Update June 12, 2023 --  The victim has been identified as Sarah Louise Crocker, 48, of Ladera Ranch, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner. 

Story and file photo by Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – A woman supervising four teenagers on a hike to Three Sisters Falls died after trying to save a girl who slipped on a ledge at the middle waterfall and fell into the pool below in Cleveland National Forest near Descanso this morning.

Both the woman and girl fell, suffering severe injuries. According to Lieutenant Jeff Ford with the San Diego Sheriff’s department, “Several people witnessed the accident and attempted to render medical aid. 

Deputies from the Sheriff’s rural command responded. Rescuers pulled the victims from the water, but the woman was dead.

East County News Service

June 8,2023 (La Mesa)—You’re invited to enjoy Art in the Park, an evening with appetizers, drinks and entertainment starting at 4 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Garden at MacArthur Park. Socialize while viewing and bidding on artwork for sale from local artists.

Ticket sales help support La Mesa's parks and cost $35 per person. This is a 21+ event.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left to right: Janessa Goldbeck, Paul McQuigg, Amy Reichert, Monica Montgomery Steppes

June 7, 2023 (San Diego) – Yesterday was the deadline to file papers to run in in the special election to fill the vacancy on the County Board of Supervisors in District 4 left by Nathan Fletcher’s resignation. 

Four candidates qualified to appear on the ballot for the special primary election August 15. If no candidate wins a majority, a run-off between the top two vote-getters will be held Nov. 7.  The qualifying candidates are:

• Janessa Goldbeck, Marine veteran and CEO of Vet Voice Foundation
• Paul McQuigg, Military veteran and speaker for disabled veterans
• Amy Reichert, small business owner and founder of ReOpen San Diego
• Monica Montgomery Steppes, President Pro Tem of the San Diego City Council

A fifth candidate who pulled nomination papers, Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez, has announced that she decided not to run.

Scroll down for information on the District 4 candidates.

Experience the captivating blend of art and nature at Ilan-Lael Foundation's Spring Tours, exploring visionary creations of founder James Hubbell in Santa Ysabel

Story courtesy of Ilan-Lael Foundation

Photos, left by Kristin Kjaero and Miriam Raftery

June 7, 2023 (Santa Ysabel) - Immerse yourself in the enchanting and fantastical world of renowned artist and architect James Hubbell, founder of the Ilan-Lael Foundation at the 2023 Spring Tours. The world-famous compound will open its doors to visitors every Monday, Friday, and Saturday until June 17 with tours running at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Located in the stunning hills of Santa Ysabel, California, Ilan-Lael offers a unique and captivating experience for art and nature enthusiasts alike. Built “from the earth up” as living and working spaces for himself and his family, Hubbell spent over two decades creating the awe-inspiring structures. Despite losing four of the Ilan-Lael buildings in the 2003 Cedar Fire, Hubbell, his family, and team came back stronger and rebuilt with the help of the community. Their Spring Tours provide a rare opportunity to explore this extraordinary space, where Hubbell’s vision can be seen and felt.

By Miriam Raftery

June 7, 2023 (Ramona) -- The rider who died yesterday afternoon in a crash while performing jumps at the Slayground Motocross Park in Ramona as been identified as Patrick Michael Casey of Riverside, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office. 

A  BMX champion who turned pro at age16,  Casey is remembered as "an incredible BMX rider, multiple X games, Simple Session medalist, and an all-around fantastic human," Simple Session posted on Facebook. "We are heartbroken about the news and sending lots of love and prayers to his wife, Chase, his son Reid, and his daughter Taytum. This crushing news will send shockwaves through the BMX and action sports world today."

By Kathy Carpenter

June 6, 2023 (La Mesa) - "Gioia di vivere!” The joy of living is expressed in Slikworms, Lamplighters Theatre’s latest production, by local playwright Connie Terwilliger. A world premiere, Silkworms represents three generations of women. Silkworms need mulberry leaves to survive; both are interdependent.  Similarly, the women in this play need each other for support and love.

The grandmother provides wisdom and guidance, the mother provides love and support and the daughter provides hope and new beginnings. Together, they form a strong and unbreakable bond that sustains them through good times and bad. Silkworms is relatable, humorous and poignant.

East County News Service

Photo:  CC by NC-ND via Bing

June 6, 2023 (Guatay) -- The parking lot sale at Heavenly Oaks Residential Community returns on Saturday, June 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 26835 Old Highway 80 in Guatay (halfway between Descanso and Pine Valley.)

If you plan to go to the Run to the Hills car show that day in Pine Valley, head west 3.5 miles on Old Highway 80 to Heavenly Oaks. There will be lots of quality "garage sale" items for sale.

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2023 (San Diego's East County) --  A Renaissance experience,  the Mt. Helix Food and Wine festival, a Taste of San Diego East, a Team on a Trek challenge, concerts, comedy, the musical Grease onstage,  4tth of July celebrations and fireworks are all coming up in San Diego’s East County this summer.

Scroll down for full details on these and more festive events coming up.

“State-sanctioned kidnapping is not a public policy choice, it is immoral and disgusting.” – California Attorney General Rob Bonta

"The charge filed is unlawful restraint and several counts were filed, both misdemeanor and felony." -- Sheriff Javier Salazar, Bexar County, Texas

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, left (by Gage Skidmore, cc-sa-2.0)  and California Attorney Rob Bonta,via his website

June 5, 2023 (San Diego) – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis launched his campaign for President last month. But his role in shipping immigrants to other states has sparked condemnation and criminal investigations in California and Texas.

A year ago, DeSantis signed a budget that allocated $12 million to transport undocumented immigrants out of Florida, NBC news reports. Last  September, DeSantis claimed credit for flying 49 asylum seekers from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, the New York Times reported. In the past week, over a dozen migrants were flown to Sacramento, California by private plane.  In both instances, no care had been arranged and some migrants said they had been lured onto flights with false promises of jobs and opportunities.

East County News Service

June 5, 2023 (Ramona) -- The San Diego Humane Society recently posted on Facebook, “We bear-ly can contain our excitement, as two bear cubs have an incredible second chance at life in the wild after spending five months at our Ramona Wildlife Center for care and rehabilitation!”

By Miriam Raftery

June 5, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – On May 30, Lemon Grove Mayor Raquel Vasquez picked up nomination documents from the Registrar of Voters to run for County Supervisor District 4 in the August 15 special primary election to fill the vacancy left by Nathan Fletcher’s resignation. But today, one day before the filing deadline, Mayor Vasquez announced in an e-mail to followers that she has decided not to run.

“Though I have the experience, qualifications, and ability to serve the residents of District 4, I will be taking a step back. I will continue to build consensus on other pathways to help our communities grow and prosper,” she stated. “Residents who live, work and play in Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, Casa de Oro and Lemon Grove are worthy of a leader who will invest in our communities. I wish the candidates all the best with their campaigns and look forward to working with the elected County Board of Supervisors for District 4.

June 5, 2023  (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

• Poll finds large majority of San Diego County officeholders received political threats (KPBS)
• The Padres Spent Big on Players—Then Lost the TV Deal That Helps Pay for Them (Wall Street Journal)
• La Mesa rejects 950-unit apartment complex amid affordable housing concerns (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• 13 Point Brewing to close (San Diego Beer  News)
• San Diego Native American Tribe is Second in Nation to Own Part of Professional Sports Franchise (NBC San Diego)
• After a girl is shot, El Cajon increases oversight on a motel. The business thinks there’s more to the story (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• It’s ‘not glamorous,’ but El Cajon is leaning toward using its surplus to pay down pension debts (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• What will it take to end the Teamsters bus driver strike in San Diego? (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• NPR investigation reveals coverup of a deadly friendly fire accident in the Iraq War  (NPR)
• Escondido’s Mayor Used to Live on the Street Behind a 7-Eleven (Voice of San Diego)
• Land around the U.S. is sinking. Here are some of the fastest areas. (Washington Post)

STATE 

• State Farm halts new property insurance policies in California (OC Register)
• A startup is helping California remove carbon from the air to meet climate goals (NPR)
• This law should reveal who’s paying for California legislators’ travel. It’s only been used twice  (KPBS)
• Colorado River deal: What does it mean for California?  (KPBS)

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

LOCAL

East County News Service

June 4, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- AnniVenti La Trattoria, an Italian restaurant owned and operated by three brothers, is now open in Lemon Grove. The restaurant is named after their family's original restaurant located just 10 miles from Palermo in Italy, where the brothers grew up working. Emanuele Gagliano, one of the brothers, says, "It's been our lifelong dream to bring the authentic tastes of Italy to Lemon Grove, and we're thrilled to share our passion for modern Italian cuisine with you."

AnniVenti La Trattoria's menu reflects the Italian heritage of the Gagliano brothers with a contemporary twist to tantalize your taste buds. Their diverse selection of dishes caters to all palates, whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner for two or a group gathering. The menu includes various antipasti, such as the crunchy pistachio burrata and the zuppa cozzee e vongole, along with a selection of salads and sides. Their primi piatti/pasta section includes dishes like the Spaghetti Vongole e Pistacchio, the Paccheri e Scampi, and the Gnocchi Sorrentina, while their entrées section features dishes like theFiletto Di Manzo, the  Pollo Arrosto, and the Salmone di Bronte.

June 4, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

• Infection toll for recalled eyedrops climbs to 81, including 4 deaths, CDC says  (NPR)
• Man with paralysis walks naturally after brain, spine implants (CNN)
• DEA moves to revoke major drug distributor's license over opioid crisis failures (NPR)
• A multivitamin supplement may slightly improve memory and slow decline (NPR)
• More women sue Texas saying the state's anti-abortion laws harmed them (KPBS)
• Doctors are reluctant to practice in states that banned abortion  (NPR)
• NIH study uses AI to study diet and tailor nutrition advice to improve health (NPR)

SCIENCE  AND TECH

• A lawyer used ChatGPT to prepare a court filing. It went horribly awry.(CBS)
• Revenge of the orcas? Killer whales have sunk 3 boats in unusual attacks.  (Washington Post)
• Fake viral images of an explosion at the Pentagon were probably created by AI (NPR)

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