Story and photo by Miriam Raftery

Photo: 2011 Angel Fire, burning behind Julian High School

February 3, 2018 (Julian) –  The San Diego County Registrar of Voters Michael Vu, in a letter to Patricia Landis, has advised that a proposed ballot measure to raise fees to $200 in the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District had only 191 valid signatures—34 signatures short of the 225 needed to qualify.

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

February 3, 2018 (San Diego) - After a hard few road games, SDSU men’s basketball came home tonight to host Air Force.  The Falcons aren’t too hot for a service academy, sitting at 10th in the Mountain West.

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 3, 2018 (Borrego Springs) - You’re invited to don your “desert dressy” attire and finest hiking boots for the second annual “Boots Ball” hosted by the Anza Borrego Foundation on Saturday, March 3 from 2-5 p.m.

Fundraiser to benefit adults with developmental disabilities

East County News Service

February 2, 2018 (El Cajon) -- St. Madeleine Sophie’s Auxiliary will host its first Mardi Gras Gala on Saturday, February 17, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Marina Village’s Seaside Room to benefit St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) in El Cajon. Ticket prices for the gala cost $55 per person prior to the event or $60 per person at the door.

By Kendra Sitton

February 1, 2018 (El Cajon) --- Activists praise the end of a ban on feeding the homeless, but continue advocating for further changes in El Cajon.

At a food sharing event organized by Food not Bombs and Breaking Bread on Saturday, Jan. 27, transients and volunteers filled Wells Park. There was a swathe of donated clothes, blankets, and hand sanitizer, as international media attention brought additional support to the advocates who have worked for months to repeal the ban. Houseless people filled plates with beans, chow mein, bread, peach cobbler, and a chocolate cake which read “solidarity not charity.”

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 1, 2018 (Spring Valley) – Thomas Jackson,28, has been arrested and charged with the murder of Aurice J. Turk, 25.  Turk was killed January 4^th around 9 p.m. in a reported fight near the Albertson’s on Campo Road in the Casa de Oro area of Spring Valley.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

It’s the Super Bowl and you’re the quarterback!

February 1, 2018 (San Diego) --  Whether you’re calling the shots at your home field or at a party somewhere else make sure to be a good sport and keep your “Safety” front and center at all times.

Your “Running Back” is in the kitchen. Help avoid a “False Start” with unhealthy foods. Everyone wants to keep their “Tight End” looking tight, so add healthy snacks to your menu instead of high-fat foods. You may want to consider that “Quarterback Sneak” and replace those buffalo wings and nachos with veggies and hummus or whole wheat pita chips. Let’s avoid that “Wide Receiver” if possible.

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 1, 2018 (Santee) – Authorities seek public help to find this trailer stolen from the Coffee Corner coffee shop in the 9600 block of Carlton Hills Boulevard in Santee sometime between January 23rd and 24th. Its California license plate number is 4MC8836.

The owner estimates the loss of the trailer and its contents at nearly $18,000.

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 1, 2018 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Democratic Party is hosting its first-ever gubernatorial debate on Thursday, February 22^nd at the Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Ave., San Diego.

All four leading Democrats running for governor of California are confirmed to participate: Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin and State Treasurer John Chiang.

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

February 1, 2018 (El Cajon) – The County Medical Examiner has identified El Cajon resident Ronald Ray Hegwood, 53, as the victim killed January 24^th in a motorcycle crash in Point Loma.

According to San Diego Police, Hegwood lost control of the motorcycle he was driving while traveling east on West Point Loma Blvd. He crossed into the westbound lane and collided with another vehicle, then also struck a parked vehicle.

By Paul Kruze

February 1, 2018 (Casa de Oro) – The San Diego County Board of voted in principal to approve a blueprint laid out for the eventual revitalizing of the Campo Road area of Casa de Oro at last Thursday’s meeting.

But don’t expect changes to occur overnight.

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Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

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Story by Liz Alper

Video courtesy goaztecs.com

January 31, 2018 (San Diego) - The Aztecs men's basketball team has had a harrowing couple of weeks, but now they're back home (finally) and ready to face Air Force Saturday night.  Head coach Brian Dutcher and junior guard Jeremy Hemsley sat down with the media this week.

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

January 31, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Mean Mary in concert in Santee, a pow-wow at Cuyamaca College, Hawk Watch in Ramona, the Oak Ridge Boys at Sycuan, Inside the Actors’ Process at the Stagehouse Theatre, and a violin and cello concert at Mission Trails Regional Park.

Plus, we’ll have coming attractions including Cupid and Canines at Grossmont Center, a chamber music concert at the La Mesa Library, open farm day at the Oasis Camel Dairy, a Valentine’s Dinner in Julian, gardening tips and tours, live music at local night spots, the Martin Luther King Choir’s ensemble in Lemon Grove, a star party and a Celtic harp concert at Mission Trails, Seussical the Musical in Spring Valley, and a St. Patrick’s Day half marathon run through El Cajon.

So stay tuned for all of these events and many more!

East County News Service

January 31, 2018 (San Diego) -- The flu is taking a deadly toll locally. Last week, 32 people died of the flu in San Diego County, including a 10-year-old boy. 

So far this season, 206 flu deaths have been reported, according to County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.

By Maridian Broadus

Photo, left:  Honoree Alan Cabrera, Jane Elliott, Rev. Shane Harris, Honoree BAPC State President Dr. William Blair

January 31, 2018 (Lemon Grove) — “Where are we 50 years later?” That is the question posed by Reverend Shane Harris, president of the National Action Network in San Diego, and by keynote speaker, educator and anti-racism activist Jane Elliott at the Martin Luther King Jr. 88^th birthday celebration held on Friday, January 19^th at Lemon Grove Community Church. NAN is a social justice organization that advocates on behalf of minorities and the disenfranchised. The celebration paid homage to Dr. King and honored local civil rights activists.