.

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JULIAN WONDERFEST OCT. 26: WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS, A STAR PARTY AND MORE

By East County News Service
 
October 12, 2024 (Julian) — Julian Wonderfest offers free awe-inspiring activities from
wildlife encounters, music, and art by day to an evening star party to view the night skies.

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SIT-N-FIT IS BACK

Wednesdays 11 a.m. Julian Library
 
 
September 23, 2024 (Julian) -- Join Matt Kraemer from Alpine Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, Inc., Wednesday mornings from 11 a.m. to noon at Julian Library for a chair exercise program incorporating stretching, resistance, and balance activities.

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RAMONA SCHOOL THREAT UNFOUNDED, SHERIFF SAYS

East County News Service

September 13, 2024 (Ramona) –Yesterday morning before 9 a.m., the Ramona Sheriff's Substation was notified by Olive Pierce Middle School about a threat of a possible school shooting. After an investigation, authorities have concluded the threat was unfounded.

Deputies arrived at the school within minutes. For the safety of students and staff, school administrators made the decision to place the school on a limited lockdown while deputies investigated the incident.    

After a thorough search of the entire campus, deputies did not find anything suspicious at Olive Pierce Middle School. No one was hurt.

Out of an abundance of caution, deputies also conducted security sweeps at Ramona High School and Ramona Community Montessori School and provided extra patrols at all three campuses until the end of the school day.


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HEAT BREAKS ALL-TIME RECORDS

By Miriam Raftery

 

September 9, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Yesterday’s sweltering temperatures broke numerous all-time temperatures across our region, as the heat wave continues today with triple-digit  temperatures. New high temperature records for September 8 were set in several local communities, including some that have been keeping track of weather records for over a century:

 

LOCATION             NEW RECORD         OLD RECORD        PERIOD OF RECORD

ESCONDIDO             109                        104 in 1944              1893

RAMONA                   110                        103 in 2018              1974

ALPINE                      105                        104 in 1984              1951

EL CAJON                 108                        104 in 1984              1899

 

The highest minimum temperatures on record were also raised. San Diego tied  a record set back in 1875, with the low temperature a balmy 75 degrees. The follow communities also raised the record for highest minimum temperatures:


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NINE ORPHANED COYOTES RELEASED INTO WILD IN JULIAN AREA

East County News Service
 
Photo, left courtesy of Project Wildlife: Six of the coyote pups, prior to release
 
September 7, 2024 (Julian) -- Nine orphaned coyotes are back in the wild where they belong after being raised at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. Project Wildlife’s staff released the coyotes on the Eagle Peak Preserve near Julian, in collaboration with the San Diego River Park Foundation.

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CALTRANS COMPLETES IMPROVEMENTS TO STATE ROUTE 67 IN RAMONA

Source: Caltrans
 
September 6, 2024 (Ramona) -- Users of State Route 67 (SR-67) can now enjoy the benefits of the completed Pavement Rehabilitation Project, which stretches 18 miles within the San Vicente Corridor from Lakeside to the community of Ramona. The goals of the project were to repair distressed pavement and improve ride quality, restore the roadway to a state of good repair, reduce maintenance, extend the life of the existing pavement, and add safety improvements.

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CRUSH IT AT THE JULIAN GRAPE STOMP FESTA ON SEPT. 7

East County News Service

September 1, 2024 (Julian) – Doff your shoes and toast to a fall tradition at the 27th annual Julian Grape Stomp Festa.  This juicy event will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at  Menghini Winery,1150Julian Orchards Drive in Julian.

In addition to stomping grapes in the Italian old world tradition, you can savor winetasting from several local wineries, enjoy beer and hard cider tastings, live music, food vendors, shop for merchandise, play corn hole, let the kids play games and jump in a bounce house, and take home a souvenir wine glass. Inspired by the famous “I Love Lucy” grape-stomping episode, there wll also be a Lucy look alike contest with a $100 prize.


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OPEN FARM TOURS AT OASIS CAMEL DAIRY IN RAMONA SEPT. 4 AND 14

East County News Service

September 1, 2024 (Ramona)—Enjoy live camel and talking  bird shows, meet camels and feed them treats during open farm days at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona.  The next tours are September 4 and 14 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

You can also enjoy camel milk products such as artisan soaps, lotions, chocolates,and camel milk to drink.


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ARRESTS MADE FOR ASSAULT, ROBBERY IN RAMONA

Investigation leads to discovery of illegal firearms
 
East County News Service
 
August 28, 2024 (Ramona) – Two suspects are under arrest for allegedly stealing items at the Stars gas station in Ramona and assaulting employees on August 10 shortly before 3:30 a.m.
 
This morning, deputies served a search warrant related to the robbery investigation. During a search of a home in the 1700 block of San Vicente Road, Deputies located items connected to the robbery while searching the home. They also found two privately manufactured firearms, commonly referred to as ghost guns, says Sergeant Sean Gallagher.

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LIVING HISTORY PRESENTATION ON MOUNT LAGUNA AUGUST 31 AND SEPT.1

East County News Service

August 8,2024 (Mount Laguna)—The Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association will present its 35th annual Living History Presentation at Mount Laguna’s Red-Tailed Roost, located at 10401 Sunrise High near mile marker 22.5.  

The program will be held Saturday, August 31 (9 a.m.to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and again on Sunday, September 1 (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)


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TWO COUNTY PARKS IN EAST COUNTY CLOSE FOR AUGUST DUE TO HIGH HEAT

 

Photo: El Capitan County Preserve

By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office

August 7, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)-- Due to triple-digit temperatures, two County parks will be closed for the month of August. They are El Capitan County Preserve in Lakeside and Mt. Gower County Preserve in Ramona.

These locations have difficult trails that end in isolated areas. They also offer very limited shade which can lead to dangerous conditions during major heat events. They join two desert parks that are already closed for the summer due to extreme heat: Vallecito and Agua Caliente County Parks.


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WALDRON BILL WOULD CREATE SPECIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING DISTRICTS IN SEVERE FIRE ZONES

By Miriam Raftery

August 2, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – AB 1819, a measure by Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R-Valley Center) would authorize counties to create special infrastructure financing districts in high or very high fire hazard severity zones.  These districts would fund wildfire mitigation apparatus and infrastructure including new heavy equipment to clear vegetation, create firebreaks, and harden utility infrastructure against wildfires.

 “As climate change progresses, our state is affected by longer, more intense, and increasingly hazardous wildfires. In San Diego alone, almost one-fourth of all wildfires start from the combustion of roadside vegetation by vehicles. It is crucial to have the proper firefighting equipment to prevent wildfires,” a statement by Waldron in the  Senate Floor analysis.“Obtaining funding to increase prevention response and fire-fighting equipment. backcountry areas has been difficult. The creation of an infrastructure financing district for this purpose will raise the necessary funding without the need to raise taxes.”

The bill has passed the Assembly unanimously (with several members absent) and is currently awaiting action in the Senate Appropriations Committee.  All legislative business must be concluded by August 31, the last day of the legislative session.


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EVACUATIONS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY AS NIXON FIRE REACHES 4,941 ACRES

Update Aug. 3, 2024: All evacuation warnings have been lifted for the  #Nixon Fire. Cal Fire investigators have found the cause was a privately owned electrical panel.

Update Aug. 2, 2024:The #NixonFire is 21% contained at 5,222 acres.  The cause was a malfunctioning electrical panel at a private residence, Cal Fire reports. The evacuation center at Temecula Valley High School, 31555 Rancho Vista Rd., Temecula, CA 92592 closed today and a reception and care center will open at Hamilton High School in Anza at 9 a.m. today. Operating hours will be at 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. beginning Saturday.

Update Aug. 1, 2024:  The #NixonFire is 14% contained and is now 5,194 acres.  Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

July 31, 2024  (San Diego's East County) -- An evacuation warning has been issued for parts of San Diego County near Warner Springs due to the fast-moving #NixonFire which started in Riverside County.  Residents should be prepared to evacuate if needed. For fire maps and updated evacuation details, visit alertsandiego.org/en-us.html and shorturl.at/DNmFH, the San Diego Sheriff advises. 

The #NixonFire is 4,941 acres and 5% contained, burning to the south and east in rugged terrain. Overnight,a spot fire briefly crossed the county line into San Diego County,but was extinguished by firefighters.

At least 7 homes have burned in Riverside County, NBC 7 reports.


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EAST COUNTY REALTOR COLLECTING NEW SHOES FOR FOSTER YOUTHS

East County News Service



July 24, 2024 (Alpine) – The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), one of San Diego’s largest trade associations for San Diego-area realtors, is applauding the volunteer efforts of PSAR member and Alpine resident Jeff Campbell who is collecting new shoes, newborn to size 13, for foster children until August 17.


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BLOOD DONATION EVENT AT VIEJAS CASINO AUGUST 15

By Jonathan Goetz
 
ECM Copilot prompt contributed to this article.
 
July 29, 2024 (Alpine) -- Viejas Casino is hosting a blood donation drive, Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Viejas Bingo Parking Lot, 5003 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901.

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NIXON FIRE NOW 3,500 ACRES: 2,000 HOMES AT RISK IN RIVERSIDE AND SAN DIEGO COUNTIES

 

Update 8:30 p.m.The Nixon Fire has swelled to 3,500 acres, per pilot estimates reported on Watch Duty App.  A helitanker will be working the fire through the night, though some other air drops have been halted overnight. Winds have been shifting and there is no containment as darkness falls.

Per Cal Fire, nearly 2,000 residences are affected by evacuation orders and warnings.  This includes Sunshine Summit in San Diego County, where residents report Sheriff's deputies advising them to evacuate tonight, as well as in Aguanga, Cahuillo and possibly other communities in this rapidly evolving situation.

 

Update 6 p.m.-- The fire is now 1,000, burning into Beauty Mountain Wilderness. Homes remain threatened.  Additional large air tankers and other resources have been requestesd by the incident commander, Watch Duty app reports.

By Miriam Raftery

July 29, 2024 (Aguanga, CA) – A fast moving brush fire that started between Aguanga and Anza is threatening numerous homes and has sparked evacuation orders and warnings in Aguanga and on the Cahuilla reservation.  The fire in Riverside County is just over the San Diego County line, a few miles of Warner Springs.

It is burning eastward and per Cal Fire is currently around 295 acres with 0% containment. 

An evacuation center has been opened at Temecula Valley High School (31555 Rancho Vistas Rd., Temecula).  Animal services will be on site to assist with animals.

The fire has a dangerous rate of spread,per the incident commander and news photographers on site.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: PINE VALLEY DAYS PARADE

 
July 29, 2024 (Pine Valley) -- I returned to the Annual Pine Valley Days Parade in Pine Valley on Saturday, July 27. The Mountain Empire is always welcoming and friendly and the small community pride was evident. Starting at 9 a.m., the parade traveled down old Highway 80 from Pine Valley Road to Pine Blvd. The parade entries included equestrian, bands, clowns, old cars, fire trucks and many others.
 
After the parade, the fun commenced at the Pine Valley County Park, where attractions included a, bounce houses for kids, music, horse shoe tournament, market place with over 30 vendors and of course, food. The events lasted all day until early evening.

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FLASH FLOOD WARNING UNTIL 7PM INCLUDING CAMPO, MT. LAGUNA, PINE VALLEY AND JACUMBA

By Jonathan Goetz

July 24, 2024 (Campo) -- The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning in effect until 7 p.m. this evening for areas including Pine Valley, Campo, Jacumba, Boulevard and Mount Laguna. 


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HIGH HEAT TODAY, THUNDERSTORMS FORECAST EARLY THIS WEEK

Substantially cooler temperatures expected starting Thursday
 
East County News Service
 
July 21, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Extreme heat is forecast Sunday, followed by thunderstorms with dangerous lightning activity in San Diego County’s mountains and deserts.

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FIRE KILLS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CHICKENS AT DEMLER BROTHERS EGG RANCH, SITE OF 2019 ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATION

East County News Service
 
Photo credit: Maggie Bellah
 
July 20, 2024 (Ramona) – A large barn fire broke out Thursday at Demler Brothers Egg Ranch, a factory egg farm in Ramona that confines approximately two million chickens and supplies eggs to Walmart, Smart & Final, and other chains. Tens of thousands of birds inside the impacted barn burned to death, and animal rights activists who went to the scene were told there were no plans to evacuate birds in the remaining barns, according to Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), an international animal rights group which says Animal Services was not present at the scene. Demler Brothers Egg Ranch was previously investigated by the San Diego chapter of DxE in 2019, when the group’s investigators found tens of thousands of animals in extreme confinement inside the facility, injured birds languishing in trash bins, and corpses on the floor.

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EGG RANCH BURNING IN RAMONA

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Tim Glaudini

July 19, 2024 (Ramona) – A fire is burning at  an egg ranch facility in the 25800 block of Highway 78 in Ramona.

The fire is contained to one 25,000 square foot structure that houses approximately 70,000 hens.


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RIDES GALORE AND MORE AT RAMONA COUNTY FAIR JULY 26-28

East County News Service
 
July 17, 2024 (Ramona)—Amusement rides, carnival games, and live music are all part of the fun at the Ramona Country Fair July 26-28. There’s also an off-road show, western shows, food and beverage vendors, and more.

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SOUND THERAPY JULY 23 AT JULIAN LIBRARY

By Jonathan Goetz
 
July 16, 2024 (Julian) -- Join Liz Myers for a transformative sound therapy experience in Julian. This unique session combines relaxed breathing, a variety of percussion instruments, and Liz’s ethereal voice. Here are the details:
 
Date and Time: Tuesday, July 23, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Julian Library (1850 CA-78, Julian 92036)
What to Bring: Consider bringing a yoga mat or blanket, and anything else you may need for your comfort during the session. Chairs will also be available if you prefer to be seated.

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PAN FOR GOLD AT HISTORIC BANNER CREEK, JULIAN ON JULY 12

East County News Service

July 7, 2024 (Julian)—Banner Ranch invites you to try your luck at panning for gold just as prospectors did in the 1870s at Banner Creek.  On July 12., you can rent a gold panning kit for four hours (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. to  6 p.m.) and a glass tube container to take home any findings.

Banner City was founded in 1870 when Louis Redman tripped over gold quartz in a canyon 1500 feet below Julian.  He marked his gold find with an American flag, hence the town became known as Banner. Some claim the yield that year from Banner’s mines surpassed those of Julian’s gold prospecting.  Even today, there are over 150 placer claims in the area.


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OPEN FARM DAY JULY 20 AT OASIS CAMEL DAIRY

East County News Service

July 7, 2024 (Ramona) -- Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona invites you to open farm days on select Saturdays all summer long. The next open farm day is July 20th.  Enjoy a camel and bird show, feeding treats to camels, a camel encounter with photos, petting mini-sheep, and more.

You can also take a camel ride and shop for camel milk products such as lotions, soaps and chocolates.


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CRITTER ENCOUNTERS: RAMONA RESCUE IS HAVEN FOR INJURED AND DISABLED ANIMALS

By Mimi Pollack
 
Photo: Finley the Fennec Fox
 
July 6, 2024 (Ramona) -- In the United States, there is a problem with people acquiring exotic animals without really doing their research. People bring these pets home as tiny babies, not realizing that they can grow to be quite large as adults. For example black and white Argentine Tegu lizards, which start out as tiny babies, can grow to be up to four feet long. In addition, there are animals that are hit by cars, which unfortunately can be a frequent occurrence in rural areas such as Ramona.

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18 LOCAL WATER SYSTEMS FAIL SAFE DRINKING WATER STANDARDS; 16 MORE ARE AT RISK

Update: Hear our in-depth interviews with state water officials, originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM Radio.
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
July 3, 2024 (San Diego) – The State of California has released its 2023 Drinking Water Needs Assessment, including a dashboard listing water systems that failed state or federal standards for safe drinking water. In San Diego County, 18 water systems failed repeated tests due to contaminants that include arsenic, uranium, nitrate, nitrite, manganese, E-coli, heavy metals, and more, including numerous water providers in East County. Sixteen other local water systems are at risk or potentially at risk. Also see: California Open Data.
 
Failing means the water system failed to meet one or more state or federal standards. However, it does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe. A system can be put on the list if there are serious financial issues that prevent it from cleaning up the water, for instance. Some systems may have multiple wells, and be able to continue providing clean, safe water through other wells.  Some may have only a temporary problem, while others may require costly long-term solutions.
 
Disadvantaged communities in California may be eligible for state grants to help restore safe drinking water under the SAFER (Safe and Affordable funding for equity and resilience) program.

Audio: 


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