Communities

BOIL WATER ORDERS ISSUED IN BOULEVARD, JULIAN AND CAMPO DUE TO POWER OUTAGES

Update December 9, 2017: A boil water has been aded for Vallecito County Park, 37349 Great Southern Overland in Julian, as well as the sites below.

December 8, 2017 (San Diego's East County)--The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Advisory and Public Notification effective immediately for the following:  

  • Boulevard Pines Mobile Home & RV Park at 39375 Old Highway 80, Boulevard, CA 91905
  • Butterfield Ranch at 14925 Great Southern Overland, Julian, CA, 92036
  • Cameron Corners at 31484 Hwy 94, Campo, CA 91906
  • Campo Group at 31471 Hwy 94, Campo, CA 91906 

Due to the recent power outage, these public water systems have lost pressure in their water distribution systems.  As a precaution, Boil Water Advisories are being issued until laboratory results demonstrate the water is free from bacterial contamination. 

Click here for instructions on boiling water and alternative methods of disinfection


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: LA MESA SHIMMERS

 

East County New Service

December 8, 2017 (La Mesa) – Paul Kruze provided these photo of La Mesa’s holiday tree and street lighting,illuminated at the “La Mesa Shimmer” event.   

Shops along La Mesa Boulevard are also bedecked with holiday trim, just in time for the start of La Mesa’s annual Holiday in the Village celebration this Saturday, December 9th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, December 10th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.


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SWEETWATER FIRE CONTAINED IN JAPATUL AREA

 

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alert Service

Photo: Brush Fire Partyline on Facebook

 

December 8, 2017 (Japatul) -- Firefighters have contained an 8-10 acre brush fire that started south of I-8 near the Japatul exit in Cleveland National Forest.

Multiple units responded from The U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, Viejas Fire, Alpine and Lakeside Fire departments to the Sweetwater Fire.


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UPDATES ON LILAC FIRE: HELP AVAILABLE FOR EVACUEES AND THOSE WITHOUT POWER

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: SDG&E mobile command north of I-8 at Japatul has free wi-fi, charging stations and water for those affected by power outages in East County.

December 8, 2017 (San Diego) -- President Donald Trump has issued a disaster declaration for San Diego County due to the Lilac Fire to maximize firefighting resources and the military is also providing aircrafts to fight the fires. The declaration does not cover rebuilding for fire survivors, which could be made through a separation action later.

The National Weather Service’s revised forecast now indicates high winds will continue through Sunday, so the danger of new fires remains high and all residents are asked to refrain from any activities that could spark a fire.

Countywide, thousands remain without power, many due to planned outages to prevent ignition, others due to damaged equipment and fires. But more help is now available.


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HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE, SNOW FESTIVAL DRAWS BIGGER CROWD

 

By Jo Moreland, Alpine-Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce

December 7, 2017 (Alpine) -- “Merry Christmas!”  That cheerful message was shouted often during the “22nd Annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Snow Festival” on Dec. 1 in Alpine.


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VACANCY ANNOUNCED ON DEHESA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD

 

East County News Service

December 7, 2017 (Dehesa) - The Dehesa School District is seeking applications from interested residents within the school district’s boundaries to serve as an appointed member of the Governing Board to fill the balance of a four-year term, which would be up for election November 2018.


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WINDS TOPPLE TREES, TIP OVER TRUCKS

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 7, 2017 (San Diego) -- High winds roaring through San Diego County today have wreaked havoc. 

In Carlsbad, a tree fell onto an elderly man and killed him.  Santa Ana winds knocked a semi-truck and trailer onto their sides on I-8 east, shortly before high winds forced closure of I-8 east of Alpine.  A sign truck was nearly blown off the towering Pine Valley Bridge.  In Lakeside the community Christmas tree toppled over; Lakeside's Chamber of Commerce posted a photo on Facebook, vowing to restore it after the winds die down.

Strong winds also led SDG&E to shut off power to thousands of homes in communities across the region, with some slated to be without power for days.


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LOST HIKER SPARKS FIRE IN JAMUL

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  file photo

December 5, 2017 (Jamul) -- A lost hiker set off a flare that sparked a brush fire in the Lyons Valley area of Jamul this afternoon. Fortunately, firefighters were able to swiftly contain the blaze, which charred only half an acre.


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SWEETWATER PLACE ON SUPERVISORS’ AGENDA DEC. 6

By Miriam Raftery

December 4, 2017 (Spring Valley) – San Diego Supervisors’ agenda for this Wednesday, December 6th includes a public hearing on Sweetwater Place,  a 122-unit condominium project and public park proposed by MasterCraft Homes on 18 acres in Spring Valley.

The project site is on the land formerly occupied by Evergreen Nursery, north of Jamacha Blvd. at Sweetwater Springs Blvd in the Spring Valley Community Plan area. It aims to help fill the need for housing in the Spring Valley-Rancho San Diego area.

Lora Lowes, Chair of the Spring Valley Community Planning Group, (SVCPG) has sent a letter to Supervisors voicing concerns about the proposal, and urges the public to attend and speak at the meeting. Read her letter (in 2 parts) here and here.


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EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS HONORED WITH “GOLDEN GEAR” AWARDS AT DEC. 7 HOLIDAY JOY RIDE

 

East County News Service

December 4, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – You’re invited to join cyclists spreading holiday cheer at the San Diego County Bike Coalition's 7th Annual Holiday Joy Ride. In honor of the Bike Coalition’s 1987 inception and 30 years as San Diego’s only countywide bike advocacy organization, a parade of two-wheeled travelers will combine fake mullets with tinsel, bells and bikes wrapped like presents.

After the festive spectacle, the organization will present its Golden Gear Awards to local two-wheeled heroes including Lakeside residents David and Nancy Nichols and La Mesan Pauline Callahan, volunteers of the year.


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AMERICAN-POLISH CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 9

 

East County News Service

December 4, 2017 (La Mesa) - The American Polish Cooperation Society will host an American-Polish Christmas Party on December 9 at 6 p.m. at the home of Renata and George Juchum, 4518 Mayapan Drive in La Mesa. This year’s event is dedicated to two heroes, General Merian Caldwell Cooper and Richard Carpenter.


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SANTA – AND SNOW – ARRIVE AT SANTEE LAKES DEC. 10

 

East County News Service

December 3, 2017 (Santee) — Santa comes to Santee Lakes on Sunday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Children can also delight in meeting favorite characters from Star Wars and Disney movies on Storybook Island, sliding down Snow Hill, crafts, face painting, carnival rides and rides on ponies, tractors and a train.


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A FIDDLING AND CLOGGING CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT PARKWAY PLAZA

 

East County News Service

December 3, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Clap and dance with Celia Lawler, back by popular demand.  The fiddling and clogging singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will be performing holiday concerts at Parkway Plaza shopping mall in El Cajon on two Saturdays, December 16 and 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Macy’s Court. 

For more information, visit www.shoppingparkwayplaza.com.


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FIRE TRUCK TOY PARADE BRINGS TOYS AND FOOD DONATIONS DEC. 9

 

East County News Service

December 2, 2017 (El Cajon) - You've kicked off the season with the Mother Goose Parade. Now it's time for another El Cajon tradition: the Salvation Army Fire Truck Toy Parade.  The Salvation Army partners with the Fire Department, KOGO 600 News Radio, Stoney's Kids Legacy and Target on Saturday, December 9.  The festivities start at 9 a.m. at the Target parking lot at 250 Broadway, where KOGO will start broadcasting live at 9 a.m. and will be interviewing groups and organizations participating in donations.  The parade rolls out at 11 a.m.  A few local celebrities will attend - Bonnie, daughter of Stoney Stone, founder of the East County Toy and Food Drive, is planning to be there and it's even rumored that Santa will make an appearance.  For more information, contact Cpt. Sean Kelsey at 619-440-4683 ext. 402.


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“HOLIDAY IN THE COUNTRY…FOLLOW THE RAMONA WINE TRAIL” 3 WEEKENDS IN DECEMBER

 

Source: Ramona Valley Vineyard Association

 

December 2, 2017 (Ramona) -- Participating wineries from the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association (RVVA) are featuring a  “Holiday in the Country” when you “Follow the Ramona Wine Trail” in the heart of San Diego Wine Country during the first three weekends of December: 2/3, 9/10, and 16/17.

Wine fans can visit 14 wineries decked out for the holidays. In addition to discounted tastings, individual wineries are presenting their own selected special holiday happenings to accompany tasting, such as tree lighting ceremony, tree trimming, holiday music, crafters’ goods for a little shopping, signed magnum bottles, and the introduction of white wines for a White Christmas theme. Santa is also expected to hover.


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TOYS FOR JOY SERVES THOUSANDS OF SAN DIEGO FAMILIES WITH TOYS, FOOD & CLOTHING

 

More than 25,000 expected to attend

East County News Service

December 2, 2017 (San Diego’s East County -- On Saturday, Dec. 9, 25,000 people are expected to attend the 21st annual Toys for Joy event sponsored by the Rock Church at from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event has grown over the years and expanded to four locations, including El Cajon Valley High School, Lincoln High School, Southwest High School, and Vista High School.


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LA MESA CONVERSATIONS HOLDS HOLIDAY MIXER AT HELIX BREWING DEC. 8

 

East County News Service

December 2, 2017 (La Mesa) -- You are cordially invited to join La Mesa Conversations at its annual Holiday mixer on Friday, December 8th at Helix Brewing Company (8101 Commercial Street, La Mesa) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Click here for a Google maps link.


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SINATRA AND FRIENDS: TRIBUTE JAN. 6 AT BORREGO SPRINGS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

 

East County News Service

December 1, 2017 (Borrego Springs) -- Sinatra and Friends pays tribute to the man and his music featuring countless songs, synonymous with Frank Sinatra, as well as many other memorable favorites people have come to love.


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GIRLS BASKETBALL: PATRIOTS PULL AWAY FROM EAGLES FOR SECOND WIN OF SEASON

 

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

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!

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

Check out our sports section for more sports stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

December 1, 2017 (San Diego) - What better way to kick off December than with high school sports? Football is winding down and we’re moving on to basketball.  Tonight, the lady Eagles of Granite Hills traveled to Patrick Henry to take on the Patriots in their first matchup of the season.  The Patriots are already 1-0 on the season.


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REINDEER VISITS GROSSMONT CENTER NEXT THREE SUNDAYS

By Miriam Raftery

December 1, 2017 (La Mesa)—Ho, ho, ho! As Santa’s Christmas Eve sleigh ride approaches, you can bring children to take photos and feed a live reindeer at Grossmont Center on Sunday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on December 3, 10 and 17.


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FATAL FIRE IN LAKESIDE

 

 

Upate December 4, 2017: The victim has been identified as Kenneth Owens, 76.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Lakeside Fire Chief Don Butz, on Facebook

December 1, 2017 (Lakeside) – A fire shortly after 4 a.m. this morning ruptured oxygen tanks, swiftly engulfing a home in the 9700 block of Emerald Hill Lane in Lakeside.  A 76-year-old man died in the fire after suffering second and third degree burns, but three other family members escaped, Patch.com reports. 

Fire crews from Lakeside, Santee, and Heartland Fire and Rescue responded to the fire, pulling out the victim who was declared dead at the scene, 10 News reports.  The blaze took a half hour to bring under control.


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MERCEDES-BENZ OF EL CAJON OFFICIALLY OPENS FOR BUSINESS

 

By Paul Kruze

November 30, 2017 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon welcomed its twelfth new auto dealership on Wednesday night with the grand opening of Mercedes-Benz of El Cajon at its location at Wagner and Marshall Street adjacent to Fletcher Parkway. The new 70,000 square foot dealership, operated by the Ontario-based Oremor Automotive Group, replaces their previous location on El Cajon Blvd.


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ALPINE CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS AND SNOW FESTIVAL DEC. 1

 

East County News Service

November 30, 2017 (Alpine) -- You’re invited to celebrate a  rural Christmas on Friday, Dec. 1, at the 22nd Annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights & Snow Festival in Alpine. A parade of glittering lighted entries begins at 6:30 p.m. on Alpine Boulevard, where shops are aglow with holiday lights.

The parade ends at the annual (free!) Snow Festival in the Alpine Creek Town Center complete with sledding on a hill with real snow There will also be children’s activities, entertainment, and a visit by Santa Claus, as well as vendors and food for purchase.


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HERE WE COME A -CAROLING, BORREGO STYLE DEC. 9-10

East County News Service

December 1, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – Borrego Springs Performing Ars Center will present “Here We Come A-Caroling, Borrego Style” on Saturday, December 9 at 7:30 and 9 p.m. and again on Sunday, December 10 at 3 and 4:30 p.m. 

You’re invited to come sing carols with neighbors and friends while being entertained by Borrego's finest musicians and orators.  A program of songs, heartwarming stories and surprise appearances will lift your spirits and add joy to the Holiday season as you celebrate, Borrego style.


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NEW HABITAT OPENS AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2017 (Alpine) - Lions, Tigers and Bears, an exotic animal sanctuary in Alpine, has completed a new multi-acre habitat with creature comforts including a large pond, a waterfall, climbing platforms, natural terrain and large trees.


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FREE CONCERT: A BIG BAND CHRISTMAS FEATURING GASLAMP QUARTER JAZZ ORCHESTRA DEC. 17 IN EL CAJON

 

East County News Service

November 29, 2017 (El Cajon) – The Gaslamp Quarter Jazz Orchestra will present a free concert on Sunday, December 17 at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Farragut Circle in El Cajon. The program includes a medley of Christmas music.  Doors open at 3:30 p.m.


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LIBRARY PRIVATIZATION LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST ESCONDIDO

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2017 (Escondido) -- Libraries are vital sources of information for students, researchers, and the public.  But now, the city of Escondido has voted to privatize its public library on Kalmia Street by hiring Library Systems, a Maryland-based company, over the objections of the library’s trustees. The city claims it could save $400,000 a year through private operation of the library.


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DONATE A TOY FOR A TOT AT A COUNTY AIRPORT

 

There’s an easy way to feel good this holiday season — just put a smile on the face of a less fortunate kid.

It’s easy to do. Simply drop off a new, unwrapped toy into the Toys for Tots donation box at one of four County airports — Gillespie Field in El Cajon, Ramona Airport in Ramona, McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad or Fallbrook Airpark in Fallbrook. You’ll be helping County airports and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve make sure a bunch of kids have a happier holiday!


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VINEYARD HACIENDA OWNERS SWEPT OVER WATERFALL IN HAWAII

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2017 (Spring Valley) -- Tragedy has struck a Spring Valley family after George and Gladys Novinger were swept over the towering Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii over the weekend.  Gladys was found unconscious and taken to a hospital, where she died.  Her husband is presumed dead, though his body has not yet been recovered and may have been washed out to sea, according to Hawaii authorities.


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GROWING GREEN AT COUNTY’S ONLY LEGAL MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY

 

ECM's editor goes undercover to compare illicit pot shop to legally licensed dispensary

By Miriam Raftery

November 27, 2017 (El Cajon) – As cities grapple with how to regulate marijuana-based businesses, Outliers Collective, the county’s only legally licensed medical cannabis dispensary, provides evidence of advantages to licensing and regulating facilities, including product safety testing for consumers, security for employees, and avoiding problems caused by illegal pot shops such as crime, fire hazards, and products contaminated with pesticides.


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