East County News Service

September 11, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – If you’re hungry and live in Lemon Grove, there’s no need to suffer in silence. A drive-through food distribution will be held starting at 9 a.m. as long as supplies last on Saturday, September 18 at Lemon Grove Recreation Center, 3131 School Lane.

Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

September 10, 2021 (El Cajon) -- On a cloudless morning with the San Miguel Fire & Rescue’s massive 70-foot flag serving as a backdrop, the Cuyamaca College campus community and East County firefighters gathered Friday for an early commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

SOLD OUT!

Slide show: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/Pa...

You’re invited to join East County Magazine in rooftop revelry at our “Party in Paradise” on Saturday evening, September 25^th where we will also present Community Champions Awards to honor outstanding community members. View list of finalists for the awards.  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/east-county-magazine-announces-finali...

The event will be held atop the beautiful new, outdoor rooftop shaded deck atop the Jamul Casino, with panoramic 360-degree views! Enjoy a VIP cocktail reception, tropical dinner, live music by Slack Key Ohana, dancing, auction, raffle, and fun galore.

Proceeds benefit East County Media, supporting East County Magazine, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts, and our Community Champions Awards.

To reserve tickets at earlybird rates, click below:

East County News Service

September 10, 2021 (El Cajon) – The annual Sycuan Pow-Wow returns September 10-12. The event will take place at the pow-wow grounds next to the Sycuan Casino and will feature Native American dance competitions, Kumeyaay bird singing, peon games, and more.  

East County News Service

Photo credit: Mounarath-Powell Productions

September 9, 2021 (La Mesa) -- Mounarath-Powell Productions presents “Movement Makers,”  a choreographer’s showcase, Thursday through Saturday, September 16-18 at 8 p.m. in the Visionary Performance Space, 8674 La Msea Blvd. in La Mesa.   

Source:  Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

September 9, 2021 (El Cajon) - A former community engagement manager with the County of San Diego is the new Director of Public Information, Government Relations and Community Relations at the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.

East County News Service

Photo by Dennis Richardson

September 9, 2021 (San Diego) - A statewide Flex Alert has been extended today due to high heat forecast across California and the west through Friday. All California residents are asked to conserve electricity to avoid the need for rolling outages.

“Conserving electricity during the late afternoon and early evening is crucial because that is when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and declining solar energy production,” the ISO reports.

East County News Service

September 8, 2021 (El Cajon) – Two legendary pop stars, Sheena Easton and Tiffany, will perform September 17 at 8 p.m. at Sycuan Casino in El Cajon during a special “Ladies Night Out” evening.

By Miriam Raftery

September 8, 2021 (Lakeside) – Kumeyaay activists, including Barona tribal member Bobby Wallace, are organizing a walk in Arizona Sept. 25-28 to protest an Australian mining corporation’s plan to extract lithium that threatens the Hualapai Nation’s water and ancestral sites.

September 2, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine today announced finalists in its Community Champions Awards. Winners will be presented with awards on September 25, 2021 during the nonprofit media outlet’s “Party in Paradise” at the new rooftop venue at Jamul Casino. For tickets, visit  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/tickets-now-sale-our-party-paradise-a....

“We are pleased to recognize these community champions who have done so much to benefit people in our communities, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says ECM Editor and Founder Miriam Raftery. "Thanks to the many readers who sent in nominations -- the judges had many outstanding entries to choose from in selecting finalists."

The awards categories are healthcare, public safety, environmental and wildlife protection, racial and social justice, and humanitarian, as well as a special community benefactor award. Awards will be presented Sept. 25 at ECM's "Party in Paradise' atop the Jamul Casino. Below are the finalists, as well as information on the event and tickets:

By Miriam Raftery

September 6, 2021 (El Cajon) – Effective today, Cal Fire’s hoist rescue helicopter team based in El Cajon has upgraded to an Advanced Life Support (ALS) rescue aircraft.  A Cal-Fire press release states, “This additional capability will allow for simultaneous rescue and ALS care, therefore greatly improving survivability of critical illness. We are very proud San Diego is the first Unit to provide ALS level care on a helicopter in CAL FIRE. We are excited and proud to provide ALS care to those who will need it throughout our County’s backcountry.”

Six firefighter/paramedics & engineer/paramedics had to complete basic helicopter operations and safety training. Cal Fire’s aviation/helicopter program is a joint effort with San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Action praised by climate activists, criticized by residents fearing increased industrial-scale energy projects in East County to power coastal and urban areas

By Miriam Raftery

September 5, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – By a 3-2 vote, San Diego County Supervisors voted Tuesday to join San Diego Community Power, a community choice energy program (CCE).  East County’s two representatives, Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond, both voted no, but for differing reasons.

East County News Service

Photo: Creative Commons image by ND via Bing

September 5, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – “As school season is starting back up, I am aware of the financial barriers that many parents or students face,” says Supervisor Joel Anderson in an email to constituents listing scholarships available. “Having three children go through this process, I understand the value behind scholarship opportunities and the importance behind financial assistance,” he adds. “I’ve asked my staff to assemble this list of financial resources and scholarship opportunities available to you.”

This list is not officially endorsed by the County, but was created to assist students attain their goals of continuing their education. Anderson says his staff made an effort to find diverse scholarship opportunities and reminds students that many of these opportunities have upcoming deadlines.

If you know of scholarship resources not listed that you would like to see added, you can email michael.botello@sdcounty.ca.gov.

By Miriam Raftery

September 4, 2021 (Lakeside) – Since 1932, the Barona Powwow has been an event for Native American tribal members to gather.  The pandemic cancelled last year’s event, but this weekend the powwow returns with the theme “Back to our roots.”

On September 4 and 5, events include gourd dancing from 2-5 p.m. supper from 5-7 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., a parade and social dancing. Activities take place at the Barona Sports Complex on the Barona Indian Reservation in Lakeside.

By Miriam Raftery

September 4, 2021 (El Cajon) – A campus supervisor at Valhalla High School has been put on paid administrative leave after a video went viral showing him pressing a knee on the neck of an African-American female student. The controversial restraint tactic was used in an effort to break up a fight between two students on August 31.