By Miriam Raftery

May 10, 2018 (Lakeside) – A quarter of a century ago, Matt LaChappa was drafted by the San Diego Padres out of El Capitan High School in Lakeside, the pride of the Barona tribe on the Native American reservation where he grew up. But three years later, tragedy struck on April 6, 1996 while the talented left-hander was warming up in the bullpen on opening day of the season with the Padres’ minor league team, the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

He collapsed after suffering a heart attack, then had a second heart attack during an ambulance ride to the hospital.  In a coma for months, he suffered irreversible brain damage. Yet to this day, he remains on contract with the Padres, who promised to take care of their injured player for life.

LaChappa’s inspiring story was highlighted last Sunday on ESPN’s E:60 program in an episode titled “The Contract.” (View trailer.) The show will be replayed throughout the month.

By Miriam Raftery

May 10, 2018 (Santee) – Who was our youngest president?  Who was our oldest? Who was our tallest, shortest and fattest?  Find out on Wednesday, May 16^th,^, when San Diego Union-Tribune columnist Richard Lederer will offer a treasury of fascinating facts about the feats, families, foibles and firsts of our American presidents.  

The self-proclaimed “Wizard of Idiom, Attila the Pun and Conan the Grammarian” will be sharing his wit and wisdom on our nation’s presidents at the Santee City Hall, building 7, at 10671 Magnolia Avenue in Santee from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The even is sponsored by Santee Seniors 55 Plus and San Diego Oasis. It’s free and worth every penny!

Dr. Lederer has sold over a million books, also hosting “A Way With Words” on KPBS and authoring “the “Lederer on Language” column in the San Diego Union-Tribune. He will be signing copies of his books at the event.

Source: Helix Water District

May 9, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) -- The award-winning Water Conservation Garden will host Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday,    May 19, for customers of Helix Water District, the City of San Diego, Otay Water District and Sweetwater Authority.

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Lemon Grove Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Jones

May 8, 2018 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove's downtown redevelopment climate dampened last week, as the City Council blocked a plan to allow four and five story buildings throughout downtown. The infill plan for redevelopment passed on April 17, by a 4-1 vote. But it failed upon second reading on May 1, by a 3-2 vote.

East County News Service

May 8, 2018 (Santee) – Champion Gymnastics and Cheer (10580 Prospect Ave., Santee) will host a free open house Saturday, May 19 from 2-5 p.m. to celebrate its anniversary. 

The public is invited for tours of the facility offering lessons in gymnastics, cheer, tumbling, parkour, and dance plus laser tag, birthday parties, summer camp and a CHAMPS meetup group. There will be free use of the gym, a bounce house, foam pit, hotdogs, popcorn and beverages, plus karaoke and prizes.

For more information, call (619) 449-7717 or visit www.cgcchamps.com. If you sign up for a class, you can also get 50% off the first month’s tuition.

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!  Type in “Sports” as your donation!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity?  Comment on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Check out our sports section for more sports stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

Cover photo:  Santana freshman Joey Barkhimer's solo homer in the sixth put the Sultans up by two until the Chieftains erased their lead in the very next inning.

May 7, 2018 (Santee) - In our first-ever trip to Santana High, ECM Sports got some softball action under our belt as the lady Sultans hosted the Clairemont Chieftains for a non-conference faceoff.  The Sultans rock an impressive 18-8 record on the season.  Junior Madison Mendez started on the hill for the Sultans against Jennee Brodeur for the Chieftains.

East County News Service

May 7, 2018 (Santee) - The city of Santee invites you to Fido Fest on June 9^th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Drive in Santee).

This event will feature dog adoptions, exhibitors, giveaways, demonstrations, live entertainment and a silent auction to benefit Dogs on Deployment, which helps deployed military members find volunteers to board their pets while they are away.

By Miriam Raftery

May 6, 2018 (Santee) – A sobriety and driver license checkpoint conducted by Sheriff’s deputies in Santee last night near Mission Gorge Road and State Route 125 resulted in five DUI (driving under the influence arrests). In addition, six citations were issued for suspended/revoked or no driver’s licenses and eight vehicles were impounded.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

May 5, 2018 (Ramona)--Cal Fire advises that a brush fire is burning in Ramona. The blaze, now about seven acres, started at Montecito Road and North Ramona. The blaze is 10 percent contained and burning at a moderate rate of speed.

The Sheriff's Department reported moments ago that the fire is mostly in a riverbed and that no homes are currently threatened. Residents and motorists are asked to please keep the area clear for emergency vehicles.

By Jake Robison

May 4, 2018 (El Cajon) -- St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) will hold its inaugural Our Secret Garden Party on Saturday, June 2 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 2119 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon. This event will give SMSC’s supporters and the San Diego community the chance to experience SMSC’s magical garden and new aquatics center.

Runway Shoes & Accessories features prom season’s hottest fashions

By Reema Makani Boccia

May 4, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) -- With the average cost of prom around $1,000 per attendee, parents and students need ideas for how to have the full milestone experience without digging so deep into their wallets.

By Andy Tolley, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 3, 2018 (Lake Morena) - Hop on the boat and take a ride around Lake Morena!

Lake Morena County Park is only an hour away from San Diego and a great spot to fish, hike, camp or even take a day trip out with the family. Here are some views from one of the boats you can rent at the lake.

Learn more about our parks and preserves at SDParks.org.

Nonprofit plans fundraiser May 19-20

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

May 2, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The Princess Project, an organization that matches up the right high school prom dress with the right high school student for free, came to the County of San Diego-El Cajon Library branch on April 30th.  The nonprofit provides free dresses and accessories to high school students who cannot otherwise afford them.

East County News Service

May 1, 2018 (La Mesa) - The City of La Mesa will present a Salute to Old Glory at its annual Flag Day parade on Saturday, June 2^nd down La Mesa Boulevard in the La Mesa downtown village.

Pre-parade entertainment includes performances by local middle school bands at 9 a.m., with the parade rolling out at 10 a.m.  This year’s grand marshal will local historian and author Jim Newland.

There will also be a free ice cream social after the parade at La Mesa Blvd. and 4^th Street to round out a day of patriotic celebration.

East County News Service

May 1, 2018 (Guatay) -- The annual Heavenly Oaks Community Yard Sale will be held this year on Saturday, May 19 beginning at 7 a.m. at Heavenly Oaks, 26835 Old Highway 80 in Guatay, located halfway between Descanso and Pine Valley off of I-8.

“Multiple households are participating, so it's a great way to see lots of items in one place,” says Douglas Harrison.  “Look for a big crowd in the parking lot.”