By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  County officials take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Pine Valley Station 44.

December 13, 2017 (Pine Valley) -- County and fire officials broke ground Wednesday on a new $8.2 million fire station that will serve the Pine Valley community for the next 50 years.

“This new station helps deliver on our promise to boost wildfire protection in our most fire-prone communities,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob, chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors. “Since the deadly Cedar Fire in 2003, the county has spent $460 million on fire and emergency service improvements in the backcountry — and this new station builds on that.”

East County News Service

December 12, 2017 (Alpine) –  East County’s biggest New Year’s festivities happening at the Viejas Resort and Casino. On New Year’s Eve, December 31^st, you’re invited to ring in the new year at one of two celebrations.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  La Finquita Winery owners Charlie and Jess Koehler

December 11, 2017 (Ramona) – Last weekend, we got into the holiday spirit with a visit to three of the 14 wineries along the Ramona Holiday Wine Trail, which continues next weekend.  It’s been a popular event, selling out this past weekend so be sure to reserve online now if you plan to hit the holiday wine trail this Saturday and/or Sunday.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alert Service

Photo: Brush Fire Partyline on Facebook

December 8, 2017 (Japatul) -- Firefighters have contained an 8-10 acre brush fire that started south of I-8 near the Japatul exit in Cleveland National Forest.

Multiple units responded from The U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, Viejas Fire, Alpine and Lakeside Fire departments to the Sweetwater Fire.

Photo, left: Map of outages in San Diego County as of 7:45 a.m. today.

December 8, 2017 (San Diego's East County) -- SDG&E has sent warnings to 170,000 San Diego County residents to be prepared for power shutdowns due to the high fire danger posed by strong Santa Ana winds. The utility has already shut off power to thousands of homes in communities across our region including portions of Alpine, Bonsall,  Boulevard, Campo, Cuyamaca, Descanso, Fallbrook, Jamul, Julian, Mount Laguna, Potrero, Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Vista and more.

The utility has warned residents that their power could remain off for several days until it can be safely restored. The shut-offs, meant to prevent powerline fires such as those that ignited the 2007 firestorms, are sparking concerns and outrage among some residents, particularly in rural areas. 

Electric well pumps don’t work with the power out, leaving no way to provide water for people or livestock.  Some rural areas lack cell phone service, leaving people with no way to learn about wildfires or other emergencies, unless they have a backup generator. Many residents are also shivering in cold temperatures dipping into the 40s at night, some left without electric heating.

By Miriam Raftery

December 6, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Tonight SDG&E has shut off power due many areas across East County and North County due to “an extreme weather event with high winds and dry conditions,” according to SDG&E’s website, which warns, “Current conditions indicate that power may remain out for several days before it can be safely restored. If your power is out, please be sure you have adequate emergency supplies on hand for an extended period of time and check here for the most current information on expected restoration times.”

The action comes just days after the California Public Utilities Commission ruled that SDG&E cannot bill ratepayers for its uninsured losses from the 2007 firestorms, when state regulators found its power lines responsible for three major fires.

East County News Service

November 30, 2017 (Alpine) -- You’re invited to celebrate a  rural Christmas on Friday, Dec. 1, at the 22^nd Annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Snow Festival in Alpine. A parade of glittering lighted entries begins at 6:30 p.m. on Alpine Boulevard, where shops are aglow with holiday lights.

The parade ends at the annual (free!) Snow Festival in the Alpine Creek Town Center complete with sledding on a hill with real snow There will also be children’s activities, entertainment, and a visit by Santa Claus, as well as vendors and food for purchase.

By Jim Lundquist

November 28, 2017 (Alpine) - There is a new campaign underway in Alpine to make our community safer and quieter for all residents.  It’s called the “25 Seconds” campaign. 

East County News Service

November 21, 2017 (Julian) – Julian Theatre will present Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.”  This timeless tale focuses on the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future.  Scrooge’s clerk, Bob Cratchit and his impoverished family including the frail Tiny Tim face a grim future, unless Scrooge can find redemption and discover the true spirit of Christmas.

November 21, 2017 (Fletcher Hlls) – Ten-year-old Luke Lumsden of Alpine was recently invited to bring his Blue Heritage turkey named Tire to the Fletcher Hills Library in El Cajon for a special pre-Thanksgiving presentation to children.

The breed is named for his blue tint.  Luke  got the turkey as a chick from Richard and Marcia Edwords about 15 months ago and has raised it as a pet “which he loves—not for cooking,” says Luke’s grandfather, Craig Linden.

East County News Service

November 16, 2017 (Alpine) - The Alpine Woman’s Club will hold its Twelfth Annual “Christmas in Alpine” Home Tour on Saturday, December 16th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will have an opportunity to view five stunning country estates and stroll through Kathy and Mario’s quaint and spectacular Alpine Country Garden and Gifts Shop and the beautifully decorated Alpine Community Church. The Historic Town Hall will be open from 1pm till 4pm. Andrew Piondexter will display his incredible Nutcracker collection. He originally started his collection about five years ago for one of his teachers. He added to his collection and now has almost 300 Nutcrackers. They range in size from two inches to five feet tall.

East County News Service

November 14, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Fall is here and you’re invited to grab your woolies and discover County parks after dark. Here’s a round-up of the family-friendly activities coming up.

East County News Service

November 9, 2017 (Ramona) - The Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona invites you to Pomegranate Days on November 24^th through 26^th. 

You can cuddle with camels, feed them apples and pomegranates, watch an exotic bird show and a turkey stampede, shop for camel’s milk soaps and lotions, and see the Russell Brothers family circus performing magical feats beneath a big top tent.

For details on this one-of-a-kind event, you can visit www.CamelDairy.com.

By Miriam Raftery

November 8, 2017 (Alpine) – The largest outdoor ice rink in Southern California is now open for the season  (through January 28) at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine, transforming the grounds into a winter wonderland.  On Saturday, November 11, the rink will feature a Holiday on Ice  show and lighting of a large holiday see.

October 25, 2017 (Alpine) -- Alpine Inn Steakhouse (2225 Alpine Blvd., Alpine), the coziest steakhouse in East County is now reopened under new ownership -- and East County Dining Club will host our next event sizzling event there on Friday, November 10th. 

Join us for cocktails (cash bar) at 5:30 in the steakhouse bar and dinner at 6:30 in the private captain's-style dining room. Enjoy live music by Paul Nichols and Cindy Burnham, plus you can win prizes!  You don't have to be a dining club member -- all are welcome!

This event requires an RSVP by November 5 and pre-reserving your choice for entrée, 2 sides, and a dessert. See the delicious details below!