Rural communities

MISSING LA MESA WOMAN AT RISK MAY HAVE DRIVEN TO RURAL EAST COUNTY

 

Update:  KNSD reports Teresa Hudson has been found and is safe.  Authorities have not provided further details.

East County News Service

October 23, 2016 (La Mesa)—The family of missing La Mesa woman Teresa Hudson is pleading for help to find her.  She left home near  Dallas  Street and Lubbock  Avenue Saturday morning shortly after midnight and is believed to have driven her daughter’s car, a gray Kia Sportage, license plate 6RQX374.  She suffers from a psychiatric condition and left without her medication,  money, cell phone, food, or water.  She was last seen wearing a pink nightgown.

On Sunday, her husband, John, asked people to check back roads in East County. “We’ll be looking in the Dehesa area ourselves,  believing she went for a joy ride and got lost and ran out of gas with no way to get help.” The car was low on gas, the family has indicated.


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SPRING VALLEY PLANNING GROUP LOSES TWO MEMBERS SUDDENLY

 

By Jake Christie

October 22, 2016 (Spring Valley) - In a move that was totally out of the blue, Spring Valley Community Planning Group members L. Ben Motten and Hezikiah Herrera have tendered their resignations this month.

While Motten would not respond to any emailed queries, Herrera emailed Jake Christie his resignation letter in which he stated: “.….I am currently selling my home in Spring Valley and will no longer be residing within the group’s jurisdictional boundries.….please accept this as my official planing group resignation letter.” Herrera was with the SVCPG for nearly two years, a very quiet man.


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DUELING SLATES VIE FOR SAN MIGUEL FIRE BOARD: ALL 9 CANDIDATES SPEAK OUT AT HEATED CANDIDATE FORUM IN CREST

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 20, 2016 (Crest) – The stakes are high in the San Miguel Fire Board race. In July, the board majority voted to axe a contract that outsourced firefighting to Cal Fire, entered into back when property tax revenues had plummeted in the recession and the district had shut down a fire station.  Now four candidates want to undo the recent vote and keep the deal with Cal Fire, while four others are running to restore local control.  The ninth candidate says he hasn’t made up his mind.  There are four seats up for grabs.

All nine appeared at a candidate forum tonight in Crest, a town that burned in the 2003 fires and where residents pay a higher assessment for fire services than any other fire district locally.


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CASINO OPPPONENTS PLAN MEETING OCT. 27 ON PROTEST OF LIQUOR LICENSE

 

East County News Service

October 19, 2016 (Jamul) – The Jamul Action Committee, which opposes the new Hollywood Casino in Jamul, has announced a community meeting on Thursday, October 27 at 7 p.m.in the Jamul Primary multi-use room at 14567 Lyons Valley Road.


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MAN GUNNED DOWN IN BOULEVARD

 

 

 

October 18, 2016 1 p.m. --Update:  Paul David Carr, 61, has been arrested for this crime.  The victim has been identified as Rev. Craig Hodson, 55,  from Grace Baptist  Church in Jacumba, father of 11 children. Cause of death was a penetrating gunshot wound to the torso.  The death has been ruled a homicide.  NBC 7 reports Rev. Hodson was serving an eviction notice on Carr when he was shot.

East County News Service

October 17, 2016 (Boulevard) – Sheriff’s deputies responding to a call of a shooting last night at 7:22 p.m. in rural Boulevard.  They found a 55-year-old white man with multiple bullet wounds to his torso, lying on the ground in front of a garage at 36536 Old Highway 80.  The man succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite medical aid rendered by deputies and later, paramedics who arrived.


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MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR SAN MIGUEL FIRE BOARD

 

East County News Service

October 17, 2016 (Crest) — The Crest Fire Safe Council invites you to meet candidates running for San Miguel Fire Board at the Crest Community Clubhouse (113 North Park Road in the Crest community of unincorporated El Cajon) on Wednesday, October 19 at 7 p.m.


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LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS RESCUES EXOTIC ANIMALS FROM CLOSED SANCTUARY IN SOUTH DAKOTA

 

Source: Lions, Tigers and Bears

October 16, 2016 (Alpine) -- Lions Tigers & Bears (LTB), a San Diego Big Cat and Exotic Animal Rescue, has sent its rescue team to a sanctuary in South Dakota, which has closed after a recent USDA inspection and tiger mauling last week.  


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CRASHES CONCERN RESIDENTS NEAR CASINO

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy Deerhorn Valley Antler

October 16, 2016 (Jamul) – Since Monday’s opening of the Hollywood Casino in Jamul, several motor vehicle accidents have occurred along State Route 94, heightening residents’ concerns over safety.

The following details are based on a combination of California Highway Patrol incident reports online and eyewitness accounts published by the Deerhorn Valley Antler and its Antler Alerts.


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COMMUNITY RAISES $7,000 TO HELP 3 DOGS BITTEN BY RATTLESNAKE

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 14, 2016 (Jamul) - A GoFundMe site setup yesterday to help a Jamul woman whose three dogs were bitten by a rattlesnake has raised over $7,000.  She is a single mother who can’t afford the costly care needed to save her dogs’ lives.


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JAMUL TRAFFIC IMPROVES AFTER CASINO OPENING, BUT SOME PROBLEMS REMAIN

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos courtesy of  E.  Rullet and Deerhorn Valley Antler

October 13, 2016 (Jamul)—Monday’s grand opening of the Hollywood Casino in Jamul caused traffic backups of several hours.  On Tuesday,  residents report delays were reduced to 15-30 minutes for those seeking to run errands in the rural town of Jamul,  still a hassle for residents who long opposed the casino. Illegal parking along State Route 94 and side roads continue to pose problems, though authorities have begun ticketing vehicles.

Parents have voiced concerns over safety of students at Steele Canyon High School’s homecoming football game and dance this weekend, the first weekend the casino will be in operation.  The traffic and parking issues could also negatively  impact JamulFest Sunday, where Lyons Valley Road closes for a parade and parking is tight even in prior years.


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TULE WIND HEARING TODAY AT 1 PM IN SAN DIEGO: STATE LANDS COMMISSION TO VOTE

Wind project threatens eagles:  concerned citizens can send comments via e-mail

By Miriam Raftery

October 13, 2016 (San Diego)—The State Lands Commission is scheduled to vote today on leasing 640 acres of state land for the controversial Tule Wind project in McCain Valley for 40 years. The meeting is set for 1p.m. today at the Sheraton Hotel in San Diego near the airport.

 This project is one of a larger project on federal lands that will lead to injury and deaths for eagles,  environmentalists warn.  Opponents  urge concerned citizens to ask the Commission to vote no or delay voting until and unless U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service grants an eagle take permit and until litigation is resolved.  You can email comments on Tule Wind,  Agenda Item 63,to CSLC.Commissionmeetings@slc.ca.gov


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CASINO OPENING IN JAMUL CAUSES TRAFFIC NIGHTMARES FOR RESIDENTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos courtesy of Deerhorn Valley Antler and Ray Conser

October 11, 2016 (Jamul) – Opening of the Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego yesterday caused extreme traffic delays of to several hours, according to the California Highway Patrol and residents.  The Deerhorn Valley Antler reported 2-4 hour delays.  Traffic on State Route 94 (Campo  Road)  was  backed up for  many miles, all the way from Otay Lakes Road in the south and from  Kenwood Drive in Spring Valley in the north.Side roads such as Lyons Valley Road and Skyline also became jammed.

CHP’s incident page logged multiple complaints of motorists parking on both sides of  highway 94 and other nearby streets illegally after the casino parking lot, which holds 1,800 vehicles, filled to capacity. There were reports of  vehicles making illegal U-turns, passing illegally, and making right turns from a left-hand lane, as well as motorists walking along the roadway.  One caller voiced distress, reporting that her vehicle overheated and her daughter was home along,  per the CHP log. On Brush Fire Partyline’s  Facebook page, Melissa Woodall worried about her children stuck in traffic on a school bus with no air conditioning. John MJodline wrote that it took two hours to get his son at Steele Canyon High school, where dozens of kids were stranded waiting for parents and some students crossed a dangerous thoroughfare.


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OAK TREE EXPERTS: HOW OAK TREES ARE DYING AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO SAVE THEM

 

By Janis Russell

October 10, 2016 (Jamul) - On Saturday, October 1, the public gathered under some oak trees near the Lyons Valley Trading Post in Jamul to hear two experts talk about what has been happening with the coast live oak trees in California.


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HOLLYWOOD CASINO JAMUL–SAN DIEGO TO CELEBRATE PREMIER OPENING MONDAY

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Byron Croft: top, Richard St. Jean and Penn National team; right, Final Cut steakhouse view.

 

October 9,2016 (Jamul) – “I’m like a proud parent,” Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego vice president and general manager Richard St. Jean said,  during a preview tour of the 200,000 square foot facility on Saturday.  This has been a long time coming.”

The casino will opening to the public on Monday at 2 p.m., after an 11 a.m.ribbon-cutting for Penn National Gaming executive team members and tribal members of the Jamul Indian Village of the Kumeyaay Nation.


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OFFICIALS MEET WITH POTRERO RESIDENTS ON BORDER FIRE CONCERNS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 6, 2016 (Potrero)—Supervisor Dianne Jacob convened a meeting at the Potrero Library on September 27th ,  where officials from Cal Fire, the Sheriff’s department,County Animal Services and the Office of Emergency Services responded to concerns raised by residents during the Border Fire.

Verizon, AT&T and SDG&E were also on hand with information on communications issues and power outages.


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LAST DOG BELONGING TO BORDER FIRE VICTIMS FINDS ADOPTIVE HOME

 

By Miriam Raftery

October 4, 2016 (Potrero) – “Finally! Kendrick was the last of the dogs at our shelter in Bonita which were rescued from the Border Fire in Potrero in June, “San Diego Animal Services posted on Facebook yesterday.

According to Animal Services, “The young man in the photo met Kendrick a few weeks ago and couldn't get him off his mind. His mom said if they came back on Saturday (October 1st) and Kendrick was still here, he could have him for his birthday which is this week. Kendrick hit it off with this family right away and was happy to leave with them today! His new family is going to take him on lots of hikes on the trail near their home!”


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MAN ARRESTED FOR STABBING ROOMMATE IN SPRING VALLEY

 

East County News Service

October 3, 2016 (Spring Valley) – Sheriff deputies responded to a report of a man threatening his roommate with a knife early this morning in the 8600 block of Valencia Street in Spring Valley.  At the residence they found John Borja covered in blood.  The victim, Justin Lacsamana, was stabbed multiple times and had been driven to a nearby gas station by a neighbor.


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SHERIFF HOSTS COFFEE WITH COMMUNITY IN CASA DE ORO OCT. 27

 

East County News Service

October 2, 2016 (Spring Valley) - Community outreach is a top priority of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. The Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station will provide an opportunity for the public to discuss issues related to safety and security at Coffee with the Community on Thursday, October 27 from 8-10 a.m.at Butler’s Coffee House,9631 Campo Road in Casa de Oro.


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STACEY TAYLOR LOSES”EVERYTHING” IN BURGLARY; GO FUND ME SITE SET UP TO HELP EX-RADIO HOST

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, ,left:  Stacy Taylor interviewing anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan on KLSD radio


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SUPERHEROES NEEDED: STUDENTS TELL ADULTS “IT’S TOO EASY” TO GET ALCOHOL

 

East County News Service

October 1, 2016 (Spring Valley) -- In the world of fictional superheroes, Ironman’s alter-ego is Tony Stark, a business-minded intellectual and ingenious engineer.  It fits the theme of what East County Youth Coalition (ECYC) members at Mt. Miguel High School are stressing for their school’s superhero-themed homecoming. The teens are pressing adults to use their intellects to stop providing alcohol to minors.


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BOIL WATER ORDER AND PUBLIC NOTIFICATION FOR INDIAN HILLS CAMP WATER SYSTEM

 

East County News Service

October 1, 2016 (Jamul) -- The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for the Indian Hills Camp water system located at 15763 Lyons Valley Road in Jamul, CA 92086, effective immediately. The water system serves 9 mobile homes, 15 RV spaces, 2 dorms, 15 camping sites, 4 restroom facilities with showers, 2 swimming pools, a kitchen and office building.


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NIGHT OF THE JACK-O’LANTERNS: OCT. 13 IN ALPINE

 

East County News Service

October 1, 2016 (Alpine) - The Alpine Education Foundation (AEF) invites you to join them for special event at the Alpine Creek Town Center on Thursday, October 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The event is free for all ages.


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MATADORS DON'T STAND A CHANCE AGAINST UNSTOPPABLE WARHAWKS OFFENSE

 

By Liz Alper

September 30, 2016 (Spring Valley) - For this week's Friday Night Lights, ECM traveled to Mount Miguel High School to watch the Matadors take on the Madison Warhawks.


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SDSU WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PARTICIPATES IN WBCA DAY OF SERVICE

 

Aztecs read to local children at Spring Valley Public Library

Source: goaztecs.com press release

Photos courtesy goaztecs.com

September 30, 2016 (Spring Valley) - San Diego State women's basketball took part in the Women's Basketball Coaches' Association (WBCA) Day of Service on Thurs., Sept. 29 by reading to San Diego-area children at Spring Valley Public Library.


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ALPINE CHAMBER PREPARES BRIGHTER COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DEC. 2

 

Source: Alpine-Mt. Empire Chamber of Commerce

Photos courtesy of the Alpine Sun

September 22, 2016 (Alpine) -- The Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce will present new year-end holiday opportunities for residents, businesses, organizations and vendors.


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ALPINE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT TO BOLSTER FIRE PREVENTION EFFORTS WITH FM GLOBAL GRANT

 

Source:  Fire Chief Bill F. Paskle, Fire Chief,  Alpine Protection District

Photo: By AFPD.  FM Global’s Jay Koo presents a plaque to Alpine Fire Protection District Fire Chief Bill Paskle.  Left to Right, AFPD Fire Chief Bill Paskle, Jay Koo from FM Global, AFPD Fire Marshal Jason McBroom.

September 21, 2016  (Alpine)
The Alpine Fire Protection District has received a $2,194 fire prevention grant from FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers.


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INTERNAL INVESTIGATION INTO DEPUTIES' ACTIONS AFTER BORDER FIRE FIND “NO VIOLATIONS”; CITIZENS VOICE ANGER

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Nadin Abbott, Reporting San Diego;Volunteer searchers combed burned property where two bodies were located after Sheriff's declined to search hills behind couple's home

September 18, 2016  (San Diego’s East County)—Campo resident Claudia Millerbragg  asked the Sheriff’s Department on July 2nd  to launch an internal investigation into what she and other residents described as  rude unprofessional treatment by Sheriff’s officials.  She says three other residents also spoke with the internal affairs

Frustrating by deputies’ lack of response to citizens’ concerns about two missing people after the Border Fire, Millerbragg was present with other local women who launched their own search and within 10 minutes,  found bodies of the missing couple huddled between boulders behind their home.

Now a  Sheriff’s internal investigation  into the matter has closed, with a disposition of “unfounded” in part and “exonerated” in part. The finding has left residents frustrated over the apparent lack of resolution of their concerns.


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READER’S EDITORIAL: WHY DID THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT REPORT MEETINGS WITH RESIDENTS WHEN NONE HAVE OCCURRED?

 

By Jan Hedlun, Potrero resident

Note:  Hedlun sent this on Sept. 14 to San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Boudreau, with copies to Supervisor Dianne Jacob and ECM.  She’s granted permission to run this as an open letter/reader’s editorial.

Re:  Regional Fire Safe Council Meeting/Potrero

September 16, 2016 (Potrero) -- My name is Jan Hedlun and I am a Potrero resident and an elected member of the Potrero Community Planning Group. I was speaking to Bob Buerer who attended the recent Regional Fire Safe Council meeting on Thursday, September 8th who told me something deeply disturbing.


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YEE HAW! COWBOY SWAP MEET: SEPT. 25 IN DESCANSO

 

East County News Service

September 16,2016 (Descanso) – If you’re hankering for some saddles, tack, Western wear or other cowboy gear, mosey on over to a cowboy swap meet at William  Lang Leather Works (formerly McClintock’s Saddle Works at 25077 ViejasBlvd.) in Descanso on Sunday, September 25 from 8 a.m. to 1p.m.


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WHITEWASH? COUNTY’S BORDER FIRE REPORT IGNORES SERIOUS CONCERNS RAISED BY RESIDENTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Richard Edwords: Harrowing ride along State Route 94 during Border Fire

 

September 15, 2016  (San Diego’s East County) – The County’s Border Fire 2016 After Action Report  presents a review on the regional response to the Border Fire that ignores many serious complaints lodged by rural residents in the fire. The report was written entirely by official agencies and  does not include concerns raised by the public, leading rural planning officials,  residents and a community news editor to contend the county whitewashed their concerns.

 The blaze killed two people , destroyed five homes and left countless animals without care in triple-digit heat while residents were refused access  for days after the fire. While residents praise efforts of firefighters who worked valiantly to prevent worse losses, many feel betrayed by officials in the wake of the Border Fire report and other complaints that residents say have yielded little or no meaningful changes.

The report omits entirely any mention of controversies over the deaths of Potrero residents Jim and Kyrie Keefe,  whose bodies were found by community volunteers.  Agencies praised themselves in the report, while omitting criticisms on issues such as lack of  adequate care for animals stranded in triple-digit heat and inadequate evacuation notifications -- in some cases, just yellow caution tape stuck on mailboxes, with no explanation or direct contact with residents in danger after their phone lines, cell towers and Internet service all  went down in communities such as Potrero and Lake Morena.


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