By Gary Gorton, St. Pius X Wine Tasting Festival Committee

Photos, left and below right: Vineyards and tasting room at Granite Lion Cellars in Jamul

May 23, 2018 (Jamul) -- Jamul has always been identified as a wine rich region. Grapes and wine were introduced to California in San Diego at the site of the Mission de Alcala, the first of the California Missions by Father Junipero Sierra who established the first vineyard on the Mission Valley Property back in 1769. The first wine for sacramental use was made by the monks in 1774.

How appropriate, then, that it is St. Pius X in Jamul hosting the third-annual wine-tasting festival this year. The date is June 30, 2018 from 5:30pm to 9:00 pm. The festival will be sponsored by the Wineries on Highway 94 and is being hosted at Jamal’s own D&S Farms, home of Granite Lion Cellars.

By Miriam Raftery

May 22, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival, a Warrior Hike Challenge on El Capitan Mountain in Lakeside, Fortunate Son in concert in downtown El Cajon, Laurel and Hardy films in Spring Valley, and a stockroom speakeasy at Baron’s Market in Alpine.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including La Mesa’s Flag Day parade, Lavender Day at Summers Past Farms, Fido Fest in Santee, movies in county parks, a Secret Garden Party in El Cajon, the San Diego Concert Band in La Mesa, a Taste of La Mesa, Santee’s summer concerts, the Jamul Wine Tasting Festival, a historic quilt show, Santee Salutes and Julian’s Fourth of July parade.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 22, 2018 (San Diego) - A new law allows voters who missed the voter registration deadline on May 21 to register on a later date and vote on that same day. However, San Diego County residents who want to take advantage of the Conditional Voter Registration law for the June 5 gubernatorial primary election must visit the Registrar of Voters office in Kearny Mesa to do so.

Source: Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District

May 22, 2018 (El Cajon) - An agreement signed between the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and a Prague university will allow graduates who have earned a degree from one of the two East County colleges to continue their education in the Czech Republic.

By Miriam Raftery

May 21, 2018 (Santee) – An e-mail threat that referenced a possible act of violence at an unnamed high school in Santee prompted additional law enforcement patrols today at Santana and West Hills High Schools.

According to Sgt. William Amavisca at the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, “The investigation has found no evidence to suggest the threat has any validity. There is currently no immediate threat to either campus or student thus far.”

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By Liz Alper

Photo:  Juan Soto kicked off a night of three home runs for the Nationals with his first big league homer in the second.  Via @Nationals on Twitter

May 21, 2018 (Washington, D.C.) - After a successful series against the Pirates, the Padres journeyed to our nation’s capital to start a midweek series with the Nationals.  Robbie Erlin started against Gio Gonzalez for the Nats.

East County News Service

May 21, 2018 (El Cajon) -- The Bluegrass Brethren will perform this Saturday, May 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rock of Refuge Church, 450 N. Pierce Street in El Cajon.

There is no admission charge to hear this Southern California bluegrass group, though donation offerings are welcome.   For questions, call 619-442-5941.

Source:  Saps at Sea

May 1, 2018 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the official Laurel & Hardy fan club of San Diego, will continue their slam-bang festival of Funtastic films on Saturday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. (with the show starting at 7:00 p.m.) at Williams Hall at Trinity Church (3902 Kenwood Drive) in Spring Valley. 

By Miriam Raftery

May 21, 2018 (San Diego) – If you live in area code 619 or 858, you now have to dial the area code even for local calls.  If you’re calling from a land line, you’ll also need to dial 1, then the area code, followed by the seven-digit phone number.

More than $2 million in prizes awarded; over $3 million raised for San Diego’s Ronald McDonald House

East County News Service

May 20, 2018 (San Diego) - Raising more than $3 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego® to support families of hospitalized children, the 14th Annual Dream House Raffle with more than 2,300 prizes awarded, including  grand prize winner Anthony Strom from San Diego, who receives his choice of $1.3 million paid as an annuity over 20 years or $900,000 as a one-time cash payment. 

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

May 19, 2018 (Reno) - Despite a four-run eighth inning, the San Diego State baseball's late-inning comeback attempt fell short against Nevada on Saturday afternoon, dropping a 12-10 decision at Peccole Park.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo CC Flicker/Jeffrey Grandy

May 18, 2018 (Salt Lake City) – Students mobilizing on gun violence issues have captured headlines nationwide. But another student-led effort has yielded tangible results: in Utah, one of the most conservative stations in the U.S., a coalition of students persuaded the Utah Legislature to adopt a resolution declaring climate change real and committing to strive for solutions.

By Miriam Raftery

May 18, 2018 (Lemon Grove) – Christopher Williams has filed a lawsuit against Lemon Grove Councilman David Arambula alleging that during a meeting at Arambula’s home on July 15, 2017  to discuss Williams’ applications for marijuana dispensaries, Arambula assaulted and injured Williams. 

The suit also names the city of Lemon Grove, claiming the city knew that Arambula conducted city business outside of city hall and “could be physically violent toward members of the public while he conducted official city business but never took any action to prevent him from acting in such a manner.” 

May 18, 2018 (San Diego's East County)-- Larry Wilske is a retired Navy Seal, running as a Republican challenger to incumbent Randy Voepel in the 71st Assembly district. Voepel, also a Republican, is facing allegations of "stolen valor" or inflating his military record.

Wilske belives integrity is the core issue in his race against Voepel. In our interview aired originally on KNSJ Radio, Wilske talks about the ethics concerns, as well as his stances on issues impacting California statewide such as education, sanctuary state laws, and healthcare.

A resident of Descanso in San Diego's East County, he also shared his views on rural issues including fire preparedness, water, power shut offs and jobs.  Hear our full interview with Larry Wilske by clicking here.

By Miriam Raftery

May 18, 2018 (San Diego) – What should consumers know about saving money and choosing a financial institution?  What’s the difference between credit unions and big banks?  When does a home equity line of credit make sense, and what are new options when shopping and financing a car?

These are among the questions East County Magazine asked Jonathan Zide, vice president of Cabrillo Credit Union, which has branches in La Mesa, San Diego and Carlsbad. The local company has been serving our region since 1955, starting out helping federal Border Patrol agents. Today, it’s open to everyone.