East County News Service

February 8, 2016 (Laguna Mountains) — A woman was rescued Wednesday after falling more than 200 feet into a canyon in the Laguna Mountains, but her companion’s horse died after rescuers were unable to save the frightened and injured animal.

By Miriam Raftery

February 5, 2016 (Ramona) –“Valentine’s Day will always be very special here at the dairy, as this was when our beloved Valentine was born in the snow,” writes Nancy Riegler, co-owner of Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona. 

East County News Service

February 4, 2016 (La Mesa) -- Heartland Fire and Rescue crews from La Mesa and El Cajon responded to a house fire in the 7500 block of Seton Hall Street in La Mesa at 5:10 p.m. Fire crews arrived within 4 minutes to report a single story, single family dwelling with heavy smoke coming from the garage.

East County News Service

February 4, 2016 (La Mesa) - The San Diego Bluegrass Society will hold its monthly jam at Fuddrucker's restaurant in Grossmont Center on Tuesday, February 16^th from 6:30 to 9 p.m.  The event includes open mic, pick up bands and the ever-popular musical jam session.

East County News Service

February 3, 2016 (Borrego Springs) - Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs is hosting the first Artists’ Open Studio Tour on Sunday, February 21, 2016.  The event will be held from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, with a reception to follow at the Borrego Art Institute from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Light refreshments will be served.

By Miriam Raftery

February 3, 2016 (Julian) — If you’re looking for a delectable experience Friday evening, Jeremy’s on the Hill’s Courdon Bleu-trained chef and owner will be cooking up culinary delights featuring farm-to-table foods paired with wines from Hatfield Creek Winery. 

East County News Service

January 31, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego County Planning Commission, after months of review and public input on proposed changes to the tiered winery ordinance, will hold a hearing on Friday, February 5^th on the proposed zoning ordinance amendment.  In addition, planners will consider a proposed map for the Hoskings Ranch residential development project in Julian.

Some winery owners voice continuing concerns over the proposed changes. Teri Kerns, co-owner of Ramona Ranch Winery, told East County Magazine, "We are pleased to see that a few of our suggestions have been incorporated, for example, allowing the wineries to be open until 6 pm during the winter hours, and increasing van capacity to 15 but disappointed that the majority have not been.   We are concerned that new wineries will not be able to open, given the restrictions on structures and codes and disagree with the County's broad prohibition on events and parties, amplified music, and the stand against advertising.

Source: Cuyamaca College

February 2, 2016 (Rancho San Diego) -- Coral Bradley (photo) may be only barely a teenager at 14, but when it comes to expressing her Native American heritage through dance, she is a seasoned veteran.

East County News Service

February 2, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- Sheriff Bill Gore has announced that his department will launch a pilot program to test body cameras.  The test period starts Friday, February 5^th.  It includes the Lakeside substation, Rancho San Diego station and Rural Command covering much of East County as well as the North Coastal and Vista stations, plus deputies assigned to the Hall of Justice.

East County News Service

February 1, 2016 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Historical Society’s popular "History Alive" lecture series will feature noted historian James D. Newland and his latest book "Around Mt. Helix" on Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove.

East County News Service

January 31, 2016 (Ramona) -- Love is in the air at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona.  The February Open Farm Tour and Show on Valentine’s Day weekend February 13 and 14 from 1-4 p.m. features bouncy baby lambs, curious camels you can ride and cuddle, plus the oh-so-fun Camel Dairy Animal Friends Show. 

You can also pamper yourself and the ones you love with something special from the RARE MILK Camel Milk Skin Care product line and try a bit of decadent camel milk chocolate.

East County News Service

East County News Service

January 30, 2016 (San Diego's East County) – San Diego supervisors will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday,  February 2^nd and 3^rd this week.  The agenda includes some important items for East County.

By Mike Allen

January 30, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- The latest car-to-car shooting incident earlier this month on Interstate 8 brings the total to three in the last year, and four in the last three years, prompting the question whether this stretch of freeway from 70^th Street east to Los Coches Road is particularly dangerous.

Source: County News Service

January 29, 2016 (Lemon Grove) -- They come from a variety of backgrounds and each has different challenges, but for one hour a week in the Lemon Grove Library, a group of special needs adults all have one thing in common: their enthusiasm.

County Animal Services rescues dozens of chickens, Bengal cats, rabbits, exotic lizards and a wolf dog with pups 

Source: County News Service

January 28, 2016 (Lakeside) -- County Animal Services investigating a complaint of neglected animals at a Lakeside home found at least a dozen dead chickens and a dead rabbit, but rescued over 100 other animals. In all, Animal Services took in 88 chickens, seven Bengal cats, four rabbits, two bearded dragon lizards and a wolf/dog blend with two puppies.