Communities

READER’S EDITORIAL: ALARMING NEW PAROLE OFFICE INFORMATION REVEALED

 

Update December 20, 2018:  The State has sent a letter to La Mesa's city manager advising that it has dropped plans for a parole office at this location, at this time, but will seek an alternative site elsewhere in East County.



By Susan Nichols, President, Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association (GMIA)

December 19, 2018 (La Mesa) -- The Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association (GMIA), along with the greater community, continues to gather information to oppose the leasing of a building by the Department of Corrections for a Parole Operations Center amidst of their residential community. GMIA and the greater community have sought help from elected state officials, who are aware of the community plea to stop the parole office but have yet to provide substantive action.


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DRIVE-BY SHOOTING IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service

December 19, 2018 (Spring Valley) – A man was shot in the head last night around 10:30 p.m. but fortunately is expected to survive.  Shots were fired from a white four-door vehicle near Jamacha Blvd. and Grand Avenue in the La Presa area of Spring Valley.

Fortunately, the victim is expected to survive, Patch.com reports, citing Lt. Karla Menzies.


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EL CAJON RECEIVES $4.8 MILLION TO IMPROVE STREET SAFETY

 

Source: City of El Cajon

December 19, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon has been awarded $4.8 million in grant funding from Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration. The grants will fund a number of improvements along two busy El Cajon roads—Jamacha Road (which turns into North Second Street) and Madison Avenue. The grant awards aim to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety at these two locations in El Cajon, which has had a high rate of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in recent years.


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EXPERTS OUTLINE ALTERNATIVES FOR BACKING UP ELECTRICAL POWER

Source: Alpine-Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce

Photo by Jenne Bergstrom, Alpine Library

December 19, 2018 (Alpine) -- A raging thunderstorm overhead added emphasis to the importance of having a backup electrical source during a free public forum at the Alpine Library.

Four experts provided information to homeowners and others during the Dec. 6 session, hosted by the library at 1752 Alpine Blvd.


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ARCO CLERK ALLEGEDLY THREATENS CUSTOMERS, ASSAULTS DEPUTY

East County News Service

December 18, 2018 (Spring Valley) – A clerk at the Arco convenience store in the 9000 block of Campo Road assaulted a deputy who responded to a call reporting that the clerk was threatening customers with a knife. The caller reported that the clerk appeared to be under the influence of a drug and chased a customer with a knife.


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RE-ELECTED MAYOR WELLS REPORTS “OUTSTANDING” STATE OF THE CITY

 

 

Cites accomplishments including addressing city's homeless problem, criticizes Sacramento for  mandates

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

 

Watch video 

 

See Powerpoint presentation

 

December 16, 2018 (El Cajon) --I am proud to report that the State of our City is outstanding,” said El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells on Tuesday to a nearly full council chamber. He added, I believe that the City is moving in a positive directionWe have relied on innovation and creative thinking to tackle difficult issues and we have maintained the City’s strong fiscal health, at a time when other cities have struggled.” 


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EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER OPENING DELAYED

By Paul Kruz, Contributing Editor

December 14, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Residents of El Cajon and the County of San Diego will have to wait awhile longer before the community's theater, shuttered for over a decade, will reopen for performances.

While performing an evaluation of the HVAC (heating/ventilation/air conditioning) system at the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC), experts have determined that the system will require complete replacement rather than an overall. Further investigation has found more age-related problems with the roof of the 1,140 seat theater.


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EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL DIRECTS STAFF TO DRAFT LETTER OF CONCERN OVER SOUTHWEST KEY MIGRANT CHILDREN FACILITY

Action comes after Union-Tribune reports seven children missing from Southwest Key facility

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

Photo: Ana Babudar, Southwest Key Programs Inc., addresses City Council

Watch video testimony here

December 14, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to approve a proposal asking staff to prepare letters to the California Department of Social Services and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services asking for a review of Southwest Key Programs, Inc, The Texas-based company provides extended care for undocumented immigrant children. Its El Cajon facility, known locally as “Casa San Diego,” contracts with the federal government to provide care to children who show up at the U.S.-Mexico border without any parents, as well as some children who were separated from their legal guardians by U.S. immigration officials.

Co-sponsored by Council members Steve Goble and Gary Kendrick, the proposal stems from a November 18, 2018 San Diego Union-Tribune article that revealed discrepancies with Southwest Key reports to the El Cajon Police Department and California Department of Social Services.


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SCHOOL CHILDREN AND ALLSTATE HELP BRING NEW PLAYGROUND TO SHELTER IN EL CAJON

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Students from Meridian Elementary arriving at East County Transitional Living Center in El Cajon are surprised and delighted to see a playground that they envisioned has come to life at the center, funded by Allstate through the company’s Good Starts Young program.

December 14, 2018 (El Cajon)  --  Fourth grade students in Mrs. Lee’s class at Meridian Elementary were asked how they would like to improve their community. The children dreamed up the idea of a playground for families at the East County Transitional Living Center in El Cajon, which helps homeless people transition off the streets, then created the design.  But they had no idea that Allstate Insurance had provided funding through its Good Starts Young program to make the playground become a reality.  


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: OCOTILLO SUNRISE





December 14, 2018 (Ocotillo, California) -- Jim Pelley sent in this spectacular photo of a desert sunrise piercing periwinkle-hued clouds near his home in Ocotilo, near the border of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.


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JESSICA KALASHO BRINGS OWN ATTORNEY TO HEARING IN FRAUD AND HARASSMENT CASE; BEN KALASHO ARRIVES SEPARATELY WITHOUT LEGAL COUNSEL

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

Photo, left to right: Linda Charry, Jimmie Parker, Donald Wolf, Jessica Kalasho, and Ben Kalasho  


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NAINSOOK FRAMING + ART ANNOUNCES JANUARY EVENTS

 

 

East County News Service

December 13, 2018 (La Mesa) – Nainsook Framing + Art in La Mesa (8130 La Mesa Blvd.) will host several January events including an artist reception, watercolor and mixed media classes, mosaic workshop, and more. Scroll down for full details on these activities and learn more at https://nainsookframing.com


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APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR CITY OF EL CAJON COMMISSIONS

 

 

Source:  City of El Cajon

December 13, 2018 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon City Council is accepting applications for several Commissions and Committees.  The filing period is open through January 14, 2019 at 5:30 p.m.


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NEW 4-STORY MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING PROJECT PROPOSED IN LA MESA: COMMUNITY MEETING DEC. 17

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 13, 2018 (La Mesa) – Developers of Jefferson La Mesa, a proposed multi-family apartment project proposed at 4949-4999 Baltimore Drive, invite the community to a meeting to hear about project plans.  The meeting will be held on Monday, December 17 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the La Mesa Police Department (8085 University Ave.).

The proposed four-story project would include 230 residential rental units, including some designated as affordable housing on-site. Though designated officially as mixed use, only four of the units are designated as work/live apartments.  The developer is listed as South Baltimore LLC/The Forties Challenge.


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OLAF WIEGHORST MUSEUM PRESENTS QUILT EXHIBIT THROUGH DECEMBER

 

 

East County News Service

December 13, 2018 (El Cajon) – The Olaf Wieghorst Museum at the Wieghorst Western Heritage Center, 131 Rea Ave., El Cajon, is presenting an exhibit of 25 quilts created by East County residents, including Cheryl Minshew, Daniela Stout and Sylvia Thomas. “Visitors to the Wieghorst will be impressed by the variety and creativity of patterns designed by East County residents,” said Minshew, the show’s curator. The exhibit runs through Saturday, Dec. 29.  Admission to the museum is free. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information, phone (619) 590-3431, or visit www.wieghorstmuseum.org.


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COLLEGE DISTRICT TRIO PRESENTED CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

 

Source:  Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

December 12, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Cohesion and excellence are concepts often expressed in threes. The Three Musketeers. The Three Tenors. The Three Wise Men. The Triple Crown. The three Olympic medals. The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District has a winning trio of its own – the winners of the 2018 Chancellor/Classified Senate Award -- who were lauded Tuesday night by the Governing Board in recognition of their exemplary work. The jobs of the winners – Rochelle Weiser from Grossmont College; Gwen Nix from Cuyamaca College and Gabriella Avila-Garcia from District Services, are varied, representing the broad expanse of tasks performed by non-instructional staff.


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PRIVATE JULIAN PATIENT DATA BREACHED AMID 11-DAY HARD DRIVE LOSS, FIRE OFFICIALS FEAR

 

Update December 26, 2018 -- Patient data was not on the missing hard drive, long-time Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District Chief Mike Van Bibber has informed EMC. Patients' information was on a county server instead.

By Ken Stone

Reprinted with permission by Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  photo taken Tuesday after backup hard drive was discovered missing. Photo via Brian Kramer

December 12, 2018 (Julian) - Julian fire district officials and local authorities are looking into the possible theft of private medical information and employee records from a backup hard drive.

According to Julian-Cuyamaca fire board member Brian Kramer, the external hard drive with possibly years of data went missing Dec. 1 from a locked room at the Julian fire station on state Route 79.


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RESIDENTS FLOOD LA MESA CITY COUNCIL WITH COMPLAINTS OVER PROPOSED PAROLE FACILITY

By Miriam Raftery

December 12, 2018 (La Mesa)--  Following the swearing in of newly elected Councilwoman Akilah Weber and reelected Councilman Bill Baber, the La Mesa City Council heard public comments last night from numerous area residents concerned about a state parole office proposed in a new building on Grossmont Summit Drive next to the Brigantine restaurant, other businesses and home.


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FANITA RANCH URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IS BACK IN THE GAME



By Ana Nita

December 11, 2018 (Santee) -- The battle over the Fanita Ranch urban development proposal in Santee entered a new phase once the City of Santee scheduled the scooping meeting at the end of November to gather public input on a revamped proposal. 


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ELF JR, THE MUSICAL—THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS CONTINUES THROUGH DEC. 16 IN SPRING VALLEY

 

 

By Kathy Carpenter

December 11, 2018 (Spring Valley) - Do you believe? If you currently need more holiday spirit or if your holiday spirit abounds and for all you in-betweenersElf Jr. brings us the Christmas magic everyone seeks. You will love Buddy the Elf and leave the show with a huge smile. The production continues through December 16th at the Encore Theatre in Spring Valley.


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GIARDINO OFFERS SEASONAL SPECIALS AND HOLIDAY TO-GO MENU

 

 

East County News Service

December 10, 2018 (Lemon Grove) -- This holiday season, Lemon Grove’s cozy neighborhood eatery, Giardino, is giving diners multiple reasons to gather around its tables. A menu only available through the new year features chef’s specials highlighting flavors that bring on nostalgia. Start with a bowl of Lobster Bisque, or Portobello Ripieni stuffed with artichokes, gorgonzola, spinach and bell peppers. Pasta includes Oxtail Cannelloni and Turkey and Pumpkin Lasagna, while the entrees feature dishes like Roasted Duck Airline Breast, Veal Saltimbocca and Salmon San Remo. Save room for dessert – Chef Marco has a special Nutella Pistachio Tiramisu and housemade Limoncello to end the meal on a good note.


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REGISTRATION OPEN FOR JULIAN FAMILY FIDDLE CAMP APRIL 10-14; LUKE PRICE IS NEW PROGRAM COORDINATOR

 

 

East County News Service

Video: Luke Price at 2016 Julian Fiddle and Picking Contest

December 9, 2018 (Julian) — National fiddle champion Luke Price will be program coordinator at the Julian Family Fiddle Camp April 10-14, 2019.  Registration is now open for the 8th annual camp, one of the most respected immersion acoustic/roots music camps in North America where campers young and young at heart come from near and far.

The camp includes lodging and meals in the historic mining town of Julian in San Diego’s East County mountains. Early-bird discounts and scholarships are available.


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BORREGO SPRINGS CELEBRATES NEW LIBRARY, PARK AND SHERIFF'S OFFICE

 

 

It’s official, the new County Library, park and Sheriff’s office are open for business in Borrego Springs. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony took place this afternoon, kicking off a community celebration with music, artists, animals and tours of the new library and Sheriff’s office. The two buildings and park all share a 19-acre property.

The library branch is the larger of the two buildings and sits on 2.6 acres. The facility measures three times the size of the previous one and includes 2,215 square feet of community meeting space, a 330 square foot conference room, separate areas for children and teens, a technology center with a 3D printer, and a Friends of the Library Book Nook and Conversation Café.


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A HAYRIDE IN LA MESA DEC. 8 – AND YOU’RE INVITED

 

 

East County News Service

December 7, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Picture it – a horse-pulled wagon filled with carolers young and old making its way through suburban streets as the neighbors call out Christmas greetings.  It’s the annual Hayride and Chili Dog Dinner at The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa 91942.


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RAMONA’S HOLIDAY WINE TRAIL CONTINUES NEXT TWO WEEKENDS





By Miriam Raftery



December 6, 2018 (Ramona) – Savor the season along the Holiday Wine Trail in Ramona, which this year features 18 different wineries.

The event continues the next two Saturdays and Sundays, December 8-9 and 15-16.   Some wineries are offering “extras” including live music, arts and crafts for sale, spiced mulled wine and even an appearance by Santa –in a wine cave!

I hit the trail last weekend, stopping by several locations along the tour, each offering a unique and special experience.


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MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL IN EL CAJON FEATURED FESTIVITIES AND EDUCATION ON HEALTH AND CRIME CONCERNS

 

 

By Briana Gomez

December 6, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The annual El Cajon Multicultural Festival and non-profit fair at Eje Elementary School in El Cajon last month hosted an array of organizations dedicated to welcoming new immigrants into the community. 


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TWISTING IN THE WIND: AS RURAL RESIDENTS COMPLAIN OF WIND ENERGY IMPACTS, CAMPO TRIBE PROPOSES TOWERING NEW PROJECT: SCOPING MEETING DEC. 6

County denies request for health impacts of turbines, even as more are proposed

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: New proposed turbines would be much taller and produce more energy than these older Kumeyaay Wind turbines, also broadening the areas that could be impacted by noise, vibrations, and electromagnetic interefence with devices such as cell phones

December 6, 2018 (Campo) –Tonight, the Bureau of Indian Affairs will hold a scoping meeting on a notice to prepare n environmental impact statement for a proposal to build 60 wind turbines up to 586 feet tall (taller than the highest skyscraper in San Diego) on the Campo Indian reservation. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Campo Tribal Hall, 36190 Church Road (BIA 10) at highway 94 in Campo.  Written comments can also be submitted by December 21st. Find details at www.CampoWind.com.

The new Campo Wind project is proposed for most Campo reservation ridgelines from north of I-8 to the U.S./Mexico border, each 4 megawatts.  Neighbors and the Boulevard Planning Group have raised concerns over the large turbines including noise, sleep disruption, health impacts and lost property values.   View flyer.

Minutes of the Boulevard Planning Group meeting from November 1, 2018 reveal numerous residents’ complaints about problems reportedly associated with similarly large-scale wind turbines recently installed at the Tule Wind project in McCain  Valley as well as turbines at the Kumeyaay Wind facility in Campo. Those complaints range from noise and vibrations to interference with cell phone service, a vital concern in an area prone to wildfires where communication is critical.


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AS EL CAJON DRAFTS CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, SEE HOW OTHERS ARE ALREADY IMPROVING THE CITY’S QUALITY OF LIFE

 

 

Source: City of El Cajon

Photo:  Community Garden at Little House

December 6, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon is currently underway with the development of a Climate Action Plan, a policy document intended to establish the City’s sustainable strategies. Identifying sustainable strategies for the City is a way to establish standards that can help improve El Cajon’s quality of life. 


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JACK-IN-THE-BOX ROBBED AT GUNPOINT IN LEMON GROVE; SUSPECT FLED IN CREAM SEDAN

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 6, 2018 (Lemon Grove) — A man jumped over the county of a Jack-in-the-Box at 7979 Broadway Avenue in Lemon Grove shortly after 2 p.m. yesterday, thenpointed a black pistol at customers and employees, demanding cash.

 

The suspect is described ablack, about 6 ft. 2 in heightwith medium to heavy build, wearing a baseball cap, red flannel shirt, grey hooded sweatshirt with hood pulled up, black gloves, white pants, and a white bandana covering his face.

 


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PAROLE OFFICE PROPOSED ON MT. HELIX DRAWS COMMUNITY OPPOSITION

By Miriam Raftery

December 4, 2018 (La Mesa) – Residents are raising objections over a proposal by the state to open a parole office at the base of Mt. Helix next to the Brigantine Restaurant in a mostly residential neighborhood near Grossmont High School.

The city of La Mesa received notification in a letter dated November 5th from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Division of Adult Parole Operations about plans to lease a building at 9400 Grossmont Summit Drive for use as a parole office. The facility would have 65 staff members, including 52 parole agents meeting with potentially hundreds of parolees a month who served time in state prisons for serious crimes. The building has only 41 parking spaces, according to the city.

A petition opposing the project has been started online at https://www.change.org/p/mr-steve-lamirand-stop-adult-parole-operations-from-opening-in-mt-helix-la-mesa.  So far, 186 people have signed. An analysis (p. 1, p. 2) created by project opponent Daniel Boethin, a real estate consultant at Trifold Properties claims the site is incompatible with allowed uses under current zoning, is incompatible with surrounding residential and business uses, and would endanger minors due to the close proximity to schools.


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