October 12, 2011 (El Cajon) -- You can be a part of the party – and history.  Excitement is growing as plans continue for the City of El Cajon's Centennial Celebration in 2012, organizers report.  The exact date of the City's 100th Birthday is Monday, November 12, 2012, but events are in the planning stages for the months leading up to that date. 

The Centennial Celebration Committee, led by Councilmember Jillian Hanson-Cox, is now accepting volunteers.

Ruling today on smart meter opt-out for SDG&E customers sparks added interest among local ratepayers

By Miriam Raftery

October 11, 2011 (El Cajon) – SDG&E wants to hike utility rates by over 17% in the next four years.  Tomorrow, East County residents will have a chance to voice their views on the proposal at two hearings held by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The public meetings will be held at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. at the El Cajon City Council Chambers, 200 East Main Street in El Cajon. 

An East County Magazine poll of readers has found that thus far, 93% of the 275 who voted think the CPUC should deny SDG&E's rate hike request.  TAKE OUR POLL: Should the CPUC approve SDG&E's rate hike?

The rate hike is opposed by the CPUC’s own Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), which conducted an audit that found SDG&E inflated its costs. The DRA recommended that SDG&E lower—not raise—its rates.   

October 11, 2011 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa City Manager Dave Witt has announced the selection of 25-year La Mesa Police Department veteran Edward (Ed) Aceves as the City’s new Chief of Police.

By Miriam Raftery

October 9, 2011 (Ocotillo) – ECM has received photos and an e-mail from Jim Pelley, a motorcyclist who reports finding metal cables strung two feet off the ground across roadways in Ocotillo frequented by off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

The cables were attached to an SDG&E helicopter “pulling cables from tower to tower,” Pelley reports.”This is a serious situation and I am worried that someone will not see this cable and a serious accident will result with either the off road vehicle or the helicopter.”

October 9, 2011 (San Diego) -– As part of its national drive to end veteran homelessness by 2015, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) and its community partners will host a Homeless Veterans Outreach Campaign event on Oct.12, 2011. The event will inform the public about the many programs available for veterans who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in San Diego County.

East County Magazine News Service

October 9 2011 (Julian) – Rogelio Malihan, 53, died at the scene of a three-motorcycle accident shortly after noon today while riding with his son and a close friend on southbound Highway 79.

October 8, 2011 (El Cajon) -- The next monthly antique show in El Cajon will be held on Wednesday, October 12^th!  See all the great collectibles, including jewelry, photos, artwork, dolls, textiles, dishes, pottery, and glassware. 

This event is held the 2^nd Wednesday of every month at the Ronald Reagan Community Center located at 195 East Douglas Avenue, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Parking and admission are free and you can receive one free appraisal.  Additional appraisals are $5.00 each. There is also a military collectible expert on hand. For more information, or if you would like to be a vendor, please call (619) 887-8762.

 East County residents join protest movement

By Miriam Raftery
 

October 3, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Inspired by protests organized through social networking sites that led to toppling of Egypt’s government, thousands of protesters have been staging an occupation in New York City since September 17. They seek an end to Wall Street “greed and corruption” according to Www.OccupyWallStreet.org.

Their message has struck a chord with people across the nation who have lost jobs or homes, students, seniors and others who believe their troubles are not been addressed. Posts have spread over Twitter and Facebook, giving rise to occupations in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Denver. Labor unions including United Steelworkers have joined the cause. Now, a group called Occupy San Diego has announced it will peacefully occupy Civic Center Plaza in downtown San Diego starting Friday, October 7.

October 6, 2011 (El Cajon ) – A motorist involved in an accident at Bradley and Magnolia in El Cajon this morning was combative towards California Highway Patrol officers and medics, according to the CHP website.

A nurse suffered bruising and the suspect was arrested in restraints on all four extremities, CHP reports.
 

By Miriam Raftery

October 4, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Arocles Aguilar, Assistant General Counsel at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today sent a letter to Patrick T. Lee, vice president in charge of the Sunrise Powerlink project for SDG&E. The letter authorizes SDG&E to resume helicopter operations on the Powerlink project immediately.

October 5, 2011 (Potrero) – A PAR Electric employee working on a Sunrise Powerlink structure south of the Hauser Wilderness area injured after falling 12 feet from the structure, SDG&E spokesperson Jennifer Ramp has confirmed. “The employee was transported by ambulance to the hospital, and has been treated and released,” she said.

October 4, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – A cold front from Alaska will bring unseasonably chilly temperatures along with rain, possible thunderstorms and strong winds. A wind advisory has been issued for East County mountain and desert areas from 1 p.m. Wednesday to 4 a.m. Thursday, when sustained southwest winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour (mph) and gusts up to 55 mph are forecast. Snow is possible at higher elevations.

Update 2 a.m. - The highway is now reopened.

October 3, 2011 (La Mesa) – A SIG Alert has been issued in La Mesa, where a pedestrian was struck and killed on Highway 125 just north of I-8 near Fletcher Parkway. The driver of a Grey Honda accord notified authorities that she hit a pedestrian who was running across the freeway around 10:26 p.m. The individual was also struck by several other cars.

October 3, 2011 (San Diego) Update 4:50 p.m.  -- I-5 reopened moments ago after being closed from I-805 to Del Mar Heights Road, with traffic diverted onto Highway 56 for investigation into a series of shootings earlier today.