East County News Service

July 18, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes Lemon Grove concerts in the park, El Cajon classic cruise nights, live music in La Mesa, a Rolling Stones tribute in Santee, Pine Valley Days, a Sip of Julian and Gregory Page in concert at the garden.

Plus, we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including the HeART of Mt. Helix, the Barona Powwow, and the Julian Grape Stomp Festa.

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

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

Image credit: Forensic Artist P.J. Puterbaugh; a forensic sketch of a woman who investigators are trying to identify.

July 18, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office is asking for the public’s help to identify a woman, possibly in her late teens, killed by a hit-and-run driver as she walked along state Route 94 earlier this month.

By Miriam Raftery

June 20, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – A trip along Highway 94, a state-designated historic highway, is like traveling through time—a place where you’ll find elements ot the region’s colorful past juxtaposed against new elements such as the region’s emerging wine industry, an Indian casino and golf courses.

East County News Service

July 16, 2018 (La Mesa) --  Once a Scotty, always a Scotty. Helix High School class of 1998 invites you to come join fellow classmates and teachers to catch up on old times at the 20-year reunion on Saturday, August 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Bolt Brewery, 8179 Center Street in La Mesa. All classmates from 1998 or any classes before or after 1998 who want to reconnect with old friends are welcome to attend.

By Laurel Rosenhall

CALmatters

July 16, 2018 (Sacramento) - Asked this spring to identify the most important issue facing California lawmakers, the leader of the state Senate didn’t hesitate: wildfires.

Two months later—with fires blazing from the Oregon border to San Diego—legislators are poised to wade into a political firestorm sparked by last year’s historic fires and mudslides, which destroyed about 10,000 buildings and killed at least 66 people.

By Miriam Raftery

Drone video of West Fire devastation in Alpine: "Aftermath from above" by Joseph A. Acevedo, N6SIX

July 15, 2018 (Alpine) – People who want to help Alpine residents rebuild homes lost after the West Fire, and fill gaps that insurance companies and other agencies aren’t filling, can now make a tax deductible donation to the Alpine Community Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

A community recovery team will help the Foundation verify needs and resources. Money will pay bills directly, and will not be paid directly to individuals. Those in greatest need will receive help first.  The Foundation is run by volunteers in the community, so no fees will be charged and 100% of donations will benefit fire survivors.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 15, 2018 (San Diego) -- I don’t think any of us thought it would get this hot and humid so early in the summer! And the bad news it, it looks like more is in store this week with a long hot summer ahead.

Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. 

By Miriam Raftery

July 14, 2018 (Alpine) – Many of our readers have been asking how to help people who lost homes in the West Fire in Alpine earlier this month.  Several organizations are helping out and GoFundMe pages have also been set up for some of the families.

Alpine Christian Fellowship has established a West Fire relief fund that is accepting financial donations.  You can also sign up to volunteer to help with debris clean up, supply distribution, food and water, pet care, child care, spiritual care, or transportation.

A Fire Victim Supply Post has been set up at Boulder Oaks Elementary (2320 Tavern Rd., Alpine) where you can donate and drop off supplies to help fire survivors such as clothing, clean-up supplies, non-perishable food items and household goods.  For more info please call or text Margo at 619-876-8713 or Stephanie at 619-573-5638.

Keller Williams Realty has started a fund to help West Fire survivors and is also accepting donations of immediate relief supplies at three locations in Alpine and El Cajon. Details are at their GoFundMe link.

Below are other  GoFundMe sites set up to help specific individuals and families who lost homes in the West Fire. While some have already raised tens of thousands of dollars, other have nearly no donations. Please help our neighbors in need.

East County News Service 

July 14, 2018 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon Veterans Commission presents a “Veteran of the Year” Award, recognizing those who go above and beyond in serving their community through their leadership abilities and/or community service in El Cajon, making a big impact on those they serve.  Final selections will be based on dedication, commitment, and demonstrated the impact of those served.  If you see, hear, or know of a veteran who has gone the extra mile to improve the quality of life in the community, please take this opportunity to acknowledge and reward that effort. 

By Miriam Raftery

July 14, 2018 (Alpine) – San Miguel Fire Protection District posted these dramatic images of their firefighters battling to save mobile homes during the West Fire in Alpine on July 6th.   

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Ginger and Tigger

July 13, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – These two sweet cats, a sister and brother, must find a new home immediately after the death of their owner. 

“They really love each other. They eat together, sleep together…they’re just really adorable,” says Mimi, an acquaintance of our editor who has been feeding the cats since their owner passed away.

By Miriam Raftery

 

Photo: Councilman Ben Kalasho during testimony by Paul Kruze regarding Kalasho’s alleged threat to maul the reporter with a trained attack dog

July 13, 2018 (El Cajon) – After our reporter Paul Kruze filed a police report alleging that El Cajon City Councilman Ben Kalasho threatened him with an attack dog, the San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists issued the following statement:

By Christina Whipple

July 13, 2018 (San Diego's East County) - Sorry to disappoint folks; you don't need to be a zombie-killing-doomsday-prepper to be prepared.  (Although some of those paracord bracelets look pretty cool...)  Since there is so much information available, it can be overwhelming to start any type of preparedness plan.   I'll make it easy for you.    First, read the article:  Peace-of-Mind 3-10 Minute Evacuation Plan for Wildfires - Part 1.   Second, implement the suggestions in that article.

Source: Mt. Helix Park Foundation

July 12, 2018 (La Mesa) - Tickets are on sale now for the 11th annual heART of Mt. Helix. You’re invited to come and experience local art, music and cuisine at Mt. Helix Park’s popular celebration/fundraiser held at one of East County’s most extraordinary venues. 

By Miriam Raftery

July 12, 2018 (La Mesa) – Wine, beer and food aficionados will soon be able to cross a pedestrian and bike bridge connecting “restaurant row” in La Mesa’s downtown village to the wineries and breweries in an industrially-zoned area across Interstate 8.