Source: Envision La Mesa

October 24, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Last Saturday, volunteers from across the City of La Mesa took a hand in cleaning up University Avenue at Envision La Mesa’s “Shining Our Streets” event. Neighbors and students from nearby Helix High School gathered unsightly trash, reported issues requiring the city’s attention through the YourGov app and dropped by to thank local businesses who chipped in to ensure participants had the supplies they needed for a successful event.

East County News Service

October 22, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Make the holidays special for military children and families that live in La Mesa military housing. La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is gathering toys, diapers and items for children between the ages of 2 - 13 years old. The Chamber will host a toy drive party at BJ's restaurant in Grossmont Center on December 4th from 5:30 - 7 p.m. to celebrate. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and join in the fun! 

East County News Service

October 22, 2018 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Community Planning Group will hold a public hearing this Thursday on an environmental impact report on a controversial sand mining project proposed in the El Monte Valley. After public comments and discussion, planning group members are expected to vote on the project’s EIR.

By Miriam Raftery

October 20, 2018 (El Cajon) — Cajon Valley Union School District was recently featured in an article in Forbes, The World of Work - In Elementary School, highlighting the El Cajon district’s World of Work program by Tom Vander Ark of Getting Smart.

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of LMPD

October 20, 2018 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Police are advising motorcylists to “please slow down and be careful, your life may depend on it,” after investigating four accidents involving serious motorcycle collisions including a fatality crash in the past six weeks.  “Excessive speed has been a factor in all of these crashes,” a tweet sent by LMSD states.  #Slowdown #drivesafe

East County News Service

October 19, 2018 (Alpine)--Come for a wild and ghoulish night under the stars with the rescued exotic animals of Lions Tigers & Bears in Alpine on Friday night, October 26^th through Saturday morning, October 27th.

The annual Spooky Campover at this world renown non-profit animal sanctuary is a family favorite. Enjoy pumpkin carving, s’mores, campfire songs, special animal feedings and more.  A costume contest will be held Saturday morning, followed by a special feeding visit to watch the big cats and bears enjoy their pumpkin treats.

Councilman’s wife, Jessica, served with legal suit papers during meeting

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

October 18, 2018 (El Cajon)--Troubled El Cajon Councilman Ben Kalasho launched into a screed at the conclusion of last Tuesday’s City Council meeting, attacking the local news media during the activities portion of the session. He did not directly name a particular journalist or publication.

He opened by thanking the public for coming to express concerns about the city and have their voices heard, noting that the 3 p.m. meetings are a time when many are working or picking up kids from school.

“It does really say a lot to see so many people come in and speak about genuine issues and concerns – whether if they’re homeless or wanting to bring in more police. I thank you for doing that. This is part of our democracy that we hold dear,” he said. “Your freedom of speech to making these statements – whether they are pro or against. Whether you’re for someone or not it doesn’t even matter. It doesn’t matter the political party. I would even say that we have forgotten how to argue without hating each other. That’s something I think we need to bring back.”

Image: composite drawing of the suspect provided by the San Diego Sheriff

October 18,2018 (Lemon Grove) – The Sheriff’s child abuse unit is asking for public help to identify and find a suspect who sexually assaulted a child. The suspect committed the assault after entering a residence where a family and two children were present at 2 a.m. in the7000 block of Canton Drive in Lemon Grove. He was confronted by a family member who tried to restrain him, but the man escaped.

The suspect is described as a black man age 20-25, about 5 ft. 7 inches tall with a thin build. He was wearing a black hoodie and black gym pants, and may have arrived on a skateboard.

By Miriam Raftery

October 17, 2018 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have released call records documenting that a process server reported being threatened by Councilman Ben Kalasho with an attack dog.  The records were released in response to a records request by East County Magazine, after Kalasho posted this denial on Facebook:

East County News Service

October 17, 2018 (La Mesa) – SANDAG will host a community conversation with East County on the future of transportation on Thursday, October 18^th at the La Mesa Arts Academy (4200 Parks Ave. in La Mesa) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. The even will be hosted by El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and La Mesa Councilmember Kristine Alessio. Below are details.

By Ken Stone 

Reprinted with permission from Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  Julian Volunteer Fire Department advocate Lori Foss turns in petition signatures at LAFCO hearing. Photo by Ken Stone

October 17, 2018 (Julian) - Like a cliffhanger election, it will take a week or two for Julian residents to learn if they have a chance at saving their last-in-the-county volunteer fire department.

Source: Santee Fire Department

October 16, 2018 (Santee) -- An original art work honoring the sacrifice of first responders on September 11,2001 will make Santee its home for the next three months.

The 3-by-4-foot oil painting portrays a New York firefighter with is head in his hands standing below a tattered American flag with the iconic wreckage of the Twin Towers in the background.

East County News Service

October 16, 2018 (Lemon Grove) – On November 8^th, Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove will celebrate its one-year anniversary with a special evening of tastings and live music.  In addition, the popular eatery announces a pasta making class with Chef Marco on October 24^th and new pizza nights every Tuesday.  Scroll down for the delicious details.

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

Photo, from left to right:  Steve Babbit, Rebecca McRae, Jerry Lecko, Charda Fontenot

October 16, 2018 (La Mesa) - Political civility ruled when four candidates for three open positions on the La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board appeared at a community forum put on by the La Mesa First United Methodist Church in downtown La Mesa. Appearing at the event were Steve Babbit, Jerry Lecko, Chardá Fontenot, and Rebecca McRae. Declared candidates Megan Epperson, Brianna Garza, and Matthew Austin Sablove, although invited, were not present at the forum.

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

October 15, 2018 (Spring Valley) - In our first water polo match of the new school year, ECM Sports caught a glimpse of the Mount Miguel boys as they hosted the Castle Park Trojans in a non-conference matchup.  The Matadors, to put it nicely, are struggling at 1-10 overall and 0-7 in league play.