East County News Service

May 6, 2019 (Sacramento) -- In the wake of Saturday’s shooting in Poway, Senator Brian Jones (R-Santee) adjourned the Senate floor session on April 28th in memory of Lori Gilbert-Kaye, a Chabad of Poway synagogue congregator who died during the synagogue shooting on Passover. The occasion was also the State Capitol’s Holocaust Remembrance Day.

East County News Service

May 5, 2019 (San Diego) - San Diego River Days is back for its 16th year with a full calendar of interactive activities; including hikes, bike rides, volunteer projects, bird walks, animal tracking adventures, open houses, tours, artists painting, a star party, fishing, a full moon hike and much more.

East County News Service

May 5, 2019 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove Lions Club, a nonprofit organization devoted to service and volunteering, is hosting its annual Salsa y Salsa Fiesta on May 11 from 6-9 p.m.at the Monte Vista Village Auditorium (2211 Massachusetts Ave, Lemon Grove.)  The event will feature salsa tasting, a salsa contest, Salsa Dancing, plus Mexican food, music & prizes.

President forcefully denounces violent attacks at churches, synagogues and mosques

By Miriam Raftery

May 4, 2019 (Washington D.C.) – The National Day of Prayer service hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House rose garden on May 2nd included two local VIPs: Rabbi Ysroel Goldstein of Poway and El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells.

By Miriam Raftery

May 3, 2019 (La Mesa) – Chamber Bravura has performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Sydney Opera house, venues in Austria, Australia, England Ireland and Iceland.  They sang the mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in Rome. Now the globally acclaimed young singers—middle and high school seniors from the San Diego region—are bringing their a capella choral magic to The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa.  Under direction of Katherine Girvin,  Chamber Bravura will perform at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa.  (www.tableucc.com)

By Miriam Raftery

May 2, 2019 (El Cajon) – The vacancy left on the El Cajon City Council by the resignation of Ben Kalasho has generated strong community interest.  Applications have been received from 22 residents, all seeking to fill the seat. They range from prominent individuals including a former mayor to community activists, members of the planning commission, and a retired police officer who received a Medal of Valor. They bring a diverse range of views and visions for  El Cajon as well.

The City Council will interview applicants at the May 14 meeting at 7 p.m.  Earlier, at the 3 p.m. meeting, Council members will discuss procedures for choosing the next Councilmember, who will fill the at-large seat held by Kalasho until the 2020 election.

The applicants are, in alphabetical order, are listed below along with highlights from their applications:

8 Presidential contenders shared their views

East County News Service

May 2, 2019 (Julian) – A Taste of Julian is a self-guided culinary tour of unique restaurants, wineries and breweries. This year’s Taste of Julian will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 1-5 p.m.  From delicious main dishes to candied apples, apple pies, chocolates, wine, beer and hard cider, you’ll find plenty to tempt your tastebuds.

Source:  City of La Mesa

May 1, 2019 (La Mesa) - The City of La Mesa invites the public to participate in the Livable La Mesa project by attending upcoming community action planning sessions. After collecting feedback from the community, La Mesa residents have prioritized the following domain topics for the La Mesa Age-Friendly Communities Action Plan: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social & Civic Participation, Community Information, and Health & Wellness. All action planning sessions are open to the public.  Residents are encouraged to attend any session for the topic areas that are important to them. Light refreshments will be provided.

East County News Service 

May 1, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – Spring is here – time to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. The County is offering a series of special hikes in county parks, from leisurely strolls to a rugged “Warrior hike challenge” up El Capitan.

Find details below provided by County Parks: 

By Miriam Raftery

April 30, 2019 (Borrego Springs) – Newly elected County Supervisor Jim Desmond has been holding a series of community revitalization meetings in his district. Now he is starting a Borrego Springs Community Revitalization Committee to bring public resources to Borrego Springs.  This is a community meeting and the public is welcome to attend.  On Tuesday, May 7, the meeting will be held in the community room at the Borrego Springs Library.

By Miriam Raftery 

April 29, 2019 (El Cajon) - Courtney Webber has been sentenced to three years in prison for hitting a 9-year-old bicyclist in El Cajon on October 5, 2018, then fleeing the scene, Times of San Diego reports.  Webber pled guilty to the crime.

By Chris Jennewein

Reprinted with permission from Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  John T. Earnest via 10 News

April 29, 2019 (Poway) - The family of John T. Earnest, the suspect in the fatal attack on a Poway synagogue, issued a statement Monday expressing “shock,” “grief” and “anguish” while lamenting  their son “is now part of the history of evil.”