Epicenter is fault line below long-dormant volcano

April 4, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) Updated 11:25 p.m. – East County Magazine has obtained translations of Mexican broadcasts moments ago, indicating damage south of the border is substantially more widespread than earlier media reports indicated. At least 50 are injured, according to Mexican Red Cross, and two people have died. Baja California Governor José Guadalupe Osuna Millán announced closure of schools at all levels tomorrow.

April 4, 2010 (San Diego's East County) - A flurry of quakes has struck across Southern California shortly after a 6.9 quake hit Guadalupe Victoria Mexico 108 miles southeast of Tijuana at 3:40 p.m.  In rapid succession, a 5.1 quake hit 1 mile west of Imperial (just east of the San Diego County line) at 3:15 p.m. A 4.5 quake jolted residents 18 miles east of Jacumba Hot Springsin San Diegio's East County at 3:09 p.m., while a 3.8 temblor centered 12 miles east of Pine Valley rattled the area soon after.  Smaller quakes rattled the Julian area.

By Miriam Raftery

April 4, 2010 (Otay Lakes) – It wasn’t your traditional Easter chick. A 5’5” bird, estimated to weigh a whopping 150 pounds, startled residents in the Otay Lakes area of east Chula Vista last night and this morning. Police and County Animal Control officers finally captured the giant bird outside Bonita Vista Middle School.

Emus and ostriches are ranched at several locations in the County. There is no word as yet on where this bird originated, or how it wound up running loose in a residential neighborhood. Nor is there any confirmation on whether the feathered frolicker was female. But if you find any giant eggs in the vicinity, it’s a good bet they didn’t come from the Easter bunny.

April 3, 2010 (San Diego) San Diego County’s Consolidated Fire Code has been certified by the State of California. According to a County press release issued yesterday, the change will make it simpler for builders and homeowners in San Diego County to comply with fire protection standards on homes and developments.

 Can theater be key to downtown revitalization?

April 1, 2010 (El Cajon) – At a community forum Tuesday, dozens of East County residents turned out to hear details of a proposed plan for the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC).

The conceptual business plan, prepared by consultant Kurt Swanson, calls for the City to takeover management of the theater, invest $4.3 million in renovations, and commit to 48 performances per year including a return to headline entertainers. While some area residents praised the effort, many had questions, suggestions, and criticisms to offer.

Updated July 11, 2010 with biographical information and photo provided by Sarah Waldron, the victim's brother.

 
April 1, 2010 (Lakeside) – El Cajon resident Chris Ethan Allen Krum, 34, father of eight children, died from injuries sustained when he lost control of the 1994 Toyota Camry he was driving on Barona Road in Lakeside last night. The vehicle struck a tree and Krum was partially ejected from the vehicle. Despite aggressive resuscitative efforts, he died at the scene.

Born September 8, 1975 in Casa Grande, Arizona to Kenneth Arhold Krum and Joan Loreta Allen, Krum's life was marred by tragedy when he was just ten months old.  "My mother's and stepfather's mobile home caught fire in the middle of the night," rcalled Krum's sister, Sarah Waldron, "killing his older sister, Hidey, 3, and brother Kenny, 2, leaving my mother and brother badly burned."

April 1, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – Esteban Angel Bahena, 24, of Lemon Grove was killed this morning on northbound 163 near Robinson Avenue in San Diego. An emergency medical technician with San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, he was assisting with a minor car crash on the rain-slicked highway when he was struck by another vehicle.

April 1, 2010 (San Diego's East County) – The construction work on State Route 67 continues nightly at 9 starting Monday, April 5 to Thursday, April 8 as crews close the highway between Prospect and Woodside Avenues.

By Miriam Raftery

March 29, 2010 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon has issued a proposed business plan for the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC). The proposed plan calls for the City to take back management of the facility, dramatically remodel the theater, then bring back headliner stars as entertainment.

Suspect reportedly threatened to blow up deputies with grenade 

March 28, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – Jose Gonzalez, 40, has been arrested and charged with making terrorist threats and resisting a peace officer. According to a statement issued by the Sheriff, deputies responded to a call last night in the 7900 block of Longdale Drive in Lemon Grove. Gonzalez had locked himself in his bathroom and reportedly threatened to commit suicide.

March 27, 2010 (Sacramento) Assembly Bill 1178, also known as the “Cayman Islands Tax Loophole” bill, recently passed the Assembly and will next be considerate by the Senate. The measure authored by Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) passed the Assembly with a 42-28 vote.

March 26, 2010 (Borrego Springs) – A hiker who broke her leg on a trail in Palm Canyon, a remote location in Borrego Springs, was hoisted to safety yesterday by San Diego's Copter 10, following a call for assistance from the Borrego Springs Fire Department.

Beyond the hype, snipes and myths, what will the landmark measure really do?

By Miriam Raftery

March 22, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – How will the landmark healthcare bill passed last night by the House of Representatives impact you, your family and your business?  The answers, detailed extensively below, may surprise you.

President Barack Obama is expected to sign the measure in the next couple of days, though the Senate has yet to vote on whether to accept House changes to a version of the bill that the Senate recently passed. While some changes may yet be made, major elements include provisions to take effect immediately, as well as many others that will be phased in over several years. These include:

By Miriam Raftery

March 23, 2010 – President Barack Obama today signed into law historic healthcare reform legislation. Locally, the measure drew sharp criticism from Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) but praise from Hunter’s Democratic opponent, Raymond Lutz.