By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Children’s Weekly

August 15, 2017 (El Cajon) – Today is Sunshine Horton’s 72^nd birthday. Each year since 1995, Sunshine Horton has done a Miracle Maker birthday to raise money for Rady Children’s Hospital.

“For my 50^th birthday I wanted to thank this country for giving me such a great life and I wanted to do something special, so I went to the Sheriff’s Department and they told me to do a walk.

By Miriam Raftery

August 14, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – “In recent months, the Rancho San Diego Command has experienced a trend of violent take-over style robberies of marijuana dispensaries,” Sergeant K. Murashige with the Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s substation says, adding, “In each case, armed guards were not a deterrent, the suspects were all armed, dispensary staff members failed to call for help even after people were physically assaulted, and in some cases the staff members refused to allow law enforcement to enter, causing a stand-off situation that stretched the department's resources in helping victims.”

By Robert Gehr

August 14, 2017 (Santee) -- I spent a wonderful Sunday morning hanging out with my ‘son’ Jeffrey Caton and his son Jeffrey junior at this relaxing place of beauty.

The morning dawning was cool and slightly overcast, with a hushed calm accompanied by the pleasant sounds and smell of nature filling my senses.

Broil & brewfest will benefit La Mesa Police Department Peer Support Fundraiser

August 12, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Looking for a true southern cookout without having to travel to New Orleans? The Hills Pub has just the summer broil and brew event for you!

On Saturday, August 26, La Mesa’s The Hills Local Pub will be hosting its first annual neighborhood Crawfish Broil in conjunction with local breweries. From 2- 6 p.m., foodie enthusiasts can enjoy hearty portions of flavorful crawfish prepared and prepped in true bayou-style. The Hills will also have a smoker with slow-cooked sausages, and energetic live music will keep the party going all night long.

By Robert Gehr

August 11, 2017 (El Cajon) - The now closed Hometown Buffet building located at 390 west Main St. in El Cajon is currently being transformed into a brand new Golden Corral buffet restaurant.

As I write this article, construction is going on inside and out, giving the place a fresh new look and feel.

By Kendra Sitton

Photo:  Mrs. Monreau addresses Member John Eugenio while the public views the plans

August 10, 2017 (Spring Valley) -- In the warm training room at Otay Water District headquarters, every seat was filled by Spring Valley residents who quickly grew heated by the long process before Agenda Item 5, a proposal for the old shopping center at Sweetwater Springs Boulevard and Austin Drive, was reached.

Photo: Iesha Booker and Mayor Bill Wells (Credit: Mary Ann Prall)

East County News Service

August 10, 2017 (El Cajon) -- On Tuesday, Iesha Booker, an MTS worker who aided a fallen police officer, was given a commendation at the El Cajon City Council meeting in front of a packed Council chamber and half a dozen news crews.   After a suspect beat the officer unconscious at a KFC restaurant, Booker used the officer’s radio to summon help, as ECM reported.

East County News Service

August 9, 2017 (Lemon Grove) — A Sheriff’s deputy patrolling the Palm Street area in Lemon Grove recognized a face he’d seen on a Crime Stoppers Bulletin. Last night at 11 p.m., he arrested Rainier Raroque, 31, who was wanted for failing to register as a sex offender.

By Valerie Watts 

August 9, 2017 (Alpine) -- The family and friends of Cash Osuna-Sutton will have a fundraising booth at the upcoming Kumeyaay Gathering at the Viejas Tribal Hall, 1 Viejas Grade Rd, Alpine on August 19 starting at 12 noon. Raffle tickets will be sold for $2 each or 5 for $10, with the prize drawing at 6:00 pm.  Any size monetary donation is also welcome.  Tickets are also available for purchase from the Viejas Community & Public Relations office located at the Viejas Outlet Center. 

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

August 9, 2017 (Alpine) — “I hear you singin’ in the wire,” lyrics from “Wichita Lineman” released in 1968 by the late Glen Campbell, are words many linemen might know by heart and perhaps sang under their breath at the 17^th annual SDG&E Gas and Electric Lineman’s Rodeo held August 5^th in Alpine.

Wood-smoked BBQ fired up night in annual town tradition featuring slow-cooked beef, beer garden, live Western music, cash prize darwing, vendor booth, kids' activities and more

By Valerie Watts

August 9, 2017 (Descanso) --Ready for a nostalgic mountain community bash on Labor Day weekend?  Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Descanso invites you to their 80th annual deep pit barbecue. 

This family-friendly event will be held the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, September 3, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 9163 Riverside Drive.

The menu features their famous hand-wrapped deep pit barbecue beef, mountain ranch beans, handcrafted slaw and western rolls.  It doesn't stop there-- they also offer home made apple pie, "drinks galore" and more.

East County News Service

August 8, 2017 (Alpine) -- The quarterly potluck meeting of the Alpine Historical Society will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 20^th at the Alpine Woman’s Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd. The speaker, Rochelle Lynn Gaudette, will discuss new the exhibit titled Coast to Cactus in Southern California and the accompanying book Coast to Cactus: The Canyoneer Trail Guide to San Diego Outdoors. If you have ever been curious about the geology, ecology and biodiversity of San Diego County this is a great opportunity to learn from an expert.

By Miriam Raftery

August 8, 2017 (Pine Valley) – Effective today, the Pine Valley Fire Protection District has dissolved and has joined the San Diego County Fire Authority (SDCFA).  The Pine Valley district has served this mountain community and surrounding areas for over 70 years.

Captain Garmo speaks out on community outreach, police brutality and immigration

 

By Kendra Sitton

August 7, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) -- Cities across San Diego celebrated the National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, Aug. 1st. The Rancho San Diego Command hosted an event in the Target parking lot, where community members and police officers grilled hot dogs and visited booths. The National Night Out Against Crime is part of the wider public outreach strategy utilized by the RSD Command.

“We’re really involved in community policing. We take a lot of pride in doing a lot of outreach through faith-based and through community groups,” said Captain Marco Garmo. “Community outreach is so, so important. It’s just as important as putting bad guys in jail. They hold equal ground. We have to put resources towards it.”

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2017 (La Mesa) — Scammers claiming to be from the “La Mesa Energy Control Board” have been calling La Mesa residents to solicit information and money, according to a post on the La Mesa Next Door forum.