By Greg Dunne

November 2, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has extended today’s red flag alert through this evening as hot, gusty winds continue through much of East County.

A fire burning in Mexico is putting up smoke visible in the southeast portion of the County.

November 1, 2011 (Sacremento) -- Assemblymember Marty Block has announced Hire a Hero - Hire a Vet, a job fair that focuses on presenting job opportunities for service members returning from war. Block especially wants to let everyone know about the job fair so they can let the vets themselves,  or someone they know about it.

The fair is focused on connecting Veterans, National Guard, and Reservists returning from active duty to companies currently hiring. The event is free and open to the public. Members of Block's staff will be available at the event to answer any state-related questions or concerns. 

November 1, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a red flag alert from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2 for San Diego’s mountain areas.

Warm temperatures, high winds and low humidity will create “explosive fire growth potential,” the NWS warns.

Moderate to strong Santa Ana winds of 40-50 mph are forecast, with gusts up to 60 mph in some areas. 

November 1, 2011 (San Diego) - Sempra Generation has received the 2011 Solar Energy Industries Association Solar Champion Award (SEIA) in the Project Developer category.

Alpine residents lodge new complaints; Lakeside residents plan community meeting Wed. Nov. 2 over noise concerns

By Miriam Raftery

November 1, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Last week, the County revoked a variance granted to SDG&E for helicopter work along Sunrise Powerlink on Sundays in areas where residents had complained. So on Sunday, October 30, residents were looking forward to some much-anticipated peace and quiet –only to find the silence broken once again by the loud roar of helicopters.
 

At least some of the flights appear to be violating the County’s ban on Sunday flights, according to LeAnn Carmichael with the County Department of Planning and Land Use.

San Diego’s East County is home to the largest population of Iraq War refugees in the U.S. and the second largest Iraqi immigrant population the nation. In a special assignment for East County Magazine, Nabil Taha interviewed local Iraqis and also translated Iraqi TV reports to learn Iraqis’ views on withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

By Nabil Taha

"At Home” is a new series highlighting creative homes and lifestyles in San Diego East County communities.

By

Miriam Raftery

“Straw bale building is like a barn raising—a wonderful, friendly activity that reaches out and brings people together.” – Kim Hamilton

October 30, 2011 (Deerhorn Valley) – Four years after the Harris Fire burned down their barn, Kim Hamilton and Rob Deason celebrate completion of a new art and music studio made with straw-bale construction and hands-on help from friends, family and neighbors.  Since the community also lost its former gathering place at a local fire station, the new studio doubles as a meeting room for the Deerhorn Valley Community Association.

The new structure is both fire resistant and green--built of natural, sustainable materials with insulating qualities ideal for the climate extremes found in this rural community.   

October 31, 2011 (La Mesa) -- La  Mesa’s November free family fun events begin November 5 with a tennis play day featuring an introduction to the new 10-and-under tennis program and concludes with a stargazing program on November 18.

October 29, 2011 (El Cajon) – A crash on September 30 at Chase Ave. and Jamacha Rd. in Rancho San Diego has left two men battling major injuries. Josh Zelt remains hospitalized in very serious condition, while Heath Holley was recently released and is beginning his recovery from home, according to the San Diego Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).
 

October 30, 2011 (Lemon Grove) – The San Diego Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is investigating the death of a taxi driver found with a gunshot wound following a rollover collision at 3:48 a.m. The crash occurred at 3445 Main Street in Lemon Grove.

A Time Of Reflection About The Meaning Of Life And The Mission That One Needs To Fulfill 
                                                                                     
By Millicent Arko

October 29, 2011 (Borrego Springs) -- The Borrego Art Institute and the Borrego schools are planning a major celebration of the Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead this year. The celebration will be at the Art Institute Gallery, in the Mall, on Wednesday, November 2, 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., 587 Palm Canyon Dr # 105, Borrego Springs, CA. There will be music, dancing, and food -- a real family celebration. The two-day event features multiple activities, performances, and opportunities for the community to celebrate and learn about this cultural tradition.