April 1, 2014—East County Magazine has the exclusive scoop on astounding major stories breaking today.

• Wind turbines to be torn down, replaced with Ocotillo Oasis
• Snails invade La Mesa
• Kumeyaay Charter High to rise in Alpine

Is truth stranger than fiction? You decide. Be sure to click this link and SCROLL DOWN to view these stories in our extra-special April 1st edition. (Trust us, you won't want to miss this news!)  Then click "read more" to open each story and get the full scoop.

By Otto B. Happenin

April 1,2014 (Ocotillo) – A federal judge has ordered the Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility to be decommissioned, finding that the project has failed to produce even half of the power promised by its developer, who pocketed huge federal subsidies.  Much to the delight of environmentalists, tribes, and the long-suffering people of Ocotillo, Judge Roland Rock declared, “This is a wind project without wind, plus it's been an ecological nightmare. It’s time to tear it down.  Let’s roll!”

He further ordered Pattern Energy to fund reparations for removing turbines, restoring natural desert habitat and creating enhanced recreational  opportunities for Ocotillo residents. This will include the  Ocotillo Wind River Oasis, a water slide park constructed out of recycled wind turbines. The oasis will also include a golf course, poolside bar, wildlife preserve and live simulcasts of off-road racing events at a new off-site race track.  Hot air balloon rides, wafting on the very gentlest of breezes here, will provide tourists with birds-eye views of desert wildlife. (Click read more below for full story)

By Jack Pott

April 1, 2014 (Alpine) –Alpine parents have finally found a way to build the long-promised high school. 

“The odds of counting on the Grossmont Union High School District were just unwinnable,” said Sal Casamassimo, Chair, Alpine High School Citizens Committee.  “We twice voted for bond measures to build the school, and both times they spent all the money on other projects not even listed in the bond.”

Parents got signatures to divorce from the district and unify with the Alpine Union School District.  But after learning that this process would take several more years, Alpine parents decided to pool their resources and take a gamble—literally. (click "read more" below for full story)

Tips and tricks for business success and growth

By Rama Beerfas

April 1, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) –  Ever think that of a promotional product as just a "tchatchke," "swag," or "stuff"? Think that they can't possibly be useful marketing tools? Well, my friend, you would be wrong!

First of all, the dare: I dare you to look in your desk, pockets, purse/briefcase/backpack, or car and not find at least one promotional product.

OK, you've looked - how many were there? Two? Three? Five? More?