By Miriam Raftery

September 2, 2019 (San Diego) – Jeff Hall of Cal Fire captured this dramatic shot of storm clouds and rain approaching Lake Henshaw in San Diego’s northeast region.

By Miriam Raftery

August 30, 2019 (La Mesa)  The future of transportation has sparked debate across our region. SANDAG and MTS are both moving forward on goals to boost transit access with options such as better trolley and bus service with high-speed rail as a long range option.

But what about reducing traffic gridlock and meeting transportation needs of residents in areas that currently lack adequate transit options?  Should building massive housnig projects in the backcountry that add to traffic gridlock be curtailed? 

Recently,  East County Magazine’s radio show interviewed La Mesa Councilmembers and attorneys Colin Parent and Kristine Alessio on transit issues. Parent  is director of Circulate San Diego and Alessio is the Vice Chair of SANDAG’s regional planning committee.  

Click here to hear our full interview, originally aired on KNSJ radio, and scroll down for highlights.

By Miriam Raftery

September 1, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Epiphany “Epie” Lopez of Potrero, best known for his portrayal of bandito Cruz Lopez in the Gaskill Brothers Gunfighters, passed away on August 22, 2019 at age 71.

Born January 8, 1948, he was related to the Machados, one of the first families in Old Town, San Diego, though not to Cruz Lopez.  “My family has been in San Diego since 1769,” he once stated. 

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Miriam Raftery contributed to this report

September 1, 2019 (Pine Valley) – How safe are wireless technologies including new 5G now being rolled out across our region?  Are the following useful to protect yourself against radioactive injuries: Y-Shield paint, a visit from a building biologist, EMF shielding curtains and fabrics, using airplane mode on your cell, turning off your router at night, and carrying around a portable, personal radiation detector?  

Story and photos by Cris Rangel

August 31, 2019 (San Diego) - SDSU kicked off their football season today against Weber State at SDCCU Stadium. Ryan Agnew debuted as the Aztecs quarterback against the Wildcats defense. The Aztecs tried to build momentum early, which only resulted in early turnovers. Weber State tried to pick up momentum and almost scored on a punt return with 4:25 left in the second quarter only to be brought back by a holding penalty on the offense. Before the beginning of halftime, the Aztecs led a charge past midfield and almost made it all the way to the end zone until falling short and had to settle for a field goal. 

Story by Liz Alper

Photos by Don De Mars

Photo: Senior running back Kegan Baker racked up 203 yards, 24 carries and scored three touchdowns.

August 31, 2019 (Santee) - We missed the start of the season last week, but this week, ECM Friday Night Lights is back and we’ve got a good one to kick things off.  It’s Valhalla and West HIlls from the Land of Blue Turf in Santee. The Norsemen are coming off a big win against University City last week, while the Wolf Pack are also 1-0 after beating Southwest El Centro.

By Miriam Raftery

August 30, 2019 (San Diego) – Mounarath-Powell Productions presents “Movement Makers: A Choreographers Showcase” Sept. 13-14 at 7 p.m. in the City Heights Performance Annex (3796 Fairmount Ave., San Diego).

By Mike Allen

August 30, 2019 (Santee) -- The Santee City Council agreed to adopt a community choice model for purchasing its future electricity but isn’t sure yet what the model will look like.

East County News Service

Update September 18, 2019:   Cal Fire has issued corrections on inacccurate information provided in a County press release and video. This plane and others are set to be given to Cal Fire by the federal government, not sold.  The planes are not yet equipped with fire retardant and are not slated to arrive in Califiornia likely for a couple of years, according to Cal Fire Captain and Public Information Officer Issac Sanchez. See our full update:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/cal-fire-issues-corrections-c-130-pla....

August 30, 2019 (Ramona) -- A C-130 air tanker on loan in Ramona has been used to train additional pilots this past week. Ultimately, Cal Fire’s goal is to purchase a C-130 to permanently base in our region, says Cal Fire spokesman Isaac Sanchez.

By Miriam Raftery

August 19, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- This week’s Destination East County features Miner’s Day at the Julian Mining Company, berry picking at Julian Farm and Orchard, the Barona Pow-wow, Julian Fall Art Show, Sky Hunters in Julian, and a Laurel and Hardy comedy night in Spring Valley.

Plus, we have a preview of coming events including the Sycuan Powwow, Julian Grape Stomp Festa, a “Holy Smoke” BBQ, Campo Grape Picking and Stomping Party, the Ramona Grape Stomp, fall at the Farm, a bluegrass festival in Santee, plus concerts and car shows in El Cajon.

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

By Miriam Raftery

August 28, 2019 (Santee) - International touring musician Mean Mary (James) will be performing in Santee on September 21 at 7 p.m. in the Summit UU Fellowship (8778 Cottonwood Ave.). Known internationally for her lightning-fast fingers and raw, unmistakable vocal sound (The Amplifier calls it “sexy, vulnerable and yet as powerful as any man’s.”), Mean Mary’s songs travel the genres of roots, bluegrass, blues, and folk rock—story songs, fast songs, sad songs, songs to make your feet tap.

San Diego’s largest manufacturing expo is a unique opportunity to inspire students 

August 28, 2019 (El Cajon) – The East County Economic Development Council’s (EDC) Manufacturing Expo is right around the corner, and more manufacturers are registering by the day to exhibit their companies and products. On October 1, the fourth annual event will bring manufacturing to Main Street. The Expo will be held in downtown El Cajon at Prescott Promenade from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. and expects to bring in over 500 attendees. 

August 28, 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:

U.S.

• Dorian intensifies to a hurricane over U.S. Virgin Islands and is a growing threat to Southeast U.S (Washington Post)
• Costs to mail ballots may skyrocket for civilians, military living overseas (Fulcrum) 
• ICE removes hotline for detained immigrants (NBC 7)
• A Jewish movement against ICE takes off by deploying its most famous mantra (Religion News)
• SpaceX's Mars rocket prototype rattles nearby residents in Texas flight test (Reuters) 

WORLD

•  Why the Amazon rain forest could be at risk of collapsing (CBS News)
• G7: Trump skips talks on climate crisis and Amazon fires (Reuters)
• Parliament suspension: Queen approves prime minister’s plan (BBC)
• 23 killed in attack on bar in southern Mexico (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Hong Kong protesters form 28-mile human chain demanding democracy (NBC)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.