Update:   Helix Water says Lake Jennings drinking water tests clean, issue is with fish tissue; state clarifies problem is with fish tissue, not necessarily water for drinking

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

August 6, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – State officials are warning that 150 reservoirs statewide are tainted by mercury. Ten San Diego reservoirs are contaminated, including some of East County’s most popular fishing spots.  “Mercury is negatively impacting the beneficial uses of many waters of the state by making fish unsafe for human and wildlife consumption,” the State Water Resources Control Board website warns.

However some local officials dispute those findings.

 

What lakes locally have mercury issues,accordingto the state?

Local reservoirs listed as "mercury impaired" on the state's document are El Capitan Reservoir, Lake Henshaw, Lake Hodges, Lake Jennings, Loveland Reservoir, Lower Otay Reservoir, Lake Morena Reservoir, San Vicente Reservoir, Lake Sutherland, and Sweetwater Reservoir, according to a California Water Boards publication released in June.

By Miriam Raftery

August 2, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – The deadline to file as a candidate to run for local offices is August 11. But so far, many East County races have no candidates declared or qualified for the ballot, according to the Registrar of Voters candidate list for the November election.  Most community planning groups have nobody running.  The same is true in some school, water and fire districts. Races with no candidates will be filled by appointment. In other districts, people are running unopposed—even incumbents on some of the most controversy-riddled boards.

No candidates are listed yet for the city councils in El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove or Santee, nor for the mayoral seats open in Lemon Grove and Santee, nor the La Mesa City Clerk or Treasurer seats.  Candidates have been actively campaigning in some of those races and some will likely file before deadline, but it’s also common for candidates to drop out before qualifying for the ballot.

In the Grossmont Union High School District, incumbent Jim Stieringer is thus far running unopposed in district two (La Mesa/Mt. Helix/Rancho San Diego); in district one (Lemon Grove/Spring Valley) which is an open seat, only one candidate has filed: Pastor Steve Babbitt from Spring Valley Community Church.

East County News Service

July 28, 2016 (Julian) -- On Saturday, July 30th, 2016, the Julian Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2nd Annual ‘Sip of Julian’. The Sip features eight of Julian’s alcoholic beverage purveyors. Proof that we’re not just about apples and great pie, we have growers and producers of wine, craft beer, delicious hard cider, and mead, an ancient honey-based beverage, offering up a sampling of their delicious hand-crafted specialties.

By Miriam Raftery

July 25, 2016 (Alpine) — Secret Hills Ranch in Alpine is hosting a barbecue, dance and silent auction on August 6^th to help fund medical bills for colon cancer survivor Vicki Halsey, a horse trainer and advocate for children. The deadline for pre-purchasing dinners is August 1.

Source: Ramona Valley Vineyard Association

July 24, 2016 (Ramona) – San Diego County winemakers picked up more medals for outstanding wine at the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) Awards Dinner for the 2016 RVVA Lum Eisenman Wine Competition on June 22.

East County News Service

July 13, 2016 (Alpine) — A Christmas in July and re-grand opening event will be held on Wednesday, July 20 from 5-8 p.m. at Dana’s Boutique at 2271 Alpine Blvd. Suite E in Alpine (next to Vintage Emporium).

By Miriam Raftery

July 8, 2016 (Mt. Helix) – Two mountain lions have been reported Monday by a homeowner on Mt. Helix.  La Mesa Today sent an alert warning the lions were seen  off Lemon Avenue in the Lake Helix area.  A CBS 8 news story ran two photos taken by the homeowner in unincorporated  La Mesa and footage of the location outside the home. 

The homeowner, who asked to stay anonymous, said the lions were on a hillside above a pool where her children were playing and two large dogs were present.

A long-time La Mesa resident  posted on a residents’ online forum that through the years he has previously seen mountain lions in the Boulder Hills area of La Mesa near Chevy Chase, above the La Mesa Village. 

East County News Service

July 7, 2016 (Pine Valley) --Pine Valley Days will take place July 29^th and 30^th in the mountain town of Pine Valley.  A highlight of the two-day festival is a parade along Old Highway 80 through Pine Valley on July 29^th starting at 9 a.m. featuring horses, bagpipes, clowns, cars, dragons, marching bands and more. 

Other activities include a craft village at the Pine Valley County Park on Saturday, a Friday night deep pit barbecue and dancing in the park after dark, plus a burrito breakfast on Saturday and a music festival.

East County News Service

July 2, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) - The San Diego Astronomy Association hosts events throughout the year.  You can visit their calendar or scroll down for events that the SDAA will be participating in or sponsoring in the next month–including several at East County locations. Inclement weather may postpone or cancel outdoor events, so check with the SDAA or the event coordinator to be sure the event is still scheduled.

• Stars in the Park
• Stars at Mission Trails
• Stars at Sycamore Canyon
• Stars at West Sycamore
• Program Meetings
• Tierra del Sol (TDS)
• Julian Star Fest

East County News Service

June 22, 2016 (San Diego's East County -- Due to the Border Fire,the Mountain Empre school district has posted the following information on rescheduling graduations to El Capitan High School for high school and middle school students, as well as cancellation of classes:

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Border Fire, Day 1, by Leon Thompson

June 21,2016 (Lake Morena/Campo) 1:30 p.m. – An evacuation warning has been issued for Lake Morena and Campo, Cal Fire has announced.  Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for Potrero,Forrest Gate, Star Ranch, Cowboy Ranch,Dog Patch and Canyon City.

800 structures remain threatened and 4 outbuildings have been destroyed. Highway 94 is closed west of Buckman Springs to state route 188. The Pacific Coast Trail is also closed to hikers. 

“The fire continues to move to the north and northeast,threatening portions of the Pacific Crest National Scenic trail as well as surrounding communities,” a Border 3 Fire Update issued by Cal Fire states.

East County News Service

Photo: Hikers at trailhead to Three Sisters Falls (file photo)

June 20, 2016 (Julian) – Yesterday, a small vegetation fire off Boulder Creek Road a half mile from Three Sisters Falls near Julian was swiftly doused. Palomar Hot Shots, helicopters, U.S. Forest Service and a Cal Fire air tanker attacked the blaze when it had charred only a quarter of an acre at mid-morning yesterday.

By Miriam Raftery

June 17, 2016 (San Diego's East County) -- A reader e-mailed us to point out that many of the Cool Zones listed on the County's map are not open Sundays. So we did some research to find a few more options on some cool places to go, such as shopping malls, bowling alleys, ice rinks, movie theatres, casinos, aquatic centers, libraries and more. 

We also have some tips on how to beat the heat at home and keep your cool. Plan ahead, since SDG&E says Flex Alerts (temporary power outages) are possible during the extreme heat starting Sunday. 

Check out our list below of cool places  that are open Sunday and beyond:

East County News Service

June 14, 2016 (Ramona) -- Motorists traveling along SR-67 at Dye and Highland Valley Road in Ramona may have already noticed indications of construction at the intersection as part of a major upgrade project that includes road widening and more.  Crews placed construction signs the first week of June and the speed limit has been reduced from 55 to 45 mph for the safety of commuters and highway workers. For a description of the project click here.