By Miriam Raftery

June 26, 2017 (Ocotillo) - In 1966, Jim Bruce Robinson was killed in action during the Vietnam War. He was 21 years old.  A memorial plaque and towering cross were erected in his memory in Ocotillo Wells, across the street from the home where his family still lives. 

By Miriam Raftery

June 26, 2017 (La Mesa) – Jessica McElfresh is an attorney who co-authored Measure U, the ballot measure approved by La Mesa voters to allow medical marijuana dispensaries to operate legally in the city.  Now she’s facing felony charges of conspiring to use flammable, volatile and toxic chemicals to extract hash oil from marijuana and sell it out of state. She is also accused of misleading investigators, helping her client hide illegal operations, and destroying evidence.

Update:  Cal Fire has corrected the size of this fire to 46 acres based on more accurate mapping.  Evacuated residents have been allowed to return home.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alert Service

June 25, 2017 2:15 p.m. (Mesa Grande) – A brush fire burning in Cleveland National Forest has scorched 75 acres and is now threatening two homes, Cal Fire reports.  The blaze began on Black Canyon Road near the Mesa Grande Reservation, about a mile north of Lake Sutherland in Ramona.

The fire is burning at a moderate rate of spread and is zero percent contained. Cal Fire is battling the blaze along with U.S. Forest Service firefighters.  #BlackFire.

If you have photos, eyewitness reports or other information please email editor@eastcountymagazine.org and post in comments below.

East County News Service

June 25, 2017 (Julian) – The Julian Triangle Club invites you to help solve a hilarious crime at a murder mystery theater set for July 28^th from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the historic Julian town hall ‘s lower level (2129 Main Street, Julian).  Dinner will be catered by Jeremy’s On the Hill.

By M. Harris

Photo: Creative commons image by Amin Eshaiker, via Wikipedia

June 24, 2017 (Alpine) -- I am an Alpine resident who attended the Alpine Community Planning Group meetings in September 2016 and again in May 2017. What follows are some of my thoughts about both meetings.

By Rachel Williams

Video:  interview with homeless woman Lorraine Leighton

June 23, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Lorraine Leighton was among hundreds of homeless people who connected at Rock Church in El Cajon on June 2nd. More than 30 organizations offered health care and legal services for rebuilding a healthy, safe life.

Updated with more special Independence Day events.

East County News Service

June19, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Julian’s Fourth of July Parade, El Cajon’ Independence Day picnic with fireworks and the  Santee Salutes patriot celebration are cherished annual traditions in East County.  Below are details. If you know of an East County Fourth of July activity we’ve missed, please email editor@eastcountymagazine.rog and post details in our comments section below.

Source:  Ramona Valley Vineyard Association

June 22, 2017 (Ramona) --Travel + Leisure, a leading travel publication, recently named Vineyard Grant James, located in San Diego County’s Ramona Valley wine region, the number two winery in the United States in its list of “a few select vineyards around the country that go above and beyond to astound visitors.”

By Robert Gehr

June 22, 2017 (El Cajon) -- This morning, volunteers were out and about all over San Diego County excitedly shouting out and collecting monetary donations for Ronald McDonald House, which helps families in need with housing, meals and so much more at no cost when their children are hospitalized due to illness or injury.

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2017 (La Mesa)  -- Radio personality Cha Cha from106.7 FM will scale new heights –and slither in new depths—all to help the hungry. She’ll be broadcasting from inside an exotic jungle snake pit  at Grossmont Center’s courtyard on Saturday, June 24 starting at noon – and she won’t come out until at least 1,057 canned goods or dry food items are donated to help the Jacob and Cushman San Diego Food Bank.

You’re invited to face your fears and help fight hunger in our community. Bring canned or dry food items and hold a snake from the San Diego Reptile Association.  Post a picture of you overcoming your fears on Twitter or Instagram, and challenge others to do it too! Use the hashtag #SnakePitChallenge and tag 105.7 MAX FM. (Or skip the snake and just donate.)

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2017 (La Mesa) -- After several years on hiatus, the beloved San Diego Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks show is coming back on July 4^th from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the fireworks show at 9 p.m. The music fest is held at Lake Murray Community Park in San Carlos (5540 Kiowa Drive, La Mesa, off Lake Murray Blvd.). 

East County News Service

June 21, 2017 (Campo-Lake Morena) – The Campo Lake Morena Community Planning Group’s agenda for its June 26^th meeting includes appointing a new planning group member, a proposed agricultural clearing permit on Buckman Springs Road, and an update on Navy helicopter flight issues, among other topics.  View the full agenda below.

By Miriam Raftery

June 18, 2017 (Jamul) – East County has a fabulous new destination for lovers of French foods. Fabrice and Allison Borel, owners of Fabrison’s French Creperie San Diego’s Little Italy and Coronado, have opened up Fabrison’s  in  Jamul .

This location has not only their signature “crepes for lovers,” but also a full menu of country French cuisine for breakfast, lunch and now, dinner.  So far, the Jamul location has earned a five-star review on Yelp, and it’s not hard to see—and taste—why.

By Miriam Raftery

June 21, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Lamplighters Community Theatre presents Women in Jeopardy! This new comedy by Wendy MacLeod, directed by Rob Conway, will run July 7-30 at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa.

East County News Service

June 21, 2017 (Julian) -- The Julian Apple Pie Grand Prix will be held on Saturday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  This year’s vintage sports car show, parade and festival is a a salute to the sports cars of Great Britain.