ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

184 GUNS TURNED IN AT SHERIFF’S LEMON GROVE GUN SAFETY EVENT

GUACAMOLE GALORE AND MORE: 25th ANNIVERSARY FALLBROOK AVOCADO FESTIVAL APRIL 17

 

April 17, 2011 (Fallbrook) – The avocado has been called California's “green gold” – an apt description for Fallbrook.  Over 70,000 visitors from a dozen states flocked to Fallbrook last year for the annual Avocado Festival, where the town's economy reaped $1.75 million in revenues.  Here's why.

 

EMERGENCY DISPATCHERS HONORED BY COUNTY

 

April 16, 2011 (San Diego) -- In times of intense personal crisis and community-wide disasters, Sheriff's Department dispatchers are always ready to respond to the call for help. They work under stressful conditions, yet must think clearly and send help to people in need of emergency services.

 

In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the County Board of Supervisors recognized these unsung heroes with a proclamation commending Sheriff’s Department dispatchers for outstanding service, leadership and commitment to keeping our communities safe.

ON THE SILVER SCREEN: "CARANCHO" LACKS DRIVE

By Brian Lafferty

 

April 16, 2011 (San Diego) – Carancho is not a good film, nor is it a bad film. It tells a decent story in dire need of pep and zip. It stars two appealing actors in Ricardo Darín and Martina Gusman but they are trapped in a movie that suffers from terminal perfunctoriness.

 

ART AND ARTISAN JEWELRY SHOW APRIL 16

 

April 15, 2011 (El Cajon ) – Main Street 5 Gallery will host an art and jewelry show Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. to showcase works by artisans Chuck McPherson and Jeff Fulkerson.

 

“McPherson’s paintings swim in rich color and vibrant brushstrokes, complimented by Fulkerson’s jewelry that will make any night on the town a unique experience,” said Esther Beish, owner of the gallery.

RIDE ‘EM COWBOYS: LAKESIDE WESTERN DAYS APRIL 15-17

 

Rodeo , parade and more highlight frontier town’s annual event


April 15, 2011 (Lakeside) – Rodeo has been a tradition in Lakeside since the first rodeo was held back in 1920. Since then, Lakeside Western Days has broadened to encompass a series of eventsApril 15-17 celebrating the community’s Wild West heritage.
 

WHAT'S HOT? HOT-RODDIN’ CHILI COOK-OFF & CAR SHOW: APRIL16 IN JAMUL

 

April 15, 2011 (Jamul) – What’s hot in East County? Find out at tomrrow’s 3rd annual Jamul Hot Roddin’ Chili Cook-Off and Car Show.

 

The event, which benefits the Jamul Kiwanis Scholarship fund, will be held Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Simpson’s Nursery and vintage car museum, 13925 Campo Road off historic Highway 94 in Jamul.

 

Admission is free. A $1 donation is requested for each chili tasting, or $10 for 15 tastes. Guests can also enter the “CASH FOR BASH” competition to win a chance to beat up a beat-up car. Fun for everyone includes a petting zoo, entertainment, entry to the car museum, silent auction, and raffle.

HEARTBEAT HAPPENING CAR SHOW & BBQ ROLLS OUT SUNDAY, APRIL 17 AT BATES NUT FARM: SHOW IS PART OF WEEKEND CRAFT FAIR

April 15, 2011 (Valley Center)--Heartbeat Classics Chevy Club hosts its 13th annual classic car show, the Heartbeat Happening XIII, on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Road in Valley Center. Activities include a craft fair with over 50 vendors, Lion's Club pancake breakfast, barbecue, car painting and petting zoo for the kids. The show and other events are free to the public.

 

ANNUAL DUNCAN L. HUNTER WOUNDED MARINES GOLF CLASSIC MAY 9

 

April 15, 2011 (El Cajon) –Former Congressman Duncan L. Hunter’s sixth annual Wounded Marines Golf Classic will tee off on May 9th at the Cottonwood Golf Club. Proceeds will benefit wounded Army, Navy, and Marine Corps personnel at Naval Medical Center in San Diego. Armed Services YMCA, a 501c3 nonprofit, is the host sponsor.

 

Cottonwood is donating the course, personnel and equipment so that every dollar will go to help support ill and injured service members.

PRESIDENT INTRODUCES DEBT REDUCTION PROPOSAL, VOWS TO DEFEND MEDICARE AGAINST REPUBLICANS' PRIVATIZATION PLAN

By Jeremy Los

I do not want the government to shut-down, but the bottom line is Washington needs to get its finances in order. Out of every dollar the United States government spends, 40 cents is borrowed. This is unsustainable.” -- Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-San Diego)

 

“Republicans are trying to ram through a disgraceful budget that would destroy Medicare, drive an entire generation of seniors into poverty, but give the wealthiest Americans even more tax cuts. It’s shameful. It’s immoral.” --Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-New York).

 

April 15, 2011-(Washington D.C.)-- President Barack Obama laid out his fiscal agenda in a speech Wednesday, announcing plans to cut our massive national debt while pledging to preserve Medicare, a program credited with lifting millions of seniors out of poverty. View his speech.

 

ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS

 

 

April 15, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecting all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views.

GOT TREASURES? “MUSEUM ROADSHOW” COMES TO HERITAGE OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM APRIL 16

April 15, 2011 (Rancho San Diego)--On Saturday, April 16, from 12 to 4:00 p.m., Heritage of the Americas Museum will host Craig Helm, certified appraiser, who specializes in Native American, pre-Columbian, antique pictures, guns, western memorabilia, and Asian artifacts.

PARTY FOR OUR PLANET: 2ND ANNUAL EAST COUNTY EARTH DAY MAY 1 ON MT. HELIX

 

April 15, 2011 (Mt. Helix) -- Don't want to fight the crowds at Earth Day in Balboa Park? Now there's a local alternative.  Earth Day is coming to East San Diego County on Sunday, May 1 from 11 am – 3 pm.

 

This free family-fun event will be held in the Mt. Helix Amphitheater, 4901 Mt. Helix Drive in La Mesa. Co-sponsored by the Jarrett Meeker Foundation and Mt. Helix Park in partnership with the La Mesa- Spring Valley School District, East County Earth Day will feature vendors whose missions are environmentally friendly along with live music and a variety of speakers.

 

ADVICE FROM THE PURPLE MOUNTAIN SAGE: THE ABSOLUTELY AMAZING CARPET OF YELLOW


Increase your enjoyment of living!


By Sharon Courmousis
Sacred Rocks Reserve

 

April 15, 2011 (Boulevard)--There are times when being away and returning opens our eyes to unexpected beauty. True, it happens every year about this time; however, we tend to forget. When we live with minute changes in nature every day, it may be difficult to really see what is evolving.

 

As you drive around the mountains, notice the stunningly vivid yellow flowers, pushing up out of the ground suddenly. It is as if a mighty paintbrush has colored all available ground with a very large stoke. It set me to wondering…..

POMERADO SAXOPHONE QUARTET IN CONCERT APRIL 17 AT MISSION TRAILS

 

April 15, 2011 (San Diego) – Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Pomerado Saxophone Quartet will perform a variety of music in a free concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 17 in the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center theater. The one-hour concert will be followed by a public reception in the Visitor Center Gallery.

MOUTAIN BIKE FATALITY: SIG ALERT ON HIGHWAY 52 WESTBOUND

 

April 14, 2011 (Santee) -- A SIG alert was issued shorterly after 4:30 p.m. on westbound Highway 52 near Mast.  According to the CHP website, an 18-speed mountain bike was spotted near a guardrail with a cord dangling.  Emergency responders found the rider had fallen over the embankment and was pronounced dead at the scene.

BACKCOUNTRY’S BILLIE JO JANNEN IS ON THE AIR

 

Award-winning journalist and ECM's own East of the Line columnist hosts TGIF Report on East County issues

 

Show airs Fridays from 6-7 p.m. on FM 107.9

 


By Miriam Raftery

April 12, 2011 (Alpine) – She’s won awards for investigative reporting and spent nearly 25 years writing and editing articles about East County’s hottest topics such as wildfires, wind turbines, border and land use issues. Her coverage has drawn national attention on 60 Minutes and 20-20 TV shows. She’s also rooted out tales of feral pigs and turkey hunts, offered tips on how to remove horse manure, and covered local politics. (Some might see similarity in these topics.)
 

Now the backcountry’s best-known news hound has a found a new home behind the microphone at my107.9 radio in Alpine, where her new show, the TGIF report covers news and events in San Diego’s backcountry communities and Alpine.  East County Magazine readers will recognize Jannen as author of the popular East of the Line column on backcountry issues.
 

The TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) Report airs Fridays from 6-7 p.m. because “I don’t do mornings well,” quips Jannen. If you’re not close enough to Alpine to pick up the signal, you can listen to the show streaming live at http://www.my1079.com.

TUBERCULOSIS CASE REPORTED AT LOCAL INDIAN HEALTH CENTER

 

April 14, 2011 (San Diego)--The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is working with San Diego American Indian Health Center (SDAIHC) to notify patients who were possibly exposed to tuberculosis (TB) at SDAIHC’s downtown location. The period of exposure was from Oct. 1, 2010 to April 1, 2011.

SHERIFF’S DEPUTY SHOOTS, KILLS SUSPECT IN FATAL STABBING AFTER CONTRONTATION AT DESCANSO REST STOP

 

April 13, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Craig Peterson, 52, was shot and killed this afternoon by a San Diego Sheriff’s sergeant at a rest stop near Interstate 8 and Highway 79. Peterson was a “person of interest” in the stabbing death this morning of a 72-year-old man in Borrego Springs.

 

MISSING GIRL, 15, LAST SEEN LEAVING SCHOOL BUS IN EAST SAN DIEGO MONDAY


 

Update April 21: A source close to the family informs ECM that Sotelo has returned safely home.

 

April 13, 2011 (San Diego) – San Diego Police this evening alerted media that 15-year-old Valeria Sotelo has been missing since Monday April 11 at 5 p.m. She was last seen exiting her school bus at Orange and Euclid Avenue.

Sotelo is Hispanic, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 125 pounds, with brown eyes, brown hair, and a medium complexion. She was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and black Converse tennis shoes and is considered "at risk," according to an SDPD media release.

WE FOUND THE END OF THE RAINBOW IN EAST COUNTY


 

By Miriam Raftery

 

April 13, 2011 – It’s official—the rainbow ends in Jamul!

 

 A spectacular rainbow arched over a field behind Donna Hendrix’s Jamul home after last week’s rainstorm week—putting in a special appearance at a party celebrating Steve Rowe’s promotion from executive director of the East County YMCA to a leadership role in the San Diego YMCA.

LA MESA TO HONOR VIETNAM WAR VETERANS APRIL 26

 

April 13, 2011 (La Mesa)-- La Mesa residents who are Vietnam War Veterans are invited to attend the La Mesa City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26th at the City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Avenue.

 

The City Council will honor these military personnel for their service during the meeting as part of its ongoing effort to recognize local veterans. Last month, the Council recognized Korean War Veterans, in February the WWII Veterans, and in January the Council honored the Pearl Harbor Survivors for their valor.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BUTTERFLY DENIED ENDANDGERED SPECIES PROTECTION

Obama administration withholds protection after declaring more help is needed

April 13, 2011 (San Diego).— Responding to a petition and lawsuit from the Center for Biological Diversity,(CBD) the Obama administration today denied Endangered Species Act protection to one of Southern California’s rarest butterflies, the Hermes copper butterfly. The butterfly was instead placed on the growing list of “candidate” species -- even though the CBD warns that the yellow-orange, spotted butterfly is threatened with extinction extinction.

CABINS NOW OPEN AT SANTEE LAKES

 

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

April 12, 2011--Santee Mayor Randy Voepel, Miss Santee Maria Maes, local legislators’ representatives and community leaders were on hand last week for the grand opening of Santee’s newest attraction: ten waterfront cabins, including three afloat on Lake Seven.
 

Invited guests savored a cake baked to resemble the lake itself, complete with cabins and waterfowl.  The occasion also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Santee Lakes.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AVERTED AS LAWMAKERS COMPROMISE ON 2011 BUDGET


Compromise budget includes large cuts to health and nutrition programs for low-income Americans, public broadcasting, Planned Parenthood services, high-speed rail, and air pollution controls

 

By Jeremy Los

April 13, 2011- A government shut down was averted in the 11th hour as House Republicans were able to reach agreement Friday with President Barack Obama and Senate Democrats about a budget for the next six months. 

 

The compromise will look to cut federal spending by some $38 billion dollars this year. The budget itself has yet to be completely passed, however, as Friday’s last minute deal simply provided a stopgap, allowing for a continued flow of federal funding through this Thursday. Update April 15, 2011 - Congress approved the stopgap budget yesterday for funding through year's end.

EL CAJON RESIDENT THADDEUS BROWN AMONG THOSE INDICTED IN POINT-SHAVING CASE

by Christopher Mohr

 

April 13, 2011 (San Diego) - Ten people were indicted by a federal grand jury on Friday, April 8,  for their part in a point-shaving and marijuana distributing operation. Three of the ten indicted included two former players and a former assistant coach from the University of San Diego basketball program.

 

BLOCK’S BLL TO FIGHT GANG-RELATED HUMAN TRAFFICKING, SEXUAL EXPLOITATION PASSES COMMITTEE

April 13, 2011 (Sacramento) – Legislation authored by Assemblymember Marty Block (D-AD78) to provide law enforcement with better tools to fight the growing epidemic of gang-related criminal sexual exploitation and human trafficking, cleared its first Assembly committee today. AB 918 was approved by the Assembly Public Safety Committee by a vote of 6-0.

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