Homes

Homes

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS ONLINE WORKSHOP MARCH 22

East County News Service

March 13, 2024 (El Cajon) — CSA San Diego, a nonprofit based in El Cajon, will host  “Home Sweet Home,” an online workshop for first-time homebuyers.  The free online workshop will be held on Friday, March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

COUNTY APPROVES 17 SAFE RV PARKING SITES FOR HOMELESS IN LAKESIDE

East County News Service
 
Photo courtesy: Google Maps
 
March 17, 2024 (Lakeside) -- Supervisors Wednesday approved construction of the Willow Recreational Vehicle (RV) Senior and Family Parking site in a County-owned site located in the unincorporated Lakeside community at the intersection of Willow Road and Ashwood Street. A concept design has been prepared showing 17 safe RV parking sites, an office space, storage, and restrooms. 

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

COUNTY EXTENDS EMERGENCY TEMPORARY LODGING PROGRAM FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

East County News Service

March 16, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to extend the Emergency Temporary Lodging Program.

The program, which was launched on Feb. 10, has provided safe and secure lodging for more than 840 families who were displaced by flooding from the Jan. 22 storm. 

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EARTH DAY 2024 FAIR IN LA MESA

By Jonathan Goetz
 
March 16, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa is inviting residents, visitors, sponsors and vendors to join its family-friendly Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Drive, La Mesa CA 91942. The festival is a celebration of the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and a showcase of local businesses that offer eco-friendly products and services.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

COUNTY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION EVENT MARCH 30 IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service
 
March 15, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- I Love a Clean San Diego announces the upcoming Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Event organized by the County of San Diego for unincorporated residents. This event provides an excellent opportunity for you to safely dispose of hazardous materials and electronic waste from your home.
 
Here are the event details:
 
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024
Location: Steele Canyon High School – Back Parking Lot
Address: 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley
Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SUPERVISORS APPROVE 150 SLEEPING CABINS FOR HOMELESS IN SPRING VALLEY

A similar number of hotel vouchers may be phased out in favor of less glamorous, but fully inclusive, wrap-around services
 
By Jonathan Goetz
 
March 14, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- In an effort to address the homelessness crisis, Supervisors Wednesday voted 4-0 (with Joel Anderson absent due to a medical issue) to spend $18.5 million for 150 sleeping cabins at the corner of Jamacha Road and SR-125 in Spring Valley as part of Governor Gavin Newsom's sleeping cabin effort.

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SANTEE SEEKS PLAN FOR PARK AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT BARN SITE

By Mike Allen

March 13, 2024 (Santee) -- Santee is hoping to strike a deal with San Diego County to create a new park surrounding the historic Edgemoor Barn as well as much needed affordable housing.

At its most recent meeting on Feb. 28, the city council approved a resolution supporting a collaborative effort between the city and county for a plan on some 21 acres next to the Las Colinas Women’s Detention Center.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY PROPERTY TAX AUCTION COMING SOON

Bidders must register by March 14 to participate in online auction; Auction runs from March 22-27 
 
March 9, 2024 (San Diego) - San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister is reminding San Diegans that there is only one week left to register for the 2024 online property tax auction. The auction site currently has a total of 411 properties for sale.   
 
“The deadline to register to participate in the online tax auction is a week away,” said McAllister. “Our online system makes it simple to sign up, research, and bid on a variety of properties across San Diego County.”  

Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEARS COMPLETION; NEW MULTIFAMILY COMPLEX IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY’S LEMON GROVE

 

Pre-leasing Underway at Kelvin

 

March 5, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Construction on Kelvin, a 66-unit contemporary mixed-use community at 7950 Broadway in Lemon Grove, is nearing completion, bringing much needed housing to Lemon Grove, a rapidly growing San Diego County neighborhood.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

NEW COUNTY REPORT TO ADDRESS INEQUITY IN REGION

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 12, 2024 (San Diego) -- Jobs and finances, food systems, health, and housing – data shows these areas have some of the largest equity gaps in the San Diego region.

The Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ) released the County’s first Equity Indicators Report on Wednesday.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

COUNTY ANNOUNCES RENTER PROTECTIONS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS IN LEMON GROVE, SPRING VALLEY, CORONADO AND SOME SAN DIEGO ZIP CODES

Source: County News Service

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

February 3, 2023 (San Diego) --  The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 30, 2024, took new actions to help people in communities flooded by the Jan. 22, 2024, torrential rains, including putting into place temporary additional tenant protection measures. The approved ordinance prohibits people who were affected by the floods from being evicted without just cause. The ordinance also restricts certain rent increases on eligible properties from January 22, 2024, to March 30, 2024.

The flood affected areas specified in the ordinance include residential units located in the following ZIP codes: 92102, 92104, 92105, 92111, 92113, 92114, 92115, (San Diego); 91977 (Spring Valley); 91950 (National City);91945 (Lemon Grove); and 92118 (Coronado).


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CALIFORNIA FIRE INSURANCE: FAIR PLAN GOING THROUGH GROWING PAINS

By Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

File photo: Fire in Grossmont area

February 2, 2024 (California) -- The fire-insurance premium for Bill King’s home has risen 145% since 2017 — from $399 to $979 — under the California FAIR Plan, the state’s last option for homeowners seeking fire insurance.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SDAR STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM

Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® Reminds Homeowners to Prioritize the Purchase of Flood Insurance

By Greater San Diego Association of Realtors®

File photo: CC by SA-NC via Bing

February 1, 2024 (San Diego) -- As the impact from the unprecedented flooding in San Diego County subsides, the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR) is reminding homeowners of how critical flood insurance is to helping protect your home and valuables. It is key to note that most homeowner insurance options do not cover damage from floods, meaning that individuals are required to purchase an additional coverage option for full flood protection. While basic insurance policies will cover damage from broken appliances or a damaged water pipe, full-scale flood coverage is not included.

Statewide, fewer than 2% of all homeowners have flood insurance on their property, and less than 50% have flood insurance protection in higher risk areas. If an individual is looking to acquire flood insurance, they can purchase it from a state-licensed insurance agent through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FLOOD VICTIMS SHOULD WATCH FOR MOLD

January 27, 2024 (San Diego) -- Flooding from Monday’s torrential storms was bad enough, but now residents cleaning up their damaged homes face the threat of mold.

The longer materials stay wet, the more likely mold will grow. It takes only two to three days for mold to form.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE ON HOMELESS CAMPING BANS

By Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

January 20, 2024 (Sacramento) -- The U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on whether cities can legally ban or limit unhoused people camping in public spaces — a case that could grant California officials more power to sweep homeless camps.

The case, originating from the Oregon city of Grants Pass, could overturn or narrow a five-year-old precedent from a federal appeals court that limited how much cities in Western states could criminalize those who sleep on the streets when there aren’t enough shelter spaces available.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

COUNTY PROGRAM HELPS QUALIFYING FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

January 18, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego’s Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program helps first-time home buyers whose income is 80 percent or less than the annual area median income, which ranges from $77,200 or less for a single adult, to $110,250 for a family of four and $145,550 for a family of eight. 

The program offers low interest loans with deferred payments. The loans may be as much as 22 percent of the sales price for the down payment and up to $10,000 for closing costs.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WHEN DOES A LANDLORD HAVE TO PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR A DISABLED TENANT?

By Jared Hernandez, Fair Housing Program Manager, CSA San Diego

January 12,2024 (El Cajon) -- Many tenants are often unaware of their housing rights, contributing to a significant gap in understanding and advocacy. This lack of awareness can leave tenants vulnerable to potential discrimination or hinder their ability to seek necessary adjustments, such as reasonable accommodations for disabilities.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

NEW PILOT PROGRAM FOR SENIORS APPROVED BY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

January 11, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved Tuesday a pilot program to create housemate matches between lower-income older adults and locals with a spare bedroom.  

The two-year pilot program was created to address growing homelessness among older adults. The 2023 Point-in-Time Count revealed the number of older adults aged 55 and older experiencing homelessness increased by 29% from the previous year. 

The program will match a minimum of 50 older adults – people 55 years or older – with appropriate households who sign up and offer to rent out a spare bedroom. Participants also will be offered services to help them stay housed.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLEX IN DOWNTOWN LA MESA STARTS LIST FOR LEASING

By Miriam Raftery

January 3, 2024 (La Mesa) — An affordable housing development on city-owned land at the site of the former police  station in downtown La Mesa is expected to be completed later this year.  You can now sign up on an interest list to received leasing events information this summer.

Renters must have a household income between $29,200 and $67,200, which is 30% to 70% of the area’s $97,000 median income. Rents will range from $685 to $1,591 per month.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

GET PAID TO GROW HEALTHY SOIL: LEARN HOW IN WEBINAR JANUARY 16

East County News Service

 

December 28, 2023 (San Diego) -- Solana Center for Environmental Innovation will host a virtual webinar titled “Healthy Soils Program Grant Basics” on January 16 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 

The next grant solicitation period for the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Healthy Soils Program (HSP) opens in January 2024. This grant opportunity provides financial assistance to California farmers, growers, and ranchers for the implementation of one or more HSP-approved agricultural management practices to improve soil health, including compost & mulch application, cover cropping, no-till methods, conservation planting, and more, to sequester carbon and reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs). During this one-hour webinar, Solana Center, a Technical Assistance Provider for the HSP program, will dive into the details of how to apply for this grant.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BOOST YOUR MOOD WITH FRAGRANT INDOOR PLANTS

By Melinda Myers

 

December 26, 2023 (San Diego) - There’s no need to visit a spa for a bit of soothing aromatherapy. Grow fragrant plants indoors to improve your mood and promote a sense of relaxation.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

STATE DECLARES CITRUS QUARANTINE IN VALLEY CENTER


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HOW TO CREATE A WELLNESS SANCTUARY IN YOUR BACKYARD

By Frances Black

Photo Credit

A person doing yoga in a gardenDescription automatically generated

November 26, 2023 (San Diego) -- A backyard wellness sanctuary is a world apart from ordinary stresses and distractions. The space can be used for a variety of purposes: As an outdoor gym or yoga studio. For formal or informal meditation. For simple relaxation alone or with friends. Or all of the above. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ZLINE GAS RANGES STILL LEAKING DANGEROUS CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS AFTER REPAIRS: MANUFACTURER NOW OFFERS REFUNDS FOR CONSUMERS

Oven on the recalled ranges sold at major national retailers pose serious risk of death or injury from carbon monoxide poisoning

November 24, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Consumers who own a recalled ZLINE gas range/oven should contact the manufacturer for a full refund due to danger of the oven potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning—even if you already had the unit repaired. Approximately 30,000 ranges were recalled in January, but many consumers reported dangerous levels of carbon monoxide still leaking even after repairs, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports, in cooperation with ZLINE.  

The ranges were made in China and sold at major national retailers and online outlets including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, Costco, Overstock.com, Wayfair.com, and the RangeHoodStore.com.  The recall includes three sizes and several different color finishes.

At least 175 reports of carbon monoxide emission  from the ovens in ZLINE ranges, have been reported, including 131 after the repairs were ordered. Three consumers have required medical treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HOME START ORGANIZES RALLY IN EL CAJON TO SEEK MORE HOUSING FOR HOMELESS YOUTH

 

By Jessyka Heredia

November 21, 2023 (El Cajon)—Outside El Cajon’s city hall  on Nov. 16, youth activists gathered with the local outreach group Home Start to show the need for more housing for homeless youths, as well as funding to get kids off the streets and stop a cycle of lifelong homelessness.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FIRE SPARKS PUBLIC CONCERNS IN JULIAN OVER SHORT-TERM RENTALS

 

“We could’ve been burned out last night. Nobody would have known, and it was windy.” -- Lora Devault,  Pine Hills resident

”I think we are going down a slippery slope...and I have a problem telling people what they can do with their properties.” --Katy Morelli, planning group member

By Jessyka Heredia

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE

November 17, 2023 (Julian)—Campers at a short-term rental (STR) property in Julian’s Pine Hills neighborhood started an unauthorized campfire on Sunday and failed to properly extinguish it. The embers sparked a brush fire, causing damage to the owner’s property and panic for nearby neighbors.

On Monday, residents spoke out at the Julian Community Planning Group (JCPG) meeting to voice concerns about the growing number of short-term vacation rentals in Julian and disruptions some guests have caused in the community.  The most heated concern focused on off-site owners, such as the vacation site in question, which has rentals both inside a home and outside at tent camping sites. Some vacation rental owners also spoke up in defense of property rights for responsible STR owners.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

GOVERNOR SIGNS AB 1287, CREATING DENSITY BONUSES FOR MIDDLE-INCOME APARTMENTS AND CONDOS

By Miriam Raftery

 

October 13, 2023 (San Diego) – Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB1287, legislation that will encourage new homes for tens of thousands of middle-income families throughout California. The bill passed the Assembly76-1 and the Senate 31-4. View bill text. The new law amends the state’s Density Bonus law, which exempts builders from parking and density requirements if projects have a specified amount of units for low-income residents.  The new law expands this to include incentives to build housing for middle income residents, allowing more units and higher buildings.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SAN DIEGO ANNUAL REPORT SHOWS WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 12, 2023 (San Diego) -- The County of San Diego released an Annual Report earlier this month that listed numerous accomplishments and stated that the County, the public it serves, local cities, community groups and organizations are better when they work together.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

HELP IS ON THE WAY

 

Photo: County Awarded More State Funds to Help People Living in Encampments

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 1, 2023 (San Diego) -- More state funds are heading to San Diego County to help people experiencing homelessness along the region’s riverbeds.   


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SAN DIEGO'S EYE-POPPING ELECTRICITY RATES GET NATIONAL NOTORIETY

And what can be done about it.

By MacKenzie Elmer, Voice of San Diego

Editorial Note: This photo was created by East County Magazine. It was not created by Voice of San Diego. 

September 2, 2023 (San Diego) -- No matter which way you slice it, San Diego has the most expensive electricity in the country. 

And it’s beginning to draw eyes from across the nation. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages