By Gary Gorton, St. Pius X Wine Tasting Festival Committee

Photos, left and below right: Vineyards and tasting room at Granite Lion Cellars in Jamul

May 23, 2018 (Jamul) -- Jamul has always been identified as a wine rich region. Grapes and wine were introduced to California in San Diego at the site of the Mission de Alcala, the first of the California Missions by Father Junipero Sierra who established the first vineyard on the Mission Valley Property back in 1769. The first wine for sacramental use was made by the monks in 1774.

How appropriate, then, that it is St. Pius X in Jamul hosting the third-annual wine-tasting festival this year. The date is June 30, 2018 from 5:30pm to 9:00 pm. The festival will be sponsored by the Wineries on Highway 94 and is being hosted at Jamal’s own D&S Farms, home of Granite Lion Cellars.

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!  Type in “Sports” as your donation!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity?  Comment on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Check out our sports section for more sports stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

Cover photo:  Monte Vista senior Ivan Plazola struck out 12 batters, but couldn't secure the lead as the Monarchs fell short.

May 22, 2018 (Spring Valley) - Monte Vista baseball has made it to the CIF Division IV playoffs.  Today in round one, they faced Kearny, the winners of a play-in on Monday against Calipatria.  The Komets are a near-perfect 11-1 in the Central League and a 17-12 overall record.  The Monarchs just barely eeked into the playoffs with a 9-6 record in the Grossmont League and an 18-11 overall record.  Senior Cade Logan took the hill for the Komets against senior Ivan Plazola for Monte Vista.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

May 21, 2018 (La Mesa) – A man accused of chasing and hurling a knife at a 13-year-old girl walking to Parkway Middle School this morning was shot and wounded by a La Mesa Police Officer.  The suspect has been identified as Bernard Graham, 34, of Spring Valley.

Source:  Saps at Sea

May 1, 2018 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the official Laurel & Hardy fan club of San Diego, will continue their slam-bang festival of Funtastic films on Saturday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. (with the show starting at 7:00 p.m.) at Williams Hall at Trinity Church (3902 Kenwood Drive) in Spring Valley. 

By Miriam Raftery

May 21, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – The 2018 Point in Time “We All Count” report on homelessness in our region reveals that 12.7% of San Diego County’s homeless population is in East County.  While El Cajon has made progress toward sheltering its homeless people, no such progress has been made in the unincorporated areas or most East County cities.

East County News Service

May 20, 2018 (Jamul) – At the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Jamul, talented wildlife photographer Debbie Ekhaml has been documenting a nest with four Great Horned Owls fledglings.

“Four is really amazing,” she says, adding that the species normally has two or three offspring at a time.

These large, nocturnal birds are found across our regional and can be identified by the tufts of feathers resembling horns. You may hear their distinctive “Hoo -H-Hoo” call after dark. 

Review by Liz Orient

May 18, 2018 (Ramona) -- Downtown Ramona is home to a collection of quaint and charming eateries. Marinade on Main uniquely presents itself as a beloved farm-to-table cafe. One Sunday afternoon, my colleague and I decided to stop in for brunch.

By Miriam Raftery

May 18, 2018 (El Cajon) – Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, Hacienda Casa Blanco opened up its new outdoor patio earlier this month.  The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the occasion, where  Chamber members savored margaritas, festive music and authentic Mexican dishes.

By Miriam Raftery

May 17, 2018 (El Cajon) – A 16-year-old student walking on the trolley tracks near the Roadway Inn in El Cajon was struck and killed by the trolley  around 8 p.m.Tuesday night.

According to a GoFundMe website set up by a teacher to help the family pay for medical expenses, the victim was a sophomore and captain of the basketball team at Chaparral High School.

El Cajon Police and paramedics responded, but the victim, Harley Groleau, was declared dead at the scene.

Backroom Beer Pairing to feature imaginative brews from Temecula’s Aftershock Brewing; proceeds benefit animal rescue charities

East County News Service

May 17, 2018 (Alpine) - Summer calls for sipping on refreshing brews in great company. On May 30, you can do just that when Barons Market teams up with Temecula’s Aftershock Brewing to pair tasty beers with delectable dishes at each of its seven Southern California grocery stores for its summer-themed Backroom Beer Pairing. Often with sell-out crowds, Baron’s Backroom Beer Pairings transform Barons Market’s loading docks and stock rooms into food and local brew speakeasies.

By Liz Orient

May 16, 2018 (Ramona) -- The historic town of Ramona is well known for its wineries and breweries. Mom and Pop brewing companies hold a special place in my heart and I love their genuine character. If you are looking for the same experience, look no further than Reds, Whites and Brews in downtown Ramona.

Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

May 15, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Two guided bike rides are being held at Grossmont College May 20 to honor the memory of Grossmont College political science professor Brian Jennings, an avid bicyclist who was killed April 17 while riding his bike in Flinn Springs.

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Liz Orient

May 16, 2018 (Anza-Borrego) -- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a unique destination for anyone looking for a fun day trip from San Diego. There are two classes of people: those who love the desert and those who hate the desert. I happen to be one who enjoys the bizarre plants, resourceful animals, and how the mountains change colors at sunset. I hadn't been to Anza-Borrego in several years and it was time to revisit one of my favorite places in California!

East County News Service

May 15, 2018 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host “Joint Replacement,” a program on hip and knee total joint replacement surgeries and hip resurfacing procedures, from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 23. 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 Miriam Raftery

Photos by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson 

May 14, 2018 (Santee) – Mary’s Donuts in Santee is not a drive-thru restaurant.  But a driver crashed into the building just a few feet from the donut shop on Carlton Hills Blvd. on Sunday, causing the vehicle to roll onto its side.