Communities

SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER STABBING MAN ON TROLLEY IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

August 3, 2022 (El Cajon) – Joshua Lee Martinez, 32, of El Cajon has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a man in the head aboard a trolley near the Marshall Avenue station in El Cajon.


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HEROIC BYSTANDER AND DEPUTIES SAVE DROWNING WOMAN AT LINDO LAKE

Good Samaritan asks why law enforcement took so long to rescue the woman

 

View video by Angel New of the rescue (warning, strong language and partial nudity)

Photo, left: Screenshot of  video by Angel New shows paramedics and deputies working to revive the victim, as Scot Wolfe (right), the heroic citizen who first went into the water to save the woman, looks on.

By Miriam Raftery

Shiloh Ireland  contributed to this report

August 3, 2022 (Lakeside) – A woman was saved from drowning at Lindo Lake yesterday after Scot Wolfe, a bystander, entered the water to save her.  Sheriff’s deputies followed and pulled the woman out of the water and began lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived.

But some Lakeside residents are criticizing deputies and a park ranger for not taking action until a citizen went in first.  A video by Angel New on Facebook shows that at least a minute and forty seconds elapsed before the first deputy went into the water. Several deputies, appearing in no rush, can be seen standing beside the lake, one stating that they must take their equipment off before they can enter the water.


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EAST COUNTY CHAMBER HOSTS “DINE & DIALOGUE” WITH REP. ISSA AUGUST 11

East County News Service

August 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce will host “Dine & Dialogue” with Congressman Darrell Issa on Thursday, August 11 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  The event will be held at the Chamber’s office at 201 S. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon.

Cost is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers before Aug. 11, $20 at the door.


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MURDER IS ANNOUNCED: A CLASSIC CHRISTIE MISS MARPLE MYSTERY ONSTAGE AT POWPAC

Review by Kathy Carpenter

August 2, 2022 (Poway) - Not as well-known as perhaps some of Agatha Christie's other novels but often considered one of her best, "A Murder is Announced" is presented by Powpac now through August 21.  Novels  featuring detective Hercule Poirot are generally the Christie stories one thinks of first, such as "Murder on The Orient Express” and "Death on the Nile." I actually love sweet-little-old Miss Marple, the sleuth in "A Murder is Announced," which was written in 1950. The mystery, filled with twists and turns, will keep you guessing until the end.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: RUFFLED FEATHERS

East County News Service

August 2, 2022 (Lakeside) - This snowy egret with ruffled feathers was photographed at Lindo Lakes Park in Lakeside by Shiloh Ireland Photography.


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COMIC-CON FEATURED GUEST ARTIST – KEITHAN JONES

Story by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

(Photo at left of Keithan Jones by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson) 

August 2, 2022 (San Diego) -- Keithan Jones, a resident of El Cajon, was celebrated at San Diego International Comic-Con as a featured special guest artist.

He displayed his work, a comic book series titled “Power Knights,” at a booth in Artist Alley in the San Diego Convention Center. Additionally, he appeared on several panels, did multiple interviews, and greeted fans, attendees, and friends during the run of Comic-Con 2022.

How did he get to that celebrated spot? Talent and recognition by an elementary school teacher.


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THREE ARRESTED FOR PROVIDING ALCOHOL TO MINORS IN STING OPERATION BY LA MESA POLICE AND ABC DETECTIVES

East County News Service

August 1, 2022 (La Mesa) -- On Saturday, agents from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and detectives from the La Mesa Police Department conducted a “shoulder tap” sting operation targeting adults who furnished alcoholic beverages to minors. A decoy contacted several adults throughout the operation and three arrests were made.


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SANTEE ADOPTS CANNABIS ORDINANCE

By Mike Allen

Photo:  map of permitted cannabis locations in Santee

August 1, 2022 (Santee) -- Santee is the latest city in San Diego County to permit cannabis businesses including sale of marijuana within its borders, following a 3-2 vote at its most recent City Council meeting July 27.


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BODY FOUND IN LAKESIDE POND

Update August 14, 2022:  The Medical Examiner's office has identified the 50-year-old man as Thomas Moreno. Moreno's family have been notified of his death. The cause and manner of his death remain under investigation, the Sheriff's office reports.

Updated August 1 at 5 p.m. with additional information from the Sheriff's department.

East County News Service

Photos by Shiloh Ireland Photography

August 1, 2022 (Lakeside) -- The body of a man around 50 years old was found this morning in a pond south of Willow Road near Moreno, east of State Route 67 in Lakeside. The Sheriff's Search and Rescue Dive Team responded to a call and recovered the body.

The man was wearing shorts with no shirt. Authorities indicated there were no obvious signs of trauma. The vicitm may have gone swimming and drowned, though the County Medical Examiner is slated to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

At this point the death is suspicious in nature however, there is no indication of foul play. The circumstances of this incident are still under investigation," says Lieutenant Chris Steffan.


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SPRING VALLEY NATIVE AWARDED MILITARY OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Skyler Okerman, USS Constitution Public Affairs

August 1, 2022 (Spring Valley) - Chief Petty Officer Elliott Fabrizio, a Spring Valley, California native, was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal aboard USS Constitution, July 28. Fabrizio currently serves as a mass communication specialist. 


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MOTORIST DIES AFTER STRIKING TRUCK STOPPED ON FREEWAY SHOULDER

East County News Service

July 31, 2022 (Spring Valley) – A San Diego man, 27, was killed after his black Toyota sedan veered out of traffic lanes and hit a white box truck parked on the shoulder of I-15 northbound, near Friar’s Road.  The driver of the white box truck, a 25-year-old Spring Valley man, had stopped due to a flat tire. He was standing on the shoulder and suffered injuries after the collision pushed the truck against him Friday around 1:09 a.m.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: STORM CLOUDS OVER EAST COUNTY

East County News Service

July 31, 2022 (El Cajon) – Robert Gehr snapped this dramatic sky image on July 31 from El Cajon, as thunderstorms swept into East County’s mountain areas.


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LEMON GROVE WILL START PILOT PROGRAM TO OPEN RECREATION CENTER SATURDAYS STARTING JULY 30

By Elijah McKee

July 29, 2022 (Lemon Grove) — Starting on Saturday, July 30, Lemon Grove residents — many who called for restored public access to the Recreation Center — will see a new step taken in that direction, as the City looks for a fresh start with its recreation offerings. 

 

For the next six months, the City will run a Recreation Center Open Saturdays pilot program at the facility, during which they will collect data on its usage and either continue, modify, or discontinue the program in January based on what is learned. 

 

This effort was added to the agenda on the heels of the City Council’s April priority-setting session. According to a staff report, the pilot program will cost $11,328.


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DRIVER ARRESTED FOR FATAL HIT-AND-RUN IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: CC via Bing

July 28, 2022 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have arrested a 22-year-old man who reportedly fled the scene after his vehicle struck and fatally injured a 20-year-old woman. Found with a signal light still hanging off his vehicle, the driver was found to be on a narcotic and faces multiple charges.


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SAPS AT SEA PRESENT 'CAVEMAN COMEDIES' AUGUST 13

East County News Service

July 27, 2022 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the official Laurel & Hardy fan organization, will host their August gathering, "Caveman Comedies", on August 13 at 7 p.m. at Williams Hall at Trinity Church in Spring Valley.


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RAMONA MAN KILLED IN TRAFFIC CRASH

East County News Service

July 27, 2022 (Ramona) – Luis Miguel Sanabria Rosas, 34, of Ramona died July 22 at the scene of a solo vehicle crash on eastbound San Pasqual Valley Road.  Rosas’ vehicle plummeted down an embankment, striking a boulder.

A passing motorist saw the accident and called 911.  Law enforcement and paramedics responded; paramedics pronounced him dead without medical intervention due to fatal trauma.


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MISSING PINE HILLS MAN FOUND DEAD

By Miriam Raftery

July 27, 2022 (Pine Hills) – The body of Terry Hughes, 76, has been found, according to a post by Cheryl Bakken on the Find Terry Hughes Facebook page. Hughes left his Pine Hills home near Julian for a walk Monday around 4 p.m.


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COUPLES SAY, “I DO” AT COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE AT THEIR “SUMMER OF LOVE” AFTER HOURS WEDDING CEREMONIES

By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

Photos by Jordan Z. Marks

(Photo left:  newlyweds Peytan and Samantha Teets)

July 27, 2022 (Santee) "Love" after-hours wedding ceremonies, or appointments to get married, are now offered for two upcoming Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at four locations at the County of San Diego Recorders in Chula Vista, Santee, San Marcos, and downtown. The next two dates for late appointments are August 10 and September 14. 

Or, as Jordan Z. Marks, Esq., Assessor Taxpayer Advocate said, “Happiness begins here.” And, it did for couples like Peytan Teets and Samantha Wartelle who selected the first late appointment on July 20. Marks was on site to congratulate the newlyweds. 


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HOMES EVACUATED IN RAMONA AS FIRE SHUTS DOWN HIGHWAY 78 EAST

Update July 28, 7 a.m. -- Roads have reopened, but drive carefully and watch for firefighters mopping up hot spots. Evacuation orders have been lifted.  While forward spread is 35% contained with forward spread halted at 180 acres and no homes lost, North County Fire District this morning issued a smoke advisory due to the lingering effects of the #CasnerFire in Ramona.

Update 7 p.m.  Forward spread has been stopped at 180 acres.

Update 2:25 p.m.:  The Casner Fire is now 156 acres and 0% contained, per Cal Fire. The Temporary Evacuation Point (TEP) set up for the #CasnerFire has been moved to Olive Peirce Middle School located at 1521 Hanson Lane in Ramona.

View video of fire drop on Golden Eagle Rd. near Witch Creek fire station, taken by Brett Stalbaum: https://youtu.be/hkpqIhOhbtM

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photo, right, by Brett Stalbaum

July 27, 2022 (Ramona) -- Evacuation notices have been issued for homes on or near Rancho Ballena Road in the #CasnerFire, which has charred at least 40 acres in Ramona.

The fire began near the junction of Casner and State Route 78, which is closed eastbound at the Old Julian Highway. ECM photographer Brett Stalbaum reports the fire is near the Trumper's fruit stand close to Stage Coach Road and the Cal Fire Witch Creek station.

A temporary evacuation point has been moved to Olive Peirce Middle School at 1521 Hanson Lane.


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EL CAJON POLICE SEEKS HELP TO FIND OWNERS OF JEWELRY STOLEN BY CAREGIVER

East County News Service 

July 26, 2022 (El Cajon) -- Do you recognize any of these jewelry pieces? El Cajon Police

detectives are working a burglary series associated with elder abuse. Victims who were being cared for by a caregiver had personal items stolen, ECPD reports on its Facebook page


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SUSPECT TRIES TO DISCARD FENTANYL, EXPOSES EL CAJON POLICE OFFICERS

East County News Service 

July 26, 2022 (El Cajon) – Two El Cajon Police officers suffered fentanyl exposure and had to undergo a decontamination procedure today.


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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: LAKESIDE RODEO

East County News Service

July 26, 2022 (Lakeside) – The owner of Shiloh Ireland Photography sent in these photos taken at the Lakeside Rodeo grounds on July 17, including an action shot of a junior barrel racer.

 


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SDG&E AND CAJON VALLEY UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT FLIP THE SWITCH ON REGION’S FIRST VEHICLE-TO-GRID PROJECT FEATURING LOCAL ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUSES CAPABLE OF SENDING POWER TO THE GRID

First live demonstration of bi-directional charging since launch of the federal cross-sector collaboration initiative to rapidly commercialize technology

Source: SDG&E

July 26, 2022 (San Diego) - Today, San Diego Gas & Electric announced that it has successfully deployed an innovative technology that enables eight electric school buses to put electricity back on the grid when needed such as on hot summer days. A collaborative effort between SDG&E, the Cajon Valley Union School District and locally based technology company Nuvve, this is the first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) project to become operational in Southern California, helping to advance clean air and climate goals while also bolstering grid reliability. 


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MOUNTAIN AND DESERT THUNDERSTORMS POSSIBLE IN NEXT FEW DAYS

By Miriam Raftery

July 24, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service is forecasting cooler temperatures and possible thunderstorms today through most of next week in San Diego County’s mountains and deserts.

Gusty winds, lightning, heavy rain and small hail may also occur with afternoon thunderstorms.  The odds are slight for today, but increase later in the week.


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BABS FRY, FINDER OF LOST PETS, NEEDS HELP TO REPLACE VAN DESTROYED IN CRASH

Volunteers also needed to help animals at Fry’s nonprofit, A Way Home For Dogs

By Karen Pearlman

Photo:  Babs Fry and a rescued dog relax in a 2020 photo near Fry's van that recently was totaled. Fry is hoping for volunteers to step up and help out while her team is looking to raise money to replace the van.  Photo courtesy of Babs Fry

July 23, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- Babs Fry is the one who gets the call from a frantic pet owner when a cat or dog goes missing, the one the California Highway Patrol calls when someone's pet is found wandering on a freeway.


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MAN DIES AFTER COLLISION IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

July 23, 2022 (El Cajon) – The driver of a black 2012 Toyota Prius has died after the vehicle struck a parked SUV.  The man, 38, was transported by paramedics to Scripps Mercy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.


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JUDGE APPROVES PREDATOR PLACEMENT IN BORREGO SPRINGS

East County News Service

July 23, 2022 (Borrego Springs) -- Michael Martinez, a 69-year-old man classified by the state as a sexually violent predator, will be released and placed in a home on Running M Road in Borrego Springs


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RONN HALL SEEKS THIRD TERM ON SANTEE COUNCIL

By Mike Allen

July 22, 2022 (Santee) -- Ronn Hall, a member of the Santee City Council for eight years, says he wants to keep the job and is running this November for another term.


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EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FOR DESERTS TODAY AND TOMORROW

July 21, 2022 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for San Diego County Deserts, starting at 11 a.m. today until Friday 7/22/22 at 8:00 p.m. Hot conditions with high temperatures of up to 116 degrees may be reached.

Borrego Springs Branch Library will be open as Cool Zone. For location information, hours of operation, and tips to beat the heat, visit: www.coolzones.org.


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEW: JESSYKA HERREDIA AND CHRIS WILLIAMS, LEMON GROVE IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL

 By Miriam Raftery

Hear audio of interview

Update: After this interview aired, the City Council voted to reopen the Lemon Grove Recreation Center one day a month, on Saturdays, in a win for citizen activists.  Watch for an in-depth story on the Council action soon.

July 19, 2022 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Improvement Council , a nonpartisan organization, was founded by citizens eager to help to fulfill needs of the community, a city with limited revenues. A key goal of organizers is to see reopening of the city’s recreation center, which has been closed for more than a decade.

Jessyka Heredia and Chris Williams from the Lemon Grove Improvement Council sat down for an in-depth interview with East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery, originally aired on our radio show on KNSJ. 

Heredia hopes to partner with the city.  “If we collaborate together as a team, we can get it done….We’re here to help.”

The group held a Lemon Grove Citrus Festival on July 9 with family-friendly activities such as sack races, tug-of war, ball pitching, bounce house and slides as well as vendors, food and lemon-themed items galore.

Audio: 


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