Ruling today on smart meter opt-out for SDG&E customers sparks added interest among local ratepayers

By Miriam Raftery

October 11, 2011 (El Cajon) – SDG&E wants to hike utility rates by over 17% in the next four years.  Tomorrow, East County residents will have a chance to voice their views on the proposal at two hearings held by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The public meetings will be held at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. at the El Cajon City Council Chambers, 200 East Main Street in El Cajon. 

An East County Magazine poll of readers has found that thus far, 93% of the 275 who voted think the CPUC should deny SDG&E's rate hike request.  TAKE OUR POLL: Should the CPUC approve SDG&E's rate hike?

The rate hike is opposed by the CPUC’s own Division of Ratepayer Advocates (DRA), which conducted an audit that found SDG&E inflated its costs. The DRA recommended that SDG&E lower—not raise—its rates.   

By Miriam Raftery
Photos by Mayan Avitable

October 1, 2011 (El Cajon)—Dustin Beyer, 21, has been arrested for suspicion of being under the influence following a tragic accident at Chase Avenue and Jamacha Road in El Cajon at 4:35 p.m. yesterday.
 

September 18, 2011 (El Cajon)—The public is invited to view a wide variety of roses on display, along with plants and craft items for sale at the East County Rose Show. This free event will be held from 12-4 p.m. on October 1st at the Foothills Adult Center, 1550 Melody Lane in El Cajon. A rose show luncheon will be served at noon; luncheon reservations are required by Sept. 26.

September 25, 2011 (El Cajon) -- An elderly woman and her dog have been displaced from their home following an early morning fire.

September 18, 2011 (El Cajon) --The German American Societies of San Diego, Inc., hosts its traditional Oktoberfest on the first two weekends of October. Festivities will be held at the Societies’ headquarters at 1017 South Mollison Avenue in El Cajon.

September 10, 2011 (San Diego) – This week’s blackout reminded many San Diegans of the importance of being prepared before disaster strikes. On October 7, the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties will provide training on your rights to help during a major disaster such as a wildfire or earthquake.

September 4, 2011 (El Cajon)--To mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and Flight 93, Grossmont College will plant an olive tree of remembrance on the El Cajon campus.

The tree planting ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 at a lawn area adjacent to building #53.

August 25, 2011 (El Cajon) – Two armed robbery suspects were arrested last night in the 1300 block of Peach Avenue in El Cajon following a high-speed chase. A third suspect is still outstanding, according to San Diego Police. The three suspects, all African-American, robbed a couple in their apartment at 4041 Oakcrest Drive in San Diego’s mid-city and pistol-whipped one of the victims.

By Miriam Raftery

Annual Fundraising Event to Benefit East County Youth

August 22, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Stoney’s Kids is celebrating the 20th anniversary of a “Birthday Celebration and Fundraiser Like No Other.” You’re invited to join in supporting East County youth programs onr August 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on the lawn under the stars at Sycuan Resort.

This event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

August 18, 2011 (El Cajon)--The El Cajon Community Development Corporation (CDC) invites you to East County's Best of the West BBQ on Saturday, August 27 from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum 131 Rea Avenue in El Cajon.

August 11, 2011 (El Cajon) - Meet artist Daniel Ketelhut at the Main Street 5 Gallery in El Cajon on Friday, August 12 from 5-9 p.m.

“Daniel leads you on an imaginative journey through fantastic artscapes where expressive, surreal creatures lurk just outside the realm of the known,” says gallery owner Esther Beish.

August 5, 2011 (El Cajon ) – San Diego Police seek help to locate Natasha Martin, 13. She was last seen July 29 in the vicinity of Main Street and Anza Avenue in El Cajon. Natasha, who is African-American, has brown hair and blue eyes. She is 5 feet tall and weighs 130 pounds.

August 3, 2011 (El Cajon)--San Diego FBI Special Agent in Charge Keith Slotter announces the arrest of Cathy Rae Salmond, 30, as a result of the investigation into the robbery of the Bank of the West in El Cajon on Friday, July 22.

August 1, 2011 (El Cajon)--El Cajon resident Mike Shepard has been named programming/operations manager for BCA Radio San Diego properties, announced Tex Meyer, BCA Radio vice presisent and general maanger.  These include XPRS FM–The Walrus 105.7, XPRS AM-XX 1090 and XEPE-ESPN AM-1700.