Communities

EL CAJON CITY MANAGER DEFENDS DECISION NOT TO FIRE OFFICER ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT; CITIZENS ASK FOR JUSTICE DEPT. PROBE

By Miriam Raftery

March 26, 2015 (El Cajon) – At the El Cajon City Council meeting on Tuesday, several members of the public spoke out to ask that Officer Richard Gonsalves be fired or put on administrative leave pending outcome of a lawsuit by a woman claiming sexual harassment.  Gonsalves has been demoted, but remains on the force.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

MEDICAL POT SHOP APPLIES FOR PERMIT IN RAMONA

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 24, 2015 (Ramona) - An application for a medical marijuana collective in Ramona has been submitted to the County of San Diego. If approved, it would be the county’s second legally licensed medical marijuana facility, situated in an industrial-zoned building at 1210 Olive Street.


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AMBULANCE UPDATES ANNOUNCED

 



Ambulance responses in our region raise alarms:  Part II in a series

By Miriam Raftery

March 23, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)—Earlier we reported on a new contract for ambulance service that the County has signed, effective April 1st.  That contract required only four ambulances for an entire district stretching from the border north to Mount Laguna, and from Jamul east to the Imperial County line.


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OTAY MARIJUANA DISPENSARY OPENS

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 23, 2015 (Otay) –The City of San Diego’s first legal marijuana dispensary is now open for business.  A Green Alternative is located in an Otay Mesa strip mall near the Brown Field airport.


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COUNTY CHANGES AMBULANCE SERVICE WITHOUT PUBLIC NOTICE: PUBLIC SAFETY ADVOCATES VOICE ALARM



Ambulance responses in our region raise alarms:  Part I in a series

By Miriam Raftery

March 22, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – What if you had a medical emergency and the nearest ambulance had to come from Imperial County or other distant places up to an hour away?  That’s the very real prospect facing rural East County residents under a stealth change in ambulance service approved by a county bureaucrat with no public notice, no hearing, and no vote by the Supervisors.

While some aspects of coverage stand to improve under the contract, adding more in-district ambulances and newer equipment, there are some major concerns raised by local safety advocates with regard to mutual aid and staffing.


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FROM COUNTRY TO REGGAE, RAMONA MUSIC FEST TAKES STAGE MARCH 28

 
March 26, 2015 (Ramona) -- This Saturday, March 28th,te Ramona Music Fest will feature emerging talent and popular San Diego musicians playing everything from rock to reggae and from country to Americana.
 
This all-day outdoor event benefits the Ramona Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. It will be held at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane in Ramona.  

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RUSSO SET TO REGAIN ALPINE PLANNING GROUP SEAT AFTER ELECTION WINNER LEFT TOWN

By Miriam Raftery

March 20, 2015 (Alpine) – Lou Russo, an outspoken former member of the Alpine Community Planning Group, may soon be back on the board, the Registrar of Voters office has confirmed.

James Roe defeated Russo on the November ballot, but moved out of the area for a job prior to the election and is thus ineligible to take the seat.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MARCH 21 - APRIL 12

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 17, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County includes a star party and a free community festival in Lakeside, theater, and musical events. Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including some major music festivals, historical renactments, egg hunt extravaganzas and a family fiddle camp.  Stay tuned for all of these events and much more, from East County Magazine.


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JUDGE RULES FOR SD UNIFIED IN SUIT AGAINST ALPINE DISTRICT OVER ENDEAVOR ACADEMY

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 19, 2015 (Alpine) – Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Gunther has ruled in favor of the San Diego Unified School District in a lawsuit filed against the Alpine Union School District over the Endeavor Academy (also known as the Albert Einstein Academy for Letters, Arts and Sciences, Inc.). View the judge’s order here.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: LYONS PEAK SUNRISE

 

March 18, 2015 (Jamul)—The HP Wren UCSD webcam atop Lyons Peak in Jamul caught this dazzling sunrise on St. Patrick’s Day.  Sure ‘n’ those glistening jewels in the sky look like a Leprechaun’s treasure!


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HORSE HIT BY TRUCK IS REUNITED WITH OWNER IN ALPINE

 

March 14, 2015 (Alpine)--A horse hit by a vehicle is back with his owner after being rescued by County Animal Services early Wednesday morning.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

FOR THE BIRDS? PROPOSAL TO INCREASE PUBLIC ACCESS IN RAMONA GRASSLANDS DRAWS DIVERSE VIEWS

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 15, 2015 (Ramona) - Should Ramona’s Grasslands Preserve be opened up for more public access?

Congressman Duncan Hunter’s aide, Michael Harrison, said that more access should be a “very high priority” during a meeting of the Ramona Trails Association March 3rd, the Ramona Sentinel reports.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

FUN WITH PHYSICS: APRIL 18 IN LA MESA

 

March 13, 2015 (La Mesa)--Fun with Physics is Saturday April 18, from 9:00 am – 12 noon at the La Mesa Boys and Girls Teen Club at Highwood Park, 7775 Junior High Drive, La Mesa, 91941.  Fun with Physics introduces all ages and the family to fun hands-on science experiments.  Experiments include: Bubbles, Sink or Float, Oobleck, Dry Ice Experiments, Barges and more. The city of La Mesa invites you to come join the fun.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

IRISH HARPS IN CONCERT MARCH 15 & 17: FOLK HARP MOVEMENT HAS ROOTS ON MOUNT LAGUNA

 

 

Hear our KNSJ radio interview with Christina Tourin - and learn how the folk harp revival found its roots right here in East County, atop Mount Laguna which now has 9 harp companies among its 81 residents!

Also hear excerpts of Irish music on her Celtic harp - and a special song she used to play for Maria Von Trapp from Sound of Music fame:

Listen now:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

By Miriam Raftery

Updated March 13, 2015 (San Diego) – Over 100 Irish harp players will be in town for St. Patrick’s Day, performing tow concerts open to the public in San Diego March 15th and 17th . The musicians are in town for the International Harp Therapy Training Program at the Hanalei Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley, where participants learn to take harp music into senior homes, schools, hospitals, hospices and more.

Audio: 

Download: Audio icon Newsmaker-HarpistChristinaTourin-complete.mp3

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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

A COUNTRY GARDEN MARRIAGE WITH A HORSE AND CARRIAGE: HAZY MEADOW IN LAKESIDE

By Miriam Raftery

March 9, 2015 (Lakeside)—If you’re looking for a romantic special setting, East County has beautiful venues where you don’t have to worry about coastal fog or crowds.  One of our favorites is Hazy Meadow Ranch, nestled at the base of El Capitan Mountain in Lakeside’s scenic El Monte Valley. 

This idyllic wedding venue comes complete with a white horse-drawn carriage ride, gazebo, lawn with expansive shade trees and flowering gardens, outdoor dance floor, plus options for Western or Spanish themed weddings including an entire Western town settingg – to name just a few of the unique amenities here.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

JAMUL RESIDENTS PROTEST CASINO AS CONSTRUCTION PROGRESSES

East County News Service

March 11, 2015 (Jamul)--Approximately 200 protesters held a “flash mob” demonstration in Jamul Saturday, wearing red as they voiced their continuing opposition to a casino under construction at the Jamul Indian Village.

Excavation is completed at the project, site of a planned Hollywood-themed casino in conjunction with Penn National Gaming.

Projected to open in mid-2016, the casino is expected to include a three-story gaming and entertainment facility of approximately 200,000 square feet with gaming, restaurants, bars, and parking.  The tribe estimates the project will create an estimated 2,500 construction and permanent jobs in the area.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

SANTEE STREET FAIR AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL MAY 23

 

March 11, 2015 (Santee) - The Santee Chamber of Commerce invites you to join over 30,000 visitors at the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Festival highlights include: a craft beer festival, live music and entertainment, a crafter row and artist alley, over 300 food and vendor booths, carnival rides and games for the family. In celebration of Memorial Day weekend, there will also be a tribute to our veterans. This free event will be held at Riverview Parkway and Town Center Parkway in Santee.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLARS

 

March 12, 2015 (Anza Borrego Desert) -  Kristin Kjaero visited the Anza Borrego desert Tuesday, where she observed "thousands of caterpillars in a feeding frenzy...The roads were dotted with yellow splotches."  Standing still for just a few moments to take a photo, she adds, "I had caterpillars crawl onto each foot."


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

CATERPILLARS MUNCHING DOWN DESERT WILDFLOWERS

 

Photo: "Hummingbird Moth (9691010084)" by Larry Lamsa - Hummingbird MothUploaded by PDTillman. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons -

March 10, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - Anza Borrego’s desert wildflowers are both beautiful and fragile.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

NEW QUEENS CROWNED IN LA MESA AND SANTEE

 

March 9,2015 (San Diego’s East County)--On Friday, March 6, 2015 the city of La Mesa and the city of Santee crowned winners in the Miss La Mesa and Miss Santee Pageants.  The programs have been traditions in the cities since the late 1960’s and provide mentoring for young women.  Santee Mayor Randy Voepel and La Mesa Vice Mayor Ruth Sterling were in attendance to formally present Miss La Mesa 2015 Tiffany Hoffman, Miss Teen La Mesa 2015 Kaitilyn Mayhue, Miss Santee 2015 Rebecca Hudson and Miss Teen Santee 2015 Heather Cantin.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

SD TRAILS: HIKING TO GARNET PEAK

 

By Randy Zuniga

March 8, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--Garnet Peak is a fun and easy hike with spectacular views. The amazing part about this hike is the amount of payoff for how short the hike really is. An “out and back” that is 4.4 miles long (roundtrip) with most of it along the beautiful Pacific Crest Trail. In this compact hike one experiences a picturesque summit overlooking the Anza Borrego desert, Imperial Valley, and on clear days even the Salton Sea.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

PURLOINED PUPPY RETURNED TO RIGHTFUL OWNER

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Missing pup has been reunited with his owner; photo courtesy 10 News

March 7, 2015 (El Cajon )—A puppy stolen from the backyard of an El Cajon home is back home, thanks to a story aired by ECM news partner 10 News.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

COUNTY PROPOSES PLAN TO TAKEOVER TRAINING SITE FROM SAN MIGUEL FIRE DISTRICT

 

East County News Service

March 7, 2015 (Spring Valley ) – Out of money to complete construction and maintenance of a partially-built training facility in Casa De Oro, San Miguel Fire District on March 11th will consider a proposal from the County Fire Authority to take over the lease, move forward on construction and assume maintenance responsibilities.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

VIEW EL CAJON PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT DATA OBTAINED BY EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE THROUGH A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST

 

By East County Magazine

View a detailed list of pedestrian accidents resulting in serious injuries or deaths in El Cajon

March 5, 2015 (El Cajon)--El Cajon has had 17 fatality pedestrian accidents from 2011 to 2014, including six on Main and East Main Street. The city also had 61 serious injury accidents involving pedestrians during the same period.  During the first few weeks of 2015, fatal pedestrian accidents have claimed more lives, including a 7-year-old boy and an elderly woman in El Cajon.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

WOMAN ARRESTED FOR THREATENING TO "SHOOT UP" LAKESIDE SCHOOL

 

March 5, 2015 (Lakeside) – Sheriff’s deputies arrested a woman Thursday for threatening to “shoot up” a school in the Lakeside area.  Sarah Joy Lomaintewa, 26, will be charged with making terrorist threats and threatening a school.


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FEMALE EL CAJON POLICE OFFICER FILES SUIT ALLEGING DISCRIMINATION

 

East County News Service

March 5, 2015 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police Officer Christine Greer has filed a lawsuit against the department alleging discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation and disability.


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SOITEC WITHDRAWS ONE OF TWO PROJECTS IN BOULEVARD

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 3, 2015 (Boulevard) – After winning approval of Supervisors for two controversial industrial-scale projects in Boulevard, Soitec Solar in a surprise announcement has withdrawn one of them.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

CIRCLE OF ART SHOW IN BORREGO SPRINGS MARCH 14-15

 

March 5, 2015 (Borrego Springs) - Desert artwork will be on display at the Circle of Art Show in Borrego Springs on March 14th and 15th.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

SAYLOR CASE AGAINST LEXUS DEALERSHIP SETTLES

 

Fiery crash in 2009 claimed life of CHP officer and family in Santee

By Miriam Raftery

March 4, 2015 (El Cajon) - Days before a trial was set to begin in the wrongful death case of CHP officer Mark Saylor and his family, a settlement has been reached with a former El Cajon Lexus dealership in El Cajon.


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Local news in the public interest is more important now than ever, during the COVID-19 crisis. Our reporters, as essential workers, are dedicated to keeping you informed, even though we’ve had to cancel fundraising events. Please give the gift of community journalism by donating at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate.

A GRUESOME FIND IN LAKESIDE

 

East County News Service

Photo: Courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News

March 3, 2015 (Lakeside) – Sheriff’s deputies trying to serve an eviction notice at an apartment in the Riverview Villa Apartments on Woodside Avenue in Lakeside this morning made a gruesome discovery.


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