UPDATE:  Helix will host West High School at 6 p.m. March 11

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 8, 2017 (La Mesa) - In Round I of the Division IV CIF boys basketball playoffs, the Highlanders of Helix faced another set of Highlanders, those from Granada Hills Charter in Granada Hills, a city just north of Santa Monica.  Both team’s colors are green and white.  Both teams’ mascot is a highlander.  Both are charter schools.

East County News Service

Photo credit:  Rebecca Jefferis-Williamson

March 8, 2017 (La Mesa) – Rebecca Jefferis Williamson sent in this photo of trails left by airplanes over Mt. Helix, taken from the Fuerte Street bridge this morning. Some have called these chem trails but they are actually simply water vapor that has condensed/frozen due to cold temperatures high in the atmosphere. The scientific name is contrails.

East County News Service

March 8, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- The state of California has established a new website called the Human Right to Water Portal, in compliance with a 2012 law that makes California the first state in the U.S. to recognize a right to safe, clean, affordable and accessible water for all state residents.  But a review of the new website shows that many East County communities, schools and public water systems are in violation of safe, clean drinking water standards.

By Jonathan Goetz

March 7, 2017 (La Mesa) - At its February 28 meeting, the La Mesa City Council spent over an hour learning about and discussing cannabis legislation, following a lengthy introduction by City Attorney Glenn Sabine who consulted a conditional Use Permit (CUP) process and cannabis taxing consultant.

Baseball sees five-game win streak end

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  Jorge Fernandez was one of seven SDSU pitchers in Tueday's contest vs. USC.  Courtesy goaztecs.com

March 7, 2017 (San Diego) - USC scored an unearned run in the top of the seventh inning and two relief pitchers made that marker stand up as the Trojans downed San Diego State, 1-0, Tuesday evening at Tony Gwynn Stadium.

Aztecs’ Zaria Meshack hits key two-run single in 2nd

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  Sydnee Cable hit a two-run HR in the bottom of the fifth vs. UDM on Tuesday.  Courtesy goaztecs.com

March 7, 2017 (San Diego) - San Diego State overcame a wobbly start Tuesday to register its fourth straight victory with a 5-2 triumph over visiting Detroit Mercy in a non-conference game at SDSU Softball Stadium. With the win, the Aztecs raise their record to 12-7 on the year, while the Titans slip to 3-15 overall.

Source:  City of El Cajon

March 7, 2017 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon is very pleased to announce that Mr. Graham Mitchell, current City Manager for the City of Escondido and longtime City Manager for the City of Lemon Grove, has accepted an offer to become the City of El Cajon’s next Assistant City Manager.  He will replace Majed Al-Ghafry, who was recently appointed Assistant City Manager for the City of Dallas, Texas.

By Miriam Raftery

March 7, 2017 (San Diego) – President Donald Trump has issued a new, more narrowly crafted executive order restricting refugees’ entry into the U.S. after the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked implementation of his earlier executive order as unconstitutional.  Here’s what the new ban includes:

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By Liz Alper

March 7, 2017 (San Diego) - The second round of the World Baseball Classic will be held in San Diego at the home of the Padres, Petco Park, from March 14-19.

Source: Caltrans

March 7, 2017 (San Diego) - The following closures will occur along southbound Interstate 15 (I-15) Tuesday night to allow construction crews to grind and replace pavement:

By Miriam Raftery

March 6, 2017 (San Diego) – The Mexican government has announced that it is creating a network of help centers for Mexican immigrants at all consulates in the U.S.

The action aims to help Mexican citizens amid “fear and uncertainty” over President Donald Trump’s executive orders ramping up deportation and construction of a border wall, says Consul General Marcela Celorio in San Diego. 

By Miriam Raftery

Jonathan Goetz contributed to this report

March 6, 2017 (La Mesa) – Helix Water District’s board will hold a special meeting on March 8 at 6 p.m. to consider a proposal by newly elected board member Dan McMillan to lower water rates. 

But a staff report (see agenda) advises against a rate reduction at this time, citing insufficient reserves. Instead, staff recommends that the district continue to look at opportunities to reduce rates as fiscal year 2016-17 concludes, after results of winter and spring rainfall are measured and the fiscal year 2017-18 budget is developed.

By Miriam Raftery

March 5, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Torrential rains during this wet winter have raised levels dramatically at local reservoirs, with a new storm possibly bringing even more rain this weekend. 

The Lower Otay reached 100% capacity, so a spillway was opened for the overflow.  Lake Poway came within inches of overflowing, closing hiking trails at the lake.

East County News Service

March 5, 2017 (Santee) – The Santee Chick-fil-A restaurant, 9418 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, will celebrate the start of its fifth year of serving customers on Monday evening, March 6. The public is invited to attend the celebration to be held between 5 and 8 p.m. Chick-fil-A officials said the celebration will recreate the experience when the store opened in late February 2013.

By Mark Hughes, SanDiego350

March 5, 2017 (San Diego) -- On the evening of March 1, the organization Stay Cool 4 Grandkids hosted speakers who presented on two climate change topics. Representatives from Kids 4 Planet Earth spoke about their goal to have school children send one million letters to President Trump by Earth Day, telling him how important it is to them that he address climate change. Please help their request to go viral by sharing this goal on Facebook and other social media outlets.