July 18, 2013 (El Cajon)--The arraignment of a man arrested by San Diego Sheriffs deputies on suspicion of arson and other associated crimes Sunday night has been continued until July 24 in Department 2 of El Cajon Superior Court. Dane Coburn is accused of intentionally setting a fire that charred five acres of brush on State Route 79 near the Los Vaqueros Horse Camp in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park last week.
Coburn, represented by legal counsel, is also accused of threatening to kill one of the firefighters who first responded to the blaze. He then allegedly provoked a fight with several deputies before being subdued. His attorney requested the continuance on the grounds that Coburn needed access to a mental health professional for an evaluation prior his arraignment. Coburn is being held in San Diego County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.
The defendant has been charged with arson of forest lands, assault on an officer, making terrorist threats, resisting arrest, and of being under the influence of drugs.
July 17, 2013 (El Cajon)- At the July 9 meeting, El Cajon City Council unanimously voted to authorize the city manager to issue a formal request for qualifications to hire an architect to prepare and provide construction documents ready for bid on renovations to reopen the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC).
According to Ray Lutz from Citizens Oversight, who also organized a Save ECPAC group last year when the theater was threatened with possible demolition, “This is the best news we have had on this issue for over a year."
July 17, 2013 (Borrego) – The 43rd annual sheep count in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park was completed July 5-7.
“This year we tallied 332 bighorn, which replaces the 2011 count as the second largest tally in sheep count history at Anza-Borrego,” states a letter to volunteers from coordinators Steve Bier and Mark C. Jorgensen.
The numbers don’t tell the whole story, though. The count did not include some portions of the park where populations may be under the most stress—and at least two dead sheep were found during the count due to apparent dehydration.
July 16, 2013 (San Diego) – On the continued fight over forcing the Mayor to resign - It is not too smart to call a press conference, like the one Briggs, Frye and Gonzales called yesterday in an attempt to use the media to force San Diego Mayor Bob Filner to resign, then attack the media for asking legitimate questions.
I believe Bob Filner should resign for the good of San Diego, but if he survives this thing, it will be due to his opposition playing such heavy handed politics - from the left and the right - that the public decides this is all just another power grab and there is no difference between Bob and his adversaries.
July 16, 2013 (San Diego) – Mayor Bob Filner yesterday announced appointments intended to significantly strengthen City management. Filner prefaced the announcement with a statement addressing recent calls for his resignation:
“I’m not going to resign, and here’s why,” said Filner. “As your elected mayor, I fully expect to be accountable to the citizens of San Diego for all of my actions. But as a citizen of this country, I also expect – and am entitled to – due process, and the opportunity to respond in a fair and impartial venue to specific allegations. I do not believe I am guilty of sexual harassment, and I believe a full presentation of the facts will vindicate me,” said Filner.
July 15, 2013 (San Diego) --Equivalent to our Independence Day, Bastille Day is the great national holiday of France. In the true Gallic tradition, Bastille Day is also celebrated in America.
Why have we Americans so fervently embraced a foreign holiday of which we know so little about? It is due, perhaps, to the unmistakable joie de vivre we have imported from the French culture. Our thoughts about Bastille Day are not so much an exercise in history, but rather a reflection of the things we view as endemic to the nation of France.
July 5, 2013 (San Diego)—Planning on attending Comic Con International this year starting July 18? Parking is challenging, so consider taking the trolley.
July 15, 2013 (El Cajon) -- Are you a military member or veteran? If so, the County wants to hear from you.
The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency is sponsoring a forum at the El Cajon Library on July 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. to gather information that will help service members make a successful transition to civilian life.
Drills aim to prepare law enforcement officers in the event of a school shooting
July 15, 2013 (El Cajon) – If you live or work in El Cajon be advised the Sheriff's Department will hold an active shooter training at Grossmont College on Tuesday, July 16th and Thursday, July 18th from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. THIS IS ONLY A DRILL.
July 15, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – This summer the music is floating over Berry Street Park, 7071 Mt. Vernon, Lemon Grove on Thursday evenings. The free concerts are sponsored by the City of Lemon Grove and are from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
July 15, 2013 (San Diego)--The popular Miramar Air Show set for October 4-6 is at risk of cancellation, following Friday’s announcement that the Pentagon will not allow military flights in the annual air show at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar due to budget cuts caused by sequestration. Marine officials have not yet confirmed if the show will be held, but if the show does go on, it will be with no military aircraft. Military planes such as the Blue Angels have comprised the majority of the show in the past.
“More than half a million visitors attend the Miramar event, which helps our local economy and showcases the skill of our armed forces. This is a tremendous disappointment across the region,” said State Senator Marty Block (D-39th District).
July 15, 2013 (La Mesa)—La Mesa Police responded to a 9-1-1 call on July 12 at 7:40 p.m. in the 7400 block of Colony Drive. A witness reported that a suspect slashed the face of a victim with a knife and then fled west through the residential complex.
Officers arrived on scene and located the victim on the ground with a laceration to his nose and face. The 50-year-old victim was transported to the hospital with wounds that were not life threatening.
Officers searched the area with assistance from San Diego Sheriff’s helicopter ASTREA and El Cajon Police Department canine units, but were unable to locate the suspect. The suspect is described as a white man in his 40s or 50s, between 5’4 and 5’6 tall, approximately 160 pounds, with “salt and pepper” hair. He was wearing a t-shirt and brown shorts and carried a large black trash bag when he fled the scene.
Update: A reader in the area informed ECM at 10 p.m. he can no longer see flames and it appears firefighters have the blaze under control.
July 14, 2013 – AT 9:04 p.m., Incident Page Network reports scanner traffic indicates a new brush fire at Highway 79 and Sunrise Highway is now two acres, burning in moderate fuel near Los Vaqueros Horse Camp.
The CHP website indicates fire is near Stonewall Road and Horse Camp not far from Lake Cuyamaca. CHP's site also states that the San Diego Sheriff is out with a “5150” (mental case) party possibly responsible for the fire.
Update July 15: The property owner has granted a brief stay to allow Coyote Canyon Caballos d'Anza more time to relocate the herd. The nonprofit group asks public help to contact federal and county elected officials and the Bureau of Land Management to urge that relocation on public lands in San Diego be approved and expedited. Actions that could be taken include the county adding these wild horses to its protected species list and the BLM approving the horses for relocation to the Beauty Mountain area in northeast San Diego County.
By Miriam Raftery
July 14, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Plans to restore San Diego’s heritage herd of wild horses to public lands is in peril. An eviction notice has been served on the nonprofit organization that recently found and brought back the last descendants of San Diego’s original wild horses. Unless the property owner backs down, the horses will be evicted on Monday, July 15.
July 13, 2013 (Campo) – The Motor Transport Museum is hosting a Mexican Fiesta party to celebrate the completion of the restoration work on the vintage 1924 Cadillac Julian Stage bus on July 20 at 4 p.m. at the museum, 31949 Highway 94, Campo.
Attendees can ride in the 1924 Cadillac Stage bus, learn what was state-of-art manufacturing of busses in the 1920’s, wear vintage clothing and enjoy vintage music. There will also be surprise events for the kids.
July 13, 2013 (Santee) – As part of the Summer Concert Series in Santee, July 18 will be Blues & BBQ featuring music from Mercedes Moore Band and Bill Magee Blues. The food will be provided by Phil’s BBQ and the beer garden features Manzanita Brewing Co. The event takes place at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive, Santee from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
July 13, 2013 (El Cajon) – The Young Actors Theater is presenting Les Miserables July 25-28 and August 1-4 at Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Center, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon. Les Miserables, recently a blockbuster movie, is the story of Jean Valjean and his search for peace in 19th century France which culminates at the beginning of a revolutionary uprising.
July 13, 2013 (La Mesa)—The City of La Mesa presents “Movie Night Under the Stars” on July 26, at La Mesita Park. The movie, “Wreck it Ralph” (rated PG), starts at 8:00 p.m. with pre-show entertainment starting at 7:30 p.m. This is fun family entertainment at its best “Under the Stars.”
The movie is FREE to the public and will be shown on a 25’ x 14’ screen. Bring your lawn chair, spread out a blanket, sit back and enjoy. La Mesita Park is located adjacent to the Junior Seau Sports Complex at 8855 Dallas Street, La Mesa.
July 12, 2013 (El Cajon) -- Lynmarie Rodriguez, 29, of Chula Vista has been charged with attempted murder for reportedly stabbing a man at his home at 1696 Buckeye Drive in El Cajon. According to El Cajon Police Lieutenant Frank Haye, investigators found that the woman had "attempted to rob the victim when the altercation occurred."
July 12, 2013 (San Diego) – Mayor Bob Filner today announced support for an independent investigation into any complaints of sexual harassment by women on his staff and added that he believes the investigation will clear him of legal wrongdoing.
“While I stand by my comments and pledge of yesterday to make changes to improve the workplace environment in my office, I am confident that a fair and independent investigation will support my innocence with respect to any charges of sexual harassment,” Mayor Filner said in a statement issued today.
The announcement comes one day after three of his long-time supporters called for his resignation, alleging to have credible evidence of sexual harassment complaints made by multiple women who worked for the Mayor. None of the women have been identified and details of the alleged harassment have not been disclosed.
July 12, 2013 (San Diego) – A Hijacking is a straightforward hostage movie that is as simply constructed and acted as its title. Somali pirates take over a Danish cargo ship. The captors demand millions of dollars in exchange. No one-liners, no fancy style, no John McClane heroics or Hans Gruber villainy. Not even a note of music to underscore the tension.
July 12, 2013 (San Diego) – The scariest story I’ve ever read was Stephen King’s The Mist. Made into a 2007 Frank Darabont film I’m too frightened to see, it told of a band of New England survivors trapped in a grocery story by a dense fog and a horde of horrific creatures from another dimension. At the end, the remaining survivors encounter a monster so humongous, that it would make a blue whale – the largest animal in Earth’s existence – look like a trout.
July 12, 2013 (Lakeside) -- A dead American crow found near Lakeside has tested positive for West Nile virus, making it the first local sign this year of the sometimes-fatal disease, the County reports.
Last year was one of the worst on record for West Nile virus across the United States, but not here, where the County of San Diego has taken aggressive steps to control mosquitoes that can spread the disease. Just two San Diegans have been diagnosed locally with West Nile virus in the last three years: one did not become ill, the other became infected while visiting Imperial County.
However, more than 5,000 people got sick and 286 died nationwide from the disease in 2012. County officials said local residents should remember to protect themselves.
The Chariot Fire perimeter, in red, and the evacuation area shown in purple
July 12, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)--Damage assessment teams are combing through the charred remains today of the Al Bahr Shrine Campground area off Sunrise Highway in Mt. Laguna. CAL FIRE estimates 149 structures were damaged or destroyed when the Chariot Fire suddenly surged forward on Monday. The fire is now 98% contained, after charring 7,055 acres.
The County encourages any residents who sustained losses in the Chariot Fire to visit www.sdcountyemergency.com for general recovery information. A Chariot Fire resources link is available here.
An important tip for residents returning to fire-damaged properties is to contact your insurance carrier before beginning clean-up efforts and consider using a professional contractor to avoid any potential hazards.
Photo: ECM editor Miriam Raftery with emcee J.W. August of 10 News, ECM's news partner
July 11, 2013 (San Diego) –Miriam Raftery, editor of East County Magazine and East County news director for KNSJ 89.1 FM radio, was honored tonight with five awards from the Society of Professional Journalism’s San Diego Chapter including two of the organization’s top prizes with cash awards.
July 11, 2013 (Lakeside) – What could be more idyllic than to while away a summer’s day at a beautiful lake? You can channel your inner Tom Sawyer as you explore Lake Jennings, where you can try your hand at fishing, campin,g hiking trails to savor nature watching, or glide across the water’s surface aboard a rented canoe, motorboat, or paddle boat.
As a special treat for family summer fun seekers, the recreational side of Lake Jennings (a reservoir) is open daily in July. Hours are Sundays through Thursdays 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays, 5;30 a.m. until midnight for those who wish to savor the outdoor experience under the stars after sunset – or do some night fishing.
July 11, 2013 (San Diego) – Lee Patisson, a young Navy diver, bitten himself while trying to protect his dog, was recently forced to kill a pit bull that was attacking his pet dog.
According to a San Diego U-T story: “Pattison said he wants to make it clear that he did not shoot the dog without exhausting what he felt was every other means. He tried grabbing its collar and hitting it with his fists. The dog was undeterred. He ran inside and got his shotgun, and struck Bodi [the pit bull] with the butt of the gun five or six times. . . Pattison said Bodi was often tied up on his neighbor’s front doorstep, but the dog was known to break loose . . . He said it was the second time in about a month that the dog had attacked Bolt [Pattison’s dog]. Pattison does not face any charges. Wayne [the dog’s owner] has been cited for failure to keep the dog leashed and failure to protect the public.” (Man Who Killed Pit Bull Says He Is No Hero, July 4, 2013).
July 12, 2013 (Lakeside) -- The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce has named Bonnie LaChappa as the 2013 Lakeside Citizen of the Year with their Harry J. Spence Award. Bonnie, a lifelong Lakeside resident and an elected member of the Barona Band of Mission Indians Tribal Council, is well known for her tireless volunteerism in the East County community.
“Giving back and sharing have always been a big part of our Barona Tribal culture,” said Clifford LaChappa, Chairman of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. “We are very proud of everything Councilwoman LaChappa has done in the community to earn this meaningful award.”
July 11, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – Elected officials and representatives from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Lemon Grove Firefighters, Lemon Grove School District, and other local public agencies will kick off “Operation Safe Summer for Kids” at the new Lemon Grove Library on Saturday, July 13, 2013, starting at 1 p.m. The library is located at 3001 School Lane, Lemon Grove, CA 91945.
Sponsored by Thrive Lemon Grove, the event is focused on encouraging child safety and invites the public to take a more active role in the community.
“This new grass-roots community group aims to provide a voice for the Lemon Grove community, said spokesman Scott Robinson. “Our goal is to work with elected officials and community organizations to bring a full spectrum of improvements to the City with the best climate on earth. These include adding vibrancy to the local economy, encouraging community involvement, supporting healthy initiatives to improve the lives of its residents, and supporting the revitalization of our aging neighborhoods.”
July 11, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Helix Water District Annual Water Quality Report is now available online in both English and Spanish. Again this year, as in all prior years, Helix’s drinking water meets or exceeds all State and Federal drinking water standards.
The annual 2013 Water Quality Report contains important information about drinking water in the Helix District. The District encourages customers to read the report carefully and ask any questions they might have about water sources, quality, or distribution by contacting: (619) 667-6248 or wqr@helixwater.org.
July 15, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – This summer the music is floating over Berry Street Park, 7071 Mt. Vernon, Lemon Grove on Thursday evenings. The free concerts are sponsored by the City of Lemon Grove and are from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
July 13, 2013 (Campo) – The Motor Transport Museum is hosting a Mexican Fiesta party to celebrate the completion of the restoration work on the vintage 1924 Cadillac Julian Stage bus on July 20 at 4 p.m. at the museum, 31949 Highway 94, Campo. 
July 13, 2013 (Santee) – As part of the Summer Concert Series in Santee, July 18 will be Blues & BBQ featuring music from Mercedes Moore Band and Bill Magee Blues. The food will be provided by Phil’s BBQ and the beer garden features Manzanita Brewing Co. The event takes place at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive, Santee from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
July 13, 2013 (El Cajon) – The Young Actors Theater is presenting Les Miserables July 25-28 and August 1-4 at Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Center, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon. Les Miserables, recently a blockbuster movie, is the story of Jean Valjean and his search for peace in 19th century France which culminates at the beginning of a revolutionary uprising.
July 13, 2013 (La Mesa)—The City of La Mesa presents “Movie Night Under the Stars” on July 26, at La Mesita Park. The movie, “Wreck it Ralph” (rated PG), starts at 8:00 p.m. with pre-show entertainment starting at 7:30 p.m. This is fun family entertainment at its best “Under the Stars.”
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