News

NEW SERVICE AND APP AIM TO PREVENT YOU FROM MISSING EMERGENCY CALLS

Urgent Call—Get the Call When it Counts

March 4, 2014 (LOS ANGELES) - The founder and creator of Urgent Call™ missed the most important call of his life when his father had a heart attack. He was sleeping and his phone was on silent. This crisis inspired the creation of Urgent Call™, a service created to make sure you are available to your loved ones when they need you most. UrgentCall™ is a mobile app and service designed to notify call recipients of an emergency situation, regardless of their phone’s setting. The easy-to-use mobile app allows users to receive emergency calls from anywhere in the world, regardless of a “do not disturb” or “silent” setting, from any type of phone: mobile, landline, and VOIP telephones.


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STORM CAUSES COLLISIONS, DOWNED TREES, AND POWER OUTAGES

 

March 1, 2014 (San Diego) -- The storm that surged across our region Friday resulted in many accidents. California Highway Patrol reports 514 collisions during just 24 hours on Friday, far more than the normal 50 to 75 crashes on good weather days. Those statistics include San Diego County and Temecula to the north.  That included a multi-car crash on I-8 near Lake Jennings and a serious crash that briefly blocked Highway 67 near Slaughterhouse Canyon in Lakeside.


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BODY OF KAYAKER MISSING ON LAKE SUTHERLAND FOUND

 

Update March 2, 2014:  The body of the missing fisherman has been found, ECM has learned.

March 1, 2014 (Ramona) – A search and rescue effort is underway at Lake Sutherland, where a kayar was found floating upside down at 5:20 p.m. in the Ramona lake.  According to Lt. Dave Schaller with the Sheriff’s office, the kayak is believed to be owned by a 55-year-old man who frequents the lake for fishing and is known to employees at the lake.


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RAIN DRENCHES COUNTY; THUNDERSTORMS AND HAIL FORECAST NEXT

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 1, 2014 (San Diego) – Drought-parched San Diego got some relief over the past two days. The National Weather Service has released precipitation totals for the two days ending at 2:10 p.m. today.

More is due in Sunday, with thunderstorms, hail and gusty winds forecast and flooding possible due to already saturated ground.

Below are the totals for the past 48 hours:


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RAINY DAY CRASHES

 

February 28, 2014 (San Diego)—Over 242 collisions were reported yesterday during just 16 hours on the first day of the storm, compared to 50 to 75 accidents on “good weather” days.  The stats include freeways and unincorporated area streets in San Diego County as well as Temecula.


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SUPERVISORS' VOTE TO IMPROVE RAMONA ROAD

 

County News Service

February 26, 2014 (Ramona)--County Supervisors moved to make a stretch of road in Ramona safer Wednesday, voting unanimously to seek bids and authorize building the long-discussed San Vicente Road Improvement project.


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SCRIPT: MAP APP LEGAL TO USE WHILE DRIVING, COURT FINDS

 

February 27, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)-- Here’s some good news for the directionally challenged:  California’s 5th District Court of Appeal has ruled that it is legal for a driver to check a map application on a cell phone.


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EAST COUNTY RESIDENT'S LAW FIRM GIVES AWAY FREE RIDES HOME FROM MARDI GRAS

 

February 28, 2014 (San Diego)- There is no such thing as a free ride, unless you happen to be at one of San Diego’s many Mardi Gras celebrations.


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SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL APPROVES ZONING FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

 

February 28, 2014 (San Diego)--By an 8 to 1 vote, the San Diego City Council has voted to create new zoning laws allowing up to 30 medical marijuana dispensaries within the city limits – up to four in  each council district.


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TEEN STRUCK, KILLED IN SPRING VALLEY

 

February 26, 2014 (Spring Valley ) – A 15 year old boy running in a crosswalk at Jamacha Boulevard and La Presa Avenue in Spring Valley was struck and killed yesterday at 4:32 p.m.  According to the California Highway Patrol, the 20-year-old driver of a Toyota Prius had a green light and was unable to take evasive action.


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SANDBAGS, ROAD REMINDERS OFFERED TO COUNTY RESIDENTS AS STORM HITS

 

 

County News Service

February 26, 2014 (San Diego)--It’s been one of the driest winters on record, but finally some significant rain is headed our way.

Once again the County of San Diego is making free sand and bags available to residents in the unincorporated areas. Residents just need to bring their own shovel.

Locations are below, along with links to find updates on road conditions during this storm and other emergencies.


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POWERFUL STORM MOVES INTO REGION

 

File photo by Dennis Richardson, Lakeside

February 27, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – A severe storm front moving across Southern California is forecast to bring heavy rains and flooding to San Diego County including coastal and inland regions.  Waves up to 15 feet high are forecast along San Diego beaches this weekend.  The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch, forecasting over an inch an hour and a high wind watch is now in effect.

The greatest threat for flash flooding will be over mountains and recent burn areas with debris flow possible, as well as in urban areas with poor drainage.  In addition, possible major coastal flooding may occur during high tides on Saturday.  Rough surf and storm rip currents are forecast from Friday through early Sunday.


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SDG&E PREPARES FOR HEAVY RAINFALL, OFFERS SAFETY TIPS FOR STORMY WEATHER

 

 

Photo, left: 2013 storm in East County's Boulevard community

February 27, 2014 (San Diego)-- As San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) crews prepare for periods of heavy rain, gusty winds and scattered lightning to continue, the utility is reminding customers to be on alert and prepare for unplanned power outages.   

“As the region prepares for much-needed rainfall, SDG&E crews are ready to respond to any impacts the weather may have on our electrical system,” said David L. Geier, vice president of electric operations for SDG&E. “We’re committed to providing reliable electricity service to our customers but sometimes unexpected power outages may occur, especially during storms and high winds.”

The utility reminds customers to follow the following storm safety tips:


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PLANE CRASHES AT RAMONA AIRPORT



 

February 25, 2014 (Ramona) -- A single-engine, fixed-wing aircraft ran off the runway during landing at the Ramona Airport today at 10:30 a.m. Sheriff's deputies from Ramona responded. No injuries were reported.


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NEW SAN DIEGO POLICE CHIEF NAMED

 

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

February 27, 2014 (San Diego) – San Diego Police Department will soon be headed up by its first female Chief.  Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman will replace retiring Chief William Lansdowne, who steps down March 3.  Lansdowne leaves office following a series of scandals including allegations of sexual misconduct by officers, so the choice of a woman to head up the department can be viewed as sending a strong signal that the city is serious about cleaning up the department's tarnished image.

Zimmerman has the support of Mayor-Elect Kevin Faulconer as well as the San Diego Police Officers Association.


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GAS TAX REDUCED BY STATE

 

February 25, 2014 (Sacramento)--The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) today voted unanimously to adjust the Fiscal Year 2014-15 excise tax rate on gasoline downward by $0.035 during its monthly Board Meeting in Culver City.


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HEAVY RAINS, FLASH FLOODS AND POSSIBLE TORNADOS FORECAST

 

By Miriam Raftery

Updated February 27, 2014 (San Diego) – A powerful storm is set to sweep into the region Thursday through Sunday, bringing some of the most severe weather seen in decades, weather experts predict.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning and a flash flood watch from late Thursday through Saturday night.  Thunderstorms may bring waterspouts or even tornadoes, most likely in coastal areas.

 Sustained winds of 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts of 60 miles per hour or higher are forecast for mountain and desert areas in East County.   Blowing sand and dust may reduce visibility.


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ALPINE TEACHERS HEAD BACK TO THE CLASSROOM AFTER APPROVING CONTRACT

 

By Nadin Abbott

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

February 25, 2014 (Alpine)—Alpine teachers approved the new contract this morning after marathon negotiations with the Alpine Union School District, ending a strike that began last  Thursday. There are no details of the agreement to be found on the school district website. The contract is not all that teachers wanted, but according to a post at the Alpine Teacher Association website, the Union received the following:


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RESIDENTS COMPLAIN OF CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH AT&T IN DEERHORN VALLEY

 

By Nadin Abbott

Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

February 22, 2014 (Deerhorn Valley) -- Deerhorn Valley residents  are reporting serious problems with new cell phone service in their area. These issues range from the very serious, including getting disconnected during a 911 call to recurring reception problems.


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MISSING PERSON SOUGHT: HENRY CAMARENA

 

 

February 20, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--  Sheriff’s Deputies at the Rancho San Diego station ask public help to locate Henry Camarena, 38.  He has not been seen of heard from by family or friends since Sunday, February 16. 

Camarena has health issues and requires daily medication, said Detective Moore.  He may be driving a white 2013 Nissan Versa with California license late 6ZAF275.


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FOR THE BIRDS: LA MESA COUNCIL TO VOTE MARCH 25 ON LEGALIZATION OF CHICKEN OWNERSHIP

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 19, 2014 (La Mesa) –La Mesa residents may soon be able to raise chickens (though not roosters) in their backyards.  On Wednesday, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to allow one chicken for each 2,000 square feet, or three chickens for the average 6,000 square foot residential lot.  The proposed new ordinance must next be approved by the City Council, which is expected to hear the measure on March 25.


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ANTIQUES AND MORE AT KRISARAHS, NEW BOUTIQUE IN LAKESIDE

 

By Jessica Richmond

February 23, 2014 (Lakeside)- Nestled along Maine Street in Lakeside, Krisarahs shop opened its doors on November 29th to share heartwarming antique, vintage and collectible items, natural body care products and more.

Krisarahs, once a dream held by owner Nanci Lynn Hallahan, has turned into a reality this past year with operational help from her daughter, Sarah Espiritu. Nanci dedicated the store’s name, Krisarahs, to an amalgamation of her two daughters, Sarah and Kristasl Roque.


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THE DEMISE OF LOCAL MEDIA: WHAT IF WE SOON HAVE NO NEWSPAPERS LEFT?

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 17, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--As a journalist, I find it disturbing to see the high number of East County media outlets that have closed their doors, slashed content, or sold out to a corporate conglomerate in recent months.  Those remaining are struggling amid a culture of readers that increasing are failing to support the important job of news gathering that is so critical for our democracy—not to mention keeping you informed of breaking news, emergencies and events in your community.


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A "FOWL" CRASH BLOCKS HIGHWAY 94 IN DU LZURA

 

February 17, 2014 (Dulzura)– A semi-truck carrying an estimated 1,000 chickens rolled over, then burst into flames that have spread to a tree. The semi is blocking the roadway at 16895 State Route 94 near Campbell Ranch Road, close to the Dulzura Post Office. Chickens are reportedly running loose, the California Highway Patrol website indicates. 

A Sig Alert has been issued and the semi driver is injured. Avoid this area.


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PASSAGES: WOMAN, 80, IN WHEELCHAIR KILLED CROSSING HIGHWAY 80 IN JACUMBA

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 17, 2014 (Jacumba) – An 80-year-old woman in a motorized wheelchair crossing Old Highway 80 in Jacumba was struck and killed by a white van turning onto the highway at 6:38 p.m. last night. The victim, Jimmie Dyampert Genet of Jacumba, died at the scene.

“Jimmie was a larger than life character who was liked by everyone,” said Danielle Cook, a Jacumba resident.  “I used to see her in the pools at the spa or rolling down the road towards the store and Post Office. She will be missed.”


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FATAL FOUR- -CAR CRASH ON 125

 

 

February 14, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)—A Valentine’s Day crash at 1:44 p.m. today claimed the life of a 37-year-old San Diego man. According to the CHP, he was driving a Jaguar at high speed on State Route 125 northbound near San Miguel Ranch Road when he missed a curve and collided with the center median guardrail, tearing open the left side of his vehicle.


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PASSAGES: BAKERY CO-OWNER ROSEMARY JUNE OWENS, 1926-2014

 

February 14, 2014 (El Cajon)-Rosemary June Owens, who co-owned Howard’s Bakery in El Cajon, was a popular figure in El Cajon for many years, serving sweets and specialties for occasions from weddings to graduations.  She passed away peacefully in her home with her loving husband of 53 years, Howard, by her side.

Rosemary fought a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, after beating breast cancer twice over a 30-year span.


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PATRICK HENRY HIGH STUDENT DIES OF MENINGITIS

 

 

February 14, 2014 (San Carlos)--A student who attended Patrick Henry High School in the San Diego Unified School District died last night of a suspected meningococcal infection, according to officials with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA).


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FREE TAX HELP, BENEFITS SCREENING AVAILABLE FOR EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS

 

February 13, 2014 (San Diego’s East County)--Tax time is rarely a time that people look forward to. Even if you’re getting a refund, there’s still a bunch of paperwork, numbers and calculations to go through. But, what if you could get free help with your taxes? Better yet, what if at the same time, you could also find out what benefits you qualify for, like CalFresh or discounts on your SDG&E bill?


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RAIN BRINGS MINIMAL RELIEF FROM DROUGHT

 

February 11, 2014 (Sacramento) – A storm over the weekend brought some rainfall to northern California, though any precipitation is welcome in the state’s extreme drought conditions .  The National Weather Service in Sacramento tweeted a photo to put things in perspective . It showed a five gallon bucket to represented the amount of water needed, with a 10-ounce coffee cup to represent how much rain has fallen.


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