East County News Service

July 13, 2015 (Ramona)—The County has approved building permits for two medical marijuana collectives in Ramona, the Ramona Sentinel reports. But before the facilities can open their doors to dispense or grow medical marijuana, they must first obtain approvals from the Sheriff’s Department.

Reprinted with permission from Times of San Diego

By Chris Jennewein

NOAA ocean measurements for July 1 show El Nino pattern off South America

July 12, 2015 (San Diego)--An El Niño ocean-warming cycle is strengthening in the Pacific and could produce a wet winter for drought-stricken Southern California.

By Miriam Raftery

July 13, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – The County has announced the recipients of $833,000 in community enhancement grants awarded in District 2, represented by Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who recommended the awards.

Answering your questions about writing, publishing, and marketing books

By Sarka-Jonae Miller

July 13, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) --This week I'm happy to welcome #1 best-selling author, Caroline Fardig, to the Ask An Author column.

Caroline is the author of the Lizzie Hart Mystery series of hilarious cozy mysteries. She recently got a book deal with Penguin Random House for an upcoming mystery novel, Death Before Decaf, and she just self-published her third novel, Bad Medicine. Caroline also happens to be one of my favorite authors.

Walk for Sobriety set for July 18

By Janis Russell

Update: Our interview is now posted. Listen here: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

Hear our interview with Marc Stevenson on today’s East County Magazine Show on KNSJ, 89.1 FM. .The show airs from 5 to 6 p.m. and the interview is in the second half of the hour.

July 13, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)- Marc Stevenson, who is from El  Cajon and is the director of Tenant Services at St Vincent De Paul Village, is a graduate of the McAlister Institute, one of San Diego’s largest and most experienced drug and alcohol treatment, and education centers. He has had a 20 year history of working with people and systems in the areas of substance abuse, mental health, criminal justice, family, and homeless social services.

Stevenson recently sat down with ECM to talk about his background and the work he has done, as well as the upcoming Walk for Sobriety set for July 18^th. He and his family moved to El Cajon in the 1960’s, where he faced many struggles as he was growing up.

Update:  Hear our interview on KNSJ radio with Micole Moore, Ramona Valley Vineyards Association, and Elaine Lytleton, Hatfield Creek Vineyards and Winery, here:

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/fmpwoizmfi/Newsmakers-Wineries-ElaineLytle....

Are the County's proposed changes rooted in 'sour grapes' complaints filed by competitors of successful new wineries?

By Miriam Raftery

July 12, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Several years ago, the County adopted a tiered winery ordinance designed to promote agriculture and help small “boutique” winery owners.  But now the County is proposing drastic changes.  At a packed hearing last week, numerous winery owners and heads of vintners’ associations turned out, most warning of dire harm to the region’s wine industry if the proposal is adopted.

“Should the changes proceed as written, many fear for the death of our budding wineries, eliminating our potential growth, impact and long-term commitment to our communities,” a letter to County program manager Joseph Farace signed by Teri Kerns and Micole Moore states. Moore is president of Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, which has over 100 members. Kerns is Editor in Chief of the Ramona Valley Wine Region Magazine. Together, the couple also owns Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery.

East County News Service

July 10, 2015 (Rancho San Diego)—From “dog days” strolls with your canine companion to classes on turf-tossing and glass-making, a stargazing party, a wine walk and an evening of music with the San Diego Concert Band, the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College has a wealth of enriching activities and events coming up later in July.

Here are highlights:

Rooftop solar rules and objections to SANDAG “San Diego Forward” EIR are among key topics

East County News Service

July 11, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa City Council will meet Tuesday, July 14 at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

Items of interest on the agenda include an ordinance to streamline rooftop solar applications, traffic calming measures proposed for Harbinson Avenue,  and a letter to SANDAG regarding the regional draft Environmental Impact Report San Diego Forward. Appointments to City commissions will also be made.

By Nick Pellegrino

Special to East County Magazine.com

Photo: Pitcher Aaron Alva

July 10, 2015 (Santee) --- Four players and a pair of alternates from the San Diego Stars semipro baseball team have been named to represent the South Division to the annual Western Baseball Association All-Star Game.

The contest is slated for this Saturday (July 11) at San Manual Stadium on the San Manual Indian Reservation in Highland, Calif., located off Interstate 210 just east of San Bernardino.

By Sharon Ann Hamilton

Dear Sharon Ann:

July 8, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - I will be 66 years old and retired by year-end. I am single, in good health, my parents are still living and healthy, and my grandparents passed away in their late 90s so it is likely that I have at least 30 years ahead. I am concerned that my nest egg will not last as long as I do. I want to know for sure! Is there a way to prove the projections made by my financial advisor? I have about $1.5M in 401K investments, I own my own home outright, and Social Security will be $2350 per month.

Signed: I want to KNOW for SURE!

July 10, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - The Mountain Empire Men’s Club will present Pine Valley Days on July 24^th and 25^th.  This mountain town’s annual summer event includes a parade rolling out on July 25^th  at 9 a.m., plus other activities both days at the Pine Valley Park (28810 Old Highway 80, Pine Valley).  The fun begins with a deep pit BBQ dinner on Friday night with live music and dancing under the stars to Barbwire, the North American Country Music Association International’s New Country Band of the Year for 2015 and other entertainers. There will also be a craft village, a free music festival, kids’ zone, food from local vendors and more.

New features and services at your fingertips!

July 10, 2015 (El Cajon)--The City of El Cajon has launched a new, redesigned website! The website provides new communication and outreach tools, added service features for residents and businesses, and gives the City of El Cajon a more powerful web presence.

July 9, 2015 (Tucson)—East County Magazine co-founder Leon Thompson, on vacation in Tucson, Arizona, sent in these photos.  It’s not hard to see why he’s wanted to extend his stay!

By Miriam Raftery

July 10, 2015 (Lakeside) – A drug house in Lakeside has been raided and the property condemned, Sergeant David Hale with the Sheriff’s Department reports.  County Sheriff’s deputies from the Lakeside substation, aided by the Sheriff’s special enforcement detail and ASTREA helicopter served a search warrant at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at 9001 Creekford Road.