East County News Service

March 4, 2017 (Borrego Springs) - The Colorado Desert Archaeology Society (CDAS), in conjunction with the Anza-Borrego Foundation, will be holding its 14th annual Archaeology Weekend event at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park ’s Visitor Center in Borrego Springs, California on March 25-26, 2017. 

East County News Service

March 4, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – You never know what you’re going to find in the Anza Borrego Desert!  Our editor, Miriam Raftery, headed out in search of wildflowers this weekend.  It’s still 1-2 weeks too early to see fields of flowers in bloom, but she did get some close-ups of early blossoms, scenic shots and an up-close look at some of the many whimsical sculptures dotting the desert terrain.

Source: La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Photo:  Left to right: RSVP Mike Sparks, Detective Tim Cook, Liz Robinson, Mary England, Fire Captain Billy Doig, Detective Colt Wisler and RSVP Bill Walton.

Photo courtesy of Sandra Small Photographer.

March 4, 2017 (La Mesa) - La Mesa Chamber of Commerce held it's 9th annual Salute to Local Heroes Feb. 22 at the Town & Country Hotel to celebrate La Mesa’s 2017 local heroes.

“This year's six heroes are as important to our community as any "Best Picture" or "Best Actor" award,” says Chamber President Mary England. “They have made a tremendous impact on the lives of others.“ These heroes were recognized for some of the following feats: A baby was delivered under unusual circumstances, a young man's life was saved following a severe traffic accident, 117 stolen vehicles with an estimated value of over $1.3 million were recovered, a cold case homicide from 2014 that occurred in La Mesa was solved, firearms and illegal drugs were seized. 86 suspects were arrested, 70 search and arrest warrants were written and two Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol were honored for assisting the La Mesa Police Department in the daily tasks needed to run the organization, as well as for their thousands of volunteer hours.

East County News Service

March 3, 2017 (San Diego) - The film lineup has been announced for the 2017 San Diego Latino Film Festival.  #SDLFF 2017 is excited to present a variety of genres and movies coming from over 20 countries within Latin America, Mexico, U.S.A., and Spain.

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

March 2, 2017 (Alpine) -- If a first responder does not already have Bobbi Brink, co-founder of Lions Tigers & Bears Exotic Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Alpine on speed dial they should consider it.  Why? Brink is accustomed to dealing with exotic animals and if a catastrophic event happens (flooding, wild fires plus).  Brink can show up and help handle the movement of that exotic animal. 

By Miriam Raftery

March 2, 2017 (La Mesa) – I visited Sheldon’s Service Station, La Mesa’s newest coffee shop, looking forward to a tasty and piping hot cup of java.  The Espresso Mocha lived up to expectations, but the most delightful surprise was the array of creative and healthy breakfast and lunch menu options.

East County News Service

March 2, 2017 (Warner Springs) – Storm damage caused a complete loss of pressure to a portion of Warner Springs Ranch Resort’s drinking water system.  So, the County’s Department of Environmental Health has issued a boil water order for the Warner Springs Ranch Resort’s water system, which provides drinking water to the Warner Springs Ranch Golf Grill, Warner Springs Airport, staff housing, St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, and Warner Springs Ranch Resort, which is currently under renovation and not yet open to the public.

By Miriam Raftery

March 2, 2017 (Spring Valley) – Ratepayers held a protest at yesterday’s Otay Water District meeting, calling on director Hector Gastelum to resign or face a recall election due to anti-Muslim statements that he posted on Twitter.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Emissions from a crematorium shut down in 2011 in unincorporated El Cajon for what a county inspector called “horrific” violations

March 2, 2017 (El Cajon) – On March 14 at 7 p.m., the El Cajon City Council will hear an appeal filed by Robert Zakar of East County Mortuary, whose proposed crematorium and funeral parlor at 1150-1168 North Marshall Street was rejected by the city’s planning commission. The hearing will be held in City Council Chambers at 200 Civic Center Way in El Cajon.

East County News Service

March 2, 2017 (El Cajon) - Are you raising a grandchild or young relative?  Join the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency for the annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Symposium at Meridian Baptist Church in El Cajon on March 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.