Update:  As of late last night, the fire was 300 acres and 60% contained.  Training exercises are believed to have caused the blaze, ECM has learned. No structures are threatened.

By Miriam Raftery

July 16, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Planning Group meets on Thursday, July 26 at 6 p.m. in the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Boulevard. 

The agenda includes an opportunity for planners to ask questions of community members interested in being recommended for appointment to fill a vacant seat.  The planning group previously recommended Charles Kaderabek for the slot; however he withdrew his name after revelations of tax debts, lawsuits and a lapsed law license have surfaced.

 Update: This fire was stopped at two acres; cause remains under investigation per Cal-Fire, the Deerhorn Valley Antler reports.

Downtown Café

182 East Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020

www.downtowncafe-ec.com

By Ellinoa Blake

Last week, after a morning of all work and no play, my editor and I craved escape from the heat wave --and more importantly a bite to eat.

We headed into the heart of El Cajon to the aptly titled Downtown Café.  We found welcome relief from the sweltering heat as we swung open doors and stepped into the Downtown Café, a bold corner centerpiece of Main Street rich with vintage flair and historic ambience.

Sunny skies are back:  get the full forecast from Gary Kelley.

“Green” power would come entirely from rooftop solar and other urban sources--not industrial wind or desert solar

By Miriam Raftery

July 15, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –What if you didn’t have to buy power from SDG&E, but could purchase electricity from a local energy cooperative instead? 

Suppose the power was generated all from renewable energy--no oil, gas or nuclear?  Better yet, all of that renewable power would come from urban sources such as rooftop and parking lot solar--and you could get incentives to put solar on your home or business.  

Now envision this "green" advantage as a member of the co-op--you could earn credits by selling your excess solar power. 

July 15, 2012 (El Cajon) – Downtown El Cajon will be holding a Gallery Walk on July 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to encourage community support and involvement. Seven galleries will be taking part in this free event with more than 500 works of art available throughout El Cajon’s Gallery Row.

July 15, 2012 (El Cajon) -- Tim Lovelace, a Christian comedian, singer and motivational speaker, will perform July 22 at 5:00 p.m. at the El Cajon Wesleyan Church, 1500 East Lexington Ave., El Cajon.  Lovelace uses humor to motivate and inspire by sharing life lessons.  He is also an accomplished player of the piano, guitar, banjo, mandolin and more.

The doors will open at 4:00 p.m. for this fun-filled family event.   The suggested donation for the event is $10 per person or $25 per family.