September 1, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- Effective Friday September 3, at 6:00 a.m., the Cleveland National Forest will raise the fire danger level to VERY HIGH. Forest use restrictions under the very high level will be implemented at that time.

By Miriam Raftery

August 31, 2010 (La Mesa) -- "He makes $199,000 a year and gets a car and benefits, but this public official doesn’t want to receive routine emails outside business hours. I-Team reporter Lauren Reynolds shows us the unusual steps he’s taking to be left alone.”

East County News Service
August 27, 2010 (Santee) – Christina Gravitt, 46, of El Cajon was killed Wednesday, August 25 as the result of a high-speed accident. According to the San Diego County Medical Examiner, Gravitt was driving a Dodge Durango traveling southbound on Magnolia Avenue in Santee at a high rate of speed when the vehicle went out of control.

County honors deputies who saved couple’s lives during Monte Fire;

Climbers offer safety tips for others

By Miriam Raftery

August 26, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Sheriff’s deputies Gary Kneeshaw and Scott Blight saved two rock climbers trapped on the face of El Capitan mountain during the Monte Fire in Lakeside on Saturday.  Today, the deputies were honored with a commendation from the County Board of Supervisors for their heroic actions in a daring ASTREA helicopter rescue. In a press conference at Gillespie Field in El Cajon today, Lieutenant Richardson praised the deputies for actions “above and beyond the call of duty” which “without a doubt, saved the lives” of rock climbers André Doria and Meg Rippy.
 

Doria and Rippy, 27-year-old graduate students at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, revealed details of their ordeal to East County Magazine.

August 26, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Citing concerns over a recent audit report, the El Cajon City Council voted 4-1 to extend funding for the El Cajon Community Development Corporation for six months instead of the full year. While the Mayor expressed confidence that a new director has agreed to correct problems identified in the audit, some Councilmembers warned that the City could exercise the City’s 30-day right to terminate the ECCDC’s contract if their concerns are not adequately addressed.

Helix Water District raises rates in contentious hearing

By Kristin Kjaero

August 19, 2010 (La Mesa) – “Get used to it. We’re going to pay more each year,” Helix Water District Board member John Linden told the audience, shortly before the board voted 3-2 to raise the three-tiered rate structure an average of 8% more starting in November. Last year rates increased 21+%.

Discussion at the rate increase hearing was lively to say the least, as tempers frayed and the public, General Manager and Board members accused one another of not being truthful and of micromanaging. The room was filled to capacity, and occasionally members of the audience called out and were gaveled back to order. A La Mesa Policeman stood in the back quietly observing.

As last combat troops leave Iraq this week, Salas seeks to expedite help for veterans in need of medical and other services

August 19, 2010 (San Diego's East County) -- Assemblymember Mary Salas’ Assembly Bill 1925, which authorizes superior courts to develop and implement veteran’s courts for eligible U.S. veterans, is now on the Governor’s desk. If signed into law, AB 1925 will allow returning veterans a greater chance for succeeding in civilian life in the aftermath of combat.

Assemblymembers Nava & Cook Work to Prevent Future Child Abductions

August 18, 2010 (Sacramento)--A package of bills sponsored by Moe Dubois, father of slain Escondido Amber Dubois and founder of MoreKids, has been unanimously passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee recently and will be considered by the full Senate in the coming weeks.

By Miriam Raftery

East County News Service

August 17, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday announced an indefinite stay on same-sex marriages. The 9th Circuit also expedited scheduling to hear the appeal of Judge Walker’s decision to overturn Prop 8.

East County News Service

August 15, 2010 (El Cajon) – Justin R. Pickett, 28, was found dead behind the wheel of a vehicle that flipped on its side at the connector ramp of northbound State Route 67 and westbound Interstate 8 in El Cajon. A canine police officer from El Cajon spotted the vehicle at 2:41 a.m. yesterday.

Driver previously guilty of crossing double-yellow line,  faced other charges in past, ECM investigation reveals

By Miriam Raftery
 

East County News Service

August 11, 2010 (Jamul) – San Miguel Fire and Sycuan firefighting crews responded to a structure fire off Highway 94 and Vista San Diego in Jamul this afternoon. Upon arrival, crews found the roof in flames and made an aggressive attack.