Communities

WANTED: UP TO $1,000 REWARD FOR ROBBERY SUSPECT WHO FIRED BB GUN AT STORE EMPLOYEES AND THREATENED ANOTHER WITH A HATCHET

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 21, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Public help is sought to locate a suspect who robbed a Best Buy in La Mesa and Walmart stores in Santee and El Cajon. The suspect fire shots from a BB gun at store employees in two locations and threatened another employee with a hatchet before fleeing in a brown, four-door Buick.  County Crime Stoppers is offer a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of this suspected wanted for multiple robberies and assaults with a deadly weapon.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HIGH “STEAKS” WIN: FINAL CUT AT HOLLYWOOD CASINO JAMUL-SAN DIEGO

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

 

March 21, 2017 (Jamul) – Final Cut Steakhouse offers a premier menu of artfully prepared dishes served up amid the glamour of vintage Hollywood. You can also savor spectacular scenic views through a wall of windows high atop the new Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego.

You don’t have to be a gambler to be a winner at Final Cut Steakhouse!

 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TRUMP DEATH THREAT POSTED IN EAST COUNTY

 

East County News Service

March 20, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Graffiti threatening President Donald Trump has been found along a wall facing Interstate 8 east between Los Coches Road and the Lake Jennings exit in unincorporated El Cajon, NBC 7 reports.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: SPRINGTIME IN HARRY GRIFFEN PARK

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 19, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Wildflowers are popping up all East County over after the winter rains -- including these sunflowers springing forth at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa.

The park, located behind Grossmont High School,  has idyllic paths for strolling  or walking your dogs through areas of native vegetation just starting to blossom.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SEWAGE SPILL NEAR LAKESIDE RESULTS IN WATER CONTACT CLOSURE FOR LOS COCHES CREEK

  

 

 

Source: County of San Diego

March 19, 2017 (San Diego's East County)--An estimated 900,000 gallon sewage spill was identified Friday, March 17th at Los Coches Creek near East Sierra Alta Way in unincorporated El Cajon, the County announced today. The sewage entered the creek after an underground sewer pipe became exposed and significantly damaged during the February 27th storms.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

JAMUL INDIAN VILLAGE TO DELIVER NEW FIRE TRUCKS TO COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY, IMPROVE REGIONAL FIRE SAFETY

 

East County News Service

March 18, 2017 (Jamul) -- Leading up to what could be a busy fire season in San Diego County, the Jamul Indian Village will officially hand over the keys and deliver a new $1 million ladder truck and $500,000 pumper truck to the San Diego County Fire Authority on Tuesday.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FLYING HIGH: ELLEN OCHOA NAMED TO U.S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: NASA

March 18, 2017 (La Mesa) — I remember Ellen Ochoa from our student days at Parkway Junior High School.  She was brilliant, having already skipped two grades and still maintaining an “A” average. So, I’m not surprised at her stellar career, which included becoming the first Hispanic woman astronaut in space and now, induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.  Congratulations to a true local hero!


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ST. PAWTRICK’S DAY PHOTO BOOTH AT HARRY GRIFFEN PARK

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 18, 2017 (La Mesa)—If you’d like an Irish-themed photo with your dogs,  stop by the first-ever holiday photo booth today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. just outside the dog run, on the grass, at Harry Griffen Park (9950 Milden St.)  in La Mesa .  You’ll find props, clothes and signs to put you and your pups in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit – free of charge, thanks to the nonprofit Canine Corners board.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ATKINS BILLS TO PROTECT SAN DIEGO RIVER, FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVANCE IN LEGISLATURE

 

View a video on the San Diego River Conservancy’s report to the Legislature

March 18, 2017 (Sacramento) -- This week, two bills authored by Sen. Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) cleared key policy committees and moved on to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. One wil help enhance portions of the San Diego River in East County. The other provides funding to build affordable housing.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON HONORS SUNSHINE HORTON FOR “GENEROUS SPIRIT” AS CIVIC VOLUNTEER

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 17, 2017 (El Cajon) — El Cajon’s City Council declared Tuesday, March 14th as Sunshine Horton Day to honor the city’s Goodwill Promoter. 

Horton, who was previously named El Cajon Citizen of the Year in 2012,  has been improving the lives of East County residents for nearly 40 years.  “We appreciate all she has done to make El Cajon a better place for all,” Mayor Wells stated in the proclamation.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BOYS LACROSSE: THREE HILLERS NET HAT TRICKS AS GROSSMONT TERRORIZES NORSEMEN 16-0

 

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity?  Drop a line on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 17, 2017 (El Cajon) - In the midst of Helix basketball’s playoff run, spring sports have begun in East County’s high schools and on St. Patrick's Day, Valhalla High boys lacrosse traveled to Grossmont for an early season conference matchup which marked the beginning of conference play.  Both teams are struggling in the young season; the Norsemen are 0-4 and the Foothillers are 0-3.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

KALASHO SAYS EL CAJON MAYOR’S PROPOSAL TO BAN COUNCIL MEMBERS' USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES IS ILLEGAL

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 17, 2017 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells has proposed banning City Council members from using iPads, cell phones or other electronic devices during Council hearings.

They Mayor says his goal in introducing item 6.3 on the agenda during the March 14th public hearing was to assure that members are giving public hearings their full attention and not engaging in outside communications, assuring transparency.  But Councilman Kalasho claims the move is unconstitutional and targets him.  Members of the public who spoke sided with Kalasho in a testy exchange that can be viewed on video (starting at approximately 52 minutes, 44 seconds):  https://elcajonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=1049&Format=Agenda


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DUI ENFORCEMENT TONIGHT IN EL CAJON

 

East County News Service

Photo:  Rollover crash caused by a drunk driver

March 17, 2017 (El Cajon) - Before you head out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, be aware that El Cajon Police will have a DUI checkpoint tonight from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. in areas with high rates of DUI collisions or arrests in the past.  The checkpoint aims to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers as part of a traffic safety campaign.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DENTAL DISCOUNTS FOR DOG FOOD DONATIONS TO HELP SENIORS IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

March 16, 2017 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Modern Dental Group (5620 Lake Murray Blvd.) is partnering with Animals, a nonprofit that provides animal services for the elderly.  Any patient who brings in a bag of dogfood to donate will receive a 15 percent discount on treatment.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BOYS BASKETBALL: HIGHLANDERS FIGHT TO THE FINISH IN 56-53 WIN OVER CARSON; ADVANCE TO REGIONAL FINALS

 

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity?  Drop a line on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 14, 2017 (La Mesa) - Helix High varsity boys basketball has breezed through two rounds of the Division IV CIF playoffs.  They defeated Granada Hills Charter last Wednesday night in Round I, followed by a rout of West High from Torrance on Saturday night in Round II, now it was time for the regional semifinals tonight against Carson High School from Carson, California.  The Colts have had a phenomenal season and entered San Diego with a 23-6 record on the season.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SPRING HARP FEST APRIL 15 IN LA MESA

 

 

East County News Service

March 14, 2017 (La Mesa) – The 18th annual Spring Harp Fest, showing harmonica players and more, will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park (9550 Milden St.) in La Mesa. 

The event is free though a $10 donation is suggested. Funds are used to donate harmonicas to local schools. This year’s lineup includes:


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HUNTER FACES TOUGH QUESTIONS AT A RAUCOUS TOWN HALL IN RAMONA

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Video by Paul Kruze

 

Photos: Protesters hold up red "disagree" signs (left) at town hall hosted by Rep. Duncan Hunter (right).


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HISTORY ALIVE: THE “CHOSIN FEW,” A SPECIAL BAND OF BROTHERS, APRIL 6 IN LEMON GROVE

 

By Helen Ofield, President, Lemon Grove Historical Society

March 13, 2017 (Lemon Grove) -- Harold Ward, Robert Weishan and  Lt. Col. Jean White, members of the "Chosin Few," join the Lemon Grove Historical Society on April 6th at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3207 Olive, Lemon Grove, to remember the Battle of Chosin and so much else in the Korean War, 1950-1953.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LAKESIDE'S RIVER PARK CONSERVANCY'S SAN DIEGO RIVER RUN 5K SET FOR MAY 6

 

East County News Service

March 13, 2017 (Lakeside)  - Lakeside's River Park Conservancy will hold the 10th annual San Diego River Run 5k on Saturday, May 6 from  8 a.m. to 11 a.m.at the Lakeside River Park trail.

The San Diego River Run 5k will be held in the morning this year, with on-site registration beginning at 7:00 am and the race starting at 8:00 am. The event will take place at Lakeside's River Park located at 10398 Channel Road, Lakeside.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SPRING VALLEY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GRAND OPENING OF 33,082 SQUARE-FOOT LIFE CENTER MARCH 31

 

Source:  Mount Miguel Covenant Village

Photo, left:  an artist’s rendering of the entry way at Mount Miguel Covenant Village’s new Life Center.

March 13, 2017 (Spring Valley) – On the heels of a year-long 50th anniversary celebration, Mount Miguel Covenant Village, a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community will celebrate the grand opening of its $19.1 million Life Center that will serve as the hub of community life.

On March 31, 2017, at 4 p.m., the public is invited to an Open House, which will include a screening of a brief film about Mount Miguel Covenant Village in the new 24-seat movie theater, followed by hors d’oeuvres and a tour of the Life Center. Reservations are required for the Open House by calling 877-226-7350 or visiting www.mountmiguelcovenantvillage.org.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER ASKS CA ATTORNEY GENERAL TO NAME SPECIAL PROSECUTOR FOR OLANGO CASE

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Rev. Shane Harris during a January interview with East County Magazine on KNSJ

March 13, 2017 (El Cajon) — Rev. Shane Harris at the National Action Network in San Diego announced that he has asked Calif. Attorney General Xavier Becerra to appoint a special prosecutor to conduct an independent investigation into the death of Alfred Olango. Olango, an African-American man, was fatally shot in Sept. 2016 by an El Cajon Police officer.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HOMELESSNESS IN LA MESA: LA MESA CONVERSATIONS MIXER MARCH 23

 

East County News Service

March 13, 2017 (La Mesa) – Homelessness in LA Mesa will be the topic for the next La Mesa Conversation mixer on Thursday, March 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Johnny B’s restaurant, 83993 La Mesa Blvd. 

The guest speaker will be Lois Knowlton EdD,  Homelessness and Affordable Housing Advocate at  La Mesa First United Methodist Church. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

VISITORS SWARM TO ALPINE HONEY FESTIVAL

 

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

March 13, 2017 (Alpine) -- Alpine’s First Annual Honey Festival, held March 11th, included teaching youths in their community about the history of their land.  That history includes honey and its production. In fact, this region was once the honey producing capitol of the world! Kids dressed up as bees and participated in an art show that portrayed bees and hives, with major doses of yellow and black.  But teaching kids about their local history was just a part of the festival.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

NIGHT HIGHWAY WORK IN RAMONA STARTS SUNDAY: TRAFFIC CONGESTION EXPECTED

 

Source: Caltrans

March 13, 2017 (Ramona) -- Lane closures and one-way traffic control will take place on Highland Valley Road near the State Route 67 (SR-67) intersection Sunday and Monday from 7 p.m.-5 a.m., according to Caltrans. The closures are needed to install a new drainage system beneath the roadway as part of the SR-67 Dye Road/Highland Valley Road Improvement Project.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

STATE ROUTE 67 CLOSURES

 

Source: Caltrans

March 13, 2017 (El Cajon/Lakeside) -- Caltrans construction crews will close one lane on northbound State Route 67 between Interstate 8 in El Cajon and Mapleview Street in Lakeside on Monday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The closure is needed to apply a fog seal – a protective pavement coating. The same closure will take place Tuesday if needed to complete the work.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WILDFLOWER JAMS: VISITORS FLOCKING TO BORREGO SPRINGS CAUSE LONG TRAFFIC DELAYS

 

East County News Service

March 12, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – The recent rainstorms have created quite a sight in the Borrego Springs area: a desert wildflower bloom that hasn't been this vibrant in years. But those blossoms are also attracting huge crowds, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department warns, and that’s led to traffic problems on roadways in and around Borrego Springs.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SHOOTING ON I-8 IN LA MESA INJURES MAN

 

East County News Service

March 12, 2017 (La Mesa) – A passenger in the backseat of a 2005 Infiniti Q45 traveling east on I-8 near Fletcher Parkway was injured by a bullet fired from a passing vehicle at 4 a.m. At least five rounds were fired, said California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Pearlstein.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ROSES, TEA AND EMMA WITH THE EAST COUNTY ROSE SOCIETY APRIL 15

 

 

East County News Service

March 10, 2017 (Alpine) - Join the East County Rose Society as they drink tea and discuss Jane Austen's novel, Emma, on April 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Alpine Library.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DESPITE NEW BOARD MEMBERS, HELIX WATER RATES ARE STILL GOING UP

 

 

Board tables proposal to reduce rates due to skimpy reserves

By Jonathan Goetz

March 9, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Two Helix Water Board incumbents who voted for multi-year double digit water rate increases were ousted in November. But that didn’t prevent water rates in this district serving 270,000 people from increasing 10.1% earlier this year, as the prior board had approved. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

JOIN LA MESA CHAMBER IN CELEBRATING 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAMPLIGHTERS THEATRE JUNE 21ST

 

East County News Service

March 9, 2017 (La Mesa) – On Wednesday, June 21st, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Lamplighters Community Theatre will welcome members, local businesses and guests to the Lamplighters Community Theatre’s 80th Anniversary celebration.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages