By Miriam Raftery

September 17, 2017 (Santee) – The officer who shot Robert Westbrook on State Route 125 the evening of September 8^th has been identified as Deputy Freddy Herrero. He has been employed as a deputy sheriff with the San Diego Sheriff’s station for four years and is assigned to the Santee Sheriff’s station.

Classical menu brings on flavor, nostalgia and a bit of surprise

East County News Service

September 15, 2017 (Lemon Grove) -- With a fast approaching debut next month, the neighborhood eatery, Giardino, has finalized its menu and looks forward to opening its doors to the Lemon Grove community. Featuring Italian inspired cuisine in a welcoming and casual setting, the menu will feature a variety of classic dishes found throughout Italy.

East County News Service

September 15, 2017 (La Mesa) – Miguel Angel Rojas, 54, owner of the La Torta restaurant in La Mesa, died on September 10^th.

“ A husband, father, brother and friend, Miguel, was beloved by many,” states  a GoFundMe page set up by Rojas’ stepdaughter to help his wife, Felicia, and daughters.  “Many people came to know Miguel through his food and friendship.  Unfortunately, Miguel was taken from the Rojas/Reed family very suddenly and without preparation. Any donations received will be used for funeral services, hospital bills and to support Miguel's wife and daughters. Prayers and condolences are appreciated.”

By Miriam Raftery

September 14, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) - The Sunrise Powerlink Fire Mitigation Group (SPFMG) invites you to a public open house where you can learn more about the fire mitigation grants program and the results of the Year 2017 Grants Program.  The open house will be held Tuesday, September 19 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine.

By Jonathan Goetz

September 14, 2017 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa City Council gave the green light to Silvergate’s 130-unit apartment development at the site of the former Little Flower Haven Convent on La Mesa Blvd., reversing their earlier 2-2 deadlock.  The item passed 4-0 with Councilman Colin Parent recused because he lives near the site.

The development sparked mass opposition from neighbors, primarily due to a parking variance that allowed 193 parking spaces under a  State "density bonus" law as opposed to 260 spaces under La Mesa municipal code, because 10% of the project will be affordable housing units.

Council insisted their hands were tied and that they risked jail time if they didn’t approve the development.  The reversal comes after the developer’s lawyer sent a letter threatening to sue the city if Council would not approve the project.

By Drum Macomber

September 15, 2017 (El Cajon) -- At Wednesday night's El Cajon City Council meeting, The El Cajon Main Street Flag Program was honored for 15 years of  the flag program, which started on September 2, 2002 after 9-11.

Screenings find heart abnormalities in 1 of 300 teens tested

East County News Service

September 13, 2017 (Lakeside) – Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) occurs when a heart unexpectedly stops beating because of an undetected heart abnormality. To combat this syndrome, which is a leading cause of death in people under age 25 and the #1 killer of student athletes, the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation is hosting a free heart screening on Sunday, September 17th from 9 am. to 3 p.m. at El Capitan High School (10410 Ashwood St. Lakeside, CA 92040).

By Miriam Raftery

September 12, 2017 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Village Voice, originally founded to halt the Park Station proposed highrise project, has published an editorial on its Facebook page criticizing a proposed apartment project on the site of the former Little Haven convent The editorial also suggests that a proposal to eliminate the city’s design review board would simply clear hurdles for developers in the future. 

The La Mesa Village Voice editorial states in part, "Do you care about development in the Village? If so, you must read this. You may not be aware of the Little Flower Haven Apartment Complex Development that is being proposed at the old covenant on La Mesa Blvd. It may not affect you, it may not interest you, but the way the council responds to the developers pushing it through should – because it’s a window into the future of La Mesa."

Read the full editorial and discussion, including extensive comments by Council members Guy McWhirter and Kristine Alessio (photos, top left):  https://www.facebook.com/LaMesaVillageVoice/posts/1398618196853750 and see highlights below of the editorial and online responses below.

Video: Teams compete at the 2017 Ramona Grape Stomp Competition

By Miriam Raftery

September 10, 2017 (Ramona) – To the strains of songs like “Mountain Dew”,  teams of competitors vied to see who could crush the most grapes in two minutes and emerge champion at the first-ever Ramona Grape Stomp this weekend.

Teams chose names such as the “Juicy Lucys” or the “Toe Jammers.”  One team member stomped the ripe purple grapes, the other filled a cup with juice spurting out of a spigot on a wine barrel.

A Grape Stomp princess was also on hand to help officiate as contestants hopped in feet first, demonstrating their stomping skills on stage as the audience cheered them on with gusto.

By Jake Christie

September 10, 2017 (Spring Valley) -- A small section of Spring Valley suffered two power outages on August 28-29 and September 2-3, knocking power out on half of Vista Drive and Helix Street from where it connects to Lamar Street almost to the point where Helix connects to Montemar Drive. In the first instance, the power was out from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and the second from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

By Miriam Raftery

September 8, 2017 (Santee) – A 17-year-old has been arrested for allegedly flashing women on a trail at Walker Preserve in Santee.

By Kendra Sitton

Photo:  Patrick Webb presents his arguments.

September 6, 2017 (La Mesa) — After months of delays, a judgement is finally expected for the permanent liquor license of Hollywood Casino in Jamul. Closing arguments were presented by multiple attorneys before an administrative law judge for the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board on Sept. 6 at Skyline Church in La Mesa in front of a crowd of Jamul residents and tribal members.

Update 5:02 p.m. - Forward spread has been stopped. Fire is still zero percent contained at 20 acres. Firefighting aircraft are on scene.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

September 7, 2017 (Potrero)  4:52 p.m. -- A brush fire burning in Potrero, one mile west of the Tecate Port of Entry, is now 20 acres and zero percent contained, however forward spread has been stopped.

Cal Fire has named the blaze, which began within the hour,the #BorderFire9.

By Jonathan Goetz

September 7, 2017 (Jamul) - Members of the Jamul Indian Village tribal government presented $2,677,500 to the San Diego County Fire Authority Tuesday at the fire station across the street from Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego. This is on top of a recent $1.1 million contribution toward road and traffic improvements.

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

September 5, 2017 (La Mesa) - Amidst all the high school football, Helix High field hockey is ready to start a new season.  Tonight, they faced the Centurions of University City High in La Jolla in their first matchup of the season.