Source:  San Diego Superior Court

May 6, 2022 (San Diego) – The Honorable Joseph P. Brannigan has retired after nearly 18 years of service on the San Diego Superior Court Bench, ending a storied career that started with a stint as an officer in the U.S. Army followed by time spent as an FBI agent, deputy district attorney and assistant U.S. attorney. 

By J.W. August, freelance journalist, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

May 4, 2022 (San Diego) – It’s aptly described as “The Fiery Marsh,” covering 95 acres on the southwest side of Naval Air Station North Island. The “fiery” part of the name refers to six pits in the marshy areas of the island that were used to burn off chemicals used on the Navy base.  

Source:  Caltrans

May 1, 2022 (San Diego's East County) - A mile-long section of State Route 67 (SR-67) from Poway Road to Mina De Oro Road will be reduced to one lane Sunday through Wednesday nights at 9 until 5 the following morning, according to Caltrans.  

Source:  Senator Joel Anderson

April 27, 2022 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a board letter put forth by Supervisor Joel Anderson and Vice Chair Nora Vargas that will provide economic opportunities for small businesses in the unincorporated County.  Their board action was inspired by a letter written to Supervisor Anderson from an Alpine constituent and was approved unanimously at the April 26, 2022 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Source:  CHP

April 19, 2022 (El Cajon) - On April 18, 2022 at approximately 10:30 p.m., a yet to be identified male pedestrian began walking in the traffic lanes of westbound Interstate 8, west of State Route 67. As a result, the pedestrian was struck by a Kia Optima driven by a 36-year-old female from El Cajon, a Dodge Charger driven by a 28-year-old male from Chula Vista and an unidentified vehicle.  Unfortunately, the pedestrian died at the crash scene.  Two of the three drivers who struck the pedestrian remained on scene and are cooperating with the investigation.  The driver of the third vehicle, fled the scene and was last seen on Interstate 8 westbound.  

By Miriam Raftery

April 18, 2022 (San Diego) – Kelly Martinez is the first woman to serve as San Diego County's Undersheriff. Now she's a candidate hoping to become the first woman Sheriff in our region, aiming to fill the vacancy left by long-time Sheriff Bill Gore’s retirement. Last week, with East County Magazine held an in-depth interview with Undersheriff Martinez, which also aired on KNSJ radio. 

She’s spent 37 years in the department, where the started the Sheriff’s Homeless Assistance Resource Team and Marijuana Enforcement teams. She helped manage the department’s responses through the pandemic and civil unrest. She says she’s committed to investing in improving public safety and jail safety, as well as filling vacancies amid critical staffing shortages.

View video of the full interview. Hear audio version.  Scroll down to read highlights.

By Miriam Raftery

April 16, 2022 (El Cajon) – For weeks, the city of El Cajon has been trying to get help from the County to address a growing homeless encampment on North Magnolia Avenue, just beyond the city limits on unincorporated County property. After fielding numerous calls from residents frustrated by the camp beyond the city’s control, the city posted a sign that reads “Now leaving El Cajon.”

Photo: La Mesa Townhalls in 2018

By Jonathan Goetz

April 16, 2022 (La Mesa) - Building on a unanimous September 10, 2019 decision by this City's Council in California to join a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) with Chula Vista, Encinitas, Imperial Beach and San Diego, cityoflamesa.us will livecast a forum on April 27 at 6 p.m. 

Representatives from La Mesa, San Diego Gas & Electric and San Diego Community Power will discuss their design to expand cheaper cleaner electricity.

There are two options to participate:

1. Zoom (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87079769622)

2. La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center (8450 La Mesa Blvd.)

East County News Service

April 14, 2022 (San Diego) -- A 4.7 earthquake has struck in Baja, Mexico at 9:33 this evening, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.  The site is 62 miles south of San Diego and about 40 miles south of Tijuana.

Source: House of Ukraine

April 14, 2022 (San Diego) – The House of Ukraine invites the public to join in a “Freedom for Ukraine” rally on Saturday, April 16 at 1 p.m. at 1600 North Harbor Drive in San Diego (corner of W. Ash St. and North Harbor Drive).  The Russian invasion of Ukraine has resulted in massive loss of civilians’ life and evidence of war crimes by Russia.

East County News Service

April 13, 2022 (San Diego) – Recognizing the need for transparent and independent investigations of officer and deputy-involved shootings, members of the San Diego County Chief's and Sheriff's Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (which establishes a new countywide protocol for the investigation of officer and deputy-involved shootings.  

By Miriam Raftery

April 13, 2022 (La Mesa) – The city of La Mesa’s decision to fire La Mesa Police Officer Matt Dages in 2020 was “supported by the weight of the evidence”, according to a tentative ruling issued by Superior Court Judge Katherine Bacal.  According to the Judge, the evidence showed that Dages provided “false and misleading” information in his report on his arrest of Amaurie Johnson.

East County News Service

Update April 14:  Nicole Pare has been found safe, according to SDPD, which did not release details.

April 13, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Police seek help to locate Nicole Marie Paré, 32, a Pacific Beach woman who vanished without picking up a family member at the airport on Monday, April 11. Her white Audi A5 (CA license plate 7VAZ668) was seen Monday in La Mesa and Lemon Grove, and her purse was found in La Mesa.

She is considered at risk due to the circumstances; her family told police she has never gone missing before.

She has blond hair, brown eyes, is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds.

By Miriam Raftery

April 12, 2022 (Casa de Oro) – A dramatic transformation of the Campo Road Corridor through Casa de Oro in Spring Valley is planned to create a Main Street ambience in the heart of the community.  On April 22, the County Planning Commission will hold a hearing on the proposed Campo Road Revitalization specific plan.

A central plaza for outdoor community activites, roundabouts, bike and pedestrian friendly changes, trees, outdoor seating, a center median, new street parking, and housing up to four-stories high are all in the revitalization plan. It covers 60 acres centered on Campo Road from Rodgers Rd. to Granada Ave. to be completed in three phases aimed at attracting private investors and enhancing the community. The plan would also seek grants and governmental funding, as well as potentially a planned business improvement district (PBID).

View the Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan here, which includes many photos and illustrations of possible prototypes in other cities.The hearing will be both in person and online. The agenda and details will be posted under the “upcoming meetings” listing within 3 days of the April 22 hearing. Here are details on how to stream County Planning Commission meetings to watch from home or participate. Scroll down for details.

By Miriam Raftery

April 11, 2022 (San Diego) – Many Californians are unaware that the state is offering help for those struggling to pay their mortgages due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  On April 26 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., a free online webinar will be held on the California Mortgage Relief program, jointly hosted by the California Mortgage Relief Program, Urban League of San Diego County, and Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber.