"Neighbors" aims to reduce crime in neighborhoods by connecting people, security cameras and law enforcement.

Source:  La Mesa Police Department

March 6, 2019 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Police Department today announced that it is joining the Neighbors app by Ring (available via iOS/Android here: https://download.ring.com/lamesa to provide the La Mesa community with real-time, local crime and safety information. The Neighbors network already has millions of users and has been instrumental in catching package thieves, stopping burglaries, and keeping neighborhoods safe.

East County News Service

March 6, 2019 (San Diego) - Summer Safari is returning to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, bringing fun activities and entertainment for the whole family May 25 through September 1. Guests can enjoy an array of activities, live music, arts and crafts, pop-up entertainment for all ages, and more. Guests at the Safari Park will also have the unique opportunity to encounter fascinating animals up-close and enjoy a variety of special evening shows.

By Donald H. Harrison 

Originally published in San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  Panelist Shor Masori tells of experiences at Grossmont Middle College High School

March 5, 2019 (El Cajon) - There’s a secret that I feel it’s my duty to divulge to other grandparents and parents of high school students.  High school sophomores can get a jump on their college educations—maybe even save their parents a bundle of money —by applying to Grossmont Middle College High School for the upcoming fall semester.

OHV Restoration Project Review Period

East County News Service

Restoration work has been proposed by the Back Country Land Trust for OHV impacted areas of their Clover Flat Wildlife Preserve.  The public is invited to review and comment on their application for funding of a habitat restoration grant. These grants are solicited by the California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program,

Grant funding would be used to restore 15 acres of OHV impacted critical wildland habitat in Clover Flat Preserve to the east of Campo. Clover Flat is located to the west of La Posta Road and north of Highway 94.  Habitat restoration, fencing, and educational signage will protect endangered species, prevent soil erosion, redirect recreational Off-Highway Vehicle users to nearby legal recreational areas, and will employ local contractors.

Source:  California Department of Justice

March 4, 2019 (San Francisco) - California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has announced the release of a California Department of Justice (DOJ) report on immigration detention facilities in the state. The report is the result of Assembly Bill 103, which passed in 2017, requiring the DOJ, over a 10-year period, to report on: conditions of confinement; the standard of care and due process provided to detainees; and the circumstances around the apprehension and transfer of detainees to facilities. This initial report is intended to provide increased transparency around immigration detention facilities in California. The report is an important step forward in understanding the conditions under which civil immigration detainees are living, including their access to critical health and legal resources.

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

March 4, 2019 (San Diego) -- This Sunday, March 10, is Daylight Saving Time. Setting the clock forward means it’s time not to just check the clock, but for a spring clean safety check. As you make your “hot lap” around the home, setting clocks ahead, why not take a little extra time for a short safety checklist?

Help Spring your home into being safe and organized by following these steps:

East County News Service

March 3, 2019 (Spring Valley) -- Steele Canyon High School presents the world’s longest running musical, Les Misérables. This modern classic, based on Victor Hugo’s novel, features one of the most memorable scores of all time. The production includes over 130 students in the cast, crew and orchestra. According to Theatre Director, Nicole LaBella and Music Director, Heather Luck, Steele Canyon High School musicals are unique as they are the only school in the area to perform with live orchestral accompaniment.

East County News Service

March 3, 2019 (Santee) -- 1000 Lights, a water lantern festival company specializing in events for families, will host a festival at Santee Lakes on March 23 from 4 to 8 p.m.  Thousands of attendees will launch their lanterns at 7 p.m., just after dusk, to enjoy an incredible view of the water.

East County News Service

March 2, 2019 (El Cajon) - The El Cajon Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2019 Citizen’s Police Academy. The ten-week academy provides an overview of the Police Department functions. Students attend weekly classes and learn about topics including the history of law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and crime scene investigation from the various divisions within the Police Department. Students participate in hands-on exercises, such as conducting traffic stops, dusting for fingerprints, and a firearms simulation.

By Miriam Raftery

March 1, 2019 (El Cajon) – El Cajon is considering an amendment to sign standards regulating the height and size of freestanding signs downtown. In addition, the city is considering exempting municipal projects and uses from the zoning code and entitlement process.

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings  on each of these proposals on Tuesday March 19 at 7 p.m.  The City Council will also hold public hearings on Tuesday, March 26 at 3 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon.