East County News Service

April 30, 2023 (San Diego) - Would you know how to respond if your child stopped breathing?  What if someone you love had a heart attack?  Save-A-Heart in Alpine invites you to host a "CPR party" this summer.  As a thank-you, you will receive a free CPR certification.

By Mike Allen

April 29, 2023 (Santee) - Santee’s City Council unanimously approved a four-story, 97-room hotel at the Trolley Square Shopping Center to be operated by either the Hilton or Marriott chains at its April 26 meeting.

East County News Service

April 26, 2023 (San Diego) -- The 2023 GI Film Festival San Diego opens Monday, May 15 starting at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) in Balboa Park, and runs through Saturday, May 20. Opening Night will feature a trio of local films, as well as a reception where festival guests can socialize over small bites and refreshments. Tickets for Opening Night cost $25 for general admission and $20 for military, veterans or KPBS members. All tickets can be purchased online now at GIFilmFestivalSD.org.

East County News Service 

April 24, 2023 (El Cajon) - After record rainfalls across Southern California this winter, potholes are a massive issue for commuters everywhere. The City of El Cajon is taking on the issue of potholes head-on. Last week, the City challenged residents and businesses through a social media video to track down and report as many potholes as possible using the My El Cajon app. This week, the City is keeping up with its commitment to its residents by addressing every reported issue and filling hundreds of potholes across the city streets. 

East County News Service

April 23, 2023 (Ramona)-- The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit is investigating a deadly fire in the unincorporated area of Ramona.

It happened on Saturday, April 22 just after 1 p.m. in the 17000 block of Voorhes Lane. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department received calls about a travel trailer on fire. 

Deputies and firefighters from Cal Fire/San Diego County Fire arrived to find the trailer fully engulfed and soon after unfortunately found a deceased woman inside the trailer.

By Patricia Haley

April 23, 2023 (Julian) -- The Julian Woman’s Club will present The 96^th Annual Wildflower Show at the Clubhouse of the Julian Women’s Club (2607 C Street Julian) on Friday May 5 and Saturday May 6, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. both days.

For two days, club members collect specimens from the over 850 plant species in the area surrounding Julian. The plant display ranges from desert cacti to high mountain dogwood gathered in a 15 mile radius from the historic old mining town of Julian. Permission to collect is obtained from private property owners.

Each year flowers vary depending on weather and rainfall. The display is always colorful and informative as plants are labeled and arranged by area of origin.

April 23, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Fox News agrees to pay $787.5 million to Dominion for spreading election lies
• U.S. to Extend Humanitarian Stay for Ukrainians Who Entered via Mexico Border (Reuters)
• The Supreme Court temporarily restores full access to key abortion medication (Washington Post)
• Billionaire Harlan Crow Bought Property From Clarence Thomas. The Justice Didn’t Disclose the Deal. (ProPublica)
• Ethics Watchdog Urges Justice Department Investigation Into Clarence Thomas’ Trips (ProPublica)
• Florida Gov. DeSantis said he may put a prison next to Disney parks amid dispute  (NPR)
• Election defamation lawsuits go far beyond Fox and Dominion  (NPR)
• Anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launches 2024 presidential bid (CNN)

WORLD

• Sudan crisis: Further fierce fighting as clashes spread (BBC)
• As Ukraine’s LGBTQ soldiers fight on the front line, acceptance grows in the conservative country (NBC)
• Severe heatwave engulfs Asia causing deaths and forcing schools to close (Guardian)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

April 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- Now that the rain is moving out, are you ready for some hiking, biking, golfing, or yardwork? Hold on before you head out and watch your step! You may be greeted with a surprise. Rattlesnakes are coming out and I’m not talking about those “special” people in your life personally or professionally that slither around ready to take a swipe at you!

Rattlesnakes are found in most U.S. states, but California is “blessed” with more than its fair share. Rattlesnake season in California starts in April, however they can start as early as March and runs through October.

East County News Service

April 23, 2023 (Alpine) – You can taste up to 40 wines from 25 wineries, sip beers from a trio of local breweries, as well as savor foods from over 20 local restaurants at Vintage Alpine. The event will take place on May 7 from 1-4 p.m. at Summers Past Farms (15602 Olde Highway 80) in Flinn Springs, which is located between El Cajon and Alpine just off Interstate 8.

By Ken Stone,Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  lawsuit singled out Mike Lindell for the most egregious falsehoods against Dominion Voting Systems. Image via court records

April 22, 2023 (San Diego) - Now that Fox News has settled with Dominion Voting Systems, what are the odds of the San Diego owners of One America News doing the same in a similar defamation case?

By Chuck Westerheide, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  Medic 282 Paramedic Ambulance and Crew

April 21, 2023 (La Mesa) -- A new ambulance with its crew and services added by the San Diego County Fire Protection District and CAL FIRE is seeing a great deal of use. County Fire accepted the transfer of responsibility for fire protection and emergency medical services in Ramona last August. The change brought a third fire department paramedic ambulance and additional firefighter staffing enhancements to the Ramona service area. 

The new paramedic ambulance has been dispatched 315 times and has taken 148 patients to area hospitals. Assigned to Fire Station 82, on Dye Road, the paramedic ambulance has full-time staffing with two firefighter paramedics 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Due to residential and business development along with population growth, there have been steady increases in 911 emergencies.  

Applications accepted May 1 through May 31

East County News Service

April 19, 2023 (San Diego) -- The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund: Tribal Facility and Residential Grant Program catalyzes the growth of solar energy and expands solar job opportunities in tribal communities across the United States. TSAF's Tribal Facility and Residential Grant Program provides grants of up to $200,000 for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems.

By Miriam Raftery

April 19, 2023 (El Cajon) — El Cajon’s planning commissioners have voted unanimously to revoke the approved status of the Motel 6 on Montrose Court after two registered sex offenders were arrested for alleged sexual assault of an under-age girl. 

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of ECM news partner NBC 7

April 18, 2023 (Julian) - An El Cajon handyman who waded into a pond left by rainwater in Julian to retrieve his dog contracted a rare flesh-eating bacteria.