East County News Service

March 30, 2018 (Jamul) -- The Jamul Kiwanis are revving up for their 10^thAnnual Hot Rod and Chili Cook off. The event will be held on April14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pio Pico/Thousand Trails, 14615 Otay Lakes Road, Jamul. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Herman Smith, San Diego County Sheriff’s Dept.

March 30, 2018 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — A hearing is set for April 27 on proposed release of Herman Smith at 42920 Desert Rose Ranch Road in Jacumba Hot Springs.  Smith has been convicted of sexually violent crimes including rape by force in 1993, oral copulation with a minor under age 14 by force or fear, and sodomizing a victim under age 14 with force. He has also been convicted of raping a drugged victim.

By Kendra Sitton

March 29, 2018 (Jamul) -- The latest Jamul-Dulzura Planning Meeting on Tues., March 27 was dominated with discussion about a proposed development on Village 14, Planning Areas 15 and 19. The proposal would bring over a thousand new homes into an unincorporated area of 6,163 people, as of the last census.

By Miriam Raftery

March 27, 2018 (Lemon Grove) – Christopher Williams, the medical marijuana dispensary advocate who has filed a claim against Lemon Grove detailed an alleged assault by Councilman David Arambula, is speaking out to dispute Arambula’s self-defense claim.

Williams also contends that city staff stalled his applications for multiple dispensaries by claiming not to have received results of a Department of Justice screening of all applicants, when e-mails from the DOJ indicate the results were sent to the city earlier.

Arambula is also drawing criticism from current and former councilmembers for failing to disclose the scuffle that sent Williams to a hospital for treatment of significant injuries including a fractured rib, gash on his face and bite marks on his arm. Mayor Racquel Vasquez is named as a potential witness in Williams claim, along with Taisha Brown, a Democratic Party activist, but both have declined to speak with media.  Some members of the council contend they were kept in the dark by Arambula and Vasquez about the violent altercation even when voting on dispensary applications submitted by Williams for Pick Axe Holdings, LLC.

East County News Service

March 28, 2018 (Santee) – The Sheriff’s Santee station will conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, March 30^th from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at an undisclosed location.

Checkpoints aim to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from alcohol-involved accidents by getting offenders off the streets and by educating the public on dangers of impaired driving, as well as the importance of designating a sober driver. Checkpoints also assure that each motorist has a valid driver’s license.

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 27, 2018 (La Mesa) - Ramona readers, rejoice.  ECM Sports was finally able to cover Ramona sports for the second time ever tonight as Bulldogs girls lacrosse traveled to La Mesa to face the Highlanders of Helix.  The Bulldogs sport a decent 4-3 overall record and are 1-0 in league play. Compare that to the Highlanders, who sport a 5-1 overall (1-1 in league) record and these two are pretty evenly matched.

East County News Service

March 27, 2018 (La Mesa) – Maxwell House of Books, an independent, used book retail book store in La Mesa, will host a book signing and lecture featuring La Mesa historian and author Jim Newland discussing his latest book on the history of Grossmont Hospital. The event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 29. Maxwell House of Books is located at 8285 La Mesa Blvd., in the heart of the historic La Mesa Downtown Village. According to Craig Maxwell, book store owner, proceeds from books sold that evening will be donated to the La Mesa Historical Socie ty.

Source: Cuyamaca College; photo by Laurent Kramer

March 26, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) -- Here’s music to the ears of jazz fans: legendary jazz saxophonist Charles McPherson will give a free talk and music demonstration April 5 at Cuyamaca College.

“Conversations with a Legend: Charles McPherson,” organized by communication instructor Lindy Brazil as part of her class, “Arts and Culture in San Diego,” is set for 11:30 a.m.- 12:50 p.m. Thursday, April 5 in Cuyamaca College’s Digital Theater, Room B-101. The event is open to the public.

By Miriam Raftery

March 25, 2018 (Jamul) – At the Jamul-Dulzura Community Planning Group meeting this Tuesday, March 27, county officials will make a presentation on a draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a major housing and mixed used development in the  Proctor Valley area about a mile south of Jamul and east of Chula Vista.

Source: La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

March 25, 2018 (La Mesa) – On Wednesday, May 16th, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce encourages you to join them and enjoy great food, good conversation and an evening in La Mesa hosted by EDCO.

EDCO is a family-owned and locally operated waste collection and recycling company serving numerous communities in Southern Californian since 1967. EDCO specializes in offering integrated, user-friendly waste removal and recycling programs to serve residential homes, multi-family properties, commercial businesses multi-tenant buildings, industrial centers, construction sites, and community events.

By Miriam Raftery

March 23, 2018 (Spring Valley) – A man suspected of intentionally seting a fire at 10767 Jamacha Blvd. in Spring Valley was detained last night at 9:43 p.m. by deputies from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s station.

He was rescued from a burning home and detained by a deputy for allegedly set the fire. The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries related to the fire, said Sergeant Kotaro Murashige.

Members of the Sheriff’s bomb/arson unit are investigating the cause and origin of the blaze.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Farmer's Market at its former location on Allison Avenue may soon come back to its roots in the La Mesa downtown village

March 22, 2018 (La Mesa) – On Tuesday, La Mesa’s City Council will consider a proposal by the La Mesa Village Association to move and expand the farmer’s market back to the downtown village, with street closures for the event each Friday.  Staff has recommended approval in its report.  

Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 27 at its 6 p.m. meeting in City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Ave.

The issue has fostered a lively discussion on social media, with some residents and local merchants welcoming the proposed change to invigorate downtown and boost traffic for local businesses. But others vigorously oppose the change, citing concerns over not enough parking, having to carry groceries too far, and dissuading patrons from coming into downtown on Friday night, when restaurants are typically busiest.

By Miriam Raftery

March 22, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Guests got into the festive spirit at our East County Dining Club's recent Mardi Gras party, held at the San Pasqual Winery Tasting Rooom in the heart of La Mesa's downtown village.

If you missed the fun, there's still time to RSVP for our next dining club event at Giardino's Italian Cucino in Lemon Grove on Thursday, March 29. Find the delicious details here - and RSVP by March 25 to reserve space! 

By Jonathan Goetz

March 22, 2018 (Lemon Grove) – Crime rates, emergency response times, and controversies involving Council members embroiled in multilpe claims against the City were among the issues raised during Tuesday’s Lemon Grove City Council meeting.

By Angela Deegan, SanDiego350

Photo:  SanDiego350 volunteers with Sophie Wolfram of CAC in celebratory mood March 13^th after adoption of La Mesa CAP.  Photo courtesy of Cody Klatt

March 21, 2018 (La Mesa) -- On March 13th, the City Council of La Mesa unanimously adopted a strong Climate Action Plan (CAP), with a goal of 100% clean energy. This victory came after three years of persistent advocacy and organizing efforts by SanDiego350 La Mesa volunteers and allied organizations.