Source: Alpine Fire

September 11, 2016 (Alpine) – The Alpine Fire Protection District (AFPD) recently improved its rating from a national insurance risk company, which may result in lower insurance coverage rates residents and business owners in the District.  The District was recently notified by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) that after a recent re-evaluation of the AFPD a rating of 2/2Y will be effective September 1, 2016.

East County News Service

September 8, 2016 (El Cajon) -- The Sycuan band of the Kumeyaay nation will host its annual pow-wow on September 9-11 at the Sycuan reservation (5459 Sycuan Road) in El Cajon. 

The three-day tribal gathering will feature traditional Native American dances, hand drum contests, bird singing and dancing competitions for cash prizes, peon games, authentic Indian cuisine and a flag ceremony.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

September 9, 2016 (El Cajon) - Keep your eyes open the next time you fill up at the gas pump. Someone has been installing scanning devices known as "skimmers" inside credit card readers at gas stations. They can steal your credit or debit card information, including pin numbers, and use it to make fraudulent purchases.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department has partnered with local and federal agencies to investigate these crimes, which include thefts at 7-11 stations in El Cajon. Several arrests have already been made. The investigation is ongoing.

Here are things you can do to protect yourself:

East County News Service

September 7, 2016 (El Cajon) -- A memorial tribute was held Monday night at Grossmont High School to honor the life of Ryan Wilcox, 18, who passed away after a valiant battle against cancer since age 3 and more recently, leukemia.  Ryan’s struggle captured the hearts of people across the community, even drawing Hollywood celebrities to his home in El Cajon.

By Kathy Carpenter

Associate /Youth Reviewer www.sdtheatre.com

September 7, 2016  (Santee) - From the name LITTLE Mary Sunshine and the photo of the play I thought this play to be a Dudley Do-right type show, I was not disappointed. I found not as dastardly but a cutesy cartoony kind of happiness--the kind that puts a smile on your face as you enjoy the corny comedy. Teri Ang brought together a cast to spread the sunshine. This is a great way to end the summer—and the show even had a touch of patriotism, perfect for the Labor day weekend.

East County News Service

September 6, 2016 (Ramona) – A 33-year-old motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck while attempting to pass a Toyota Tacoma shortly before 1 p.m. today in Ramona.

East County News Service

Photo by Kristin Kjaero

September 5, 2016 (Spring Valley) – A 17-year-old was arrested yesterday and is being charged with willfully and maliciously setting fire to forest land, CAL FIRE reports.  The juvenile is believed to be responsible for starting the Pointe Fire on August 17^th, which charred 25 acres in Spring Valley, forced evacuation of homes, put the public at risk and injured a firefighter.

By Miriam Raftery

September 5, 2016 (La Mesa) – A new business association led by prominent business leaders in La Mesa has arisen to fill the gap left by the troubled La Mesa Village Merchants Association. The new 501(c)6 nonprofit, the La Mesa Village Association (LMVA), held its inaugural community outreach meeting last week at the San Pasqual Wine  Bar Tasting Room in the village,  drawing a packed house.

By Miriam Raftery

September 4, 2016 (Lakeside) – County Planning Commissioner Michael Beck,founder of the Endangered Habitat League,former head of the Lakeside River Park Conservancy and current board member of theSan Diego River Park Foundation, has drawn sharp criticism from some Lakeside residents over his involvement with the El Monte Nature Preserve LLC that is proposing a sand mine in El Monte Valley.  One prominent activist has called for Beck to recuse himself from voting for conflict of interest reasons.

Now Beck, in an exclusive interview with East County Magazine, says he’s always planned to recuse himself from voting on the controversial project—and also defends his efforts to get the best long-term environmental restoration possible for a project he believes will likely be approved as an allowable use under current zoning. No one has asked that the zoning designation be changed, he notes.

By the East County Eaters

September 4, 2016 (El Cajon) – Long known for its flame-grilled steaks, cattle rancher roots and Western-themed décor,  Black Angus restaurants have now added a new hand-crafted, fresh juice cocktail menu to their Bulls Eye Bar.   From a Brazilian margarita that may make you want to dance the Samba to a Citrus Pomegranate Mule, you’ll find plenty to whet your whistle during all-day Happy Hours each Sunday , or from 3-7 p.m. all other days except Saturday.

We stopped by the Black Angus in El Cajon, where we savored some refreshing libations as well as tasty appetizers that roped us in to stay for a full dinner feast. 

East County News Service

September 3, 2016 (Mount Laguna) – You’re invited to step back in time and enjoy an authentic 1800-1840s Rocky Mountain fur trader’s encampment at the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous from Sept.30 to Oct. 9.  Day visitors and period campers are welcome.

By Helen Ofield, Lemon Grove Historical Society

September 2, 2016 (Lemon Grove) -- Flower children—isn't that all of us?

In celebration of its many fans, Steiger Floral Arts, 8057 Broadway, Lemon Grove, will hold its third annual Good Neighbor Day on Sept. 10. That's when posy meister Chuck Ellerbee presents free bouquets to anyone, 18 and over, who walks in the door.

East County News Service

September 2, 2016 (Santee) - Come celebrate local women in business and leadership at Santee Lakes' Ladies at the Lake Women's Expo.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Ozzie Monge

September 1,2016 (San Diego’s East County) –  Native Americans held a protest Wednesday outside theNavy’s new SEAL training center on Coronado over desecration of  an area  where  ancient Indian remains were found. 

The 12 tribes of the Kumeyaay Nation have asked the Navy to move the construction boundary to preserve the site where tribal members believe more remains are likely located, but so far the Navy has refused. 

“To us, the sight of those machines brutally ripping our ancestors from the ground is no different than it would be for those very same Navy personnel to watch bulldozers rip through Arlington National Cemetery, scattering the bodies of fallen soldiers carelessly under the metal treads,” Cynthia Parada, Councilwoman of the La Posta Band of Mission Indians, wrote on a Facebook page for the Save Our Ancestors from Desecration event.

By Miriam Raftery

September 1,2016  (San Diego’s East County) – Beyond the blizzard of ballot measures statewide and candidates on your November ballot, East County voters will be asked to weigh in on a variety of local initiatives with big impacts.

Those include countywide measures:  one a tax to fund transportation, the other  a measure that would set a precedent for developers to  evade environmental reviews by taking projects directly to voters.   There are also medical marijuana dispensary measures on the ballots in Lemon Grove and La Mesa, a redistricting proposal in El Cajon, and school bond measures in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College, Grossmont Union High School, and Cajon Valley  Union school districts.  Here are details: