By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Photos by Farima Tabbrizi of FT Images.

August 7, 2021 (Lakeside) -- CEO Brad Weber, the force behind Local Umbrella Media Group, held a fashion show fundraiser for the non-profit---The B.A.G. Networking "Business Associates Group" at Lakeside’s Trevi Hills Winery on August 4^th.

The fashion show was presented by a local designer, Dawn Sebaugh of WALA – Wear Art Live Art. Food was available from Nori’s Nosh Catering with charcuterie cones just one of their offerings.

“Over 200 guests enjoyed delicious bites paired with Trevi Hill’s fabulous assortments of wines as they were enveloped in the breathtaking 360-degree views. Invitees danced into the sunset at this picturesque hidden gem while helping us support charity guest The B.A.G. Networking 501c3,” said Weber via email.  “The B.A.G. Networking "Business Associates Group"‪ is made up of volunteers that generously give their time and efforts to help make a difference in the community – with 100% of B.A.G. proceeds going to worthy local causes.”

East County News Service

$49,000 out of a $100,000 goal has already been raised

July 28, 2021 (San Diego) – So far, the community has donated $49,000 to SDCCU Stuff the Bus to help provide back-to-school supplies and meals for students experiencing homelessness in San Diego County. SDCCU Stuff the Bus also includes a partnership with the YMCA of Orange County to collect school supplies for students in both Orange and Riverside counties. The goal is to collect $100,000 to help set these students up for success in the coming school year. Everyone is encouraged to donate at sdccu.com/donate. 

By Angela Kurysh

Photos courtesy of Clay Phillips

July 17, 2021 (La Mesa) – Fifty rounds of golf in 50 states in 50 days. Yes, you read that right. 66-year-old La Mesa resident and avid golf lover Clay Phillips has planned out a detailed nationwide trip where he will be playing rounds of golf in each state for a good cause. He will be challenging himself as a golfer, but also making this experience more than that. Phillips’ initial goal is to raise money for clean water worldwide, by having his friends, family and followers join him on his journey via social media and donate to the cause.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Photo (L) of photographer Kay Devine and veteran Doug Beach and unidentified videographer courtesy of Westmont of La Mesa. 

June 22, 2021 (La Mesa) – Veterans witnessed their photos commemorated on an Honor Wall at Westmont of La Mesa during a ceremony held June 14.

The veterans hailed from the Navy, Army, Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

By Miriam Raftery

June 11, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) - Do you know someone who has provided outstanding community service in San Diego’s East County during the past year in healthcare, public safety, environmental preservation, animal protection, social or racial justice, or humanitarianism?  If so, please nominate them for East County Magazine's “Community Champions” awards!

Send nominations to editor@eastcountymagazine.org with “Community Champions nomination” in the subject line.  Include the nominee’s name, organization, contact information, and up to 250 words on why you believe they are deserving of recognition.  The deadline to submit nominations is August 5, 2021.

By Miriam Raftery

May 21, 2021 (Santee) -- Members of the Santee Interfaith Alliance came together on two weekends in April to help the Santee Christian Church repair and upgrade its parking lot.

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of Sharp Healthcare

April 27, 2021 (La Mesa) -- The California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) announced at its annual conference held virtually this month that Ed and Sandy Burr were recipients of the organization’s 2020 Champion of the Community Service Award of Excellence. The award honors individuals or organizations who have contributed significant effort to influence and improve the quality of their community through parks and recreation. This statewide award recognizes the contributions of those who volunteer and/or provide support and services that furthers the mission and quality delivery of park and recreation services, programs and facilities. 

East County News Service

April 24, 2021 (Alpine) -- Lions Tigers & Bears in Alpine, San Diego’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, is rescuing three exotic cats –   the last animals left at a facility in Southern California that will shutter at the end of the month. The new residents will be Lily, a female white tiger, Eli, a male African serval and Savannah, a female African serval.

By Miriam Raftery

April 20, 2021 (Ranchita) – The Manzanita Valley Market, Ranchita’s only grocery outlet, is known for its iconic Yeti statue. The market has long been a roadside attraction for motorists and cyclists heading to or from the Anza Borrego desert. It’s also been a popular stop for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail, who would stock up on supplies or even sleep over in a bunkhouse.  

East County News Service

April 7, 2021 (Ramona) --Ramona Community Foundation (RCF), an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation, has announced the availability of grant funding through the Vibrant Community program to enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and play in Ramona.  

“We want to help organizations that have a strategic impact in Ramona to ensure the community thrives,” shared Kristin Zook, RCF Board Chair. “After a year of pandemic woes, we recognize the needs of the community might be different now and these grants aim to address those emerging needs.” 

Partnering With Local Businesses To Connect Resources With Those In Need

East County News Service; photo CC via Bing

March 3, 2021 (San Diego) – Rock Church is hosting three community distributions of free food, diapers and supplies to help those in need during the COVID-19 crisis. The dates and locations are:

Thursday, March 4 at 12 p.m., the Rock Church San Marcos (1370 West San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos)

Thursday, March 11 at 12 p.m., the Rock Church City Heights (4001 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego)

Tuesday, March 16 at 12 p.m., the Rock Church East County campus (808 Jackman Campus, EL Cajon)

By Miriam Raftery

January 24, 2021 (La Mesa) – This Tuesday, January 26th, the city of La Mesa will proclaim January 30th as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties. The proclamation honors the late civil rights activist, who fought for the rights and freedoms of Japanese-Americans sent to internment camps during World War II.

During a 6 p.m. City Council meeting held via Zoom, special guests beaming in remotely will include Korematsu’s daughter, Dr. Karen Korematsu, Founder and Executive Director of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute as well as actor George Takei, best known for portraying Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu (right) in the original Star Trek TV series and later, Captain Sulu in Star Trek: Voyager.