By Miriam Raftery

September 6, 2019 (Ramona) --- After Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND) was detected in Ramona last week and the area placed under a regional quarantine, the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture has announced that it will hold a town hall at the Ramona branch library on Monday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. 

Bird owners are invited to come learn more about the disease, how to proptect your birds, methods to clean your property,  status of the outbreak, and what to expect in recovery.

By Miriam Raftery

September 8, 2019 (Julian) -- A long-vacant lot in the heart of downtown Julian may soon become a town square with an amphitheater and community park to serve as a hub for community gatherings, holiday events, a farmer’s market, art walk and more. Over $182,000 -- nearly a third of the $600,000 funds needed--have been pledged, according to the Julian Town Square website.

By Liz Alper

Photos by P.J. Panebianco

September 7, 2019 (San Diego) - Week three of ECM Friday Night Lights takes us to Patrick Henry High’s brand new field.  So far, it’s been the site of a big 30-point loss to Morse last week. But the Patriots are faring well at 1-1. Last night, they finally got to host their annual matchup against Monte Vista.  These two met last year, where now-UCLA Bruin Jahmon McClendon ran circles around the Patriots, resulting in a 42-9 Monte Vista win. The Monarchs are coming in at 1-1 as well, winning 28-14 last week against Rancho Buena Vista.

Source:  Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

September 6, 2019 (Rancho San Diego) - The ECHO Chamber Music Series, now in its third year, is taking its 2019-2020 season at Cuyamaca College’s Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Theatre to new heights with 14 concerts featuring performers such as Jason Vieaux, Bach Collegium, the Dalí Quartet, and members of the San Diego Symphony and other internationally acclaimed musicians who have performed across the globe.

East County News Service

September 6, 2019 (Ramona) – Amina, a baby camel at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, enjoys frolicking in fresh pine shavings.  To view more camel videos, visit www.CamelDairy.com.

Source:  OWAC

Photo: Author and award winner Diana Lindsay

September 5, 2019 (Oxnard) - Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC) – the leading organization of professional outdoor media communicators in the western region – recently recognized nearly two-dozen recipients in their annual Excellence in Craft Awards.

By Miriam Raftery

September 5, 2019 (El Cajon) -- The Magnolia Center, formerly known as the East County Performing Arts Center, will host its much anticipated grand reopening on September 10^th from 5 to 8 p.m. The City of El Cajon and Live Nation invite the public to the event which includes food, fun, activities, prizes, tours, presentations.

East County News Service

September 4, 2019 (Campo) – The Fire Safe Council of San Diego, Cal Fire and the County Fire Authority invite you to learn principles firefighters use to protect your home and community at the Wildland Urban Interface Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Registration, networking and refreshments will begin at 7:30 with the course at 8 a.m. at the Mountain Health Community Center, 976 Sheridan Rd., Campo.

By Miriam Raftery

September 4, 2019 (El Cajon) – You’re invited to join the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce at a “Solar Experience” lunch and learn on Sept. 25 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Chamber’s Business Resource Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon.  

East County News Service

September 3, 2019 (Spring Valley) – Mt. Miguel High School Foundation will present “QUARTERMANIA” on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mt. Miguel High School Multicultural Event Center (8568 Blossom Lane, Spring Valley).

“Bring a roll of quarters and have some fun,” the invitation states. Quartermania is a cross between an auction, a raffle and Bingo. Vendors put an item up for auction; if you are interested in it you bid 1 to 4 quarters, then raise your paddle. If the Vendor draws your paddle number, you win. 

East County News Service

September 3, 2019 (Campo) - The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association (PSRM), a San Diego-area historical and educational nonprofit, will mark the 112-year anniversary of the start of construction of the San Diego & Arizona Railway (SD&A) with a variety of family-friendly activities at its “SD&A Groundbreaking Festival” on Saturday, Sept. 7 at PSRM’s Campo Railroad Park and Museum in Campo, Calif. The public is invited to attend.

By Miriam Raftery

September 3, 2019 (San Diego) – Gina Champion-Cain has long been hailed as one of San Diego’s most powerful women business leaders.  But on Thursday, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced charges against her and her company, ANI Development, calling it a “multi-year $300 million scheme” that allegedly defrauded some 50 retail investors, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

By Miriam Raftery

September 2, 2019 (San Diego) – Jeff Hall of Cal Fire captured this dramatic shot of storm clouds and rain approaching Lake Henshaw in San Diego’s northeast region.

By Miriam Raftery

August 30, 2019 (La Mesa)  The future of transportation has sparked debate across our region. SANDAG and MTS are both moving forward on goals to boost transit access with options such as better trolley and bus service with high-speed rail as a long range option.

But what about reducing traffic gridlock and meeting transportation needs of residents in areas that currently lack adequate transit options?  Should building massive housnig projects in the backcountry that add to traffic gridlock be curtailed? 

Recently,  East County Magazine’s radio show interviewed La Mesa Councilmembers and attorneys Colin Parent and Kristine Alessio on transit issues. Parent  is director of Circulate San Diego and Alessio is the Vice Chair of SANDAG’s regional planning committee.  

Click here to hear our full interview, originally aired on KNSJ radio, and scroll down for highlights.