By Mike Allen

Photo, left:  shot of early stage treatment of reclaimed water at PD water recycling plant just north of Santee Lakes.

February 27, 2017 (Santee) -- While the recent rainy weather has improved what was a critical drought situation for much of California, officials at the Padre Dam Municipal Water District continue work on a regional water reclamation program to convert sewage discharge into drinkable water.

East County News Service

February 26, 2017 (Borrego Springs) — The 28^th annual Circle of Art Show and Art Sale celebrating art in the desert will take place Saturday March 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. .and Sunday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Christmas Circle in the heart of Borrego Springs.

East County News Service

Story and photos by Paul Kruze

February 23, 2017 (El Cajon) --Some 300 demonstrators staged a boisterous rally late Thursday afternoon near the El Cajon district office of 50th District U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter (R-El Cajon) on Magnolia and Bradley Avenue. Hunter’s office issued a release earlier stating that his staff would no longer meet with constituents from the group, then shut down the office today in response to the protest rally.

The protestors held up placards representing a mixed array of concerns over his stances on key issues, drawing attention during rush hour traffic, including demonstrators on an overpass visible to motorists on State Route 67.  Their concerns include repeal of the Affordable Care Act, President Trump’s immigration policies, defunding Planned Parenthood, Trump’s election, and an ongoing investigation of Hunter’s alleged improper use of campaign funds.

East County News Service

February 23, 2017 (Santee) – The Santee Garden Club announces upcoming meetings,  an “All About Worms” vermicomposting workshop, and a plant sale.

The club meetings at the Santee Library (9225 Carlton Hills Blvd., #17) on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

East County News Service

February 22, 2017 (Lakeside) – From a 5K run/walk to the ever popular Boars and Brew fest, classes, hikes, a gala and a haunted trail, Lakeside  River Park Conservancy has a wealth of fascinating events coming up this year.

By Miriam Raftery

February 21, 2017 (Santee) – For the past 20 years, Santee has lacked an indoor movie theatre, having only a drive-in that’s a throw-back from the ‘50s. But soon, city residents will be able to choose from multiple films to view without leaving town or parking at the drive-in venue.

Source:  La Mesa Police

February 20, 2017 (La Mesa) – An 80-year-old woman who was reported missing this morning from an assisted living facility in the 7900 block of Culowee Street in La Mesa has been found safe in the City of San Diego, the La Mesa Police Department reports.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Library entrance, Proposal A

February 19, 2017 (Borrego Springs) -- Proposed designs for the new Borrego Springs Library/Park/Sheriff's Substation project are be viewable online from February 18, 2017 to February 24, 2017. The public is invited to view the three proposed designs at: http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/general_services/Facility_Planning_Design_Construction.html

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Supervisors have rejected plans for a renewable energy overlay zone feasibility study, which would have cost an estimated half million dollars. The action came during a hearing on a Comprehensive Renewable Energy Plan.

Donna Tisdale, Chair of the Boulevard Planning Group and founder of Backcountry Against Dumps (BAD), voiced relief at the Supervisors’ rejection of the overlay zone.  “A renewable energy overlay zone would fast track any projects located within the designated boundaries. Based on some previous information, we had concerns that a renewable energy overlay zone would be placed over the Boulevard Planning Area and/or the Jacumba Planning Area,” she told ECM.

East County News Service

February 17, 2017 (El Cajon) -- The Voices of the City Choir will appear in concert at the El Cajon Library, located at 201 E. Douglas Avenue, Saturday, March 4, at 2:00 p.m.  The 30-voice ensemble, composed of homeless singers, will present a wide-ranging program of ballads, jazz, and gospel infused pop songs, backed up by a professional, 3-piece rhythm section.

East County News Service

February 17, 2017 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free program on “Coloring for Stress Relief” from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22. The program is part of the library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Advance RSVP is not necessary. Handouts will be available.

By Andy Tolley, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 16, 2017 (Lakeside) - The County cut the ribbon Thursday for the new Helix Flume Trail in Lakeside, and a group took an inaugural hike on the 0.8-mile path. It may be short in distance, but it’s long on history, with signs that share the story of early water transportation in San Diego. It also feature spectacular views of Lake Jennings and El Cajon Mountains.

The trailhead is located at 14003-14023 El Monte Road in Lakeside.

Source: City of El Cajon

February 16, 2017 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon has announced five public workshops on redistricting set for February 22, 23 and 28, as well as March 1 and April 18.  All are from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   See location details at the bottom of the article.