July 20, 2011 (El Cajon)-- Mother Earth Alternative Health Cooperative, Inc., is attracting a steady stream of customers three weeks after opening its doors in an unincorporated area of El Cajon near Gillespie Field.

Some might say it’s high time. California voters approved medical marijuana with a ballot initiative back in 1996, but San Diego Supervisors filed suit to block implementation.

By Miriam Raftery

July 18, 2011 (El Cajon) – A fire that began around 1:35 on a hill above the 2600 block of Windmill View Road in Fletcher Hills briefly threatened several homes this afternoon.

Heartland Fire & Rescue credits quick action by about 30 firefighters, along with "the fact this hillside was recently cleared of heavy brush by hired workers and goats, creating a defensible space" with limiting the fire to only half an acre. No structures were burned and there were no injuries.  

July 14, 2011 (El Cajon)—A 75-year-old woman hit the gas pedal instead of the brake while turning into a parking space at the Villa Embasadora Inn, a motel at 1556 East Main Street in El Cajon, early this afternoon. 

Her vehicle sped forward, striking a housekeeper, 67, who was pinned against a wall.

 
June 28, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Communities across San Diego's inland regions will host a variety of events celebrating Independence Day on Monday, July 4th including festivals, parades, picnics, an ice cream social, Western-themed events, and of course, fireworks. 
 
 
Below are highlights of celebrations planned in numerous East County and inland San Diego areas:

June 25, 2011 (El Cajon) --Whether you're looking for swim lessons, youth sports, instructional classes or an exciting summer camp, El Cajon Recreation has it all! Log onto the website at www.elcajonrec.org to secure a spot for your child. Forgot your password? Just click on the "eRecreation" icon then "Forgot My Password".

Late Registration began June 6 which means registrations are accepted online, by mail or by walking into one of our Recreation centers during operation hours. For more information on instructional programs and general registration questions, call (619) 441-1516. For information on aquatics, call (619) 441-1672; and for information on youth sports, call (619) 441-1678. Our professional and dedicated Recreation Department staff will be happy to assist you. 

June 15, 2011 (El Cajon) -- Art lovers are invited to stroll through "6 Galleries-1 Evening" in a "Downtown Gallery Walk" on June 17 from 5-8 p.m.  All six galleries are now located within a half-block in the heart of downtown El Cajon.  In addition to savoring art by local artists, visitors can also sip champagne and wine, enjoy hors d'oeuvre's and a passport full of prizes--followed by a free concert in the park.

Participating galleries include:

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by EJ Helzer

June 6, 2011 (El Cajon) – David Douglas Wittmer, 31, surrendered to an El Cajon Police Department SWAT team last night at 997 Avocado. Police received a 911 call at 4:05 p.m. from a caller who said Wittmer owned a gun and had threatened to kill him, according to LieutenantTim Herndon.

June 5, 2011 (El Cajon) – Thirty oil and acrylic paintings featuring wildlife from Africa, North America and Asia are on exhibit in a solo show by artist Gloria Chadwick during  June at the El Cajon Library.  Located at 201 East Douglas in El Cajon, the library is open seven days a week.

The artist has traveled to Africa and many national wildlife reserves to obtain painting resource material for her vivid and compelling works.

16th annual air show commemorates historic Battle of Midway

June 3, 2011 (El Cajon) — The 16th Annual Wings Over Gillespie air show will feature the howl of airplane engines such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-25 Mitchell bombers, Northrop N9M Flying Wing, F4F Wildcat, the TBF Avenger, the A6M Zero, the SBD Dauntless, and many more “flying museums.” Also on hand will be USN/USMC helicopters and other displays, Navy SEALs,  military and law enforcement vehicles and equipment, and much more.

The air show performance days will be June 4–5,  with gates open from to 9 am to 4 pm, at Gillespie Field ,1960 Joe Crosson Road in El Cajon.

June 3, 2011 (El Cajon) --The concerts on the Prescott Promenade, located at 201 E. Main Street will be offered on Fridays through September 30th from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Enjoy great music with no admission charge! Concerts are presented by the El Cajon Community Development Corporation and the downtown business district, and sponsored by Sycuan Casino and Taylor Guitars. 

 May 18, 2011 (El Cajon) -- Captain Sam Diego and all of his crew are busy preparing for the Cajon Valley Jamboree of 2001 to be held at  the Holy Trinity School Campus 405 Ballard Street, El Cajon from May 20 through May 22, 2011.
 

This year's theme, "Your Passport To Travel and Fun," is rallying the community together for plenty of fun right here in the heart of El Cajon. The Cajon Valley Jamboree is just as committed now as it was in 1948 in bringing the City of El Cajon and fostering communities spirit.

Click on Captain Sam Diego name to view his video preview of this event. 

May 7, 2011 (El Cajon) -- San Diego Sheriff's deputies received a 911 call from a victim of a carjacking around 5:30 last night. The driver had stopped at a stop sign while traveling north on Vista Grande Road in El Cajon, where a man with no shirt, covered in tattoos, asked for a ride to get gas. The victim refused and tried to accelerate away, Sergeant William Hout reports.

The suspect jumped in the vehicle through the open convertible top and placed the victim in a headlock, ordering the driver to stop and surrender his vehicle.

May 4, 2011 (El Cajon) - El Cajon Police officers responded to reports of gunshots at a residence on Lorna Street early Monday morning, just after 3:00 a.m. When they arrived, officers discovered a male victim who had suffered multiple injuries.