Safety concerns raised; court ruling by Judge Randa Trapp could be death knell to Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District
By Paul Kruze, Contributing Editor
November 20, 2019 (Julian) -- With a stroke of a gavel, San Diego Superior Court Judge Randa Trapp on Friday morning dashed hopes of volunteers from the former Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District that the district will be resurrected anytime soon.
Judge Trapp denied the motion filed by JCFPD’s attorney Cory Briggs last April 10, which sought to invalidate the dissolution of the volunteer fire and medical protection district by the San Diego Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO). Briggs filed the motion to appeal the afternoon after LAFCO’s vote.
Within hours of Trapp’s decision Friday, despite a new appeal of Friday's judgement filed by Briggs, the County Fire Authority operated by CALFIRE raided Julian Fire Station 56, towing away or hauling off all remaining firefighting equipment of the JCFPD including fire engines and ambulances. A broker has reportedly indicated that at least some of the equipment is being put up for sale, instead of being either held for the JCFPD in case of a win on appeal, or turned over to the CFA/CALFIRE to utilize to protect Julian.
Briggs called the action a “raid.” Some Julian residents cried, while others voiced anger.
The action leaves Julian entirely dependent upon the CFA/CAL FIRE for protection, despite grave concerns raised by many residents over serious gaps in equipment and coverage since the JCFPD was dissolved.
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Photo, left by Robert Scheid: Snow falls along I-8 near the Sunrise Highway exit
November 28, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s a white Christmas across East County’s mountains and rural areas. Snow is falling along Interstate 8 east of Alpine.
A blanket of snow covers the Cuyamaca area, Cal Trans reports on Twitter. In Warner Springs, chains or snow tires are required, with two inches of snow on Chihuahua Valley Road, NBC 7 reports. Snow is heavy in the Julian area, leaving some residents snowed in, sources told ECM.
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By José A. Álvarez, County of San Diego Communications Office
The County Health and Human Services Agency issued a health advisory to the local medical community to be on the lookout for mumps given the unusually high number of cases being reported in the region.
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Jacob, Joshua and Noah Epperson of La Mesa completed three local community projects
East County News Service
Photo: picturedwith Senator Brian Jones are Jacob, Noah and Joshua Epperson during a ceremony in Senator Jones' El Cajon District office.
November 27, 2019 (El Cajon) - Senator Brian Jones (R-Santee) yesterday met with and presented official Senate Certificates of Recognition to three local brothers who all earned their National Eagle Scout awards on the same day last month.
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November 27, 2019 (San Diego's East County) – Coldwell Banker West (CBW), one of San Diego County’s largest real estate brokerages with East County offices located in El Cajon and La Mesa, has announced a merger with San Diego-based Ascent Real Estate. The merger was jointly announced by Peter Mendiola, CBW president, and Penny Nathan, president/CEO of Ascent, who will become a partner of CBW. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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November 26, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – A winter storm watch has been issued for the National Weather Service from Wednesday at 4 a.m. through Friday at 10 p.m. for all mountain areas in San Diego County. There is also a flash flood watch for areas west of the mountains from Wed. at 4 a.m. through Thursday at 10 p.m.
Heavy mountain snow will bring hazardous travel conditions Wednesday through Friday, with accumulating snow down to 3,000 feet by Thanksgiving night. Up to three feet could accumulate above 5,000 feet including Mt. Laguna and Palomar, with several inches at lower elevations.
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November 26, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove City Council will hold a special meeting on December 2 at 6 p.m. to interview applicants to fill vacancies on the City Council and Planning Commission. A wide range of people have applied for these positions, bringing a diversity of skills and backgrounds.
Here are summaries of each applicant's primary qualifications and aspirations:
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November 26, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.
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November 26, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.
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November 26, 2019 (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media. This week's round-up stories include:
For excerpts and full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.
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November 26, 2019 (Santa Barbara) - The Aztec women’s basketball team (3-4) fell at UC Santa Barbara (3-3) 64-52 Tuesday evening.
Téa Adams led the Aztecs with 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting. Taylor Kalmer added 11 points and Mallory Adams chipped in 10.
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November 26, 2019 (Ramona) – An argument between two men, ages 24 and 26, escalated into a fight today in the 400 block of Pala Street in Ramona. “One of the men produced a gun, firing one round and hitting the other person in the left leg,” says Lt. Ken Jones with the Sheriff’s department.
Sheriff’s deputies and Cal Fire paramedics arrived on scene. Paramedics stabilized the wounded party and transported him to a hospital by helicopter. The wounded man is expected to survive.
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November 21, 2019 (El Cajon) – The People’s Alliance for Justice and its president, national civil rights activist Rev. Shane Harris, will host a town hall forum on foster care disparity Wednesda,Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m. (check in at 5 p.m.) at the Choice Harvest CHurch, 760 Palm Ave. in El Cajon.
Free turkeys will be provided to attendees. Call 619-354-8051 to RSVP for the turkey giveway.
You’re invited to the free event to learn about injustices in the foster care system, hear from foster youths and professional to discuss changes they believe are needed
This event will be moderated by East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery. Call (619)354-8051 to RSVP and register for a free turkey, or email paj@peoplesallianceforjustice.net.
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November 26, 2019 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells played saxophone and sang at the East County Transitional Living Center's fundraising dinner on November 14, 2019 at the Shadow Hills Community Church Center, accompanied by Jonni Glaser on saxophone.
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Nov. 26, 2019 (San Diego) Thanksgiving weekend, traditionally one of the busiest travel times in America, it can also be one of the deadliest on the roadways. CHP officers will educate motorists and enforce traffic safety laws throughout the state to ensure everyone has a safe holiday. Officers will be actively looking for unsafe driving practices, including seat belt violations, speed, distracted driving and, of course, signs of driving impairment.
To help motorists avoid tragedies, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will have all available officers on patrol during this maximum enforcement period Wed. Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. to midnight Sunday, Dec. 1.
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Regional electorate should weigh in on plans by Fallbrook and Rainbow water agencies
East County News Service
November 26, 2019 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors last week authorized actions to ensure all San Diego County voters are heard on plans by the Rainbow and Fallbrook water agencies to leave the regional water wholesaler and instead join a Riverside County water agency.
Rainbow’s Water District Manager Tom Kennedy has said the Riverside District charges $1,000 per acre foot of water, substantially less than the SDCWA which charges about $1,600 per acre foot – an annual savings of $5.6 to $6 million for Rainbow area customers, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported in June.
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November 26, 2019 (Rancho San Diego) - Looking for a little something special for that special someone? Drop by the Water Conservation Garden’s annual Holiday Gift Shoppe Sale on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to find wonderful whimsical gifts for your special gardener or garden aficionado.
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Nov. 26, 2019 (Alpine) The Alpine Fire Protection District (AFPD) has announced the retirement of fire chief, Bill F. Paskle, effective Dec. 30.
At their meeting, held on Nov. 19, Paskle submitted a letter to the board of directors that board president Jim Easterling read aloud during the meeting and thanked the fire chief for his years of service to the district.
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November 26, 2019 (San Diego) - Potters across San Diego are busily firing kilns full of fine handmade pottery. The nine open studios this year feature new pottery and ceramic art from over 30 of San Diego's best ceramists and a few guests. Take a day or two and visit all the studios, invite your friends, have lunch in local restaurants and enjoy a weekend of ceramic art. Studios will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. It's FREE and self guided, so you'll need a map that's available online at the Tour website: www.sdpotterytour.com
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November 26, 2019 (El Cajon) -- Downtown El Cajon invites you to “Holiday Lights on Main” this Saturday, November 25th from 12 noon to 7 p.m. This festive event includes ice skating, Santa’s Village, carnival rides, live music, and at 6 p.m. the annual tree lighting at Main and Magnolia.
Shops will light up to brighten your holidays and invite you to support small businesses in the community as part of Small Business Saturday.
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November 25, 2019 (El Caon) -- Lynn Neault, longtime Vice Chancellor of Student Services at the San Diego Community College District, is the governing board’s pick as the next chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.
Neault replaces Cindy L. Miles, who is retiring at the end of the year after a record term of almost 11 years at the district’s helm. Governing Board President Linda Cartwright announced Neault’s selection at the board meeting on Tuesday. Neault starts her new job in January.
“Dr. Neault brings decades of knowledge and experience in local community college administration and is well-versed in the statewide issues of student outcomes and enrollment and their impact on state funding,” Cartwright said. “She also brings a strong commitment to participatory governance and decision-making that comes after many years of working and consulting with varying constituency groups from a multi-college district.”
Neault has served 25 years at her current post with the San Diego Community College District, one of the largest in California. She began working there in 1983 as an administrative analyst in Institutional Research, and later served as director, associate director and coordinator of Student Services. From 2013-2014, she served as interim president of San Diego City College.
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November 26, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- In 2018, shoppers spent $7.9 billion during Cyber Monday, up from $6.69 billion in 2017. This year, experts predict a 20% increase in Cyber Monday online sales on Dec. 2, coming in at $9.5 billion. And with one less shopping week this year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, consumers may be even more focused on Cyber Monday to secure gifts in time for family festivities.
Online shopping is a great way to find deals and save time when you can’t get to a store’s physical location, but don’t forget to keep your guard up when making those online purchases.
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November 25, 2019 (Alpine) – The 24th annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights and Snow Festival is slated to light up the holiday season and delight guests of all ages on Friday, December 6th. The parade rolls out at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of Alpine Blvd. and West Victoria Drive, ending at Tavern Road. The free snow festival – with real snow and sledding – is at the Alpine Community Center at 1830 Alpine Blvd after the parade, until 9 p.m.
Arrive early, since Alpine Blvd. will close down for the parade. Bring a chair and blanket to enjoy the lighted entries. At the snow festival afterwards, in addition to “snow hill” you’ll find vendors, food, music and a visit from Santa Claus.
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November 25, 2019 (Santa Barbara) – The fast-moving #CaveFire that started shortly after 4 p.m. along Highway 154 in the Los Padres National Forest near Painted Cave has scorched over 3,100 acres, forcing evacutions. Homes are threatened and the fire is encroaching northern portions of the city of Santa Barbara and Goleta tonight, while many are without power due to a proactive utility shut-off.
Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
November 25, 2019 (San Diego) - San Diego State rallied just in time to improve to 6-0 for the first time since Kawhi Leonard led the Aztecs to the best season in school history eight years ago.
Malachi Flynn scored 11 points and Yanni Wetzell added 10 for the streaky Aztecs, who beat Tennessee State 62-49 Monday night.
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November 25, 2019 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Village Associations Holiday in the Village will once again be ringing in holiday cheer. This year will include snow to create a winter wonderland like no other, thanks to Viejas Casino and Resort, sponsor of the event. The holiday festival runs Friday, Dec. 13 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In the historic downtown La Mesa Village, you’re invited to bring your friends and family to take part in free, festive fun with live music, cozy fires, dancing, reindeer games, craft vendors, live entertainment food, a strolling balloon artist, train rides for kids, and a “kids’ area bigger than Santa’s toy shop,” organizers say.
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November 25, 2019 (Santee) - Santee Lakes invites you join Santa at the Lakes on Sunday, December 8th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festivities will feature a snow hill for sledding fun, carnival rides, inflatable jumps, crafts, food, character meets and greets and Santa Claus.
Parking is $10 and tickets are $1 each with activities and rides ranging from 1-8 tickets.
Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
November 25, 2019 (Lakeside) - The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate at its 21st annual Spirit of Christmas on Maine Avenue on Saturday, December 7th from 3:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Santa and his elves are hard at work creating an atmosphere of an old-fashioned hometown Christmas featuring local school performances of holiday favorites, photos with Santa, food and drinks, children’s activities, jumpy jumps, crafters booths, and lighting of the community Christmas tree.
Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
November 25, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- People camped out in line for hours, anticipating the release of the latest gaming system. Shoppers storming store doors as they open, trampling over others in their excitement. Punches thrown over the last $300 flat screen TV. That's right, folks. This Friday is Black Friday. And it can get nasty.
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By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office
Nov. 25, 2019 (San Diego) Thanksgiving and Black Friday, one of the biggest shopping events of the year, are here again.
That means this is the perfect time to remind shoppers: remember to double-check your receipts so you don’t get accidentally overcharged by faulty cash register price scanners.
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Safety concerns raised; court ruling by Judge Randa Trapp could be death knell to Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District
Image Credit: CDC
Jacob, Joshua and Noah Epperson of La Mesa completed three local community projects
East
November 26, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
November 26, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) - East County Magazine's World Watch helps you be an informed citizen on important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
November 26, 2019 (San Diego) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media. This week's round-up stories include: 
Tea Adams led the Aztecs with 14 points
By Miriam Raftery
Regional electorate should weigh in on plans by Fallbrook and Rainbow water agencies
East County News Service
Source: Alpine Fire Dept.
East County News Service
By Suzanne Schlundt, Cox Communications
East County News Service
Source: goaztecs.com
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
By 
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