By Miriam Raftery

July 30, 2019 (Julian) – In a precedent-setting case over preservation of agricultural land protected under California’s Williamson Act, California’s Fourth District Court of Appeal has published a decision that reverses a Superior Court ruling in Cleveland National Forest Foundation et al. v. County of San Diego. 

The July 25th decision held that San Diego County officials acted wrongly when they approved a map for a housing subdivision  on the 1,400-acre Hoskings Ranch near Julian. The court found the Genesee Properties project would have set the stage to replace ranching with residential development--all while allowing the property owner to enjoy tax breaks intended to keep the land in agriculture.

East County News Service

July 29, 2019 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce will present the 49th annual Ramona Country Fair, Thursday, Aug. 1 to Sunday, Aug. 4 at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 431 Aqua Lane, Ramona. Admission to the fair is free.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Update 10:30 p.m.  The fire is 2 acres and fire spread has been stopped. Firefighters will remain at scene overnight and into the morning to complete containment line and mop-up, per Cal Fire.

Photos by Chet Kalinowska

July 25, 2019 (Warner Springs) -- Lightning has sparked a brush fire on the Los Coyotes reservation in the Warner Springs area. The fire has burned approximately 1.5 acres as of 7:30 p.m., below the historic Hot Springs overlook.

Cal Fire reports that air resources are holding the fire's spread to a minimum while ground crews gain acces in difficult terrain to build a hand line around the #Springsfire.

Federal firefighters from Cleveland National Forest are assisting Cal Fire on the fire including two helicopters, a hot shot crew, chief officer, fire engine and a water tender.

July 24, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service has issued a flash flooding and extreme thunderstorm warning for the southeast portions of San Diego County in effect now through 4 p.m.  Locations likely to experience flooding include  Alpine, I-8 Between Pine Valley And Boulevard, Lake Morena, Potrero, Campo, Pine Valley, Descanso, Tecate, Guatay and Barrett  Lake.

Photo, right: Rainstorm over Boulevard, taken by Donna Tisdale this afternoon

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, country roads, farmland, and other low lying  spots.

In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

July 22, 2019 (San Diego) - The sun is shining, but weather forecasts say summer storms could possibly create heavy rains and flooding in the mountains and deserts this week, meaning this could be a good time to stock up on free sandbags.

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

July 21, 2019 (San Diego) - San Diego County Parks and Recreation on Friday opened four new cabins built to be accessible to people with mobility challenges at Dos Picos County Park in Ramona, making it easier for nature lovers of all abilities to stay overnight.

East County News Service

July 18, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A high pressure system moving into our region will bring monsoonal moisture capable of producing thunderstorms, heavy downpours, high winds and flash flooding starting Sunday through at least Wednesday. The storms are mainly expected to impact the mountain and desert regions.

Source: Alpine Union School District

July 16, 2019 (Alpine) -- Joan MacQueen Middle School Engineering students made the Alpine community proud by bringing home another national accolade from the 2019 Jr Solar Sprint held at the Technology Student Association (TSA) convention in Washington, DC. The JMMS team won first place in the sprint racing segment of the competition and finished 2nd out of 94 teams in the overall scoring of the Jr Solar Sprint event. This is the second top three finish for the JMMS Engineering program in the past three years.

New Julian fire station No. 56 sits on disputed land

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

July 13, 2019 (Julian) – Following a firestorm of controversy over San Diego County’s takeover of the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District, the County may lose access to a new fire station. Theodore J. Griswold, attorney for the Kumeyaay Native American Land Conservancy, has filed an eviction notice with the San Diego County Fire Authority (SDCFA) that would force the SDCFA to abandon Julian Fire Station No. 56 within two weeks.

The future of Station No. 56,  located at 3407 State Route 79 just south of downtown Julian, has been a dicey subject from the onset of the county’s efforts to shut down of the Julian Cuyamaca Fire protection District (JCFPD), the county’s last volunteer fire department. Though the transfer of authority was approved by a majority of voters and the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), many area residents have fought strenuously to reverse the action, with litigation pending. 

Source:  San Diego County Sheriff's Department

July 11, 2019 (El Cajon) - A missing person at risk in the East County has been found safe.

79-year-old Eufemia Danaher was found around 10:00 a.m. in the 600 block of El Cajon Boulevard in El Cajon. Sheriff's ASTREA (helicopter) Deputy Gary Kneeshaw spotted a woman who matched Danaher's description and made contact with her. She has been reunited with her family.

By Miriam Raftery

July 6, 2019 (Alpine) – The San Diego County Library in Alpine is offering a fresh crop of free “modern homesteading” classes where you can learn how to raise and grow your own foods. The offerings include cheesemaking, beekeeping, vermicomposting, tilapia farming, backyard chickens, home farming and edible landscaping.

Below are full details:

East County News Service 

July 5, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- “San Diego County needs your input on how best to invest federal funds in our low- to moderate-income communities,” says Supervisor Dianne Jacob. 

The County is holding a series of public forums at county libraries, each one hour, including these East County locations, to hear your ideas:

• Alpine, July 8 at 12:30 p.m.
• Ramona, July 10 at 1:30 p.m.
• Julian, July 12 at 11:30 a.m.
• El Cajon, July 22, 3:30 p.m.
• Borrego Springs, July 24 at 11:30 a.m.
• Spring Valley on July 29 at 11:30 a.m.

You can also share your thoughts and suggestions in an online survey: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/sdhcd/ 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: West Fire in Alpine, 2018

July 1, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Across California, some insurance companies have stopped writing policies for homes in areas at high risk for wildfires, even dropping policies for some long-standing customers, Voice of San Diego reported in mid-June. 

Now, Supervisor Dianne Jacob has written a letter on June 27 to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara urging him to take immediate action to “address the heavy-handed, blanket approach that insurance companies are currently utilizing to deny insurance though those who live in areas where wildfires may occur.” She also called on Lara to hold a public hearing in San Diego County on the issue, to allow residents to speak out and share concerns.

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2019 (San Diego) – The deadline is June 30th for the public to submit comments on the County of San Diego’s draft Zoning Ordinance Update for Small Cell Wireless Facilities. You can read the draft ordinance and supporting documents here. Read concerns about the ordinance here.