May 12, 2015 (El Cajon) --  Heartland Fire & Rescue crews in El Cajon responded to reports of a commercial structure fire in the 100 block of Fletcher Parkway in the early morning hours on May 3rd.  Upon arrival firefighters found heavy black smoke coming from a commercial building at the site of the former El Cajon Police station.

May 11, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department will be hosting its 4th Annual La Mesa Police Youth Leadership Camp from June 29-July 2, 2015. The purpose of the Youth Leadership Camp is to provide leadership training and life-enhancing skills, personal development training, academic enrichment, team building, and to teach responsibility to one’s family and community. Participants will engage in classroom instruction, discussions, and scenarios; athletic and academic challenges (team and individual); field trips to volunteer community service work; and other activities.

-- Health care library’s `Wellness Wednesday’ meeting will discuss de-cluttering and downsizing for health on May 27

May 10, 2015 (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  “De-Clutter and Downsize for Happiness and Health,”  from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27. The program is part of the Grossmont Healthcare District library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

The craft beer scene has hit La Mesa with latest restaurant’s opening

By: Reema Makani Boccia

The craft beer scene in San Diego is taking the nation by storm, and Craft Kitchen Restaurant in La Mesa is the latest addition to the burgeoning industry. 

East County News Service

May 6, 2015 (La Mesa)--Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) recently hosted a check-presentation ceremony to celebrate GHD’s ongoing support of Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), a nonprofit providing access to health care to uninsured residents by relying on volunteer medical professionals. From left to right: GHD board members Gloria Chadwick, Bob Ayres and Betty Stieringer, VIM CEO Maureen Hartin and GHD board members Michael Emerson and Randy Lenac. VIM’s clinic in El Cajon is staffed by more than 100 professional volunteers, including retired doctors, nurses and support staff, who donate thousands of hours in providing primary care services to more than 3,000 patients annually.

May 7, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), a public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County, recently hosted a check-presentation ceremony with Maureen Hartin, CEO, Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) San Diego, Inc. The ceremony celebrated GHD’s ongoing support of VIM, including a $150,000 grant awarded during GHD’s current fiscal year.

Kids Night Out

May 6, 2015 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon Recreation Department offers youth, ages 7 to 12, a safe and entertaining place to go on a Friday night, called a “Kids Night Out Party!”  This program  includes free swim, games, dinner and fun! The party takes place on Friday, May 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fletcher Hills Center, located at 2345 Center Place in El Cajon.  The fee is $10 per child. Pre-registration is required. Hurry, space is limited! Register at any City of El Cajon Recreation Center or online at www.elcajonrec.org.  For more information, please contact Heather Birchard at (619) 441-1672.

By Kristin Kjaero

May 5, 2015 (La Mesa) – On April 28 the La Mesa City Council voted unanimously to allow telecommunications equipment to be installed on streetlights and signals in the right-of-way in 11 locations around the City (map below), to enhance cellular phone and data transmission coverage.

The company will pay the City as a Right-of-Way Use Fee of 5% of adjusted gross revenues generated from the equipment or $500 per location, whichever is greater, and an annual fee of $500 to attach its equipment to a City pole. It will be required to apply for an encroachment permit, and will bear the costs of installation and maintenance.

May 1, 2015 (El Cajon)--The El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club Foundation presented its annual donations  to the following organizations on April 28^th at the Ronald Reagan Community Center.

A total of $36,000 was presented by Foundation President Bob Moreau to Guide Dogs of Desert, San Diego Center for the Blind, Boys and Girls Club of East  County, Canine Companions for Independence and Lions District 4L6 Camp Jack.

May 3, 2015 (Borrego) – La Casa del Zorro in Borrego Springs is offering several upcoming attractions, set against a beautiful desert backdrop.

Event to benefit benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of East County, Fostering Opportunities Scholarships and Include Autism.

East County News Service

May 1, 2015 (La Mesa) -- San Diego Las Hermanas "(The Sisters") invites you to  their "Boots & Bling" fundraiser on Saturday, May 9 at the La Mesa Community Center. Grab your partner, throw on your cowboy boots and hats, and join the festivities including live Country Western music, BBQ dinner, drawings, live auction, card tricks and comedy magic, line dancing instruction, and entertaining antics by  Master of Ceremonies Yosemite Sam.

East County News Service

May 1, 2015 (El Cajon)  Cajon Valley Union School District announces launch of a multilingual program at the CVUSD Language Academy.  The program will offer students who speak English or Spanish as their first language the opportunity to learn to read, write, and communicate in English and Spanish, learn computer programming, and a fourth language.

"Climate change science has not changed in the way Councilwoman Alessio would like us to believe. Let's stick to credible sources on science, not talking points from the climate change denier's briefing book." -- Kathleen Connell, PhD, sustainabiltiy expert and former NASA astrobiology science founder

By Miriam Raftery

Upated May 1 to add comments from Mike Bullock and data from a climate change paper he authored.

April 30, 2015 (La Mesa) – At La Mesa’s City Council hearing Tuesday, Council heard a report detailing the city’s progress on reducing its carbon footprint in order to reduce climate change.

Councilmember Kristine Alessio then stated, “The science has changed behind climate change in the last ten years. Maybe at some point we need to reconsider being part of the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Change Protection Agreement.” Here audio clip here: http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/blgb31acb1/Alessio-ClimateChange-Kristine.mp3

By Kristin Kjaero

April 30, 2015 (La Mesa) – With all the activities available this month, there has to be something for everyone here.

Events range from star gazing party on Mt. Helix to a free boot camp, s SANDAG public workshops on regional growth plans through 2050, what is arguable the community's most popular event, the La Mesa Flag Day Parade (if you're not in it, you're probably watching it)... and oh, so much more.

April 29, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department has provided a roundup of case highlights, traffic information and crime prevention/emergency preparedness news.

East County News Service                                                                                                     

April 29, 2015 (Jacumba Hot Springs)--The Jacumba Arts Council presents the fourth annual Blues Fest this Saturday, May 2nd from 2-7 p.m.  After 7 p.m. there will be a 'monster jam'. The event is sponsored by the Jacumba Hot Springs Spa & Resort and will take place at the Jacumba Hot Springs Spa located on Old Highway 80.  Admission is free, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase along with delicious varieties of barbeque.