East County News Service

March 18, 2016 (Spring Valley) – A man suspected of carjacking a Toyota Tundra at gunpoint last night has been detained, according to Sergeant Pat McEvoy with the Sheriff’s Department.  The suspect reportedly carjacked theTundra from a driver walking to his parked vehicle at a fast food restaurant near Campo Road and State Route 94 in unincorporated Spring Valley around 10:30 p.m.

Source: La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Photo: Sliders at The Hills by Leon Thompson

March 18, 2016 (La Mesa) - On Tuesday, April 5, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 2-year anniversary of The Hills Local Pub in La Mesa. This celebration and business mixer will be held between the hours of 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The owners of The Hills Local Pub, located at 8758 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa, have created various fund raisers and activities that make this a special and fun-filled location in La Mesa.

The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and will end at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy great hors d’ oeuvres, including one of their house specialties and (1) complimentary glass of house wine, handcrafted beer and soft drinks.

By Miriam Raftery

March 15, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – In response to an East County Magazine inquiry asking why Alpine was excluded from a list of upcoming hearings on the proposed Grossmont Union High School District's controversial redistricting plans, The County Committee on School District Organization has announced it will hold an additional hearing in Alpine on April 4 at 6 p.m. at Joan McQueen Middle School.

The County had previously scheduled four hearings in other locations,  to get public input on the Grossmont Union High School District’s proposed shift to electing governing board trustees by districts. 

For Alpine, the stakes are high. Alpine stands to lose its only advocate for an Alpine High School, Priscilla Schreiber, who would lose her seat under the plan approved by the GUHSD.  Alpine would be represented by Jim Kelly, a vocal opponent of the Alpine High School, an issue currently in litigation that has also led to unification efforts in which Alpine parents are seeking to break away from the GUHSD.

For the full schedule of meetings slated across East County set by the County Office of Education, rules and details, click "read more" and scroll down.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Pixabay

March 13, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Residents from Alpine to Mt. Helix have reported mail theft during the past week. In some cases, even locking mailboxes have been burglarized by determined thieves, neighbors report.

East County News Service

March 13, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host “Learn Isha Kriya Meditation,” a free guided meditation practice, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23. The program is part of the library’s Wellness Wednesday series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

By Liz Alper

Saturday, March 12, 2016 (La Mesa) - On Saturday night, I saw the Lamplighters Community Theatre’s production of Mack and Mabel.

East County News Service

March 11, 2016 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Conversations invites you to a forum on The Future of Transportation in La Mesa on Wednesday, March 23 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge (4731 Date Ave., La Mesa).

By Steve Lauria

March 7, 2016 (Lakeside) -- This Saturday, March 12^th, will be the 11^th annual It’s How We Live health and community fair at Lindo Lake Park in Lakeside. The event will start at 9 a.m., right after the Lakeside Unified School District’s Run For the Arts, a fundraiser for the District’s arts program.

By Miriam Raftery

March 9, 2016 (Alpine) – The Alpine Union High School District(AUSD)  has turned down an offer by the Alpine Education Foundation to conduct independent testing of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) at the Alpine Elementary School campus, citing legal concerns. 

But Superintendent Bruce Cochrane suggests the door is open to a compromise to get the readings done.  “IF AEF were open to donating the necessary funds to the AUSD, the district would be open to contracting out to the firm they have recommended to do testing at AES,” the Superintendent told ECM.

East County News Service

March 9, 2016 (Alpine) –  The Governing Board of the Alpine Union School District has selected McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C Executive Recruitment & Development to assist the Board in its search for a new Superintendent. Executive Director Anita Johnson is working with the Board on the search process. The Board wishes to extend an invitation to all parents and members of the community to meet with Ms. Anita Johnson to help identify the specific traits, skills, abilities, and experience desired in the new Superintendent. The meeting will be held on:

East County News Service

March 9,2016 (Alpine) — The Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce has announced the following upcoming events for the remainder of 2016.  These include monthly Hot Topics breakfasts, mixers, and special events including an “I Love a Clean Alpine” Earth Day celebration April 23, leadership awards, the annual Snow Festival, and more.

Scroll down for the full schedule, or visit www.AlpineChamber.com.  You can also stop by the Chamber office at 1620 Alpine Blvd. Suite 208, in Alpine or call 619-445-2722, or email AlpineChamber@att.net.

By Sierra Billock, pageant director 

March 6, 2016 (La Mesa/Santee) - On Saturday, March 5, 2016 the city of La Mesa and the city of Santee held one of their most grand traditions, the Miss La Mesa and Miss Santee Pageants.  The programs have been a tradition in the cities since the late 1960’s and are an outstanding mentoring program for young women.  Mayor Voepel from Santee and Mayor Araposathis from La Mesa were in attendance to formally present Miss La Mesa 2016 Susanna Wiggins, Miss Teen La Mesa 2016 Jennifer Barillas, Miss Santee 2016 Marrissa Lawrence and Miss Teen Santee 2016 Kaylyn Rambo.

East County News Service

March 5, 2016 (La Mesa) –“Many of you have asked for a time to meet myself and the entire Depot Springs team,” says Aaron Dean, owner of the Depot Springs Beer Company restaurant, brewery and entertainment venue under construction at the corner of Fletcher Parkway and Dallas Street. 

East County News Service

March 4, 2016 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police are search for two suspects who fired a gun at a witness during a robbery at the Sombrero Mexican Food restaurant in the 1200 block of West Main Street last night. The shot missed and the witness was not harmed.

East County News Service

March 4, 2016 (Santee) – A woman riding bicycle was struck and killed after cutting across two lanes of traffic on Cuyamaca Street in Santee today.  A motorist traveling north was unable to avoid striking the bicyclist, whose identity is unknown.