East County News Service

April 4, 2018 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host “It’s All About The Conversation,” a free program on advance care planning (ACP), from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 25. The program is part of the library’s “Wellness Wednesday” series, normally held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Admission is free. Light refreshments will be served. Advance RSVP is not necessary. Handouts will be available.

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: Angeles Nelson (left) opposed the dispensary in Lemon Grove, while Kathleen Harmon (right) supported it

April 4, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) -- La Mesa will have its first legal medical marijuana dispensary, after a unanimous vote of approval by the City Council on March 27. An appeal challenging the approval was rejected.

By contrast, the Lemon Grove City Council voted to deny an application for a dispensary due to proximity to a daycare center.  No dispensaries have yet opened in Lemon Grove though at least two have met zoning requirements and are now advancing through the conditional use permit process.

 

Both Councils took the actions recommended by staff in implementing laws established by voter-approved initiatives. At issue in each is the date of completion.

By Miriam Raftery

April 2, 2018 (El Cajon) – A 16-year-old football player from Granite Hills High School was struck by a vehicle and suffered life-threatening injuries tonight.

According to Lieutenant Steve Kirk with the El Cajon Police Department, after a preliminary investigation and interviewing witnesses, “It appears the pedestrian was with three other male juveniles running south across East Washington outside of a controlled intersection” when the teen was struck by a white 2016 Toyota Rav4 traveling eastbound.

East County News Service

April 2, 2018 (Julian) – The public is invited to “Meet the Candidates” on Thursday, April 5^th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Julian Town Hall.  The forum is hosted by Julian Indivisible, a progressive political organization.  Candidates confirmed to appear include Dave Myers for Sheriff, James Elia for State Assembly, Genevieve Jones Wright for District Attorney, and Matt Brower for Judge.

You’re encouraged to bring questions to ask the candidates. Voter registration will also be available at this event.  For more information, contact julianindivisible@gmail.com.

East County News Service

April 2, 2018 (La Mesa) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will present Health Fair Saturday, one of the largest annual free health fairs in San Diego’s East County Region, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, in the promenade area near the movie theaters at the Grossmont Center mall, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.

East County News Service

April 1, 2018 (El Cajon) - Be a part of the reunion! The Olaf Wieghorst Museum Foundation is holding its annual “Bringing ‘em Home” benefit dinner & auction on Saturday, May 5 at 5 p.m. at the Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Avenue in El Cajon.

East County News Service

April 1, 2018 (El Cajon) – At the Warbird Expo hosted by the Commemorative Air Force at Gillespie Field in El Cajon (north ramp of Marshall Ave.) on Saturday, April 14^th, warbirds, classic aircraft, classic cars and WWII memorabilia will all be part of a fun-filled day for the whole family.  Gates open at 9 a.m. and the event runs until 4 p.m.

By Miriam Raftery

March 31, 2018 (Spring Valley) – Two young men robbed a Valero gas station at 2835 Sweetwater Road in Spring Valley shortly after noon today.  One of the suspects, described as a black male juvenile, pointed a silver .357 magnum at the store clerk and demanded cash. The other suspect was described as a Hispanic juvenile.

East County News Service

March 30, 2018 (Jamul) -- The Jamul Kiwanis are revving up for their 10^thAnnual Hot Rod and Chili Cook off. The event will be held on April14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pio Pico/Thousand Trails, 14615 Otay Lakes Road, Jamul. 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Herman Smith, San Diego County Sheriff’s Dept.

March 30, 2018 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — A hearing is set for April 27 on proposed release of Herman Smith at 42920 Desert Rose Ranch Road in Jacumba Hot Springs.  Smith has been convicted of sexually violent crimes including rape by force in 1993, oral copulation with a minor under age 14 by force or fear, and sodomizing a victim under age 14 with force. He has also been convicted of raping a drugged victim.

By Kendra Sitton

March 29, 2018 (Jamul) -- The latest Jamul-Dulzura Planning Meeting on Tues., March 27 was dominated with discussion about a proposed development on Village 14, Planning Areas 15 and 19. The proposal would bring over a thousand new homes into an unincorporated area of 6,163 people, as of the last census.

By Miriam Raftery

March 27, 2018 (Lemon Grove) – Christopher Williams, the medical marijuana dispensary advocate who has filed a claim against Lemon Grove detailed an alleged assault by Councilman David Arambula, is speaking out to dispute Arambula’s self-defense claim.

Williams also contends that city staff stalled his applications for multiple dispensaries by claiming not to have received results of a Department of Justice screening of all applicants, when e-mails from the DOJ indicate the results were sent to the city earlier.

Arambula is also drawing criticism from current and former councilmembers for failing to disclose the scuffle that sent Williams to a hospital for treatment of significant injuries including a fractured rib, gash on his face and bite marks on his arm. Mayor Racquel Vasquez is named as a potential witness in Williams claim, along with Taisha Brown, a Democratic Party activist, but both have declined to speak with media.  Some members of the council contend they were kept in the dark by Arambula and Vasquez about the violent altercation even when voting on dispensary applications submitted by Williams for Pick Axe Holdings, LLC.

East County News Service

March 28, 2018 (Santee) – The Sheriff’s Santee station will conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, March 30^th from 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at an undisclosed location.

Checkpoints aim to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from alcohol-involved accidents by getting offenders off the streets and by educating the public on dangers of impaired driving, as well as the importance of designating a sober driver. Checkpoints also assure that each motorist has a valid driver’s license.

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 27, 2018 (La Mesa) - Ramona readers, rejoice.  ECM Sports was finally able to cover Ramona sports for the second time ever tonight as Bulldogs girls lacrosse traveled to La Mesa to face the Highlanders of Helix.  The Bulldogs sport a decent 4-3 overall record and are 1-0 in league play. Compare that to the Highlanders, who sport a 5-1 overall (1-1 in league) record and these two are pretty evenly matched.

East County News Service

March 27, 2018 (La Mesa) – Maxwell House of Books, an independent, used book retail book store in La Mesa, will host a book signing and lecture featuring La Mesa historian and author Jim Newland discussing his latest book on the history of Grossmont Hospital. The event will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 29. Maxwell House of Books is located at 8285 La Mesa Blvd., in the heart of the historic La Mesa Downtown Village. According to Craig Maxwell, book store owner, proceeds from books sold that evening will be donated to the La Mesa Historical Socie ty.