Communities

TRANSLATOR WHO HELPED U.S. MILITARY SAVES BABY FROM FIRE, BUT HIS FAMILY IN EL CAJON LOSES EVERYTHING

 

 

Hear our interview  on KNSJ with Mandy Mattis, No One Left Behind, on the Shurish family, how you can help this local hero and other translators relocated here after risking their lives to help Amreican troops.

By Miriam Raftery

February 1, 2018 (El Cajon) – Targeted by the Taliban for helping the U.S. military as a translator in Afghanistan, Ahmed Shurish fled his homeland with his wife and children, leaving everything else behind.  They arrived here just seven months ago, building a new life in El Cajon.

But now his family has once against lost everything, this time in a fire in which Shurish heroically saved his neighbor’s baby from the flames. So the community is pulling together to help this hero and his family rebuild their lives yet again.


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EL CAJON RESIDENT RONALD HEGWOOD KILLED IN POINT LOMA CRASH

 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 1, 2018 (El Cajon) – The County Medical Examiner has identified El Cajon resident Ronald Ray Hegwood, 53, as the victim killed January 24th in a motorcycle crash in Point Loma.

According to San Diego Police, Hegwood lost control of the motorcycle he was driving while traveling east on West Point Loma Blvd. He crossed into the westbound lane and collided with another vehicle, then also struck a parked vehicle.


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JULIAN-CUYAMACA FIRE BOARD RECEIVES FORMAL COMPLAINTS OVER ALLEGED ACTIONS BY FIRE CHIEF


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REVITALIZING CASA DE ORO: “TODAY IS A BIG STEP FORWARD,” SAYS DIANNE JACOB AS SUPERVISORS ACCEPT CONSULTANTS’ REPORT, BUT CHANGES WILL TAKE TIME

 

By Paul Kruze

February 1, 2018 (Casa de Oro) – The San Diego County Board of voted in principal to approve a blueprint laid out for the eventual revitalizing of the Campo Road area of Casa de Oro at last Thursday’s meeting.

But don’t expect changes to occur overnight.


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MAN KILLED IN TRUCK COLLISION

 

East County News Service

February 1, 2018 (El Cajon) — Two pickup trucks collided shortly after midnight this morning at Jamacha Road and East Main Street in El Cajon.  A 40-year-old Hispanic man was ejected from his 2001 Nissan Frontier vehicle and died at the scene.


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MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATION HONORS CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

 

By Maridian Broadus

Photo, left:  Honoree Alan Cabrera, Jane Elliott, Rev. Shane Harris, Honoree BAPC State President Dr. William Blair

January 31, 2018 (Lemon Grove) — “Where are we 50 years later?” That is the question posed by Reverend Shane Harris, president of the National Action Network in San Diego, and by keynote speaker, educator and anti-racism activist Jane Elliott at the Martin Luther King Jr. 88th birthday celebration held on Friday, January 19th at Lemon Grove Community Church. NAN is a social justice organization that advocates on behalf of minorities and the disenfranchised. The celebration paid homage to Dr. King and honored local civil rights activists.


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LOCAL LEVELS OF OZONE PEAK IN MOUNTAIN AND DESERT AREAS

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 30, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – You might be surprised to learn where the highest levels of ozone pollution are in San Diego County. Hint: it’s not urban areas in local cities, but rather, communities in East County’s mountains and desert areas.


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DRIVER DIES AFTER CRASHING INTO BUILDING IN EL CAJON

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 30, 2018 (El Cajon) --- The driver of a green Ford pickup truck that crashed into a business at 1417 North Cuyamaca Street in El Cajon yesterday afternoon was taken to a hospital, where he later died of severe injuries.  The identity of the victim, a 46-year-old African-American man, is being withheld pending notification of his family.


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TAX TIPS AND ALPINE HONORARY MAYOR ON AGENDA FOR “HOT TOPICS” BREAKFAST FEB. 13 AT JANET’S MONTANA CAFÉ

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 30, 2018 (Alpine) — You’re invited to get 2018 tax filing tips from Roger Garay, Online Bookkeeping & Tax Service, and hear about the Alpine Honorary Mayor campaign. 

Both are on the agenda for the Alpine-Mountain Empire’s “Hot Topics” breakfast at Janet’s Montana Café, 2506 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine. The event will be on Feb. 13 from 7:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.


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VALENTINE’S DESSERT AND WINE PAIRING FEB. 14 AT SAN PASQUAL WINERY IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

January 30, 2018 (La Mesa) -- In celebration of Valentine's Day, you’re invited to take your sweetheart, best friend, or even a group of friends to a dessert & wine pairing at San Pasqual Winery tasting room in La Mesa’s downtown village.


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CHICK-FIL-A IN LA MESA, SANTEE HOSTING `DADDY-DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT’ ON WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7TH

 

East County News Service

January 30, 2018 (East County) – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the 12 Chick-fil-A restaurants in San Diego County, including the restaurants at 9418 Mission Gorge Road in Santee and 8200 Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa, will host a “Daddy-Daughter Date Night” for fathers and daughters from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7.


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PEDESTRIAN IN LA MESA DIES AFTER BEING HIT BY VEHICLE

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 29, 2018 (La Mesa) – Matthew McConnell, 44, died in a hospital several hours after he was struck by a vehicle Friday night. According to La Mesa Police, he was walking across the intersection at Fletcher Parkway and Nagel Street near Grossmont Center on a red light when the tragedy occurred.


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El CAJON POLICE ADVICE FOR SUPER BOWL SUNDAY: DON’T FUMBLE! TACKLE IMPAIRED DRIVING BEFORE THE CLOCK STARTS

 

By Sergeant Kevin Maxwell, El Cajon Police Dept. Traffic Unit

January 29, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Kickoff on America’s favorite past time is just about ready to start. For many football fans, when it’s time for Super Bowl LII, everyone’s a fan…and Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. The California Office of Traffic Safety, Police, Sheriff and the CHP are huddling up for a special designated driver reminder to urge football fans across the nation not to drop the ball on this issue. 


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LA MESA RESIDENTS INVITED TO TOWNHALLS JAN. 30 AND FEB. 6

By Miriam Raftery

January 29, 2018 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa invites residents to attend two upcoming town hall meetings, where elected officials and city staff will be on hand to answer residents’ questions and hear concerns.  The forums will be held Tuesday, January 30 at the La Mesa Arts Academy (4200 Parks Ave.) and Tuesday, Feb. 6 at Northmont Elementary School (9045 Gregory Street), both from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Mayor Mark Arapostathis and City Council members Kristine Alessio, Bill Baber, Guy McWhirter and Colin Parent are expected to participate, as well as Police Chief Walt Vasquez, Heartland Fire & Rescue Chief Colin Stowell, City Manager Yvonne Garrett, City Attorney Gleen Sabine, and staffers from La Mesa’s departments of public works, finance, and community development.


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MAN JUMPS TO DEATH OFF PINE VALLEY BRIDGE

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 28, 2018 (Pine Valley) -- A man committed suicide by jumping off the Pine Valley bridge off of Interstate 8 tonight. The tragedy was reported shortly after 5 p.m.   The victim has not been identified, but a white Toyota sedan was parked at the scene. 


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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TOP SANTEE’S PRIORITIES

 

By Mike Allen

January 28, 2018 (Santee) -- In his first state of the city address last week, Santee Mayor John Minto outlined a vision that puts a priority on several capital improvement projects and saving money on the city’s growing pension liabilities.


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SDG&E SHUTS OFF POWER ACROSS BACKCOUNTRY DURING RED FLAG WARNING, SPARKING MORE ANGRY RESPONSES FROM RESIDENTS

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 28, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – With a red flag warning in effect due to high fire danger and gusty Santa Ana winds forecast through Monday, San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) has once again shut off power to many rural and mountain communities.  An outage map curiously labels these as “unplanned outages” even though clicking on communities shown in the SDG&E outages map reveals a message stating that in most of the current outages, “We’ve shut off the power for safety.” 

Power went off last night (Saturday evening) and is not slated for restoration until mid-to-late afternoon on Monday.

The power is presently out in many areas including the East County communitise Boulevard, Live Oak Springs, Descanso, Pine Valley, Alpine, Pine Hills, Santa Ysabel and surrounding communities, affecting thousands of customers. Portions of North County including Valley Center and the Pauma area are also without power.


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PEDESTRIAN STRUCK, KILLED IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

January 27, 2018 (La Mesa) – A 44-year-old man was struck and killed last night by a Ford Taurus while walking southbound across westbound lanes of traffic in the 8500 block of Fletcher Parkway.

La Mesa Police received a call reporting the accident around 9 p.m. The victim was transported to Sharp Memorial Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. His identity is being withheld pending family notifications.


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LOCAL PRO-MARIJUANA GROUP CHALLENGES EL CAJON IN COURT

 

Writ of Mandate claims El Cajon Pot Shop and Cultivation Ordinance is Punitive

By Paul Kruze

January 28, 2018 (El Cajon) -- When California voters approved Proposition 64 legalizing the recreational use and cultivation of marijuana, voters also approved a less publicized part of the proposition which allows individual cities and counties to regulate where it can be bought and cultivated.


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PASTUREBIRD FIRST SOUTHERN CALFORNIA FARM TO ACHIEVE CERTIFIED WILDLIFE FRIENDLY® STATUS

 

Warner Springs and Murrieta farm raises pastured chickens, rebuilds healthy soils and grasslands, and coexists with wildlife

Story and photos @Pasturebird and Primal Pastures.

January 27, 2018 (Warner Springs) -- Most people don’t set up a wholesale pastured poultry operation in an area known for its mountain lion activity as much as for its orchards.  Yet for farmer Paul Grieve of Pasturebird, flourishing habitat is an integral part of farming. “The important thing to us is that we build an ecosystem.  Our role is to steward the land and grow a great environment for Mother Nature.”


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SANTEE MOVES AHEAD WITH PLAN FOR DISTRICT ELECTIONS

 

By Mike Allen

January 26, 2018 (Santee) -- Despite having one of the most homogeneous populations in the county and lacking any concentration of minority groups, Santee elected officials say the city’s hands are tied, and Santee is forced to comply with a state law urging cities to adopt district elections.


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TRAVELING STORIES BUILD A LOVE OF READING FOR CHILDREN IN EL CAJON

 

 

By Jillian Hymer

January 26, 2018 (El Cajon) – At a StoryTent pitched outside the El Cajon Library last week, children listened to stories read aloud and enthusiastically chose books to read. It’s all part of Traveling Stories, a local nonprofit that focuses on “inspiring children to learn to read so they can read to learn.”  You can bring your children ages 2-12 to weekly readings at three locations in San Diego County, including the El Cajon Library each Wednesday from 3:30-5:30 pm.

A StoryTent is set up where staff members, volunteers and parents all pitch in to “empower kids to outsmart poverty…by helping kids fall in love with reading by the 4th grade,” said Hezhi Naseem, the Field Director.


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LOVE LOBSTER? VALENTINE SPECIALS AT HACIENDA CASA BLANCA

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 26, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Hacienda Casa Blanca in El Cajon is cooking up a special menu on Valentine’s Day sure to please your sweetheart.  Chooses from Lobster Puerto Nuevo feature whole Maine Lobster, New York steak, or Garlic Cilantro grilled Mahi frizzled with white wine and lemon garlic sauce.   (The regular menu is also available).  Plus enjoy live jazz music from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.


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SYCUAN CASINO TO ADD OVER 700 NEW CASINO AND RESORT JOBS

 

Now hiring for new Director of Sales position

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (El Cajon) --  Sycuan Casino announced today that the organization is now hiring for a new Director of Sales position. This position is the first of over 700 new jobs for the hotel and resort expansion project. The new positions will be in the hotel, food and beverage and casino divisions. Sycuan will begin hiring for departmental leadership positions during the first half of the year and will host a series of job fairs mid to late 2018.


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ANIMAL SHOWS AND MORE AT OASIS CAMEL DAIRY’S OPEN FARM DAY FEB. 10-11

 

East County News Service

January 24, 2018 (Ramona) -- You’re invited to bring the family to open farm day at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona on February 10th and 11th from 1 to 4 p.m., with a live animal show at 1:30 p.m. The show features talking parrots, galloping, gobbling turkeys, dedicated farm dogs and of course the biggest stars – camels!


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DOUBLE BLOW: COURT RULING ON BOND FUNDS AND STATE DECISION AGAINST UNIFICATION KNOCK DOWN HOPES FOR ALPINE HIGH SCHOOL

 

 

By Paul Kruze; Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

Hear court audio

Read appellate decision

January 21, 2018 (Alpine) -- Just as students returned to school after winter break last week, lawyers for the Alpine Union School District (AUSD), Alpine Taxpayers for Bond Accountability and Grossmont Union High School District returned to court in front of a three-judge tribunal headed by Associate Justice Patricia D. Benke of the 4th District California Superior Court of Appeals.  

But a week later, the court panel upheld an earlier ruling by Judge Pressman against Alpine, agreeing that the GUHSD need not keep millions of dollars set aside for an Alpine High School that now may never be built, despite previous bond measures approved by voters that included funds for the school. Then on Friday, the State Board of Education denied Alpine's unification petition that would have enabled the AUSD to build the high school. The double losses may prove to be knock-out blows for the hard-fought effort to bring a high school to Alpine.


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“SAFEGUARD OUR SAN DIEGO COUNTRYSIDE” INITIATIVE LAUNCHED TO CONTROL DEVELOPMENT

 

Initiative would require public vote on significant changes to General Plan, to protect backcountry from sprawl-style development and traffic gridlock

East County News Service

Update: Hear our interview with former Supervisor Pam Slater Price and Mark Jackson from Save Our San Diego Countryside by clicking the audio link.  Learn more at https://saveoursdcountryside.org/.

January 24, 201 (San Diego) -- Today the San Diego County Registrar of Voters approved the title and summary for the “Safeguard Our San Diego Countryside” Initiative, clearing the way for proponents to gather signatures to place the initiative on the November 2018 ballot. If passed, the measure would require voter approval of amendments to the San Diego County General Plan that significantly increase density on parcels in the unincorporated county now designated for farming, open space, and wildlife uses.

Audio: 

Interview with Pam Slater Price and Mark Jackson

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COUNTRY MUSIC LEGENDS: THE OAK RIDGE BOYS LIVE FEB. 3 AT SYCUAN

East County News Service

Photo: cc by Gage Skidmore

January 24, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The Oak Ridge Boys, who were recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, will perform on Saturday, February 3rd at 5 p.m. in Sycuan’s Live and Up Close Theatre in EL Cajon.

Their four-part harmonies and upbeat songs have won many awards including a Grammy, Country Music Association and American Country Music awards—and they’re still going strong after more than 40 years.


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MOM NEEDS HELP TO MOVE SON TO RAMONA AFTER TEEN LOST DAD IN MURDER-SUICIDE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Jayson Hinkle with his mother, Crystal and brother, Dominick

January 20, 2018 (Ramona) – Crystal Dominguez Hinkle has launched a GoFundMe page to help her son, Jayson, 14. “I am desperately trying to gather funds to move us back to Ramona, where my son can be surrounded by his loving and supportive friends,” she told ECM in an e-mail.


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COUNTY TO ACCEPT COMPETING BIDS FOR ANIMAL SERVICES

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 24, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – County Supervisors on Tuesday approved a proposal to accept bids from outside animal welfare organizations seeking to compete against the County’s Animal Services Department to provide services in the County’s unincorporated areas, including rural, desert and mountain regions in East County as well as neighborhoods such as Spring Valley, Alpine, and Lakeside. In East County, the city of Santee will also be impacted.


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