By Miriam Raftery

August 6, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – KNSJ Radio, 89.1 FM Descanso, has been knocked off the air by lightning hitting the transmitter during last week’s monsoonal storm. Funds are needed to help the station get back on the air.

The sustainably sourced and succulent favorite is flown in fresh every week for guests to savor

East County News Service

August 4, 2017 (Alpine) -- Crab lovers, rejoice: The Buffet at Viejas Casino & Resort is kicking off King Crab Leg Fridays, when guests can enjoy an unlimited feast of the delectable culinary favorite. Flown in fresh every week from the icy waters off of the Alaskan coast, the sustainably sourced King Crab is the newest featured addition to The Buffet’s recent enhancements, which also include a state-of-the-art, no-wait, no-hassle reservation system created in partnership with Yelp.

East County News Service

August 1, 2017 (Ramona) – The Ramona Valley Vineyards Association presents the Dog Days of Summer. You’re invited to bring your dog to 10 participating wineries on August 5 or 6 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. to get a treat for your furry friends and maybe even win prizes.

For a list of participating wineries, see http://www.ramonavalleyvineyards.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/dog_days....

Some wineries are also offering specials for both owners and dogs. At Vineyard Grant James, for instance, you’ll receive 50% off all glasses of wine or sangria, plus goodie bags and popsicles for your furry friends.  There will also be contests for best tail wagger, best kisser, best bark, best trick, and a grand prize for best dressed.

East County News Service

July 30, 2017 (Julian) - Julian Arts Guild will hold its Fall Art Show on September 2, 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall (2129 Main Street, Julian).

This is a free event showcasing the works of talented Julian artists. Artworks displayed will include weaving, ceramics, gourd painting, drawing and mixed media.

East County News Service

July 27, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - National Night Out Against Crime© is on Tuesday, August 1st. The Sheriff’s Department is inviting the public to a dozen different events all over the county, including East County events in Alpine, Lemon Grove, Ramona, Rancho San Diego, and Santee. 

Night Out Against Crime© is a celebration of community relationships. Meet deputies who patrol your neighborhoods, learn about the many services the Sheriff’s Department provides, get crime prevention tips, giveaways at some locations, and other ways you can stay safe. Activities vary by location. 

Below are details on each location:

By Julie Pendray

Photo: Animal Services worker evacuates pets during Border Fire

July 25, 2017 (Ramona) -- A public meeting about the County’s possible outsourcing of animal welfare services in unincorporated areas drew criticism last week from union members and some residents in this town, where memories of evacuating horses and other animals during the Witch Creek and Cedar wildfires are still scorched deeply into local culture.

Update July 23, 2017 8 p.m.-- The fire is 40% contained and has burned 255 acres. The evacuation advisory for Chihuahua Valley Road has been lifted as firefighters make good progress on this fire.

Update July 23, 2017, 8:20 a.m. (Warner Springs) -- With better mapping the fire is now estimated at 210 acres. Cleveland National Forest and CAL FIRE are fighting it in a joint command.  Hiikers are urge to avoid the Pacific Crest trail in the area. An evacuation advisory is in effect for Chihuahua Valley Road.

East County News Service

July 22, 2017 (Warner Springs) -- A 300-acre wildfire dubbed the #LostFire is burning four miles north of Warner Springs and is zero percent contained ths evening, according to County Emergency Services and CAL FIRE.

The blaze began at the Indian Flats Campground off State Route 79.  Indian Flats campground has been evacuated. Hwy 79 closed at Indian Flats Rd., Chihuahua Valley Rd. and Puerta LaCruz Rd

East County News Service

July 16, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) — Brandon Worley, a parolee at large wanted in connection to a stolen assault rifle, was captured today following a pursuit through El Cajon, Rancho San Diego, Alpine and Descanso.

East County News Service

July 13, 2017 (Santa Ysabel) – Hawk Watch winery in Warner Springs hosts the second of its summer concerts this Saturday, July 15 from 5 to 8 p.m.  Bill Magee teamed up back in the ‘60s with Jimmy James, better known as Jimi Hendrix to form the band “Jimmy James and the Flames.”  Eventually, Hendrix toured England and Magee toured throughout Europe.

Mad Mike will be on hand serving up delicious sausage plates, and the winery will have discounts on select bottles and glasses of wine all evening for everyone. 

Update July 13, 2017:  The fire is now 90% contained and holding at 400 acres, Cal Fire reports.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Renee Owens

July 12, 2017 (Lakeside) - The Jennings Fire that began yesterday in Lakeside has charred over 400 acres and is 30 percent contained. Cause of ignition was a vehicle.

All evacuation orders and warnings for the Jennings Fire have been lifted in the fire area.  The Temporary Evacuation Points at Joan MacQueen Middle School and Granite Hills High School have been closed. All roadways are reopened.

East County News Service

July 11, 2017 (Flinn Springs) — Renee Owens sent in these photos of the #JenningsFire burning between Lakeside and Alpine in San Diego’s East County, including the eerily beautiful images of “fire rainbows” – illusions created by helicopters dropping water on the flames. 

UPDATE AS OF 9:50 PM:  FIRE IS 10% CONTAINED

UPDATE AS OF 8:57 PM: ALL MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDERS HAVE BEEN LIFTED 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Jonathan Goetz

July 11, 2017 (Lakeside) -- The fast-moving #JenningsFire has charred over 300 acres in the past hour and forced shutdown of I-8 in both directions from Lake Jennings Road to Dunbar Lane. 

At least five structures remain threatened as of 3:30 p.m.. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered on Viewside, south of I-8,  Cal-Fire reports.

The fire, which began in brush at 1:40 p.m.,  is burning toward propane tanks at Kamps Propane, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.  Airtankers and ground crews are battling the blaze.

Fire is burning southeast from the freeway toward Harbison Canyon Rd, the Santee Sheriff substation tweeted. Residents in Harbison Canyon and Crest should be on alert!

By Miriam Raftery

July 9, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Spring Valley resident Gregory Lawrence Scott, the father of two young children and husband of The Alpine Sun’s former editor Christy Scott, was killed in a car accident on I-15 on June 17^th.   A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Christy and the couple’s children, Jacob,and Isabelle.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Diego Valley Charter School students protesting to save their school at November 2015 GUHSD board meeting

July 8, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Several recent court rulings impact the future of many charter schools in California, including several in East County.

Last October, a California appellate court ruled that charter schools can’t expand within their home county by opening campuses outside their own authorizing district.  That ruling affected a suit filed back in 2015 by the Grossmont Union High School District seeking to shut down the Julian Charter School, Alpine Academy and Diego Valley Charter School, all operating within the GUHSD boundaries.

Source: San Diego Sheriff

June 30, 2017 (Cleveland National Forest) -- The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is partnering with CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service for a public safety video about hiking in the East County.  To watch the video, click https://vimeo.com/223528992.