Communities

HOT TOPICS: ALPINE-MT. EMPIRE CHAMBER BREAKFAST APRIL 12 TO INCLUDE FIRE CHIEF AND BACK COUNTRY LAND TRUST SPEAKERS

 

East County News Service

April 2, 2016 (Alpine) – The Alpine-Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce will host a “Hot Topics” breakfast on April 12 at 7:15 a.m. at Mike Place, 1620 Alpine Blvd. Suite 101.


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REACH AND VIEJAS FIRE DEPARTMENT UNVEIL NEW HELICOPTER

By Liz Alper

April 2, 2016 (Alpine) - REACH and the Viejas Fire Department are unveiling their new medically-equipped helicopter in Alpine.  To celebrate, they are holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, April 8th from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.


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FIRE-SAFE BACKCOUNTRY GARDENS SAVE WATER AND WILDLIFE,TOO

 

Native Gardens Tour April 2-3 previews

East County News Service

April 1, 2016 (Deerhorn Valley) --Two Deerhorn Valley couples who addressed their need for a fire-safe landscape using native plants discovered that native plants in the garden not only save water and reduce fire risk, but provide year-round beauty that appeals to all the senses.   They will be sharing their gardens and their experience as part of the California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS) Garden Native Tour, April 2nd and 3rd, which features a total of twenty gardens in inland San Diego County.  


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LA MESA CHAMBER WARNS MEMBERS OF SCAM

 

Source: La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

April 1, 2016 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce has issued a warning about a scam targeting its members. See text below:

It has come to our attention that there are phone-calls being made from 888-001-0816 stating they are calling from the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. The caller is asking information about our business members potential move to a new location. We know that the caller is gathering your address and phone number for some type of unknown future use.


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NEW HEARING ON GROSSMONT REDISTRICTING ADDED IN LEMON GROVE APRIL 6

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 31, 2016 (Lemon Grove) –The Lemon Grove/Spring Valley area would have its own district to elect a trustee to the Grossmont Union High School District’s board under a plan that the GUHSD approved, but  that must next be approved or rejected by the County Office of Education’s Committee on School District Organization.

The County committee previously announced five hearings on the redistricting plan. Now, the committee announces a sixth hearing to be held on Wednesday, April 6 from 6-8 p.m. at the Lemon Grove Library community room, 3001 School Lane in Lemon Grove. (Map)

Other upcoming hearings will be held in Lakeside, Alpine and Jamul. For a full list of all hearings and rules for public comment, click here.   

To view data on the GUHSD redistricting plan including demographic details and maps, click here.


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SALVATION ARMY TO BUILD NEW FACILITY IN EL CAJON

 

East County News Service

March 31, 2016 (El Cajon) -- As part of a Capital Campaign that will improve the lives of thousands, The Salvation Army in El Cajon will build a $5.4 million social services facility that will help to assist 1,500 families in East County every month. In a community where the poverty rate is approximately 30%--and 7,395 children living within two miles of our corps qualify for free or reduced price meals--the Salvation Army is there offering hope and a hand-up.  More than 40,000 are served from our El Cajon Corps annually with programs including: 


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COUNTY HALTS COVERT CANYON COMMERCIAL FIREARMS TRAINING TEMPORARILY

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 31, 2016 (Alpine) – The County has temporarily shut down paid military-style firearms training at Covert Canyon in Alpine because the owner missed a January 25 deadline for brush removal to prevent fires and obtain required permits , the San Diego Union Tribune  reports.

The article indicates owner Marc Halcon must close commercial operations for now, including paid training of military and governmental security forces, but can continue to have recreational shooting at the site.


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CAJON CLASSIC CRUISES SEASON BEGINS APRIL 20

 

East County News Service

Photos by  R. Jordan Photography

Photo, left, Best of Show in 2015

March 31, 2016 (El Cajon) – The Cajon Classic Cruises season will rev to life starting April 20th in downtown El Cajon.  This annual family-friendly event will take place each Wednesday evening from  5 p.m. to 8 p.m. along Main Street near Magnolia.


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IRC/KAISER COMMUNITY GARDEN GROWS HOPES FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS

 

 

By Mimi Pollack

March 30, 2016 (El Cajon) - It is not easy leaving your home and moving to a new country as an immigrant or refugee. Many immigrants and refugees’ lives are shattered by political or religious conflict and they have to flee their countries. The ones who arrive in the United States have to learn a new language, and get accustomed to a new culture and different types of food. Not only that, many immigrants and refugees go from living in a rural place where they had land, or perhaps a house in the city with a garden to living in  small, urban apartments. Sometimes, they feel homesick and long for what they had back home. 


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

UBER DRIVER ARRESTED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING PASSENGER IN EL CAJON

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 30, 2016 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police announced the arrest yesterday of John David Sanchez, 52, on felony assault charges. Sanchez, an Uber driver, is accused of sexually assaulting a female passenger in late February. 


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

CAPABILITY RANCH PLANS FUN ACTIVITIES FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

 

By Janis Russell

March 30, 2016 (Ramona) - Capability Ranch: Special Needs Activities and Events Center for Youth and Young Adults located in Ramona has been open for over a year. Nicola Bridges, founder of the ranch, and her husband, Tony Oxley, have been operating this ranch along with volunteers who teach activities. The ranch is geared towards young people who are 16-27 years of age, with the average being 21 years. ECM participated in an exclusive interview with Bridges.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

ATV SAFETY WEEK: FREE TRAINING JUNE 3-12

 

East County News Service

March 30, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- This summer, for one week, June 3-12, the ATV Safety Institute will be rolling out ATV Safety Week throughout the country and you’re invited to join in. The Institute is working with partners all across the country who have volunteered to provide free ATV RiderCourse training and other ATV safety education opportunities.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION IN LA MESA: HOT TOPIC AT LA MESA CONVERSATIONS

 

By Leon Thompson

Photo: left to right:  Andrew Keatts, Laura Espinoza, Jim Stone and Rob Schupp

March 30, 2016 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Conversations invited residents to “join the conversation” to discuss The Future of Transportation in La Mesa on March 28th at the Mason Lodge, where a panel of transportation experts enlightened an audience of about two dozen people.


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71ST ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES RANDY VOEPEL AND TONY TEORA SPEAK AT LAKESIDE TEA PARTY

 

By Janis Russell

March 30, 2016 (Lakeside) - At the Lakeside Tea Party meeting on March 28, two of the 71st Assembly candidates, Santee Mayor Randy Voepel and small business owner Tony Teora, both Republicans, spoke and answered questions from the public. Leo Hamel, another Republican candidate, wasn’t able to make it.


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GROSSMONT HOSPITAL'S CITIZENS' OVERSIGHT GROUP'S 2015 REPORT ON TAXPAYER BOND EXPENDITURES FOR HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION

 

East County News Service

March 30, 2016 (La Mesa) - The citizens group overseeing the spending of millions of dollars in taxpayer-approved bonds for new and improved patient care facilities at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa has issued its 2015 Annual Report to the Community.


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SPRING VALLEY WOMAN KILLED IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO CRASH

 

East County News Service

March 29, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Clementine Scott James, 67, of Spring Valley died of injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash in Rancho San Diego Sunday afternoon, the Medical Examiner’s office reports.


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RAMONA HOSTS OPEN STUDIOS TOUR APRIL 9-10

 

East County News Service

March 29, 2016 (Ramona) - Mark your calendars for the 13th annual Ramona Open Studios Tour on April 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring 25 artists working in all mediums in 17 private studios located throughout Ramona.


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THE RUSSIANS WERE COMING--ONCE THERE WAS BORSCH: APRIL 7 IN LEMON GROVE

 

By Helen Ofield, Lemon Grove Historical Society President

March 28, 2016 (Lemon Grove) -- Jack Innis of "San Diego Legends" fame will hole up in the H. Lee House, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove on April 7 at 7 p.m. with one intent: to tell all about the time San Diego nearly became a Russian city.


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ALPINE WOMAN’S CLUB 23RD ANNUAL VICTORIAN TEA APRIL 16 OFFERS A STEP BACK IN TIME

 

East County News Service

March 27, 2016 (Alpine) --The Alpine Woman’s Club Victorian Tea has been compared to the teas at the Hotel Del Coronado and Westgate Hotel. This is the perfect venue to showcase your finest hat, share good conversation with good friends and introduce your daughter or granddaughter to their first Victorian Tea. What a wonderful experience for any young lady ages 8 years and up. Entertainment will feature piano music by William D. Young, playing songs from yesteryear. There will also be a raffle, door prizes and other surprises. Period attire is recommended but not required.


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SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER ASSAULTS, HOSTAGE SITUATION IN SANTEE

 

East County News Service

March 27, 2016 (Santee) – Kenneth Ryan, 28, has been arrested on multiple felon assault charges and an outstanding robbery warrant after taking a woman hostage in Santee yesterday.


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BURNED CHURCH IN SPRING VALLEY FINDS NEW TEMPORARY HOME FOR SERVICES

East County News Service

Photo: Screenshot off Full Gospel church's Facebook page

March 27, 2016 (Spring Valley) – A fire burned down the Full Gospel Church of God in Christ in Spring Valley last weekend.  The Pentacostal church serves a congregation of about 30 people, mainly African Americans.

Just in time for Easter Sunday services, another church previously burned in a fire has offered up space for Full Gospel’s worship services, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

SUPERVISORS TEMPORARILY BAN NEW MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

 

East County News Service

March 26, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – By a unanimous vote, San Diego Supervisors voted last week to adopt an immediate 45-day moratorium on medical marijuana collectives with a possibility of making the ban permanent.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

FIRE DAMAGES EASTBOUND BAR & GRILL IN LAKESIDE

 

East County News Service

Photo: Screenshot from KNSD

March 26, 2016 (Lakeside) – A pre-dawn fire Saturday morning caused heavy damage at the Eastbound Bar & Grill, a popular eatery on Maine Street in downtown Lakeside.


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SOPHIE’S ART GALLERY & GIFT SHOP HAS A NEW EYE-CATCHING ENTRY

 

 

By Robert Gehr

March 25, 2016 (El Cajon) -- Check out the face done in mosaic tile. Simply amazing!


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DRIVER, 92, KILLED IN RAMONA COLLISION

 

East County News Service

March 25, 2016 (Ramona) --  A 92-year-old Ramona woman died at the scene of an accident this morning at 11:30 a.m.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

BORREGO HEALTH COMPLETES MAJOR EXPANSION IN EL CAJON

 

Open House on March 25th Will Show Off New Family Practice, Build Out of 2nd Floor

East County News Service

March 25, 2016 (El Cajon) - Borrego Health announced the completion of the build-out of its flagship East County location in El Cajon, commonly known as Centro Medico El Cajon.   The completed project will increase capacity by up to 40%.  The El Cajon location currently sees 250 to 275 patients per day. 


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WESTERN DAYS PARADE HAS PATRIOTIC THEME IN LAKESIDE APRIL 23

 

East County News Service

March 25, 2016 (Lakeside) – Lakeside’s Western Days Parade will roll out along Maine Street on April 23 starting at 9:35 a.m.  Celebrating its 51st year, this year’s parade hosted by the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce will feature the theme “America Strong, Lakeside Strong.”


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

ALPINE RESIDENTS, WATCHDOG GROUP SEND REQUEST TO CPUC FOR INVESTIGATION OF EMFS

 

East County News Service

March 20, 2016 (Alpine) Alpine residents and the watchdog group Citizens Oversight have sent a letter to the President of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) asking assistance in identifying any potential hazards associated with electromagnetic fields ((EMF) related to Sunrise Powerlink.  The residents ask for an investigation to assure that the public is protected. 

The residents’ letter claims that San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) could increase power flowing through the underground Sunrise Powerlink along Alpine Blvd. 


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

READERS EDITORIAL: STOP GROSSMONT'S GERRYMANDERING! SPEAK OUT AT COUNTY’S ALPINE FORUM APRIL 4

 

 

By George Barnett

March 19, 2016 (Alpine) – Grossmont Union High School District Trustees are in the process of gerrymandering its voter district. Grossmont intends to move from a process of electing trustees on an “at large” basis to a re-districting to a by-trustee basis.  This means that individual communities such as that across Alpine, Blossom Valley, Harbison Canyon – for example – could elect their own chosen representative on the Grossmont board.  Grossmont is being forced into re-districting by threat of separate law suits. 

Fundamentally, it is a sound idea.  However, Grossmont also decided to do this without voter input or approval.  The scheme of re-districting that Grossmont has selected is gerrymandering and results in:


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WEATHER SERVICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

 

East County News Service

March 20, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – We all want to know how much rain or snow has fallen in local communities – and get accurate forecasts on future weather. Now you can help make that happen. The National Weather Service is looking for volunteers to gather information that will help them better predict the weather, particularly in mountain and desert areas where valuable data on precipitation is lacking.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

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