July 16, 2010 (La Mesa) – A suspect accused of robbing a cab driver at knifepoint in La Mesa has been arrested, La Mesa Police report. The cab driver became suspicious after the suspect directed him to pull over several times in areas that were dark and remote. Instead, the driver stopped his cab in the 7900 block of La Mesa Boulevard at 1:30 a.m. and asked for his fare.
July 15, 2010 (San Diego's East County) - Rainfall aided firefighters in battling numerous fires in backcountry areas late today. Most were started by lightning strikes from thunderstorms. The largest blaze in San Felipe along the Banner Grade near Julian had reached over 100 acres by early evening and is burning toward the desert.
Smaller fires were swiftly controlled in other communities including Warner Springs, Campo, and Lakeside. Fast action by Lakeside resident Charley Barranco helped extinguish a brush fire in a on the Levy water pump station at Lake Jennnings Park.
July 16, 2010 (Pine Valley) – San Diego Sheriff’s office today announced a search for a Rancho San Diego man who was last seen on June 30th. Steve Smith, 47, was reported missing on July 12; his vehicle was towed by California Highway Patrol on July 8 at 2:30 a.m. from the Pine Valley bridge. Smith may be suicidal and in possession of a firearm, according to an investigation by detectives with the Lemon Grove Sheriff substation.
July 1, 2010 (San Diego)—San Diego Police report that homicide detectives are investigating after a dead body was found inside a burned car in the 14200 block of Highland Valley Road, San Pasqual at 1:10 a.m.
Consumer and retail industry leaders praise bill’s passage; San Diego’s Congressional delegation’s votes split down party lines
By Miriam Raftery
July 15, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – Moments ago, the U.S. Senate passed HR 4175, a landmark reform measure that “cracks down on corporate fraud and holds big banks accountable for reckless, risky behavior,” said Senator Patrick Leavy (D-Vermont), author of the bill which is expected to be signed into law by President Barack Obama later today.
Business Wire reports that National Retail Federation senior vice president Mallory Duncan praised passage of the bill, titled the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. “This is a landmark step forward in protecting Main Street against the excesses of the banking industry,” he said.
The Felipe Fire at Banner grade is now 50 acres on the east side of S-2 near Julian, spreading rapidly, Cal-Fire reports. The Mission Valley Fire's spread has been slowed. The fire near Lakeside is now contained and was confined to a drainage ditch. New fires are burning near Campo Railroad in Campo and east of Shelter Valley, but both are lightning fires that should be contained soon, Cal-Fire batallion chief Nick Schuler informed ECM.
July 15, 2010 3:05 p.m. -- Major brush fires are burning in Mission Valley and across multiple backcountry communities, including several sparked by wildfires. Scroll down for details and please post any updates you may have in our comments section below.
East County Officials, Residents Reduce Alcohol and Drug Impact on Neighborhoods
July 15, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- The East County Community Change Project recently honored more than a dozen outstanding East County community leaders for their efforts to fight crime and increase safety in the east region. The awards were presented at the East County CommunityChange Project’s Second Annual Progress Report to the Community at the First United Methodist Church in El Cajon.
County Urges Residents To Use Caution When Cleaning Up Rodent Droppings
July 15, 2010 (Otay) -- San Diego County Vector Control officials confirmed today that one wild Northern Baja mouse trapped in the Otay River Valley during routine monitoring tested positive for Hantavirus. This brings the total to 16 mice that have tested positive for Hantavirus this year.
“Hantavirus is preventable and can be fatal. The wet winter has provided plenty of food and shelter for mice, helping to increase the wild mouse population. It is extremely important to keep mice out of houses, garages and sheds to prevent infection,” said Jack Miller, Director of the County Department of Environmental Health. “People contract Hantavirus by inhaling the virus, often when they are cleaning up rodent droppings and nesting materials. Wet cleaning methods should be used to prevent inhaling the virus.”
July 15, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)--The Jamacha Road Pipeline Project is nearing completion. When finished, the 5.1-mile water pipeline will run from Rancho San Diego to El Cajon.
“I believe that the PACE program is critical to stimulating our local and statewide economy. I’m glad to see this lawsuit filed so that this novel program can continue.” --San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, joining Brown at today's press conference in San Diego
July 14, 2010 (San Diego) – California Attorney General Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown today filed a lawsuit against mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for blocking the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs nationwide. View a video of today's press conference in San Diego:
July 15, 2010 (Washington D.C.). - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Pottery Barn Kids, has announced a voluntary recall of 82,000 Pottery Barn Kids drop-side cribs sold from 1999 through 2010. The recall includes numerous different styles of cribs following seven reported injuries and dozens of malfunctions.
July 14, 2010 (San Diego) -- Assembly Bill 1660, which expands the definition of “emergency aircraft flights for medical purposes,” was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on Friday. The bill clarifies that an air ambulance, flying under a Lifeguard call sign, is not subject to a fine or penalty when departing an airport after hours to return to headquarters.
“Our access to public safety is the issue in question,” said Assemblymember Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista), author of the bill. “It is important that emergency workers are not hindered in doing their job.”
July 14, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Over 1,000 Beanie Babies will be distributed through Spirit of America projects to bring smiles to children in war-torn Afghanistan, thanks to the efforts of Parkway Middle School children, Fletcher Hills Kiwanis Club, and local author Diana Lindsay. Lindsay, author of guide books on the Anza Borrego desert, is also the mother of Lt. Commander Jon Lindsay, a former Spirit of America volunteer.
July 14, 2010 (San Diego's East County) --A woman is distraught and threatening to jump off a bridge over Eastbound highway 54 near the 805 junction, Incident Page Network reported at 6:05 p.m.
Traffic is also slow on westbound I-8 due to two major accidents, including a rollover at Fairmont where a vehicle rolled down an embankment, forcing a road closure. A second accident has occured near College Avenue.
July 14, 2010 (Alpine) – Chelsea Marie Jenner, 19, was killed July 10 in an accident on Alpine Boulevard.
A resident of Jamul, Jenner graduated from Steele Canyon High School in 2008. She set numerous varsity all-time records as a player with the women’s soccer team at Steele Canyon and also played for the Presidio Soccer League.
July 14, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)--The Sorcerer's Apprentice takes a ten-minute animated segment and stretches it out to a nearly two hour live-action film but it works. It is visually dark yet lit up by the energetic performance of Dave by Jay Baruchel and Nicolas Cage’s dry, deadpan, and humorous portrayal of Balthazar. Some of the humor is predictable but I still laughed throughout. The film teems with special effects but they have a decent story to put them to use.
July 14, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The political scene in San Diego’s eastern regions runs the gamut from follies to jollies. Here are the latest juicy stories—starting with a watchdog who may need some watching, according to newshounds at a local newspaper who turned up a pungent trail involving a prominent elected official. Another media outlet found itself the target of criticism, however, after running a political cartoon portraying a one-eyed veteran running for Congress as a pirate. Plus a candidate in an East County council race has an illustrious resume that includes this jolly avocation: Santa Claus!
July 14, 2010 (Lemon Grove) -- Assemblymember Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) and California State Controller John Chiang will host a Small Business Tax and Regional Opportunities Seminar to provide small business owners with the resources and tools they need to be successful as our economy recovers. Experts will provide small business owners with valuable information on tax preparation, tax compliance issues, current legislative issues and discuss regional opportunities to help businesses grow.
Representatives from the Office of the State Controller, State Board of Equalization, Franchise Tax Board, Internal Revenue Service, United States Small Business Administration, California Employment Development Department and the Small Business Development Corporation will participate.
July 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The last 19-mile link of SDG&E’s controversial Sunrise Powerlink transmission line project has been approved by Cleveland National Forest director William Metz, the Union-Tribune reports.
July 14, 2010 (Jacumba) -- Martha Lidia Jimenez, 54, of Yuma, Arizona has been identified by the San Diego Medical Examiner's office as the driver of a Nissan Sentra that struck a Ford F150 on Interstate 8 near Carrizo Gorge Road on July 10. Her car rolled over multilple times landing on the center divide.
July 14, 2010 12:05 am. (Oceanside) - A brush fire at Camp Pendleton north of Oceanside has grown to over 2,700 acres, sending smoke up over much of North County. The fire is now 60% contained, with full containment forecast for tomorrow.
Creative East County Wedding Venues For Your Dream Ceremony
By Richard Darvas
May 9, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- How many childhood fantasies stretch into adulthood, relatively unchanged? For many, wedding day is the holy grail of making dreams come true. Yet how many couples opt for a trendy wedding replete with clichés and high-dollar kitsch, only to later regret not choosing to stroll down an unbeaten aisle?
Romance is not manufactured, nor delivered via assembly line. For memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime, why not select an idyllic setting that isn’t cookie cutter? Many betrothed couples are unaware of the serene mountain retreats, lush wineries, country ranches and exotic savannahs in San Diego’s eastern region. Whether your heart’s desire is a grand affair or an intimate occasion, you’ll find a wealth of unique venues for your dream ceremony in East County.
Here are our picks for East County's most romantic wedding venues:
July 13, 2010 (Alpine) –A Life-Flight helicopter has been called to transport a five-year-old boy struck by a vehicle to a local trauma center. The child is breathing and conscious, but may have broken bones, according to a Sheriff’s official.
The child was struck by a hit-and-run driver in the 2100 block of Alpine Glen Place in the Japatul Valley area around 5 p.m. and reportedly was crushed between the vehicle and a block wall. A search is on for the driver of the vehicle after law enforcement obtained the address at which the vehicle is registered, ECM has learned.
July 13, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – Two people have been transported to a hospital after being stung by a swarm of bees in the 7400 block of Mt. Vernon in Lemon Grove this afternoon, Lt. Munson of the San Diego Sheriff’s office confirms. “A bee removal service removed some of the bees and calmed them but, but will come back later for the rest,” he cautioned.
July 13, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- A pair of incidents have caused traffic delays on East County highways this afternoon in Dulzura and Jacumba.
July 13, 2010 (Oceanside) -- A fire caused by training exercises this morning at Camp Pendleton has spread rapidly and is now more than 100 acres, Lance Corporal Michael Atchue told East County Magazine. "It should be contained within 24 hours," he said, adding that he expects an update soon will show the fire has grown significantly.
PACE programs are among the most promising ways that ordinary Americans can spur the economy, create jobs, save money and lessen the nation’s dependence on foreign oil…Challenging economic times like ours call for decisiveness and action, not the fear and disinterest exhibited by FHFA.” – Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Pam Slater-Price, in a letter to President Barack Obama
By Miriam Raftery
July 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Last week, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not buy or sell mortgages for homes enrolled in municipal solar financing programs called PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy). The programs allow homeowners to spread the cost of rooftop solar and other energy efficiency measures over 20 years, paid as part of their property tax bills.
The decision casts a pall over the County of San Diego, which planned to launch its PACE program this summer.
July 16, 2010 (La Mesa) – A suspect accused of robbing a cab driver at knifepoint in La Mesa has been arrested, La Mesa Police report. The cab driver became suspicious after the suspect directed him to pull over several times in areas that were dark and remote. Instead, the driver stopped his cab in the 7900 block of La Mesa Boulevard at 1:30 a.m. and asked for his fare. 
July 16, 2010 (Pine Valley) – San Diego Sheriff’s office today announced a search for a Rancho San Diego man who was last seen on June 30th. Steve Smith, 47, was reported missing on July 12; his vehicle was towed by California Highway Patrol on July 8 at 2:30 a.m. from the Pine Valley bridge. Smith may be suicidal and in possession of a firearm, according to an investigation by detectives with the Lemon Grove Sheriff substation.
July 1, 2010 (San Diego)—San Diego Police report that homicide detectives are investigating after a dead body was found inside a burned car in the 14200 block of Highland Valley Road, San Pasqual at 1:10 a.m..jpg)
By Miriam Raftery
July 15, 2010 3:05 p.m. -- Major brush fires are burning in Mission Valley and across multiple backcountry communities, including several sparked by wildfires. Scroll down for details and please post any updates you may have in our comments section below.
July 15, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- The East County Community Change Project recently honored more than a dozen outstanding East County community leaders for their efforts to fight crime and increase safety in the east region. The awards were presented at the East County CommunityChange Project’s Second Annual Progress Report to the Community at the First United Methodist Church in El Cajon.
July 15, 2010 (Otay) -- San Diego County Vector Control officials confirmed today that one wild Northern Baja mouse trapped in the Otay River Valley during routine monitoring tested positive for Hantavirus. This brings the total to 16 mice that have tested positive for Hantavirus this year.
July 15, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)--The Jamacha Road Pipeline Project is nearing completion. When finished, the 5.1-mile water pipeline will run from Rancho San Diego to El Cajon.
July 15, 2010 (Washington D.C.). - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Pottery Barn Kids, has announced a voluntary recall of 82,000 Pottery Barn Kids drop-side cribs sold from 1999 through 2010. The recall includes numerous different styles of cribs following seven reported injuries and dozens of malfunctions.
July 14, 2010 (San Diego) -- Assembly Bill 1660, which expands the definition of “emergency aircraft flights for medical purposes,” was signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger on Friday. The bill clarifies that an air ambulance, flying under a Lifeguard call sign, is not subject to a fine or penalty when departing an airport after hours to return to headquarters. 
July 14, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Over 1,000 Beanie Babies will be distributed through 
July 14, 2010 (Alpine) – Chelsea Marie Jenner, 19, was killed July 10 in an accident on Alpine Boulevard.
By Brian Lafferty
July 14, 2010 (Lemon Grove) -- Assemblymember Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) and California State Controller John Chiang will host a Small Business Tax and Regional Opportunities Seminar to provide small business owners with the resources and tools they need to be successful as our economy recovers. Experts will provide small business owners with valuable information on tax preparation, tax compliance issues, current legislative issues and discuss regional opportunities to help businesses grow.
July 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The last 19-mile link of SDG&E’s controversial Sunrise Powerlink transmission line project has been approved by Cleveland National Forest director William Metz, the Union-Tribune reports.
July 14, 2010 12:05 am. (Oceanside) - A brush fire at Camp Pendleton north of Oceanside has grown to over 2,700 acres, sending smoke up over much of North County. The fire is now 60% contained, with full containment forecast for tomorrow.
By Miriam Raftery
July 13, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – Two people have been transported to a hospital after being stung by a swarm of bees in the 7400 block of Mt. Vernon in Lemon Grove this afternoon, Lt. Munson of the San Diego Sheriff’s office confirms. “A bee removal service removed some of the bees and calmed them but, but will come back later for the rest,” he cautioned.
By Miriam Raftery
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