By Miriam Raftery

October 15, 2017 (Alpine) – Jack Wadel, 60, was arrested yesterday after the Alpine Sheriff’s department received calls that the suspect “reportedly was threatening to shoot people in the crowded library, and was pointing a toy gun at people,” says Sergeant Alex Navarro with the Sheriff’s department.

By Miriam Raftery

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

October 15, 2017 (Cuyamaca) -- The Green Fire is 75 percent contained at eight acres as of 10:30 a.m., Cal Fire reports.  The grass fire began yesterday afternoon near the Green Valley Falls campground area in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, not far from State Route 79.

A witness, who asked that his name not be published, told East County Magazine that he and his wife were hiking on the Harvey Moore Trail moments before the fire started and saw several people in the meadow.  Arriving at the parking lot and learning of the fire, the witness says the saw the people -- a couple and a third inidividual, get into an SUV and drive away.

East County News Service

October 14, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) - The owners of The Hills in La Mesa and the Eastbound Bar and Grill in Lakeside are serving up some spooky fun--along with some wild libations, prizes and more this Halloween Season. From a cauldron of concoctions served in gravedigger skull mugs to a costume contest with a $10,000 prize, these local night spots have plenty of “treats” in store for their Halloween weekend guests.

East County News Service

October 14, 2017 (La Mesa) - Harry Griffin Park is going to the dogs! 

Story, videos and photos by Paul Kruze

October 12, 2017 (El Cajon) – An outburst and verbal kerfuffle between El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and Councilman Ben Kalasho at the end of Tuesday’s El Cajon City Council meeting almost overshadowed an earlier unified 5-0 decision to ban outdoor growing  of marijuana by individuals and increase penalties for illegal commercial marijuana dispensaries and commercial growing facilities within the city limits of El Cajon.

Show continues this weekend Oct. 12-14

Review By Kathy Carpenter

Associate Reviewer sdtheatrereviews.com

Freelance Writer Splash Magazine

October 10, 2017 - (Casa De Oro) - Kids are amazing. The Young Actors Theatre stars shine again and again. They are committed, work hard, and keep growing as talented young people—some of whom could have long careers in the arts if they wish.

Peter and the Star Catcher, directed and choreographed by Joe Dioisio, is a complex but not well known show that is at times hard to follow. The story is about Peter Pan, before he was Pan. Let your imagination take flight.

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging and adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Miriam Raftery

October 12, 2017 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – You’re invited to soak and stretch your way to relaxation and Nirvana at the second High Mountain Desert Yoga Retreat, tucked among boulders high in the In-Ko-Pah and Jacumba mountains near the eastern San Diego County line.

This four-day healing event from October 31 to November 3 will include natural sulfur hot spring pools, healing sessions at the Desert View tower including Kundalini Tantra Yoga, Reiki healing, and crystal sound healing. Guests will also savor delicious vegan meals scenic hikes and some desert surprises, plus a three-day stay at the nearby Jacumba Hot Springs Resort.

By Miriam Raftery

October 10, 2017 (Lakeside) – Sometimes, retrieving has its pitfalls.  After a three-year-old golden retriever got his head stuck under a brick wall while chasing a ball, Lakeside firefighters came to the rescue.

The crew from Engine 2 freed the trapped dog which seemed no worse for the wear.  “Upon release, he resumed chasing the ball,” Lakeside Fire reported on its Twitter feed.

By Miriam Raftery, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Service

Photo: Skott Dehla Crozz on Brush Fire Partyline's Facebook Page

October 9, 2017 (Tecate) – A brush fire is burning just south of the border in Tecate, Cal Fire Captain Isaac Sanchez advised in a phone interview with East County Magazine.  Cal Fire has positioned resources on the U.S. side of the border to prepare in case the blaze crosses over.

“I've seen 4 fire trucks heading out the 94,” Candie Wemple said in an email to East County Magazine. Posts on social media indicate black smoke is visible from Campo, Potrero and Barrett Junction.

By Valerie Watts

October 9, 2017 (Alpine) - Lions, Tigers and Bears announces its annual Spooky Campover from 3 p.m. Friday October 27 until 12 p.m. October 28.  Bring your own pumpkin to carve, food, camping gear and best costume to 24402 Martin Way, Alpine, CA 91901.  This event promises "a wild and ghoulish night under the stars with the rescued animals."  There will be pumpkin carving, s'mores, campfire songs, a costume contest and animal feedings.  To reserve your spot for this unique camping adventure, call (619) 659-8078 option 2, or book online www.lionstigersandbears.org

East County News Service

October 9, 2017 (El Cajon) – The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), a 2,500-member trade group for San Diego-area realtors, will provide free paper shredding and electronic recycling services from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18, at PSAR’s East County Service Center, 1150 Broadway, El Cajon. The event is open to the public.

By Miriam Raftery

October 8, 2017 (El Cajon) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will present this year’s “A Toast to East County” on Sunday, October 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.  at the El Cajon Elks Lodge 1812 (1400 E. Washington Ave., El Cajon).

East County News Service

October 7, 2017 (Santee/La Mesa) -- San Diego County Crime Stoppers along with investigators from the Santee Sheriff’s Station are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating a man wanted for identity theft.

The victim from Santee never lost her credit card and does not know how her information was compromised.

By Liz Alper

October 7, 2017 (Spring Valley) - Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the international Laurel & Hardy fan club, presents their Halloween program, Howlarious HalloScream! on October 28 at 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbytarian Church in Spring Valley.   The Saps are teaming up with the Theater Organ Society of San Diego and both groups' very own Russ Peck will be playing organ accompanyments to the films.

By Kendra Sitton

October 6, 2017 (Spring Valley) — The Otay Water Board approved the rates and charges for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, as well as a five-year authorization of cost-increases up to 10 percent. The board passed the rate changes in a 4-1 vote on Wednesday, Oct. 4 following a public hearing at its headquarters in Spring Valley.