By Miriam Raftery

August 28, 2017 (Jamul) – The Jamul-Dulzura Community Planning Group is seeking a park in Jamul. At its last meeting, the group voted unanimously to approve a proposal by Joe Stuyvesant to ask SDG&E to donate a 3.75 parcel that it purchased from Simpson Nursery for a community park.

According to the meeting minutes, SDG&E pad $1 million for the property, but the value may have dropped to as little as $180,000, giving SDG&E a tax advantage to donate the parcel, which the County could be asked to maintain as a park for the benefit of residents. Stuyvesant offered to head a sub-committee if SDG&E will agree to the proposal.

Below is a copy of the letter sent to SDG&E:

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo, left: Eric Lund, CEO, San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the East County Regional Task Force on the Homeless

August 27, 2017 (El Cajon) - The El Cajon City Council approved four budget items earlier this month regarding homelessness, as well as approving a partnership agreement with the El Cajon Collaborative. Council unanimously approved $2,000 for anti-panhandling signs, $3,550 for a mobile app to help the homeless find service providers, $10,000 for a homeless reunification program to reunite 20 homeless people in El Cajon, and $125 for a brick at the El Cajon collaborative.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

August 26, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Hurricane Harvey, in addition to ravaging the Texas coast, hit locally at La Mesa’s The Hills Local Pub.

“So, Louisiana Fishing Company was unable to send us crawfish for our Crawfish Boil due to Hurricane Harvey”, said the Hills’ manager, Leilani Donea.  “We got the call yesterday.” As a result, they had to cancel today’s scheduled “La Mesa’s Block Party and Crawfish Boil,” a fundraiser for the La Mesa Police Department’s PEER Support Group.

By Miriam Raftery

August 25, 2017 (Ramona) – Midway rides, crafts, critters, fair foods from funnel cakes to bacon-wrapped hotdogs,  kids activities and more are all part of the fun at the Ramona Country Fair, which continues tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  From 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday you can also enjoy the Ramona Bluegrass Festivals on the Main Stage, plus a Gymkhana equestrian show in the arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

We visited  today, arriving to the aroma of slow-cooked, barbecued meats and the sights of butter slathered corn on the cob.

By Valerie Watts

August 26, 2017 (Julian) - “Stomp the grapes.  Drink the wine.” 

The Menghini Winery is hosting the 21^st Julian Grape Stomp Festa on September 2 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.  The festivities are located at 1150 Julian Orchards Drive outside of Julian.  This unique event invites you to immerse yourself in the old-world Italian experience, tasting wines from ten local wineries, humming to Italian tunes by Roman Holiday, trying your hand at bocce ball, eating and shopping.  This year a falconry demonstration has been added to the list of attractions, where you can watch these regal birds “volare.”

By Kendra Sitton

 

August 24, 2017 (Jamul) — San Diego Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) sponsored SB 649, which would let technology companies install 5G mini and micro cell sites on any government property without county or city oversight. The usurpation of local authority is already sparking protest from his home district: in its Aug. 22 meeting, the Jamul planning group joined other city councils as well as the County of San Diego in opposing the bill, which will be heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Sept. 23.

Update August 24, 2017:  This fugitive has been captured. The Sheriff thanks the media and the public for tips received.

By Miriam Raftery

August 11, 2017 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego Sheriff is urging the public to be on the lookout for Kevin Manriquez, a 24-year-old fugitive who is wanted for child cruelty, robbery and manufacturing a controlled substance.

East County News Service

August 24, 2017 (Santee) – Women walking on the Walker Preserve Trail in Santee have said that a man exposed himself to them on August 17^th and 21^st.  He is described as a white or Hispanic man standing about 5 feet tall and weighing around 200 pounds. He wore a gold chain and a white shirt.

East County News Service

August 23, 2017 (Jamul) – The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board will hold a hearing on whether or not to approve a permanent liquor license for the Hollywood Jamul-San Diego Casino.

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6^th at 10 a.m. at Skyline Church, 11330 Skyline Drive in La Mesa.

East County News Service

August 23, 2017 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Wineworks invites you to their one-year anniversary bash on Saturday, August 26 from 12 noon to 10 p.m.  The festivities include music, games, prizes, special drinks and foods ranging from Greek to Maine Lobster.

By Miriam Raftery

August 13, 2017 (La Mesa) – The Interfaith Council of La Mesa invites the public to join millions of people around the world participating in activities to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 17^th. The La Mesa event will be held starting at 3 p.m. in Aztec Park, 7945 Morocco Drive, La Mesa.

By Kendra Sitton

August 22, 2017 (Spring Valley) -- Bob Eble and John Scott Shaffer were appointed to Seat 14 and Seat 8 of the Spring Valley Community Planning Group, respectively. This occurred on August 11,  two weeks after the last minute application of Brenda Simmons was not included on that agenda because this would have been a violation of the Brown Act had the group voted.

By Julie Pendray

Photo courtesy County Parks and Recreation

August 22, 2017 (Lakeside) -- Lindo Lake Skatepark in Lakeside has been a source of community pride since it opened in 2014, next to Lindo Park Elementary School. But, for the past few months, Sheriff’s deputies and County Parks staff have been asked to keep a closer watch there due to increased concerns over alcohol and drug use. Some parents say they no longer take their children there because of bad examples and potential risk. Others are encouraging residents to keep supporting what has been a highly popular facility that was 20 years in the making, from conception to fruition. They say it still offers many positive outlets for all ages. Parks staff and law enforcement encourage the public to call whenever they see a problem.

Update August 22:  The fire is 80% contained and holding at 200 acres, per Cal Fire. 175 federal, state and local firefighters have been battling the blaze.  Cause has not been determined.

Update 6:00 p.m.: Forward spread of fire has been stopped and threat to Campo Indian reservation mitigated, Cal Fire reports.

Update 4:12 p.m.:  Campo Sheriff Substation reports  EclipseFire is at 200 acres. Safe zone is at Mountain Empire High School, 3305 Buckman Springs Rd. in Campo. Fire is advancing at moderate spread, 10-15 mph winds, 0% contained.

Update 3:50 p.m.:  Campo Indian reservation is also now threatened, Cal Fire tweeted moments ago. Evacuations are in progress.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Donna Tisdale

August 21, 2017 (Campo) -- The #EclipseFire has burned 25 acres at La Posta Road and Royal Willie Road in the Campo area.  Structures are now threatened and evacuations are occurring at a Navy training site on La Posta Road, Isaac Sancheez, Cal Fire public information officer, has advised ECM.

The fire is burning at moderate rate of spread and no structures are threatened, according to Cal Fire.  The California Highway has ordered closure of La Posta Road. 

SDG&E has dispatched its air crane to help battle the blaze.

East County News Service

June 27, 2017 (Spring Valley) - Thelma, Stan & Ollie - the next gathering of the Saps at Sea, the Laurel & Hardy Sons of the Desert association in San Diego, high-lights one of their favorite gals, Thelma Todd. This bubbly blonde was not only a highly respected actress and comedian, but a long time favorite of the Saps.