By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office

June 11, 2018 (San Diego) - The County is looking for 1,049 chronically homeless people who frequently use emergency rooms for medical treatment, resulting in high Medi-Cal costs.

These people, identified in 2016, are being sought to be a part of Whole Person Wellness, a County program that will help them find a home and give them access to behavioral and physical health services, saving millions in Medi-Cal costs.

East County News Service

City has had 20 fatalities and 205 injury collisions with pedestrians in the past three years

June 11, 2018 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Police Department will step up pedestrian safety enforcement operations in the month of June, focusing on collision causing factors involving motorists and pedestrians.  Routine traffic patrols will focus efforts in trouble spots, while special targeted patrols will also be deployed to crackdown on drivers and pedestrians who violate traffic laws meant to protect all roadway users, says Lieutenant Steve Kirk.

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

June 11, 2018 (San Diego) - San Diego State, in conjunction with the Mountain West has announced the women’s basketball league schedule for the 2018-19 season.

The conference format will remain the same with each team playing eight of the other 10 teams twice and playing two opponents once. This season, San Diego State will not play Wyoming at home and will not travel to play at Colorado State.

East County News Service

June 11, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The city of El Cajon’s Recreation Department invites you to enjoy 10 free Summer Movies in the Park from June 16 through August 18 at various parks throughout the City of El Cajon! 

By Miriam Raftery

June 9, 2018 (Washington D.C.) – The Trump administration is asking a court to strike down a provision in the Affordable Care Act which requires insurance companies to cover people with pre-existing conditions, the Los Angeles Times reports.

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2018 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove residents are invited to the 2018 Lemon Grove Summer Kick Off Event and Community BBQ on Monday, June 11 from 3-5 p.m. at Lemon Grove Recreation Center (3131 School Lane.).

Kick off your summer in style with friends and family and enjoy live music from DJ BodyRawk, participate in activities at the Recreation Center, win prizes and learn about fun summer programs and events for kids in Lemon Grove. A free BBQ meal will be provided to every guest.

Our guide to unique lodging and adventures in San Diego's beautiful backcountry.

Photo, left: Courtesy: Ayres Lodge Alpine

Photo, right, by Jonathan Goetz

Story and most photos by: Jonathan Ronald Goetz

June 10, 2018 (Alpine) – The Ayres Lodge Alpine is a friendly, well-maintained hotel with old West feel and modern appeal It’s located just off Interstate 8 at Tavern Road in Alpine, gateway to the Cuyamaca Mountains, Cleveland National Forest, local lakes and other backcountry adventure areas. Alpine is in San Diego's East County, within 30 to 45 minutes from downtown and coastal areas.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: ECM news partner 10 News

June 11, 2018 (San Diego) – Nationally, the debate over how to stop school shootings has included proposals ranging from tighter gun control laws to arming teachers.  Some states have allowed the latter, but not California, where a new state law effective January 1^st prohibits bringing guns on campus statewide except for law enforcement personnel, educational or sports uses. 

Despite this legal impediment, the San Diego County Gun Owners, a political action committee, held a firearms training class for teachers on Sunday at Discount Gun Mart in San Diego. According to ECM news partner 10 News, about a dozen attendees showed up.

By Miriam Raftery

June 6, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a Star Party at Oakoasis preserve in Lakeside, Lavender Day at Summers Past Farms, Fido Fest in Santee, the Julian Dance and Back Country BBQ, Art in the Park and a firefighters breakfast in La Mesa, the San Diego Concert Band at Harry Griffith Park, a Taste of La Mesa, and the start of Santee’s summer concert series.

Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a Queen Bee Brunch in Alpine, the Jamul Wine Tasting Festival, Julian’s Quilt Show, Santee Salutes, Julian’s star-spangled Fourth of July Parade, and the Descanso Days Parade and Fair.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry 

By Bobbi Zane

When Pat and Darrell Straube opened Orchard Hill Country Inn in 1994, they created a whole new style of lodging for the area that goes beyond the typical B&B in Julian. They have a most beautiful Craftsman setting, amenities go beyond expectation, and they are known for their customer service.

East County News Service

June 9, 2018 (San Diego) - The National Weather Service has issued a warning advising that a Southern Hemisphere swell will arrive at local beaches this weekend, peaking Sunday through Tuesday.   This will pose a hazard to beach goers, creating strong surf.  Arrows on this map, provided by forecaster Alexander Tardy, shows the broad swatch of south swell west of Hurricane Aletta off the Pacific Coast.

East County News Service

June 8, 2018 (El Cajon) – Robert Gehr got the shot of this gorgeous Mimosa blossom at Judson Park, located at the corner of North Magnolia Avenue and West Park Avenue in El Cajon.

East County News Service

June 8, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) -- The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College invites you to “Sips and Succulents” on Wednesday, June 27 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy a summer evening garden tour. Go Green- and bring your own glass to fill with wine and maybe even succulents! Docent Kathryn Clayton shares some of her favorite gardening and design tips with succulents.

Members $10, Non-Members $15

Register HERE

East County News Service

June 8, 2018 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), a public agency that supports various nonprofit health-related community programs and services in the East County Region, will host a free question-and-answer forum about its community grants program from 4 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, at the GHD Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. Community-based healthcare organizations providing health-related services to local residents are invited to attend to learn more about GHD’s community grants program.

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2018 (Sacramento) –  In the June primary races for statewide offices, The Governor’s race will see a run-off between Lieutenant. Governor Gavin Newsom and Republican businessman John Cox. (See our story.)  

Republicans are shut out of the Lieutenant Governor run-off between two Democrats, Eleni Kounalakis and Ed Hernandez.

Democrat Alex Padilla won his race for Secretary of State outright with over 51% of the vote. 

 Incumbent Attorney General Xavier Becerra, A Democrat who has filed numerous lawsuits against the Trump administration on issues ranging from environmental protections to immigration, won over 45% of the vote, not enough to win outright.  He will square off against Republican Steven Bailey, who finished ahead of Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, a Democrat.