Update June 12, 2018 9:45 a.m. -- Church Road is reopened. The fire is 70% contained with forward spread stopped.

Update 7 p.m.:  Cal Fire reports the Church Fire is actually 2 fires, one that burned 9 acres and the other a spot fire at one acre. Forward spread has been stopped and the combined blaze is 30% contained.  Church Road remains closed from Highway 94 to Old Highway 80. One structure has been threatened and the resident self-evacuated. Crews remain on scene mopping up the fires.

June 11, 2018 (Campo) 3:25 p.m. -- Cal Fire reports a 4 acre brush fire, #ChurchIC, in Campo.

CHP has ordered a closure of Church Road at Old Highway 80, where the fire was reported a short time ago near the Golden Acorn Casino. The incident commander reports a structural threat and says the fire is burning at a moderate rate of spread.

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

June 11, 2018 (San Diego) - San Diego State, the defending Mountain West champions, released on Monday its conference schedule for the 2018-19 campaign. The 18-game slate will begin on Jan. 5, at Boise State and end on March 9, at Nevada. All dates are subject to change as the MW’s television partners have not made their game selections.

By Miriam Raftery

San Diego’s Ramona Valley has emerged as a nationally recognized wine region that also has a historic downtown district and beautiful natural settings including many parks, preserves and trails to explore. You’ll also find seasonal activities such as a musical festival, country fair, grape stomp, camel dairy festivals and holiday celebrations.

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2018 (Alpine) – California Highway Patrol seeks public help to find a person or persons who have been leaving 60-pound concrete parking blocks as well as cinder blocks on Interstate 8 near Alpine. Numerous vehicles have been damaged this year, starting in January. The most recent incidents occurred Saturday shortly after midnight, when eight to ten vehicles were damaged or disabled.

Our guide to unique lodging and adventures in San Diego's beautiful backcountry.

By Miriam Raftery

June 10, 2018 (Palomar) – Bailey House, built in 1888, is the centerpiece of Bailey’s Palomar Resort on Palomar Mountain.

It’s been family-owned and operated ever since, for 130 years in San Diego’s northeast county.

Today, guests can choose from renting the entire historic 7-bedroom home, a variety of guest cottages each with its own character and charm, or “glamping” tents on the 60-acre property that includes apple orchards, a walnut grove, forests and a fish pond. 

East County News Service

June 11, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- Home Start, a non-profit child abuse prevention and treatment agency that has strengthened and developed San Diego’s families and communities since 1972, has named East County resident Rick Roark as its Chief Financial Officer.

By Miriam Raftery

June 6, 2018 (San Diego's East County) -- This week’s Destination East County includes a Star Party at Oakoasis preserve in Lakeside, Lavender Day at Summers Past Farms, Fido Fest in Santee, the Julian Dance and Back Country BBQ, Art in the Park and a firefighters breakfast in La Mesa, the San Diego Concert Band at Harry Griffith Park, a Taste of La Mesa, and the start of Santee’s summer concert series.

Plus we’ll have a preview of coming attractions including a Queen Bee Brunch in Alpine, the Jamul Wine Tasting Festival, Julian’s Quilt Show, Santee Salutes, Julian’s star-spangled Fourth of July Parade, and the Descanso Days Parade and Fair.

So scroll down for all of these events and many more!

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry 

By Bobbi Zane

When Pat and Darrell Straube opened Orchard Hill Country Inn in 1994, they created a whole new style of lodging for the area that goes beyond the typical B&B in Julian. They have a most beautiful Craftsman setting, amenities go beyond expectation, and they are known for their customer service.

East County News Service

June 9, 2018 (San Diego) - The National Weather Service has issued a warning advising that a Southern Hemisphere swell will arrive at local beaches this weekend, peaking Sunday through Tuesday.   This will pose a hazard to beach goers, creating strong surf.  Arrows on this map, provided by forecaster Alexander Tardy, shows the broad swatch of south swell west of Hurricane Aletta off the Pacific Coast.

East County News Service

June 8, 2018 (El Cajon) – Robert Gehr got the shot of this gorgeous Mimosa blossom at Judson Park, located at the corner of North Magnolia Avenue and West Park Avenue in El Cajon.

East County News Service

June 8, 2018 (Rancho San Diego) -- The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College invites you to “Sips and Succulents” on Wednesday, June 27 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy a summer evening garden tour. Go Green- and bring your own glass to fill with wine and maybe even succulents! Docent Kathryn Clayton shares some of her favorite gardening and design tips with succulents.

Members $10, Non-Members $15

Register HERE

East County News Service

June 8, 2018 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), a public agency that supports various nonprofit health-related community programs and services in the East County Region, will host a free question-and-answer forum about its community grants program from 4 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, at the GHD Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. Community-based healthcare organizations providing health-related services to local residents are invited to attend to learn more about GHD’s community grants program.

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2018 (Sacramento) –  In the June primary races for statewide offices, The Governor’s race will see a run-off between Lieutenant. Governor Gavin Newsom and Republican businessman John Cox. (See our story.)  

Republicans are shut out of the Lieutenant Governor run-off between two Democrats, Eleni Kounalakis and Ed Hernandez.

Democrat Alex Padilla won his race for Secretary of State outright with over 51% of the vote. 

 Incumbent Attorney General Xavier Becerra, A Democrat who has filed numerous lawsuits against the Trump administration on issues ranging from environmental protections to immigration, won over 45% of the vote, not enough to win outright.  He will square off against Republican Steven Bailey, who finished ahead of Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, a Democrat.

East County News Service

June 7, 2018 (El Cajon) - Families and folks of all ages are welcomed to the Rancho San Diego Library (11555 Via Rancho San Diego) for their annual Celebrate the USA event, an old-fashioned Fourth of July festival. This event will be taking place Saturday, June 30^th  from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free for all ages.

By Annie Greenberg

June 7, 2018 (Alpine) -- Linda Cioffi is on a mission: to help find a cure for Alzheimer's in her lifetime.  Her annual fundraiser, Quest for the Cure, is this Friday, June 8, from 4 p.m. to8 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center Grand Ballroom. The community is invited to attend and enjoy opportunity drawings and a silent auction. The grand prize for the opportunity drawing will be a luxury staycation at a beach or bayfront home in San Diego with area theme park tickets. Other items include a Barona Casino package with spa and golf, and a Palm Springs getaway.