Communities

SANTEE CAT TAKES 8-MILE RIDE IN CAR BUMPER

 

East County News Service

February 25, 2016 (Santee) -- Riding inside the car is one thing, but riding trapped inside the front bumper of a car for 8 miles was quite another for a cat from Santee.


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CHALDEAN CHAMBER PRESIDENT THREATENS LAWSUIT IF “GERRYMANDERING” SPLITS CHALDEAN VOTERS IN GUHSD

 

 

District board expected to vote on redistricting plan today at 4 p.m.

"...Our Chamber will not accept any gerrymandering or divisive planning for political purposes and would be readily committed to engage either legally or politically to ensure a fair and equitable approach for the betterment of our community.” -- Ben Kalasho, Chaldean American Chamber president

By Miriam Raftery

February 25, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Ben Kalasho, president of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce in East County, has issued a press release calling on the Grossmont Union-High School District board to be “transparent and pragmatic” in its decision on how to transition from at-large to district elections. A vote on which map to approve is expected at today’s GUHSD board meeting at 4 p.m. at the East County Regional Education Center, 924 East Main St. in El Cajon.


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COMMUNITY MEETING IN ALPINE DRAWS HUNDREDS OVER EMF CONCERNS

 

 

"When a child could get cancer, you take action." --  Alpine resident Bree Rowand (photo, left), mother of Kylie Rowand, toddler who died of neuroblastoma.

"We're here because we'd really like to ease your minds...There is no conclusive evidence that EMFs cause health risks....You have EMFs probably everywhere you go. They are coming out of your cell phone." -- Don Parent, SDG&E, which offered to conduct free measurements for any concerned property owners.

"I'm very concerned for the health of my students and health of my staff...but right now we have having safe levels [in classrooms.]" -- Bruce Cochrane, Superintendent, Alpine Union School District, adding that campus-wide results of an independent expert will be posted Friday.

"This is a failure in our system. Regulatory agencies should be the ones monitoring...If every one of you would e-mail the president of the California Public Utilities Commission as I have and ask as I have for someone to come down here and meet with the community, maybe we will get results."

By Miriam Raftery

February 25, 2016 (Alpine) – Over 230 people came to a community meeting at Alpine Elementary School Tuesday evening to learn more about electromagnetic field measurements in Alpine, ask questions of local officials and SDG&E, voice concerns and at times, shout out frustrations. (View video highlights from 10 News.)


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SOME PLAY: PICKWICK PLAYERS PRESENT CHARLOTTE'S WEB FEB 19-28

 

 

By Kathy Carpenter, Associate/Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatrereviews.com

 

February 24, 2016 (Santee) - The Pickwick Players in Santee are a different kind of group. They perform adult plays, children's plays, and mixed plays with people of all ages, as with "Charlotte's Web," based on the book by E.B. White, published by Harper Collins in 1952.What makes this unique is that it's rare. We have many youth productions, adult productions, adult productions with a kid or two. However, besides St. John of the Cross in Lemon Grove, which does a mix of all ages in their plays once a year, in the spring (This year they are doing a Poppins in April - call rectory for more details), I don't see this combination often.. Four adults, two teenagers, and 13 incredible youngsters were all part of the Pickwick Players’ cast.


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$1.9 MILLION GRANT AWARDED FOR PEDESTRIAN AND BIKE SAFETY IN WEST LA MESA

 

 

East County News Service

 

February 24, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa was recently approved for a $1,919,000 grant through the California Transportation Commission (CTC) Active Transportation Program (ATP) to fund pedestrian and bicyclist safety enhancements in west La Mesa. The grant will provide improved connectivity to parks, local schools and access to the future Boys and Girls Club (Brady Family Clubhouse).


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SHARE YOUR IDEAS FOR AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES

 

East County News Service

February 23, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The ideas came as quickly as someone could type them on the laptop as community residents in La Mesa shared their visions of an age-friendly community with the County’s Aging & Independence Services.


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SANTEE SEEKS IDEAS TO ADDRESS SR-52 TRAFFIC WOES

 

By Mike Allen

February 23, 2016 (Santee) -- Situated at the confluence of several regional connecting highways, traffic has never been smooth in and out of Santee, but it’s gotten much worse in recent years, prompting elected officials to seek out possible solutions.


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MOUNTAIN EMPIRE HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS THE SAN DIEGO BLOOD BANK MARCH 1

 

East County News Service

February 23, 2016 (Pine Valley ) -- The San Diego Blood Bank will accept blood donations at Mountain Empire High School on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm.


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ACES FOUNDATION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR EL CAJON ANIMAL SHELTER

 

By Liz Alper

February 23, 2016 (La Mesa) - Come join ACES at The Hills Local Pub on Wednesday, March 2 from 5-9 p.m. to raise money for the El Cajon Animal Shelter!  No flyer is needed, but bring a friend!


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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.

GIRL, 10, DIES SAVING ANOTHER CHILD FROM RUNAWAY VEHICLE

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 23, 2016 (Lakeside) – A 10-year-old girl who pushed another child out of the path of a moving vehicle in Lakeside was struck and seriously injured. She was taken to Grossmont Hospital, where she later died of her injuries, said California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Pearlstein.


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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.

IS IT GERRYMANDERING? FINAL VOTE THURS. ON GROSSMONT REDISTRICTING: ALPINE AND CHALDEAN ADVOCATES OBJECT, ASK PUBLIC HELP

 

By  Miriam Raftery

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County)—Grosssmont-Union High School District’s board is expected to cast a final vote Thursday at 4 p.m. on controversial redistricting maps. The board will also vote to seek a waiver from the state from a requirement that would ordinarily requiring putting the redistricting measure on the ballot, and waiver from a state requiring that new trustee area plans be in effect at least 120 days before the next election in November.  (View meeting notice. The meeting will be at the East County Regional Education Center, 924 East Main Street, El Cajon.)

The district contends it has acted appropriately in response to a threat of legal action over alleged voting rights violations. But critics say the plan would oust the board’s most outspoken dissenting member, Priscilla Schreiber, leave Alpine represented by an opponent of the Alpine High School, and divide Iraqi-Chaldean residents into multiple districts, diluting their power as a voting block.  It also carves out a new district in the Lemon Grove/Spring Valley area with no trustee currently residing in that district, which does have a history of representing people of color.


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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.

LAMPLIGHTERS COMMUNITY THEATRE ANNOUNCES PERFORMANCE OF THE TONY AWARD MUSICAL NOMINEE "MACK AND MABEL"

 

Source:  Lamplighters Community Theatre press release

February 23, 2016 (La Mesa) – Lamplighters Community Theatre (LCT) is proud to present performances of the Tony Award Nominee “Mack and Mabel” at the new Lamplighters Community Theatre located at 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa, Ca running  March 11 through April 10.


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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.

18TH ANNUAL BORREGO DESERT GARDEN TOUR

 

East County News Service

February 23, 2016 (Borrego Springs) - It’s Garden Tour time in the desert and the 18th Annual Borrego Springs Garden Tour invites visitors to experience private gardens and homes at their own pace from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.


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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.

11-YEAR-OLD KILLED IN CRASH AT CAMPO CHECKPOINT

 

East County News Service

February 22, 2016 (Campo) — An 11-year-old girl died in a fiery three-vehicle crash at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 8 westbound in Campo.  Four other people are hospitalized with moderate to major injuries from the collision last night at 9 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.

SDG&E RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS ON ALPINE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD (EMF) LEVELS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Sunrise Powerlink (left) transmits 500 kilovolts of electricity above ground across most its its route, but was installed underground in Alpine, where it flows beneath the main street in  the rural mountain town.

February 20, 2016 (Alpine) – East County Magazine reached out to San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)  after reviewing results of two studies measuring electromagnetic field (EMF) levels in Alpine. (The first study, done by an engineer and contractor, found high levels along Alpine Blvd. above the underground Sunrise Powerlink. The second, commissioned by the County Office of Education, measured levels at Alpine Elementary School.  It found relatively low levels at most places on the campus, though two outside areas nearest the boulevard were higher, one substantially so. View details here.) Those reports raised concerns among some community members about potential health risks for chlidren, though medical studies have shown conflicting results on this issue.

We asked SDG&E if it has plans to measure EMF levels at other locations, what EMF levels it would consider safe, what  fixes or mitigation might be possible, and what EMF research the company supports. Below are our questions and the answers provided by Allison Torres, SDG&E media representative:  


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ALPINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION AGREES TO FUND INDEPENDENT EMF STUDIES

 

Superintendent issues correction: EPA has not issued recommended EMF safe levels.

Meetings Feb. 23 and 25  will address EMF issues in Alpine.

By Miriam Raftery

February 20, 2016 (Alpine)—The Alpine Education Foundation has agreed to fund hiring a professional independent expert to measure electromagnetic frequency (EMF) readings along the route of the buried Sunrise Powerlink in Alpine, AEF president George Barnett has informed East County Magazine.


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COMMUNITY FORUM TO DISCUSS ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS FROM SDG&E UNDERGROUND TRANSMISSION LINES – FEB. 23 IN ALPINE

 

 

 

East County News Service

February 20, 2016 (Alpine) – A community forum to discuss electromagnetic fields from SDG&E’s underground transmission lines will be held on Tuesday, February 23 at 6 p.m. in the Alpine Elementary auditorium (1850 Alpine Blvd.)  You’re invited to join the Alpine Union School District, Supervisor Dianne Jacob and members of her administration for this informal discussion.


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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.

PINE VALLEY, PLAY BALL!

 

 

 

East County News Service

February 20, 2016 (Pine Valley) -- Pine Valley is celebrating the grand opening of a multi-use field for baseball and soccer events.


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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.

FIRST MOBILE HOME PARK UTILITIES UPGRADE CONVERSION COMPLETED IN EL CAJON

 

SDG&E slated to upgrade 30 mobile home parks, improve safety for residents

By Mike Allen

February 19, 2016 (El Cajon) -- Elected officials, state and local utility people and residents of the Heart ‘O the Hills Mobile Lodge in El Cajon gathered Feb. 18 to celebrate the completion of a natural gas and electric line upgrading, the first park in San Diego County to obtain such a conversion.


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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.

LA MESA TOWN HALL REVEALS COMMUNITY UNREST BREWING OVER BEER AND OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE

 

By Leon Thompson

February 18, 20016 (La Mesa) -- The first La Mesa Town Hall event of 2016 exposed tensions brewing in the relationship between citizens of La Mesa and the City Council.  These open forum sessions aim to give citizens a forum to share “ideas, comments and opinions on issues in their neighborhood and throughout the City,” according to the City’s website.


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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 POWERLINK CONCERNS SPARK RESPONSES

 

New EMF readings at Alpine Elementary have lower levels; district offers reassurance to parents

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2016 (Alpine) –  Alpine planners, school officials, and SDG&E have weighed in with responses to publication of meter readings that revealed high electric-magnetic frequency (EMF) levels along Alpine Boulevard, where Sunrise Powerlink high voltage lines are buried. The readings were first published in the Alpine Sun and later highlights, analysis and community reactions were published in East County Magazine and the Alpine Community Network.


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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.

PADRE DAM ACCEPTS EAST COUNTY ADVANCED WATER PURIFICATION STUDY

 

Padre Dam and Helix Water Districts to develop new source of drinking water that is safe, locally-controlled and drought-proof

East County News Service

February 18, 2016 (Santee) - Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors accepted the East County Advanced Water Purification Program study at its February 3 board meeting. Additionally, the Board authorized a contract for $3,497,500 with Kennedy/Jenks Consultants to provide as-needed engineering services for the program.


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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.

JACOB CALLS FOR CPUC INVESTIGATION OF HIGH EMF LEVELS IN ALPINE ALONG POWERLINK ROUTE

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Supervisor Dianne Jacob, speaking against Powerlink at a 2010 rally

Update:  SDG&E, the Alpine Union High School District, and the Alpine Community Planning Group have responded to community concerns.  The County Board of Education has measured levels at the Alpine Elementary School and found them within EPA recommended levels. SDG&E has offered to meet with any concerned residents or business owners and take measurements. We have also provided additional a broader range of studies on possible health issue.  See our new article here with the latest details: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/alpine-powerlink-concerns-spark-responses 

February 17, 2016 (Alpine) – Today, Supervisor Dianne Jacob sent a letter to California Public Utilities Commission chairman Michael Picker requesting an immediate investigation and independent review of high electric magnetic field (EMF) levels in Alpine. Copies of Jacob’s letter were sent to Governor Jerry Brown, Attorney General Kamala Harris and all CPUC commissioners.


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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.

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ASKS FOR HELP TO FIND LAKESIDE THEFT SUSPECT

 

Source: San Diego Couunty Sheriff's Department

February 17, 2016 (Lakeside) - Do you recognize the man in these photos? He is wanted in connection with a theft outside the Lake Jennings Apartments in Lakeside. 


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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.

LA MESA RESIDENT JOINS REALTORS ASSOCIATION BOARD

 

East County News Service

February 17, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), a 2,000-member trade group for San Diego area realtors, has announced that La Mesa resident Jan Farley has joined its board of directors. Farley also is serving as the 2016 president of the San Diego chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors.


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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.

SHOT FIRED BY DEPUTY IN BOULEVARD DISTURBANCE

 

East County News Service

February 16, 2016 (Boulevard) – A Sheriff’s deputy fired a shot early this morning at a domestic violence suspect who reportedly charged out of a home in Boulevard, screaming a waving a shovel. The deputy’s shot missed and the suspect, 19-year-old Reid Wohlford, barricaded himself inside the home, but was later apprehended with help from a K-9 dog.


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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.

MILAGRO FARM VINEYARD AND WINERY CLOSES TASTING ROOM FOR REMODELING

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2016 (Ramona) – The Milagro Farm Winery has announced that it is closing its tasting room to the public effective immediately while undergoing upgrades, with plans to reopen in the next couple of months.


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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.

LA MESA OFFICE BUILDING “RETREAT” WINS ARCHITECTURAL AWARD

 

East County News Service

February 16, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The American Society of Landscape Architects, NY Upstate Chapter, recently awarded the Allison Avenue Office Building Retreat with a “Merit Award” in the Built Design category.  The project, located in La Mesa, California, transformed a bleak and uncomfortable asphalt side alley into an attractive outdoor client/employee space.


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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.

MONTE VISTA HS TO MARK COMPLETION OF BUILDINGS WITH RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY

 

By Liz Alper

February 16, 2016 (Spring Valley) - Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of buildings 700, 800 and 800A on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 11:00 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.

PROHIBITION LIFTED ON CRAFT SPIRITS INDUSTRY SEEN AS THE START OF SAN DIEGO'S NEXT CRAFT BOOM

 

East County News Service

Assemblyman Jones to purchase first bottle from local distillery

February 16, 2016 (Santee) -- As of January 1st, new legislation (AB 1295) allows craft distilleries to sell individual bottles of craft spirits from tasting rooms. Prior to this law, the public could only sample distilled spirits at a tasting room but could not purchase bottles directly from a distiller.


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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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