March 9, 2011 (El Cajon)--The 2011 season of the Cajon Classic Cruise has added additional shows, theme nights and will start a month earlier than previously announced.

By Miriam Raftery

February 24, 2011 (El Cajon) –Should El Cajon renew its Community Development Corporation (CDC) and Planned Business Improvement District (PBID)? Downtown merchants will be asked that question starting in mid-March, when a petition for renewal will be circulated to bring the issue up for a vote.
 

But a Blue Ribbon Commission chaired by developer Daryl Priest issued a report January 31st calling for the CDC/PBID to be suspected because of “ineffective management” by the CDC. The CDC in turn has issued a point-by-point rebuttal while mobilizing community support.

Deputy reportedly sought to protect woman he was dating from assault by ex-boyfriend

February 7, 2011 (Lakeside)—An argument over alleged reckless driving with a child ended with the death of a man, 33, last night around 8 p.m.

According to Lt. Dennis J. Brugos with the San Diego Sheriff’s homicide detail, following a visit the man returned the child to the mother’s home in unincorporated El Cajon. The mother, 28, came outside and confronted the man, her ex-boyfriend, over his  driving. 

February 5, 2011 (El Cajon) – The san Diego Medical Examiner’s office has identified Jason Patrick Kelsey, 35, as the motorcyclist who died January 31st in an accident in the 1000 block of Broadway in El Cajon. According to El Cajon Police, Kelsey collided with a Honda Accord that was in the westbound lane and crossed into his path at 6:38 p.m.

February 4, 2011 (El Cajon) --Want to upgrade your commercial storefront or interior in Downtown El Cajon? Want to open a new retail or restaurant business in Downtown?
 

February 1, 2011 (El Cajon ) – A 35-year-old motorcyclist has died of injuries sustained in a collision with a car that occurred at 6:30 p.m. last night. Witnesses told El Cajon Police that the driver of a 1987 Suzuki Motorcycle was traveling eastbound in the 1100 block of Broadway when a 1997 Honda Accord made a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcyclist.

Plan is opposed by cities, labor, development interests, and affordable housing advocates

By Miriam Raftery

January 27, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Governor Jerry Brown has proposed to eliminate redevelopment agencies (RDAs), a move he predicts would save the cash-strapped state $1.7 billion in the next fiscal year. The Governor’s plan would take away funds for improving blighted areas and instead divert those dollars to school districts, counties, and state coffers. But the plan is being met with strenuous opposition from cities and redevelopment entities around the state—including here in East County.

January 26, 2011 (El Cajon)--The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present “Inside the Actor’s Process: Improvisation,” a performance of student actors using improvisational skills, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4 and 5, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5.

Through presentations of scenes and monologues, the show will demonstrate how student actors can develop such improvisational skills as timing, team work and listening.

January 24, 2011 (El Cajon) -- East County's newest gallery, Main Street 5 Gallery at 124 East Main Street in El Cajon, will host a grand opening event on Friday, February 4th from 5-10 p.m.  The opening will feature photographic arts by Esther Beish.  

Egyptian proprietor also serves up coffee, snacks, and free classes to help Arabic-speaking residents

By Miriam Raftery
 

January 17, 2011 (El Cajon) --

On Saturday, throngs of well-wishers  stopped by on Saturday to bid welcome (ahlan wa sahaln, أهلا وسهلا) to Zohny Hanna at his new business, Serenity House in downtown El Cajon. The store/coffee shop offers Christian books, art, and music in Arabic. Located on Main Street just east of Magnolia, Serenity House also offers free classes in English and community orientations for East County’s growing population of Arabic-speaking immigrants, asylees, and refugees.

“This is my land now. America is my new home,” says Hanna, who came here on a tourist vista back in 1997 with his wife and children, then received asylum status due to persecution of Coptic Christians in his native Egypt.

New ECCDC report highlights accomplishments, but results are apparent in a stroll down Main Street

By Miriam Raftery
 

January 12, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) -- Friends of the Water Conservation Garden, a new organization of community volunteers, is now governing and operating the Water Conservation Garden.

ECM News Service

January 10, 2011 (El Cajon) – Jodi Lynne Boyd, 35, is in custody after attempting to steal narcotic pain medication from the CVS Pharmacy at 2760 Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon. According to El Cajon Police, the suspect simulated a handgun and demanded oxycontin at the pharmacy counter. But the attempted robbery was foiled by the actions of two store employees.

January 4, 2010 (El Cajon)  At 10:39 last night, El Cajon Police received a 911 call regarding a person down in the roadway at 500 Broadway. Responding officers found that the victim had been struck by a vehicle while crossing the street. He had major injuries to his leg and head.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene after striking the victim. The suspect vehicle most likely has moderate to major front end damage.

December 30, 2010 (El Cajon)—An El Cajon man turned himself into the El Cajon Police Department around 11:30 a.m. today, stating that he was the driver of a hit and run vehicle. According to El Cajon Police Detective Tim Roberts, the driver is John Senati, 46, of El Cajon.

The collision occurred Monday evening in the 500 block of North Mollison Avenue when a vehicle struck and  injured a pedestrian who was crossing the roadway. The pedestrian remains hospitalized in critical condition.