East County News Service

By Mike Allen

January 12, 2018 (Santee)--Smoking or vaping on Santee’s city trails such as the Walker Preserve and near Mast Park will no longer be legal following the City Council’s amending its code at its Jan. 10 meeting.

The newly amended law, that also bans smoking electronic cigarettes in the same areas, takes effect after the second reading of the measure Jan.24.

With the vote, Santee joins the rest of the 18 cities and San Diego county in prohibiting smoking on public trails, which is an obvious fire hazard. But the change didn’t go far enough for nearly all the speakers who testified before the council took its vote.

By Miriam Raftery

January 11, 2018 (Spring Valley) – A raid at The Bakery, an illegal marijuana dispensary at 9215 Birth Street in Spring Valley, yesterday morning resulted in seizure of large amounts of marijuana, marijuana edibles, cash, marijuana paraphernalia and other items.

East County News Service

January 11, 2018 (El Cajon) – After a teacher received a tip about a photo on Snapchat showing a student holding a gun in a classroom, administrators placed Granite Hills High School in secure campus mode briefly and notified authorities, NBC 7 reports.

By Miriam Raftery

January 11, 2018 (Alpine) – Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a burglary alarm at the Alpine School District yesterday around 4 p.m.  After security the perimeter of the building, they contacted a person they believed to be a possible suspect.   The individual, Kelly Carpenter, 59, “became uncooperative and assaultive toward deputies,” according to Sergeant James Blanton.  A deputy was injured in the struggle and received treatment for minor injuries.

The advisory group recommends a plan to Supervisors for extensive redevelopment of Campo Road, plus a park on Conrad Drive

by Paul Kruze

Hear audio files of Valle de Oro planning group meeting:

Casa De Oro Revitalization

Estrella County Park

View the Casa de Oro options comparison table

January 9, 2018 (Casa de Oro) -- Before the main freeway arteries of State Highway 94 and Interstate Highway 8 were built, Campo Road in the East County community of Casa de Oro was a center of community and commerce. Even earlier, Campo Road served as a wagon road providing access to eastern San Diego County as well as Imperial County; it was added to the state highway system in 1933. But lack of vision and planning in the last 20 years has caused Campo Road to now be home to empty storefronts, liquor stores, smoke shops, medical marijuana dispensaries, dive bars, massage parlors, hookah lounges, and tattoo parlors interspersed with other businesses. Some of these shops turn a blind eye to local and state laws and regulations.

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

January 9, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Restaurant Week will be held January 21^st through 28^th, offering up three-course dinners from $20-$50 and two-courses lunches for $10-$20.

This year, five East County restaurants are participating, including the Final Cut Steakhouse in Jamul and four La Mesa eateries:  Farmer’s Table, Bo-Beau’s Kitchen and Garden, Antica Trattoria and Terra Bistro.

East County News Service

January 8, 2018 (Ramona) -- With the expected arrival of the strongest storm to hit the region since last winter’s record breaking rainfall, County Fire and CAL FIRE San Diego are taking steps to ensure that they are prepared for any weather-related incidents this week.

County officials expect the heaviest rain to arrive early Tuesday and anticipate it impacting the morning commute. As a result, San Diego County Fire will be activating a swift water rescue team which will be prepositioned in the Ramona area that will be available for immediate response to any portion of the county should the need arise. In addition to the swift water rescue team,CAL FIRE San Diego will have hand crews available for flood fighting operations.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Jay Adeff, U.S. Figure Skating Association

View video excerpts of their winning performances at U.S. nationals here:  https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/949798302979100679  and https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/949103279803392001

January 7, 2018 (Ramona) – Chris Knierim and his wife, Alexa Scimeca Knierim, have been chosen to represent the U.S. in the 2018 winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea in February, after capturing the first place medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. 

Knierim grew up in Ramona and Escondido, skating at San Diego Ice Arena in middle school, NBC 7 has reported. 

The couple nailed their Olympic spot with their signature thrown quadruple twist, despite missing side-by-side jumps.  They finished first overall after also taking first place in the short program.

East County News Service

January 6, 2018 (Santee) – From fishing events to movies, concerts, and holiday celebrations, you’ll find lots of activities coming up in the New Year at Santee Lakes—starting with Trout Re-Opener days on January 13 and 14, when the lakes will be stocked with 2,000 pounds of rainbow trout.

Scroll down for details and learn more at www.SanteeLakes.com.

By Miriam Raftery

January 4, 2018 (Ramona) – The woman found dead at 24478 Del Amo Road in Ramona yesterday has been identified as Samantha Hayes Benegas, 21, of El Cajon. Deputies responding to a 911 call reporting a murder suicide also found Bryan Kinkle, 35, of Ramona nearby with a serious wound; he was airlifted to a hospital but is not expected to survive according to Lieutenant Rich Williams with the Sheriff’s homicide unit. 

The County Medical Examiner’s officer has completed an autopsy on Benegas and found cause of death was a gunshot wound. 

By Miriam Raftery

January 4, 2018 (Aguanga) – Jeffrey Scott Littrell, 48, of Warner Springs has been arrested for felony driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter.  Last night around 7:15 p.m., Littrell was driving his Ford pickup southbound on State Route 79 north of Chihuahua Valley Road when he struck a 5-year-old man walking alongside the highway.

By Miriam Raftery

January 4, 2018 (El Cajon) – Attorney Stephen J. Liosi has filed a motion on behalf of El Cajon Councilman Ben Kalasho asking the Superior Court to set aside a December ruling that dismissed Kalasho’s countersuit against plaintiffs who are suing him, including two contestants in a beauty pageant he ran and a taco shop owner.

The filing contends that Liosi failed to file documents in Kalasho’s defense, due to Liosi suffering a “traumatic brain injury” after his head struck the windshield in a vehicle accident in 2016.  The motion states that Kalasho has now secured new counsel.

Source: City of Santee

January 3, 2018 (Santee) - The City of Santee is again hosting a national 50 km. race-walk championship on Jan. 20 in conjunction with a local special event aimed at promoting health and fitness.

The second annual Santee Active Lifestyle Expo is set for Jan. 20 at the Trolley Square Shopping Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The expo is free and offers fun activities for children and adults.