By Miriam Raftery

February 22, 2018 (Ramona) – You’re invited to meet artists, art teachers, furniture artisans and celebrate the life of the late, great artist Helen Petre  on Friday, March 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the 2Create Gallery, 438 Main Street in Ramona.  The event is the first of a series of “First Friday” art events that the gallery plans to host, each featuring art, music and refreshments.

Helen Petre was a colorful and acclaimed artist who lived in Julian and continued creating works of art well into her nineties. Known for her stylish hats and fashionable clothing that she designed herself, during her long and productive life she became a prolific artist excelling in collage, monoprinting, mixed media and bookarts. 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

Photo: Sunrise Powerlink high voltage lines in Lakeside, by Billy Ortiz

February 21, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) president Michael Picker has suggested that utilities be allowed to charge residents in high-fire risk areas higher rates for electricity.  The reason would be to cover costs of upgrades to prevent power lines from causing wildfires, including changes to meet tougher new fire safety rules approved by the CPUC in December, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. 

Picker’s proposal, made during a meeting on fire safety for utilities on January 31^st, has sparked outraged responses among East County residents, planners, and County Supervisor Dianne Jacob.

By Paul Kruze

Hear audio: http://www.mediafire.com/file/5a742c5cj30npzp/BillWellsCampaignAnnouncement.mp3

February 21, 2018 (El Cajon) – If San Diego’s East County politics aren’t complex enough, another chess piece got moved on Tuesday with El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells announcing his intention to run against the troubled 50th District Republican incumbent, Congressman Duncan D. Hunter. 

By Miriam Raftery

February 20, 2018 (La Mesa) –  Firefighters from Heartland Fire and Rescue, aided by San Diego Fire Department, saved an elderly and disabled man from a burning apartment building Tuesday night in La Mesa.

Crews responded to the blaze in the 7300 block of La Mesita Place around 6:45 p.m. after receiving reports of black smoke coming from underneath an apartment door, with an elderly couple inside. The fire was in the living room of their downstairs unit.

By Miriam Raftery

February 20, 2018 (Santee) – The Santee Sheriff’s station will host a coffee with the community on Tuesday, February 27^th from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Santee Branch Library (9225 Carlton Hills Blvd. #17).

This is an opportunity to meet and engage with the San Diego County Sheriff’ Department. You’ll have a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know deputies who patrol your neighborhood. You can also get crime prevention tips and learn more about free safety programs, helping work together to keep your community safe.

For questions, call Crime Prevention Specialist Martha Miramontes at (619) 956-4022.

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2018 (San Diego) – Sergeant Don Parker, who saved many lives as head of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue operations for many years, died on Valentine’s Day after battling glioblastoma brain cancer, with which he was diagnosed last May.

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Barry Aninag, B.A.investigations, via Linked In

February 16, 2018 (La Mesa) – La Mesa's City Manager Yvonne Garrett and City Attorney Glenn Sabine signed an agreement today with Barry Aninag, B.A. Investigations, LLC, in connection with the January 19, 2018 use of force incident by a La Mesa Police school resource officer on a handcuffed female student at Helix Charter High School.

Aninag's LinkedIn profile states that Aninag is the owner of B.A. Investigations and is a “retired police executive after having served thirty years in law enforcement.”

East County News Service

February 17, 2018 (San Diego) -- The Alaska String Band will perform at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre on Friday, March 16^th at 7 p.m. to benefit the ministries of Alpine’s Christ the King Episcopal Church.  Be entertained by the delightful talent of this family band, as they take you on a musical journey filled with the rich sounds of bluegrass and a variety of timeless American classics while wide-screen images portray the beauty of Alaska to create a visually captivating setting.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Jose Estrada from Cal rans presents Dan Russell with an award in appreciation of his tireless efforts

February 15, 2018 (Pine Valley/Campo) – Dan Russell worked 27 years for the San Diego Fire Department. Now he’s a local hero for a different reason – working tirelessly to clean up trash along Interstate 8 and other roadways in East County.

“I’ve been doing it now for 12 years,” says Russell.  “I would say I average five hours a day, six days a week.  I pick up just under a thousand pounds a month…real close to 10,000 pounds a year; over 100,000 pounds since I got started.”

By Miriam Raftery

February 15, 2018 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police are seeking witnesses to identify the driver who hit and fatally injured a woman pedestrian found still alive at 4:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of South Sunshine Avenue.  She died while being transported to a hospital, Patch.com reports.

The woman may have been homeless, according to Lt. Royal Bates.

Click to view video of Adnan Al Jaafari's anti-corruption message in Arabic or scroll down for highlights and local reactions

By Jonathan Goetz

Translator Abbas Al Khuzaie also contributed to this report

February 14, 2018  (El Cajon) -- Adnan Al Jaafari is a journalist who has published a video criticizing corruption, including harsh words for Iraq's highest ranked religious figure, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

A blog on Huffington Post, as well as an East County resident we interviewed, credit Sistani with defeating ISIS in Iraq.

Story and photos by A.J. Herrington

February 13, 2018 (Julian) -- The Board of Directors of the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District (JCFPD) has voted 3-2 to negotiate fire protection standards for the community with the County of San Diego, if the County takes over that responsibility from the district. Many of the area residents who attended the crowded meeting at Fire Station 56 on Highway 79 today believe it’s the beginning of the end for the last volunteer fire department in the county.

East County News Service

February 13, 2018 (Lakeside) - More help is now available to victims of domestic violence in the East County. The Lakeside Sheriff's Substation is partnering with a non-profit group to offer direct and immediate assistance to victims.

Runway Shoes & Accessories is Rancho San Diego’s newest fashion bargain retailer

By Reema Makani Boccia

February 11, 2018 (El Cajon) - Rancho San Diego’s retail offerings have expanded with the recent addition of the fashionable Runway Shoes & Accessories. The boutique is locally owned and operated by an East County family, and features head-to-toe merchandise for any fashionista on a budget.