Communities

CONNIE BECK TO SPEAK AT NEXT SANTEE GARDEN CLUB MEETUP

 
 
 
By Liz Alper
 
January 13, 2016 (Santee) - Connie Beck, a former East County Magazine volunteer and horticultural consultant, garden designer and organic gardening instructor, will be speaking at the next Santee Garden Club meeting.

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CIRCLE OF ART CELEBRATES 27TH YEAR IN BORREGO SPRINGS MARCH 12-13

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

January 12, 2016 (Borrego Springs) - The 27th annual Circle of Art Show & Sale will take place March 12th & 13th in beautiful Borrego Springs.  This free outdoor art show is staged at Christmas Circle, in the heart of the village.


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LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL POISED TO SNUFF OUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES AND DELIVERIES

 

By Leon Thompson

January 12, 2016 (Lemon Grove) - There will be zero medical cannabis dispensaries in Lemon Grove if Ordinance #437 passes on the “second reading” of the bill at the next City council meeting on January 19th.


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SHERIFF SEEKS BLACK FORD TRUCK LINKED TO SANTEE BURGLARIES

 

East County News Service

January 12, 2016 (Santee) — Crime Stoppers and Sheriff deputies in Santee seek public help to solve a crime spree involving burglaries of nine homes in Santee neighborhoods from December 14 to December 31, 2015. The suspect(s) targeted single story detached homes and forced their way in through a rear window or rear patio door. The stolen items were mainly prescription medications. Cash, electronics and tools have also been taken.


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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.

SANTEE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ASKS FOR HELP TO FIND MISSING ELDERLY COUPLE

 
 
 
Update 2 a.m. - The couple has been found safely in Kern County and will be reunited with their family, the Sheriff Department reports.
 
By Liz Alper
 
January 11, 2016 (Santee) - Sheriff's deputies in Santee are urging the public to be on the lookout for a missing elderly couple, KUSI 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.

JONES’ BILL EXPANDING SKATE PARK ACCESS TAKES EFFECT

By Miriam Raftery

January 11, 2016 (Lakeside) – Assemblyman Brian Jones visited the Lakeside Skatepark on Friday to commemorate his measure, Assembly Bill 1146, which became law on January 1st.  The new law allows non-motorized scooters, bicycles, in-line skates, roller skates and non-motorized wheelchairs in skate parks.


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DRIVER KILLED IN HIGH SPEED CRASH IN SPRING VALLEY

 

East County News Service

January 11, 2016 (Spring Valley) — A 30-year-old El Cajon woman lost control of the Honda Civic that she was driving westbound on State Route 94 at 2:35 p.m. today and crashed down an embankment at the State Route 125 junction, striking a tree.  The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene.


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SHOOTINGS ON I-8 NEAR 70TH STREET: TWO VICTIMS INJURED

 

 

East County News Service

January 11, 2016 (La Mesa) — Two women, ages 29 and 31, from El Cajon suffered life-threatening injuries in a freeway shooting that occurred shortly after midnight on I-8 east near 70th Street on the boundary of La Mesa and San Diego.   


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EARLY BIRDS HELP OTHERS

 

By Mimi Pollack

January 9, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The motto for the La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club seems to be “How can we help?” There are actually two La Mesa Rotary Clubs, but the Sunrise group is for early birds, since meetings are held once a week at 7:30 a.m.


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DOGS HAVE GOOD LIFE WITH KIND PHILANTHROPIST DEVOTED TO HELPING ANIMALS

 

 

By Mimi Pollack

January 9, 2016 (La Mesa) — Recently, I interviewed five ebullient German Shorthaired Pointers. Their owner, George Juchum, was there, too, clearly relishing giving his dogs the run of his large home and garden  near Mt. Helix in La Mesa.


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EAST COUNTY HISTORY: READER RECALLS BLIZZARD 65 YEARS AGO

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Nancy Manning: Snow in Descanso in 2012

January 9, 2016 (Descanso) – This week’s snowstorms evoked strong memories for Robert Stille, who wrote to share his recollections from the winter of 1949-50, which he recalls as one of the worst winters on record, at least in modern times.

“ I was a kid of 13 that winter in Descanso,” he writes.  “We had three feet of snow at Descanso and on up to Cuyamaca and Laguna they had six feet of it.  We went up with my dad when the storm first hit, to Harrison Park and evacuated a 9-month pregnant woman and her daughter out of there.  It was snowing so hard we barely made it back down to Descanso.”


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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.

TIMETABLE SET FOR ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL LAWSUIT

 

 

East County News Service

 

January 9, 2016 (Alpine) – In a court hearing this morning, Judge Joel Pressman approved the following timetable for the Alpine high school trial:


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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.

COURT RULES AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP OVER SOITEC SOLAR PROJECT IN BOULEVARD

 

East County News Service

January 9, 2016 (Boulevard) – Efforts to block the massive Rugged Solar project in Boulevard appear to have hit a dead end.  On December 11th, Judge Wohlfeil confirmed  his tentative ruling to dismiss a writ of mandate filed by Backcountry Against Dumps (BAD).  The challenge claimed the project violated California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements on groundwater and fire issues, among others.

“BAD has chosen not to appeal based on a variety of issues and realities,”  BAD founder Donna Tisdale told East County Magazine.  Our attorney may never see the fee award ordered by Judge Wohlfeil, or a final decision could be strung out for years.”


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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.

18 INCHES OF SNOW ON MT. LAGUNA

 

East County News SErvice

January 9, 2016 (Mt. Laguna) - The totals from this week's storm are now complete--and Mt. Laguna received a full foot and a half of snow. 

If you're looking for a snow play day, today's a good option. However a new storm is due in this evening and early in the morning, though it will be lighter, dropping less than an inch of precipitation in most areas.

Click here to view snow and rainfall totals for areas across our region from the National Weather Service:  http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/total_forecast/getprod.php?wfo=sgx&sid=SGX&pil=RRM.  To view more images from local HP Wren web cameras run by the University of California San Diego, such as the image at left, visit http://hpwren.ucsd.edu/cameras/.


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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.

“AROUND MT. HELIX” LA MESA HISTORICAL SOCIETY ROUNDTABLE JAN. 16

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 8, 2016 (Mt. Helix) – Author and La Mesa Historical Society President James Newland will make a presentation on his new book, Around Mt. Helix, on Saturday, January 16th at 10 a.m.  The event will be held in the Grossmont Healthcare District auditorium at 9001 Wakarusa Street in La Mesa.


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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.

EL CAJON SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR CITY POSITIONS

 

 

East County News Service

 

January 8, 2016 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon City Council is now accepting applications for Commissions as listed below. The filing period ends January 14, 2016, at 5:30 p.m.  Applicants will be interviewed and appointed on January 26, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020.


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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.

MISS EL CAJON PAGEANT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

 

East County News Service

 

January 8, 2016 (El Cajon) -- Young women ages 9-22 who would like to represent the City of El Cajon are encouraged to participate in the 2016 Miss El Cajon Pageant.


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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.

CAMP ONWARD HELPS TEENS WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME GAIN SOCIAL SKILLS

By Janis Russell

Hear a podcast of our interview aired on KNSJ  radio: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

January 8, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) - Camp Onward is designed for teens with Asperger’s Syndrome to help with social skills. East County Magazine recently sat down with founder Nancy Hagan, director Kathy Gerstenberg, and parent of a kid with Asperger’s Syndrome, Laura Preble. We asked them questions about how the camp got started, its impact on the kids and parents, and what the camp is like among other topics.

Audio: 

Download: Audio icon PeoplePower-CampOnward-Nancy Hagan - Kathy Gerstenberg - Laura Preble.mp3

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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.

OVER A FOOT OF SNOW ON MT.LAGUNA, RAINS DRENCH REGION

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos: Above, Jim Pelley sent us photo of snow-covered Laguna Mountains, viewed from desert in Ocotillo

Below, Fox 5 TV tweeted image of news van on Mt. Laguna for a "San Diego snow day"

January 7, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – After four years of drought, when it rains, it pours!  During the past 72 hours, the National Weather Service reports heavy snowfall in our local mountains including 12 to 15 inches on Mt. Laguna.  In addition, many communities soaked up  several inches of rain, topped by Mt. Woodson with nearly seven and a half inches.

Here are highlights on the snow and rainfall totals over the past three days.


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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.

EL CAJON SCHOOL RECEIVES NATIONAL HONOR

 

East County News Service

 

January 7, 2016 (El Cajon) –  Montgomery Middle School in El Cajon is among six California schools chosen as Exemplars of 21st Century Learning, a prestigious designation given out by the national coalition Partnership for 21st Century Learning (p21.org/exemplar-program).  Montgomery Middle School is an International Baccalaureate school that provides an environment of collaboration, innovative technology use, and inquiry based problem solving, all set in real world situations for a diverse population of students.

 


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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.

FLOODING AND MUDSLIDES WREAK HAVOC IN RURAL EAST COUNTY

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo of Dehesa Elementary School courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News

January 7, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Today’s storm has caused significant damage across East County including closure of Dehesa Elementary School and a mudslide that oozed into homes in Rancho San Diego.

Muddy floodwaters drenched the interior of classrooms at Dehesa Elementary, soaking electrical and computer equipment on floors.  The school will remain closed until Monday for cleanup, 10 News 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.

BARRY JANTZ NAMED CHAIR OF TAXPAYERS GROUP

By Miriam Raftery

 

January 7, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- Jamul resident Barry Jantz, CEO of the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), has been elected to serve as 2016-17 chair of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA) board of directors.

 


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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.

JAMUL AREA FLOODING AND ROAD CLOSURE

 

 

East County News Service

Jaunary 7, 2016 (Jamul) --Honey Springs Road will be shut down all night due to power lines downed by vehicle that struck a power pole this evening, while awaiting SDG&E repairs, the CHP website indicates. A SIG Alert has been issued.

Highway 94 had substantial flooding this afternoon, reaching 30 feet wide in places and up to two feet deep, by some estimates..

Ronnie Durfee sent in video including this still shot of the dip between Rancho Jamul and Melody Lane.


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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.

JULIAN GETS NEW PARAMEDIC SERVICE FROM COUNTY AND CAL FIRE

 

Source: County News Service

January 7, 2016 (Julian) -- Julian residents and visitors now have around-the-clock access to paramedic engine service, thanks to an agreement reached among the region’s lead rural fire agencies and Julian fire officials.

 


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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.

RENOVATION OF MAIN PATIENT TOWER COMPLETED AT SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL

 

Source: Grossmont Healthcare District

 

January 6, 2016 (La Mesa) -- Patients are now being treated in state-of-the-art, upgraded rooms on all five floors of the East Tower of Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) 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.

UNIDENTIFIED PEDESTRIAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EL CAJON

January 6, 2016 (El Cajon) — A man in his 30s, whose identity is not known, suffered major life-threatening injuries last night when he was struck by a Nissan Pathfinder while crossing a street at Marshall and Arnele Avenues last night at 6:39 p.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.

MAN’S DECOMPOSED BODY FOUND IN STORM CHANNEL IN EAST COUNTY

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

January 5, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- The naked, partially decomposed body of a man was swept downstream in a storm drainage channel from El Cajon to Santee. 

“His death was definitely not related to today’s rains,” Lee Swanson, public information officer at San Diego Fire and Rescue told East County Magazine.  Swanson said it was evident that the man had died days or more before to the current storm. His identity is unknown.


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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.

ATM MACHINES BURGLARIZED IN EAST COUNTY

East County News Service

January 4, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Thieves burglarized two ATM machines in Santee and Rancho San Diego overnight.

 


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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.

COMMUNITY DONATES OVER $44,000 TO HELP CHILDREN OF SLAIN EL CAJON MOM

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

 

January 4, 2016 (El Cajon) - A Go Fund Me site has been established to help the children of Mary Newbold Fa’anunu, a 34-year-old mother of six who was killed by a gunshot wound to her head on New Year’s Day at the family’s home in the unincorporated area of El Cajon.

 


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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.

JOURNEY COMMUNITY CHURCH IN LA MESA COMPLETES SOLAR CONVERSION: WILL CUT NEARLY 80,000 POUNDS OF CARBON A YEAR

 

 

By Francine Phillips

 

January 4, 2016 (La Mesa) -- Journey Community Church in La Mesa is bringing new light this year to the community. This month Journey has completed one of the largest solar conversions in East County, San Diego. The church on Center Drive owns a seven-acre campus of buildings, including offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, a thrift store, and a food bank as well as commercial businesses that rent space. Overall, the 207 kilowatt system carbon reduction is the equivalent to 4,302 cars being removed from the road, 3,658,582 gallons of gas not being used, 26,484 trees being planted and could power 5,951 homes or 453,489 light bulbs.

 


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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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