By Robert Gehr

July 18, 2015 (El Cajon)--Two new solar powered pedestrian safety lights were recently installed near Johnson Elementary School and should create a safer walk zone for the many children who attend this Cajon Valley school on west Madison Ave. in El Cajon.

By Juwan Armstrong and Miriam Raftery

July 18, 2015 (El Cajon) --Representatives from Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign spoke at the East County Democratic Club last Thursday at MJ’s Family Restaurant in El Cajon, seeking to fire up local support.

 A former Secretary of State, First Lady and Senator, Clinton is focusing her campaign vision on four goals: building an economy for tomorrow, strengthening America’s families, defending America and our core values, and revitalizing our democracy.

Patrick Alexander, JD, added that one of the most important issues in the campaign will be the appointment of up to four Supreme Court Justices that the next president could make – appointments that could shape the high court for the next half century and impact rulings significant for women's rights, voting rights, minority rights, labor, the environment, the enviroment and more. 

"Meet us at The Lookout" and meet the artists

Kristin Kjaero

July 17, 2015 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa is marking the groundbreaking for it centennial legacy project with a public ceremony on July 23 at 9:00 a.m. 

Come meet and greet La Mesa residents and design competition winners Jess, Mary Lynn and Amy Dominguez, who will be on hand for the ceremony.

By Miriam Raftery

July 16, 2015 (El Cajon) – El Cajon currently holds at-large elections where everyone in the city votes for all five Council races.  But on Tuesday, the City Council voted 5-0 to have staff move forward with implementing a shift to individual districts each electing its own representative.  The concept of districts aspires to provide greater representation for minorities to elect representatives reflective of their neighborhoods' concerns.

By Miriam Raftery

July 16, 2015 (El Cajon ) – El Cajon’s City Council voted Tuesday to move forward on plans to build a Hampton Inn with upscale restaurants on the site of the former police station on Fletcher Parkway near North Magnolia Avenue.  The action comes after last month’s approval to bring a Marriott Hotel to town.

“Revitalization of El Cajon has a snowball effect,” Councilman Gary Kendrick told East County Magazine. Since approval of the Marriott deal, he says, “our phone has been ringing off the hook from investors because they know  that Marriott does their homework.”

July 16, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Join the La Mesa Police Department and Heartland Fire and Rescue in celebrating the 4th annual “National Night Out against Crime” and Emergency Preparedness Fair Event, Tuesday, August 4th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the La Mesa Police Station Parking lot (8085 University Avenue - same location as the La Mesa Farmers Market).

July 16, 2015 (La Mesa) -- There will be a planned power outage at the Public Works Maintenance Yard on Friday, July 17. The phones will be down through Sunday, July 19. 

For a public works related emergency, including a sewer backup, please call 619.667.1400. 

For other non-emergency service requests, please use Request Tracker.

Food Bank Distribution July 18

School Supply Drive through August 9

July 16, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Journey Community Church currently has two outreach programs underway in La Mesa.

East County News Service

July 16, 2015 (La Mesa) -- Congressman Duncan Hunter, who represents the 50th District, will be the keynote speaker at the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Marie Callender's (6950 Alvarado Road, San Diego, CA 92120). The public is welcome to attend and have the opportunity to hear from our energetic and knowledgeable Congressman. 

By Ariele Johannson

July 15, 2015 (Mt. Helix) --The magic of Mary Poppins rises up on Mt. Helix this week - as she did in the sky above London - in this favorite  childhood story performed by Christian Community Theater. Mary Poppins: the Broadway Musical runs from July 9-August 2, 2015 and is the second summer production since CCT’s return to the Mt. Helix outdoor amphitheater. The players act, sing and dance their way into the hearts of the audience in this charming story of childhood and redemption, with a few surprises along the way.

All-new seasonal treatments and spa-inspired fare are carefully curated to soothe and rejuvenate with a nod to the Anza-Borrego Desert

July 13, 2015 (Borrego Springs) -- When it comes to summertime relaxation, there’s no better place than the spa to prep for long, laid-back days and fun in the sun. This season, the luxurious Spa at La Casa del Zorro is offering a suite of new services and a health-centric menu to help guests feel bright, brilliant and beautiful inside and out.

By Juwan Armstrong

July 14, 2015 (El Cajon)--A man who was wanted on 17 counts of child molestation since 1996 was arrested at his home in El Cajon last Friday, July 10.

East County News Service

July 13, 2015 (Ramona)—The County has approved building permits for two medical marijuana collectives in Ramona, the Ramona Sentinel reports. But before the facilities can open their doors to dispense or grow medical marijuana, they must first obtain approvals from the Sheriff’s Department.

Update:  Hear our interview on KNSJ radio with Micole Moore, Ramona Valley Vineyards Association, and Elaine Lytleton, Hatfield Creek Vineyards and Winery, here:

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/fmpwoizmfi/Newsmakers-Wineries-ElaineLytle....

Are the County's proposed changes rooted in 'sour grapes' complaints filed by competitors of successful new wineries?

By Miriam Raftery

July 12, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Several years ago, the County adopted a tiered winery ordinance designed to promote agriculture and help small “boutique” winery owners.  But now the County is proposing drastic changes.  At a packed hearing last week, numerous winery owners and heads of vintners’ associations turned out, most warning of dire harm to the region’s wine industry if the proposal is adopted.

“Should the changes proceed as written, many fear for the death of our budding wineries, eliminating our potential growth, impact and long-term commitment to our communities,” a letter to County program manager Joseph Farace signed by Teri Kerns and Micole Moore states. Moore is president of Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, which has over 100 members. Kerns is Editor in Chief of the Ramona Valley Wine Region Magazine. Together, the couple also owns Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery.

Tickets are on sale for the Eighth Annual heART of Mt. Helix held at East County’s most recognizable landmark, the memorial cross and historic amphitheater atop Mt. Helix. The Park is pleased to announce Tom Karlo, KPBS General Manager, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for this Park fundraiser.

The sunset event will be held on August 15 from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm and will feature vignettes by local performing and visual artists. After enjoying the 360 degree view and listening to two stages of local musicians perform, guests can dance under the stars to the Mighty Untouchables, a well known San Diego band. Mt. Helix painters Nora Clemens, Debi Nicols, Roz Oserin, Penelope Quirk, and Wood Turner Sally Ault will each be demonstrating their technique to showcase the variety of visual arts talent in East County.