By Miriam Raftery

September 11, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – The Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce hosting a ribbon-cutting today for its newest member, Vienna Flowers.

September 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore has released a sketch of a man suspected of assaulting and trying to kidnap a 19-year-old woman on Saturday at 5 p.m. The teen was jogging near Quail Canyon Road and Palomino Ridge in the Blossom Valley community.

August 26, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Citing concerns over a recent audit report, the El Cajon City Council voted 4-1 to extend funding for the El Cajon Community Development Corporation for six months instead of the full year. While the Mayor expressed confidence that a new director has agreed to correct problems identified in the audit, some Councilmembers warned that the City could exercise the City’s 30-day right to terminate the ECCDC’s contract if their concerns are not adequately addressed.

By Buck Shott

August 19, 2010 (San Diego's East County) – The races are on for mayor and council positions in East Couny. Two local mayors’ seats are up for reelection in November. Both face challengers vying for the leadership spots in El Cajon and La Mesa. In addition, a pack of contenders is vying to run for council seats in East County’s cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Santee. Here's the lineup: 

By Miriam Raftery

August 13, 2010 (El Cajon) – The Center for Social Advocacy in El Cajon has been awarded the Organizational Leadership Award from the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Socioeconomic Status. The award recognizes CSA’s dedication and leadership on behalf of poverty and socioeconomic issues.

Update 11:30 a.m.  The gas line has been repaired and all roads are now open.
August 5, 2010 (El Cajon) – Road closures and evacuations are being ordered in El Cajon due to a damaged gas line at 613 Mundy Terrace.

By Miriam Raftery

July 31, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – San Diego Sheriff deputies along with U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials conducted sweeps of homeless camps in wooded areas of Rancho San Diego in the grey light of early morning.

East County Magazine accompanied officers on the first sweep, behind Savanna Grill. More sweeps were held near Cuyamaca College, the YMCA, Target, and the old Steele Canyon bridge off Highway 94. No homeless people were present or arrested, though many left behind trash and/or treasures that could not be toted away in a backpack or shopping cart. Makeshift tents, lean-tos and mattresses were found, along with more poignant items: a large stuffed monkey, a cracked mirror with ornate frame, a pushcart, cooking utensils, nail polish, and a chipped china pitcher.

All lay forgotten in the mud, symbols of shattered lives and broken dreams.

July 21, 2010 (El Cajon) – A cracked storm drain has undermined the roadway on Fanita Drive, causing a sink hole measuring four feet wide and 20 inches deep. Fanita remains closed in both directions between Valley Lake Drive and Gibbons Street for repairs begun yesterday.

SAN DIEGO, CA July 23, 2010 Meet author Gary Winters, of The Deer Dancer, Friday evening as he gives a presentation and signing for his powerful novel, The Deer Dancer, at Borders Books and Music in El Cajon. The author will speak briefly about the process of writing this novel, read from his book, and take questions. This is part of an ongoing commitment between the El Cajon Borders and local publisher, Sunbelt Books, to provide East County with local author readings to encourage literacy and a sense of community.

July 5, 2010 (El Cajon) – On Friday, July 9th, fans of art, music, wine and classic cars will be prowling the streets of downtown El Cajon for the 5th annual Alley Cat Summer Fest. The event, which many consider to be the “cat’s meow,” is presented by St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center to benefit Sophie’s Art Gallery, creating opportunities for artists with developmental disabilities.

June 21, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) - This month's "4th Friday" sun-up breakfast sponsored by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce will feature leaders of local law enforcement agencies and fire officials offering tips on safety and crime prevention for businesses and residents. 

Story by Miriam Raftery

Photos and video by Khari Johnson

June 15, 2010 (El Cajon) – History came alive at the eighth annual Western Heritage Days June 5-6 in El Cajon, where Buffalo soldiers, ladies with parasols and Laguna Mountain men roamed the streets.

Entertainment also included Native American dancers, musical acts such as Tom Hiatt and the Sundown Riders, shoot-out reenactments and much more. View video highlights.

June 14, 2010 (El Cajon) -- Cindi Fargo has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the El Cajon Community Development Corporation, CDC Board of Directors Chairman John McTighe announced.  Fargo was selected from over 60 candidates in a nationwide search that was launched after long-time President/CEO Claire Carpenter announced her departure in December of last year.

June 12, 2010 (El Cajon)--The public is invited to participate in a monthly Saturday morning neighborhood clean up day.  The next "Lend a Hand" event is Saturday, June 26 from 9:00 to11:00am at East Camden and Lincoln Avenues in downtown El Cajon. Volunteers and residents will come together to remove trash and identify graffiti to promote a clean and safe community.