By Kathy Carpenter

East County News Service

May 14, 2019 (San Diego) -- The FBI needs public help in the search for missing 5-year-old Aranza Lopez, who was removed from a mall in Vancouver, Washington in October 2018 and is believed to be located in Mexico.  California residents may have information that could be key to her safe recovery, as an individual she may be residing or traveling with has close ties to the San Diego area.

East County News Service

May 14, 2019 (Lakeside) -- The Lakeside-based Foundation for Allied Health & EMS Education (FAHEE) will host a fundraising evening at The Hills Pub in La Mesa on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 from 5 to 9 p.m.  The Foundation provides scholarships for qualified students pursuing careers in emergency medicine at East County’s EMSTA College.  View flyer.

By Maryanne Jackson, real estate broker, CNE, CPRES

May 13, 2019 (San Diego's East County) - 

Dear Maryanne,

My wife and I have been having some issues with our neighbors’ large tree. The tree has encroached over the shared fence, causing damage to our deck.

The damage has since been repaired by our neighbor’s insurance company.

However, the deck repair company made note that the tree roots were growing under the fence and into our yard. Eventually this may cause damage to the deck again unless the tree is removed.

The insurance company will not cover the cost to remove the tree and our neighbors are not in a financial position to cover the cost.

Any ideas? We really don’t want to take legal action against our neighbors and are seeking peaceful solutions.

Jay N. Horizon Hills, Mount Helix

East County News Service

May 13, 2019 (San Diego) – As 5G small-cell antennas to improve wireless communications roll out in neighborhoods, the Center for Electrosmog Prevention in La Mesa is raising concerns about potential health and safety impacts of the microwave-emitting devices. The nonprofit group is organizing a “Stop 5G California” rally on Wednesday, May 15 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. at the Waterfront Park on Harbor Drive (on the harbor side of the County Administration building at 1600 Pacific Highway).

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

May 13, 2019 (San Diego) -- Prom and graduation season is here again – You want to make sure you graduate "with" your class!

Unfortunately, these happy occasions sometimes involve underage drinking which can result in tragedy reminds. It is therefore critical that parents keep the lines of communication open when it comes to talking to their kids about the dangers of underage drinking and drunk driving.

By Tom Christensen, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 12, 2019 (San Diego) - Starting in June 2019, the CalFresh program will allow many seniors and people with disabilities receiving SSI/SSP to participate and have access to nutritious food.

CalFresh is designed to reduce food insecurity and increase food budgets, improving participants’ access to fresh and healthy food.

County Motor Parts hosts grand opening with car show May 31 - June 2

East County News Service

May 10, 2019 (Alpine) – One of San Diego’s longest operating small businesses, County Motor Parts Inc., announces the opening of its 12th location--8th in San Diego County--in Alpine. The 73-year-old business has been run by three generations of the San Diego-based Eckis family.

By James Kecskes, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 10, 2019 (San Diego) - CAL FIRE and the County Fire Authority say don’t let the rainy weather fool you … fire season will be here before you know it. You should have a plan and be prepared now to protect yourself, your home and your community.

Learn more at readysandiego.org.

Source:  San Diego County Taxpayers Association

Annual dinner recognizes best and worst use of public funds in San Diego County; this year’s 1970’s-themed event takes place on May 16

May 10, 2019 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA) hasreleased the list of finalists for its 24th annual Golden Watchdog & Fleece Awards. The annual awards dinner recognizes the best and worst in local government spending and decision-making in San Diego County. Winners will be announced at the awards dinner on Thursday, May 16. The theme: a 1970’s extravaganza, “Thursday Night Fever.”

San Diego charity event brings fashion and fundraising together

May 10, 2019 (Rancho Santa Fe) - On Sunday, April 28^th, 2019, the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) hosted its Bags & Baubles silent auction extravaganza for the ninth consecutive year to raise funds and awareness for local pets in need of life-saving veterinary care. This year was one of the most successful yet, raising over $138,000 – and 100% of the proceeds will go back to the animals.  Established in 2006, FACE is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 public charity that provides financial assistance for emergency veterinary care for pet owners in need countywide. FACE strives to save lives, reduce economic euthanasia, and increase the wellness of San Diego’s pets. Learn more by calling 858-450-3223 or visiting www.face4pets.org.

By Miriam Raftery

May 10, 2019 (Lakeside) – You’re invited to join in a conversation on the quality of life in Lakeside along with representatives of Lakeside Fire,  the San Diego Sheriff, District Attorney, health and safety organizations.  A “Lakeside Life” town hall will be held on May 29 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Community Center (12244 Lakeshore Drive).  Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Source: Calif. Attorney General

May 9, 2019 (Sacramento) – Calif. Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced that consumers may begin to apply for relief as part of the coordinated government and private class action settlements with Fiat Chrysler. The settlements, announced in January 2019 and approved on May 3, 2019, resolved allegations that the company violated environmental and consumer protection laws by using “defeat device software” to circumvent emissions testing.

Fiat Chrysler is accused of installing the defeat device software in approximately 100,000 vehicles nationwide and about 13,500 vehicles in California. The affected vehicles are 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ram 1500s equipped with 3.0L EcoDiesel engines.

Ramona tops list with most homes sold

East County News Service

Photo: Creative Commons

May 9, 2019 (San Diego) – Sales of existing homes in San Diego County continued to rise in April, according to housing statistics compiled through the San Diego Multiple Listing Service by the GreaterSan Diego Association of REALTORS®.