March 26, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – As swim season approaches, the East County Family YMCA reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water. The Y offers a variety of swim programs in East County, where swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives.
“The East County Family YMCA is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices,” said Laura Merritt, Director of Marketing and Development. “We encourage kids and adults to have fun when in and around the water, but to always make safety their first priority.”
March 26, 2013 (Jamul) --The next East County Produce Exchange will be held on Saturday, March 30th in in the Jamul Hardware parking lot, 13881 State Route 94 from 3:30-5:00. The Exchange is a monthly event in Jamul, where people come from all over the county to exchange freshly grown fruits and vegetables.
The produce exchange is like a farmer’s market, but it is a free event. There is no money involved.
March 26, 2013 (El Cajon) -- A one-act play exploring the human condition and a performance employing the magic of Mask Theatre and movement will be performed April 5 and 6 at Grossmont College, both as fundraisers for the theatre arts program.
Brian Rickel, Grossmont College theater arts instructor, will portray 14 different characters in, “Judevine: A Solo,” at 7:30 p.m. April 5, in a performance that contains adult themes and language. Originally written by David Budbill as a two and three-act play, “Judevine” uses a collection of vignettes and monologues to portray 24 different characters. Directed by Kari Hayter, Rickel’s adaptation draws from both versions of the play and a book of poetry, on which the play is based.
May 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – California Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado truck whose driver fired four or five shots at a Marine on his way to training at a San Diego Naval base. The shooting happened on the northbound 125 connector to westbound State Route 94 in Lemon Grove.
The Silverado truck was found in San Ysidro later in the day, but its occupants have not been located. The registered owner was not driving the truck when the shooting occurred. The incident happened early this morning around 4:30 a.m.
March 28, 2013 (La Mesa) – Harmonica John and Budd Willis will present the 14th annual Spring Harp Fest featuring top harmonica players live at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street in La Mesa. Musical concerts will take place on March 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission is free, though a suggested $5 donation will benefit the San Diego Blues in the Schools program.
This year’s performers slated include Raphael Harp, Mark of the Blues Abbott, Nick “Chowda” Walsh, Dan “Dirty” Rice, Steve Bulger with 145th Steret, the World Famous Unknonw Player’s Jam, and Billy Watson.
March 25, 2013 (El Cajon) – Nearly 3,000 volunteers and students statewide from elementary grades through high school converged on Cuyamaca College all day Saturday for the 2013 California Destination Imagination State Tournament, a precursor to a global competition designed to help children develop critical thinking skills in a fun, creative way.
The students worked since last fall on the Team Challenge portion of the competition, choosing from among seven technical, scientific, fine arts, structural engineering and community service projects created by the non-profit organization, Destination Imagination, based in Cherry Hill, N.J. The 200 teams that competed Saturday already won a top spot in one of California’s seven regional competitions held in February. Local schools represented included Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, Flora Vista Elementary School in Encinitas, and multiple schools from Cardiff and Encinitas.
March 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove Academy joined local efforts to educate students and parents of the dangers of drugs and alcohol in East County by hosting its first Underage Drinking Forum on Thursday. The event, which took place on March 21, featured a complimentary pizza dinner, a presentation by a local drug and alcohol expert, as well as a separate break-out session for youth.
Retired narcotics officer and Executive Director of The Proactive Network Against Substance Abuse, Phil Hubbs, educated a group of nearly 40 parents about current drug and alcohol trends. He also showed parents a display of various household items such as hand sanitizer, whipped cream canisters and keyboard cleaner that kids use to get drunk or high.
March 25, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free senior discussion group on “Reiki: How It Can Help You” from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not required. The speaker will be Lucy Olivier, a master teacher and practitioner in Usui Reiki and Karuna Reiki natural healing systems since 1998.
March 25, 2013 (San Diego) – Sam Warren is the publisher and editor of www.SDWriteWay.org. Visit the site for additional news and calendar events for both Readers and Writers.
READERS
MARCH
March 27 (Wednesday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick's will host author Amy Hatvany, who will discuss and sign her latest novel Heart Like Mine. This event is free and open to the public. In order to be signed, Heart Like Mine must be purchased from Warwick's.
March 25, 2013 (La Mesa)--La Mesa Police Officers responded to a report of a fight and a possible stabbing in the 8100 block of La Mesa Boulevard last night. According to Police, a 29 year-old victim was walking with two friends westbound in the 8200 block of La Mesa Boulevard. Words were exchanged between the victim’s group and a group of five male suspects they encountered on the sidewalk. A fistfight broke out between both groups. During the fight one of the suspects armed himself with a pocket knife and stabbed the victim two times in the upper torso.
March 25, 2013 (San Diego)--Project Wildlife is planning for some new arrivals. Each year during nesting and birthing season, the center receives thousands of animals that are sick, injured, or orphaned. Project Wildlife staff and volunteers give these wildlife babies a second chance.
You are invited to view these adorable baby birds and mammals at the Fourth Annual Wildlife Baby Shower at their Central Triage Center in Linda Vista on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rural areas could have major impacts, loss of service;
Postal Rep says San Diego Congressman blocks reforms
By Nadin Abbott
March 25, 2013 (San Diego)—Over 600 people from as far away as Brawley and Los Angeles turned out at Sunday’s “Delivering for America” rally to protest impending slashing of postal services that could leave some rural residents with no mail delivery.
“Rural customers will probably feel the worst of it,” George Elias, Executive Vice President, Branch 70 of the Letter Carriers Union told ECM, referring to the upcoming elimination of Saturday mail service. Moreover, Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe wants to stop door-to-door delivery and close some rural Post Offices, he said.
March 28, 2013 (San Diego's East County)--We all know about going "green" around our homes. Recycling newspapers, plastic and aluminum has become so commonplace that we actually look for recycling bins when we're out and about. How many times have you gone to a dinner party and helped with the cleanup by asking, "Do you recycle?" All of this is aimed at the goal of reducing our individual carbon footprints. If we can all lower the amount of carbon by-products released into the atmosphere we'll be taking proactive steps to bolster our fragile eco-system.
Now the green movement has spread beyond homes and businesses and out into the travel industry. Yes, you can see the world and still go green.
March 29, 2013 (Santee)--Santee Lakes hosts an "Eggstravaganza" event this Saturday complete with continuous egg hunts, live entertainment, pony rides, petting zoo, craft booths and carnival rides.
This event is brought to you by Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the City of Santee. Click here for more information.
March 27, 2013 (La Mesa)- At yesterday’s La Mesa City Council meeting, Councilmember Ernie Ewin requested an update on the status of the Park Station project, a proposed 18-story mixed use building.
City manager David Witt asked Bill Chopyk, Community Development Director, to discuss the process.
SDSU will be on the road this week for Mountain West play with a three-game series at conference foe New Mexico beginning Thursday, March 28, at 2:05 p.m. (MT) at Lobo Field in Albuquerque. The Aztecs and Rebels will also meet in singles games on Friday (March 29) and Saturday (March 30) at 2:05 p.m. and 1:05 p.m. respectively. The games were originally scheduled to be played at Isotopes Park, but have been moved to the on-campus Lobo Field with all three contests being played in the afternoon. The series runs Thursday through Saturday due to Easter falling on Sunday (March 31).
SERIES RECORD
SDSU leads its series against New Mexico by the count of 98-61. The Lobos have won 18 of the last 25 meetings between the teams dating back to the 2008 season. That mark includes the Lobos winning five of six during the 2012 regular season as well as the contest between the teams in the championship game of the 2012 Mountain West tournament. San Diego State has a record of 63-27 vs. UNM in San Diego, 31-30 in Albuquerque and 4-4 on neutral fields.
March 30, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- For nearly a century, Easter sunrise service has been an annual tradition atop Mt. Helix.
This year's service will be held at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 31 and will be hosted by Christ Luthern Church of La Mesa. Free shuttle service will be provided starting at 5:30 a.m. from three locations: the Brigantine Restaurant on Fuerte, the San Miguel Fire Station on Vivera, and the Grossmont Center parking lot near Walmart.
March 24, 2013 (Ramona) –“It all started with my horses,” Tammy Rimes told ECM at the grand opening of Hacienda de las Rosas Winery’s new Mission-style tasting room in Ramona.
In addition to Spanish-style wines, the opening featured dazzling displays of horsemanship, including riders in Peruvian-style attire demonstrating the Peruvian Paso breed’s unique gait, steady ride ( riders carried glasses of champagne as they rode) and a “Marinera” dance that includes a stallion, rider, and dancer with swirling skirts. (View video of the Marinera dance.)
March 24, 2013 (Alpine)—Seven Alpine businesses have filed a lawsuit alleging that SDG&E failed to adequately reimburse business owners for losses caused by the two-year project to underground the high-voltage Sunrise Powerlink lines along Alpine Boulevard. Plaintiffs allege that some businesses were forced out of business, while others suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenues.
An attorney for plaintiffs contends that SDG&E did not live up to its promises to mitigate construction impacts by limited portions of Alpine Boulevard, instead creating a “gauntlet of construction obstacles” that drove customers away.
The Miss San Diego Cities Pageant in conjunction with the Miss San Diego Pageant and Scholarship Association invites the community to a fundraiser to support Taylor Cunningham and the Cunningham Family, today Tuesday, March 26 all day at the Chilis restaurant in Santee on Mission George Road. Chilis will donate a portion of all orders (dine in and take out) for parties who bring in the attached filer in support of Taylor Cunningham and Family.
Taylor currently holds the title of Miss San Diego's Outstanding Teen. She and her mother and two sisters were hit by a wrong way drunk driver on the Eastbound 52 just more than a week ago.
March 24, 2013 (Jacumba Hot Springs) --I spotted this beautiful crested bird, a cedar waxwing, on a visit to Jacumba Hot Springs last week. Lake Jacumba, once virtually dry, is now refilled and is a magnet for a wide variety of bird species.
Cedar waxwings are most often found in the northern United States, but can be seen in wooded areas of San Diego County during their spring migration. They often travel in flocks and are known as the "party animals" of the bird world, since they have been known to feast on fruits and berries until they become intoxicated!
March 24, 2013 (La Mesa) – San Pasqual Winery announces a creative series of upcoming events at its tasting room in La Mesa. Each Saturday night, find live entertainment including flamenco fusion, classic guitar, hits from yesterday and today, plus original local music. Other upcoming events include a painting class and a “big read” from a Ray Bradbury sci fi favorite read by La Mesa’s Vice Mayor and other local talents.
March 22, 2013 (El Cajon)- East County’s newest farmers’ market had its grand opening yesterday on the Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon. Many people came, young and old, single and families, all flocking to check out what this market had to offer. Shoppers found a unique blend of fresh produce, unique ethnic and multicultural foods, fresh flowers, baked goods, hot entrees and specialty foods.
An International Rescue Committee (IRC) spokesman thanked the public for coming out and supporting the new market, which benefits not only the community, but also local refugees who are growing some of the fresh produce sold here.
March 22, 2013 (Santee)--A 14-year-old boy has been booked into Juvenile Hall after making threats against two schoolmates, the San Diego Sheriff’s Department reports.
The principal of Cajon Park Elementary (which has students from kindergarten through 8th grade) school called the Santee Sheriff's Station yestserday after a female student reported receiving a text message saying she will be killed at school. A second female student received a text message in reference to the killing and a body being hidden.
March 22, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Today the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed closure of 149 air traffic control towers due to sequestration cuts that are mandated due to Congress failing to agree on how to balance the federal budget. That includes towers at Ramona Airport in East County and Brown Field in Otay Mesa, both slated to shut down starting April 7.
Closure of the Ramona facility had sparked widespread protests from local officials and the public, who had urged the FAA to keep the tower open to assure protection of firefighters at the backcountry airport.
March 26, 2013 (El Cajon) – Heartland Fire Training Facility hosts a, “Joint Chamber Mixer” this Thursday, March 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., located at 1301 North Marshall Avenue, El Cajon.
Join Chambers from throughout the East County to learn about the facility that provides ongoing fire training for the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Santee; the fire protection districts of Alpine, Bonita, Lakeside and San Miguel, San Diego County Fire Authority, Barona and Viejas.
March 22, 2013 (Otay) -- This morning at 11:05, California Highway Patrol communications began receiving reports that a small private plane had been forced to land on the freeway after experiencing mechanical problems. CHP officers responded to these reports and located the Cessna 150 on the right shoulder of State Route 125, near the Otay River Bridge.
Story and photos by Miriam Raftery, video by Paul Kruze
March 22, 2013 (Alpine) – “This truly is a game changer for East County,” said Joe Terzi, Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego Tourism Authority, at a VIP grand opening last night of the $36 million, five-story hotel at Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine. He hailed the new resort as a “great new addition to the San Diego region” that will help East County benefit from tourism that drives San Diego’s economy.
Dignitaries and community leaders from across our region turned out for last night’s occasion. A second opening for the public, including a free world premier performance of the Cirque-style show “Rise”, will be held on Saturday night, March 23 along with fireworks to celebrate East County’s landmark new addition.
View our exclusive video, see our photo gallery and read details of this landmark occasion below.
Approval of Escondido power plant restart triggers local generation charge to ratepayers
Story and photos by Nadin Abbott
March 21, 2013 (San Diego)—East County residents savored victory following the California Public Utilities Commission’s unanimous rejection today of Quail Brush, a gas-fired power plant proposed near Mission Trails. Commissioners also rejected the Pio Pico plant in Otay Mesa, but approved refiring an Escondido power plant.
But according to Lane Sharman, co-founder with Bill Powers of the San Diego Energy District Foundation, a grassroots group trying to get community based utilities, this vote did something else. It added one more tax to your utility bill. Not only are rate payers to pay for energy distribution and transmission distribution, but now a local generation charge as well. Effectively, ratepayers will be subsidizing utilities, according to Sharman.
March 21, 2013 (Descanso) -- Descanso will soon be the home of a new non-commercial community radio station, KNSJ, which will broadcast on 89.1 FM from Monument Peak, Mt. Laguna. The station aims to begin broadcasting in April, once a transmitter is built.
The station is actively soliciting community members to broadcast their own shows, stories, events listings and items of local information, and to join with and guide the station as it grows into a real 24/7 media outlet by and for the people.
March 26, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – As swim season approaches, the East County Family YMCA reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water. The Y offers a variety of swim programs in East County, where swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives.
March 25, 2013 (El Cajon) – Nearly 3,000 volunteers and students statewide from elementary grades through high school converged on Cuyamaca College all day Saturday for the 2013 California Destination Imagination State Tournament, a precursor to a global competition designed to help children develop critical thinking skills in a fun, creative way.
March 25, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove Academy joined local efforts to educate students and parents of the dangers of drugs and alcohol in East County by hosting its first Underage Drinking Forum on Thursday. The event, which took place on March 21, featured a complimentary pizza dinner, a presentation by a local drug and alcohol expert, as well as a separate break-out session for youth.
March 25, 2013 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free senior discussion group on “Reiki: How It Can Help You” from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not required. The speaker will be Lucy Olivier, a master teacher and practitioner in Usui Reiki and Karuna Reiki natural healing systems since 1998.
March 25, 2013 (San Diego) – Sam Warren is the publisher and editor of 
March 25, 2013 (La Mesa)--La Mesa Police Officers responded to a report of a fight and a possible stabbing in the 8100 block of La Mesa Boulevard last night. According to Police, a 29 year-old victim was walking with two friends westbound in the 8200 block of La Mesa Boulevard. Words were exchanged between the victim’s group and a group of five male suspects they encountered on the sidewalk. A fistfight broke out between both groups. During the fight one of the suspects armed himself with a pocket knife and stabbed the victim two times in the upper torso.
March 26, 2013 (El Cajon) – Heartland Fire Training Facility hosts a, “Joint Chamber Mixer” this Thursday, March 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., located at 1301 North Marshall Avenue, El Cajon.
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