Improvements proposed after ECM investigative series on ambulance response times in unincorporated areas

By Kendra Sitton

August 30, 2017 (Crest) — Last week, County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Administrator Andy Parr met with local communities to ask for input on EMS’s plan to improve ambulance service to the rural parts of San Diego because "the status quo of 30 min is no longer acceptable."

The updated plan goes before the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 10. If approved, when the contracts of the three ambulance companies expire in the next few years, they will have to comply with the new plan which will shorten response time.

The actions follow a five-part special series by East County Magazine published  in 2015, investigating slow ambulance response times in some unincorporated areas and changes in county ambulance providers. (See links to our five-part series at the bottom of this article.)

By Miriam Raftery

August 31, 2017 (Mount Laguna) – The Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association invites you to take a walk back in history to meet and talk with Mount Laguna’s pioneers and residents from the 1880s.  The Living History Pageant on Mount Laguna, a free and family friendly event, will be held this Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3. The walks are at 9:30 a.m.,  11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. both days.

Source:  Ramona Valley Vineyard Association

August 30, 2017 (Ramona) - The 5th annual Ramona Art and Wine Festival will be held at Begent Ranch, 18528 Highland Valley Road, Ramona, Calif., on Saturday, November 4, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Early-bird discounted tickets are available now at http://ramonaartandwinefest.net.

By Valerie Watts

August 28, 2017 (Julian) - As the days start to shorten and the mountain air (finally) starts to get a little nippy, our thoughts drift to warm drinks and apples and then to Julian.  What better way to indulge during the season than with an apple-themed tea at the lovely Julian Tea & Cottage Arts?  From September 21 through Monday, September 25, they are offering an apple-themed menu highlighting that Julian specialty.  Tucked away a block from the busy Main Street in a historical home at 2124 Third Street, their "special-tea" features Hungarian apple soup, apple themed finger sandwiches, scones with apple butter and an apple dessert, and, of course, fine teas.  Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. 

By Miriam Raftery

August 25, 2017 (Ramona) – Midway rides, crafts, critters, fair foods from funnel cakes to bacon-wrapped hotdogs,  kids activities and more are all part of the fun at the Ramona Country Fair, which continues tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  From 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday you can also enjoy the Ramona Bluegrass Festivals on the Main Stage, plus a Gymkhana equestrian show in the arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

We visited  today, arriving to the aroma of slow-cooked, barbecued meats and the sights of butter slathered corn on the cob.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Nadin Abbott

August 22, 2017 (Mount Laguna) — Many of you may know the Shriners as the clowns in fez hats driving miniature cars to delight crowds at the Mother Goose Parade each year.  But they also own hospitals across the nation dedicated to treating children.

East County News Service

August 20, 2017 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce will present the 47th annual Ramona Country Fair, Thursday, Aug. 24 to Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona. Admission is free. Parking is $5 per carload. Fair hours are: 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24; 5 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27.

By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office

August 18, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - The County of San Diego is studying how to improve access to and quality of emergency medical services provided in San Diego County’s backcountry, which includes rural and desert communities.

By Miriam Raftery

August 16, 2017 (Julian) -- If you love apples, the Julian Apple Days Festival on September 23^rd and 24^th is the place to be.  Located at Menghini Winery (1150 Julian Orchards Drive) in historic Julian, the event features Julian’s famous apple pie, gold panning demonstrations, a falconry performance, live music and dancing, an antique tractor display, children’s games and activities, a beer and wine garden, food and merchandise vendors, contests and more.

By Kendra Sitton

Photo, left and inside photo:  Henderson and Voepel speak after the breakfast

August 9, 2017 (Alpine) -- “Frank asked me to not get political and keep it positive. I'm going to fail him miserably,” said state Assembly member Randy Voepel. He addressed the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce at their monthly Hot Topics Breakfast at the request of Frank Sturnold, the interim executive of the Chamber while a restructuring is underway.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

August 9, 2017 (Alpine) — “I hear you singin’ in the wire,” lyrics from “Wichita Lineman” released in 1968 by the late Glen Campbell, are words many linemen might know by heart and perhaps sang under their breath at the 17^th annual SDG&E Gas and Electric Lineman’s Rodeo held August 5^th in Alpine.

Wood-smoked BBQ fired up night in annual town tradition featuring slow-cooked beef, beer garden, live Western music, cash prize darwing, vendor booth, kids' activities and more

By Valerie Watts

August 9, 2017 (Descanso) --Ready for a nostalgic mountain community bash on Labor Day weekend?  Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Descanso invites you to their 80th annual deep pit barbecue. 

This family-friendly event will be held the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, September 3, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 9163 Riverside Drive.

The menu features their famous hand-wrapped deep pit barbecue beef, mountain ranch beans, handcrafted slaw and western rolls.  It doesn't stop there-- they also offer home made apple pie, "drinks galore" and more.

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.