By Jaden Jimenez

June 16, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and Waggin' Train LLC reached an agreement with pet owners in several states to create a $6.5 million fund to compensate dog owners who believe their animals were harmed by eating chicken and other jerky treats sold by the companies.

June 20, 2014 (Boulevard) – Michele Strand sent in this serene scene of a sunset over rural Boulevard in San Diego’s East County.

By Miriam Raftery

June 22, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Here are highlights of important issues on the agenda this week impacting San Diego's unincorporated areas as well as residents in the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee.

The San Diego Board of Supervisors meets on Tuesday and Wednesday this week with many important items slated to be heard. On Tuesday, Supervisors will deliberate the county budget and a joint powers agreement with Caltrans for the Next Generation regional communications system and more.

On Wednesday, supervisors will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the Forest Conservation Initiative Lands General Plan amendment.  This is a controversial  issue that will determine what sort of development will be allowed on properties in the vicinity of Cleveland National Forest in East County.

June 21, 2014 (Alpine) -- Alpine Fire Department held a ceremony on June 17^th to honor residents who saved the life of Scott Holland. Holland was working at a construction project on Kevin Court in Alpine on October 9, 2013 when he suddenly collapsed from a severe cardiac event.

Lori Abbott, California News Service

June 18, 2014 (Sacramento)--The first day of summer may be on Saturday, but parts of California already have seen triple-digit heat this year - and more is on the way. With that in mind, health officials across the West are urging people to be careful in the potentially deadly heat.

East County News Service

June 22, 2014 (Campo)—Kids of all ages are invited to join the fun and showcase pets at the first annual Pet Parade and St. Adelaide Parish Family Festival On July 12 at the Campo baseball field.  The parade begins at 11 a.m. and the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and most entertaining costumes, as well as the pastor’s choice.  Drawings will also be held for prizes including a 50/50 raffle plus two chances to fill your freezer by winning half a steer, donated by Wright Ranch of Potrero.  The festival also includes vendor booths, inflatable slide and water combo with all-day jumper tickets for $10. Other activities will include face painting and refreshments.

In April, we interviewed top newsmakers on hot local issues ranging from closure of rural fire stations to a State Senate race.  We also covered some national and international topics including an interview with a local pastor whose family is impacted by Uganda’s new law criminalizing homosexuality.  Plus we’ll take you on the road to discover Lakeside’s colorful history, cover the 50^th anniversary of the Lakeside rodeo, interview local authors and much more.

For a complete list of interviews and topics covered in April, and to listen to our shows online now, click here.

You can hear our show Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. on KNSJ 89.1 FM.

Book Review by Dennis Moore

Andrea Nelson-Royes, EdD, an educator, researcher, author, and parent who has a passionate interest in how children learn to read and how to keep them reading, has authored a book that demonstrates all that she has experienced and believes in; Transforming Early Learners into Superb Readers: Promoting Literacy at School, at Home, and within the Community. It starts for her at home with her own children, endeavoring to give them the opportunity at the best possible education that they can get. Being a mother of four children gives her ample time and opportunity to test her passion for the education of other parent’s children.

June 20, 2014 (La Mesa)--On Thursday, July 16, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to an evening mixer at Anthony’s Fish Grotto, 9530 Murray Drive in La Mesa from 5:30-7 p.m.. This popular location has been a favorite of locals for years, so guests can sample the food that has made them famous.

June 20, 2014 (San Diego)--Rady Children’s Hospital is staging a “Safe Kids Day” program on Saturday, June 21, at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center from 9:30 to 2:00.  The emphasis is to keep children safe while exploring and enjoying the outdoors.  All activities will take place at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center. 

By Sharon Penny

June 18, 2014 (La Mesa)--On June 14, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) spoke to several members of Polonia United (www.poloniaunited.org), a local Polish-American organization that promotes education, understanding and relations between Poland and the United States, and helps to better the lives of Polish-Americans. The organization has become very involved in the local community, providing philanthropy to deserving organizations. They cite both Susan Davis and Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) as two key supporters in their efforts.

By Miriam Raftery

June 19, 2014 (La Mesa) - Two suspects robbed the Yum Yum Donut shop in La Mesa at gunpoint tonight at 9:47 p.m.  They have not been found and La Mesa Police seek public help to locate them.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Sue Brenner and Miriam Raftery

June 19, 2014 (El Cajon) – They pioneered East County’s  now-flourishing wine industry.  So on May 31^st, Maness Vineyards presented the 2014 Trail Blazer Awards during a celebration held at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in El Cajon—which also is home to a new vineyard of its own.  More than 200 wine enthusiasts flocked to the event, savoring local vintages amid beautiful gardens.

Herman and Rose Salerno, founders of the Salerno Winery in Ramona, received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award. Other award winners were the William Clark family, founders of the Campo Creek Winery, along with Mike and Linda McWilliams, owners of the San Pasqual Winery in La Mesa.

June 17, 2014 (Lemon Grove) – Soon, Lemon Grove’s Main Street will be transformed in a concept that will be unveiled n the new future.  The public is invited to a planning party on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lemon Grove Community Center, 3146 School Lane.

June 17, 2014 (Campo)—The public can submit public comment now through June 23 on a proposal by the state to release sexually violent predator Allen Fields, 48, in Campo.  A hearing will be held on July 23 at 9 a.m. in Department 35 at the downtown courthouse.