By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

February 14, 2017 (Lakeside) -- “I came for a date,” long-time customer Norm Ferreira said, recalling his first experience at East Bound Bar and Grill in Lakeside seven years ago. “The date didn’t last, but the restaurant did.”

By Jonathan Goetz

February 14, 2017 (Lemon Grove) -- Newly elected Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez forwarded to a list of committee assignments for Council members to a dramatically altered City Council following the November elections.

Crash raises concerns from flight school neighbors

By Miriam Raftery

February 14, 2017 (Ramona) – A Cessna registered to the American Aviation Academy and flying out of Gillespie Field as an instructor/student flight on Sunday crashed onto a mountainside in Ramona, killing Shaira Noor, 21, of Bangladesh. She had been training at the academy for nine months. Noor was in the backseat of the Cessna and was impaled by a tree on impact, which killed her instantly.

Two other occupants survived, climbing to an elevated area and using cell phones to call for help, the Sheriff’s department reports.

East County News Service

February 13, 2017 (Borrego Springs) – This year’s heavy rains may result in one of the most spectacular wildflower seasons in recent memory in the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. 

East County News Service

February 12, 2017 (Borrego Springs) — The Borrego Days Desert Festival faces possible cancellation this year due to a shortage of sponsors, the Borrego Sun reports. The festival has taken place for the past 52 years as a tradition to welcome snowbirds who flock to the desert each winter with a parade and other activities. 

Source: City of La Mesa

February 11, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Since the incorporation of La Mesa in 1912, the city has benefited from the influence and giving spirit of residents and businesses within its borders. One way the City recognizes these contributions is by adding their names to the La Mesa “Walk of Fame.” Recipients are recognized through placement of a bronze plaque on the sidewalks of La Mesa Blvd. in the downtown Village between Spring St. and 4th St.

East County News Service

February 11, 2017 (Santee) – A passenger was struck and killed by a trolley operated by Metropolitan Transit System last night at 6:20 p.m. The fatal collision took place in the 8800 block of Cuyamaca Street in Santee.

East County News Service

February 11, 2017 (El Cajon) - The San Diego Blood Bank will accept blood donations at Granite Hills High School on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from  8 am ‑  1:30 pm.  The drive will be held at 1719 E Madison Ave., El Cajon in the Wrestling Room.

About 1 in 7 people entering a hospital need blood. One pint of blood, which is the amount volunteers give when they donate blood, can save up to three lives. Approximately, 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood but less than 10% do annually. Since blood is always needed, volunteers are asked to give blood for patients, such as those going through cancer or trauma.

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2017 (Santee) – Mountain Health celebrates the grand opening of Santee Family Medicine, the organization’s 5^th health center location, on February 11^th at 120 Town Center Parkway in Santee. There will be an open house and guided tours, free blood pressure screenings, help with Medi-Cal and Covered California, dental information, vendors, speakers and a blood drive.

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2017 (La Mesa) — On Wednesday, Helix Water District’s Board will be asked to provide staff with direction regarding Director Dan McMillan’s request for an analysis on reducing water rates—and setting a date for a board meeting to discuss those options. 

By Mike Allen

February 10, 2017 (El Cajon) -- The homeless issue in El Cajon is apparently reaching the boiling point, judging from a Feb. 9 town hall meeting hosted by newly-elected City Councilman Ben Kalasho.

By Miriam Raftery

February 9, 2017 (Alpine) – Nylah, a Great Pyrenees dog that wandered out of an open gate in Alpine last Friday was found six miles away in the Japatul Road area on Tuesday with a bullet wound through her head. But miraculously, she survived.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

February 9, 2017 (Lemon Grove) - The Sheriff's Homicide Detail wants the public's help in identifying a suspect who was killed in a home invasion in Lemon Grove.

It happened just before 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7th at a home in the 2400 block of Edding Drive. Investigators say two armed suspects forced their way into the home. The homeowner's son and one of the suspects suffered gunshot wounds after a struggle. That suspect died. The homeowner's son is recovering from non-life threatening injuries.

By Mike Allen

Photo: Wadie Deddeh

February 8, 2017 (El Cajon) -- The owner of East County Mortuary says he will appeal the Planning Commission’s denial of his application to open a crematorium in an El Cajon industrial park.

On Feb. 7, the Commission voted 3-1 to deny the crematorium and approve findings by the city’s planning staff that the crematorium wasn’t compatible with the manufacturing uses in the zone.

By Miriam Raftery

February 7, 2017 (Lemon Grove) – A home invasion turned deadly after two men armed with pistols broke into a home on Edding Drive in Lemon Grove shortly before 2 a.m. 

One of the intruders shot and injured Francisco Suarez, Jr., 22.  His father, Francisco Suarez, 44, fired back and killed one of the gunmen, who died at the scene.