Communities

LA MESA COUNCIL CONSIDERS BUDGET TO DEAL WITH HIGHER PENSION COSTS

 

By Mike Allen

June 14, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Like every city and the state of California, La Mesa is grappling with the ever-burgeoning costs related to generous pension benefits negotiated by labor unions years ago.


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CAJON DE ORO LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM WINS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 14, 2017 (Mount Helix) – The Cajon De Oro Little League’s majors team has won the Tournament of Champions President’s Cup–tops among 16 East County leagues.

The Cajon De Oro league, celebrating its 60th season, includes players ages 10-12 who live in the Mount Helix, Casa de Oro and El Cajon communities and is home-based at Mosher Field on Mount Helix.


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SEX OFFENDER BACK IN CUSTODY

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 14, 2017 (Santee) – Just one day after the Sheriff’s Department sent a notice alerting Santee residents of sex offender Michael Bauer’s release into the community, he was arrested again today for violating his parole terms.  The Sheriff’s Department has not provided details on the nature of the parole violation.


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HELIX REMOVES LAST LARGE SEGMENT OF CAST IRON PIPE FROM CITY OF LEMON GROVE

 

Source:  Helix Water District

Photo:  from right: Helix Boardmember Mark Gracyk, who represents Lemon Grove, Boardmember DeAna Verbeke, Board President Joel Scalzitti and Lemon Grove assistant city manager and public works director Mike James.  Via Helix Water District

June 13, 2017 (Lemon Grove) - Helix Water District Board President Joel Scalzitti operated the excavator this morning, lowering a segment of PVC pipe into the trench at the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Golden Avenue in Lemon Grove.  The pipe was signed by the Lemon Grove City Council and Helix board members, and its installation marks the removal of the last large segment of cast iron pipe in the water distribution system serving the city of Lemon Grove.


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RANCHO SAN DIEGO LIBRARY TO HOLD INDEPEDENCE DAY CELEBRATION ON JULY 1ST

 

East County News Service

June 13, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) -- Families and folks of all ages are welcomed to the Rancho San Diego Library at 11555 Via Rancho San Diego for their annual Celebrate the USA event, an old-fashioned Fourth of July festival. This event will be taking place Saturday, July 1st  from 11am-1pm, and is free for all ages. As part of the event, the Friends of the Rancho San Diego Library will be holding a half-price book sale in the library courtyard from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.


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PASSAGES: GORDON BOSMA, RETIRED POSTAL UNION LEADER AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

 

East County News Service

June 13, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Gordon Bosma, a long-time resident of East County, died on May 29, 2017.   Bosma was a retired United States postal worker.  While working there, he led his local union, American Postal Workers, AFL-CIO.


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SANTANA HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER FIGHTS RARE FORM OF LEUKEMIA IN ADULTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) — Family members of Santana High School teacher Janelle Pasquale Garrison are asking help to cover medical bills as she battles an acute form of leukemia that rarely occurs in adults.


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CHILD MOLESTER RELEASED IN SANTEE

 

East County News Service

June 13, 2017 (Santee) – The San Diego’s Sheriff’s office advises that Michael Bauer, a registered sex offender, has recently moved to Santee.  Bauer was convicted of molesting a 7-year-old boy, a stranger to him, inside a fast food restaurant restroom in 2009.


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CELEBRATING VALERIE VICTOR’S GOLDEN JUBILEE JUNE 25

 

50 years as organist/pianist at The Table:  United Church of Christ of La Mesa

By Mary Domb Mikkelson

June 13, 2017 (La Mesa) -- A national treasure right in our midst-- that’s the incomparable Valerie Victor, organist/pianist at The Table:  United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM).

Born in National City (as were her mother and grandmother), Valerie was seven when she started to play the piano, eight when her elementary school music teacher asked that she not return to class – it was “too easy” for her.  Taken on as the teacher’s private student for the next seven years, young Valerie thrived.  Another teacher followed, working with her for the next 25 – 30 years.  Once a month a “bonus” was added:  organ lessons. 


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EAST COUNTY CHALDEAN CHAMBER LOSES TRADEMARK; DETROIT-BASED CHALDEAN CHAMBER OPENS OFFICES HERE

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2017 (El Cajon ) -- The U.S.  Patent and Trademark Office has issued an order cancelling Ben Kalasho’s trademark for the San Diego-East County Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce name.  The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board held that the trademark caused confusion with the Chaldean  American Chamber of Commerce based in Detroit, which has been using the name since 2001. 

The board held that the trademarks were similar and that the local group used the entirety of the Detroit group’s name in its branding.

Kalasho founded and served as President of the local Chamber before stepping down earlier this year to avoid conflcts of interest after his election to the El Cajon City Council.  Kalasho’s wife, Jessica, currently serves as President.


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COLD CASE MURDER IN LEMON GROVE SOLVED 31 YEARS LATER WITH NEW DNA TESTING TECHNOLOGY

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 12, 2017 (Lemon Grove) – Stacy Littleton, 52, of San Diego has been arrested and charged with murder.  Littleton is accused of stabbing to death Cyrus Jefferson 31 years ago in Lemon Grove, when the victim was 20 years old and the suspect, 21.


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ALPINE TO HOLD FOURTH OF JULY PARADE AND CARNIVAL

 

East County News Service

June 11, 2017 (Alpine) — Alpine will celebrate Independence Day with a Fourth of July Parade starting at 10 a.m.  along Alpine Boulevard between West Victoria Boulevard and Tavern Road, bringing back a tradition that’s been dormant for years. Everyone is invited to participate or come watch.


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CLEAN EL CAJON DAY JUNE 17 AT WELLS PARK

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2017  (El Cajon) – The city of El Cajon invites you to participate in “Clean El Cajon Day” on Saturday, June 17th at Wells Park.   Councilman Ben  Kalasho introduced the measure that created  Clean El Cajon Day and the first 100 people who sign up online will receive free T-shirts.  Click here to view a special video from Councilman Kalasho and Waste Management. 


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: FETCHING IMAGES FROM FIDO FEST

 

By Rebecca Williamson

Photo:  El Cajon resident Ace Saunders, and his pit bull, Saturn.

June 11, 2017 (Santee) -- El Cajon resident, Ace Saunders, and his pit bull, Saturn, won best trick contest at Santee's 2nd Annual Fido Fest for performing a variety of commands.  The event, held June 10th in Santee, drew an estimated 2,000-- with smallest dog, largest dog, and a cake walk all part of the festivities. 


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GATE FIRE CONCERNS ON AGENDA FOR JAMUL-DULZURA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP JUNE 13

 

East County News Service

June 10, 2017 (Jamul-Dulzura) -- The Jamul-Dulzura Community Planning Group's meeting on Tuesday night will include a discussion of concerns raised by the Gate Fire, including shooting on Bureau of Land Management property.  Also on the agenda are a Jamul Indian Village update and the County's strategic plan to reduce waste in unincorporated areas.


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HOW SWEET IT IS! COMMUNITY WELCOMES LEMON GROVE BAKERY

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2017 (Lemon Grove) – Luscious lemon cakes, cream cakes, doughnuts, muffins, bagels, and more are available once again in Lemon Grove, now that the Lemon Grove Bakery has opened its doors at 3308 Main Street. 


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“LITTLE FIELD OF DREAMS” IS OPEN ON MOUNT HELIX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2017 (Mt. Helix) – “This is a little field of dreams,” Cajon de Oro Little League President Josh Bailey declared at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the new facility on Russell Road in the Mount Helix community.

The new  field  at 10400 Russell Road, L a Mesa serves the League’s youngest  athletes:  T-ball players ages 4-6 and Rookies ages 6-7. The new T-ball and Rookies field is adjacent to the existing Mosher field for older Little League players—a field where several major and minor league baseball players got their start.


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TEDXTALKS CHANGE KIDS--AS KIDS SEEK TO CHANGE THE WORLD

 

By Devorah Fox

Photo:  Isela and Kalani Creutzburg

June 8, 2017 (El Cajon) -- More than a ray of hope, the students of Cajon Valley Union School District delivered to their community the sun of a bright tomorrow with their TEDxKids@ElCajon Talks last Saturday. Using an expertly produced mix of live and videotaped audiovisual performances the children danced, and sang and played and talked their way into the hearts of all present.


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FIRE I-8 SOUTH OF LOS COCHES

 

East County News Service

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

June 9, 2017 (El Cajon) - Cal Fire crews are at the scene of a 10-acre brush fire south of I-8 at Los Coches.  Lanes are re-opened and the forward spread has been stopped, but be advised.

No structures are threatened or injuries to residents are reported, according to Cal Fire.

The fire is 10% contained.


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WHY POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE SCRAPPING CROWN VICTORIAS

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2017 (El Cajon) – For two decades, the Crown Victoria police intercept model was the iconic car used by law police departments across the nation.  So, when a reader of ours, Christina Carson, asked why El Cajon Police officer are now driving predominantly sport utility vehicles (SUVs) instead of Crown Victoria sedans, and what the differences are in gas costs, we reached out to the El Cajon Police Department to find out.


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LA MESA HEALTH CARE LIBRARY’S PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT PRESENTED BY GROSSMONT HOSPITAL LAB SCIENTISTS

 

East County News Service

 

June 8, 2017 (La Mesa) – The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, is now presenting its Spring 2017 art exhibit featuring 37 photographs shot by three amateur photographers who work as laboratory scientists at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa. The show runs through June 30. The photographers include Celeste Saxer of Santee, Mary Peddecord of Del Cerro and Cari Gallenson of Carmel Valley.


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DETHRONED BEAUTY PAGEANT QUEEN FILES FRAUD AND DEFAMATION SUIT; COUNCILMAN KALASHO DENIES ALLEGATIONS

 

 

 

Kalasho provides documents to bolster his defense, though this isn't first time he has faced claims of fraud or ethics questions

By Miriam Raftery

Updated with comments from Tawfiq's attorney

June 7, 2017 (El Cajon) – A lawsuit has been filed against the Miss Middle East Beauty pageant  USA Inc. and Ben (Bessmon) Kalasho, organizer of the pageant and an El Cajon City Councilman.

The suit, filed by pageant winner Zhala Tawfiq and first reported by the Reader, claims the pageant is fraudulent, that prize money was not paid, and that after she objected to giving up passwords to her social media accounts, photos of her face photoshopped onto someone else’s nude body were posted on  an Instagram page named “Zhala_Tawfiq_Fanpage” with a  post reading, “Leaked images of Miss Middle East Beauty Queen.”  Soon after she was removed as pageant winner and the title was given to the runner-up.

Asked if he posted the photos, Kalasho told East County Magazine, “Absolutely not." He indicated Tawfiz was replaced due to not fulfilling terms of her contract.


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CLIMATE CHANGE AND ECONOMICS PROFESSORS SPEAK TONIGHT IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

June 7, 2017 (La Mesa) --  Tonight’s meeting of the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club will feature a veritable who’s who of leading San Diego experts in the political ramifications of executive orders dealing with our economy and the environment.   Social hour starts at 6:30 with the program at 7 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center.

Speakers included renowned climate scientist Jeff Severinghaus, Professor of Geosciences at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who has voiced concern at the drastic measures taken by the Trump Administration in rolling back recently enacted advances to combat global warming.


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LOCAL CHARITY BASKETBALL GAME FOR MOUNT MIGUEL HIGH GRAD AND CANCER VICTIM HOSTS NFL & NBA PLAYERS TO RAISE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

 

East County News Service

June 7, 2017 (San Diego) - Each year, Live4Gen hosts its premier event in the summer to remember former Mount Miguel High School girls basketball player Genevieve Costello, who lost her life to breast cancer in May of 2013. On Saturday, June 17th at San Diego High School, the 5th Annual Live4Gen Charity Basketball Games and Inaugural Dominique Jones Youth Football Camp will bridge sports and the San Diego community by serving as a charitable platform for professional athletes and community leaders.


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PASSAGES: BETTY LANE WHITE (CLARK): OCTOBER 17, 1930 – MAY 14, 2017

 

East County News Service

June 6, 2017 (Lemon Grove) - Long-time Lemon Grove resident Betty White passed away peacefully on May 14, 2017.   Betty was born on October 17, 1930, in Charleston, South Carolina to Eva Mae Clark (Smith) and Omer Clark, who was in the U.S. Army. Betty was one of five Clark children: Helen, Richard (Dick), Betty, Eva May and James (Jim).  The family eventually settled back in San Diego after living in several places including Panama.  Betty graduated from Hoover High School in San Diego in 1948 and then studied nursing at San Diego State College (now SDSU). 


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LEMON GROVE BAKERY REBORN: CHERISHED LANDMARK TO REOPEN JUNE 9

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Lemon Grove Bakery

June 6, 2017 (Lemon Grove) – Here’s some sweet news for Lemon Grove residents and baked goods aficionados:  the Lemon Grove Bakery will be opening on Friday, June 9th from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the site of the former Grove Pastry Shop at 3308 Main Street, Lemon Grove.


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GUHSD APPOINTS LOU RUSSO, CRITIC OF ALPINE LAWSUIT AGAINST GUHSD, TO CITIZENS BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

 

By Julie Pendray

Photo via Twitter

June 6, 2017 (Alpine)--Lou Russo, who ran unsuccessfully three times for Alpine Union School District (AUSD) board, has been appointed to Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee.

“I am honored to announce that I have been unanimously selected by the Grossmont Union High governing board to be a member of the Citizen Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC),” Russo wrote in an email to news media in early May. “Although I am the representative at large, I will bring Alpine's perspective to the Bond Oversight processes.”


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VEHICLE STRIKES TWO STOPPED MOTORCYCLES IN LAKESIDE, CAUSING FATAL INJURIES

 

East County News Service

June 5, 2017 (Lakeside) – A 37-year-old woman has died after she and a second motorcyclist parked on the shoulder of Winter Gardens Boulevard south of Creekford Road in Lakeside were struck by a Ford Taurus Monday at 8:52 p.m.


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HIGHWAY 78 TO SHUT DOWN FOR 10 DAYS JUNE 9-19

 

East County News Service

June 4, 2017 (Ramona) -- State Route 78 will be closed for 10 days between Weekend Villa Road to Indian Oak Road between Escondido and Ramona, starting on Friday, June 9th at 6 a.m. through Monday, June19th.  


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OTAY WATER SUES CITY OF SAN DIEGO FOR OVERCHARGES ON RECLAIMED WATER SERVICES

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 4, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The Otay Water District filed a lawsuit in Superior Court on May 30th against the City of San Diego alleging breach of contract, overcharges on recycled water rates and lack of transparency.  The suit accuses San Diego of becoming “unjustly enriched at Otay’s expense,” according to Mark Robak, president of the Otay Water District, and asks the court to rescind a January 2016 rate hike and repay that money to the district.

The Otay district provides water for residents in Spring Valley, Jamul, Rancho San Diego, La Prensa, eastern Otay Mesa and eastern Chula Vista.  


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