East County News Service

March 2, 2017 (Warner Springs) – Storm damage caused a complete loss of pressure to a portion of Warner Springs Ranch Resort’s drinking water system.  So, the County’s Department of Environmental Health has issued a boil water order for the Warner Springs Ranch Resort’s water system, which provides drinking water to the Warner Springs Ranch Golf Grill, Warner Springs Airport, staff housing, St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, and Warner Springs Ranch Resort, which is currently under renovation and not yet open to the public.

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo:  El Cajon Councilman Ben Kalasho faces resistance on new group to bring holiday cheer to seniors

March 1, 2017 (El Cajon) - Freshman El Cajon Councilman Ben Kalasho was impressed by the Santee Santas, and wants to bring the idea to El Cajon. Kalasho envisions an organization, El Cajon Elves that would bring carols, socks and slippers to elders around the holidays.

But groups that already serve seniors, including the AARP and the Salvation Army, turned up to oppose the City of El Cajon from releasing $5,000 in seed money to the El Cajon Elves, and requested that the funds instead be given to one of the existing organizations already serving senior citizens. No one testifed in support of the city providing seed money to start a new nonprofit.

By Miriam Raftery

March 1, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Two local school districts in La Mesa and Warner Springs are serving bottled water to students and staff due to water quality concerns.

La Mesa Spring Valley School District announced that it has voluntarily shut down drinking fountains and water used for cooking, while awaiting tests on drinking water quality. Superintendent Brian Marshall says the change is due to an “abundance of caution.”

East County News Service

March 1, 2017 (Borrego Springs) -- Once in a blue moon our deserts get big winter rains and explode into an extraordinary spring bloom. Join the Water Conservation Garden's Director of Horticulture, Clayton Tschudy, for a wildflower tour of the Anza-Borrego State Park on Saturday, March 4.

By Miriam Raftery

February 28, 2017 (Spring Valley) – Otay Water Board member Hector Gastelum is in hot water over offensive comments he made on Twitter about Muslims—and now the Board is proposing a resolution to condemn discrimination.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Diva discovered in La Mesa

February 27, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Lenelle Wylie of La Mesa is a diva--in the best sense of the word. This diva can sing, dance, and act. In Wylie’s case, the meaning of diva would also include high school biology teacher, winning coach, wife, and mother to pre-teens.

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.