East County News Service

May 10, 2019 (El Cajon) -- Last year’s grand opening of the new El Cajon Animal Shelter is being commemorated June 1 and 2 with free rabies shots and discounted spay/neuter services. See below for schedule and details.

By Miriam Raftery

May 10, 2019 (Lakeside) – You’re invited to join in a conversation on the quality of life in Lakeside along with representatives of Lakeside Fire,  the San Diego Sheriff, District Attorney, health and safety organizations.  A “Lakeside Life” town hall will be held on May 29 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Community Center (12244 Lakeshore Drive).  Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

UPDATE:  THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

East County News Service

May 9, 2019 (El Cajon) -- Grossmont High School will host a blood drive in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank on Thurs., May

23 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the quad area. The school is located at 1100 Murray Dr.  in El Cajon.

By Miriam Raftery

May 8, 2019 (Jamul) – On Tuesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m., the Jamul-Dulzura Community Planning Group agenda includes a proposed general plan amendment for Otay Ranch Village 14 and Planning Areas 16 and 19, prior to County Supervisors upcoming June 26 hearing. (Note, the county rescheduled its May 22 hearing to June 26.)

The project would include homes, a school, recreational facilities and more on property in the Otay Ranch area as well as land between Jamul and Chula Vista. Concerns have been raised by school districts, tribes, environmentalists and the Jamul-Dulzura Planning Group.  

The Jamul-Dulzura Planning Group’s agenda also includes an update on the Jamul Casino, a General Plan clean-up process and officers’ reports.  

See the full agenda below.

East County News Service

May 8, 2019 (El Cajon) -- You’re invited to join the City of El Cajon for its family-friendly (free!) community festival, America on Main Street on May 18 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown El Cajon.  

By Miriam Raftery

May 7, 2019 (Escondido) – Over 25 San Diego County wineries including national and international award-winners will participate in the 2019 Wine Festival.  Hosted by the San Diego County Vintner’s Association, this year’s event will be at Sikes Adobe, a historic farmstead in Escondido (12655 Sunset Dr.) on Saturday, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The festival also includes live music, a silent auction and opportunities to buy wines. Food wil be available from the Quick Stop Grill food truck.  Attendees will discover the array of varietals produced county wide and connect with the wine makers, learn more about their craft and San Diego County’s thriving wine community.

“Our annual wine festival is the perfect environment to showcase the unique and varied varietals produced throughout the region,” said San Diego County Vintners Association President Ed Embly, owner of Hungry Hawk Vineyards in Escondido.  “The festival gives our wineries the opportunity to showcase their best wines to fellow wine enthusiasts who are eager to learn more about our growing wine region.”

By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine

May 6, 2019 (El Cajon) – Cajon Valley Union School District Superintendent David Miyashiro, Ed.D., sent a blistering editorial in an e-mail to East County Magazine, board members and others blasting our article on board President Tamara Otero’s failure to disclose that her son owned a company that received a $665,000 contract.   He did not list any actions planned to address Otero’s lack of disclosure and transparency.

By Miriam Raftery

May 5, 2019 (Santa Ysabel) – You’re invited to bring Dad to a Father’s Day pit barbecue on June 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic 200-year-old Santa Ysabel Indian Mission (23013 State Route 79 in Santa Ysabel).  Contests will be held for best cowboy hats, boot and mustaches.  There will also be entertainment, vendors, a 50/50 raffle, barbecue ($10 a plate), beer, wine and sodas.

Tickets will be sold at the door, or in advance after mass.  Interested vendors can call (760) 765-0810 or (858) 335-3313. 

East County New Service

May 4, 2019 (El Cajon) – It’s been 50 years since the Beatles completed their final album, Abbey Road, in 1969.  In honor of the anniversary, a 50th Abbey Road Concert will be held Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon, 500 Farragut Circle, El Cajon.

By Miriam Raftery

May 3, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – A 14-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle in front of San Miguel Elementary School in Lemon Grove this evening at 6:19 p.m.  He was transported via ambulance to Rady Children’s Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, says Sergeant Aaron Montan with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.

By Miriam Raftery

May 3, 2019 (Santee) -- A workshop describing the controversial Fanita Ranch proposed master-planned community will be held during a regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Wednesday, May 8th. The workshop is designed to provide information to the public about the project. No actions on the project will be taken at this meeting.