By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Nadin Abbott, Reporting San Diego;Volunteer searchers combed burned property where two bodies were located after Sheriff's declined to search hills behind couple's home

September 18, 2016  (San Diego’s East County)—Campo resident Claudia Millerbragg  asked the Sheriff’s Department on July 2^nd  to launch an internal investigation into what she and other residents described as  rude unprofessional treatment by Sheriff’s officials.  She says three other residents also spoke with the internal affairs

Frustrating by deputies’ lack of response to citizens’ concerns about two missing people after the Border Fire, Millerbragg was present with other local women who launched their own search and within 10 minutes,  found bodies of the missing couple huddled between boulders behind their home.

Now a  Sheriff’s internal investigation  into the matter has closed, with a disposition of “unfounded” in part and “exonerated” in part. The finding has left residents frustrated over the apparent lack of resolution of their concerns.

East County News Service

September 18, 2016 (El Cajon) — Scotty’s Scare Trail, one of East County’s most haunting attractions, will be open at the abandoned Marshal Scotty’s amusement park in El Cajon for a full month every Thursday through Sunday from Sept.29 to Oct. 30 between 7 to 11 p.m.

East County News Service

September 16, 2016 (Santee) — The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, along with the East County Development Council, Santee, Lakeside and Alpine Mountain Empire Chambers invite you to Politics in Paradise part 2. 

Candidates for races across East County have been invited—including city council and mayoral contests as well as races ranging from school boards to the Grossmont Healthcare district. Here’s your chance to meet candidates up close and personal, hear their ideas, ask questions and network with movers and shakers from across our region.

By Miriam Raftery

September 18, 2016 (Mt Helix) – I grew up in La Mesa, where my mother had a bird feeder.  It attracted many species, but never bluebirds.  Until recently, I’d seen bluebirds only rarely, in the mountain areas.  So I was delighted to spot one in our yard on Mt. Helix this week—and soon learned that bluebirds are expanding their range locally.

East County News Service

Photo:   Last year’s International Peace  Day in La Mesa drew a crowd.

September 17, 2016  (La Mesa)--The Interfaith Council of La Mesa is celebrating it's 3rd annual International Day of Peace in La Mesa on Sept. 25 at 3:30 p.m. in Aztec Park (7945 Morocco Drive) as part of a global effort.  All are welcome at the event, which aims to bring awareness to “the need to promote peace, unity and good will in both local and global communities.”  (View flyer)

By Janis Russell

Hear audio of candidates' response on homelessness by clicking the orange link above

September 16, 2016 (La Mesa)-Last night, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum for La Mesa City Council candidates at the La Mesa Community Center.  Councilmember Kristine Alessio and newcomer Colin Parent participated; Councilmember Ruth Sterling was unable to attend due to surgery on a broken arm.The candidates agreed on some issues, such as helping local businesses thrive, but offered divergent views on others, such as how to address homelessness and transit funding.

Mary England, President/CEO of the Chamber, welcomed attendees. Bill Hammett, a Chamber board member, was moderator for the forum.

By Miriam Raftery

September 16, 2016 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa First United Methodist Church will host a public forum for Mesa City Council candidates and important ballot initiatives.  The forum will be held on September 28^th, with a candidates’ meet and greet at 6:30 and the forum beginning at 7 p.m.

By Jan Hedlun, Potrero resident

Note:  Hedlun sent this on Sept. 14 to San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Boudreau, with copies to Supervisor Dianne Jacob and ECM.  She’s granted permission to run this as an open letter/reader’s editorial.

Re:  Regional Fire Safe Council Meeting/Potrero

September 16, 2016 (Potrero) -- My name is Jan Hedlun and I am a Potrero resident and an elected member of the Potrero Community Planning Group. I was speaking to Bob Buerer who attended the recent Regional Fire Safe Council meeting on Thursday, September 8^th who told me something deeply disturbing.

East County News Service

September 16, 2016 (La Mesa) -- Local author and La Mesa Historical Society President James Newland will make a presentation based on his book "Around Mt. Helix" at the La Mesa branch of the county library (8047 Allison Ave.) in La Mesa on Saturday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m.

East County News Service

September 16, 2016 (Lakeside) — A Hyundai Accent that was reportedly racing through a  Lakeside neighborhood ran a light at Julian Avenue and Los Coches Road at 1.a.m.,smashing into a California Highway Patrol car. The crash injured six people, including a CHP sergeant and an officer, said CHP spokesman Kevin Pearlstein.

East County News Service

September 16, 2016 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa announces a joint special meeting of the Environmental Sustainability Commission and La Mesa Planning Commission on Wednesday, September 21^st at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers (8130 Allison Avenue).   The meeting wil be to consider a presentation on La Mesa adopting a community choice energy program.

By Miriam Raftery

September 15,2016 (La Mesa) – After receiving a reader’s editorial and a call from another local businessperson critical of the new La Mesa Village Association (LMVA), which ECM recently profiled, ECM reached out to Aaron Dean, LMVA  Chair, to respond.

East County News Service

September 15, 2016 (Ramona) — A Ramona father who crashed his pick-up truck head-on into a car on Vista Ramona Road Monday afternoon near Old Julian Highway appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, said Officer Kevin Pearlstein with the California Highway Patrol.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Richard Edwords: Harrowing ride along State Route 94 during Border Fire

September 15, 2016  (San Diego’s East County) – The County’s Border Fire 2016 After Action Report  presents a review on the regional response to the Border Fire that ignores many serious complaints lodged by rural residents in the fire. The report was written entirely by official agencies and  does not include concerns raised by the public, leading rural planning officials,  residents and a community news editor to contend the county whitewashed their concerns.

 The blaze killed two people , destroyed five homes and left countless animals without care in triple-digit heat while residents were refused access  for days after the fire. While residents praise efforts of firefighters who worked valiantly to prevent worse losses, many feel betrayed by officials in the wake of the Border Fire report and other complaints that residents say have yielded little or no meaningful changes.

The report omits entirely any mention of controversies over the deaths of Potrero residents Jim and Kyrie Keefe,  whose bodies were found by community volunteers.  Agencies praised themselves in the report, while omitting criticisms on issues such as lack of  adequate care for animals stranded in triple-digit heat and inadequate evacuation notifications -- in some cases, just yellow caution tape stuck on mailboxes, with no explanation or direct contact with residents in danger after their phone lines, cell towers and Internet service all  went down in communities such as Potrero and Lake Morena.

By Michele Clock, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 14, 2016 (San Diego’s East County)-- The San Diego County Fire Authority has reached a milestone.