March 5, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - The County of San Diego opens a new application cycle for the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) Program! The program provides financial compensation to eligible property owners in exchange for placing an agricultural conservation easement on their property. Since the inception of the program over 1,150 acres have been preserved to date.

Federal  civil rights investigation finds blatant, systemic racism in Ferguson Police Dept., but criminal probe finds no grounds to prosecute officer who killed Michael Brown

By Miriam Raftery

March 4, 2015 (Washington D.C.) – U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Wednesday announced results of two federal probes into the Ferguson, Missouri police department which drew national attention following the shooting of an unarmed African-American teenager. A criminal investigation found no grounds to prosecute Officer Darren Wilson, who killed the teen, Michael Brown. However a separate civil rights investigation found systemic racism in the department and mandates changes.

The Justice Department has ordered corrective action. Holder emphasized in a press statement, “Let me be clear: the United States Department of Justice reserves all its rights and abilities to force compliance and implement basic change.”

March 4, 2015 (El Cajon) - The El Cajon legal clinic is back—with new hours, open Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Free legal assistance is available in the areas of  family law, immigration, consumer law, employment law, business law, wills and trusts, civil litigation and more.

New clues found near Tule Spring

By Miriam Raftery

March 3, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)—The San Diego Sheriff’s office has called off a search for Chris Sylvia, a hiker who has been missing for over two weeks.

East County News Service

March 2, 2015 (San Diego)--Storm run-off contaminated with sewage in the Tijuana River Estuary has led to closure of beaches in the southern portion of San Diego County.

March 3, 2015 (El Cajon) – A missing 11-year-girl has been found safely, an El Cajon Police dispatcher has informed East County Magazine this morning.

By Paul Kruze

March 1, 2015 (Spring Valley)--After a couple of months getting familiar with their responsibilities and getting used to a trio of newly-elected colleagues, the San Miguel Fire District Board began to get down to business at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on February 11 at the district headquarters in Spring Valley.

East Count Magazine News Service

February 28, 2015 (San Diego) – Utility ratepayers who have been paying a monthly fee for opting out of having a smart meter will soon get a reprieve.

February 27, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) A new state law banning plastic grocery bags won’t be taking effect this summer after all. That’s because opponents led by the plastic industry have obtained enough signatures to qualify a measure to overturn the bag ban for the November ballot, the Secretary of State has announced.

East County News Service

February 28, 2015 (Washington D.C.)—President Barack Obama has vetoed the Keystone XL pipeline bill passed by the Republican-controlled Congress. In his veto message, he criticized the Congressional attempt to bypass his administration’s environmental review of the project and ““circumvent longstanding and proven processes for determining whether or not building and operating a cross-border pipeline serves the national interest.”

February 28, 2015 (San Diego)--There could be some unfamiliar stuff falling out of the sky over the next few days in San Diego County.  That’s right — rain, and potentially, lots of it.

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2015 (San Diego)—Ancient treasures seized in seven U.S. cities, including San Diego, have been returned to the Italian government this week, Homeland Security has announced.

East County News Service

February 27, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – A winter storm is due to hit our region tonight through Monday, bringing strong gusty winds to mountains and deserts.  Possible thunderstorms are possible starting Sunday night, bringing rain and potentially heavy snowfall down to levels that may include Julian, Descanso and Pine Valley.

The Sheriff offered this reminder to motorists traveling in the mountains: Have a full tank of gas, water and food supplies in case you are stranded in traffic for several hours. Have snow chains for areas where they will be required. Public restroom facilities are limited...Be mindful of areas that are private property which are marked by signs and fences. Private property is off limits to the public for recreational snow activities.

Parking violations will be enforced and citations will be issued. Vehicles blocking roadways and private property will be towed. Be aware of increased law enforcement activity to handle the large crowds.

 

February 27, 2015 (El Cajon) – Angel Cruz, a 7-year-old boy struck by a car yesterday afternoon, has died  of his injuries as 12:40 this morning. The boy was struck by a car 3:45 p.m.yesterday  while crossing the 900 block of Peach Avenue in El Cajon.

Mark Isak, the 18-year-old driver of the silver Hyundai that struck the child, stopped immediately after the collision and is cooperating fully with traffic investigators, said Lieutenant Randy Soulard with El Cajon Police. He has not been charged or cited. Neither speed nor alcohol appear to be factors in the collision.

East County News Service

March 4 meeting planned for Fletcher Hills residents with attorneys

February 25, 2015 (El Cajon) – Fletcher Hills residents are planning a lawsuit over loss of property values, quality of life and lead pollution associated with increased air traffic at Gillespie Field Airport.