By Miriam Raftery

April 5, 2017 (El Cajon) - Habitat for Humanity San Diego has applied for a planning permit, general plan amendment and zone reclassification to build five affordable, single-family detached homes in El Cajon.

East County News Service

March 20, 2017 (Washington D.C.) -- The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by as quarter of a point, the second increase in three months. But rates are still at a historic low range of 0.75 to 1 percent.

The hike means consumers will pay more for credit cards and home equity lines of credit and adjustable rate mortgages, but fixed rate mortgages and car loans are not expected to be affected since the anticipated change has already been calculated into those. People will also earn slightly more on savings accounts.

East County News Service

March 1, 2017 (San Diego) -- The California Senate Transportation and Housing Committee has voted 9-3 to pass SB 2,  the Building Homes and Jobs Act,  legislation authored by Senator Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) to create a permanent source of funding for affordable housing.

East County News Service

February 28, 2017 (Rancho San Diego) — California's largest tomato seedling sale is back and the Garden at Cuyamaca College is the only San Diego location this spring.   TOMATOMANIA features hundreds of heirlooms and hybrid tomato varieties, expert advice, and the accessories to grow tomatoes in your own backyard.

East County News Service

February 7, 2017 (La Mesa) — “Gardening with nature—birds and butterflies and bats and bees” will be the topic discussed by guest speaker Connie Beck at the La Mesa Beautiful Annual Meeting on February 19 at 4 p.m.  The event will be held in Nan Couts Cottage at 5045 Memorial Drive in La Mesa.  The event is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

East County News Service

January 31, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), a trade group for San Diego-area realtors with an office in El Cajon, will present its “2017 Housing Market Overview” with Leslie Appleton-Young, vice president and chief economist, California Association of Realtors (CAR), from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, at PSAR’s East County Service Center, 1150 Broadway, El Cajon.

By Miriam Raftery

January 22, 2017 (San Diego) – Representatives for the California Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and National Association of Homebuilders have all voiced opposition to an executive order issued by President Trump that could add as much as $1,500 to costs for some first-time homebuyers.

East County News Service

January 12, 2017 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Vermicomposting (worm composting) is an environmentally-friendly way to turn your food waste into nutrient rich castings for your plants or garden beds. Learn all about how easy it is to compost your food waste with red wriggler worms at an interactive presentation on Tuesday, January 24 at 12:30 p.m. in the Jacumba Branch Library (44605 Old Highway 80 in Jacumba.).  Map | Website

By Caroline James

Image via Pixabay by stevepb

January 2, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Alzheimer’s is a disease that drastically affects a senior’s ability to live out their golden years in their own homes. Many affected by Alzheimer’s find it necessary to move into an assisted living facility in order to live safely. However, there are a number of ways you can help your aging loved one remain in their home rather than uprooting and moving into a specialized facility.

By Melinda Myers

Photo credit: Gardener’s Supply Company

January 2, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - Brighten your winter days by inviting birds into your landscape. Their beauty and motion help enliven the garden and lighten your spirit. Not only do they provide entertainment, but also an opportunity for all ages to stay involved with nature year-round.

East County News Service

December 12, 2016 (Kensington) -- On Sunday, December 18, 2016 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. the Iris Auxiliary to the San Diego Center for Children presents a holiday home tour benefitting the San Diego Center for Children, San Diego’s oldest accredited children’s non-profit organization

Source: California Insurance Commissioner

December 8, 2016 (San Diego) -- Superior Court Judge Katherine Bacal today denied State Farm's emergency request to stay a November order issued by Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. Jones’ order directed State Farm to reduce homeowner and renter rates by seven percent and issue refunds totaling over $100 million to State Farm's policyholders.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 5, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- The lights are likely up outside so, now is a good time to look at some safety tips for inside the home as Christmas nears, reminds Chief DiGiovanna.

By Miriam Raftery

December 1, 2016 (El Cajon) — A notice from the city of El Cajon today announces that a Draft Environmental Impact Report on the city’s proposed Housing Element Rezoning Program is available for public review and written comment starting December 5th through January 19^th.

A community open house is set for January 5^th from 6 p.m.to 7 p.m. at the El Cajon Branch Library (201 East Douglas) meeting room to discuss the project, the California Environmental Quality Act public review process and the content and findings of the draft EIR.

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2016 (Campo)- If you’ve got a hankering to own a 2,160 acre cattle ranch,  you may want to mosey on out to rural Campo and saddle up to see the Star Ranch.  The large property is on the market—and the owner is willing to consider offers on any of nine parcels separately or together. (View offering proposal).

A 455-unit housing development has been proposed on the site, drawing opposition from some neighbors concerned about impacts on groundwater supplies, traffic and loss of rural character.  Now the owner has put the site on the market-- and  is giving neighbors the first opportunity to purchase all or part of the sprawling rural property.