Communities

XANADU REVIEW - MEET THE MUSES AT YAT THROUGH AUG. 25

By Kathy Carpenter

August 23, 2019 (Spring Valley) – Watching Xanadu is like stepping into a time warp. The musical is based on the Universal film starring Olivia Newton-John. Yes, I saw the movie way back when and loved it--the music, the romance, the innocent kind of fun. It's what we did back in 1980. But I haven't seen the movie since.

 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

POLICE NAB PURSUIT SUSPECT ON ROOFTOP IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery
 
 
August 23, 2019 (El Cajon) – When deputies from the Lakeside Sheriff substation tried to make an enforcement stop on a Mitsubishi in El Cajon yesterday at 1:30 a.m., a passenger fled on food and the car drove away.  
 

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

THREE ILLEGAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES SHUT DOWN IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service

August 22, 2019 (Spring Valley) – As a direct result of numerous complaints from concerned citizens, three illegal marijuana dispensaries in Spring Valley and Casa de Oro were searched and shut down by law enforcement and one arrest was made.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ALPINE CHAMBER FORMS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS HIGHWAY FUNDS SHIFT

East County News Service

August 22, 2019 (Alpine)  Concerned over the potential loss of funds to expand a portion of Interstate 8 in East County due to a shift in priorities at the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the Alpine Chamber of Commerce has announced the formation of a Government Affairs Committee.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ALS ASSOCIATION TO BENEFIT FROM `CHALLENGE ME SLOT TOURNAMENT,’ SUNDAY, AUG. 25

East County News Service

August 21, 2019 (La Mesa) – The inaugural “ALS Challenge Me Slot Tournament,” a charity fundraiser benefiting the ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Valley View Casino & Hotel, 16300 Nyemii Pass Road, Valley Center.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EAST COUNTY CHAMBER HOSTS “TASTE OF PARKWAY PLAZA” MIXER AUG. 22

East County News Service

 

August 21, 2019 (El Cajon) - San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and Alpine Chamber of Commerce are joining together for an end to summer Business After Hours for a "Taste of Parkway Plaza" on Thursday, August 22 at 5:30 p.m.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

La MESA COUNCIL APPROVES FOUR-STORY HOUSING AND BUSINESS PROJECT AT BALTIMORE AND UNIVERSITY

By Miriam Raftery
 
August 21, 2019 (La Mesa) – For years, La Mesa residents fought to halt the 18-story Park Station high-rise project proposed at Baltimore and University on a site occupied by auto, RV and motorcycle businesses.  Residents later came together to work with a new developer, JPI, on a project more acceptable to the community. The result is Jefferson La Mesa, a four-story mixed-use development that the City Council has now approved. 
 

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LEMON GROVE COMMUNITY CLEANUP AUGUST 31

East County News Service

August 20, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Improvement Council invites you to a community cleanup on Saturday, August 31 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Lemon Grove Community Center. 

Volunteers wishing to take pride in their community are needed to remove graffiti, clean up trash, and make the area look and feel better. Participants are encouraged to bring a team of friends, family, coworkers, or colleagues from school, church, clubs or athletic teams.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

JEWELRY STORE HEIST IN ALPINE

East County News Service
 
August 20, 2019 (Alpine) – Daniels Jewelers in the Viejas Outlets center in Alpine was robbed shortly after 11:30 this morning by three men in their 20s who fled in a dark sedan.  
 
Alpine deputies recovered the vehicle inn the 4300 block of West Willows Road within 20 minutes of the robbery but have not located the suspects.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SHEA HOMES TO DEVELOP 36 HOMES ON 28-ACRE MOUNT HELIX SITE

By Chris Jennewein

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

Photo:  Fuerte Ranch Estates property on Mount Helix. Courtesy Colliers

August 20, 2019 (La Mesa) - Shea Homes has acquired a 28-acre parcel on Mount Helix for $6.5 million with plans develop a community of 36 estate homes.

The new community, named Fuerte Ranch Estates, will be located at the southeast corner of Fuerte Drive and Damon Lane in unincorporated El Cajon.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HUMANE SOCIETY RESCUES DOG WITH HEAT STROKE AT THREE SISTERS HIKING TRAIL

East County News Service

August 20, 2019 (Descanso) -- San Diego Humane Society is reminding pet owners to leave their animals at home when exercising on hot days. With another heat wave this week, it is crucial to remember that animals are sensitive to the conditions. Dogs are lower to the ground, absorbing heat from above and below. Their paws are also sensitive, as the ground is often much hotter than the air.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ECM PRESENTS: EAST COUNTY MOVERS, SHAKERS AND NEWSMAKERS AUGUST 29

 

                    

Join us at our exciting new event, which we hope will be the first in a series.  Come be in the know about news shakinng up East County, and meet movers and shakers in our region! Just $16 in advance ($20 at the door).

EAST COUNTY MOVERS, SHAKERS & NEWSMAKERS

Thursday, August 29

  • Reception (wine & foods from local restaurants*)  5 p.m.
  • Program with our newsmakers/speakers  6 p.m.
  • Plus prize drawings galore, museum tours, silent auction
  • Musical entertainment by  Paul Nichols and Cindy Burnham

Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College

12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon

                                          (Museum entry is between the Water Conservation Garden's two driveways)

Speakers:

Jim Price, Pacific Southwest Railway Museum:  See a sneak preview of the railway’s Centennial Celebration coming up this fall , hear tales of the railroad's colorful past, and learn why it's called San Diego’s “Impossible Railway.”

Taylor O’Sullivan, Sullivan Solar Power: Sullivan’s project developer and NABCEP Certified Energy Practitioner will share info on the latest and greatest local solar trends including solar & storage technology, how to profit from new SDG&E time-of-use rates, and what residents can do to avoid missing out on the last year of a 30% federal tax credit.  Plus see a solar system on display.

Christina Whipple:  Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member on fire insurance options for property owners who receive nonrenewal notices

Barry Jantz, Stop Cottonwood Sand Mine: Hear the latest updates on a controversial proposal for a sand mine on the Sweetwater River at the site of the Cottonwood Golf Course, adjacent to homes and a federal wildlife preserve, also near schools and businesses.

Historical reenactor Victor Contreras will bring to life Bonifacio Lopez, cattle “king” from the 1800s, and speak on efforts to outreach to local schools and community groups with historical reenactments as we commemorate San Diego’s 250th birthday

Miriam Raftery and Paul Kruze,  Editor and Contributing Editor, East County Magazine: Hear the latest on breaking news stories & exciting events coming up, includng the opening of the Magnolia Performing Arts Center in East County.

Prize drawings with prizes galore, a silent auction, museum tours and more!

Buy tickets:  https://www.eastcountymedia.org/east-county-moversshakers#

General Admission: $16 in advance ($20 at the door); Students: $12.

Reserve early – seating is limited!

Questions? (619)698-7617 or editor@eastcountymagazine.org

Special thanks to our event's undewriter: Sullivan Solar Power

 

 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LINEUP ANNOUNCED AT THE MAGNOLIA: REVITALIZED EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

 

Curtain to rise September 13  at inland San Diego region's premier concert venue

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

July 19, 2019 (El Cajon) -- The re-imagined East County Performing Arts Center, now known as “The Magnolia,” formally announced its initial season show lineup Tuesday.

Opening September 13 after a decade-long closure and extensive remodel, the 1,210-seat theatre in downtown El Cajon formally joins Live Nation’s global portfolio of 1700 concert venues. In addition to a spectacular outdoor Plaza Bazaar featuring unique pre and post-show dining, the theater will offer new state-of-the-art sound, lighting and projections systems.

Live Nation, which will operate, market and book The Magnolia, anticipates attracting a wide variety of acts appealing to a diverse group of audiences from throughout the region.

The Magnolia’s initial lineup of shows includes a variety of popular rock and jazz artists, and comedians geared to adults and families, a cooking show and more:


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SANTEE COUNCIL GIVES ITSELF A RAISE, WAIVES FEES FOR GRANNY FLATS

By Mike Allen

August 18, 2019 (Santee) — Santee’s City Council voted this week to give itself a 2.5 percent raise this year, and a similar one next fiscal year starting July 1, 2020.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SMART LEAK DETECTOR REBATES FOR HELIX WATER AND SWEETWATER CUSTOMERS CAN HELP REDUCE BILLS

By Miriam Raftery

August 18, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Through a new pilot program, customers of Helix Water and Sweetwater Authority can received a $100 rebate on a qualifying smart leak detector purchased August 1st or later, while supplies last.  Learn more and apply here.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

POWAY MAN KILLED BY GUN SHOT FROM NEIGHBOR’S APARTMENT

By Miriam Raftery

 

Photo courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News

 

August 17, 2019 (Poway) -- A suspect is in custody for the murder of a Poway man.

 

The Sheriff’s department received a call from Pomerado Hospital at 2:50 a.m. reporting a man with a gunshot wound in his abdomen.  The victim, Michael Walker, died at the hospital a short time after his wife drove him there, ECM news partner 10 News reports.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HELIX WATER DISTRICT VOTES 4-1 TO APPROVE RATE HIKE FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES

Board President Dan McMillan votes against the measure

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

August 17, 2019 (La Mesa) -- Water from the Helix Water District (HWD), which serves some 276,000 residents throughout East County San Diego, is going to get a little more expensive in spite of ample water supply in storage.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FORESTER CREEK RECREATION ACCESS: PLAN TO BE UNVEILED AT RELEASE PARTY AUG. 27

East County News Service
 
August 17, 2019 (El Cajon) – More than 1,200 community members have been working on a Forester Creek Recreation Access Plan, including volunteers who formed the Forester Creek Community Committee. You’re invited to a party to celebrate release of the new Forest Creek Recreation Access Plan on Tuesday, August 27 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at the Renette Park Community Center meeting room west at 9353 Emerald Ave., El Cajon.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HEAT RETURNS MID-WEEK, THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE BY WEEKEND

By Miriam Raftery
 
August 17, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Temperatures will be heating up early to mid-week, with an excessive heat watch Tuesday through Thursday in the desert areas.  Temperatures could reach 120 in some low desert locations, with high deserts reaching 97 to 108 degrees.  Foothills of inland San Diego are expected to have high temperatures of 95 to 100 degrees.
 
Over next weekend, monsoonal thunderstorms could occur in the mountains and deserts, continuing into next week.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: INTERNATIONALLY ENDANGERED PARROTS BRIGHTEN UP EL CAJON

East County News Service

August 17, 2019 (El Cajon) – Photographer Robert Gehr snapped this close-up of a Red Crowned Amazon Parrot (Amazona Vindigenalis), aka Green-Cheeked Amazon parrot, aka Mexican red headed parrot - eating pepper tree berries in downtown El Cajon on East Main Street.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR THE MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Source:  City of El Cajon

August 16, 2019 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon is accepting applications for one (1) vacancy on the Mission Trails Regional Park Citizen Advisory Committee. Requirements to serve on the Committee:


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

A GREEN FUTURE DAWNS IN LA MESA: COUNCIL VOTES TO OFFER A COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY OPTION FOR RESIDENTS, JOINING SAN DIEGO AND CHULA VISTA

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson and Miriam Raftery

August 16, 2019 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa City Council members voted unanimously 5-0 on August 13th for a landmark agreement to form a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the cities of San Diego and Chula Vista to create a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) and give La Mesa residents an alternative to SDG&E for purchasing power.

La Mesa Vice Mayor William “Bill” Baber was on the subcommittee leading the efforts on this matter. “With this vote, La Mesa took another step forward on the path to 100% clean energy!” Baber told ECM via e-mail.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

500 TURN OUT TO PARTY ON THE HILL AT THE HEART OF MT. HELIX

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Twilight atop Mt. Helix during auction at HeART of Mt. Helix

 

August 16, 2019 (Mt. Helix) – More than 500 art aficionados, philanthropists, food and drink fans, and people who like to party turned out at the 12th annual HeART of Mt. Helix  The event benefits the Mt. Helix Park Foundation which maintains the stone-stepped amphitheater, historic cross, surrounding park and wildlife habitat atop the mountain.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CUYAMACA COLLEGE STUDENT RECEIVES LIFE-CHANGING SCHOLARSHIP FROM MANA DE SAN DIEGO

East County News Service

August 15, 2019 (El Cajon) - El Cajon resident Pamela Gallardo has received the Lolita Lizarraga Scholarship from local nonprofit MANA de San Diego. She was just one of 25 local Latina students to chosen for the honor.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SANTEE CITY COUNCIL PLANS ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT, ALSO DESIGNATES LIBRARY SITE FOR HOTEL

By Mike Allen 

By Mike Allen
 
August 15, 2019 (Santee) -- Executing one of its priorities set last year, Santee’s City Council has approved the concept of an overlay zone to an area centered around Town Center intended to attract arts and entertainment-orientated businesses such as night clubs, galleries, museums, theater and dance companies, plus other tourist-centric enterprises including hotels.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

VEGETATION FIRE ON MARRON VALLEY RD. IN DULZURA

East County News Service

August 15, 2019 (Dulzura) - Cal Fire is responding to a reported vegetation fire on Marron Valley Rd. near Dulzura.  The fire is now estimated to be 30 acres, no structures threatened.  Cal Fire has requested additional air and ground resources.

Sign up to receive free East County Wiildfire & Emergency Alerts at the top right side of our homepage. You can also follow EastCountyAlert on Twitter for brief alerts on your mobile phone.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EAST COUNTY BOOMERS AND SENIORS EXPO AUG. 28

East County News Service

August 15, 2019 (El Cajon) - August 28 at the Ronald Reagan Community Center in El Cajon is set for the East County Boomers & Seniors Expo.  It is free for the public and free parking is provided.

Informational speakers and health screenings are included.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ALPINE SHERIFF’S INVESTIGATION LEADS TO RECOVERY OF RUNAWAY TEEN AND ARREST IN SUSPECTED TRAFFICKING CASE

By Miriam Raftery
 
August 15, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A runaway 15-year-old girl from San Diego has been rescued and was returned home yesterday as the result of an investigation by Alpine Sheriff’s deputies and detectives, along with Juvenile Services and the San Diego County Human Trafficking Task Force.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

PILOT SURVIVES EMERGENCY LANDING NEAR JAMUL CASINO

By Miriam Raftery
 
August 15, 2019 (Jamul) – A single-engine plane went down on a hillside east of the Jamul Casino late this morning, near State Route 94.
 
Cal Fire Crews responded to the scene. The pilot was evaluated at the scene and was released without injury.  There were no other occupants in the plane and no other damage.
 
Cause of the emergency hard landing has not yet been determined.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FIREFIGHTERS SAVE CAT AFTER EXPLOSIVE FIRE IN LEMON GROVE

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photo courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News
 
August 15, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – Heartland Firefighters used oxygen to revive a cat found unconscious in the front yard of an explosive house fire yesterday afternoon. When firefighters arrived at the scene at 1783 Dupont Drive in Lemon Grove, the home was 50 percent engulfed in flames, 10 News reports.
 
Sheriff’s deputies evacuated neighboring residences while firefighters battled the blaze.
 
No residents or firefighters were injured; the cat ran off after it was resuscitated.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages