Cliff LaPlant is honored by peers and jurors for high-quality photography.



May 14, 2015 (Alpine) – A photograph created by Cliff LaPlant, www.sierralara.com ) of Alpine, California has recently been accepted into the Motif Collective Galleries of Artists Showcase for the 2015 Landscape Photographic Competition. LaPlant’s work is now on display in the Online Gallery at www.motifcollective.com.  This International Photographic Competition is held monthly supporting Fine Art Photographers from around the world.

By Miriam Raftery

May 15, 2015 (Cleveland National Forest) – Last month, we reported that the County had begun a major cleanup of dirt dumped inside Cleveland National Forest along Boulder Creek Road, an area proposed for federal wilderness desgnation, following an East County Magazine investigation.

Now County communications specialist Gig Conaughton has provided follow-up information in response to our questions on whether piles would be completely removed, whether the dirt contained invasive or flammable weed species, and whether a similar cleanup would be done following similar grading by SDG&E.

By Janis Russell

May 14, 2015 (La Mesa)- At yesterday’s board meeting, staff at Helix Water District presented a drought action plan and resolution to the board.  No action was taken, with the measure slated to be brought back to the board for action  on May 20^th. If approved, the plan calls for tough enforcement and hefty fines of up to $500 against heavy residential water users who fail to cutback water use.

May 14, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Park Station is coming before the La Mesa Planning Commission for the third time since the application was first submitted in 2008. The hearing will be held on May 20 at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers. The first time it was kicked to the curb on the basis of height and density. The second time everyone -including the applicant- was stunned when the American Legion Hall withdrew their co-application during the hearing, requiring the Kitzman’s to come up with a new plan.

Sunbelt Publications is holding a Spring Showcase on Thursday, May 14, from 5-9 PM at the O'Dunn Fine Art, a multi-artist show and author exposition featuring local Sunbelt authors. Brad Bruce, a professional wine procurer, will be pouring some high end tastings for the event which also includes books and paintings.

The following authors will be there:

May 12, 2015 (Warner Springs) – Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have identified the victims in a murder-suicide that occurred on May 1^st at a home on Chihuahua Valley Road.  The double-murder victims are Sadie Louise Stockalper, 27, and Elena Howard-Vinnard, 54.  Both were found dead of gunshots in the upper bodies.

May 12, 2015 (El Cajon) --  Heartland Fire & Rescue crews in El Cajon responded to reports of a commercial structure fire in the 100 block of Fletcher Parkway in the early morning hours on May 3rd.  Upon arrival firefighters found heavy black smoke coming from a commercial building at the site of the former El Cajon Police station.

May 11, 2015 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department will be hosting its 4th Annual La Mesa Police Youth Leadership Camp from June 29-July 2, 2015. The purpose of the Youth Leadership Camp is to provide leadership training and life-enhancing skills, personal development training, academic enrichment, team building, and to teach responsibility to one’s family and community. Participants will engage in classroom instruction, discussions, and scenarios; athletic and academic challenges (team and individual); field trips to volunteer community service work; and other activities.

-- Health care library’s `Wellness Wednesday’ meeting will discuss de-cluttering and downsizing for health on May 27

May 10, 2015 (La Mesa) - The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free program on  “De-Clutter and Downsize for Happiness and Health,”  from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27. The program is part of the Grossmont Healthcare District library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

The craft beer scene has hit La Mesa with latest restaurant’s opening

By: Reema Makani Boccia

The craft beer scene in San Diego is taking the nation by storm, and Craft Kitchen Restaurant in La Mesa is the latest addition to the burgeoning industry. 

East County News Service

May 6, 2015 (La Mesa)--Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) recently hosted a check-presentation ceremony to celebrate GHD’s ongoing support of Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), a nonprofit providing access to health care to uninsured residents by relying on volunteer medical professionals. From left to right: GHD board members Gloria Chadwick, Bob Ayres and Betty Stieringer, VIM CEO Maureen Hartin and GHD board members Michael Emerson and Randy Lenac. VIM’s clinic in El Cajon is staffed by more than 100 professional volunteers, including retired doctors, nurses and support staff, who donate thousands of hours in providing primary care services to more than 3,000 patients annually.

May 7, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), a public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County, recently hosted a check-presentation ceremony with Maureen Hartin, CEO, Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) San Diego, Inc. The ceremony celebrated GHD’s ongoing support of VIM, including a $150,000 grant awarded during GHD’s current fiscal year.

Kids Night Out

May 6, 2015 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon Recreation Department offers youth, ages 7 to 12, a safe and entertaining place to go on a Friday night, called a “Kids Night Out Party!”  This program  includes free swim, games, dinner and fun! The party takes place on Friday, May 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fletcher Hills Center, located at 2345 Center Place in El Cajon.  The fee is $10 per child. Pre-registration is required. Hurry, space is limited! Register at any City of El Cajon Recreation Center or online at www.elcajonrec.org.  For more information, please contact Heather Birchard at (619) 441-1672.

By Kristin Kjaero

May 5, 2015 (La Mesa) – On April 28 the La Mesa City Council voted unanimously to allow telecommunications equipment to be installed on streetlights and signals in the right-of-way in 11 locations around the City (map below), to enhance cellular phone and data transmission coverage.

The company will pay the City as a Right-of-Way Use Fee of 5% of adjusted gross revenues generated from the equipment or $500 per location, whichever is greater, and an annual fee of $500 to attach its equipment to a City pole. It will be required to apply for an encroachment permit, and will bear the costs of installation and maintenance.

May 1, 2015 (El Cajon)--The El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club Foundation presented its annual donations  to the following organizations on April 28^th at the Ronald Reagan Community Center.

A total of $36,000 was presented by Foundation President Bob Moreau to Guide Dogs of Desert, San Diego Center for the Blind, Boys and Girls Club of East  County, Canine Companions for Independence and Lions District 4L6 Camp Jack.

May 3, 2015 (Borrego) – La Casa del Zorro in Borrego Springs is offering several upcoming attractions, set against a beautiful desert backdrop.