December 2015 Articles

ARSENAL OF GUNS, AMMO AND DRUGS SEIZED IN RAMONA RAID

By Miriam Raftery

December 3, 2015 (Ramona) – Three  people were arrested following a raid this morning at a home in the 2300 block of Ramona Road. Sheriff’s detectives and  Ramona Crime Suppression Team served a warrant and seized narcotics and numerous items related to sale of methamphetamine. 

In addition, detectives seized 17 firearms, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, 36 grams of methamphetamine,  LSD, narcotic paraphernalia and other illegal items.


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COLLISION WITH DUMP TRUCK IN LAKESIDE LEAVES RAMONA MAN WITH LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES

East County News Service

December 3, 2015 (Lakeside) – A 22-year-old Ramona man was airlifted to Sharp Memorial  Hospital with major life threatening injuries after a two-vehicle collision today at 2:40 p.m.

The Ramona man turned onto northbound State Route 67 from Posthill Road but failed to see a 3-axle dump truck towing a trailer approaching from the left.  The Suzuki pulled out in front of the truck driver, who had little or no time to react, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Pearlstein.


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EL NINO COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS FORUM DEC. 9 IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

December 3, 2015 (El Cajon)--Join city leaders in El Cajon to learn about potential impacts from a severe El Nino winter and how to create a plan to be prepared.  The El Nino community preparedness forum will be held December 9 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Police Department’s community room, 100 Civic Center Way in El Cajon.

Learn what the city is doing to prepare and respond, as well as what you can do before, during and after a flood.


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STATE SENATOR ANDERSON HOSTS LEGISLATIVE OPEN HOUSE DEC. 10

East County News Service

December 3, 2014 (El Cajon)--California Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) will host his annual Legislative Open House from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10, at Toyota of El Cajon, 965 Arnele Ave., El Cajon.

The free event is an opportunity for Anderson and his staff to meet with constituents and hear ideas on new legislation for 2016. All attendees will receive a 2015 legislative update and an opportunity to submit ideas to improve state government. Anderson says several of the bills he has introduced in the past originated from suggestions by attendees to this annual event.


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FIRE BOARD MEMBERS RAISE CONCERNS OVER AMBULANCE CONTRACT RESPONSE TIMES

 

 

Ambulance responses in our region raise alarms:  Part V in a series

 

By Mike Allen

December 1, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) -- By most accounts, the ambulance service contractor for East County’s unincorporated area, Mercy Medical Transportation, is doing a good job, exceeding the required minimum response time threshold of at least 30 minutes on 90 percent of its calls.

But some question that 30-minute standard, and why such an important contract involving about 850 square miles was enacted without first consulting the fire agencies that are the first responders to 911 emergency calls.

At a September meeting of the San Miguel Fire Protection District, Director Theresa McKenna noted that the minimum response times for most urban areas of the county is 12 minutes, but for Zone 2, which encompasses most of East County to the Imperial County line and includes much of Otay Mesa, it’s 30 minutes. View Zone 2 map of ambulance service here.


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SHERIFF OFFERS TIPS FOR SAFE HOLIDAY SHOPPING

 

December 3, 2015 (San Diego County) - This holiday shopping season, the Sheriff’s Department is offering tips to avoid becoming a crime victim over the holiday.  Be on the alert and remain cautious—since criminals don’t take the holidays off.  The department will also be on alert, holding Holiday Watch operations throughout the county to keep shoppers safe. These patrols include probation checks, motorcycle and bike patrols at shopping centers, and drunk driving patrols.


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14 DEAD IN SAN BERNARDINO MASSACRE: MULTIPLE SHOOTERS, 2 SUSPECTS DEAD

 

 

San Diego social services centers closed through Friday as precaution after attacks

By Miriam Raftery

Updated December 3, 2015 with additional information on the shooters.

December 2, 2015 (San Bernadino) – Suspects armed with assault weapons, wearing body armor and masks opened fire inside the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, a a government facility that provides services to the developmentally disabled.

At least 14 people are dead and 17 more are wounded, National Public Radio reports. Some of the victims were attending a holiday party in the building. The suspects also planted three bombs strung together that a robot was deployed to destroy. 

Suspects fled the scene in a black SUV.  Later a police pursuit ended in a firefight and the fatal shooting of two suspects outside a residence in Redlands. One was a man identified as Sayed Rizwan Farook, 28, a U.S. citizen born in Chicago.  The other was his wife,Tashfeen Malik, 27, who was born in Pakistan and recently lived in Saudi Arabia.  A third individual attempted to flee and has been detained.


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ANZA-BORREGO FOUNDATION OBTAINS FINAL LINK IN WILDLIFE CORRIDOR FROM DESERT TO LAGUNA MOUNTAINS



 

Source: Anza Borrego Foundation

 

December 2, 2015 (Borrego Springs) — Anza-Borrego Foundation (ABF), official partner of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, today announced final elements in conservation of the Lucky 5 Ranch in the Laguna Mountains, northeast of San Diego.

ABF purchased just under 1,130 acres and obtained a conservation easement on 433 acres to fulfill decades-long efforts by California State Parks, ABF, The Nature Conservancy, and others to connect the 4,245-acre ranch to adjacent pieces of federal and state conservation land, creating a major parcel of exceptional natural beauty and biological importance. The acreage will eventually become part of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.


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MAN WHO THREATENED LOCAL ISLAMIC GROUP TO BE SENTENCED DEC. 15

 

East County News Service

December 2, 2015 (La Mesa) – A La Mesa man will be sentenced December 15th for hate crimes targeting the Council on Islamic Relations in San Diego and Washington D.C.


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CHICAGO POLICE SUPERINTENDENT RESIGNS AMID CONTROVERSY OVER POLICE KILLING OF BLACK TEEN

 

By Devoreo Bell

December 2, 2015 (Chicago) - Last week, Black Lives Matter rallies across the nation, including in San Diego, called for justice for Laquan McDonald, a black Chicago teen shot in the back repeatedly by police.


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CELERY PRODUCTS RECALLED NATIONWIDE AFTER E-COLI OUTBREAK

 

East County News Service

December 2, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Over 155,000 products containing celery have been recalled, the Food & Drug Administration has announced. The products were sold at major retailers including Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Safeway, Albertson’s, Target and 7-11.


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AZTECS PREP FOR MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Photo: Rocky Long, SDSU News Center
 
By Liz Alper
 
December 2, 2015 (San Diego) - With the Mountain West conference championship game just four days away, Aztec football head coach Rocky Long says he views this game as the first game of the year; he is nervous because he knows this is not just another game.

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ALPINE VILLAGE CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS & SNOW FESTIVAL DEC. 4

East County News Service

November 30, 2015 (Alpine) – The community of Alpine welcomes visitors to the 20th annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights and Snow Festival on Friday, December 4th.

The free Snow Festival includes a real snow hill, lighting of the Alpine Community Christmas Tree, Santa Claus (bring your camera!), family activities, vendors, crafters and more.  The parade starts at 6:30  p.m. (with entrants lining up starting at 6 p.m. at Alpine Blvd. and West Victoria Drive,) and ends at the Alpine Creek Town Center (1347 Tavern Road) for the Snow Festival from 7 to 9 p.m.


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READER’S EDITORIAL: INNOCENT LIVES LOST DUE TO POLITICS OF HATE

 

 

By Madge Will

 

Photos: Murdered victims of massacre at Planned Parenthood in Colorado include young mother, Iraq War veteran, and police officer

December 1, 2015 (San Diego)—Victims of the latest mass shooting at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic weren’t abortion doctors or  patients. Ke’Arre Marcell Stewart, an Iraq War veteran, had just learned he was about be a father for the third time. Jennifer Markovsky, a young mother of two, came to support a friend. Garrett Swasey, a police officer who responded to the attack, also died. Another dozen were injured by bullets fired randomly, some outside the clinic’s walls.

All who have spewed hate under the guise of “pro-life” share blame for the loss of those three innocent lives. 

These young people's futures were snuffed out by a deranged gunman who was likely incited to violence by the hateful rhetoric of politicians, religious zealots and  media personalities vilifying Planned Parenthood and all who work there or come seeking healthcare services.


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BLAZING HOLIDAY BONFIRE: DEC. 4 IN LEMON GROVE

 

East County News Service

December 1, 2015 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove’s annual community bonfire will be ablaze at Civic Center Park (3200 Main Street) on Friday, December 4 from 5 to 9 p.m.  

Activities also include  hayrides, a rock climbing wall, game booths, photo booth, arts & crafts, face painting and a game truck.  Free hot chocolate, chili, cornbread, cookies, fruit and popcorn will be provided.


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EL CAJON MAYOR TO PRESENT “STATE OF THE CITY” ADDRESS DEC. 8

 

East County News Service

December 8, 2015 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Mayor bill Wells will present his State of the City address on Tuesday, December 8  at 2:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. The Mayor will detail accomplishments of the City over the past year, as well as where the City is headed in the next year and beyond.


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$1,000 REWARD OFFERED FOR SUSPECT FOLLOWING TEEN GIRL IN ALPINE

 

East County News Service

December 1, 2015 (Alpine) -- San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the Alpine Sheriff's Station are asking for assistance from the public to help identify and locate a man wanted for annoying a child.  Authorities have released a sketch of the suspect.

On November 4 and November 18, 2015, a 16 year-old girl was reportedly followed by a black man driving an older model tan Toyota Camry or similar vehicle while walking near Alpine Boulevard and West Victoria Drive in Alpine.  On November 4th, the suspect drove up to the girl and asked if she needed a ride to her car. When she ran away, the suspect circled the block several times to try and find her. On November 18th, the girl told deputies she saw the man again as she was walking to school and he followed her to the bus stop.


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NILE SISTERS SEEKS HELP FOR GIFT BASKETS TO ASSIST REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS

 

December 1, 2015 (San Diego)--Each year, Nile Sisters’ Adopt-a-Basket program provides baskets filled with household goods to help newly arrived women refugees and immigrants and their children.  

The end of the year and holiday season is a difficult time for many families, so Nile Sisters seeks to relief some of the financial worries on these newcomers to our region. This year, Nile Sisters is building partnerships with local schools and organizations to organize a donation drive for household items at their respective locations, and all donations will go directly to the communities served by Nile Sisters.


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TONIGHT: CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR ANIMALS

 

 

December 5, 2015 (La Mesa)-- You're invited to celebrate "Christmas for Animals" tonight ta 6 p.m. in La Mesa. Enjoy live jazz, blues, and rock n' roll plus delicious foods and drinks, silent auction prizes and Santa Claus!

The party is at 4518 Mayapan Drive in La Mesa at the home of a wonderful benefactor, hosted by the American Polish Cooperation Society. Proceeds will benefit local animal rescue organizations as well as helping East County Magazine start a new special Animals Action section. 

For details, scroll down and please RSVP at www.acps.com.pl or by calling 619-698-7617.  Bring a donation from the heart to help animals in need across our region.  We hope to see you there!


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VOLUNTEER TO BRIGHTEN SPIRITS OVER THE HOLIDAYS

 

East County News Service

November 29, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--Holidays are tough for everyone, but especially elderly people who are alone.


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CLIMATE PLAN ADVANCES IN SAN DIEGO

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 1, 2015 (San Diego) – While world leaders met in Paris at a global climate summit on Monday, San Diego City Council’s Environmental Committee also convened –and voted unanimously to send an ambitious climate action plan to the City Council.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS DEC. 4-13

 

Listen to Destination East County by clicking the audio link, originally aired on KNSJ radio.

December 1, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) --This week’s Destination East County includes an array of holiday happenings including major community festivals such as the Alpine Parade of Lights and Snow Festival, Lakeside’s Christmas on Maine, a tree-lighting and sleigh rides in Ramona’s Old Town, Santa at Santee Lakes, as well as holiday music performances and stage productions, plus a Chaldean Christmas Gala to help people in need.

Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions including La Mesa Shimmers, La Mesa’s Christmas in the Village, a holiday home tour in Alpine, and a holiday open house at an alpaca farm in Descanso. Scroll down for all of these events and more.

Audio: 

Destination 12-4-15

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HOLIDAY OPEN RANCH AT ALPACAS OF SAN DIEGO IN DESCANSO DEC. 13

 

November 30, 2015 (Descanso) – You’re invited to a Holiday Open House at Alpacas of San Diego, located at 10499 Highway 79 in Descanso, on December 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Admission is free.

Learn all about alpacas and alpaca ownership see why these animals are so loveable and eco friendly, and you can do some holiday shopping for gift items such as luxurious alpaca scarves, throws, socks, yarn skeins and plush toys.  There will also be a craft table and activities for the kids, as well as a raffle gift basket giveaway.


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MERCY RESPONDS TO ECM INQUIRY ON AMBULANCE COMPLAINT

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 30, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – After a reader contacted East County Magazine raising concerns over a circuitous route taken by an ambulance drive to transport her mother to the hospital, we reached out to Mercy Medical Transportation—and got a prompt response advising us that the driver erred and is no longer employed with the company.

Sue Merritt wrote to inform us that her elderly mother became ill on September 27th with dizziness, nausea, and could not stand or sit up.  Merritt’s father called 911, then notified Merritt.


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ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

December 1, 2015 (San Diego's East County)-- East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

Presidential race

WORLD

Europe

Middle East and Africa

Mexico , Central and South America

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

December 1, 2015 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

STATE

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


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SAN DIEGO FESTIVAL "JOYOUS MUSIC OF THE SEASON" CONCERT DEC. 6

 

Choral members also needed

November 30, 2015 (Rancho San Diego) – The San Diego Festival Chorus performs "Joyous Music for the Season" on December 6 at 3 p.m. in the College Avenue Baptist Church.   The program features an 80-voice chorus and 48-piece symphony orchest in its 15th season, perfoming Mendelssohn's "Hymn of Praise" and a unique arrangement of  holiday music.

 

Cost: Adults $17, Seniors and students $15, Children under 12 yrs $5, Military free


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: HOLIDAY SAFETY FROM THE INSIDE OUT!

 
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 

December 2, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - If you haven’t already, many of you have been thinking about pulling out those holiday decorations. ‘Tis the season’ but let’s exercise good common sense to ensure our holidays don't end up tragically reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.


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PASSENGER, NOT WEARING SEATBELT, FATALLY INJURED IN SANTEE

 

East County News Service

December 1, 2015 (Santee) –A 31-year-old El Cajon man was killed and two other people injured in a rollover accident on State Route 52 west of State Route 125 in Santee shortly before 5 a.m. this morning. The passenger who sustained fatal injuries was not wearing a seatbelt.

According to California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Pearlstein, a 33-year-old man from Escondido was driving a 2004 GMC pickup westbound when the vehicle drafted into a dirt center divide. The driver over-corrected, causing the truck to travel down a hill on the right before overturning.


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