East County News Service

February 8, 2016 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa Conversations organizes informal mixers every other month, featuring short programs to catalyze the conversation among our attendees. On Thursday, February 18^th, the theme will be “Is La Mesa the next hip neighborhood in San Diego?”

East County News Service

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

February 8, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Good Samaritans pulled the injured driver of a pickup truck out to safety moments before the vehicle caught on fire early this morning following a four-vehicle collision on State Route 52 just west of Santee.

East County News Service

February 8, 2016 (Alpine) — A 51-year-old San Diego man died after rear-ending a truck pulling a semi-trailer on eastbound Interstate 8 in Alpine early this morning.

Source: County News Service

February 5, 2016 (Flinn Springs) -- Snap a selfie with your sweetheart at a San Diego County park for a chance to win a ceremony and reception at one of the County’s premier outdoor wedding destinations. Deadline to submit photos is Friday, February 12^th. One lucky couple will receive:

By Miriam Raftery

Note: Due to a family emergency, our reporter missed this event, so we interviewed Colin Parent with La Mesa Conversations for highlights.

February 4, 2016 (La Mesa) – An estimated 117 people turned out at a “Future of La Mesa” forum held January 26^th at the Masonic Lodge.

Two-day sting catches 15 illegal operators, including three repeat offenders and a Most Wanted suspect

East County News Service

February 3, 2016 (San Diego) -- Forecasters have been warning West Coast residents to prepare for heavy rain and flooding from this season’s El Niño. Along with these warnings, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) urges homeowners to be cautious of unlicensed workers advertising for roof repairs and other flood prevention jobs. Fifteen unlicensed contractors were caught during a two-day sting in San Diego this week, proving that many illegal operators are taking this as opportunity to prey on consumers preparing for storms.

East County News Service

January 31, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego County Planning Commission, after months of review and public input on proposed changes to the tiered winery ordinance, will hold a hearing on Friday, February 5^th on the proposed zoning ordinance amendment.  In addition, planners will consider a proposed map for the Hoskings Ranch residential development project in Julian.

Some winery owners voice continuing concerns over the proposed changes. Teri Kerns, co-owner of Ramona Ranch Winery, told East County Magazine, "We are pleased to see that a few of our suggestions have been incorporated, for example, allowing the wineries to be open until 6 pm during the winter hours, and increasing van capacity to 15 but disappointed that the majority have not been.   We are concerned that new wineries will not be able to open, given the restrictions on structures and codes and disagree with the County's broad prohibition on events and parties, amplified music, and the stand against advertising.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Jane Moore: downed tree limbs in El Cajon

February 1, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – A fierce storm that roared through our region over the weekend toppled trees that killed a woman in Pacific Beach, injured a 10 News crew in Mira Mesa and sent a Santee mom to the hospital.  Downed trees destroyed a popular wedding spot at the San Diego Botanic Garden. Winds also toppled trees and patio furniture across East County, our readers report.  The storm caused power outages to over 18,000 customers as SDG&E crews worked through the night to restore power.

East County News Service

Photo by Vanessa Nadeau at Bon Vue Drive, El Cajon.

Update: A Santee mother has been injured after a tree fell on her van, but her baby, also in the vehicle, is unharmed, KNSJ reports.

January 31, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Powerful winds and rains have resulted in numerous power outages, downed lines and fallen trees on roas and highway across our region in San Diego and East County. 

Check SDG&E’s outage map for  updates on outages in your area and expected restoration times: http://www.sdge.com/safety/outages/outage-map .

Here are the latest road hazards and weather condition reports compiled by our staff:

Amendment would direct energy secretary to lead federal review of cause and response to the crisis, make recommendations to solve the gas leak that has forced 3,000 families to evacuate, and prevent future incidents

Photo credit to Scott L. on Flickr

East County News Service

January 29, 2016 (Washington D.C.) — California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein announced Friday that they will introduce an amendment next week to energy legislation currently on the Senate floor. The amendment would direct Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to lead a broad federal review of the cause and response to the natural gas leak at Southern California Gas Company’s Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility – including making recommendations on immediate steps that could assist in solving this gas leak and in preventing and responding to future incidents.

County Animal Services rescues dozens of chickens, Bengal cats, rabbits, exotic lizards and a wolf dog with pups 

Source: County News Service

January 28, 2016 (Lakeside) -- County Animal Services investigating a complaint of neglected animals at a Lakeside home found at least a dozen dead chickens and a dead rabbit, but rescued over 100 other animals. In all, Animal Services took in 88 chickens, seven Bengal cats, four rabbits, two bearded dragon lizards and a wolf/dog blend with two puppies.  

East County News Service

January 28, 2016 (Lemon Grove) – The City of Lemon Grove invites you to bring family, neighbors and colleagues a discussion on updating and improving the city’s General Plan. The meeting will be held Saturday, January 30^th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Lemon Grove Community Center, 3146 School Lane in Lemon Grove.

“We're talking streets, sidewalks, circulation and general mobility around Lemon Grove.  We need your pertinent suggestions, major concerns and your famous ability to problem-solve,” says Helen Ofield with the Lemon Grove Historical Society.

East County News Service

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

January 28, 2016 (El Cajon) – A truck hauling 40,000 pounds of frozen chickens caught fire shortly after 1 a.m. on I-8 West in El Cajon. 

East County News Service

January 26, 2016 (La Mesa) -- You’re invited to come hear from city staff, real estate professionals and business leaders about the future of La Mesa’s downtown. The discussion will cover market trends, recent policy changes and public investments to encourage investment and walkability downtown.