"When a child could get cancer, you take action." --  Alpine resident Bree Rowand (photo, left), mother of Kylie Rowand, toddler who died of neuroblastoma.

"We're here because we'd really like to ease your minds...There is no conclusive evidence that EMFs cause health risks....You have EMFs probably everywhere you go. They are coming out of your cell phone." -- Don Parent, SDG&E, which offered to conduct free measurements for any concerned property owners.

"I'm very concerned for the health of my students and health of my staff...but right now we have having safe levels [in classrooms.]" -- Bruce Cochrane, Superintendent, Alpine Union School District, adding that campus-wide results of an independent expert will be posted Friday.

"This is a failure in our system. Regulatory agencies should be the ones monitoring...If every one of you would e-mail the president of the California Public Utilities Commission as I have and ask as I have for someone to come down here and meet with the community, maybe we will get results."

By Miriam Raftery

February 25, 2016 (Alpine) – Over 230 people came to a community meeting at Alpine Elementary School Tuesday evening to learn more about electromagnetic field measurements in Alpine, ask questions of local officials and SDG&E, voice concerns and at times, shout out frustrations. (View video highlights from 10 News.)

By Mike Allen

February 23, 2016 (Santee) -- Situated at the confluence of several regional connecting highways, traffic has never been smooth in and out of Santee, but it’s gotten much worse in recent years, prompting elected officials to seek out possible solutions.

East County News Service

February 23, 2016 (Pine Valley ) -- The San Diego Blood Bank will accept blood donations at Mountain Empire High School on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm.

Key leadership post oversees Caucus elections efforts

East County News Service

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- Senate Republican Leader Jean Fuller has announced an addition to the caucus leadership team.  Senator Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) will serve as the Caucus Political Chairman.  

Photo by Gage Skidmore

By Tasha Matthews

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- There has been a great increase in the number of hate groups and extremists across the U.S. in 2015, according to Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The social justice activist group published its findings in the Intelligence Report for the Spring 2016 issue, with a photo of Donald Trump, whose rhetoric may be fueling a rise in hate speech and extremism.  

By  Miriam Raftery

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County)—Grosssmont-Union High School District’s board is expected to cast a final vote Thursday at 4 p.m. on controversial redistricting maps. The board will also vote to seek a waiver from the state from a requirement that would ordinarily requiring putting the redistricting measure on the ballot, and waiver from a state requiring that new trustee area plans be in effect at least 120 days before the next election in November.  (View meeting notice. The meeting will be at the East County Regional Education Center, 924 East Main Street, El Cajon.)

The district contends it has acted appropriately in response to a threat of legal action over alleged voting rights violations. But critics say the plan would oust the board’s most outspoken dissenting member, Priscilla Schreiber, leave Alpine represented by an opponent of the Alpine High School, and divide Iraqi-Chaldean residents into multiple districts, diluting their power as a voting block.  It also carves out a new district in the Lemon Grove/Spring Valley area with no trustee currently residing in that district, which does have a history of representing people of color.

By Jennifer McGregor

February 23, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- If you’re a caregiver for an elderly loved one, a spouse, or a friend, worries probably plague your mind every day. Preoccupied with the day-to-day concerns of caregiving, many caregivers don’t think about what steps and precautions they should have in place in case of a disaster. This guide will help you prepare for the worst with precautions and plans to keep your loved one safe in any situation.

Source:  Lamplighters Community Theatre press release

February 23, 2016 (La Mesa) – Lamplighters Community Theatre (LCT) is proud to present performances of the Tony Award Nominee “Mack and Mabel” at the new Lamplighters Community Theatre located at 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa, Ca running  March 11 through April 10.

East County News Service

Warner Springs Ranch Habitat and Cultural Conservancy oversees protection of the resort currently under renovation

February 22, 2016 (Warner Springs) – Warner Springs Ranch Resort has formed the nonprofit Warner Springs Ranch Habitat and Cultural Conservancy to protect and manage the property’s numerous historic, cultural and natural assets.

February 22, 2016 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

February 21, 2016 (Warner Springs) – Spring is in the air – and one of the most beautiful trail rides you’ll find is along the high mountain trail in Warner Springs.