East County News Service

May 17, 2016 (La Mesa) - La Mesa Historical Society has partnered with the Rotary Club of La Mesa in celebrating the unique and inspiring history of La Mesa with the installment of eleven new photo plaques spread throughout the downtown "village". The photo plaques are part of an effort to educate the community and its visitors of the rich La Mesa history. 

East County News Service

May 16, 2016 (Lakeside) - Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy in Lakeside (12108 Industry Road) will host its second annual Boars and Brew on Saturday, June 18^th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. You’re invited to sip and stroll along the banks of the San Diego River at this event, which drew over 600 guests last year and also includes tasty foods.

By Miriam Raftery, East County News Service

May 16, 2016 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – A Honda Civic belonging to a missing Buena Park man, Jonathan Barmaki, has been found by Border Patrol agents on Old Highway 80 near a welcome sign to Jacumba Hot Springs on May 9th. Agents found Barmaki's cherished 15-year-old dog, Andy,  dead inside the vehicle.

The vehicle was not out of gas and Barmaki’s wallet and keys were missing, though his cell phone, along with dog food and a dog bowl, were left in the car. The car windows were rolled up and footsteps from the vehicle led 70 feet to a border fence 25 feet high. Authorities are investigating the disappearance as"suspicious,"10 News reports. 

East County News Service

Image from the Alpine High School Citizens Committee that has worked for years to get a high school built.  Now a judge’s ruling could deprive Alpine of bond money that voters approved for the school.

May 15, 2016 (Alpine) — An attorney representing the Alpine Taxpayers for Bond Accountability has told East County Magazine that his client is prepared to file an appeal if Judge Joel Pressman’s preliminary ruling setting aside a preliminary injunction against the Grossmont Union High School district stands. 

$1,000 fine for passing a school bus with red lights flashing or stop sign extended

East County News Service

May 14, 2016 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Police Dept. asks drivers to help keep roads safer for kids.  Traffic enforcement officers and school bus drivers have noticed an increase in driver’s passing school buses that are loading or unloading students. 

East County News Service

May 14, 2016 (El Cajon) – You’re invited to have a ropin’ good time at a Cactus Garden BBQ at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum, a hidden gem at 131 Rea Street, just off Main Street in downtown El Cajon. On June 4^th and 5^th from 5 to 9 p.m. Sons of Charity Inc. will celebrate western Heritage and famed artist Olaf Wieghorst’s iconic art with a cowboy BBQ and concert by “Smith and Western.

East County News Service

May 13, 2016 (Lemon Grove) - Chantella Matira Ferguson, 32, of Lemon Grove died May 9^th shortly after midnight at Scripps Memorial Hospital of injuries sustained when she was struck by a vehicle at 11:15 p.m. on May 7^th. 

East County News Service

May 13, 2016 (Warner Springs) – A motorcyclist who crossed the double yellow line as he approached a curve on State Route 79 in Warner Springs on Wednesday struck a motor home driven by a man from Germany.

East County News Service

May 13, 2016 (La Mesa) – David Ben Gonzalez, 70, of La Mesa died during surgery following injuries sustained when he was hit by a car while crossing El Cajon Blvd. near Williams Avenue in La Mesa Tuesday night.

East County News Service

May 13, 2016 (Santee) – The River Park Festival and San Diego River Run 5K will take place this Saturday, May 14^th from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive in Santee.

The festival is free and includes live music, a beer garden by BNS Brewing and Distilling, tree planting (sign up) , interactive booths, kids’ corner, crafts, games and activities, BMX demos by East County BMX and a free bike repair event.

East County News Service

May 12, 2016 (Santee) - The city of Santee announces Fido Fest, a “paws in the park” event on June 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 550 Park Center Drive, Santee. 

East County News Service

May 11, 2016 (Lakeside) -- Lake Jennings will hold its greatly anticipated Catfish Opener on Friday, May 27th. The lake will open at 4 p.m. instead of the usual 6 a.m., and will close at midnight. 2,000 lbs. of catfish will be stocked for this event.

Source:  La Mesa Chamber of Commerce press release

May 10, 2016 (La Mesa) --The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces that the 8th Annual “Taste of La Mesa” will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. The public is invited to sample fare from many local restaurants and other food providers.

East County News Service

May 10, 2016 (La Mesa) - The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host “Be Sun Smart,” a free presentation on skin care and safety from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 25. The program is part of the library’s Wellness Wednesday series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served. Advance RSVP is not necessary. Speaking will be Tina Mirpuri, care director with Synergy HomeCare of La Mesa, a franchised home care company.

East County News Service

May 10, 2016 (La Mesa) -- Aaron Spaulding, a 31-year-old La Mesa man has been arrested and charged with elder abuse of his 78-year-old neighbor. The incident prompted a stand-off with Sheriff’s deputies at the family’s home on Alta Mira Drive near Mount Helix for several hours Monday night.