Local nonprofit and solar industry experts come together in Ramona to launch a new year of clean energy education

East County News Service

February 4, 2019 (San Diego) -- The third annual San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff returns to sunny San Diego on Saturday, February 9. The event, beginning with a presentation at the Ramona Public Library at 11 a.m., will unite residents with local cleantech businesses and nonprofits to piece together the puzzle of new clean energy policy and share insights into what’s changing in renewable energy in 2019. As policy changes and our communities continue to implement plans that achieve our climate goals, it's both necessary and difficult to remain informed. The San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff event aims to conquer this challenge.

Participants of the San Diego Solar Experience Kickoff event can attend one of the three county-wide seminars in Ramona, Carlsbad and Chula Vista, where they will learn from nationally certified energy practitioners and nonprofit experts on the facts and benefits of gaining energy independence.

Santee Drive-In Theatre is one possible site for low-income housing

Council also approves feasibility study on community choice energy option, with two other cities

View Powerpoint presentation

By Mike Allen

January 24, 2019 (Santee) --Believe it not, Santee needs new housing, particularly affordable type, and more rental stock to handle demand from folks who cannot afford to buy houses.

But where to put housing geared to low income earners, and how that construction will impact other properties are not easy subjects, as was revealed at the latest City Council meeting Jan. 23.

The agenda item that prompted much frustration and hand wringing was a proposed residential condo development on a parcel owned by the county. City Ventures, a large Irvine-based developer, recently obtained the 22-acre parcel which is now in escrow. The company wants to build 365 new units at the site, which is just east of Town Center Community Park, behind the YMCA.

By Melinda Myers

Photo courtesy Melinda Myers, LLC

January 8, 2019 (San Diego) - Lift your spirits and improve your indoor environment by taking part in the indoor gardening movement. An apartment or home filled with tropical, succulent and flowering plants can provide beauty, extend your garden season, improve air quality and create a peaceful environment to de-stress.

Hear audio version

By Miriam Raftery

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all across East County

Not a creature was stirring, from Julian to El Monte.

The stockings were hung by the chimneys with care

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be there.

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

December 3, 2018 (San Diego) - Time to deck the halls for the holidays but remember to keep pet safety in mind, so the most wonderful time of the year doesn’t go to the dogs, or rather the vet.

East County News Service

November 18, 2018 (Alpine) – Be prepared for power outages! The Alpine Library will host a forum for you to learn more about generators, solar battery backup and other residential emergency power options on Thursday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m.  

East County News Service

November 8, 2018 (Alpine) – The Alpine Woman’s Club will present its 13^th annual Christmas in Alpine Home Tour on Saturday, December 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

This year’s tour will showcase five beautiful homes decked out in holiday style.

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) 13^th 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.

East County News Service

September 22, 2018 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Historical Society, along with San Diego Home & Garden Lifestyle Magazine and Modern San Diego, will present the 13th Annual Home Tour on November 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Titled “Modern Mud,” this year’s tour highlights adobe, classic, and mid-century gems in La Mesa’s Eastridge and Mt. Nebo neighborhoods.

By Jan Hedlun

Photo by Miriam Raftery: 2007 Harris Fire

September 11, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) - Living in a rural backcountry is a blessing and a curse. The blessing is seeing an abundance of stars at night, wildlife, and the relative peace and quiet the city can't offer. The curse: some of that wildlife bites, and wildfires are a constant threat for most of the year.

By Mike Allen

Photo: Pam Kerzner testified, "We don't need any more houses," citing traffic delays.

August 9, 2018 (Santee) -- Voters in Santee hoping to have more say in future development projects will have to wait two more years to do so, following the City Council’s vote last night to prepare a report on the initiative’s possible impacts instead of putting the issue on the November ballot.

In a two-hour hearing Aug. 8 before an overflow crowd at City Hall, the Council voted 3-1 to prepare a report to be completed within 30 days. That effectively prevents a public vote in November because there isn’t enough lead time for a campaign, said City Attorney Shawn Haggerty.

East County News Service

June 22, 2018 (El Cajon) – Keller Williams Realty San Diego East Foothills, based in El Cajon, will host a panel discussion with top Keller Williams sales agents from noon to 2 p.m., Thursday, June 28, at its El Cajon office, 1030 Fletcher Parkway. Real estate professionals throughout San Diego County are invited to attend. Admission is free. Free lunch will be served.

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

June 20, 2018 (Lakeside) - She survived them all. Violence. Cancer. Homelessness.

April found freedom after finally leaving her abusive and drug-addicted partner.

The 46-year-old is cancer free after going through rigorous chemotherapy sessions and multiple surgeries.

And thanks to the County’s rental assistance program, April and her three children now have a permanent place to live.

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

Source: Helix Water District

June 1, 2018 (La Mesa) -- Helix Water District has named Carey Hultgren and Paul Geldbach of La Mesa as the winner of its 2018 WaterSmart Landscape Contest, an annual competition that recognizes outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on design and overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection and maintenance, and irrigation methods.