March 29, 2011 (San Diego's East County)-- Signs of spring abound! 

The past couple of weeks, our photographers found no shortage of birds and bees, flowers and trees resplendant in spring foliage.  They also spotted signs of wild life both on the trail and off,  as East County residents heralded in St. Patrick's Day.

March 29, 2011 (Alpine) -Do you love trees? Are you interested in promoting tree planting in Alpine? Would you like to help establish tree programs for local schools? If so, you’re invited to join "Alpine's Tree Town Party" on April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Alpine Woman's Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd.
 

Learn about the oak beetle that is killing local oaks--and watch Warren Stormthunder prune a tree and then give it away to someone in the audience. Children's programs l be held throughout the day and vendors will also participate.

March 29,2011 (La Meas)--The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library in La Mesa, is featuring an exhibit of 22 paintings by El Cajon resident Hazel Ross. The paintings include Ross’ signature watercolor landscapes and portraits in pastel.  Art will be on exhibit now through the month of May.

Someone once said, “Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.”

By Sharon Courmousis

By Miriam Raftery
 

March 29, 2011 (La Mesa)—David Zaloudek decided to combine his two passions: coffee and restoring vintage light fixtures. You can savor and purchase both at Marcella June’s Coffee Lounge, La Mesa’s newest java joint at 8513 La Mesa Blvd. The coffee lounge is named in honor of Zaloudek’s mother, whose portrait adds a vintage touch in keeping with the period lighting that softly illuminates this cozy, one-of-a-kind shop.

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.