East County News Service

March 19, 2019 (San Diego) — Since 2014,  the volume of crisis team calls received by Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego (TIP) has risen by 60%.  Last year, TIP responded to 1,199 scenes of tragedy, helping 5,288 residents in our community—and the organization is seeking additional volunteers.

East County News Service

March 18, 2019 (Guatay) – A Guatay man, 56, died at the scene of a collision yesterday at 4:25 a.m. He was riding a Suzuki SV1000 motorcycle on Olde Highway 80 approaching westbound State Route 79, when a Chevrolet Silverado driven by a Temecula man, 21, entered the intersection to make a left turn, violating the motorcyclist’s right-of-way, according to Officer Travis Garrow with the California Highway Patrol.

East County News Service

March 17, 2019 (San Diego) – The current warm and sunny weather will end Tuesday evening, when rain, snow showers and strong winds are forecast.  The storm is predicted to drop a quarter to a half inch of rain on most parts of San Diego County, with up to an inch on Palomar Mountain but less than a quarter inch in Borrego Springs.

While Friday is expected to be dry, another storm system could hit our region again on Saturday or Sunday, says National Weather Service meteorologist James Brotherton.

East County News Service

March 17, 2019 (El Cajon) – El Cajon resident Bishop Cornelius Bowser will be honored as a Community Hero for his leadership efforts to reduce gun violence. Bowser is among the winners to be recognized by the  National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) atthe 31^st Annual Peacemaker Awards Dinner on Saturday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. The theme of this year’s event is “Celebrating Human Dignity” honoring individuals and organizations dedicated to peacemaking in their own neighborhoods and around the world. The inspiring event shines a bright light on the importance of civility, peacemaking and social justice in a world filled with conflict. 

Services set for April 27

By Miriam Raftery

March 17, 2019 (La Mesa) — Shortly after celebrating his 100th birthday, former La Mesa Mayor and San Diego County Supervisor died at his home on March 11th of congestive heart failure. He is remembered as a leader who left behind an indelible stamp on East County and the San Diego region, drawing respect from colleagues on both sides of the political aisle.

“Sad news about a big loss,” Supervisor Dianne Jacob posted on Facebook.  “But George Bailey’s decades of public service in East County and beyond will continue to inspire many of us.”

By Allan Acevedo

March 16, 2019 (La Mesa) – What a difference two weeks makes. The La Mesa City Council heard robust public comment from diverse perspectives concerning the approval of two so-called “granny flat” ordinances. On narrowly won passage from a divided Council, while the second passed unanimously.

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

March 15, 2019 (Las Vegas) - Devin Watson  had 20 points and five assists and San Diego State held No. 14 Nevada scoreless for nearly seven minutes late in the Aztecs' 65-56 victory Friday night in the Mountain West Conference semifinals.

Source: La Mesa Police

March 14, 2019 (La Mesa) -- St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions across the country, often culminating in parties where drinking is involved. Sadly, this leads to tragedies on our roadways because of drivers who choose to leave parties impaired. This St. Patrick’s Day, the La Mesa Police Department will have additional officers on patrol all weekend, ready to stop and arrest drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

By Allan Acevedo

March 13, 2019 (Lemon Grove) – The community room at the Lemon Grove Library quickly overfilled last night as parents, students, teachers, and community members gathered to share their united concern for what they collectively referred to as the “firing” of 16 teachers.” With all chairs filled, attendees began congregating against the sides and doors of the room, some standing just outside the door to listen in.

By Judy Edelblute, Coordinator of St. Mark's Art Shows

Photo:  “The Ballerina” oil painting by Carlos Meneses

March 14, 2019 (San Diego) - Three East County artists have won awards in the 56^th annual Lenten Art Show at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, San Diego.  Carlos Meneses, Paradise Hills, won first place, Jenny K. Ferrone, El Cajon, won second place and Sandra Seckington, Lakeside, received an Honorable Mention Award. There are a total of 56 art works by 30 artists in the show.

By Patrick Walker, Vice President, CAL FIRE Firefighters Local #2881 – San Diego District

"It is my belief that the volunteer only fire station is inefficient and unable to provide adequate fire and life safety services in comparison to full time."

March 12, 2019 (Julian-Cuyamaca) -- I want to start by clarifying my comments within this editorial are not representative of CAL FIRE, but of my position as the 10th District Vice President within CAL FIRE Firefighters Local #2881, the labor organization that represents the Professional Firefighters of CAL FIRE in San Diego County. 

I will begin with information about my Fire Department and Labor background, as I believe in absolute transparency.  At 16 years old I began as a Fire Explorer with the San Pasqual Fire Department as well as the Ramona Fire Department.  I graduated High School in Ramona, went into the US Army and upon return became a firefighter with CAL FIRE in 1997.  I have worked in the counties of:  San Diego, Riverside, Santa Clara, Amador and El Dorado in my 20-year employment with CAL FIRE.  I have held the ranks for Volunteer Firefighter, Volunteer Fire Engine Operator, Volunteer Fire Captain, and with CAL FIRE I have worked as Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Engineer, Fire Captain and currently hold the rank of Battalion Chief working in South San Diego County.  I am married with children and reside in the City of San Diego.

Source:  La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Photo courtesy Sandra Small

March 14, 2019 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce held their second breakfast meeting of the year on Wednesday, March 6th. There was an overwhelming crowd that gathered to meet La Mesa’s newest elected Council Member, Dr. Akilah Weber. There were many new faces in the crowd, including new members that joined us on this special morning. Dr. Weber was elected to the La Mesa City Council in November 2018. Dr. Weber is a board-Certified obstetrician/gynecologist and the Director of the Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology Division at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. Dr. Weber shared her commitment to listening to members of the community and encouraged people to email her on any issue that they wish addressed. To reinforce that commitment, Dr. Weber shared that she is launching her “Community Chat with Your Councilmember” on Saturday, May 4th. She invited everyone to attend and be a part of the dialogue on any subject they wish. This first community chat will be held at Sylvan Learning, 8366 Parkway Drive in La Mesa at 7:00 a.m. Dr. Weber discussed items that have recently been on the Council agenda and took questions from the audience.

March 14, 2019 (San Diego's East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:

LOCAL

• Facing widespread criticism, Senator Hueso withdraws bill to rewrite state public records law (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• CPB: Two young girls dropped over border fence as distraction (10 News)
• George Bailey, whose political career spanned 35 years, dies at 100 (San Diego Union Tribune)
• Verizon customers experience problems with 911 Calls (KUSI)
• Source: Leaked Documents Show the U.S. Government Tracking Journalists and Immigration Advocates Through a Secret Database (NBC 7)
• Bad behavior reported at Southern California wildflower super bloom (10 News)
• Local agencies respond faster than federal agencies to request for public records (San Diego Union-Tribune)
• Morning report:  Travel ban splits a San Diego family ( Voice of San Diego)
• University of San Diego raises tuition above $50,000 for the first time (SDUT)
• The Learning Curve: Schools With Cops But No Counselors (Voice of San Diego)
• Fault Lines Emerge in Push to Connect Airport to Trolley (Voice of San Diego)

STATE

• California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces moratorium on death penalty, calls decision 'personal' (ABC)
• Sick marine mammals turning up on California beaches in droves (Los Angeles Times)
• How we mapped more than 100 years of wildfire history (Open News)
• California agencies dispute Colorado River drought plan (ABC News)

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

By Sandi Masori

Reprinted with permission by San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association:

March 14, 2019 (San Diego) - A block from the intersection of College Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard, you’ll find a charming Lebanese restaurant nestled between a smoke shop and a Japanese restaurant. Alforon is what the Middle East should be if we could set aside politics and just enjoy good food and good people. Inside the restaurant were a diverse group of people ranging from Muslims in their hijabs, to Jews, to Anglo-Americans. The owner/ hostess/ waitress Sami seemed to know everyone by name.  She would pull up a chair in order to tell them what they wanted to order. Yes, you read that right, she was not shy about making (great) recommendations. It seemed to me that many of the customers had been there before and had brought a friend new to the restaurant with them. Such was the case for me, but in my case it was my dad who brought me.