September 15, 2012 (Lakeside)—A power outage that occurred at 5:49 p.m. has left 2,605 customers without power in the Lakeside region.  SDG&E indicates a problem in the overhead electrical system is the suspected cause. 

Portions of the following communities are affected:   Blossom Valley, El Monte, Glenview, San Vicente, Foster, Moreno, Winter Gardens, Lakeside, Bostonia. Power restoration is expected by 7:49 p.m.

August 30, 2012 (Lakeside) -- Authorities have recovered the body of Milt Eisen, 41, who drowned August 26 in the El Capitan Reservoir. 

Eisen, manager of the El Cajon Kia dealership, reportedly jumped from a boat into El Capitan reservoir to cool off but was unable to make his way back to the boat. Divers searched the 197-foot-deep for multiple days in conjunction with several agencies.

Photos and Video by Billy Ortiz

July 12, 2012 (Lakeside) – A brush fire briefly threatened homes at I-8 and Los Coches Road near in Lakeside early this afternoon.  Thanks to a full wildland fire response, the blaze was extinguished in about 20 minutes. 

"As I traveled up Los Coches Road, I spotted flames and smoke near a housing track. I called 911 and they dispatched fire crews.  Within 5 minutes  fire engine crews were on the scene," said ECM photographer Billy Ortiz, who shot this dramatic video as firefighters battled the blaze and concerned residents looked on.

In honor of Harold Hilliker Farm Day at Lakeside Middle School, videographer Billy Ortiz created a video documentary tour of local agricultural sites

Story, photos and video by Billy Ortiz

June 30, 2012 (Lakeside)-- Lakeside Middle School held  its first annual Harold Hilliker Farm Day on May 30.  It  was a day full of information on agriculture, highlighting several Lakeside farms for the 6th and 7th graders. 

View a special video tour of local farms in Lakeside created for the Lakeside Historical Society by clicking  this link.

In addition, view a presentation at Lakeside Middle School by freelance videographer Billy Ortiz here.   

Update June 10, 2012 6 p.m. - The Horse fire has been stopped at 12 acres, Lakeside Fire Chief Andy Parr told ECM.  Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters were used to battle the blaze under a unified command with Cal-Fire. No homes were lost, Chief Parr confirmed.

May 11, 2012 (Lakeside) -- Lakeside’s River park Conservancy is presenting a free guided Mother’s Day hike on May 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  River Park biologist, Monica Winters, will lead a five mile loop of the San Diego Riverbed in East County.

Winters will point out plants, birds and insects along the way.  All mothers will receive a beautiful native plant to take home.

 Update 2:05 p.m. - The suspect is identified as Kenny Lee Walker, 45. 

"Deputies have the place surrounded and under containment. We're still trying to convince him to come out," Detective Tom Poulin told ECM. However the suspect has made threats to harm himself and officers. He says he's going to shoot it out with deputies and then shoot himself," said Poulin, who added that the suspect was wanted for slashing his wife's tires and is believed to be armed with a handgun.  

Update 10:50 a.m.  -- Lindo Lake Elementary and El Capitan High schools are on lockdown as a precaution, ECM news partner 10 News now reports.

May 7, 2012 (Lakeside) 10:40 a.m. – A suspect who wanted on a domestic violence charge has barricaded himself into a residence on Lakeshore Drive in Lakeside.  The suspect is believed to be armed. 

“They’re going to call a SWAT team out,” Detective Tom Poulin with the Sheriff’s substation in Santee told EC, while en route to the situation.  The suspect has been wanted for “a couple of days,” he added.

By Billy Ortiz

March 9, 2012 (Lakeside) – Most every day I like to drive down El Monte Rd in Lakeside. It reminds me of how it used to be in the old days with wide open fields, some farming and the best part is all the wildlife in the area--golden eagles, hawks and falcons, wild turkeys, deer and every once in a while a mountain lion or a bobcat.

 
February 15, 2012 (Lakeside) –A manhunt is on for a hit-and-run driver following a collision at 7:56 p.m. at Highway 67 and Riverford Road involving a white car and a Toyota pickup. According to the CHP website, the suspect fled on foot and a search is on in the vicinity of Woodside Avenue.

 Update January 31, 2012 - The Medical Examiner has identified the victim as Gordon Woodard, 41, of Santee.

January 20, 2012 (January 20, 2012 ) Lakeside –A memorial service will be held January 27 for Ryan Carter, the 12-year-old Lakeside boy stabbed to death by a playmate, age 10.