UPDATE: The owner states that the property has not sold, however ECM has confirmed that it is in escrow. Read more:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/santee-drive-sale-sparks-outcry-property-escrow-city-confirms

 

By Mike Allen

May 6, 2023 (Santee) - The Santee Drive-In, which opened in 1958 and one of the last open-air drive-ins left in the county, is in escrow to a Los Angeles-based development firm, North Palisades Partners.

Source:  Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Laura

May 12, 2023 (Los Angeles) - Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced that an insurance company offering home warranties will refund Californians deceived by a misleading mailer sent to hundreds of thousands of consumers. An investigation by the California Department of Insurance found that Response Indemnity Company of California worked with an unlicensed marketing company that mailed a “final notice” to consumers falsely warning that their home warranty was expiring. Because of the Department’s action, Response Indemnity will allow consumers to cancel the home warranty and receive a refund if the consumer purchased the warranty because of the mailer.

East County News Service

May 10, 2023 (Sacramento) - The California Tribal Business Alliance (CTBA) joined other tribal leaders at the California State Assembly to support the first annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Week from May 1 to May 5.

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego(link is external), a member of the San Diego Online News Association

May 10, 2023 (San Diego) - Violent crimes in San Diego County rose by2% in the first half of 2022 to the highest level in 10 years, but property crime continued to trend down, SANDAG reported on Thursday.

May 13 fundraiser will feature a binational little league game, skills training, DJ, dinner and more at Jamul Little League fields

East County News Service

May 9, 2023 (Jamul) - Not long ago, Jamul Little League was losing players in part because of its deteriorating facilities. The community – led by the Jamul Dulzura School District, Jamul Little League, and local businesses – rallied. Funds were raised and all 6 fields were recently renovated ahead of this season, where 150 little leaguers play ball. 

By Yusef Miller

May 7, 2023 (San Diego) - Sex Trafficking is an insidious crime, which is found throughout our county, consuming our women and girls mostly, but men and boys are also vulnerable. Sex trafficking, a form of sexual exploitation that uses force, fraud or coercion to trap a person into a seemingly endless state of abuse and terror.  It is not consensual, though it may appear to be on the surface; for survival sake.

East County News Service

May 7, 2023 (El Cajon) - ‘Tis the merry month of May, and Shakespeare’s hilarious fairytale about the fickleness of love comes to life in the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre just in time for spring. Spend the evening in an enchanted forest filled with fairies, a quartet of confused royals, and a troupe of actors desperately trying to put on a play for the king. 

Story & photos by Josh Stotler

May 3, 2023 (San Diego) - As the State of California kicks off wildfire preparedness week, San Diego County firefighters are also gearing up for what is forecasted to be one of the worst fire seasons on record, a trend that fire authorities know all too well. The 2023 Multi-Agency Wildland Preparedness Exercise took place May 1st through 3rd. This extensive training event celebrated its 20th evolution this year and has provided thousands of firefighters and fire officers with crucial real-world training in wildland firefighting.

East County News Service

May 2, 2023 (Campo) - Scott Lagace snapped images of a Bald Eagle taking flight at Lake Morena in rural East County.

By Jessyka Heredia

May 2, 2023 (Spring Valley) - On Saturday April 29^th the Spring Valley Community Alliance (SVCA) put on its first annual Spring Valley Day with great attendance and lots of things to see and do once inside.

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.