East County News Service

Photo: Creative Commons image per S.A. of a similar Korean War era device

March 8, 2019 (Spring Valley) – Sheriff’s deputies received a call this morning from a resident on Margaret Court, Spring Valley who said his 93-year-old neighbor had given him a grenade.

Detectives responded and it was determined that the device was an inert Korean War era grenade. It was removed from the area for proper disposal, says detective John Debus.

East County News Service

March 8, 2019 (Ramona) -- Working toward a goal of at least 40 painted murals on Ramona buildings, the H.E.A.R.T. Mural Project has received approval of artists and concepts of three additional murals from the Ramona Design Review Board.The committee is also searching for a muralist to create a fourth mural — a scene of vintage bikes, at Cheers of Ramona, 2475 Main St. 

East County News Service

March 8, 2019 (Ramona) – Ramona Ranch Winery announces a series of events including Cheeses from the Cave this Saturday, live music with the Tree Huggers next weekend, and a Winemaker Weekend in April.  Scroll down for details, provided by the winery: 

By Miriam Raftery

March 8, 2019 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – The proposed 90 megawatt Jacumba Valley Ranch (JVR) solar project on 1,345 acres next to the Jacumba Hot Springs airport has a project footprint “much larger than the small town that is right next door,” says Donna Tisdale, chair of the Boulevard Planning Group.

An environmental impact report will be prepared and public input  is sought on what should be included in the EIR.  Comments are due by April 8.  A scoping meeting will be held on March 21, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Highland Community Center, 44681 Old Highway 80, Jacumba Hot Springs.

Below is the county’s public notice with full details:

By Miriam Raftery

March 7, 2019 (Alpine) –The Children’s Nature Retreat in Alpine is temporarily closed due to damage done by unknown intruders. In a letter to supporters, the retreat’s owners sent photos of damage and revealed that on Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m., they discovered that three fences had been cut with a heavy-duty tool, rolled back and laid on the ground, allowing sheep, donkeys and African animals to be released from their enclosures.

"Neighbors" aims to reduce crime in neighborhoods by connecting people, security cameras and law enforcement.

Source:  La Mesa Police Department

March 6, 2019 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Police Department today announced that it is joining the Neighbors app by Ring (available via iOS/Android here: https://download.ring.com/lamesa to provide the La Mesa community with real-time, local crime and safety information. The Neighbors network already has millions of users and has been instrumental in catching package thieves, stopping burglaries, and keeping neighborhoods safe.

East County News Service

March 6, 2019 (San Diego) - Summer Safari is returning to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, bringing fun activities and entertainment for the whole family May 25 through September 1. Guests can enjoy an array of activities, live music, arts and crafts, pop-up entertainment for all ages, and more. Guests at the Safari Park will also have the unique opportunity to encounter fascinating animals up-close and enjoy a variety of special evening shows.

By Donald H. Harrison 

Originally published in San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  Panelist Shor Masori tells of experiences at Grossmont Middle College High School

March 5, 2019 (El Cajon) - There’s a secret that I feel it’s my duty to divulge to other grandparents and parents of high school students.  High school sophomores can get a jump on their college educations—maybe even save their parents a bundle of money —by applying to Grossmont Middle College High School for the upcoming fall semester.

OHV Restoration Project Review Period

East County News Service

Restoration work has been proposed by the Back Country Land Trust for OHV impacted areas of their Clover Flat Wildlife Preserve.  The public is invited to review and comment on their application for funding of a habitat restoration grant. These grants are solicited by the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program,

Grant funding would be used to restore 15 acres of OHV impacted critical wildland habitat in Clover Flat Preserve to the east of Campo. Clover Flat is located to the west of La Posta Road and north of Highway 94.  Habitat restoration, fencing, and educational signage will protect endangered species, prevent soil erosion, redirect recreational Off-Highway Vehicle users to nearby legal recreational areas, and will employ local contractors.

East County News Service

March 3, 2019 (La Mesa) - From Beauty and the Beast’s hauntingly melancholic “If I Can’t Love Her” to the impassioned spirituality of Vaughn-Williams “Five Mystical Songs,” noted baritone Bill Marshall “sings it all!”  Think the exuberant “They Call the Wind Maria” from Paint Your Wagon and Theodore Roethke’s disturbing tale, “My Papa’s Waltz.” All these and more will be showcased when Marshall, accompanied by Jim Tompkins-MacLaine,  appears as featured artist in program eight of East County’s popular Valerie Victor Concert Series. The concert will be held Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m. at The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave., La Mesa.

East County News Service

March 3, 2019 (Borrego) -- Anza Borrego Desert Park has posted a video of wildflowers  blooming early across the desert, along with tips on what you should know if you plan to go wildflower watching.

https://www.facebook.com/AnzaBorrego/videos/2668093956566649/

Photo: Creative commons image via S.A.

March 2, 2019 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition is now accepting applications for the “Youth of the Year” Award, recognizing outstanding youth who go above and beyond serving their community!  This annual award is given to one middle school and one high school student, honoring them for their leadership abilities and/or their quality or level of community service. Final awards will be based on dedication and commitment beyond what may be required by the school and its effect on the community.