Communities

LEMON GROVE HOSTS HOLIDAY BONFIRE DECEMBER 3

East County News Service

November 17, 2023 (Lemon Grove ) -- The City of Lemon Grove will host its 24th annual holiday bonfire on December 3 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Park (3200 Main St., Lemon Grove.)

The event includes live music, food booths, arts and crafts, a rock climbing wall, game truck, cookies and hot chocolate, and a giant bonfire to light the night.


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SKATING IN THE WOODS: JULIAN FARM AND ORCHARD OPENS ICE RINK NOV. 10-JAN. 1

 

East County News Service

November 17, 2023 (Julian) — Julian Farm and Orchard is celebrating the opening of its first-ever ice rink. The new rink is set to be the centerpiece of the “Holidays at the Farm” event, happening Fridays Saturdays and Sundays through January 1. Guests are invited to skate with friends and family and wind down after with a seasonal drink by the fire.  The farm is open from 11a.m. to 4p.m. with Ice Skating into the evening depending on the day.   

Holidays at the Farm will feature the ice rink as well as local food and drink vendors. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy activities on the farm including the petting zoo and hayrides, rock climbing wall, haybale maze among others. Visitors can also wind down next to  warm fire pits while sipping on their favorite holiday beverages.


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FIRE SPARKS PUBLIC CONCERNS IN JULIAN OVER SHORT-TERM RENTALS

 

“We could’ve been burned out last night. Nobody would have known, and it was windy.” -- Lora Devault,  Pine Hills resident

”I think we are going down a slippery slope...and I have a problem telling people what they can do with their properties.” --Katy Morelli, planning group member

By Jessyka Heredia

WATCH FULL VIDEO HERE

November 17, 2023 (Julian)—Campers at a short-term rental (STR) property in Julian’s Pine Hills neighborhood started an unauthorized campfire on Sunday and failed to properly extinguish it. The embers sparked a brush fire, causing damage to the owner’s property and panic for nearby neighbors.

On Monday, residents spoke out at the Julian Community Planning Group (JCPG) meeting to voice concerns about the growing number of short-term vacation rentals in Julian and disruptions some guests have caused in the community.  The most heated concern focused on off-site owners, such as the vacation site in question, which has rentals both inside a home and outside at tent camping sites. Some vacation rental owners also spoke up in defense of property rights for responsible STR owners.


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IS THE GOOSE COOKED? MOTHER GOOSE PARADE ORGANIZERS DUCK MEDIA CALLS AFTER EVENT CANCELLED FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR

Parade site claims event will return in 2024, but city manager says foundation is “defunct” ; tax records reveal financial troubles

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

November 16, 2023 (El Cajon) – For the fourth year in a row, there will be no Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon. An ECM investigation into the El Cajon Valley Mother Goose Parade Association reveals troubling findings, including financial losses, consulting fees paid out with no tangible results, the association's donation page taken down, and no apparent fundraising events. The parade association’s officers have refused  to respond to media questions.

The El Cajon Valley Mother Goose Parade Association website claims, “This beloved event shall be re-imagined as a new classic in 2024.”  If true, why wouldn't they respond to media inquiries to publicize ways that the public could support the parade?

The parade, a tradition since 1947, has long been billed as the largest parade of its type west of the Mississippi. It went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.  In 2022, the website announced cancellation of a live parade due to “unprecedented staffing, logistics and supply chain challenges” but promised that the annual tradition” will be back bigger and better than ever in 2023.” 

That didn’t happen, and the lack of transparency raises serious questions over whether there will be a parade in 2024, or ever again--unless the public steps forward to save the parade and provide a fairy-tale resolution.


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VIEJAS ICE RINK IN ALPINE OPEN THROUGH JAN. 7

East Count News Service

November 16, 2023 (Alpine) -- The largest outdoor ice rink in southern California will be open at the Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine from November 23rd through January 7th from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Skate rentals are available.

You can also enjoy holiday shopping at the outlet center’s many shops. 


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EL CAJON APPROVES PLAN TO SHELTER DOGS FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Councilman Gary Kendrick with his late dog, Ocho.

November 15, 2023 (El Cajon)—By a unanimous vote,  El Cajon City Council members approved allocating $30,000 for the Humane Society to provide shelter for dogs belonging to homeless people for up to 30 days, providing the person enters a program for the homeless. The individual can choose any homeless program, in El Cajon or elsewhere, to help them get off the streets.  The measure also funds up to $2,000 in veterinary care per pet.

“It’s removing one more barrier to getting people off the street,” says Councilman Gary Kendrick, who introduced the measure, noting that local homeless shelters won’t accept pets.  “A lot are saying, `I don’t want to lose my dog, so I won’t go into a program.”

The homeless person can retrieve their dog from the Humane Society after they complete a program in 30 days, or sooner if they choose.  “They can leave the program and get their dog bag at any time,” assures Kendrick, a dog owner.


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SANTEE COUNCIL GIVES OK TO UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

By Mike Allen

November 15, 2023 (Santee) -- A small congregation of Ukrainian American Catholics will make Santee their new home, once the church they have long planned is built in about a year.

The parish, St. John the Baptizer, which now holds its services in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, purchased a lot at Carlton Oaks Drive and Pike Street in 2018.

On Nov. 8 the Santee City Council unanimously approved an application for a conditional use permit for the gold-domed church and connecting meeting hall to the applicants, technically a part of the Ukrainian Church of Chicago.


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TRADES APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN LAKESIDE

By Shiloh Ireland

Photo,left:  Barry Jantz, Debbie Barnum, and Chula Vista Mayor Jim McCann

November 15, 2023 (Lakeside) -- Sixty Chula Vista Learning Community Charter high school students took part in real-world, hands-on experience in construction and drone technology on October 25 at AGC Apprenticeship & Training in Lakeside. The event was hosted by Barry Jantz and attended by Chula Vista Mayor John McCann who took part in Career Exploration Day.

There is an ongoing national discussion taking place about the high cost of a college education and resulting student debt, as well as alternative career pathways to college. So this local community is stepping up, providing students and under-served communities the knowledge of great paying alternatives and paid training right here in our backyard, bringing young people in for hands-on career exploration.

The students participated in a series of 30-minute hands-on workshops in a state-of-the-art training facility, showcasing a variety of excellent careers available in construction and related industries. Experiences included drone technology, heavy equipment simulation, framing, plumbing, and electrical.


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LAKESIDE'S BULLS ONLY RODEO: THE SOUND OF THUNDER

             

By Shiloh Ireland

November 15, 2023 (Lakeside) --  The Bulls Only Rodeo in Lakeside on Oct. 13-14 featured the most exhilarating and crowd engaging sport challenging the performers to the perfect eight second ride. The Bulls Only is presented by the Lakeside  Optimist Club; proceeds are used to provide for the needs of youths in Lakeside.

This was the 24th Annual Bulls Only Rodeo There are many rodeo events, but the Sports Writers of America voted bull riding as the most dangerous sporting event in the country.

ECM attended the October 14th performance. The excitement was felt in the air upon arrival with families and a large crowd anticipating an explosive performance of bull riding, junior bull riding and the always-favorite mutton busting by youngsters. There were many vendors and a wide variety of snacks and beverages to keep the guests fueled. The jumbo screen held up by a crane was a spectacular addition to the performances as instant replays were seen up close and in seconds following a performer’s ride.


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$1000 REWARD FOR HELP TO FIND KIDNAPPING AND AUTO THEFT SUSPECT KNOWN TO FREQUENT SPRING VALLEY AREA

East County News Service

Photo: David Wallace, courtesy San Diego County Crime Stoppers

November 14, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- San Diego County Crime Stoppers and investigators from the San Diego Fugitive Task Force seek public help to track down a kidnapping and auto theft suspect. David Edward Wallace, 30, is wanted on a felony warrant and is known to frequent Spring Valley and Bonita, as well as Imperial Beach.

A $1,000 reward is offered to information leading to his arrest. Wallace is 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 170 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes.


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BOOK-2 OF THE COLONIZED SERIES AND KENYA’S MAU MAU REVOLT: A PEASANT’S TALE

 

Book by Wanjiru Warama

 

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

 

November 14, 2023 (La Mesa) -- Wanjiru Warama is a resident of La Mesa, and a member of the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild. The author provides true stories of how her family and community lived in abject poverty on British colonial farms in Kenya. Her historic memoir sheds light on the struggles of Kenyan farmworkers and rural populations under the British colonial rule and the subsequent Mau Mau freedom fighters’ revolt. 


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CHRISTMAS WITH THE ANIMALS: DECEMBER 9 AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS IN ALPINE

East County News Service

November 12, 2023 (Alpine) — You’re invited to Christmas with the Animals, a fundraiser for the Lions, Tigers and Bears sanctuary in Alpine, where you can witness the heartwarming spectacle of animals unwrapping their Christmas presents. It's a delightful moment that will warm your heart. The event takes place on Saturday,  December 9 from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., with animal feedings from 3 to 4 p.m.


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CREST CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW DEC. 10

East County News Service

November 12, 2023 (Crest) – Ho ho!  Santa will be visiting at the Crest Christmas Craft  Show on Sunday,  December 10.

The event will be held at the Crest Clubhouse, 113North Park Blvd., El Cajon, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.


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CHRISTMAS ON MT. HELIX DEC. 9

East County News Service

November 11, 2023 (Mt. Helix) – Christmas on Mt. Helix returns on December 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. complete with a Christmas market to shop for holiday gifts, caroling, crafts, food trucks, a holiday program and Santa Claus.


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CAROLING, CARNIVAL RIDES, COZY FIRES AND MORE AT LA MESA’S HOLIDAY IN THE VILLAGE DEC. 2

East County News Service

November 11, 2023 (La Mesa) -- With the holidays quickly approaching, the 8th annual La Mesa Holiday in the Village will once again be ringing in holiday cheer for everyone near and far on Saturday, December 2 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The free, festive fun will include live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, carnival games, food, holiday 360 photo booth, the grand return of “selfies with Santa” and a kids’ area bigger than Santa’s Toy Shop.  


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LEMON GROVE COUNCIL APPROVES A 3% RAISE FOR PUBLIC WORKS DESPITE NOT HAVING A SIGNED UNION CONTRACT

 

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch full video here.

 

October 9, 2023 (Lemon Grove)—On Tuesday, Lemon Grove councilmembers Allysson Snow and Jennifer Mendoza teamed up to have a 3% wage increase on the agenda for the public works department and bypass waiting on the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 127 union’s negotiations that have been going on for several months. Mayor Raquel Vasquez was very adamant that this could set a dangerous precedent in the future.


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CUYAMACA COLLEGE RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE BEST FOR VETS

Source:  Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

November 9, 2023 (El Cajon) - Military Times magazine has ranked Cuyamaca College 80th in the nation as Best for Vets: Colleges and 215th as Best for Vets: Employers. Cuyamaca College was the only San Diego County college or university in the top 100 of the magazines’ ratings of best colleges for veterans. 


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INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION HONORS VETERANS NOV. 11 IN LEMON GROVE

East County News Service

November 9, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – Thrive Lemon Grove invites community members to an International Cultural Celebration honoring veterans on Saturday,  November 11 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Treganza Heritage Park (3200 Main St., Lemon Grove).

Enjoy cultural performances, mouthwatering international cuisine, a vibrant kid zone, arts and crafts vendors, and much more.


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EL CAJON ARTIST MICHAEL GARBERICK WINS SECOND PLACE AWARD

Story and photo courtesy of the San Diego Watercolor Society

November 7, 2023 (El Cajon) - Michael Garberick, an artist and resident of El Cajon, California, has won the Second-Place award in the November 2023 San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) Member’s exhibition “What’s the Story?”, an in-gallery show of the SDWS at 2825 Dewey Road in Liberty Station, San Diego, CA. Garberick’s painting titled “Margaret’s Needlepoint” was selected by prominent local artist Jesse Miller for this honor, out of 220 paintings. (Photo, left)


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IS EAST SAN DIEGO COUNTY’S ILLEGAL MIGRANT SURGE SUBSIDING?

 

 By Rebecca Person 

A bleak landscape is what  migrants face. Photo: R. Person 

 

November 6, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- The abandoned youth center building in Jacumba Hot Springs, which has been pressed into service as a staging area for emergency supplies going to undocumented border crossers, is crowded with bags and bags of donated clothing, sorted and marked, ready for coming waves of new migrants into the area. While a lower number of migrants seems to be arriving, there is no reason to believe it won’t increase.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: BEAUTIFUL BOULEVARD

November 5, 2023 (Boulevard, CA) -- Benjamin Hayden took these scenic shots earlier this year in Boulevard, a high-desert town in San Diego's East County.

From colorful sunrises to dramatic sunbeams, the photos depict spectacular skies over mountains, rocky terrain, and ridges topped with wind turbines.


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ARREST MADE IN RAMONA SHOOTING DEATH

East County News Service

November 5, 2023 (Ramona) – Sean Hawksworth of Ramona, 24, has been arrested for the murder of Eduardo Aguilar Alba, 26. Alba was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head on October 20, inside his Ramona home in the 400 block of 16th Street.

Deputies responded to a call reporting the death. The Medical Examiner concluded the  manner of death was homicide.

After homicide detectives determined that Hawksworth was the suspect, the Sheriff’s department obtained a search warrant of his home. On November 3 at 2:30 a.m.,  Hawksworth was arrested.  He has been charged with murder and has been booked into San Diego Central Jail, says Lieutenant Joseph Janjura.


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THANKSGIVING TURKEY BASH AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS NOV. 24-25

 

November 5,2023 (Alpine) – For a roaring good time, you’re invited to a Turkey Bash at Lions, Tigers and Bears, where you can watch rescued big cats and bears savor their Thanksgiving feast. This special event will take place on November 24 and 25,  the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, at 10 a.m.


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SANTEE GETTING DUAL CAR DEALERSHIP

By Mike Allen

Image,left: Rendering of planned auto dealership project

November 4, 2023 (Santee) -- A long-vacant, rock strewn lot on Mission Gorge Road just west of Magnolia Avenue is slated to become the Santee Auto Center, following approval of the project by the City Council last week.

The 13.1 acre site at 10335 Mission Gorge Road once housed Santee Elementary School, which opened in 1891 and closed in 2003 due to declining enrollment. Santee-based Cameron Brothers Construction Co. plans to convert the site into two dealerships, one of which is Chevrolet.

The center includes two warehouse buildings of more than 33,000 square feet, an auto body shop, and car wash. It will have six entrances and 688 parking spaces, mostly for inventory and customer service.


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ACCLAIMED MUSICIANS MEAN MARY AND FRANK JAMES TO PERFORM NOV. 25 IN SANTEE

East County News Service

November 4, 2023 (Santee) – International touring musician Mean Mary, with her brother, Frank James, will appear at Summit UU Fellowship, 8778 Cottonwood Ave. in Santee on Saturday,  November 25 at 7 p.m. Her special performance will include some crowd favorites such as her original songs, "Iron Horse" and "Blazing," new songs and holiday music from her brand-new Christmas CD.


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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: VAQUEROS ADVANCE WITH WIN OVER PATS

Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
November 3, 2023 (San Diego) - Playoff football is upon us and tonight, we’re in San Diego as two East County schools square off.  It’s Patrick Henry against El Capitan in the first round of the CIF San Diego section playoffs.

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HELP NEEDED TO IDENTIFY WOMAN HIT BY VEHICLE AND KILLED SEPT. 22 IN EL CAJON NEAR TROLLEY STOP ON CUYAMACA

By Chuck Westerheide, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  forensic sketch artist P.J. Puterbaugh created this image of the unidentified accident victim

November 3, 2023 (El Cajon) - San Diego County Medical Examiner’s investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify a woman fatally hit by a car while crossing Cuyamaca Street north of Weld Boulevard in El Cajon late in the evening of September 22.


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FRAUD CHARGES FOR CHULA VISTA COUNCIL MEMBER AND HER BROTHER, AN EX AIDE TO STEPHAN WHITBURN

 

by Brooke Binkowski

 Times of San Diego

Andrea and Jesus Cardenas. Photos from Facebook and LinkedIn pages

November 3, 2023 (Chula Vista)-- Two well-known Democratic political players and siblings in South Bay — a Chula Vista City Council member and a former San Diego City Council member’s chief of staff — are facing fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering charges, the San Diego District Attorney’s office announced yesterday.


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SHERIFF SEARCHING FOR MISSING RAMONA WOMAN, 66

East County News Service

November 2, 2023 (Ramona) -- The San Diego Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit has been activated to help locate a missing person in Ramona. Shortly after 2:30 p.m. today, the Sheriff's Communications Center received a call from the family of 66-year-old Zita Swanson. They told a Sheriff's Dispatcher that Swanson had walked away from her home in the 700 block of G Street in Ramona. She has not returned home.

Swanson does not have any known access to vehicles. She is not believed to be carrying a cell phone or purse. She has a history of walking away from home.

 Swanson is a Hispanic woman standing about 5'5" tall and weighing around 174 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a Navy blue sweater and blue pants.


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NIGHT AERIAL DROPS HOLD HIGHLAND FIRE TO 2,457 ACRES WITH 15% CONTAINMENT

Update November 4, 2023:  The fire is now 70% and has held at 2,487 acres.

Update November 3, 2023: The Highland Fire is now 40% contained and has burned 2,487 acres.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via Cal Fire

November 1, 2023 (Aguanga) – What a difference night-time aerial drops can make. Two decades ago, the deadly Cedar Fire started at 5:37 p.m. and a decision was made not to put pilots at risk with night drops. That fire grew to 273,000 acres and destroyed 2,200 homes.

By contrast, last night, Cal Fire incident personnel made the decision to fight the fast-moving #HighlandFire in Aguanga by air throughout the night – preventing what could have become another regional inferno.

“The crew from Copter 301 in Cal Fire’s Riverside Unit dropped 4,200 gallons of water in an effort to slow the wind-driven fire,” Cal Fire posted on X.  At dawn this morning, “due to a combination of C301’s efforts and improved weather conditions, the fire had slowed significantly, allowing ground resources to make significant progress in stopping the fire.”


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