January 20, 2010 (San Diego County) 9:10 p.m. – Shortly after we issued an earlier alert about hazardous traffic conditions, CHP posted updates of several new hazards.

EAST COUNTY UPDATE:

Boulders are reported in the roadway at the junction of Sunrise Highway and Interstate 8. There are also large rocks in the roadway on Highway 78 near Sentenac Canyon in El Cajon, where a vehicle has struck the rocks and emergency responders are en route. I-15 northbound is flooded at the SR 75 offramp. The Carmel Mt. Road onramp to I-15 northbound is also flooded and now blocked. In Borrego Springs, boulders are in the road at SR 78 and Borrego Springs Road. In Santee, Gorge Road is flooded in the 9200 block after a flood channel overflowed.
 

OTHER SAN DIEGO COUNTY AREAS:

by Walter Hall

January 16, 2010 (El Cajon) - Sunbelt Publications, El Cajon’s award-winning regional press, observes 25 years of hard-won success in the book trade this month. The anniversary is a remarkable achievement by a singular couple – Diana and Lowell Lindsay – who have the mischievous look of people who know they’re onto something special. 

January 15, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon continues to work on a master plan for the Civic Center area that will include renovations which could close the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) for up to two years.  As part of the design and review process, the City has sought public input through two forums.  The last of those will be held Thursday evening, January 21, 2010 from 7-8 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas Avenue in El Cajon.

January 4, 2009 (El Cajon) – Interstate 8 will be closed in both directions between Second and East Main streets in El Cajon, Monday through Thursday early mornings from 12:30 until 4, according to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The closures will allow crews to demolish the pedestrian overcrossing at Grape Street.

January 4, 2009 (El Cajon) – Just before 9:00 a.m. this morning, Heartland Deputy Fire Chief Rick Sitta was first on scene of a collision between a Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus and a small car at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Van Houten Avenue in El Cajon.

As Heartland Fire & Rescue crews from El Cajon responded, Chief Sitta broke open a side rear window to gain access to the driver, who was found not breathing, and initiated emergency aid.

December 27, 2009 (El Cajon) – A vehicle struck a pedestrian on Greenfield Drive near Camillo Way in El Cajon around 5:40 this evening, California Highway Patrol reports. The victim, a 21-year-old man, was thrown 100 feet, Incident Protection Network reported at 6 p.m.

Citizens express ire over arts mismanagement

by Gayle Early

“That theater has been referred to as the white elephant sitting in the middle of El Cajon. It ought to be the jewel of that city, the community place to pull people in together.”—Patricia Parlin

 “I don’t have a lot of faith in them. I don’t think they’ll do the right thing.”—John Martes

 December 17, 2009 (El Cajon)—Smack in the heart of El Cajon’s business promenade sits a soon-to-be darkened, empty theater.   On Tuesday, arts lovers and concerned citizens showed up to the first community forum over the summary closure and renovation plans for the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC).  After millions in local infrastructure improvements, the City is anxiously casting for ways to entice people to its downtown.

December 15, 2009 (San Diego's East County)-- In  East County's mountains, Santa got some help to airlift in toys just in time for Christmas.

By Penny Raftery

Photos by Miriam Raftery and Leon Thompson

December 5, 2009 (El Cajon) – It was a frisky romp through Wells Park this morning, where I joined a pack of other dogs and their owners in the first-ever “Jingle Paws!” walk to benefit El Cajon’s Animal Shelter. Much to my delight, I discovered even more entertaining activities—such as a canine agility course, bobbing for hotdogs, vendors selling every imaginable gift item any dog could want, and even a visit from Santa Paws…er, Claus.

December 4, 2009 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon has been working on a master plan for the Civic Center area that will include major renovations to the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) including closure of the theater for up to two years. The City iwill be hosting two community forums to share goals of the renovation and to receive community input on desired renovations to the theater.

December 1, 2009 (El Cajon) --When visiting the East County Regional Center and Superior Court House, downtown businesses ask for your support in parking in the appropriate designated parking areas as shown on the map link below.The City asks for public cooperation during construction of the new Public Safety Center. 

November 23, 2009 (El Cajon) – The County Coroner's office has identified Cydil Deann Kohlmeyer, 35, as the young mother who died from injuries sustained when she was hit by a Dodge pickup truck.  Kohlmeyer was walking along Pepper Drive  in El Cajon November 21 at 11:20 a.m. when she was struck by an allegedly drunk driver who fled the scene but was later found by authorities.  The driver, Deborah Felix, 51, was hospitalized and will face multiple charges.

November 14, 2009 (El Cajon) – Originally slated for demolition, the newly renovated San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s El Cajon Transit Center was reopened Wednesday.

Grossmont-Cuyamaca College Chancellor is Guest Speaker

November 10, 2009 (El Cajon, CA) . . . Friends of East County Arts, Inc., celebrating their 25th year of supporting the arts in East County, will present its Annual Holiday Tea at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, Thursday December 3rd from 1pm to 3pm. 

..."There is no disagreement over the present lack of qualified theatrical management at ECPAC. If the City of El Cajon were to seriously consider hiring a good management group with a sound reputation, there would be no difficulty in obtaining talent to attract patrons."

By Ron Shelby, President
Grossmont Community Concert Association

November 1, 2009 (El Cajon) -- On Saturday, October 31, 2009, an article appeared in the San Diego Union-Tribune’s East County section entitled: “The Show Need Not Go On.” While there is some validity to this article, it has overlooked some very important issues.