Update:  ECM news partner 10 News reports that this fire was started by El Cajon Police SWAT team conducting training exercises at a shooting range near Gillespie Field. 

Homes on Hacienda were threatened but did not burn, however one firefighter was transported to Grossmont Hospital in stable condition with a knee injury. 

Lt. M. Coit with El Cajon Police offered this statement.  "The smoke canister was deployed as part of an El Cajon Police Department SWAT Team training exercise.  The SWAT Team followed all safety precautions, however underestimated the weather conditions. The El Cajon SWAT Team is currently re-evaluating the safety procedures for the deploying of such devises.  The Heartland Fire Department will provide additional training to ensure that similar events do not occur. The El Cajon Police Department regrets any inconvenience to residents in the area."

October 27, 2012 (Lemon Grove)--Get ready to rumble.  Not content with just putting on the much-anticipated eighth annual Chili Cook-Off & Western Round-Up on November 3, Soroptimist of Lemon Grove has added -- gasp! -- judges!

That's right, pals, though you, your family and friends, will still deliver The People's Choice Award -- a coup de grace bestowed only on a gifted few -- the Big Jalapeño will be announced after a trio of judges has eaten themselves into a chili-induced torpor, then retired to consider the verdict.  (Actually, they'll be in a back room with ice packs on their heads, pencils in hand, pleading for a bodyguard.)

October 27, 2012 (La Mesa) – Last night around 7:35 p.m., a male suspect robbed a female or her purse as she walked near Grossmont Center shopping mall in La Mesa. The suspect grabbed her purse from behind near the the intersection of Grossmont Center Drive and Healthcare Drive.  The victim lost her balance in the struggle and fell to the ground but declined medical treatment.

The suspect entered a silver, two-door vehicle that was being driven by another male.

October 26, 2012 (Santee) – Phil’s BBQ will open its third restaurant, located in Santee at the Old Trolley Square, 9816 Mission Gorge Rd., on October 30.  The ribbon cutting ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. to commemorate the grand opening.  The doors will open for business at 11:00 a.m.

The Phil’s BBQ Santee menu will include all of Phil’s signature mesquite-grilled dishes and sides.  The Santee location will also feature several unique and exclusive elements, including an outdoor walk-up bar for people waiting in line, a custom BBQ holding 20 beer tap handles and five signature cocktails.

October 26, 2012 (La Mesa) – Space Bar Internet Café is hosting an evening of poetry against nuclear energy and for green energy on November 1 from 7:30 – 10:00 p.m.  All are welcome to participate by writing a poem expressing whistleblowing, wishes to stop nukes, a dream of green. 

Write a poem or just attend the event at 7454 University Ave., La Mesa.

“By rejecting the Attorney General’s argument that patients who utilize dispensaries must collaborate…to cultivate the marijuana they purchase, the court is establishing a clear standard for dispensaries across the state.” –Joe Elford, Chief Counsel, Americans for Safe Access

By Nadin Abbott

October 26, 2012 (San Diego)—On Wednesday, the Fourth District Court of Appeal for California issued a unanimous ruling overturning the conviction of Jovan Jackson, the operator of Answerdam, a medical marijuana dispensary in Kearny Mesa. 

The decision is being hailed by medical marijuana advocates as a landmark decision that could have far-reaching impacts for medical marijuana patients and dispensaries.

October 26, 2012(San Diego) – As part of its ongoing commitment to cultural diversity and responsible banking, and in commemoration of Disability Awareness Month, Union Bank, N.A., has  partnered with KPBS to recognize two local heroes who are making a positive difference to improve the lives of others. 

The 2012 Local Heroes campaign is designed to celebrate and pay tribute to extraordinary members of the community who are making a difference by improving their workplaces, neighborhoods, region and the world.  The 2012 Disability Awareness Month honorees are: Louis Frick and Laurel Moorhead.

October 26, 2012 (Escondido) – Orfila Vineyards & Winery is hosting a Halloween Festival October 26 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at its tasting room located at 13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido.  Activities include a costume contest, wine tasting, live music, dancing, Halloween trivia and food trucks.  Admission is free.

October 26, 2012 (Borrego Springs) -- Grab the family and head out to California’s Secret Desert™, Borrego Springs, for the 47th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival.  Friends and family will gather for this three-day local tradition to enjoy the Heart of the Desert in our own backyard.  

The free festival, dedicated to the memory of Dennis Avery (1940-2012), takes place on October 26 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and continues October 27 from 11:00 a.m.  to 10:00 p.m., and October 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  

By Janis Mork

October 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) - Elana Levens-Craig is running against Gabriel Pina and Robin Fries for the Santee School Board Seat 4.   ECM has contacted all candidates; below is Levens-Craig's interview with ECM.

Levens-Craig says she “is focusing on the ABC’s: Academics (innovate and improve classrooms), Budget (protect students’ education from financial cuts), and Communication (involve the community with their schools).”

By Miriam Raftery

View full forum videos by Paul Kruze:

Video part 1, Video part 2

October 25, 2012 (La Mesa)—Six candidates vying for two seats on the Grossmont Union High School District Board addressed topics ranging from budgets to bond money expenditures (reportedly the topic of a Grand Jury investigation) and from technology to integrity. The forum October 22 was sponsored by East County Magazine and moderated by Donna Barlett-May the League of Women Voters.

The fireworks started in opening remarks, when education advocate Bill Weaver assailed incumbent Gary Woods for a problem with “what I see as honesty,” alluding to use of bond monies that has reportedly drawn the scrutiny of San Diego's Grand Jury.

By Nadin Abbott

Photos by Tom Abbott

October 25, 2012 (Poway)-- Andy Patapow, Kimberly Beatty and Linda Vanderveen met in a spirited debate over the policies and procedures at the Poway Unified School District (PUSD). Both Patapow and Vanderveen are standing for reelection, while Beatty is running an outsider campaign.

From bonds to busing to ballot propositions, audience members learned where candidates stood in the forum co-sponsored by Poway Chamber of Commerce and the Green Valley Association.

By Nadin Abbott

Photos by Tom Abbott

October 25, 2012 (Poway)—Candidates running for the Poway City Council shared their views at a forum tonight, where topics included taxes, the business environment, development and redevelopment issues, affordable housing and more. Challengers Jeff Mangum, Stave Vaus, and Gary R. Vineyard participated, along with incumbent Councilman Jim Cunningham.

October 24, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Monster Mash Sports Dash is a fun-filled 5k run/walk covering the entire Grossmont High campus at 1100 Murray Dr., El Cajon, happening October 27 beginning at 8 a.m.  The event will also include sports and fitness challenges such as making a jump shot or kicking a goal.