July 1, 2014 (Escondido)--California Center for the Arts, Escondido (the Center) reaches a major milestone this year, celebrating its 20th Anniversary season with an exceptional line-up of acclaimed performers, including The Blind Boys of Alabama, Garrison Keillor, Merle Haggard, Pink Martini, Jake Shimabukuro, Harlem Gospel Choir, Whose Live Anyway, La Santa Cecilia, Kathleen Madigan, Pilobolus, Peking Acrobats, Jazzreach with Metta Quintet, Sirena Huang, Paul Galbraith, Mariachi Sol de Mexico, Lúnasa with Special Guest Karan Casey, Alberta Ballet, Jiayan Sun, Venice Baroque Orchestra, 2Cellos, Han Bin Yoon, and many more.

July 4, 2014 (San Diego)—The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for San Diego County’s mountains and deserts through early evening. In addition, the NWS warns of strong rip current in San Diego’s coastal areas today through Monday. 

The urban and small stream flood advisory remains in effect for Warner Springs, Ranchita, and the Felipe burn area northeast of Julian until 6:45 p.m.

July 4, 2014 (Julian)--John Raifsnider tells 10 News, ECM’s news partner, how he lost his home in the Banner Fire yesterday in Julian--and filmed its destruction on his i-Pad. The fire was so intense that not even cleared defensible space could stop the blaze.  View video:

www.youtube.com/watch?list=UUQv44qD9R5Ae6Z3iUeZm7iQ&v=MS0-IjmqgFs&feature=player_detailpage

July 4, 2014 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Planning Group has announced a vacancy for seat number two.  The position will be appointed by the Board of supervisors.

July 4, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - At its 82^nd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting recently, the nation’s mayors renewed their longstanding commitment to fight climate change by reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy independence and efficiency and developing renewable energy.

“Articles Concerning Trusts, Wills, Probate, Family Law & more”

By Stephen C. Ross, Esq.

July 4, 2014 (San Diego County) – Life insurance can often be used as a significant element of an estate plan. It may provide a liquid source of funds for the insured’s estate to pay estate taxes and other death-related expenses. Such insurance is often used to establish or supplement an estate to support the insured’s family should he or she die. A family business may use life insurance to create a source of funds for surviving owners to purchase the decedent’s company interest pursuant to a buy-sell or shareholder’s agreement.

July 3, 2014 (Julian) - The Julian 4th of July Parade has been cancelled due to the brush fire burning in the area, the CHP advised late today.

However the American Legion BBQ will still be held.

July 3, 2014 (San Diego's East County)-- ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• 5 things women need to know about the Hobby Lobby ruling (Time)
• U.S. increases security at overseas airports amid bomb concerns

• East Coast Braces for Damage (Time)

• Teen describes brutal journey into U.S. (ABC News)
• Obama to seek $2 billion to stem surge of  Central American immigrants (Chicago Tribune)
• Surprise! Red and blue districts often agree on government policy.
• Democrats: No bluff, Obama will go it alone on immigration (The Hill)
• Mitt Romney isn’t running. So who will GOP turn to?  (Washington Post)
• Warren, Booker are Dems secret weapons (The Hill)
• Land of the free? Not so much. Americans' sense of freedom drops, poll finds. (CS Monitor)
• Stepping Into The Fire: Veteran Advocates & Pols Sound Off On Obama's Choice To Lead Scandal-Plagued VA (Reno Blogspot by Jamie Reno)

WORLD

• ISIS declares creation of Middle Eastern caliphate (CBS News)
• U.S. sends 300 more troops to Iraq over security concerns (Reuters)
• U.K. Loses Big Vote On The Future Of Europe — Now What?
• Bodies of three kidnapped Israeli teens found in West Bank (JPost)
• Volley of Gaza mortar shells fired toward southern Israel (JPost)
• Huge Crowds Turn Out for Hong Kong Pro-Democracy March (NY Times)
• European Court of Human Rights upholds French law banning veil (Reuters)
• Norway Does A Ctrl+Alt+Delete On E-Voting Experiment (NPR)

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

Update 7:30 p.m.  The fire has charred 150 acres and burned two homes.  Residents are now being allowed to return home, with ID.  The Julian 4th of July Parade has been cancelled, CHP advises,  though other activities including the American Legion BBQ will go on.

Update 12:35 p.m.:  This fire is now 75-100 acres in the Julian area, Air Attack estimates, with potential for extended attack. Two structures are reportedly damaged. Evacuations now include Kenwood and Whispering Pines. Temperature is 90 with 14% humidity and possibility of thundershowers tomorrow. 

Photo by Daren Sefcik, shot from Ranchita

July 3, 2014 (Julian) -- A brush fire burning along Banner Grade west of Julian has charred an estimated 30-40 acres or more. The Whispering Pines area is being evacuated with 200 homes there threatened, Cal Fire confirms shortly after noon today. 

The Julian High School has been set up as an evacuation area.

If you have photos or details on this fire or others, please send to editor@eastcountymagazine.org.

Plus previews of coming attractions

by Ariele Johannson

July 2, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--This week’s Destination East County has a run-down on 4th of July festivities throughout our inland region. No need to fight traffic to watch fireworks at the beach when you can choose from an array of venues right here in East County—where our cities and historic small towns show their patriotic spirit with parades, picnics, festivals and fireworks.  You’ll hear about KNSJ radio’s anniversary celebration at Mission Trails.

Plus we’ll have a preview of some unique events coming up next week—from a firefighters’ fishing derby to outdoor musical theater, twilight walks, a star party, and a super full moon jazz concert amid fragrant fields of lavender!

By Miriam Raftery

July 2, 2014 (Mt. Helix) – It was a very important date for guests at the Mad Hatter wine tasting party hosted by vintner Stephanie Young and Laurie Delaney at the Manor Vineyard on Mt. Helix.

Prizes were awarded for best costumes as guests mixed, mingled, munched appetizers and savored vintages brought by guests.  Vineyard consultant Greg Maness poured wines and spoke about our region’s fast-growing wine industry at the May 18 event.

July 1, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--This week, the extremist group ISIS declared an Islamic caliphate stretching from Syria across Iraq following weeks of mounting violence. On June 25, prior to the declaration, we aired a second interview with San Diego Chaldean-American leader Mark Arabo following his meetings with the State Department, members of Congress and high-level U.S. officials. We discussed international efforts to bring peace to the region, form a more inclusive government and protect Iraqi Christians.

Hear our interview here, originally aired June 18, 2014:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

July 2, 2014 (Alpine) --Team Alpiners  will celebrate our nation's birth while hosting a  fundraising barbecue and bake sale from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Alpine View Lodge, 973 Arnold Way in Alpine.

East County News Service

July 1, 2014 (Spring Valley) – Sheriff’s homicide investigators seek information on the death of Spring Valley resident Darius Jerel Reeves, 24.  Deputies found his body in an apartment complex at 9121 Kenwood Drive after receiving reports of gunfire this morning at 2:35 a.m., said Lieutenant Jeffrey Duckworth.

An autopsy is pending to determine the cause and manner of death.

June 29, 2014 (Julian) – In the historic gold rush town of Julian, the 4^th of July starts with a parade and American Legion barbecue.  Guests are invited to finish up a day in the mountains at Jeremy’s on the Hill, where a Backcountry wine pairing dinner will be held featuring organic, local produce from Sage Mountain Farms and wines from Shadow Mountain Vineyards and Sierra Roble Winery and Vineyard, both in Warner Springs. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $44 per person, plus tax and gratuity.