November 24, 2011 (El Cajon) The public is invited to join the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce Business after hours Holiday Mixer at Crunch Fitness.  The event will be Thursday, December 1, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. The location is Crunch Fitness, 565 Fletcher Parkway, Suite 202, El Cajon CA, above Dick’s Sporting Goods, in the Parkway Plaza. The admission fee is Members $10; Non-members $15. 

Firefighter who saved kitten will adopt it, if owner not found

Story by Miriam Raftery

Photos by El Cajon Police Captain Jim Redman

 Local in-home care provider comes up with new
ways to save on prescription drugs for seniors and their pets.

 November 20, 2011 (El Cajon) -- Volunteers at the El Cajon Valley High School Parent, Teachers and Students Association are hosting a school supply drive on Tuesday, November 29 at 7am-9am and again at 6pm-8pm. Community members are asked to add ECVHS to your holiday shopping list.  Below is a sampling of items that classrooms need.

By Miriam Raftery

November 18, 2011 (El Cajon)--Investigators have determined that an early morning house fire in El Cajon was caused by arson, according to Heartland Fire and Rescue.

At 1:40 a.m., Heartland Fire & Rescue in El Cajon responded to reports of a structure fire and found a single story home at 1180 Naranca Avenue with heavy smoke and fire showing.

November 10, 2011 (El Cajon )—Plans to reopen the old Marshall Scotty’s go-kart track as Canyon Raceway have been stalled, co-owner Carrie Ludeke has informed ECM.

Approving a 90% sewer rate hike, killing a commission that helps the elderly, and pushing for broad powers under charter city status were just some of the controversial actions taken

By Karen Marie Otter

By Jonathan Goetz

October 27, 2011 (El Cajon)--The City of El Cajon may become another in a string of cities to remove itself from the safeguards of state law and give “supreme authority” in municipal affairs to the city council. The measure is touted as a cost-savings step. But in some areas, charter city status has led to abuse and even fleecing of taxpayers—notably in Bell, California.

October 14, 2011 (El Cajon )— Prominent artists, music, wine and beer tastings, food and a classic car show are all part of this year’s Alley Cat Art Fest tonight--Friday, Oct. 14 from 5-10 p.m. in downtown El Cajon.
 

Originally focused on building a vital art district in the downtown El Cajon community, Alley Cat Art Fest has expanded to promote an event for art lovers and community members alike.

October 13, 2011 (El Cajon)—A woman was struck by a pickup truck and killed in the 600 block of East Washington this evening at 7:50 p.m. According to El Cajon Police, she was wearing dark clothes while crossing the street with a companion. The victim is believed to be a Middle Eastern woman in her 40’s, according to Lt. Frank La Haye.

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.