East County News Service

March 26, 2017 (Campo-Lake Morena) – The Campo-Lake Morena Planning Group will meet on Monday night, March 27 at 7 p.m.  The agenda includes a proposal to use 20% of new park funding for maintenance of existing parks, as well as review of applicants to fill a planning group vacancy. There will also be standing committee reports including water issues and announcements on items ranging from marijuana regulatory changes to plans for Star Ranch. Below is the full agenda and meeting location details:

By Rebecca Jefferis-Williamson

Photo, left:  Kenneth Meza, Vice Chairman of the Jamul Indian Village Tribal Council, addresses attendees.

March 24, 2017 (Jamul) -- Fighting fires in the East County just got a little easier thanks to the Jamul Indian Village Tribe, which handed over the keys to two fire trucks to the San Diego Fire Authority at a ceremony that was held March 22 on the premises of the Hollywood Casino in Jamul.

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 21, 2017 (Spring Valley) - ECM got its first taste of high school varsity baseball today as the 2-2 Mount Miguel Matadors competed in the Grossmont-Metro-City Tournament against the San Diego High School Cavers.  Senior Connor White started on the mound for the Matadors.

East County News Service

March 20, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Graffiti threatening President Donald Trump has been found along a wall facing Interstate 8 east between Los Coches Road and the Lake Jennings exit in unincorporated El Cajon, NBC 7 reports.

Source:  Mount Miguel Covenant Village

Photo, left:  an artist’s rendering of the entry way at Mount Miguel Covenant Village’s new Life Center.

March 13, 2017 (Spring Valley) – On the heels of a year-long 50^th anniversary celebration, Mount Miguel Covenant Village, a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community will celebrate the grand opening of its $19.1 million Life Center that will serve as the hub of community life.

On March 31, 2017, at 4 p.m., the public is invited to an Open House, which will include a screening of a brief film about Mount Miguel Covenant Village in the new 24-seat movie theater, followed by hors d’oeuvres and a tour of the Life Center. Reservations are required for the Open House by calling 877-226-7350 or visiting www.mountmiguelcovenantvillage.org.

East County News Service

March 4, 2017 (Jamul) — The Jamul Kiwanis are revving up for their 9^th annual Hot Rod and Chili Cookoff. The event will be held on April 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pio Pico/ Thousand Trails, 14615 Otay Lakes Road, Jamul.

East County News Service

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Supervisors have rejected plans for a renewable energy overlay zone feasibility study, which would have cost an estimated half million dollars. The action came during a hearing on a Comprehensive Renewable Energy Plan.

Donna Tisdale, Chair of the Boulevard Planning Group and founder of Backcountry Against Dumps (BAD), voiced relief at the Supervisors’ rejection of the overlay zone.  “A renewable energy overlay zone would fast track any projects located within the designated boundaries. Based on some previous information, we had concerns that a renewable energy overlay zone would be placed over the Boulevard Planning Area and/or the Jacumba Planning Area,” she told ECM.

By Gig Connaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 16, 2017 (San Diego) - Rains, possibly heavy at times, are heading back to San Diego County in the coming days, according to weather officials.

Which means that if you haven’t done it already, it’s a good time to stock up on free sand and bags to protect your home and property.

East County News Service

February 15, 2017 (Alpine) – Now here’s the buzz! Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce invites you to the Queen Bee Tea on March 5^th at 11:30 in the Alpine Community Center.  Teatime will be presented by Donna Marie’s Tea Time, plus guests will enjoy vendors and a fashion show by Dana’s Boutique.

East County News Service

February 14, 2017 (Campo) – A new backcountry healthcare clinic currently under construction in Campo will have $1 million for new medical equipment thanks to the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), an East County regional public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region.

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2017 (El Cajon) — In a closed-door session Thursday just before the 6 p.m. public meeting, the Grossmont Union High School District Board will discuss ongoing litigation over funds for an Alpine high school in a case filed by Alpine Union School District and Alpine taxpayers,  as well as a new lawsuit filed in January by San Diegans for Open Government alleging campaign violations by the district over school bond Proposition BB.  A conference with labor negotiators is also on the closed-session agenda.

By Miriam Raftery

February 9, 2017 (Alpine) – Nylah, a Great Pyrenees dog that wandered out of an open gate in Alpine last Friday was found six miles away in the Japatul Road area on Tuesday with a bullet wound through her head. But miraculously, she survived.

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 8, 2017 (Spring Valley) – A 75-year-old man who was crossing Sweetwater Road north of Tyler Street in Spring Valley at 10 p.m. last night outside of a marked crosswalk was struck by a Mercedes. He died at the scene of his injuries.

Photo: The winter storms caused damage throughout the County such as flooding and this rockslide on Wynola Road in Julian.

Residents asked to report all storm damage: County has not reached level yet to get help for individuals or businesses

By Michele Clock, County of San Diego Communications

Photo: The winter storms caused damage throughout the County such as flooding and this rockslide on Wynola Road in Julian.

February 5, 2017 (San Diego) --The County of San Diego proclaimed a local emergency Friday, due to damage caused by the severe winter storms that hit the region late last month.