February 2, 2014 (San Diego’s East County )—An urgent winter weather message has been issued by the National Weather Service as a low pressure system sweeps into San Diego County bringing cold air, rain west of the mountains.  Two to four inches of snow are possible above 4000 to 4500 feet.  There is a chance of thunderstorms and over coastal areas, possible waterspouts tonight through Tuesday.

While rain is good news for our drought-parched state, a winter weather advisory means travelers may face difficulties. 

Source: California Farm Bureau Federation

January 31, 2014 (Sacramento)-As California’s water situation worsens, the leader of the state’s largest farm organization said rural areas face “severe economic problems” from water shortages.

The State Water Project warned today it will not deliver water to its customers. The federal Central Valley Project—the largest single supplier of agricultural irrigation water in the state—is expected to do the same, unless significant rainfall occurs before its first allocation announcement next month.

January 30, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine has been awarded the World Council for Nature’s 2013 award.

“A number of articles published in East County Magazine have been brought to my attention,” Mark Duchamp, Chairman of WCFN, a global organization based in Spain, wrote in an e-mail to ECM’s editor. “The work you do informing people of the threats against nature in your county is commendable. The World Council for Nature wishes to honor your publication with the WCFN award for 2013.”

January 25, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)-- Motorists should expect short delays on portions of State Route 94 (SR-94) for about the next two weeks, weekdays only, starting Monday morning as work continues on a pavement rehabilitation project.

One-way traffic control will be in effect on eastbound SR-94 from Proctor Valley Road to Otay Lakes Road and in the westbound direction in the vicinity of Marron Valley Road starting Monday through Monday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to Caltrans.  No work is expected to take place during the weekends.

Photos (not local): Jaguarundi, black jaguar, and melanistic jaguar with spots visible

By Miriam Raftery

January 22, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--A rash of sightings of large black wildcats have been reported in East County, most recently in Spring Valley.  While thus far no one has captured photos of the animals, the growing number of sightings from seemingly credible sources—including an East County Magazine reporter, raises some intriguing questions.

• Are these cats escaped exotic pets, or could one or more black jaguars, believed extinct in California,  or smaller jaguarundis have found their way back into our region?
• Both jaguars and jaguarundis are critically endangered in the U.S.  If these rare cats are regaining a toehold in our region, is anything being done to protect them from being shot by ranchers, law enforcement, or wildlife officials who may be unaware of their protected status?

Most recently, on January 5, Southwestern College language and literature professor Dan Moody told ECM that his mother, Dee Moody saw a jet-black, large cat that weighted at least 60 pounds walk across an open field behind her Spring Valley house on January 4 -- in broad daylight.

January 20, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has released a new report on poverty.  Included in the report are five-year estimates of poverty in our region, based on the American Community Survey in 2011.

El Cajon has by far the highest poverty rate in San Diego County, with 32% of individuals living below the poverty level and 49% living within 200% of the federal poverty level.   National City has the next highest level, a full ten points lower at 22% living in poverty.

January 20, 2014 (El Cajon)--The City of El Cajon will be hosting an informational community meeting about the City’s new regional special event called “America on Main Street.”  The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21, at 6:00 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas Avenue. 

The City of El Cajon expects 30,000 people to attend the June 14 American on Main Street event, celebrating with American and ethnic foods, live entertainment, youth activities, games, a Ferris wheel, rides, a petting zoo, handmade crafts, display booths and more. The mission of El Cajon’s America on Main Street is to provide an opportunity to enhance civic pride, attract regional participation, and contribute to the economic growth of the downtown district.  The event will brand El Cajon as a place of rich diversity, shared tradition, and community.

January 15, 2014 (San Diego's East County) -- For over 30 years, the La Mesa Fire Department has hosted Fire and Emergency Services Explorer Post 2328. Now, with the formation of the Heartland Fire & Rescue Joint Powers Agreement, The Explorer program is expanding to the Heartland Fire & Rescue city of Lemon Grove, and it is available to the City of El Cajon for future expansion.  

Fire Explorers have the opportunity to ride on fire engines and participate in station activities in all three cities as part of the expanded program. Fire & Emergency Services Exploring is a hands-on program for young adults (ages 14 to 20). Fire Explorers have the opportunity to ride on fire engines and participate in station activities in all three cities as part of the expanded program.

January 15, 2014 (Bonita) – A 21-year-old driver from Bonita was hospitalized with major injuries in a rollover collision on State Route 94 near I-15 yesterday at 1:17 p.m.

The Bonita man was driving a Ford Explorer when he swerved to avoid a barbecue grill in the lane and struck a red Kia Sportage driven by a National City woman, 34.  After striking the Kia, the Explorer swerved to the right, overturned, and the driver was ejected.

By Miriam Raftery

January 14, 2014 (El Cajon ) – After hearing testimony raising concerns over use of e-ciagrettes by children in public schools, El Cajon’s City Council unanimously asked staff to prepare a report on the hazards of  inhaling or “vaping” nicotine, along with options for regulation both e-cigarettes and hookah smoking.

Councilman Gary Kendrick introduced the issue, stating  that a friend told him her middle school son said that “use of electronic cigarettes was rampant at his junior high.” 

A representative from Communities Against Substance Abuse (CASA) asked Council, “Can we really afford another generation of nicotine addiction?”  The CASA representative said that “nicotine is more addictive than heroin.” He presented evidence that manufacturers of e-cigarettes with nicotine are targeting minors with flavors such as bubblegum and designs ranging from e-cigarettes with cartoon characters to models that masquerade as asthma inhalers, felt pens, or other common devices. 

January 14, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego County Crime Stoppers and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department are asking for the public’s help  in identifying the whereabouts of Ann Marie Ackerman. She is known to frequent the East County area of San Diego as well as Imperial Beach.

Ms Ackerman was last seen in mid‐November, 2013 in the Santee area where she lives. She was reported missing by a family member on December 26, 2013. Ann Marie Ackerman is described as a 37‐year‐old female, 5’0” tall with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a mole on her right cheek.

January 11, 2014 (El Cajon ) –Two hijackers who flew a plane into the Pentagon during the 911 attacks in 2011 got flight training at Montgomery Field in San Diego.  Yet to this day, no background checks are required for foreign flight students taking training locally - including a growing number of foreign flight students at Gillespie Field in  El Cajon. 

Supervisor Dianne Jacob aims to change that with an ordinance that would require background checks. Her measure will be heard by Supervisors on February 5^th.

By Miriam Raftery

January 7, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) -- These are the stories that riveted our attention in 2013 and had major impacts on communities and residents across our East County region. We've chosen stories across a wide spectrum, from energy and politics to the arts, health, public safety, sports and much more.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Stephanie Wiseberg

January 9, 2014 (San Diego) Updated January 10, 2014 – A motorcyclist who witnesses reported was speeding at up to 100 miles per hour and weaving across lanes struck a Hyundai sedan on I-8 eastbound west of Texas Street in Mission Valley around 4 p.m. today.  Both vehicles burst into flames.

Passerbys stopped and tried to douse flames with a fire extinguisher, also performing CPR on the motorcyclist, 22, from San Diego before firefighters and paramedics arrived, but he was declared dead at the scene.  He was driving a dark 2008 sport-type Suzuki motorcycle, according to CHP.

The Hyundai driver, a 53-year-old Chula Vista woman, escaped without injuries.

“I think the new sign and banner ordinance is going to help distinguish the unique characteristics of each of the unincorporated communities,” said Board Chairwoman Dianne Jacob. The board’s vote Wednesday will repeal the County’s current policy of banning community signs on County roads and create new rules that allow a number of different kinds of signs and banners — permanent and temporary.

Because the rule changes will create a new County ordinance, the action must be approved by the Board again when they meet Jan. 29, and would take effect 30 days after that.