East County News Service

Photo Mt. Helix courtesy Allan Ferguson on Flickr

June 7, 2016 (Mt. Helix) – This summer, several fun events will be held atop Mt. Helix, including an astrononmy night, the annual heART of Mt. Helix festivities, and an Art in the Park children’s art camp.  Scroll down for details.

East County News Service

June 7, 2016 (Alpine) -- San Diego County Fire Chiefs, in cooperation with the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians and the community of Alpine, are conducting their annual Fire Preparedness Exercise June 6 – 8, 2016 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m...  Emergency Service Agencies from throughout San Diego County will come together to prepare for the upcoming fire season.

By Chisato Iversen

June 6, 2016 (San Diego) -- Visionary Dance Theatre showcased Shadoworx, an amazing dance performance choreographed by Natalia Valerdi-Rogers on May 27 and 28th.  All the dancers were stunning. They could really convey their emotions through to the audience. They were able to go from sad and forlorn to sassy and quirky to soft and delicate. The dancers ranged from children to adults.

Source: U.S. Forest Service

June 6, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- The Descanso Ranger District in Alpine, and the Palomar Ranger District in Ramona, have recently gained over 30 years’ experience between them with the addition of 2 new district rangers. Christopher Dowling for the Palomar, and Bob Heiar for the Descanso, both come from an extensive Forestry background and have already begun making substantial head weight on improving recreational opportunities, enhancing community protection, and enforcing ecological restoration. Forest Supervisor William Metz believes the expertise and timing couldn’t be better, "This comes at a crucial time as we head into fire season and begin preparations on the ground. Our focus is to meet the mission of public safety by increasing resources and expanding expertise, demonstrating our continued commitment to the people of San Diego County.

East County News Service

June 5, 2016 (Lakeside) - The Lakeside Library will host "Country Living:  Let's Talk Turkey" on Saturday, June 18th at the Lakeside Library on 9839 Vine Street in Lakeside.

East County News Service

June 3, 2016 (La Mesa) – The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library is now hosting its Spring Art Exhibit featuring 19 watercolor paintings by award-winning artist Carol Roberts of Spring Valley. The show runs through June 30. The exhibit features paintings of landscapes, animals, birds, flowers and scenery, some of them inspired by Roberts’ scuba diving trips to New Guinea, Palau and Fiji.

By Mimi Pollack

June 3, 2016 (El Cajon) -- Last month, as I was walking around checking out all the booths at the San Diego Humane Society Walk event, I saw two sweet and funny little faces that drew me in. They were two senior chihuahuas named Fred and Ethel, like the couple who lived next door to Lucy and Ricky Ricardo on the “I Love Lucy” show. What perfect names for those silly little faces!

Fred and Ethel are two lucky pooches that were taken in by Lionel’s Legacy, a non-profit organization, out of El Cajon that specializes in rescuing senior dogs.

CAPIO, PRSA and AMCP recognize Advanced Water Purification Video

East County News Service

June 2, 2016 (Santee) - Padre Dam Municipal Water District was nationally honored with a Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), an Award of Distinction from the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) and a Platinum Hermes Creative Award from the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) for its video, Water, Too Good to Waste. 

East County News Service

June 2, 2016 (La Mesa) – The District Attorney’s office has added attempted murder to the list of charges facing Theodis Barley, 50, who was arrested May 12 on arson by La Mesa Police.. He is accused of setting fire to his sister’s home on Nebo Drive in La Mesa on May 9^th; authorities believe he knew that his sister was inside at the time.

Customer Appreciation Day June 2; store closes June30

By Miriam Raftery

June 1, 2016 (La Mesa) – For the past 18 years, Antiques in the Village has been a fixture in La Mesa’s downtown village, offering a delightful mix of antiques and collectibles.  But owners Larry and Francis Settle are retiring—and the shop will be closing its doors permanently on June 30^th.

On June 2^nd, the couple is hosting a Customer Appreciation Day.  “Everything will be 30 to 50 percent off,” says Larry, adding that refreshments will be served up along with bargain prices. Discounts will continue to be offered until the final day at month’s end.

East County News Service

May 31, 2016 (Julian) – You’re invited to grab your partner and mosey on up to Julian for the annual Julian Dance and Back Country Barbecue on Saturday, June 11^th from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Authorities seek public help to locate his killer, an unidentified Hispanic man

May 30, 2016 (Spring Valley) – Jeffrey Quirino, 17, died this morning at a hospital of stabbing injuries suffered May 23^rd in Spring Valley.  Family and friends held a candlelight vigil in his memory last night in Spring Valley.

East County News Service

May 30, 2016 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Community Planning Group has a vacancy.  Applications are due June 1^st at 6:30 p.m.  Qualified applicants may submit an application at the June 1^st LCPG meeting at the Lakeside Community Center (9841 Vine St., Lakeside).

East County News Service

Photo: (from left to right) Grossmont Healthcare District board member Rancy Lenac and City of El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells

May 30, 2016 (La Mesa) - The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will host its upcoming First Friday Breakfast starting at 7:15 a.m., Friday, June 3, at Cottonwood Golf Club, 3121 Willow Glen Dr., El Cajon. It’s the Chamber’s annual breakfast featuring elected officials providing updates on East County cities. Confirmed speakers at press time include the mayors of El Cajon, Lemon Grove and Santee.