April 28, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – A string of powerful tornadoes is moving across the U.S., with more than 146 twisters reported in southern and eastern states and as far north as New York. At least 77 people have died from the tornadoes thus far, including 61 in Alabama alone. Hundreds more are injured. 

Nuclear disaster offers lessons to be learned in San Diego, as safety questions arise over San Onofre

By Miriam Raftery
 

By Jeremy Los

“This issue has received band-aid approaches to fix it when it needs a tourniquet.” – La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid

“We look at them as a resource… they are the eyes and ears of the community… they certainly know when something is going on.” – El Cajon Mayor Mark Lewis, on the homeless in his town

 "I do not feel there needs to be a regional center for the homeless in East County." -- Lemon Grove Mayor Mary Sessom

"I am not in the homeless business." - Santee Mayor Randy Voepel

April 26, 2011 – Four East County mayors shared their reactions on a new study on the many homeless in our region. Their views differed dramatically on how to address the homeless problem.  In addition, three of the four mayors questioned the study findings and voiced doubts on the numbers of homeless people listed in their cities. 

According to the 2011 Point-In-Time Count by the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, East County is now home to 8.9% of San Diego County’s homeless population, with El Cajon staking claim to the highest number of homeless people. However, the majority of El Cajon's homeless are in shelters--while in other East County communities, the homeless are living on the streets, in cars, or camped along riverbeds.  

April 26, 2011 (La Mesa) – Berniece Elizabeth Mosely, 92, died yesterday in an accident at 11:27 a.m. yesterday on Broadmoor Place in La Mesa, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s officer reports.

According to La Mesa Police, The vehicle drove into the front yard of a private residence, where the woman was ejected then run over by the Honda. A witness called 911, but death was confirmed immediately at the scene due to obvious trauma.

April 24, 2011 (Julian) – San Diego Sheriff’s ASTREA 12 helicopter conducted a hoist rescue late this afternoon for a victim who fell 30 feet, suffered injuries and became trapped between rocks at the base of Mildred Falls near Julian.

April 23, 2011 (San Diego) – A 90-year-old woman walking on a private driveway at 4847 Art Street in the east College was seriously injured yesterday when one of her tenants was backing up a vehicle and struck her. She fell to the ground and sustained a serious head injury.

April 21, 2011 (La Mesa) – By a 4-1 vote, Helix Water District’s Board of Directors approved a new two-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) for its employees. General Manager Mark Weston said the “new reality” reflects recognition that employees need to share in pension contributions and that Helix pay rates and benefits are competitive with other districts.

But some ratepayers argued that the changes do not go far enough.

April 21, 2011 (San Diego)--The property values in San Diego County have been dropping in market value over the last couple of years. Consequently, some property owners are submitting a request for review of their assessed value with the County Assessor’s Office. Ernie Dronenburg, the San Diego County Assessor, reminds property owners that the deadline to request a review of their assessed value is April 29, 2011.

Family wants case reopened; believes daughter may have been sold to human traffickers

 By Miriam Raftery

April 19, 2011 (El Cajon ) – Do you have blankets or a dog bed that you don’t need? The El Cajon Animal Shelter seeks donations or new or used dog beds and blankets for dogs that are currently housed in outdoor kennels with concrete floors. Cushioning will help make them more comfortable.
 

April 17, 2011 (Julian) – A motorcycle accident prompted a SIG Alert briefly today near Julian, Incident Page Network reports. The accident occurred on Highway 79 in front of Jeremy’s on the Hill around 11:15 a.m.

April 18, 2011 (Lakeside) – An EDCO trash truck has overturned at 11206 Valle Vista Road in Lakeside. The accident was reported at 11:45 a.m. The truck is now leaking large amounts of diesel fuel from saddle tanks, Incident Page Network reports. According to the CHP, a Hazmat team has been dispatched and is en route to the scene.

April 16, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wants to remind people not to handle young wild animals. The improper handling of young wildlife is a problem in California and across the nation, most commonly in the spring, when many species are caring for their offspring.

Award-winning journalist and ECM's own East of the Line columnist hosts TGIF Report on East County issues

Show airs Fridays from 6-7 p.m. on FM 107.9

By Miriam Raftery

April 12, 2011 (Alpine) – She’s won awards for investigative reporting and spent nearly 25 years writing and editing articles about East County’s hottest topics such as wildfires, wind turbines, border and land use issues. Her coverage has drawn national attention on 60 Minutes and 20-20 TV shows. She’s also rooted out tales of feral pigs and turkey hunts, offered tips on how to remove horse manure, and covered local politics. (Some might see similarity in these topics.)
 

Now the backcountry’s best-known news hound has a found a new home behind the microphone at my107.9 radio in Alpine, where her new show, the TGIF report covers news and events in San Diego’s backcountry communities and Alpine.  East County Magazine readers will recognize Jannen as author of the popular East of the Line column on backcountry issues.
 

The TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) Report airs Fridays from 6-7 p.m. because “I don’t do mornings well,” quips Jannen. If you’re not close enough to Alpine to pick up the signal, you can listen to the show streaming live at http://www.my1079.com.

April 13, 2011 (La Mesa)-- La Mesa residents who are Vietnam War Veterans are invited to attend the La Mesa City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26th at the City Council Chambers, 8130 Allison Avenue.

The City Council will honor these military personnel for their service during the meeting as part of its ongoing effort to recognize local veterans. Last month, the Council recognized Korean War Veterans, in February the WWII Veterans, and in January the Council honored the Pearl Harbor Survivors for their valor.