Board to vote Nov. 19 on whether to incur $550,000 in new debt to fund continuing legal battle

By Miriam Raftery

November 16, 2015 (Alpine)— Superior Court Judge Joel Pressman  has set a December 17^th hearing date for a trial filed against the Grossmont Union High School District by supporters of an Alpine High School. The suit seeks to assure that a fair share of bond money approved by voters will be used to build the long-promised school.  

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Judge Pressman urged both sides to settle and even offered to help—after an appeals court ruled that Grossmont violated an obligation to voters by failing to build the Alpine high school and upheld Pressman’s decision to order funds set aside.

But far from seeking to settle, the GUHSD this week will be considering approval of $550,000 in additional legal fees to continue the battle. The GUHSD already has authorization to spend $1.8 million and had spent $1.4 million as of June on the case, board documents reveal.

By Miriam Raftery  

Photo, left: Dulzura Winery owners

November 15, 2015 (San Diego's East County)--At the inaugural Toast to East County event hosted by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and San Diego Vintners  Association at Cottonwood Golf in Rancho San Diego on November 8th, guests savored a wide array of wines from local vintners as well as foods ranging from artisan cheeses to barbecued meats, Mexican food, olive oil, raw honey and more.

Speaking of honey, Pearson Brothers Winery of Dehesa served up Honey Saccharo wine made without grapes.  Other vintners offered up samples of more traditional vintages, from cabernet to chardonnay.  Rock Canyon poured its latest offering, a dessert port-like wine, while others showed off new varieties for the region such as a Malbec. Plus awards were presented for trailblazers in our region's fast-growing winemaking industry.

East County News Service

November 14, 2015 (La Mesa)--Winners of La Mesa’s K-8 Our Planet, Our Home Environmental Literacy and Art Contest have been announced. Mayor Arapostathis has kindly agreed to hand out the awards at the Block Party on November 14 at 11:15 a.m. at the Farmer’s Market site on Allison Avenue near La Mesa Blvd, and the winning flat artwork will be exhibited for one month in the foyer of the La Mesa Library.

The contest is a cooperative effort of the City's Environmental Sustainability Commission, the La Mesa Urban Trails grant from the County, the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District and the La Mesa Library branch. Sponsorship and prizes for the contest were contributed by SDGE and the Water Conservation Garden.

November 12, 2015 (Lemon Grove)—“JFK Remembered,” a screening of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to San Diego on June 6, 1963, will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. by the Lemon Grove Historical Society at the Lemon Grove Library (3001 School Lane).

“If you were there that day, please bring your memories and join with former policemen, students, teachers, crew, military and civilians who were connected to JFK’s visit. We’ll be videotaping your memories for posterity,” says Helen Ofield, president of the Lemon Grove Historical Society.  There will also be a display of memorabilia.

Kennedy visited San Diego State College (now San Diego State University) to deliver the commencement address at graduation and  stopped at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. He also traveled by open motorcade through San Diego—just 5 months and 16 days before his assassination on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas.

November 12, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Experience the Connect La Mesa 2015 Block Party! Get connected with friends, family, destinations, and all things La Mesa when you join the rest of your community this Saturday, November 14 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the La Mesa Farmer’s Market Parking Lot behind City Hall. This is a fun packed event focusing on healthy activity, our urban environment, energy efficiency, and connecting you with essential destinations, services, and opportunities to Live Well in La Mesa.

East County News Service

November 12, 2015 (Rolando) – San Diego Police seek public help to locate Vicent “Chente” Garza Salas, 22.  He is suspected of murdering 43-year-old Vincente Carrera with a machete on Nov. 5 at 10 p.m. at a home in the 6800 block of Waite Drive in the Rolando area, just west of La Mesa.

By Janis Russell

November 11, 2015 (La Mesa)- On November 6^th, the Caregiver Coalition of San Diego with the city of La Mesa had an event for caregivers of military veterans called “Finding the Balance in Caregiving- Caring for Veterans.” The event took place at the La Mesa Community Center with resource booths, free lunch provided by AARP, and a drawing. Respite care was available, provided by Heritage Senior Care.

East County Magazine was there- and below are details on many important programs and services to help our local veterans.

November 11, 2015 (Alpine)--The Alpine Education Foundation (AEF) hosted its second annual PunkinChunkin Competition Sunday, November 8 at Joan MacQueen Middle School in Alpine.

November 11, 2015 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police have released surveillance photographs of the suspect who robbed the AM/PM Gas Station in La Mesa this past weekend. The suspect was armed with a rifle when he entered the store at approximately 1:25 AM on 11/07/15.

Source:  County Parks Department

November 10, 2015 (Lakeside)-- This Veterans Day weekend, you can honor the sacrifice and service that all of our military neighbors, friends and family members make to preserve peace and maintain freedom — and enjoy a great “Warrior Challenge” hike at the same time.

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at El Capitan Preserve in Lakeside, the San Diego County Parks Department will hold the first of what is expected to become an annual event: a hiking event with something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner — or little — hiker to those hardcore warrior-hikers as well.

November 10, 2015 (Alpine)--Viejas Casino & Resort has officially opened its holiday ice rink for the winter season. Hundreds of guests arrived at Viejas Outlets for the opening night, October 30, to enjoy some holiday fun by spinning and gliding on Southern California’s largest outdoor ice skating rink.

East County News Service

November 10, 2015 (El Cajon)--Parkway Plaza shopping mall in El Cajon will be hosting a Holiday Music Festival that’s free for the community from Saturday, November 28^th through Wednesday, December 23. 

These holiday concerts will include jazz, big bands, saxophone, fiddle, violin and vocal performances.

November 10, 2015 (Flinn Springs)--You are invited to start your holiday season at Summers Past Farms, which is hosting a holiday open house on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring fall and Christmas gifts plus home decor. The barn will be filled with lights and the trimmings of the season. The store will glisten with holiday sparkle and  scents of the season. The Soap Shoppe will also be open with special holiday soaps and gifts .

Making this an old fashion open house please bring a plate of your favorite homemade cookies for the cookie table. Summers Past will have Christmas music & hot wassail for you to enjoy at this most enjoyable event under the Christmas lights.