July 2018 Articles

July 2018 Articles

MORE STORMY WEATHER AND HIGH HEAT ON HORIZON



By Miriam Raftery

Photos: National Weather Service storm images in Campo and El Cajon, plus lightning totals.

July 25, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)  - San Diego County had 145 lightning strikes during a 24-hour period ending at 6 p.m. last night. Thunderstorms doused East County’s mountain and rural areas, producing some dramatic downpours and striking images. 

Even the usually parched desert community of Borrego Springs logged .21 inches in just 10 minutes. Borrego resident Bob Kutscher described the deluge as “BIG loud windblown drops that I thought was hail but ended up being very loud rainfall.”

FORECAST FOR THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT WEEK:


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STRAW BALE HOME IN CAMPO HONORED AS ENERGY CHAMPION BY SDG&E, WILL BE FEATURED ON GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL TOUR OCT. 21

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos: Simple Construct

 

 

Hear our interview on KNSJ radio with homeowners Brian and Susan Fallgren, Simple Construct builder Rebeca Tasker, and SDG&E communications manager Helen Gao.

 View video on the home’s construction and view tour of the finished residence. 

July 14, 2018 (Campo) – Inspired by historical California adobe homes,  Brian and Susan Fallgren in Campo teamed up with Simple Construct to create a straw bale and adobe home that is beautiful, comfortable even in extreme heat, fire resistant and energy efficient—producing more power than it uses. 

The home has also won numerous honors.  It’s the first residence in Southern California to receive net zero certification through the Living Building Challenge, one of only 27 homes in the world to win this recognition.  A participant in the California Advanced Homes Program, it was also a winner in  the San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) 13th annual  Energy Showcase Awards and will be featured on the San Diego Green Building Council’s Green Homes Tour on Sunday, October 21.

“It’s an incredibly functional, comfortable home to live in, not only from an environmental standpoint, but from an every day livability standpoint,” Susan Fallgren says.

Audio: 

Interview: Straw Bale Homes--Helen Gao of SDG&E, Rebecca Tasker of Simple Construct, & Campo homeowners Brian and Susan Fallgren

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FAMILY FUN RAMONA GRAPE STOMP RETURNS FOR SECOND YEAR SEPTEMBER 8

 

East County News Service

August 25, 2018 (Ramona) - Mark your calendars. Following a highly reviewed first-time-ever event in 2017, the annual Ramona Grape Stomp returns for its second year on Saturday, September 8, 2018 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center–Pavilion, 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona, CA 92065.


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EAST COUNTY FEST AUGUST 25: THE PARTY OF THE DECADE FOR OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY!

 

 

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Saturday, August 25th 

6-10 p.m. (VIP reception at 5:30 p.m.)

Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center

One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego

It’s the party of a decade!

East County Magazine invites you to join us at East County Fest, our 10th anniversary celebration!  Proceeds benefit our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts and our award-winning community news reporting.

Festivities include: Foods, wines, cider and beer from top restaurants, wineries and breweries in East County, wonderful artists, artisans, authors, athletes, communitiy leaders, live music and entertainment, raffle, auction, stargazing, guest speakers, a look back at the last 10 years and forward to the future!

Tables and individual tickets are available, plus there’s a VIP reception.  Buy a table or a VIP reception ticket and get our free “Best of East County” cookbook on a souvenir thumb drive as thanks, plus preferred parking, auction preview, gourmet goodies and more.

Our VIP party is catered by Bekker's Catering, known for their fabulous food for weddings and other special occasions, and sponsored by California Coast Credit Union. Our thanks to Bekker's for generously donating most of the delicious foods for the VIP reception.

Individual tickets: $65 ($60 for sustaining donors and dining club members) or for $20 extra add VIP reception ($85 total).

Tables: $480 ($60 a person) or $680  ($80 a person) with the VIP reception. 

This event is for age 21 and up.

CLICK ARROWS BELOW TO VIEW AND CHOOSE ALL PRICE OPTIONS.

Individual tickets : You can select number of tickets on next screen

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EAST COUNTY FEST TABLES of 8 : Click Dropdown arrow for options.

  For all the delicious details, click "read more" and scroll down.


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JAMUL INDIAN VILLAGE INVITES COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE GRAND RE-OPENING OF THE JAMUL CASINO

 

East County News Service

August 3, 2018 (Jamul) -- The Jamul Indian Village (JIV) and the Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation (JIVDC) will celebrate the official relaunch of the newly renamed Jamul Casino with a block party celebration on Saturday, August 4, 2018.

“We look forward to welcoming the community to Jamul Casino where we will be celebrating in every venue at the casino,” said Jamul Indian Village Chairwoman Erica M. Pinto. “We’re celebrating not just the change in the casino’s name, but our Tribe’s success in achieving our dream of independently owning and managing our own casino. We want to thank the community for their continued support and invite everyone back into the casino to enjoy the hospitality of the Jamul Indian Village.”


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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

August 2, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

STATE

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RITE AID WORKERS VOTE TO AUTHORIZE STRIKE

 

East County News Service

July 31, 2018 (San Diego) – Union employees of Southern California Rite Aid pharmacy stores voted overwhelmingly yesterday to reject the company’s contract offer and authorize United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) to call a strike if union leaders deem it necessary.


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SUMMER BASH BUSINESS EXPO: AUGUST 9 IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

July 31, 2018 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invite you to enjoy great food from a dozen restaurants, enter for a chance to win 40 free door prizes, and meet spotlighted business members at the 5th annual Summer Bash Business Expo. The fun takes place Thursday, August 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center (4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa).


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CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE TO ATTEND MEET & GREET AUG. 25 HOSTED BY ALPINE RESIDENT

 

 

 

East County News Service

 

July 31, 2018 (Alpine) – Congressional candidate Ammar Campa-Najjar will be at a meet and greet open to the public at the Alpine Community Center on August 25th from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is hosted by Alpine resident Anne Craig-Tillmond. 


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ECM PADRES REPORT: PADRES TIE IT UP IN EIGHTH BUT LOSE IN EXTRAS

 

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By Liz Alper

Photo:  Eric Hosmer scored the game-tying run in the eighth that would eventually be pointless in extras.  Via @Padres on Twitter

July 30, 2018 (San Diego) - The Padres were utterly embarrassed by the Dbacks yet again and pushed them out of town.  The Giants stomped in for a short two-game series.  Derek Holland started tonight’s game one for the Giants against Eric Lauer.


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LA MESA SUED AFTER OVERTURNING APPROVAL OF MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 30, 2018 (La Mesa) – New Origins, the applicant for a medical marijuana dispensary is suing the city of La Mesa, after the city reversed earlier approval of the dispensary to open in the La Mesa Medical Plaza on University Avenue near El Cajon Boulevard.


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SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES THE NAMING OF THE BURR HEART & VASCULAR CENTER

 

Hospital’s newest facility named in recognition of Ed and Sandy Burr for their $5 million gift, the largest donation in the hospital’s history

Source:  Sharp Grossmont Hospital

July 30, 2018 (La Mesa) - Sharp Grossmont Hospital announced the name of the Burr Heart & Vascular Center at its ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication on July 27th. The state-of-the-art facility is named in recognition of La Mesa residents and EDCO owners Ed and Sandy Burr, who donated $5 million dollars toward the facility, which is the largest gift ever made to the hospital.


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SEVERAL COUNTY PARKS TO CLOSE FOR AUGUST

 

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  Volcan Mountain Wilderness 

July 30, 2018 (San Dietygo) - County Parks and Recreation will close several parks for the month of August, a precaution taken each year due to the season’s expected extreme heat.


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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST LIKE NEVER BEFORE - FROM GROSSMONT COLLEGE CONSERVATORY, NOW THROUGH AUG. 4

 

By Kathy Carpenter

July 29, 2018 (El Cajon) - A new pop musical version of the classic Fairy Tale, Beauty and the Beast, is now onstage at Grossmont College. First off, go in without the expectation this is the Disney version you know and love. This version is adapted by the talented Jennette Thomas. It’s more of a mash up between Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, with pop songs you know and love. Another time, another place.


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ECM PADRES REPORT: REVIEW STOPS PADRES FROM SCORING GAME-TYING RUN, GIVES DBACKS SWEEP

 

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By Liz Alper

Photo via @Dbacks on Twitter

July 29, 2018 (San Diego) - The Padres are looking to get swept by the Dbacks today, but they’ll still try to save face.  Clay Buchholz started for Arizona against Joey Lucchesi.


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SEVERE THUNDERSTORM ALERT IN MOUNTAINS: TAKE COVER, WEATHER SERVICE WARNS

 

July 29, 2018  3 p.m. -- The National Weather Service just issued this urgent warning:

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Warning National Weather Service San Diego CA 259 PM PDT SUN JUL 29 2018 The National Weather Service in San Diego has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... North central San Diego County in southwestern California... * Until 400 PM PDT *

At 258 PM PDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Hwy 79 Between Santa Ysabel And Warner Springs, or 9 miles northwest of Julian, moving southwest at 10 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. *

Locations impacted include... Warner Springs, Hwy 79 Between Santa Ysabel And Warner Springs, Lake Henshaw, Ranchita, Hwy S2 Between Hwy 79 And Hwy 78, S7 - East Grade Rd, Hwy 78 Between Ramona And Santa Ysabel, Hwy 79 Between Warner Springs And Oak Grove, Santa Ysabel, Los Coyotes Indian Reservation, Wynola and Santa Ysabel Indian Reservation.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: SNAKE WRANGLING IN SANTEE

 

East County News Service

July 29, 2018 (Santee) - The Santee Fire Department posted this photo of a red diamondback on Facebook, with a timely message:  “ Santee Fire Department is an “all hazards” fire department, which means we wrangle snakes from time to time! This little fella is one of the bigger snakes we’ve captured. Don’t put your hands or feet where you can’t see, and always look before stepping over doorsteps, snakes like to crawl along the sides of buildings.”


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HOT STYLES, COOL BARGAINS: LATEST FASHIONS FOR SUMMER, BACK TO SCHOOL AT RANCHO SAN DIEGO'S RUNWAY SHOES & ACCESORIES

 

By Reema Makani Boccia, APR

 

July 29, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) - As the weather heats up in East San Diego County, residents are looking for ways to look hot but stay cool. One easy way to beat the heat is at Rancho San Diego’s fashion boutique Runway Shoes & Accessories, a store locally owned and operated by an East County family featuring head-to-toe merchandise for any fashionista on a budget. 


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POLICE SEEK HELP TO IDENTIFY SECOND POSSIBLE SUSPECT IN FATAL EL CAJON STABBING

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 29, 2018 (El Cajon) – A man stabbed in front of a 7-11 store in the 700 block of Jamacha yesterday afternoon died after being transported to a local hospital, says Lt. Walt Miller with the El Cajon Police Department. 

Soon after the stabbing, reported at 2:05 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to a burglary at an apartment in the 1200 block of north Mollison.  They took a burglary suspect to a hospital  for medical issues unrelated to his arrest, according to Lt. Miller.

“Investigators are exploring the possibility that this suspect may be related to the stabbing based on a physical description provided by witnesses,” said Miller. That suspect’s identity has not been released. However a second suspect may still be at large.


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ECM PADRES REPORT: BIG THIRD GIVES DBACKS UPPER HAND OVER PADS

 

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By Liz Alper

Photo:  A.J. Pollock started the rally in the third inning that gave the Diamondbacks the lead.  Via @Dbacks on Twitter

July 27, 2018 (San Diego) - After a few early games against NL East teams, the Padres returned home to the NL West to face the Diamondbacks.  Zack Greinke started for Arizona against Luis Perdomo.


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FAST-MOVING SAN PASQUAL FIRE IS BURNING SOUTHEAST, EVACUATIONS ORDERED

 

 

Update July 28, 2018:  The fire is now 365 acres and 40% contained, Cal Fire reports. 

Update 9 p.m.:  All evacuation warnings have been lifted for the area affected by the Pasqual Fire. All remaining evacuation orders are still in effect. Evacuees needing Red Cross assistance, call 858-309-1200, County Emergency Services reports.

Update 8 p.m.:  Forward spread of the fire has been stopped.  Repopulation plans for evacuees are now being discussed, per Cal Fire.

By Miriam Raftery

July 27, 2018 (San Pasqual) – The #SanPasqualFire has burned 240 aces in San Pasqual Valley and western Ramona and is currently 5% contained, according to Cal Fire’s incident page: http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/2177 /.  The fire is burning in a southeast direction, prompting evacuations. Evacuees are advised to go to Ramona High School.

The blaze which started this afternoon along San Pasqual Valley Road has shut down highway 78 from Bandy Canyon to Haverford. Evacuations are ordered on Rangeland Rd, Oak Grove Rd, Highland Hills Dr, Horizon View, Rio Maggiore Dr, Cinque Terre Dr, Corniglia Dr, Via Cuesta, and Via Vista Grande.


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HEALTH ADVOCATES CHEER AS FEDS REVERSE COURSE ON HEALTHCARE PAYMENTS

 

 

By Suzanne Potter, Public News Service CA

Photo:  Many economists had predicted major health insurance market instability if the risk-adjustment payments program was discontinued. (Goir/iStockphoto)

July 27, 2018 (Sacramento) - The Trump administration is restarting a part of the Affordable Care Act that it had slashed two weeks ago, much to the relief of insurers and health care advocacy groups. 


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RED SUV DRIVER WANTED FOR BACKING OVER AND KILLING WOMAN ON HIGHWAY 94 NEAR STEELE CANYON, THEN FLEEING SCENE

 

By Miraim Raftery

July 27, 2018 (Jamul) – California Highway Patrol seeks public help to find the driver of a red or burgundy small SUV who reportedly backed up and killed a woman in her 30s who had gotten out of the vehicle. She was walking west on the shoulder of highway 94 near Steel Canyon Road in Spring Valley early Friday morning when the driver struck and seriously injured her. He reportedly remained at the scene for several minutes, and then fled.

The driver is described as an African-American man in his mid-30s, 5 ft. 7 to 5 ft. 8 inches tall, weighing 275-300 pounds with short hair and no visible tattoos. He was wearing light-colored clothes and a sweatband around his head.


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CITIZENS HELP POLICE NAB SUSPECT AFTER STABBING OF 75-YEAR-OLD MAN IN EL CAJON

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 26, 2018 (El Cajon)—A 75-year-old man suffered multiple non-life threatening stab wounds tonight in an attack at Second Street and East Madison Avenue in El Cajon. Witnesses called police at 7:55 p.m. to report the victim was on the ground near the intersection.

The suspect fled west on Madison, says Lieutenant Jason Taub, adding, “Witnesses were able to keep the suspect under observation and advise the police department of his current location.”


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BOULEVARD PLANNERS OPPOSE TORREY WIND PROPOSAL FOR TURBINES TALLER THAN DOWNTOWN SKYSCRAPERS PROPOSED IN RURAL COMMUNITY

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photos:  Brush fire sparked by exploding wind turbine in Campo  in 2013.  Proposed new turbines would dwarf these older, smaller models.

July 26, 2018 (Boulevard) – The Boulevard Community Planning Group has sent a 26-page letter to the County opposing Terra-Gen’s proposed Torrey Wind project.  If approved, the project would erect 30 wind turbines each 586 feet tall—that’s 90 feet higher than the tallest skyscraper in downtown San Diego—on 2,,000 acres of absentee-owned ranchland formerly known as Big Country Ranch property at the north end of Ribbonwood Road.

The proposed major use permit for Torrey Wind (formerly known as San Diego Wind) will be on the Boulevard Planning Group’s agenda at its August 2nd meeting at 7 p.m.  (View agenda)


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SHOULD STATE APPROVE “BAIL OUT” BILLS TO EASE UTILITIES’ LIABILITY FOR WILDFIRES?

 

 

Companies say measures are needed to prevent bankruptcies, but Ramona group says the bills would increase risks of wildfires by axing incentives for utilities to improve safety

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

July 26, 2018 (Ramona) – Utilities are lobbying legislators to approve a pair of bills being pushed by Governor Jerry Brown in the wake of catastrophic fire storms  in Northern California linked to utility-owned lines and equipment.  Facing $10 billion in damages with reportedly only about $800,000 in insurance, PG&E has argued it could be pushed into bankruptcy without relief.  The utilities want to change California’s inverse condemnation laws, which hold utilities responsible for any fires caused by their lines. However, if a company is found to have safely operated its equipment, it can ask the California Public Utilities Commission to approve charging ratepayers for uninsured losses.

 

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) tried that approach, but the CPUC refused to approve charging ratepayers for the company’s liabilities in the 2007 firestorms, finding that SDG&E did not follow all required safety procedures. Now the big utility companies want to eliminate inverse condemnation in relation to wildfires--a proposal that has backcountry residents sounding the alarm.


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FREE WATER WISE LANDSCAPING WORKSHOP AUG. 25 AT RAMONA RANCH VINEYARD AND WINERY

 

East County News Service

July 26, 2018 (Ramona) - Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery will host a free water-wise landscaping workshop August 25th from 5 to 7 p.m. The winery is located at 23578 Highway 67 in Ramona, CA 920650.

Learn how to create a less thirsty and environmentally friendly landscape! Join Solana Center for this presentation where you will learn the basics of water wise gardening. Using trial-tested advice and interactive demonstrations, our expert educator will teach you all you need to know to get started with a garden that fits San Diego's semi-arid climate.


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WORKER FOUND DEAD IN SANTEE SWIMMING POOL

 

East County News Service

 

July 26, 2018 (Santee) – A pool maintenance worker was found dead in a swimming pool at a home off Chaparral Drive in Santee today.

 

Deputies called to assist Santee Fire Department with a report of a possible drowning helped remove the victim’s body from the shallow end of the pool. The victim, 40, had no signs of trauma or foul play.


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ARSONIST ARRESTED FOR SETTING CRANSTON FIRE THREATENING IDYLLWILD AND OTHER MOUNTAIN TOWNS

 

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: San Bernadino National Forest Service

July 26, 2018 (San Bernadino) – Brandon McGlover of Temecula has been arrested and charged with intentionally setting multiple fires in Riverside County including the raging #CranstonFire, Cal Fire reports. The wildland forest fire burning in San Bernadino National Forest has scorched over7,500 acres and is 5% contained, according to Cal Fire’s incident page.

Thousands have been forced to flee, with over 2,000 homes threatened and mandatory evacuations ordered for the entire towns of Idyllwild, Pine Cove, Fern Valley, Apple Canyon Garner Valley and other communities.


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VOLUNTEERS BRAVED HEAT TO COUNT BIGHORN SHEEP

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy Anza Borrego Foundation

July 26, 2018 (Borrego Springs) — With temperatures over 100 degrees, 79 volunteered fanned out for the annual Peninsular Bighorn Sheep count at 19 sites in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park from June 29 to July 1st.   A total of 225 sheep were counted, up from 207 in 2017, but last year had the lowest in five years, down from 296 in 2014.


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