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.

July 10, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - The Mountain Empire Men’s Club will present Pine Valley Days on July 24^th and 25^th.  This mountain town’s annual summer event includes a parade rolling out on July 25^th  at 9 a.m., plus other activities both days at the Pine Valley Park (28810 Old Highway 80, Pine Valley).  The fun begins with a deep pit BBQ dinner on Friday night with live music and dancing under the stars to Barbwire, the North American Country Music Association International’s New Country Band of the Year for 2015 and other entertainers. There will also be a craft village, a free music festival, kids’ zone, food from local vendors and more.

New features and services at your fingertips!

July 10, 2015 (El Cajon)--The City of El Cajon has launched a new, redesigned website! The website provides new communication and outreach tools, added service features for residents and businesses, and gives the City of El Cajon a more powerful web presence.

By Miriam Raftery

July 10, 2015 (Lakeside) – A drug house in Lakeside has been raided and the property condemned, Sergeant David Hale with the Sheriff’s Department reports.  County Sheriff’s deputies from the Lakeside substation, aided by the Sheriff’s special enforcement detail and ASTREA helicopter served a search warrant at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at 9001 Creekford Road.

East County News Service

July 9, 2015 (Descanso) – Once again, Camp Jack will offer a summer camping experience for at-risk youths. This year’s camp starts on July 26 with a Traditional Barbeque hosted by the El Cajon Valley Host Lions club.

East County News Service

July 10, 2015 (Lemon Grove)—The suspect in an armed robbery of a Subway sandwich shop in Lemon Grove Wednesday night remains at large.

July 8, 2015 (Lakeside) – Leon Thompson took this image of a sunset and dramatic clouds above San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside, while out strolling with his dog, Daisy, this summer afternoon.

July 9, 2015 (La Mesa) – A 17-year-old has been arrested and charged with assault involving great bodily injury for a beating that occurred at the La Mesa Trolley Station on La Mesa Boulevard on June 13^th at 8 p.m.

Photo: City of El Cajon’s first fire truck, 1924

July 8, 2015 (El Cajon)--It’s been years in the planning, but retired El Cajon Fire Chief Ed Jarrell, partnering with Parkway Plaza, is bringing a fire museum to the City of El Cajon!  It’s been a long-time dream for the former Fire Chief to provide the City with a history of firefighting in El Cajon, inspiring youth to pursue a fire career and to provide safety education to those who visit the museum.

By Leon Thompson

Photos: Mayor Voepel, left, favors lifting limits; Councilman Dale, right, opposes.

July 8, 2015 (Santee)—Candidates running for Santee City Council or Mayor can only receive campaign contribution from individuals and for no more than $650.00 dollars.  However, that may change due to a proposal that would strike the restriction to individual donors and open campaign contributions up to corporations,political action committees (PACs) and other organizations. 

City Attorney Shawn Hagerty made clear that the current law is similar to ones many other California jurisdictions have.  Despite recent court rulings on some campaign finance issues, he made clear, “local limits to individuals have not been called into question and there is no requirement to change that.” Despite that, some Council members seemed eager to allow corporate and political action company money into local races to help fund rising campaign costs.

By Miriam Raftery

July 8, 2015 (Santee)—The Santee City Council has voted to raise the Fire Benefit Fee for all commercial and industrial properties to a maximum of $492 per building, per year.  Parcels with multiple buildings will owe the fee for each building. The highest increase faced by any property owner would be $1,800, staff told Council.

“This is really a per building fee,” Councilman Jack Dale observed, “whether you’re 500 square feet or you’re Costco.”

July 5, 2015 (Santee) – Last night Sheriff’s deputies conducted a driving-under-the-influence (DUI) sobriety and driver license checkpoint near the 9200 block of Carlton Hills Blvd. in Santee from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.