By Miriam Raftery

May 6, 2018 (Santee) – A sobriety and driver license checkpoint conducted by Sheriff’s deputies in Santee last night near Mission Gorge Road and State Route 125 resulted in five DUI (driving under the influence arrests). In addition, six citations were issued for suspended/revoked or no driver’s licenses and eight vehicles were impounded.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

May 5, 2018 (Ramona)--Cal Fire advises that a brush fire is burning in Ramona. The blaze, now about seven acres, started at Montecito Road and North Ramona. The blaze is 10 percent contained and burning at a moderate rate of speed.

The Sheriff's Department reported moments ago that the fire is mostly in a riverbed and that no homes are currently threatened. Residents and motorists are asked to please keep the area clear for emergency vehicles.

By Jake Robison

May 4, 2018 (El Cajon) -- St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) will hold its inaugural Our Secret Garden Party on Saturday, June 2 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 2119 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon. This event will give SMSC’s supporters and the San Diego community the chance to experience SMSC’s magical garden and new aquatics center.

Runway Shoes & Accessories features prom season’s hottest fashions

By Reema Makani Boccia

May 4, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) -- With the average cost of prom around $1,000 per attendee, parents and students need ideas for how to have the full milestone experience without digging so deep into their wallets.

By Andy Tolley, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 3, 2018 (Lake Morena) - Hop on the boat and take a ride around Lake Morena!

Lake Morena County Park is only an hour away from San Diego and a great spot to fish, hike, camp or even take a day trip out with the family. Here are some views from one of the boats you can rent at the lake.

Learn more about our parks and preserves at SDParks.org.

Nonprofit plans fundraiser May 19-20

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

May 2, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The Princess Project, an organization that matches up the right high school prom dress with the right high school student for free, came to the County of San Diego-El Cajon Library branch on April 30th.  The nonprofit provides free dresses and accessories to high school students who cannot otherwise afford them.

East County News Service

May 1, 2018 (La Mesa) - The City of La Mesa will present a Salute to Old Glory at its annual Flag Day parade on Saturday, June 2^nd down La Mesa Boulevard in the La Mesa downtown village.

Pre-parade entertainment includes performances by local middle school bands at 9 a.m., with the parade rolling out at 10 a.m.  This year’s grand marshal will local historian and author Jim Newland.

There will also be a free ice cream social after the parade at La Mesa Blvd. and 4^th Street to round out a day of patriotic celebration.

East County News Service

May 1, 2018 (Guatay) -- The annual Heavenly Oaks Community Yard Sale will be held this year on Saturday, May 19 beginning at 7 a.m. at Heavenly Oaks, 26835 Old Highway 80 in Guatay, located halfway between Descanso and Pine Valley off of I-8.

“Multiple households are participating, so it's a great way to see lots of items in one place,” says Douglas Harrison.  “Look for a big crowd in the parking lot.”

Updated May 2, 2018 with identity of the victim.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by ECM news partner 10 News

May 1, 2018 (Spring Valley) – Maria Cristina Duran, a 35-year-old mother from Spring Valley, was driving a blue Kia SUV westbound on State Route 94 this morning near the Kenwood Drive exit when she swerved to avoid hitting a Honda Civic that had pulled in front of her. She crashed onto the center divide and the vehicle overturned, CHP reports. 

Duran, who was wearing a seatbelt, died at the scene, says California Highway Patrol Officer Ben Demarest.

Her son, 17, and daughter, 12, both passengers in the Kia, were transported to a hospital with minor injuries.

April 30, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Bill Wells, El Cajon Mayor and a Republican challenger to Rep. Duncan Hunter in the 50th  Congressional district,  has appeared on the FOX Business program "Risk and Reward" and FOX News Channel's "FOX and Friends" openly endorsing a growing revolt by Southern California cities against Senate Bill 54.  The mmeasure signed by Gov. Jerry Brown (D) last October declared the State of California as a "sanctuary state" for undocumented immigrants. It was passed in response to the Trump administration’s broad crackdown on undocumented immigrants including increased deportations.

East County News Service

April 30, 2018 (Lemon Grove) - San Diego County Library’s Lemon Grove branch is partnering with the City of Lemon Grove for the second  annual Art Days: Family Art Festival. The event takes place in front of the Lemon Grove Library (3001 School Lane) on May 19 from 1-3 p.m.  The highlight will be an engaging community art project, led by local artist Ben DeHart. Art Days allows the community to get creative and participate in a variety of explorative art options, including button making and painting.

Updated April 30, 2018:  The city has rescinded $3,400 in fines and administrative citations on Depot Springs after finding the property in "substantial compliance" April 26, for violations and citations dating from 11/30/17 through 4/11/18.

Also comments from city manager Yvonne Garrett on availability of the existing Farmer's Market site have been added.

By Miriam Raftery

April 29, 2018 (La Mesa) – Numerous merchants in La Mesa’s downtown village are calling for the City Council to reconsider its vote to move the Farmer’s Market to the heart of the village on Friday nights. Some say they were never contacted, while others contend they were deceived  in a survey sent around by the La Mesa Village Association (LMVA) about which night of the week the market would be held, and/or about the inclusion of food trucks. One says that her survey was forged—with even her name misspelled.

 Several long-time merchants are also raising concerns over the financial stability of Aaron Dean, president of the La Mesa Village Merchants Association which is currently set to takeover management of the Farmer’s Market from the City of La Mesa starting the first Friday in May, on a six-month trial basis.

By Kathy Carpenter

Memorial services in San Diego April 27 and May 1

East County News Service

April 27, 2018 (La Mesa) --- Gladys Palast (1921-2018), a beloved mother, former La Mesa resident, progressive activist and military veteran, passed away Friday at age 96 in Kaiser Permanente Hospital.  A life-long activist for union, education and civil rights, she is survived by her son, journalist, author and film producer Greg Palast and her daughter, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor Geri Palast. 

Gladys Palast was a union activist with SEIU and the San Diego Teachers Union.  Until the age of 80, she was also a school teacher in Los Angeles then San Diego.  She and her late husband, Gil Palast, were cofounders of the La Mesa Democratic Club and Activist San Diego, owner of KNSJ radio.

The first woman to enlist in the Coast Guard during World War II, she will be interred with full military honors at Miramar National Military Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122 today at 11 a.m. along with the ashes of her late husband, Gil Palast. A celebration of her life will follow at 1 p.m. in the rec room at 6780 Mission Gorge Road in San Diego, where friends are invited to bring memories, stories and songs to share.