Mountains

DUI DRIVER ARRESTED FOR FATAL CRASH IN RAMONA

By Miriam Raftery

November 27, 2023 (Ramona) – A 26-year-old man has been arrested for causing a head-on crash on November 25 in Ramona that killed a Ramona woman, 44, then fleeing the scene.


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CAL TRANS PROVIDES UPDATE ON I-8 ROAD WORK FROM ALPINE TO PINE VALLEY

East County News Service

Image left: Project map

November 22, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) –The I-8 Pavement Replacement and Road Improvements Project from Viejas Creek to Pine Valley Creek is now 72% completed after 291 working days. Full completion expected next summer.

Below are details from  CalTrans on upcoming work in late November and December.


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SKATING IN THE WOODS: JULIAN FARM AND ORCHARD OPENS ICE RINK NOV. 10-JAN. 1

 

East County News Service

November 17, 2023 (Julian) — Julian Farm and Orchard is celebrating the opening of its first-ever ice rink. The new rink is set to be the centerpiece of the “Holidays at the Farm” event, happening Fridays Saturdays and Sundays through January 1. Guests are invited to skate with friends and family and wind down after with a seasonal drink by the fire.  The farm is open from 11a.m. to 4p.m. with Ice Skating into the evening depending on the day.   

Holidays at the Farm will feature the ice rink as well as local food and drink vendors. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy activities on the farm including the petting zoo and hayrides, rock climbing wall, haybale maze among others. Visitors can also wind down next to  warm fire pits while sipping on their favorite holiday beverages.


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FIRE SPARKS PUBLIC CONCERNS IN JULIAN OVER SHORT-TERM RENTALS

 

“We could’ve been burned out last night. Nobody would have known, and it was windy.” -- Lora Devault,  Pine Hills resident

”I think we are going down a slippery slope...and I have a problem telling people what they can do with their properties.” --Katy Morelli, planning group member

By Jessyka Heredia

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE

November 17, 2023 (Julian)—Campers at a short-term rental (STR) property in Julian’s Pine Hills neighborhood started an unauthorized campfire on Sunday and failed to properly extinguish it. The embers sparked a brush fire, causing damage to the owner’s property and panic for nearby neighbors.

On Monday, residents spoke out at the Julian Community Planning Group (JCPG) meeting to voice concerns about the growing number of short-term vacation rentals in Julian and disruptions some guests have caused in the community.  The most heated concern focused on off-site owners, such as the vacation site in question, which has rentals both inside a home and outside at tent camping sites. Some vacation rental owners also spoke up in defense of property rights for responsible STR owners.


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VIEJAS ICE RINK IN ALPINE OPEN THROUGH JAN. 7

East Count News Service

November 16, 2023 (Alpine) -- The largest outdoor ice rink in southern California will be open at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine from November 23rd through January 7th from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Skate rentals are available.

You can also enjoy holiday shopping at the outlet center’s many shops. 


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CHRISTMAS WITH THE ANIMALS: DECEMBER 9 AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS IN ALPINE

East County News Service

November 12, 2023 (Alpine) — You’re invited to Christmas with the Animals, a fundraiser for the Lions, Tigers and Bears sanctuary in Alpine, where you can witness the heartwarming spectacle of animals unwrapping their Christmas presents. It's a delightful moment that will warm your heart. The event takes place on Saturday,  December 9 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., with animal feedings from 3 to 4 p.m.


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ARREST MADE IN RAMONA SHOOTING DEATH

East County News Service

November 5, 2023 (Ramona) – Sean Hawksworth of Ramona, 24, has been arrested for the murder of Eduardo Aguilar Alba, 26. Alba was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head on October 20, inside his Ramona home in the 400 block of 16th Street.

Deputies responded to a call reporting the death. The Medical Examiner concluded the  manner of death was homicide.

After homicide detectives determined that Hawksworth was the suspect, the Sheriff’s department obtained a search warrant of his home. On November 3 at 2:30 a.m.,  Hawksworth was arrested.  He has been charged with murder and has been booked into San Diego Central Jail, says Lieutenant Joseph Janjura.


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SHERIFF SEARCHING FOR MISSING RAMONA WOMAN, 66

East County News Service

November 2, 2023 (Ramona) -- The San Diego Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit has been activated to help locate a missing person in Ramona. Shortly after 2:30 p.m. today, the Sheriff's Communications Center received a call from the family of 66-year-old Zita Swanson. They told a Sheriff's Dispatcher that Swanson had walked away from her home in the 700 block of G Street in Ramona. She has not returned home.

Swanson does not have any known access to vehicles. She is not believed to be carrying a cell phone or purse. She has a history of walking away from home.

 Swanson is a Hispanic woman standing about 5'5" tall and weighing around 174 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a Navy blue sweater and blue pants.


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NIGHT AERIAL DROPS HOLD HIGHLAND FIRE TO 2,457 ACRES WITH 15% CONTAINMENT

Update November 4, 2023:  The fire is now 70% and has held at 2,487 acres.

Update November 3, 2023: The Highland Fire is now 40% contained and has burned 2,487 acres.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via Cal Fire

November 1, 2023 (Aguanga) – What a difference night-time aerial drops can make. Two decades ago, the deadly Cedar Fire started at 5:37 p.m. and a decision was made not to put pilots at risk with night drops. That fire grew to 273,000 acres and destroyed 2,200 homes.

By contrast, last night, Cal Fire incident personnel made the decision to fight the fast-moving #HighlandFire in Aguanga by air throughout the night – preventing what could have become another regional inferno.

“The crew from Copter 301 in Cal Fire’s Riverside Unit dropped 4,200 gallons of water in an effort to slow the wind-driven fire,” Cal Fire posted on X.  At dawn this morning, “due to a combination of C301’s efforts and improved weather conditions, the fire had slowed significantly, allowing ground resources to make significant progress in stopping the fire.”


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THOUSANDS EVACUATED, STRUCTURES BURNED IN AGUANGA FIRE: HIGHWAY 79 CLOSED AT COUNTY LINE

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Josh Stotler

October 31, 2023 (Aguanga) – Evacuation orders have been issued for an estimated 4,000 residents of 1,300 homes due to the Highland Fire in Aguanga, within a few miles of the San Diego County line in Riverside County.  At least three structures have been destroyed and six others damaged, according to Riverside Fire Department spokesperson Jeff La Russo.

ECM reporter Josh Stotler, at the scene this afternoon, says the wind-whipped fire is being battled by fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and ground crew forces that have doubled in recent hours.  Hundreds of firefighters are now battling the fire, which swelled to 2,200 acres overnight fueled by Santa Ana winds. Cal Fire has not updated the acreage since this morning.

“The winds are pushing it west,” he says, adding that there are no evacuations in San Diego County currently.  But he indicates the winds make this fire unpredictiable, and notes, ”Still no containment number yet, if any.”

A SIG alert is in effect for Highway 79, which is fully closed between the San Diego/Riverside County lines and Sage Road.  Highway 371is also closed  at 79 due to the wildfire, the CHP incident page reports.


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HIGHLAND FIRE IN AGUANGA SWELLS TO 2,200 ACRES OVERNIGHT

By Miriam Raftery, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

October 31, 2023 (Aguanga) -- The #HighlandFire  in Aguanga has swelled to over 2,200 acres overnight and is 0% contained in Riverside County just over the San Diego County line. Aguanga is just north of Warner Springs; smoke is impacting areas west of Aguanga including Escondido and Palomar.  Highway 79 is closed in both directions.

Road closures are in effect and evacuation orders have been issued north of the San Diego County line, south of State Route 79, east of Forest Route 8S07 and west of Crosley Truck Trail.  (See evacuation details at https://www.rvcfire.org/incidents/fact-sheets/HighliandFire-Oct2023.)

A reception and care center has opened at: Great Oak High School 32555 Deer Hollow Way, Temecula, Ca 92592. Large and small animals can be taken to: San Jacinto Animal Shelter 581 South Grand Avenue, San Jacinto, Ca 92582

Video posted by FirePhotoGirl on social media shows structures in flames. Cal Fire reports structures remain threatened threatened. 


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TASTE OF JULIAN ON NOVEMBER 4 BENEFITS TOWN HALL RENOVATIONS

East County News Service

October 12, 2023 (Julian)-- A Taste of Julian is a rural dining adventure showcasing the culinary delights in the historic mountain town. Just 100 tickets will be sold for this special event on Saturday, November 4.

The self-guided tour includes at least a dozen sites in the Julian area including restaurants, a pub, bakeries, wineries, breweries, a tea shop, and a chocolate tasting room.


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RAMONA WOMAN ARRESTED FOR SETTING HOUSE ON FIRE

East County News Service

October 9, 2023 (Ramona) -- A woman has been arrested on suspicion of deliberately starting a house fire in Ramona early this morning.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department received a call around 6 a.m. from one of two residents at a home in the 200 block of Haley Street,  stating that their house was on fire.   


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READER’S EDITORIAL: THE THREAT SMALL BUSINESSES FACE IN CALIFORNIA

 

 

By Michelle Rains

September 29, 2023 (Ramona)-- As the owner of a bar and restaurant in Ramona, I can personally attest to how difficult California’s business environment can be. Starting a business involves balancing budgets, building customer relationships, hiring and training quality employees, creating a welcoming environment; these are the challenges I signed up for. However, in California, there is an added level of difficulty complying with the many different laws and regulations that can dictate a business’s everyday operations.


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MISSING WOMAN FOUND BY MOTORIST IN RAMONA

East County News Service

September 24, 2023 (Ramona) – After Zita Swanson, 66, went  missing from her home on G Street in Ramona on Sept.21, the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue activated 32 volunteers who helped search for her. She was found by a driver heading to work, who noticed her in bushes along Mussey Grade Road around 5:30 the next morning.

She was considered at risk due to a medical condition. Fortunately, after being evaluated by paramedics, she has been reunited with her family.


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SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR MISSING RAMONA WOMAN, 66

Update: Zita Swanson has been found safe and reunited with her family.

September 21, 2023 (Ramona) -- The Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit has been activated to help locate a missing woman in Ramona.

Zita Swanson, 66, left her home early this morning in the 700 block of G St. in Ramona and did not return home, says Lt. John Malan.

She does not have a vehicle, and is not believed to be carrying a cell phone or purse. Shie is Hispanic, 5'5" tall, 174 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple or blue striped blouse, blue jeans and black shoes.


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MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN PINE VALLEY CRASH

East County News Service

September 19, 2023  (Pine Valley)—A 56-year San Diego man missed a curve while driving a motorcycle Sunday afternoon southbound on Sunrise Highway, around 1.5 miles north of Old Highway 80 in Pine Valley. He struck a guardrail and was ejected, landing approximately 100 feet down an embankment.


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JULIAN FARM AND ORCHARD NAMED ONE OF USA TODAY'S BEST APPLE ORCHARDS

By Kyle Alderman

September 19, 2023 (Julian) – Julian Farm and Orchard is a winner in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Apple Orchard in the USA. The farm was nominated by an expert panel from the publication that includes editors and relevant contributors. The nominees were then voted on by the public and the farm placed among the top 10, representing the only location in California.

Julian Farm and Orchard was recognized for its vast apple orchard that boasts over 1,400 trees and covers a large portion of the 25-acre property. The panel also considered other factors including their activities and other Autumn offerings.


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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: BULLDOGS FALL IN OT AFTER STRONG FIRST HALF IN EPIC CLASH WITH TITANS

Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
September 8, 2023 (Ramona) - Poway and Ramona is always an epic battle and for week four, ECM Sports headed up to the Valley of the Sun, where the Titans and undefeated Bulldogs clashed on Pop Warner Night in Ramona.

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DEER MOUSE TESTS POSITIVE FOR HANTAVIRUS

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 7, 2023 (Mount Laguna, Calif.) -- A deer mouse collected near Mount Laguna on Aug. 24 during routine monitoring has tested positive for hantavirus.

Hantavirus in wild rodents is relatively common in San Diego County. This is the seventh routine detection of hantavirus in the region for calendar year 2023.  However, because wild rodents naturally avoid people, human exposure to the virus is rare. Still, County officials advise people should be careful around wild rodents as there is no cure or vaccine for hantavirus.


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MOTORIST NOT WEARING SEATBELT DIES IN HEAD-ON RAMONA CRASH

By Miriam Raftery

September 5, 2023 (Ramona) – A head-on crash in Ramona early yesterday morning proved deadly for one driver, but the other survived with non-threatening injuries. Both young drivers were residents of Ramona. The difference? The motorist who survived was wearing a seatbelt, while the other was not.


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GET INVOLVED WITH REGIONAL PLANNING - ENGRAVED INVITATION

By: Tracy Defore, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo: Doaa Polus, seen pointing to her map, votes for 3 new parks just north of I-8 in the vicinity of First Street

September 3, 2023 (San Diego) -- The County is looking for input on projects covering a wide range of priorities that may affect you, your neighborhood or the region at large.


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POSTPONED TO SEPT. 3: EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB FEAST AT KALI’S GARDEN IN JULIAN

Update:  This event has been rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. due to Hurricane Hilary, which is forecast to drop 12 inches of rain this weekend in the mountains. Stay safe and let us know if you are able to attend on Sept. 3!

By Miriam Raftery

August 4, 2023 (Julian) – Please join us to support  the East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts and East County Magazine reporting at our next East County Dining Club Event!  We’ll be savoring a delicious vegan feast  on Sunday, August 20 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the brand new Kail’s Garden Café and Juice Bar, 1921 Main Street in Julian.

Please RSVP by Aug.17 by sending your name, the number in your party, and your entrée choices to: editor@eastcountymagazine.org.  Questions? Call 619-698-7617.

Feast your eyes on the menu choices below (entrees pictured at left):

Special menu entrée options

1:  Pineapple, cranberry and walnut salad, eggplant/spinach lasagna

2:  Seasoned roasted corn, 3 jackfruit BBQ tacos, mango salsa

3.  Garlic edamame, Yakisoba noodles with tofu, red bell peppers, broccoli

4.  Jackfruit burger with vegan fries

Dessert:  Vegan cheesecake or ube (purple yam) cheesecake

Win prizes! Thanks to our raffle prize donors:  Kali’s Garden, Menghini Winery, Cedar Rio, Purple Owl Café, Jeremy’s on the Hill, Faith’s Embroidery/Julian Toy Chest, Julian Café & Bakery, Julian Mercantile, Zen Mountain Yoga, Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, and more!


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EXTREME HEAT: STAY INSIDE, COUNTY ADVISES

August 29, 2023  (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service has extended the Excessive Heat Warning for the San Diego County deserts, mountains and valleys through Wednesday, August 30, at 8 p.m.. Temperatures will reach 110 to 117 degrees in the deserts, 95 to 107 in the valleys, and 90 to 100 in the mountains.

The San Diego County Department of Emergency Services advises:

  • Stay inside or shaded areas. Drink lots of water.
  • If you feel sick from the heat, call 9-1-1.
  • Never leave young children or pets alone in vehicles.

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SDG&E PILOTS POWER PLANT PROJECT IN SHELTER VALLEY TO HELP EASE STRAIN ON GRID DURING EXTREME HEAT

Source:  SDG&E

Photo:  Shelter Valley Community Center Board President Steve Bassett inspects installation at Shelter Valley Community Center site.

Connected devices such as energy storage and smart thermostats centrally managed to reduce demand on the grid

August 28, 2023 (San Diego) – As extreme heat records fall across the West and strain the power grid, San Diego Gas & Electric is piloting a new cleantech innovation known as a virtual power plant (VPP) to reduce energy demand and put electricity back on the grid during peak hours – all through leveraging the capabilities of customer-owned smart thermostats, rooftop solar, energy storage and other connected resources such as water pumps.


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SAN DIEGO ANIMAL SANCTUARY & FARM REVEALS NEW ORGANIC GARDEN

Farm fresh veggies are harvested daily

East County News Service

August 21, 2023 (Alpine) - San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm (SDASF), a 20-acre animal sanctuary in Alpine, announces the first harvest of its new, organic garden, which is available for sale. Funds earned from garden sales will go directly to the animals and sanctuary. Produce includes lettuce, carrots, radishes, kale, squash, zucchini, chard and more, harvested daily. In the growing stage, the farm also has a variety of tomatoes, spinach, fruits, bell peppers, corn and more. 


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TORNADO ALERT IN EAST COUNTY

August 20, 2023 3:55 p.m. -- A tornado warning has been issued by the National Weather SeErvice until 4 pm includes Locations impacted includes Alpine, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Descanso, Captain Gran

de Indian Reservation, Viejas Indian Reservation, Japatul Valley, and Boulder Creek. This is due to an extreme thunderstorm capable of producing tornados.

From the National Weather Service:

Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without  shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is  likely.

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FIRST-EVER TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR REGION, FLOOD WATCH IN DESERTS, TORNADOES POSSIBLE ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Mountain areas could get up to 10 inches of rain

UPDATE -- 4:33 a.m. Saturday-- Hurricane Hilary has sped up, with the bulk of the storm occuring on Sunday, reports @NWSSanDiego

Wind and Monday now look less severe

By Miriam Raftery

August 18, 2023 (San Diego) – For the first time ever, the National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for San Diego County and neighboring counties,upgraded from a watch issued earlier today. 

Hurricane Hilary has been upgraded to a category 4 hurricane with 145 mile an hour winds off the Mexican coast, and is expected to impact our region as a tropical storm bringing dangerously heavy rains, high winds, flash flooding, and conditions conducive to tornados. Flash flood watches have also been issued for Borrego Springs, El Cajon, Escondido, Julian, Lakeside, Pine Valley Poway, and coastal communities. The storm could shift, so be sure to check for updates.

Rainfall is forecast to begin Saturday, with the heaviest rains Sunday afternoon when the tropical storm reaches San Diego County. The eye of the hurricane could come within 100 miles of San Diego. The National Weather Service warns that the storm will be powerful enough to potentially weaken or wash out bridges, flood structures,  close roads, cause power outages, uproot trees, and cause damage to porches, awnings, and unsecured mobile homes.

Below are highlights of warnings from the NWS for our region (the link also has details for neighboring counties):


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HURRICANE TO HIT SAN DIEGO THIS WEEKEND, WORSE IMPACTS IN INLAND MOUNTAINS AND DESERTS

Mountains and deserts forecast to get 5-7 inches of rain, with winds up to 60 mph

By Miriam Raftery

August 17, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Hurricane Hilary is barreling toward San DIego County, slated to hit this weekend.

“The storm is going inland, so the strongest winds will be in the mountains,” meteorologist Miguel Miller with the National Weather Service in San Diego told  East County Magazine. “The rainfall, flood potential and winds are actually going to be stronger the more east you go. This will be a really wet and windy storm.”

Currently a category 2 hurricane, Hilary could be upgraded to a category 4 by the time it hits Baja, Mexico, though it will likely be downgraded to a tropical storm once it reaches San Diego County. However, the impacts will still pack a wallop, with thunderstorms, very heavy rains and flooding likely --with the worst in inland areas.

Desert areas are forecast to be soaked with 5-7 inches of rain, with 5-7 inches in the mountains, 2.5 inches in Alpine, and 1.75 inches in El Cajon from Saturday through Monday. The worst of the storm is expected to peak on Sunday.

Wind gusts of 40 to 60 miles per hour are expected in the mountains, with 30 to 50 mph winds on the desert floor. West of the mountains, 30 to 40 mph winds are forecast. High surf will occur along the coast.

This isn’t the first time a hurricane has hit our region.

Back in September 1976,  Hurricane Kathleen had a similar trajectory. Designate a tropical cyclone by the time it reached our region, it as ECM previously reported on an anniversary of that storm, it caused massive flooding and destruction.


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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESOURCE FAIR AND DISCUSSION SET FOR RAMONA

 
August 16, 2023 (Ramona) - Community members can learn ways to prepare for an emergency like a fire or earthquake at a resource fair and panel discussion Saturday, August 19 at 12:30 p.m. at the Ramona Library (1275 Main Street).   
 
The free event is hosted by the County’s Live Well San Diego Rural Communities Sector. It will bring together County emergency preparedness experts from the Sheriff’s Department, County Fire and Public Health Services. 
 
The panel discussion will begin at 1 p.m. with information about how to prepare now before an emergency hits, and the types of disasters to prepare for, especially in the county’s rural areas.  

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