By Mike Allen

October 18, 2016 (Santee) -- A Santee candidates’ forum held Oct. 13 at Rio Seco School found common ground on some issues, but differences in how to solve problems and shape the city’s future.

The forum, attended by about 200 people, was one of only a few events where the Santee City Council and mayoral candidates for the Nov. 8 election appeared. It was sponsored by Santee Solutions and the Santee Mobilehome Owners Action Committee, and moderated by the San Diego League of Women Voters.

By Miriam Raftery

October 17, 2016 (La Mesa) — Substantial campaign contributions are pouring into the La Mesa City Council race.  Topping the list is challenger Colin Parent, who has raised $63,668 as of the most recent campaign filing deadline.  Incumbent Council member/attorney Kristine Alessio has raised $16,000 of which nearly all, $15,000, is self-funded.  Council member Ruth Sterling’s campaign has raised $3,600, which is 100% self-funded.

East County News Service

October 17, 2016 (Crest) — The Crest Fire Safe Council invites you to meet candidates running for San Miguel Fire Board at the Crest Community Clubhouse (113 North Park Road in the Crest community of unincorporated El Cajon) on Wednesday, October 19 at 7 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy Deerhorn Valley Antler

October 16, 2016 (Jamul) – Since Monday’s opening of the Hollywood Casino in Jamul, several motor vehicle accidents have occurred along State Route 94, heightening residents’ concerns over safety.

The following details are based on a combination of California Highway Patrol incident reports online and eyewitness accounts published by the Deerhorn Valley Antler and its Antler Alerts.

Click audio links to hear our 4-part series of interview with GHD candidates

By Miriam Raftery

Photos: Art Madrid,  Virginia Hall,  Bob Ayres,  Jimmy Parker, Michael Emerson, Priscilla Schreiber

October 15, 2016 (La Mesa) –In a series of interviews, we caught up with each of the six candidates running for the Grossmont Healthcare District Board, which oversees Grossmont Hospital.   The field is diverse, and each candidate brings their unique perspectives and priorities for the public’s health. 

Topics ranged from easing congestion in the hospital’s busy emergency room to oversight of new construction project,  from protecting patient privacy to preparing for the impacts of ballot measures such as an initiative that could legalize marijuana. 

By Miriam Raftery

October 14, 2016 (Jamul) - A GoFundMe site setup yesterday to help a Jamul woman whose three dogs were bitten by a rattlesnake has raised over $7,000.  She is a single mother who can’t afford the costly care needed to save her dogs’ lives.

By Jonathan Goetz

Miriam Raftery contributed to this story.

October 13, 2016 (El Cajon) — During public comment at Tuesday’s El Cajon City Council hearing, residents voiced a range of opinions on the recent police shooting of Alfred Olango, an African refugee reportedly suffering a mental health crisis when an officer advanced on him, gun drawn, then fired after Olango drew a vaping device resembling a gun out of his pocket and pointed it at the officer.

Here are highlights of public comments on the shooting:

East County News Service

October 13, 2016 (La Mesa) - Over 100 dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and rabbits from local rescue groups will be at Grossmont Center looking for a loving home on October 15^th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will be able to meet, play and learn more about each pet. Plus, if you find your perfect match – you can adopt and take your new furry friend home this Halloween!

East County News Service

October 13, 2016 (La Mesa) - Visionary Youth Theatre presents “Annie, Jr” at the Visionary Performance Space (8693 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942) on October 20th - 22nd @ 7pm, directed by Rebekah Ensley.  Bring your family and friends to enjoy as the diverse and talented performers of Visionary Youth Theatre bring to the stage the beloved musical.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos courtesy of  E.  Rullet and Deerhorn Valley Antler

October 13, 2016 (Jamul)—Monday’s grand opening of the Hollywood Casino in Jamul caused traffic backups of several hours.  On Tuesday,  residents report delays were reduced to 15-30 minutes for those seeking to run errands in the rural town of Jamul,  still a hassle for residents who long opposed the casino. Illegal parking along State Route 94 and side roads continue to pose problems, though authorities have begun ticketing vehicles.

Parents have voiced concerns over safety of students at Steele Canyon High School’s homecoming football game and dance this weekend, the first weekend the casino will be in operation.  The traffic and parking issues could also negatively  impact JamulFest Sunday, where Lyons Valley Road closes for a parade and parking is tight even in prior years.

East County News Service

October 12, 2016 (El Cajon) — A man walking along Interstate 8 between the first two lanes Sunday night was struck and killed by a motorist.  The victim is unidentified, said Officer Kevin Pearlstein with the California Highway Patrol.

The deadly accident occurred shortly before midnight near the Greenfield onramp.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Clip art

October 11, 2016 (Dulzura) - A Border Patrol Agent tracking a border crosser on Friday made a grisly discovery:  a human skull.  The Sheriff’s office and Medical Examiner’s office were notified and recovered the remains. During the search, a long bone was located near the skull; no other remains were found.

East County News Service

Oct. 11, 2016 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free program on “Live Your Best Life” from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26. The program is part of the library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Advance RSVP is not necessary. Handouts will be available.

By Miriam Raftery

October 11, 2016 (La Mesa) –  At today’s 4 p.m. meeting, La Mesa City Council will consider a proposal introduced by Council members Bill Baber and Kristine Alessio that would require signatures  of two  Council members to place any item on the agenda.  Under the proposal (item 10 on the agenda), all requests must also be made in writing, be relevant to the official business of the City, and submitted with any pertinent materials by the Wednesday prior to a Tuesday Council hearing.

Until now, any member could ask to add an item to the agenda and seek full discussion, sometimes at the request of a concerned citizen. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos courtesy of Deerhorn Valley Antler and Ray Conser

October 11, 2016 (Jamul) – Opening of the Hollywood Casino Jamul-San Diego yesterday caused extreme traffic delays of to several hours, according to the California Highway Patrol and residents.  The Deerhorn Valley Antler reported 2-4 hour delays.  Traffic on State Route 94 (Campo  Road)  was  backed up for  many miles, all the way from Otay Lakes Road in the south and from  Kenwood Drive in Spring Valley in the north.Side roads such as Lyons Valley Road and Skyline also became jammed.

CHP’s incident page logged multiple complaints of motorists parking on both sides of  highway 94 and other nearby streets illegally after the casino parking lot, which holds 1,800 vehicles, filled to capacity. There were reports of  vehicles making illegal U-turns, passing illegally, and making right turns from a left-hand lane, as well as motorists walking along the roadway.  One caller voiced distress, reporting that her vehicle overheated and her daughter was home along,  per the CHP log. On Brush Fire Partyline’s  Facebook page, Melissa Woodall worried about her children stuck in traffic on a school bus with no air conditioning. John MJodline wrote that it took two hours to get his son at Steele Canyon High school, where dozens of kids were stranded waiting for parents and some students crossed a dangerous thoroughfare.