East County News Service
 

Photos by Pat Ward
 

August 17, 2010 (Santee) – A brush fire raced up a slope behind several homes on Strathmore Drive Saturday afternoon, just east of Santee Lakes. Cause of the fire is "suspicious," Santee Fire Division Chief Brett Eldridge told East County Magazine.

East County News Service

Photos and story by Victor Salazar

August 17, 2010 (San Jose) – Three members of the East County's Heartland Swim Association earned medals at the prestigious U.S. Western Zone Age Group Championships held Aug. 10-14 at the Frank Fiscalini International Swim Center in San Jose.

14-year old Garrett Glaudini, 12-year old Michael Salazar, and 10-year old Ruby Carlon were the Heartland members chosen to represent San Diego-Imperial (SDI) Swimming Committee in competition against the fastest swimmers from 14 western states.

East County News Service

August 19, 2010 (Santee) – “It’s hard to imagine that it has been 30 years,” said Pat Hurley, president of  the Santee Democratic Club, which was founded the same year that Santee was incorporated, 1980. To celebrate, the Club is hosting a picnic at Santee Lakes (Lake 1, Space A) on Sunday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

August 16,2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Thunderstorms are forecast for San Diego’s mountain and desert areas for this afternoon and evening. A chance of thunder showers continues tomorrow.

Measure praised by National Manufacturing Association
Will also fund 16,000 education jobs in California

Bilbray casts lone local vote against bill

August 16, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – “The Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010 will create jobs, help Americans compete, and strengthen manufacturing as a key driver of our economic recovery,” President Barack Obama said in a signing ceremony last week.
 

National Association of Manufacturers president and CEO John Engler praised the bill, which he said will "provide a needed boost to both large and small companies.” The measure will preserve and expand “good American jobs” and cut costs of doing business in the U.S., he added.

East County News Service

August 15, 2010 (El Cajon) – Justin R. Pickett, 28, was found dead behind the wheel of a vehicle that flipped on its side at the connector ramp of northbound State Route 67 and westbound Interstate 8 in El Cajon. A canine police officer from El Cajon spotted the vehicle at 2:41 a.m. yesterday.

August 14, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – President Barack Obama signed the Southwest Border Security Bill into law yesterday. The measure will significantly increase resources in the San Diego area.

“Today's action by Congress answers my call to bolster the essential work of federal law enforcement officials and improve their ability to partner with state, local, and tribal law enforcement,” the President said of the measure. "This new law will also strengthen our partnership with Mexico in targeting the gangs and criminal organizations that operate on both sides of our shared border.”

August 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Eric Protas, 38, of La Mesa was arrested yesterday on numerous counts of child molestation involving a 13-year-old karate student. Protas is the owner and a karate instructor at the Allied Gardens School of Martial Arts, 5154 Waring Road in San Diego.

by Christopher Mohr

August 13, 2010 (San Diego) - For every Peyton Manning or Chad Ochocinco in the National Football League, there exist hundreds of players whose opportunities to play professional football come with no guarantees. Not only do these players not get drafted in the early rounds, many do not get drafted at all and have only an outside chance of playing as undrafted free agents.

Chargers defensive tackle Ogemdi Nwagbuo (more commonly known as 'O.G.') is one such player. His path to the NFL is not typical of most players who play several years of youth and high school football before moving on to college and up to the pros.

By Miriam Raftery

August 13, 2010 (El Cajon) – The Center for Social Advocacy in El Cajon has been awarded the Organizational Leadership Award from the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Socioeconomic Status. The award recognizes CSA’s dedication and leadership on behalf of poverty and socioeconomic issues.

Challenger accuses Rep. Hunter of dodging early debates; Hunter wants to wait until Congress is in recess--after absentee ballots have been mailed

By Miriam Raftery

By Dawn Celapino

San Diego County Receives 25% of Total Funds, Provides Educational Resources to Military Families and Their Children

East County News Service

August 12, 2010 (Lemon Grove) -- Seeking relief for school districts already scrambling to cope with unexpected cash shortages and budget revisions, Assemblymember Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) announced that AB 184 has cleared the Senate Education Committee. This legislation provides statutory authority to allow school districts to recover critical special education funding that they received during the last fiscal year to meet the needs of students in their classroom.

Jewele Hiday located in South Bay area

August 12, 2010 (San Diego) San Diego Police Department reports that Jewele Hiday, 12, missing since Sunday morning, has been found safe in the South Bay area.  She reportedly ran away to a friend's after an argument with her mother. 

Share creative ideas to assist people of all ages with tips to save money and improve their lifestyle!

By Nancy and Dawn Clement

August 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Free is cool! For a short time Cali Comfort  Restaurant in Spring Valley is offering a special deal: Kids eat free every Friday for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This special will only be available until August 21, so mark your calendar to be sure you do not miss out. Some other restaurants that offer Kid’s Eat Free meals are in the list written below; many of them are located in East County.