East County News Service

June 13, 2017 (San Diego) - At the May 24, 2017 V.I.P. (Very Important Planet) Reception held at the City of San Diego Environmental Services Department, San Diego EarthWorks recognized EDCO with the E.A.R.T.H. (Environmental Action and Restoration That Helps) Award for EarthFair efforts. There to accept the award on EDCO’s behalf was John Snyder, EDCO’s Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, and Elmer Heap, EDCO’s Division Manager.

By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) — Family members of Santana High School teacher Janelle Pasquale Garrison are asking help to cover medical bills as she battles an acute form of leukemia that rarely occurs in adults.

50 years as organist/pianist at The Table:  United Church of Christ of La Mesa

By Mary Domb Mikkelson

June 13, 2017 (La Mesa) -- A national treasure right in our midst-- that’s the incomparable Valerie Victor, organist/pianist at The Table:  United Church of Christ of La Mesa (UCCLM).

Born in National City (as were her mother and grandmother), Valerie was seven when she started to play the piano, eight when her elementary school music teacher asked that she not return to class – it was “too easy” for her.  Taken on as the teacher’s private student for the next seven years, young Valerie thrived.  Another teacher followed, working with her for the next 25 – 30 years.  Once a month a “bonus” was added:  organ lessons. 

East County News Service

June 13, 2017 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host “Qigong: Meditation in Motion,” a free program on Qigong, an ancient breathing technique originated in China, from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 28. The program is part of the library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Advance RSVP is not necessary. Handouts will be available.

By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2017 (La Mesa)—Helix Water District’s board will hold a special meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the district headquarters (7811 University Avenue, La Mesa) to consider the proposed fiscal year 2017-18 budget of $88,282,730. Click to view the complete board package.  Scroll down for details on a proposed rate increase, most due to a hike in rates from the County Water Authority:

East County News Service

June 13, 2017 (Tierrasanta) – If you’re looking for a delicious way to celebrate Father’s Day in inland San Diego, Andiamo Ristorante in Tierrasanta is offering a prix fixe menu starting at 5 p.m. on June 18^th for $29.95 per person – and kids under 12 eat free.

SDSU opens its MW slate with a pair of tough road contests

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

June 13, 2017 (San Diego) - San Diego State women’s basketball and the Mountain West have announced the Aztecs’ league schedule for the upcoming 2017-18 season.

Each team in the conference plays eight of the other 10 teams twice and plays two opponents once. This year, the Aztecs will not host Utah State, nor will they travel to New Mexico.

Aztecs to open conference slate at Wyoming

Source:  goaztecs.com

June 13, 2017 (San Diego) - San Diego State’s Mountain West schedule for the 2017-18 campaign has been released by the league. The Aztecs will open conference action at Wyoming on Dec. 27, and will close the slate with consecutive home games vs. Boise State on Feb. 28 and Nevada on March. 3

Ruling also affirms block on refugee ban, but allows review of vetting procedures

By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2017 (San Francisco) --  A second federal appeals court has blocked nearly all of President Donald Trump’s executive order  that included a 90-day travel ban from six mainly Muslim nations, though the two courts found different rationales for their rulings, the New York Times reports.

Source:  Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

June 12, 2017 (El Cajon) - The impact on lives that Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges have is never more apparent than on commencement day, when speakers talk about their first steps taken in their academic journeys and the encouragement they’ve received along the way.

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Story by Liz Alper

Photo:  MacKenzie Gore, Youtube screenshot.

June 12, 2017 (Secaucus, N.J.) - The first day of the 2017 MLB Draft was today and some of the hottest prospects were on the market as first rounders, second rounders and competitive balance rounders started their professional baseball careers.  Here’s who the Padres took:

By Tom Christensen, County of San Diego Communications Office

June 12, 2017 (San Diego) - A fourth person has died as a result of the hepatitis A outbreak in San Diego County that now totals 160 cases, the County Health and Human Services Agency announced today.

East County News Service

June 11, 2017 (Alpine) — Alpine will celebrate Independence Day with a Fourth of July Parade starting at 10 a.m.  along Alpine Boulevard between West Victoria Boulevard and Tavern Road, bringing back a tradition that’s been dormant for years. Everyone is invited to participate or come watch.

By Rebecca Williamson

Photo:  El Cajon resident Ace Saunders, and his pit bull, Saturn.

June 11, 2017 (Santee) -- El Cajon resident, Ace Saunders, and his pit bull, Saturn, won best trick contest at Santee's 2nd Annual Fido Fest for performing a variety of commands.  The event, held June 10^th in Santee, drew an estimated 2,000-- with smallest dog, largest dog, and a cake walk all part of the festivities. 

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2017 (Lemon Grove) – Luscious lemon cakes, cream cakes, doughnuts, muffins, bagels, and more are available once again in Lemon Grove, now that the Lemon Grove Bakery has opened its doors at 3308 Main Street.