East County News Service

November 14, 2017 (Ramona) - Shy, but by no means cowardly, our hills are alive with mountain lions. 

If you’re interested in learning about local wildlife, you’re invited to attend “Living with Lions” this Saturday, November 18^th at 1 p.m. at the Ramona Ranch Winery. 

You’ll hear about local mountain lions roaming San Diego County in this special presentation by the Mountain Lion Foundation. In addition, learn about the Julian Project focused on increasing safety for people, pets, livestock and lions.

After ISIS Genocide, Iraqi Christians are displaced again

By Noori Barka, PhD, President, Chaldean League of California

November 14, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Since ISIS defeat, and by the time the displaced Iraqi Christians have started to return to the towns and villages in the Nineveh Plains, they were forced to flee again as Iraqi and Kurdish forces clash. It's a shame that after our people started rebuilding their homes with the hope to start their life in peace after ISIS horror are now killed and displaced again by their own governments!

Our people have lost their faith in either Kurdistan or Iraqi governments to protect them. They see no future in their homeland and they are fleeing to neighboring countries looking for a safe refuge for their families.

Iraq is the land of the original Christians: the Chaldeans, Assyrians, and Syriacs. Iraqi Christians were the original architects of Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, before the Kurds and Arabs. Today, the Christian population of Iraq is down to about 200,000, a stunning 80 percent decline from the 1.5 million in 2003. Christianity is on the verge of being driven eliminated from its ancestral home.

East County News Service

November 13, 2017 (Alpine) - A suspect who fled from Sheriff’s deputies after allegedly trying to steal gas or tampering with county gas pumps on Tavern Road in Alpine this morning has crashed the Toyota Camry he was driving and wound up air lifted to a trauma center.

By Miriam Raftery

November 11, 2017 (Spring Valley) -- Exotic Warehouse, an illegal marijuana clinic in Spring Valley was raided Thursday following multiple complaints by concerned citizens, says Sergeant Matt Cook with the Sheriff’s Department.

By Robert Gehr and Miriam Raftery

November 10, 2017 (El Cajon) – Just in time for Veterans’ Day weekend, Golden Corral Buffet & Grill is open in downtown El Cajon. On Monday, November 13,  the restaurant will host Military Appreciation Day from 5 to 9 p.m. – serving up free meals for all active duty and retired military members as well as veterans.

By Helen Ofield   

November 9, 2017 (Lemon Grove) -- The City of Lemon Grove will hold its 20th annual holiday "Light up the 'Grove" bonfire on Dec. 1 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. The bonfire lighting at 6 p.m. will be preceded by game booths, rock climbing wall, hayrides, arts and crafts, live music and skating on an actual ice rink. Free hot chocolate and outreach from the city's non profit groups, including the Lemon Grove Historical Society's traditional open house, will be part of the fun.  Event hours are extended this year to mark Lemon Grove's 40th anniversary of incorporation.

For information, call 619-825-3800 or visit https://www.lemongrove.ca.gov/home/showdocument?id=3549.

East County News Service

November 8, 2017 (La Mesa) - On Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11, Grossmont Center is pulling out all the stops to honor our veterans.  The event kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday evening in the Courtyard with a concert by the Navy's SW 32nd Street Brass Band.  These outstanding musicians will be performing traditional New Orleans jazz, Navy favorites and pop tunes.

East County News Service

November 8, 2017 (Lakeside) - Lakeside’s Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate the Spirit of Christmas on Maine Street in downtown Lakeside on December 2^nd from 4 to 9 p.m. This event features Santa Claus, craft booths, vendors, jumps and rides for kids, performances by local school students, and the lighting of a community Christmas tree for plenty of old-fashioned family fun this holiday season.

Admission is free.  Find details at www.LakesideChamber.org and at www.LakesideRodeo.com.

East County News Service

November 8, 2017 (Santa Ysabel) - Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures in Santa Ysabel, (4424 State Route 78) just outside of Julian, will be offering a holiday hayride activity package on November 25^th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Activities include a holiday hayride with caroling, candle dipping, rustic ornament making, cider pressing, a country hoedown, petting zoo, tomahawk throwing, rope making, a ghost town, slingshot range, hoops and stick relay races, plan racing, nature walks and a tire swing.

For more information, visit http://www.FortCross.com. 

East County News Service

November 8, 2017 (El Cajon) - The 71^st Annual Mother Goose Parade will be on November 19^th, the Sunday before Thanksgiving.   This year’s parade theme is “Family Traditions!”  The parade begins at 1 p.m.  You can see over 100 colorful and exciting parade entries, including floats, marching bands, clowns, equestrians, local dignitaries, TV celebrities, and Santa Claus!  The parade Grand Marshal is Randy Jones, former San Diego Padre and CY Young award winner.

By Kara DeMent

November 6, 2017 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis issued a proclamation to honor Eula Bell Haver, who celebrated her 102^nd birthday on October 27^th at the Montera in La Mesa.

By Miriam Raftery

November 6, 2017 (Descanso) – Residents on the Descanso Neighbors Forum on Facebook have complained of prolonged power outages. On October 24^th, Maggie Leavitt posted that power had been shut down for the seventh time in three weeks. She suggested the outages may have been intentional due to a red flag alert to prevent fires—and limit SDG&E’s liability.

October 25, 2017 (Alpine) -- Alpine Inn Steakhouse (2225 Alpine Blvd., Alpine), the coziest steakhouse in East County is now reopened under new ownership -- and East County Dining Club will host our next event sizzling event there on Friday, November 10th. 

Join us for cocktails (cash bar) at 5:30 in the steakhouse bar and dinner at 6:30 in the private captain's-style dining room. Enjoy live music by Paul Nichols and Cindy Burnham, plus you can win prizes!  You don't have to be a dining club member -- all are welcome!

This event requires an RSVP by November 5 and pre-reserving your choice for entrée, 2 sides, and a dessert. See the delicious details below!

By Valerie Watts