Battle to save the county's last volunteer fire district now hinges on a protest process that could give voters the final say

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

Miriam Raftery, Editor, also contributed to this report.

 

Photo:  Battalion Chief Mike Van Bibber, Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District

September 11, 2018 (Julian) -- A group of Julian area residents fighting fire axes-and-hoses against a county takeover of fire and medical first responder services won a firm victory last Thursday in Superior Court. Judge Timothy Taylor ruled to allow a ballot measure to fund future operations for the Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District (JCFPD).

Backers of the initiative hoped the ruling would curtail the County of San Diego’s efforts to terminate the JCFPD, the region’s last all-volunteer fire department, and shift fire and ambulance services to the County Fire Authority (CFA) in conjunction with Cal Fire.

But despite Judge Taylor’s ruling, yesterday the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) voted 7-0 to dissolve the district. Residents could still block the takeover through a protest process that’s now been triggered.  Determined opponents of the takeover are gearing up for the fight, arguing that eliminating volunteer firefighters who live in the community will make the area less safe, not safer has had been promised by the CFA.

East County News Service

September 11, 2018 (Santee) – Hannah Gbeh will be the featured speaker at the East County Democratic Club meeting on Thursday. September 20 at Jimmy’s Restaurant in Santee (9635 Mission Gorge Rd.)  Dinner and social hour start at 6 p.m. with the meeting at 7 p.m.

East County News Service

September 11, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The San Diego and Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is providing one-on-one business advising and training to small business owners to help them obtain capital as well as increase sales and jobs for the East County region.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Sunrise Powerlink tower dwarfs mountain ridges in McCain Valley

September 7, 2018 (Boulevard) -- Boulder Brush LLC (Terra-Gen) is seeking a major use permit to construct and operate a gen-tie line and substation/switchyard facilities on 110 acres of private land in McCain Valley south of I-8. The gen-time line would carry energy from the Terra-Gen Wind project proposed on Campo Kumeyaay tribal lands.

East County News Service 

September 13, 2018 (Ramona) - The Ramona Art and Wine Festival selected a painting by Jamie Dougherty, a local artist, for the first commemorative poster to promote the Festival, area artists, and Ramona wine. Jamie, along with Patrick Korch, a painter and sculptor from Poway, was one of two semi-finalists chosen from submissions by participating Festival artists. 

By Miriam Raftery

September 9, 2018 (Lemon Grove) – Christopher Truax Jr., a 21-year-old Marine Corps Sergeant, has been identified as the victim fatally shot early Friday in Lemon Grove.  The Sheriff has asked for public help to solve the crime.

By José Eli Villanueva, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 8, 2018 (Julian) - Get motivated to do the 3-mile hike to Volcan Mountain Summit near Julian by watching this 360-degree video.

Visit sdparks.org for information on all our County trails.

To watch 360-degree videos, you’ll need the latest version of Chrome, Opera, Firefox or MS Edge on your computer. For mobile devices, use the latest version of the YouTube app.

East County News Service 

September 8, 2018 (Lemon Grove) — Following numerous hit and run collisions where drivers fled the scene and evidence of drinking and driving was found, the Sheriff’s department conducted a checkpoint on September 7th in the 8000 block of Broadway.

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

September 7, 2018 (Spring Valley) - For week four, ECM Friday Night Lights kept it in Spring Valley for a non-division matchup between the Santa Fe Christian Eagles, who made the hour-long trek southeast from Solana Beach and the Matadors of Mount Miguel, who come into week four with their better-than-usual 1-2 record.

East County News Service

September 6, 2018 (Spring Valley) – Mt. Miguel High School Foundation will present “QUARTERMANIA,” a cross between an auction, raffle and bingo. The event will take place on October 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mt. Miguel High School’s brand new event center, 8585 Blossom Lane in Spring Valley.

East County News Service

August 25, 2018 (Ramona) - Mark your calendars. Following a highly reviewed first-time-ever event in 2017, the annual Ramona Grape Stomp returns for its second year on Saturday, September 8, 2018 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center–Pavilion, 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona, CA 92065.

East County News Service

September 5, 2018 (La Mesa) – The Challenge Center of La Mesa, provider of skilled physical therapy rehabilitation, specialized assisted fitness training and wellness programs for physically challenged people, will host its 2018 Comedy Night Gala fundraiser Friday, Sept. 7 at the Paradise Point Resort and Spa at Mission Bay, 1404 Vacation Road, San Diego. Reception and silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m., live auction, a program highlighting the work of the Challenge Center and entertainment starring Colin Quinn, who appeared on the “Saturday Night Live” TV show.

Judge issues warrant because of no-show by Councilman’s wife at key court hearing

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

September 1, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Life got way more complicated on Friday for Jessica Kalasho, wife of embattled El Cajon City Council member Ben Kalasho.

Jessica Kalasho was scheduled to appear on Friday morning at a judgement debtor’s conference in San Diego Superior Court, however she was a no-show--much to the dismay of presiding Judge Timothy B. Taylor and attorney Jimmie Parker. Parker is representing three contestants who participated in a beauty pageant put on by the Kalashos in 2017 and the owners of an El Cajon taco shop. Plaintiffs allege sexual harassment, fraud and defamation by the Kalashos.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Dave Jordan in 2012, courtesy of Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

September 2, 2018 (El Cajon) – A Blossom Valley couple, David Wesley Jordan, 82, and his wife, Jean Adele Jordon, 83, died of gunshots to their heads in an apparent murder-suicide, the Medical Examiner’s office has concluded.

A physical therapist told Sheriff’s homicide investigators that upon arrival at the home on Toya Lane in unincorporated El Cajon at 8 a.m. Friday, a note was on the sliding glass door.  The therapist entered the home and found the couple’s bodies in the living room.  A revolver was in Jean Jordan’s hands.

David Jordan was a long-time football coach at Grossmont College, where he led the team to a statewide championship title in 2005 and won many honors for his coaching.

East County News Service

September 2, 2018 (Alpine) – The County is seeking public input on a proposed update to Alpine’s community plan.  County Planning and Development Services Department will hold a public scoping meeting on September 18, 2018 at 6 p.m. in the Alpine Library, 1752 Alpine Blvd.   See Notice of Preparation: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/pds/CommunityGroups/AlpineCommunityPlanUpdate.html.