SDSU and San Diego residents are invited to participate by donating gently worn jeans

Update 8:50 p.m. - The eastbound lane is now open.  There is damage to a guardrail, so use caution.

March 27, 2011 (El Cajon) 8:10 p.m. -- An accident has shut down La Cresta Blvd. near Mountain View in El Cajon, the main access route into the Crest community.  The road is expected to remain shut for several hours, an area resident has informed ECM.

By Dawn Celapino
www.Leashyourfitness.com

March 27, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) -- Recently a few of my Leash Your Fitness “dog friends” were in a car accident with their mom. Thank goodness that everyone is safe, but it made me think about how safe my dog, Jack, is in the car with me.

You can help by collecting Box Tops, Campbell Soup Labels, Coke Rewards and joining Target’s Take Charge of Education program

March 27, 2011 (Alpine)--Public schools are getting hit with major budget cuts. Now, Alpine Elementary School hopes to raise its own money--with your help. 

“Each fundraiser brings lots of money and educational items to our school and requires minimal effort and almost no cost to you,” says spokesperson Sharmin Self, who said teachers are currently having to pay for many school supplies out of their own pockets.

Scroll down for details that Self provided on how you can help.

Project would negatively impact Sycamore Canyon, Mission Trails areas, say opponents, who accuse Cities of "stealth" attempt to approve project without notifying Santee residents

By Miriam Raftery

March 26, 2011 (Sacramento) -- Senator Joel Anderson (R - El Cajon) has announced that nomination forms for the 36th Senate District "Woman of the Year" award are now available.

"I am pleased to honor a 'Woman of the Year' for the 36th Senate District," said Anderson. "All of my constituents are encouraged to nominate a woman who has had a positive impact on their life, family or community."

March 25, 2011 (El Cajon)--At the Cuyamaca College Performing Arts Center this week, the 2011 Ambassadors for El Cajon and Rancho San Diego were chosen.

Miss El Cajon for 2011 is Savana Kalfayan, 18, a Valhalla High School student. Miss Teen El Cajon is Katie Hudgins, 16, a student at Grossmont High School. Natalie Potesan, 20, a Grossmont College student, was crowned Miss Rancho San Diego 2011, while MacKenzie Manns, 14, a student at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, was named Miss Teen Rancho San Diego.

March 26, 2011 (El Cajon)-- The City of El Cajon will host a "Dare to Dodgeball" tournament, "Dodgball Mania" and "Skate Clinics" -- all as part of the City's spring recreation programs.  Below are details and information on how to register:

March 25, 2011 (San Diego) – Many San Diegans are unaware that the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit is an all-volunteer unit.

To learn skills needed for rescuing people who may become trapped in rugged terrain, 25 volunteers are undergoing training this weekend by rappelling down the side of a 70-foot-high tower at Stu Segall Productions in Kearny Mesa.

March 25, 2011 (El Cajon)--Grossmont College is soliciting assistance from the public for photos of campus activities from the 1990s for inclusion in its 50th anniversary commemorative book. The soon-to-be-published book will highlight the college’s history since it opened in 1961, and more photos are needed from the 1990s, college officials said.

Photos can be placed on flash drives or CDs or sent to the college via e-mail by Tuesday, March 29.

March 25, 2011 (San Diego) – A major accident on southbound 15 at the Rancho Bernardo Road exit involves at least seven vehicles, with one crossed into oncoming traffic. Multiple injuries, some major, are reported, including a mother and 6-week old twins. For more details, visit www.Sigalert.com and watch for updates here soon.

Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce WHEEL program offers special program at KGTV 10 News

March 25, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Want to get media coverage for your business or organization? Find out how at “Media Day” on April 1st.  This special, all-day event at KGTV 10 News is sponsored by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce as part of its Women’s Higher Education Entrepreneurial Leadership (WHEEL) program, but is open to everyone. 

Get tips from editors of local print, online and broadcast media on how to maximize your exposure in the press. Hear from marketing and public relations experts on ways to write effective press releases and develop winning strategies for “earned media coverage” – in other words, free press! The program also includes an image consultant from Marinello School of Beauty, who will advise how to present your best image. 
 

Winemaker moves operations from San Marcos, opens tasting room in East County
 

By Miriam Raftery
 

March 24, 2011 (Julian) – Marc Hashagen isn’t your typical winemaker. A firm believer in giving things a go even when the odds seem long, he began making wines with a friend back in 2006 because “we love wine,” he recalled.

Born in Norway and raised in a small English farming town by his parents, both American teachers, he returned to the U.S. after they retired and headed west.  “We Googled winemaking in San Diego,” said Hashagen, who teamed up with a friend, Charlie Chabalko, now co-owner.