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.

March 22, 2010 (Escondido) – At 9:05 a.m., CAL FIRE-Deer Springs Fire Department responded to a report of an accident on I-15 at North Centre City Parkway, just north of Escondido. When firefighters arrived they encountered a passenger vehicle on it roof and two of the three occupants in the vehicle required extrication. The vehicle was traveling north bound on I-15 when it rear-ended another vehicle.

Friends of missing teen Mickey Guidry’s family are mounting a search this weekend in the Anza Borrego desert. Volunteers are needed to scour a massive area. To date some 200 have signed up to participate. Searches will begin Saturday, March 20 at 9 a.m. and end Sunday, March 21 at 5 p.m. Volunteers should meet northwest of the intersection of S2 and Highway 78. 

By Miriam Raftery

March 17, 2010 (La Mesa) – The body of Maria “Laura” Chavez Sandoval, of La Mesa was found today in the water off the coast of Rosarita Beach, Mexico. Sandoval, 55 was reported missing on Sunday by her husband. She reportedly took a taxi from La Mesa to San Ysidro and was last seen exiting the taxicab.

Sandoval left behind a “goodbye” note and was believed to be suicidal, according to a Sheriff’s missing person bulletin issued today shortly before the body was found.

March 16, 2010 (San Diego - A freight train derailment in Sorrento Mesa north of the I-5 and I-805 junction has shut down all Amtrak train travel in both directions. Passengers will be bussed. 

March 15, 2010 (San Diego) -- If you're planning to travel abroad or cross the Mexican border, you may want to apply now for your passport--since fees may go up substantially soon. Public comment on the fee increases ended March 9, and the County is awaiting the U.S. State Department’s decision to see if the increases will be implemented.

By Miriam Raftery

March 15, 2010 (San Diego) – After completing its own testing, Toyota concluded yesterday that it could find no evidence to support James Sikes’ claim that a sticking gas pedal caused his vehicle to accelerate to 94 mph in a widely-publicized incident on I-8 in East County last week. Toyota said its tests found that Sikes rapidly pressed the gas and brakes back and forth over 250 times and that the car’s gas pedal and backup safety system were working properly.

Saturday, March 13, 2010 (San Diego's East County)- Be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour, since Daylight Savings Time starts at midnight.