Communities

CORTNEY BAYUK CHOOSES AN ADVENTUROUS LIFE

By Brian E. Clark

 

Cover photo:  Cortney guiding a raft through the Warm Springs Rapid on the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado/Utah border.  By Mike McCoy

 

October 12, 2019 (Rancho San Diego) -- Cortney Bayuk says she’s “living the dream.”

 

The 24-year-old Rancho San Diego native works as a whitewater river guide - mostly on the Colorado/Utah border - during summers and as ski instructor during the winters in Idaho. 

SAN DIEGO GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL ANNOUNCES 10TH ANNUAL GREEN HOMES TOUR ON OCT. 19-20

Public tour expands to two days to showcase San Diego County’s most innovative eco-friendly residences

East County News Service

Photo: Straw bale home in Jamul

September 11, 2019 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Green Building Council (SDGBC), a nonprofit organization promoting sustainable building and community practices in San Diego, will host its 10th annual Green Homes Tour on Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20. In response to growing public interest in the green movement and an abundance of groundbreaking projects in the region, the Tour has been expanded this year to two full days, showcasing a diverse collection of the most innovative eco-friendly homes in the San Diego region including several in East County.

SDG&E OPENS RESOURCE CENTER IN DESCANSO FOR RESIDENTS WITHOUT POWER

 

Update: A second resource center has been opened at the Golden Acorn Casino in Campo.

395 customers of SDG&E are currently without power; outages could impact up to 17,771, the utility warns

October 11, 2019 (Descanso) -- San Diego Gas & Electric will open a Community Resource Center today, Friday, October 11 at 8:00 a.m. in Descanso, CA due to power outages the company initiated during the Santa Ana wind event.  Water and snacks will be available and residents can charge devices, as well as get up-to-date information about power outages at the Center.

Community Resource Center location: Descanso Public Library (9545 River Drive, Descanso, CA 91916) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Additional resouce centers may open if the outage area is extended.

ACCUSED MURDERER OF POPULAR EAST COUNTY DENTIST REMAINS IN CUSTODY

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor

October 11, 2019 (Rancho San Diego) -- A 65-year-old man accused of murdering his husband, Dr. Blake Synowski, will be facing an El Cajon Superior Court judge on Friday to determine whether he will be granted bail.

EL CAJON SEWER TESTS USING HARMLESS ARTIFICIAL SMOKE

Source: City of El Cajon

 

October 11, 2019 (El Cajon) – If you see smoking sewer lines in El Cajon over the next month, don’t worry!  The City of El Cajon plans to test portions of the sewer system using a non-toxic, non-staining artificial smoke substance. The test will help locate possible leaks, defects, improper connections and the source of storm water infiltration into the sewer system.

EAST COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER IS A WINNER

By Judy Edelblute, Coordinator of St. Mark's Art Shows
 
October 10, 2019 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon photographer Jim Lemen won second place in the 16th annual Digital Art and Photography Show at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, San Diego with a photograph entitled "Mud Run Friends." The other winners were Beverly Brock, first place, Clairemont; third place, T. Antoinette Fassel, University City and Honorable Mention Awards for Nelda Harris, Clairemont and Bill Rehm, Coronado. The show, which has the theme "Surprised by Joy," has 27 works by 13 artists. It will run October 6 - November 3. The show is open for FREE public viewing Saturdays October 12, 19, 26, and November 2, 12-4pm. To see the show outside these hours, call the church office at 858-273-1480 and make an appointment.

FREE CAMPING FOR CUYAMACA RANCHO STATE PARK VOLUNTEERS OCT. 26

East County News Service

October 10, 2019 (Julian) -- You can help maintain Cuyamaca Rancho State Park when you volunteer at a work day on Saturday, October 26 at 8:30 a.m. Learn and register to volunteer below.

 

EL CAJON ARTIST SKI TORZESKI WINS AWARD

Source: San Diego Watercolor Society

 

Photo: Ski Torzeski with his painting “Above the Timber Line”

 

October 10, 2019 (El Cajon) --  “Above the Timber Line” by nationally recognized artist Ski Torzeski of El Cajon is one of 95 paintings selected by juror Jeannie McGuire for the 2019 San Diego Watercolor Society International Exhibition. The work also received The Jess and Ann Walker Family Award. 

NEIGHBORS TO GATHER AT COMMUNITY SPEAKEASY IN ALPINE TO SUPPORT LOCAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS ORGANIZATIONS OCT. 16

Barons Market to serve up bites paired with Modern Times brews for the final Backroom Beer Pairing of the year.  In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all proceeds to benefit Michelle’s Place and Susan G. Komen® San Diego

East County News Service

October 10, 2019 (Alpine) -- Barons Market and Modern Times will turn up the heat in the kitchen and crack open their best brews for Southern Californians to enjoy at all eight market locations, including Alpine in East County This will mark the last Backroom Beer Pairing of the year and, as always, guests will support their community as they socialize at Barons’ patios and stockrooms. Barons Market will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from tickets sold for its eight store locations directly to breast cancer awareness organizations Michelle’s Place and Susan G. Komen® San Diego.

SANTEE BALKS AT JOINING JPA FOR COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY; APPROVES NEW HOUSING PROJECT

By Mike Allen

Photo: Renewable  energy sources; Creative commons via N.A.

October 10, 2019 (Santee) -- Santee is having second thoughts about joining a joint powers authority with several North County cities to obtain more electrical power from renewable sources.

The proposed entity is a community choice aggregation program for the cities, giving them the ability to buy more power from sources such as solar and wind. Local utility San Diego Gas & Electric would continue to deliver and maintain transmission lines and billing operations, but the CCA would be responsible for buying all power.

LIONS TIGERS & BEARS RESCUES TWO AFRICAN SERVALS

Nonprofit Sanctuary Asks Animal Lovers to Help Provide Habitat Improvements and Lifelong Care for Junior and Miss Kitty

Source: Lions, Tigers and Bears

October 10, 2019 (Alpine)  - Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego's only accredited, nonprofit big cat and exotic animal sanctuary, rescued two servals, wildcats originally from Africa, in Arizona this week after the sanctuary's founder, Bobbi Brink received a call pleading for help.  

Junior and Miss Kitty are settling into their quarantine habitat and getting to know their new keepers at LTB, says Brinks.  Now the sanctuary is asking for help to fund habitat improvements and lifelong care for the former privately-owned animals.

Help the rescued servals get the care and forever home they need with a donation to www.lionstigersandbears.org.

CHAIRMAN OF CALIF. DEMOCRATIC PARTY RUSTY HICKS VISITS LA MESA

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

October 10, 2019 (La Mesa) -- California Democratic party chair Rusty Hicks, newly elected in June, headlined the “Catch the next Blue Wave” function on Oct. 3 at La Mesa Community Center.  The San Diego Democratic Party East hosted the event, held on the same night that Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren held a rally at San Diego’s Waterfront Park. Eighty attended the East County event.

Hicks offered up insights into his goals: “Diversity with committee appointments, address misconduct, financial accountability and transparency.”

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: CASA DE ORO DISPLAYS ITS GOLDEN BOUNTY

 

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

Photo, left: Casa de Oro Fall Festival 2018, courtesy IPS

 

October 10, 2019 (Spring Valley) - There is no better way to celebrate autumn than Casa de Oro Alliance’s Fourth Annual Fall Festival Nov. 9 at the Spring Valley Academy. The festival is a signature event for the community and highlights a neighborhood alliance that has been successful in tackling alcohol, drug, crime and neighborhood blight issues.

The free family event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will feature shopping, vendors, games, prizes, entertainment and food trucks. The campus is located at 3900 Conrad Dr., just up the hill from the Campo Road business corridor. More information about the Fall Festival can be found at www.casadeoroalliance.org

The annual Fall Festival is part of a bigger plan by the Alliance to create a historically rich, culturally diverse and thriving community that is attractive, safe, pedestrian friendly and a popular destination for dining, entertainment and shopping.

LAGUNA MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS OCT. 10-19

East County News Service

October 9, 2019 (Mt. Laguna) - You’re invited to step back in time at the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, an authentic Rocky Mountain fur traders’ encampment from the early 1800s.  Relive this historic past with demonstrations of primitive survival skills such as tool making, cooking, tomahawk throwing, archery and black power target shooting. Also enjoy music and more.

HOWL-O-WEEN HOUNDS ADOPTIONS SATURDAY AT GROSSMONT CENTER: CATS, BIRDS AND TURTLES, TOO

Source: Grossmont Center

October 12, 2019 (La Mesa)-- Give an animal the treat of a forever home this Halloween! Grossmont Center and the San Diego Animal Support Foundationinvite you to the annual Howl-O-Ween Hounds MEGA Adoption Event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, at Grossmont Center (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa).

During the free Howl-O-Ween Hounds event, dozens of rescue groups and shelters bring hundreds of dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, birds, turtles, and tortoises to the Center—and all of them are ready to be adopted into a loving home! You can find many different kinds of dog breeds at this mega adoption event, everything from the tiniest Chihuahuas to the grandest Great Pyrenees, as well as unique and adorable All-American “mutts.” This family-friendly event is the perfect way for every member of your household to choose a new pet together.

CITY OF LA MESA RELEASES ACTION PLAN TO BUILD A MORE AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

Source:  City of La Mesa

October 9, 2019 (La Mesa) - On Tuesday, October 8, 2019, the La Mesa City Council approved the Livable La Mesa Action Plan to promote programs and systems-level change that will strengthen the quality of life for older adults in the community.

TEEN MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN JULIAN CRASH

East County News Service

October 9, 2019 (Julian) – A 19-year-old Julian man has died after a solo motorcycle crash that occurred at 5:15 p.m. on State Route 78 west of Pine Hills Road in Julian.

According to Officer Jeff Christy from the California Highway Patrol, the victim was riding a 2007 Yamaha R6 motorcycle westbound when he lost control in a curve and struck a utility pole on the north shoulder.

Paramedics performed potentially life-saving efforts on the teen, who sustained serious injuries. He was transported by ground to Santa Ysabel for transport by Mercy Air to a local hospital, but died during the flight.

CONSTRUCTION WORKER DIES AFTER FALL AT MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

East County News Service

Photo: 10 News

October 9, 2019 (Spring Valley) – A construction worker has died after an industrial accident this afternoon at Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley, says Sergeant Matt Cook with the San Diego Sheriff’s department.  According to ECM news partner 10 News, the accident occurred just hours after the topping off of the new multi-use facility at the school.

Sheriff’s deputies and the school’s resource office responded at 2 p.m. to the accident at a construction site on campus, where the 30-year-old man had fallen from a beam attached to a 30-foot-high platform.

SDG&E WARNS OF POWER SHUT-OFFS IN NEXT 48 HOURS TO 28,701 CUSTOMERS IN EAST COUNTY COMMUNITIES

October 9, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- SDG&E has issued a warning that it may shut off power to 28,701 customers in East County communities starting in the next 48 hours due to wildfire risks.  A red flag alert has been issued for Thursday afternoon and Friday by the National Weather Service.  The following communities are currently forecasted to be impacted:

  • Banner Grade
  • Boulevard
  • Descanso
  • East Alpine
  • East Ramona
  • Fallbrook
  • Julian
  • Mesa Grande
  • Mt Laguna
  • Palomar Mountain
  • Pine Valley
  • Potrero
  • Rancho Santa Fe
  • Rincon
  • Santa Ysabel
  • Valley Center
  • Viejas
  • West Valley Center
  • Wynola

SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR HIT-AND-RUN THAT SERIOUSLY INJURED RAMONA WOMAN

By Miriam Raftery

October 8, 2019 (Ramona) – California Highway Patrol today announced the arrest of Chase E. Richard, 34, of Ramona. He is accused of striking a bicyclist while driving a black Ford SUV with stolen license plates, then fleeing the scene and leaving Michelle Scott critically injured.

PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE: THE ART OF CONVERSATION

Play continues through Oct. 12 at Grossmont College’s Stagehouse Theatre 

Review by Kathy Carpenter

October 7, 2019 (El Cajon) - Grossmont College presents Picasso at the Lapin Agile at the Stagehouse Theatre, the opening show for the 2019 - 2020 season. Picasso and the Lapin Agile takes place at a bar in Paris in 1904. The play is the exploration of the creative process, centered around a discussion between two geniuses when they meet at a bar--Pablo Picasso, man of art and Albert Einstein, man of science.

PSAR REALTOR TRADE GROUP/AARP PRESENT FREE FORUM ON ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS, WEDNESDAY, OCT 9

East County News Service

October 7, 2019 (La Mesa) – The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), a real estate trade group for San Diego-area realtors, will host “Small Homes, Big Impact,” a free, two-hour forum and resource fair on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Dr., La Mesa. The public is invited to attend.

The event sponsor is AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons.

Topics to be discussed will include state and local compliance laws and legislative updates, as well as financing and types of ADUs, also known as granny flats and companion units. Additional topics will include why ADU’s are an option for homeowners, common experiences for homeowners, and where to go for more information and to apply for permits.

The moderator will be Colin Parent, La Mesa City Councilman (photo, left).

SAME TIME NEXT YEAR: TIMELESS ROMANCE

Review by Kathy Carpenter

Reviewer for www.sdtheatrereviews.com

October 7, 2019 (Poway) - I term this play a romantic fantasy. Who doesn't have one? This is the classic love outside the constricts of everyday life--a couple who meet once a year for a romantic tryst. Although they do bring into the relationships stories of their families and lives since the last time they meet, they aren't with each other to live the everyday pressures and problems of real life.

VEHICLE FIRE SPARKS BRUSH BLAZE NEAR GREEN VALLEY FALLS CAMPGROUND

By Miriam Raftery
 
October 6, 2019 (Rancho Cuyamaca State Park) – A motorcycle crash off State Route 79 near Green Valley Campground charred approximately six acres of brush today.  Around 70 firefighters from multiple agencies battled the #GreenFire by land and air, extinguishing it several hours after it began.

FIRE WEATHER FORECAST

East County News Service
 
October 6, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service predicts moderate Santa Ana winds this week, combined with low humidity for elevated fire danger.
 
While Orange County is forecast to have the most severe conditions,  relative humidity is expected to fall into low double digits in San Diego’s mountain areas and single digits in the desert.  West to northwest winds of 15-20 miles per hour with gusts up to 40 mph are anticipated starting Tuesday. By Thursday and Friday, falling humidity is expected to create critical fire weather conditions.  

LEMON GROVE COUNCIL HEARS PLAN FOR CAMERAS TO AID LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MORE

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

October 6, 2019 (Lemon Grove) -- A San Diego Sheriff pilot project introducing a video federation program, election sign regulations for Lemon Grove City Council candidates and other matters were discussed by the Council at their meeting Oct. 1st at the Lemon Grove Community Center.

The video federation project was introduced by San Diego Sheriff Lt. Mike Rand. 

Lt. Rand said the department has begun the process of community awareness of a video sharing platform named “SafeSanDiego.” The first community forum in Lemon Grove was held on Oct. 3.  Businesses, government agencies and residents will be allowed to share video with law enforcement to help authorities investigate and solve criminal cases.

PASSAGES: BORREGO SPRINGS PHILANTHROPIST BILL WRIGHT

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Borrego wildflowers, CC by SA

October 6, 2019 (Borrego Springs) -- Since moving to Borrego Springs from Santa Barbara in 1980, Bill Wright has been a “champion of all things good in Borrego Springs,” according to the Borrego Sun.  The newspaper announced that Wright passed away on October 1 at age 88.

$25,000 REWARD OFFERED TO FIND HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER WHO CRITICALLY INJURED BICYCLIST MICHELLE SCOTT, RAMONA CERT TEAM MEMBER

Fundraiser launched to help pay victim’s medical bills

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via ECM news partner 10 News

October 6, 2019 (Ramona) — A $25,000 reward is being offered anonymously for information leading to arrest of the driver of a black Ford Edge SUV with stolen license plates, NBC 7 reports. The vehicle struck and critically injured Ramona bicyclist Michelle Scott last Wednesday morning on State Route 67 north of Dye Road.  

MAN ARRESTED FOR STEALING SHERIFF’S PATROL CAR IN LEMON GROVE

By Miriam Raftery
 
October 6, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – Matthew Porter, 44, is under arrest after admitting to stealing a Sheriff deputy’s patrol car last night.
 
Around 8:52 p.m., a deputy assigned to the Lemon Grove Patrol Station was unloading his patrol car at the end of the shift. According to Lieutenant Mike Rand, a “transient male gained access to the patrol car and drove away.”

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE BRIAN JONES OFFERS TO LEAD NON-RESIDENT RIVALS ISSA AND DEMAIO ON TOUR OF EAST COUNTY

“Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor and Miriam Raftery, Editor

October 6, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – In the rough and tumble world of politics, State Senator Brian Jones has found a witty way to drive home a key advantage of his Congressional candidacy: unlike two prominent rivals, former Rep. Darrell Issa and talk show host Carl DeMaio, Jones actually lives in the 50th Congressional district that each hopes to represent.

After Issa and DeMaio held dueling press conferences in downtown El Cajon to draw media attention to their efforts to oust indicted Congressman Duncan D. Hunter, Jones posted an open letter via the San Diego Rostra website last Friday inviting  his non-resident rivals on a tour of the district. The tour led by Jones at the wheel would include rugged backcountry terrain and a stop at a shooting range.

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