Rural communities

WELCOME, RURAL RESIDENTS!

Our Rural section covers most San Diego County's inland communities south of I-8  to the border including Alpine, Barrett Junction, Boulevard, Campo, Deerhorn Valley, Dehesa, Dulzura,  Jamul,  Japatul, Lake Morena, Otay,  Potrero, and Spring Valley. 


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FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASH IN DULZURA

East County News  Service

September 26, 2023 (Dulzura) – A motorcyclist  missed a curve and was ejected onto State Route 94 just east of Roma Road at 10:49 Saturday morning. He was transported by air ambulance to Scripps Mercy Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

The 28-year-old Chula Vista man was driving a 2024 Kawasaki ZX-6R motorcycle westbound on 94 when the crash occurred.


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SAPS AT SEA PRESENTS 'PRE-HALLOWEEN SPECTACULAR' OCT. 21

East County News Service

September 21, 2023 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel & Hardy fan organization, present their October "Pre-Halloween Spectacular" meeting October 21 at Williams Hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Spring Valley.


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EVERYBODY DIES BY THE END: HORROR FILM SHOT IN JAMUL AND SAN DIEGO NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

By Jacob Pamus

Everybody Dies by the End is a feature film written by Ian Tripp and directed by Ian and Ryan Schafer. The film was partially shot in Jamul and downtown. The film stars East County locals such as Brendan Cahalan and Vinny Curran, who owns a bar called Thrusters Lounge in Pacific Beach. Other local actors include Brendan Cahalan from El Cajon and Ian Tripp of San Carlos.

The synopsis of the film is: “A documentary crew follows cult classic horror director Alfred Costella as he makes his final film - An all-practical masterpiece...with a dark twist.” 

When asked about his experience during the production of the film, Ian Tripp told ECM, “You have to be agile to problems coming at you every minute, but the crew itself was why we surpassed any problems we had.” He went into further detail, explaining how well the crew worked together in an environment that could be very stressful.


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STEELE CANYON GOVERNING BOARD APPROVES SALARY INCREASE FOR STAFF

 

Story and photos by Branda Gorgies


The Steele Canyon High School governing board recently held a meeting to approve final decisions regarding salaries of the teachers.

The special meeting was on Monday at 3:45 p.m. in the school library. It was only about five minutes long, but the board members approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as well as the new salary schedules and extended curricular salaries. 


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STEELE CANYON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WALK OUT TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS WHO ASKED FOR SALARY INCREASE

By Branda Gorgies

Photos from Branda Gorgies, Brenda Ramirez and Creative Commons via Google Images

 

September 6, 2023 (Spring Valley) -  Teachers at Steele Canyon High School, a charter school in the Grossmont Union High School District, are seeking a salary increase because many of them feel they’re not being paid a competitive salary. On August 16, at the high school’s library, Steele Canyon’s independent governing board held a meeting with public comment from five teachers. On Monday this week, students held a walkout to show support for the teachers. 


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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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ALPINE RESIDENTS ASK U.S. FORESTRY DEPT. TO ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC ON LOVELAND RESERVOIR ACCESS, ALSO HEAR UPDATES ON WILDFIRE ISSUES

 

By: Jessyka Heredia 

 

 



 

August 31, 2023 (Alpine)— Last Thursday, residents came to the Alpine Community Planning Group to hear about the U.S. Forestry Service’s wildfire protection efforts in Alpine and discuss the easement agreement between the Forestry department and the Sweetwater Water Authority (SWA)Residents want to see fish restocked and reservoir gates opened from sunrise to sunset at Loveland Reservoir, according to the easement deed.


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PAINT RECYCLING IN SPRING VALLEY AUGUST 26

East County News Service

 

August 22, 2023 (Spring Valley) -- A person in yellow shirts and a blue car with the trunk openDescription automatically generatedIf your household or business has leftover paint you’d like to recycle, you can drop it off at Steele Canyon High School (12440 Campo Rd., Spring Valley) on Saturday, August 26th from 8 a.m.to noon. The event is organized by the nonprofit Paintcare.


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SPOOKY CAMPOVER AND PUMPKIN BASH AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS

East County News Service

 

August 22, 2023 (Alpine) --   Lions,Tigers and Bears in Alpine invites you to two wildly eerie events: A family-friendly pumpkin bash on October 29 and a Spooky Campover October 28-29.  These events sell out quickly,  so early reservations are recommended.


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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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WARNING ISSUED FOR RESIDENTS DOWNSTREAM FROM LOVELAND RESERVOIR DUE TO TROPICAL CYCLONE HILARY

 

By Miriam Raftery

By Miriam Raftery

File photo of past spillover at Loveland Dam, via Sweetwater Water Authority

August 20, 2023 (Alpine) – Warning letters have been sent by Sweetwater Water Authority to residents downstream from Loveland Reservoir, in anticipation of “unplanned water release, or spills”  due to anticipated heavy rains from tropical storm Hilary. “These potential unplanned water release, together with expected abundant storm runoff, could cause flooding in areas downstream,” the district’s website cautions.

Residents downstream are urged to relocate livestock, equipment and materials out of the floodway, to inspect their properties, and clear critical culverts as soon as possible to reduce potential property damage.

Flooding could continue even after Monday, when rains are forecast to end, due to storm runoff into the river.


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RESIDENTS ALLOWED TO GO HOME AFTER COYOTE FIRE

East County News Service

August 19, 2023 (Potrero) -- CAL FIRE and San Diego County Fire report the Coyote Fire has grown to 466 acres, with 55% containment in the Potrero area.

The Sheriff’s Department is reopening all roads and allowing residents to return home. Drive slowly and carefully and be mindful of firefighters and other emergency personnel working in the area.

The shelter at Mountain Empire High School at 3305 Buckman Springs Road in Pine Valley will close.

Residents are encouraged to fortify their homes in preparation for the incoming storm, Tropical Cyclone Hilary. Sandbags are available at the following locations.

People should call ahead to double-check availability and remember to bring a shovel to fill the bags. Some stations may have a limited supply.


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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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COYOTE FIRE BURNING AT DANGEROUS RATE IN POTRERO: EVACUATIONS ORDERED

Update August 18, 2023 -- The #Coyote Fire has burned 466 acres and is 43% contained. A firefighter injury is reported and two structures were destroyed.

Update 3:45 p.m. -- The fire is 100 acres and threatening homes near Round Potrero Rd. and  Horizon View. Round Potrero Road is closed between Yerba Santa Road to  Potrero Valley. The evacuation order area has broadened;view map: . temporary evacuation center has been set up in the parking lot of the Mountain Empire High School at 3305 Buckman Springs Rd. in Pine Valley. You can take your animals, including livestock, to the @SanDiegoCounty Animal Shelter at 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita

August 17, 2023 (Potrero) -- Cal Fire is at the scene of a vegetation fire on Coyote Holler Road near Ranch Road in Potrero.

The fire has burned at least five acres and has a dangerous rate of spread, per Cal Fire.

The Sheriff's vehicles now have a hi-low alarm sound.  If you hear it, evacuate immediately.


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COURT BLOCKS CAMPO WIND PROJECT TO ALLOW CONSIDERATION OF AVIATION SAFETY CONCERNS

East County News Service

August 16, 2023 (San Diego's East County)—Yesterday the  Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a published opinion vacating as “arbitrary and capricious” the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA) denial of a petition by an environmental organization, Backcountry Against Dumps.

The group sought discretionary review of a plan by Terra-Gen Development Company to construct 72 wind turbines, including 60 that would be 586 feet tall on the crest of the Coast Range on the Campo reservation in the Campo-Boulevard areas of San Diego's East County. The turbines would be roughly twice the height of the Statue of Liberty and located within the principal aviation corridor between San Diego, California and Yuma, Arizona.

Backcountry’s petition recognized the vital need for renewable energy to counter climate change, but pointed out that public and environmental safety must also be factored into project reviews.

It cited documentation showing the turbines would pose collision hazards to fixed wing and rotary aircraft, impair radar function, potentially trigger greenhouse gas-emitting wildfires due to wind-induced sparking of power lines, lightning strikes and overheating of rotors, impede aerial firefighting and other emergency response, and force air traffic to fly at higher altitudes more prone to icing hazards to clear these enormous obstructions.


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SYCUAN HOSTS POWWOW SEPTEMBER 8-10

East County News Service

 

August 9, 2023 (Sycuan) – The 2023 Sycuan Powwow will be held September 8-10 at the Sycuan Resort, 5577 Dehesa Road in El  Cajon.

The annual celebration will feature tribal dancing contests each day as well as bird singing competitions on Sept. 9. Other activities include peon games at dusk, traditional Native American arts and crafts vendors, and refreshments.


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BIG ENERGY PROJECTS DOMINATE AGENDA AT BOULEVARD PLANNING GROUP

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2023 (Boulevard, CA) – The community room at the Boulevard Sheriff station was packed for  Boulevard Planning Group’s meeting on August 3, with updates on a dozen major energy projects on the agenda.

Some are moving forward, some have been withdrawn, others face legal challenges, and several remain in the pipeline.

The board also addressed other issues ranging from potential impacts of the county's cannabis ordinance to the appointment of two new board members.


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I-8 CLOSED DUE TO FIRE IN PINE VALLEY NEAR BOULEVARD

 

Update: The evacuation warning has been lifted.  One lane of I-8 west has been reopened.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Eileen Martinez

August 6, 2023 -- The #PassFire has burned 10 acres near Ribbonwood Road and Opalacka in Pine Valley near Boulevard. I-8 west is closed, with traffic diverted onto Ribbonwood.

The Sheriff has issued an evacuation warning  with vulnerable people urged to leave, such as those who are disabled, have access issues,or large animals.  

However Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire reports the forward spread has been halted at 10 acres.


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FOUR BRIDGES RENAMED TO HONOR EAST COUNTY PIONEERS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Cherry Diefenbach: Pine Valley Bridge on Old Highway 80  is among the bridges receiving honorary names.

August 6, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego County Supervisors in July unanimously voted to approve honorary naming of four bridges to commemorate pioneering leaders in East County.  The request was made by District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson, in response to requests from community members, petitions signed by at least 100 residents, and approval by each community’s planning group or sponsor group.


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VALLE DE ORO PLANNING GROUP PREPARES LETTER TO COUNTY TO OPPOSE THE COTTONWOOD SAND MINE PROJECT RECIRCULATED EIR

By: Jessyka Heredia

 

August 3, 2023 (Rancho San Diego)—On Tuesday, members of the Valle De Oro Community Planning Group met at their regular monthly meeting to discuss the recently recirculated Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the Cottonwood Sand Mine project that is proposed on 214 acres of land at the Cottonwood Golf Course. The goal was to approve a drafted letter to the County to share their concerns on the project.


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FIRE IN MEXICO, SOUTH OF BOULEVARD

August 3, 2023 (Boulevard, CA) -- A new fire is burning in Mexico south of Boulevard. Eileen Martinezx provided this photo to ECM around 3:30 p.m.

Cal Fire's Mike Cornette confirms that the fire is about 4 miles from the border.


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GANG MEMBER ARRESTED FOR DEADLY SPRING VALLEY SHOOTING

East County News Service

August 3, 2023 (Spring Valley) -- A suspect was arrested on August 1 for a July 4 shooting that killed one man and injured another in Spring Valley. The suspect is  a gang member with a criminal record.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on July 4, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting a shooting in the 2700 block of Central Avenue. Fernardo Kevin Villegas, 25, was found in the street with several gunshot wounds to his torso. Despite medical aid provided by deputies and medical personnel, he died of his injuries.

A second victim, Kaulana “Dustin” Hernandez Liu, arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound to his arm; he was treated and released.


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JAMUL CASINO BRINGS HOME RECORD NINE 'SAN DIEGO'S BEST' AWARDS IN SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE READERS POLL

San Diegans recognize Jamul Casino for its dining, panoramic views and service

East County News Service

Photo:  Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub at Jamul Casino, named “Best Sports Bar” for the sixth consecutive year in the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Readers Poll

August 3, 2023 (Jamul) - On Sunday, July 30, the San Diego Union-Tribune announced the winners of its 27th annual “San Diego’s Best” Readers Poll, with Jamul Casino bringing home a personal best of nine (9) awards.  The Union-Tribune Readers Poll reflects the voting audience’s top selections for more than 200 products and services in San Diego—everything from restaurants to entertainment, retail, real estate, legal services, and more.  The winners earn the right to be called “San Diego’s Best.” 


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FUNDRAISER FOR CREST SENIOR INJURED BY TRASH TRUCK

 

Cedar Fire survivor and widow of famed pilot adventurer needs community’s help

By Miriam Raftery

August 2, 2023  (Crest) – Leysl  Muñoz, 87, was well-known to residents in rural Crest, where she regularly drove around in her golf cart with her Burmese Mountain Dog, Rebby.  But on Friday, July 28, she was “critically injured when an EDCO trash truck backed over her while she was sitting in her golf cart,” according to a GoFundMe post set up by her neighbor, Rich Robinson.

“Leysl is confronting a long and difficult road to get back on her feet,” he states. “This GoFundMe effort is being established by her East County friends who want to help her get back on her feet and in a new golf car with Rebby.


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COTTONWOOD SAND MINE PROJECT BRINGS STRONG OPPOSITION FROM EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS

By: Jessyka Heredia

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/EfC-xnCUzmo?feature=share

 

July 25, 2023 (El Cajon)—Hundreds of residents showed up Tuesday evening to a public meeting held at Hillsdale Middle School, convened by The County of San Diego Planning Commission regarding a revised Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the controversial Cottonwood sand mine proposal.  Those present in the packed room showed solidarity in opposition to the sand mine project currently under consideration by the County of San Diego on a 214 acre section of Cottonwood golf course in El Cajon.


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NEW BRUSH FIRE IN POTRERO

July 30, 2023 (Potrero) -- Multiple fire crews and aircraft are responding to a brush fire in Potrero that started at 26440 Potrero Valley Road in the Bell Valley area in Potrero. The fire has potentially to reach up to 300 acres and at least one structure is threatened. 

Some residents have been asked to evacuate, Brush Fire Partyline reports, though there has been no official confirmation of evacuations as yet.


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EVACUATION WARNING ISSUED FOR TECATE REGION DUE TO BRUSH FIRE

Update July 29, 2023: The evacuation warnings have been lifted.

Update July  28, 2023 8:40 a.m.: The #Border21Fire fire remains four acres in the US, acerage in Mexico is undetermined, Cal Fire reports. Evacuation warnings remain in effect for the area just west of Tecate, CA. Crews will work through the day to minimize the threat of the fire extending any further northwards.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  Border 32 Fire on Mount Cuchama, by Robin Brailsford

July 27, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)  -- An evacuation warning, meaning impending danger to property, has been issued due to the #Border21Fire.  The fire is burning in the southeastern part of the county off Grapevine Truck Trail and Tecate Truck Trail.  The evacuation warning is in effect for the Tecate and Potrero area in the shaded areas shown on the map below this story.

A temporary evacuation center has been set up at Steele Canyon High School, 12440 Campo Rd., Spring Valley.

When a warning is given, you should assume an evacuation order will follow, the Sheriff advises.  Start now to gather important items for your family and pets, and if you feel you are in danger, don’t wait—go.

Remember these six “Ps” when preparing to evacuation:


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BLACKWATER FOUNDER ERIK PRINCE INDICTED FOR ARMS SALES TO LIBYA

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Erik Prince in 2015, cc-2.0 via Wikipedia

July 27, 2023 (San Diego) — The name Erik Prince became familiar to many residents in San Diego’s East County when Blackwater, the private military contracting firm he founded, sought to build a paramilitary training camp in Potrero.


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LARGE BRUSH FIRE IN TECATE, MEXICO NEAR BORER

By Miriam Raftery

July 26, 2023 (Tecate)  -- The #Border20Fire which started late this afternoon has burned 458 acres. The fire started on the south slope of Tecate Peak. 

At 6:35 p.m., Cal Fire reports that updated mapping and intelligence shows the fire is completely within Mexico – a correction from their early report, which had indicated that the fire had crossed the border.


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