By Buck Shott
 

August 24, 2011 (San Diego) – How is all that political wrangling in Iowa impacting the presidential race? Which candidate has boots on the ground in San Diego’s East County? What are the latest actions and shenanigans by local politicians? Which Congressional members constituents are hosting an “empty chair” forum to substitute for a representative who isn’t coming home for town hall meetings? You’ve got questions, we’ve rustled up the answers!

By Miriam Raftery

August 23, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Rural homeowners will pay a fire parcel fee of $90 at most, and in many cases considerably less. Statewide, the total annual fire parcel fee will average just $30 under emergency regulations approved yesterday by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

August 1, 2011 (Lemon Grove)--The Lemon Grove Historical Society will prevent “a hilarious 19th century melodrama adopted to Lemon Grove, California,” says Helen Ofield, president of the organization. “He Ain’t Done Right By Nell” is set in 1906 in the heydey of the town's citrus packing industry.  Seven showings will be held from September 16 to September 25.

Laylah’s Patties & Jerk

5712 El Cajon Boulevard. San Diego, CA 92115
(619) 241-2948
www.LaylahsJamaicanRestaurant.com
laylahsreggae@gmail.com

By Megan McGlamery (guest host for the East County Eater)

August 23, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Greg Fox, Chair of the Alpine Community Planning Group, has forwarded an announcement from the County Department of Public Works (DPW) advising that SDGE’s contractor, American Heavy Equipment (AHE) has submitted a moving permit application and traffic control permit request to transport seven large transformers from the San Diego Port to Bell Bluff Truck Trail (east of Alpine).

The truck will get onto I-8 from Greenfield Drive and will exit on Japatul Valley Road and will not be traveling through the Community of Alpine.  AHE is proposing the first move for tomorrow night (August 23, 2011). This is the first of seven roundtrip moves that will occur every two to three days apart after the initial move.

By Miriam Raftery

Update August 22, 2011 12:30 a.m. - A manhunt continues for a suspect identified as Kevin Collier.  10 News reports that Collier may have eluded authorities after killing two families members and wounding an El Cajon police officer.  

Update 10:15 p.m. - Bodies are reportedly confirmed in the residence but the scene is still too hot to enter, ECM has learned.  Chillingly, the suspect held a yard sale the day before gunning down his family members, advertising on Craig's list, "Big yard sale. Everything you need for your kitchen and more! Name your own price I just want the stuff gone!!!"

August 22, 2011 (San Diego) – Water for Children Africa, a nonprofit founded by El Cajon resident Vickie Butcher to bring safe clean water to rural villages in Africa, will host its annual Music Festival and Eco Fair on Saturday, September 24 from 9 a.m. to sunset at San Diego City College near Balboa Park.

August 22, 2011 (El Cajon) – Looking to kick up your heels and dance the night away? Or just kick back with a picnic dinner while enjoying some live music under the stars? El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green continue each Friday night from 6 to 8 p..m. now through September 30th.

 
 
August 21, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Photographer Wayne Brammer sent in these images of construction along the Sunrise Powerlink, with the following commentary on the Sunbird sky crane.

 
“Now if you’re a big kid like myself, you may like seeing choppers lifting BIG stuff.  Now this is a big chopper…”

August 21, 2011 (El Cajon) – – A conga line of well-wishers and an engraved award are among the acknowledgements recently given to Maria Baeza, a Grossmont College employee for 22 years credited as the behind-the-scenes person for the campus’ biggest events, including graduation and student elections.

August 21, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Department of Fish & Game has launched a new hotline phone number for reporting mountain lion sightings at (951)443-2944.

What happens when a lion sighting is reported?

August 21, 2011 (San Diego) – Not every preschool ice skating, swimming, dance, gardening and sports as part of the curriculum. But the new RJ’s Preschool Academy at the Salvation Army Kroc Center will offer all of these activities and more.

By Miriam Raftery
 

August 21, 2011 (Spring Valley) – “What I’ve been working on is jobs and everything that I can do to strengthen the middle class,” Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) told constituents at a meeting of the Spring Valley Citizens Association Thursday evening.

 
The Congresswoman fielded questions from a audience members reflecting a broad spectrum of views and provided updates from Washington. She also discussed two upcoming events: a home mortgage clinic on August 27 and a boot camp for job seekers August 30. (Get event details.) 

August 20, 2011 (La Mesa) – Do you live, work or attend school in La Mesa? The city invites you to help plan and build a community garden. A meeting will be held Wednesday, August 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the Helix Charter school campus, 7323 University Avenue, Room 1300, La Mesa.

“Tell us what you would like to see there and how you would like to help with the garden,” an invitation from the City states.