East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

October 16,2023 (Tecate,CA) --  Cal Fire/San DIego County Fire crews and a water-dropping helicopter are at the scene of a vegation fire in Marron Valley, west of Tecate.  The fire has burned at least four acres on the U.S. side of the international border.

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch full video here

October 15, 2023 (El Cajon)-- A group of community members came to address the Cajon Valley School District at their monthly board meeting Tuesday due to policy changes on the agenda that would shift Superintendent  David Miyashiro’s evaluation to private session without the public in attendance, leaving the public unable to comment on or express criticism.

By Mike Allen

October 15, 2023 (Santee) -- For everything Santee, there’s an app for that.

Cell phone users or anyone with a digital device linked to the Internet can download the free application, called MySanteeCA, which allows users (with both Android and Apple versions) to access an array of things.  These include the city’s website, a permitting and licensing portal, a space to report city issues such as graffiti removal, and even the city’s own television channel, SanteeTV.

October 13, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Forward Club is aiming to get warm new, unused socks directly into the hands of the unhoused in Lemon Grove and the rest of East County. The Forward Club was able to collect over 1100 pairs of socks last year and they are hoping this year to reach over 1600 pairs.

East County News Service

October 13, 2023 (San Diego) -- San Diego County is launching the Blue Envelope Program starting October 16. The program is designed to promote inclusivity and provide an enhanced communication awareness tool between law enforcement and community members diagnosed with a condition or disability such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, dementia, anxiety, or other conditions that might require additional accommodations or awareness during a law enforcement interaction.

East County News Service

October 13, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Welcome Newcomer Network will host its 6^TH Multicultural Festival on November 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at EJE Academies, 851 S Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020. The event will include multicultural food, cultural dance, a show of traditional costumes, storytelling, games and raffle drawings. For this year, we anticipate over 1,000 attendees.

East County News Service

October 13, 2023 (El Cajon)-- The two finalists for the District 4 supervisorial seat will address issues of concern to East County residents at a public forum to be held Oct. 18 at Cuyamaca College. Monica Montgomery Steppe and Amy Reichert were the two top vote-getters in the primary election for the District 4 supervisor’s seat vacated by Nathan Fletcher. The general election is being held Nov. 7.

The candidate forum starts at 7 p.m., with a meet and greet session starting at 6:30 p.m.  The event will be held at the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center at Cuyamaca College, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon. Parking and admission are free.

The candidate forum will be moderated by the League of Women Voters of San Diego and conducted according to their guidelines. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions that could be selected for the candidates to answer. The forum will be video recorded and posted on the League’s YouTube channel for future viewing.

East County News Service

October 13, 2023 (Santee) - Cheers!  Santee hosts its Santee Brews and Bites Festival on Saturday, October 21  from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive.

By Miram Raftery

October 12, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – Following Hamas terror attacks and kidnappings in Israel, Hezbollah bombings in the north and the Israeli military response, the U.S. State Department has issue the following travel advisory:

Summary: Terrorist groups, lone-actor terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning. There has been a marked increase in demonstrations throughout Israel, some with little or no warning.

Some areas have increased risk. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Israel and the West Bank, and Gaza. 

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Do Not Travel To:

• Gaza due to terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict

Reconsider Travel To:

• Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest
• West Bank due to terrorism and civil unrest
  

By Miriam Raftery

October 12, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—Looking for a frightfully good time? You’ll find plenty of spooky special events, from a Haunted Forest at Banner Ranch to HauntFest on Main in El Cajon, as well as haunted train rides in Campo, a Pumpkin Bash and Spooky Campover at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine.

Plus an Autumn Jubilee and an Heirloom  Apple Festival continue in Julian,  while the Borrego Days Desert Festival takes place in Borrego Springs and Santee hosts its Brews and Bites Festival. Theatre aficionados can watch Randy Rainbow’s political comedy show at The Magnolia in El Cajon, or savor an  Old Globe For All experience in Lemon Grove. Plus tribute artist Robert Neary brings his "So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience" to the Magnolia in El Cajon.

Scroll down for details on all of these events and more.