May 25, 2015 (Julian) - Julian’s Sons of the American Legion invite you to the annual Julian Dance and Back Country Barbecue on Saturday, June 13^th from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The event will be held at Menghini Winery (1150 Julian Orchard Drive) and will feature three live bands: Shotgun Wedding, Freight Shakers, and Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash.

East County News Service

May 25, 2015 (Borrego Springs)--An emergency order issued by Governor Jerry Brown is having a harsher impact on some communities than others, since the slash-water-use requirements make no distinction between northern forested communities and places like Borrego Springs, which is located in the Anza-Borrego desert.

By Miriam Raftery

May 24, 2015 (Sa Diego) – Soitec launched its solar manufacturing facility in San Diego with a $25 million federal grant. The company touted its cutting edge, utility-scale solar collectors as ultra-efficient.

But now the French-based company has announced it is selling off its manufacturing facility in Rancho Bernardo and other solar assets. The buyer is ConcenSolar. The deal includes all technology assets, manufacturing operations in Freiburg, Germany and San Diego, a company press release indicates.

Children and Families in Santee, Linda Vista, Tierrasanta and More Will Benefit

May 22, 2015(San Diego) – United Way of San Diego County is granting nearly $2 million to four community partnerships that are working collectively to help the youngest San Diegans and their families.

By Rob Tade, Adjutant, American Legion Post 303, El Cajon

May 24, 2015 (El Cajon)-- Tomorrow is the annual day of remembrance for those that have gone before us and given “all” for our freedom and the liberties that we enjoy.   You are all welcome to join us for a short ceremony at the El Cajon Veteran’s Memorial. 

May 22, 2015 (El Cajon) - The Home of Guiding Hands 41^st Annual Black Tie & Boots Gala will take place on Saturday, June 6^th, 2015 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the world famous Hotel Del Coronado. Former National League Cy Young Award winner will be the master of ceremonies. Money raised from the gala will benefit programs and services the Home of Guiding Hands provides to over 1,000 infants, adolescents, and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties.

By Janis Russell and Miriam Raftery

May 21, 2015 (La Mesa)- At the board meeting yesterday, the Helix Water District board voted 4-1 for the drought action plan for increased public education and outreach, increased restrictions with two days/week for outdoor water use in tier 3, and a 10% penalty for using 31 units or more of water, effective starting with July 29^th water bills.  The plan also limits watering to two days a week and cuts warning for water waste fines to just one courtesy letter. View the resolution here.

Tier-3 users will be charged 10% on water over 30 units each two-month billing period, but will not be charged 10% on the first 30 units, Mike Uhrhammer, senior public affairs representative at Helix, told ECM.  A person who exceeds the limit by 1 unit would pay 55 cents; while 50 units would be $11.02, for instance. See chart above left for details.  Average water use is 26 units over two months for the district.

“There is a variance procedure,” Uhrhammer said, citing a need to irrigate for defensible space or erosion control and undue hardships as examples. The penalties will not apply to tier 1, which is considered essential indoor water use level, or tier 2. Tier 3 is targeted because these residents use water mostly outdoors and the state is pushing districts to encourage homeowners to limit ornamental landscaping.

May 21, 2015 (La Mesa)--Why Singin' In The Rain? When asked this question Ed Hollingsworth, who  moved into his La Mesa home 31 years ago, at 4:17 am on his wedding day, called the play “the quintessential movie musical.”

Rare Event Affirms Welcoming Church Environment

May 20, 2015 (La Mesa)--At least 400 people are expected to attend a local event that is unusual for mainstream Protestant churches. A modern-day “Love –In” will showcase one United Methodist congregation’s welcoming environment for love between all people, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.  The event will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at Foothills United Methodist Church, 4031 Avocado Blvd., La Mesa.

May 20, 2015 (La Mesa) --   The American Flag will be flown proudly at the 18th annual La Mesa Flag Day Parade on Saturday, May 30th. The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. led by the United States 3d Marine Aircraft Wing Band through the downtown La Mesa Village.  Enjoy this year’s Grand Marshal: Sharp Grossmont Hospital Celebrating 60 years in La Mesa. View the many floats, military vehicles, active and retired war heroes, equestrian units, service clubs, and youth groups.  Arrive early to see two pre-parade concerts, La Mesa Middle School and Parkway Middle School bands, at 9:00 a.m. along the La Mesa Boulevard parade route.

Story and photos by Robert Gehr ©

May 17, 2015 (El Cajon)—The second annual America on Main Street event ( held this year on May 16^th ) was teeming with happy people - from parents with kids in tow, to some of us senior adults mingling with the crowds, all having a good time.

By Mimi Pollack

May 18, 2015 (La Mesa)--Whenever, he sees his Sherpa carrier, Marcel gets all excited. This doggie loves to travel which is good since his owner, Maggie Espinosa, happens to be a travel writer! They have gone to various parts of the United States, Mexico and France. They live in La Mesa, CA where Espinosa’s husband works as a veterinarian in his own clinic.

East County News Service

May 17, 2015 (Lemon Grove) -- San Diego Legends is an annual recognition of San Diego elders who lead by example. The Legends exhibit is comprised of paintings by local artist Mona Mills (famous for her realist style blending painting and photography to produce riveting, almost 3-D portraits), photography by San Diego County Library Director José Aponte, and an impact statement about each legend by Deputy Director Susan Moore.

East County News Service

May 17, 2015 (Lakeside) – Lakeside resident Shermal Taha, 23, and Nicole Gonzales, 27 of Spokane, Washington have been arrested and booked on commercial burglary, conspiracy and felony evading of arrest.

East County News Service

May 17, 2015 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police responded to a call reporting a man had been shot inside a home in the 8200 block of El Paso Street on Saturday, May 16^th  at 5:24 a.m.