Updated with document links

By Miriam Raftery

September 18, 2016 (Lakeside) – Some residents of Lakeside’s El Monte Valley have voiced surprise to learn after a sand mining project was proposed that the scenic area has zoning that allows for such use.  Now Robert Hintgen, a planner with the County of San Diego, has provided a history on the zoning designation.

East County News Service

September 18, 2016 (San Diego’s East County)—Recently we interviewed Ruth Weiss, San Diego coordinator for the Election Integrity Project. The all-volunteer, nonpartisan California organization’s mission is to restore fair and honest elections in our state. It’s motto is “Every lawfully cast ballot accurately counted.”

The Election Integrity Project seeks volunteers willing to be trained to help monitor elections and vote-counting.  “Whether a person can give 10 minutes or 10 hours on election day, they can make a difference. Our training is also available online at our website,” says Weiss.

Listen to our interview with Weiss by clicking the audio link, and scroll down for more information about the organizations.

East County News Service

September 18, 2016 (El Cajon) — Scotty’s Scare Trail, one of East County’s most haunting attractions, will be open at the abandoned Marshal Scotty’s amusement park in El Cajon for a full month every Thursday through Sunday from Sept.29 to Oct. 30 between 7 to 11 p.m.

Source: goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

September 18, 2016 (DeKalb, Ill.) - Donnel Pumphrey rushed for 220 yards and three touchdowns and Christian Chapman threw for a career-high three touchdowns of his own as San Diego State overcame a late rally in a 42-28 win over Northern Illinois Saturday in DeKalb, Ill.

East County News Service

September 16, 2016 (Santee) — The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, along with the East County Development Council, Santee, Lakeside and Alpine Mountain Empire Chambers invite you to Politics in Paradise part 2. 

Candidates for races across East County have been invited—including city council and mayoral contests as well as races ranging from school boards to the Grossmont Healthcare district. Here’s your chance to meet candidates up close and personal, hear their ideas, ask questions and network with movers and shakers from across our region.

East County News Service

September 18, 2016 (San Diego) -- The National Weather Service reports that thunderstorms are possible Monday and Tuesday, from the desert to the coast, due to an upper level low pressure system bringing up subtropical moisture.

Hear our KNSJ radio broadcast of this week's Destination East County by clicking the orange button above.

East County News Service

September 15, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes the Julian Music Festival, concerts by Siren’s Crush and the Grossmont Symphony and Master Chorale and a hike to the Valley of the Moon.

 Plus, we’ll tell you about coming attractions including Julian Apple Days, Oktoberfests in La Mesa and El Cajon, an OktOVERfest and over-the-line tournament in Santee, a Marty Stuart concert in downtown El Cajon, Stockzilla at Santee Lakes, the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous, open house with firefighters, a tailgate barbecue contest in Spring Valley, and Haunt Fest on Main.

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

Aztecs remain unbeaten on the year at 4-0-2

Source: goaztecs.com press release

Photo: A.J. Vergara courtesy goaztecs.com

September 17, 2016 (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) - The visiting No. 11/7 San Diego State men’s soccer team maintained its unbeaten start to the 2016 campaign after battling Cal Poly to a 0-0 draw on the road in double overtime Saturday night at Spanos Stadium.  With the result, Aztecs moved to 4-0-2 on the year, while Mustangs move to 1-4-1 overall.

By Liz Alper

Photo via @Padres on Twitter

September 17, 2016 (Denver) - Hail is unsettling and can throw off a lot of things; traffic, the weather, even baseball teams as we saw last night.  Luckily, there would be no hail tonight as Edwin Jackson took the mound against Jon Gray in game two.

East County News Service



September 17, 2016 (San Diego) – California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein are among 27 Democratic Senators introducing a Senate resolution calling for every American to have the choice of a public health insurance option.  A broad coalition including labor and progressive groups are also calling for the public, Medicare-like option that would guarantee healthcare as a right for all Americans.

Update Sept. 21,2016:  Sheriff's Homicide Detectives have arrested Sandra Leigh Stoneburner, who lived at the Camino San Ignacio address.  She is charged with murder of  the victim,  her sister Carrie Deatherage, 51.

East County News Service

September 17, 2016 (Warner Springs) — A shooting at the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation in Warner Springs has left a woman, 51, in grave condition.  A 57-year-old woman has been detained as a “person of interest” at the scene, says Lieutenant Kenneth Nelson.

Volleyball records three-set win over UCSB

Source: goaztecs.com press release

Photo: Alexis Cage had nine kills, two blocks and six digs in the win over UC Santa Barbara Friday evening.  Via goaztecs.com

September 16, 2016 (San Diego) - San Diego State combined a balanced attack with some solid defensive play as it needed just three sets to defeat visiting UC Santa Barbara (25-21, 25-21, 27-25) Friday evening on Aztec court. With the victory SDSU improved to 6-5 on the season while the Gauchos saw a three-match winning streak end and their record fall to 8-3.

By Janis Russell

Hear audio of candidates' response on homelessness by clicking the orange link above

September 16, 2016 (La Mesa)-Last night, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum for La Mesa City Council candidates at the La Mesa Community Center.  Councilmember Kristine Alessio and newcomer Colin Parent participated; Councilmember Ruth Sterling was unable to attend due to surgery on a broken arm.The candidates agreed on some issues, such as helping local businesses thrive, but offered divergent views on others, such as how to address homelessness and transit funding.

Mary England, President/CEO of the Chamber, welcomed attendees. Bill Hammett, a Chamber board member, was moderator for the forum.

By Miriam Raftery

September 16, 2016 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa First United Methodist Church will host a public forum for Mesa City Council candidates and important ballot initiatives.  The forum will be held on September 28^th, with a candidates’ meet and greet at 6:30 and the forum beginning at 7 p.m.

By Jan Hedlun, Potrero resident

Note:  Hedlun sent this on Sept. 14 to San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Boudreau, with copies to Supervisor Dianne Jacob and ECM.  She’s granted permission to run this as an open letter/reader’s editorial.

Re:  Regional Fire Safe Council Meeting/Potrero

September 16, 2016 (Potrero) -- My name is Jan Hedlun and I am a Potrero resident and an elected member of the Potrero Community Planning Group. I was speaking to Bob Buerer who attended the recent Regional Fire Safe Council meeting on Thursday, September 8^th who told me something deeply disturbing.