Update 8:15 p.m.  CHP reports at 8:11 p.m. this will be a "long" closure.  Body was found behind a dumpster at 12102 Wildcat Canyon Road, according to the Sgt. Roy Chase. Anyone with information is asked to call 858 565-5200.

April 1, 2011 (Lakeside) – Muth Valley Road is closed down at Wildcat Canyon Road due to a homicide investigation. According to Lt. Walker at the San Diego Sheriff, “a passerby or a resident found a body and called deputies.”  A source close to the scene indicates the body is male and that there was bruising on the torso.

After deputies were dispatched to the scene, they requested the homicide unit said Walker, who had no further details. As of 5:55 p.m., he said it’s likely the road will remain closed for several hours.

By Billy Ortiz
 

April 1, 2011 (Lakeside) – Back on December 27, ECM reported on my fall during a rockslide on El Capitan Mountain in Lakeside, when a 500-pound boulder dislodged and rolled over my leg. Thankfully I’ve recovered.

What hasn’t been reported until now, however, is the amazing discovery that resulted. I recently returned and found a hidden tunnel revealed behind that boulder, leading deep within the mountain. Inside, I discovered a vast underground lake. Even more astoundingly, after exploring it via kayak, I found the ruins of an entire lost civilization!

March 17, 2011 (Lakeside)--Helix Water District is beginning the environmental review process for the El Monte Valley Mining, Reclamation, and Groundwater Recharge Project (El Monte Valley Project). A second public scoping meeting for the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment seeks input on what will be studied.
 

The second scoping meeting will be held in Lakeside, Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the Lakeside Christian Church, 13739 El Monte Road, Lakeside, CA 92040.

March 10, 2011 (Lakeside) --After a courageous battle with cancer complicated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Richard “Rick” Allen Smith, 67, passed away peacefully at his home in Lakeside on February 18th.  He held leadership positions on Lakeside's fire and planning boards, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations. 

“His dedication to the community of Lakeside will have a lasting affect for many years to come and his experience and wisdom will be sorely missed by all who knew him," said his daughter-in-law, Michelle Dimsey. "He maintained his trademark sense of humor and “can do attitude” all the way to the end.”

Community Event Offers Food, Games, Music and Family Fun

February 25, 2011 (Lakeside) – An unidentified man around 25-35 years old was found dead beneath a large wood pallet at 10303 Channel Road in Lakeside at 8:30 p.m. last night. His body was found by apparent transients at a drilling site, the San Diego Medical Examiner’s office reports.

 

February 21, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Two serious accidents have occurred tonight in East County. Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside is closed down due to a fatality accident at Mile Marker 1, as of 9:45 p.m. reported by Incident Page Network. In Ramona, power lines are reported down in the road and sparking on Vista Ramona Road at Timber Passage, according to the CHP website at 10:49 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

February 5, 2011 (Lakeside) – Robert Goodwin, 77, died of multiple blunt force injuries on January 29th and his death has been determined to be a homicide by the San Diego Medical Examiner. His son, Charles Goodwin, 28, pled not guilty to a murder charge and is being held on $2.5 million bail.

By Betty McMillen

January 26, 2011 (Lakeside)--Recently the Cub Scout pack #3 from Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Catholic School donated 20 bird nesting boxes to the Lakeside River Park Conservancy. The boys had built the boxes at their meetings with the help of their dads. While they were building , the scouts also learned about conservancy and animal habitat.

January 1, 2011 (Lakeside) -- Trever Richardson took this awe-inspiring shot of sunshine on the horizon, viewed from a hiking trail at Louis Seltzer Park in Lakeside. 

Send your best photos to editor@eastcountymagazine.org!

December 27, 2010 (Lakeside) - It's rare to view a helicopter hoist rescue from the victim's point of view.  East County Magazine videographer Billy Ortiz has posted a dramatic video shot by his hiking companion, Pam Wilmers,  chronicling his rescue off El Capitan Mountain following a rockslide yesterday.

Video by Dennis and Trever Richardson shot December 20, 2010

Update 6:30 p.m.   Approximately one-third of students stayed home today as a result of a rumored school shooting.  According to posts by parents and students at Facebook and 10 News, some authorities were aware of the potential threats on Friday.  Some parents have questioned why the District did not notify parents on Friday, why a parent meeting has not been called, and whether adequate steps have been taken to protect student safety.

December 13, 2010 (Lakeside) – A parent of two teens at El Capitan High School notified East County Magazine late last night that there is a “major rumor running that there is going to be a shooting tomorrow at the school.” The source said the shooting was rumored to be planned in retaliation for the death of former El Capitan student Christopher Carioscia, whose body was found at Barona last week following discovery of his burned car. The parent said Carioscia also went by the name Chris Younghusband. Law enforcement officials have previously stated that Carioscia had a history of drug problems.

Detective Jason Rouse at the Santee Sheriff’s substation confirmed, “We have received reports from several parents. At this point we have not been able to identify a source other than there’s lots of kids on Facebook saying they’ve heard about this.”

By Billy Ortiz

View our video adventure on Lakeside River Park, where an East County community has reclaimed a former sand mine site to create trails, habitat, and a place of beauty to enjoy the riverfront--and scroll down to learn more about this unique environment.

December 5, 2010 (Lakeside) --Growing up in Lakeside, California, the San Diego River has been a big part of my life. Although I’ve only experienced the full force of the river two times in the late 70’s and early 80’s, it has always fascinated me and captured my imagination.