By Miriam Raftery

April 9, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – A relief effort is being mounted here to bring emergency aid to the Cucapa Indian nation, just ten miles from the epicenter of the 7.2 earthquake that devastated their homeland between Mexicali and San Felipe.

March through May is the fishing season for these indigenous people, who rely on fishing to sustain them throughout the year. But the Easter earthquake severely damaged roads that the Cucapa use to fish on the Colorado Delta, forcing them to end their season early, East County Magazine has learned. Tribal members have lost their livelihoods as well as their homes, roads, electricity and water.

By Miriam Raftery

April 12, 2010 (Lakeside) –Concerns bubbled up at a Saturday meeting between Helix Water District general manager Mark Weston and residents of Lakeside over a proposed El Monte Valley mining, reclamation, and groundwater recharge project.

April 11, 2010 (San Diego's East County) - Here are photos we received from readers, dramatically illustrating the damage in Baja California, Mexico from the Easter Sunday earthquake.

April 11, 2010 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for all of San Diego County this evening and tomorrow. A storm system which originated in Alaska is expected to bring rain to most of the region, with three to six inches of snow possible above 6,000 and snow levels dropping to 5,500 feet. In addition, gusty winds over 50 miles per hour are forecast for mountain and desert areas.

 Updated April 9, 8:50 a.m. 

Cleveland National Forest Director William Metz met with Powerlink opponents Tuesday; said presentation of alternative route provides “opportunities”

By Miriam Raftery

April 7, 2010 (Alpine) – Thus far, SDG&E has gained approval for its proposed high-voltage Sunrise Powerlink project from the California Public Utilities Commission and the Bureau of Land Management. But one major hurdle remains. Much of the proposed southern route runs through U.S. Forest Service lands--and requires approval of Cleveland National Forest director William Metz.

Yesterday, Metz met with citizens and leaders of groups representing over 79,000 local residents opposed to the controversial project. "I am keeping an open mind,” he told them,“and I'm still trying to figure out if it’s the right thing to do or not.”

April 7,2010 (San Diego's East County) -- The National Weather Service has issued a high winds warning for mountain passes in East County.  Santa Ana winds of 25-35 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph, are forecast for this afternoon.  Motorists are advised to use caution, particularly high-profile vehicles, on I-8 east of Alpine as well as along easter portions of Highways 78 and 79.  

By Miriam Raftery

April 6, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The governor of Baja California, Mexico estimates that 25,000 people have been left homeless by the 7.2 earthquake that struck Mexico on Easter Sunday.

Estimates of those injured range from 50,000 to 100,000 and at least three people have been killed. Damage is most severe in Mexicali, where some buildings have collapsed. In some areas, roadways have buckled and cracked, including these in La Rumorosa.  In Mexicali, fissures several feet deep have opened up in the shifting earth. 

By Miriam Raftery

April 5, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Many area residents were awakened by aftershocks during the night following yesterday’s 7.2 earthquake in Mexico. In neighboring Imperial County, Calexico was the hardest hit U.S. city, with historic buildings in several blocks of downtown cordoned off and 80% red-tagged by authorities, Channel 7 news reports. In San Diego and East County, officials continue taking stock of damage and residents tell their stories.

“It was pretty darn strong out here,” said Jan Hedlun, a planning board member and resident in Potrero, located just a couple of miles north of the Mexican border town of Tecate. Hedlund said she went outside and “could see the land rolling and the electrical poles weaving.”
 

April 4, 2010 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook and high wind warning for our region. A Pacific storm will bring wind, rain and snow to San Diego County starting late tonight. A high wind warning is also in effect through 10 p.m. Monday evening for mountain and desert regions in East County, with peak gusts in excess of 60 mph.

Major damage in Mexicali; minor damage to some East County facilities

5% chance of even bigger quake in next few days - Cal Tech

By Miriam Raftery

April 4, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The U.S. Geological Service has upgraded the quake that struck108 miles southeeast of Tijuana today to 7.2--stronger than the quake that leveled Haiti. 

In San Diego’s East County, the Campo Cal-Fire station and Otay Rural Fire Protection District facility sustained minor damage to a water system and communications, Cal-Fire Battalion Chief Nick Schuler told ECM this evening.

April 5, 2010 (San Diego's East County) - 3:45 p.m. - A powerful 6.9 earthquake struck at 3:40 p.m. Easter Sunday, centered near Guadalupe Victoria in Baja California Mexico, about 108 miles south of Tijuana.  The powerful temblor was felt throughout East County and San Diego.

April 4, 2010 (Ramona) 11:17 a.m. -- Highway 78 is closed in both directions at Ramona Highlands Road, Cal-Fire has informed East County Magazine.  A vehicle struck a four-foot boulder and emergency/rescue workers are now working to extricate at least one victim in the crash.  A sig alert has been issued.  No further details are available at this time.

April 3, 2010 (Spring Valley) – Ayania Murrell, 7, of Spring Valley was visiting a friend’s home in San Diego yesterday afternoon when she ran across the street and was struck by a pickup truck. She died a short time later at Rady Children’s Hospital. Police are reportedly searching for an ice cream truck that may have witnessed the tragedy.

March 31, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – It's hog heaven in East County. Wild boars and sows have startled horses, hikers and residents in Alpine, Ramona, Poway and other backcountry areas in recent months. A Fish and Game expert estimates there may be as many as 200 to 300 feral hogs rooting their way across East County, the Union-Tribune reported yesterday.

But while bacon-on-the-hoof may provide tempting targets for hunters, the non-native species poses threats to agriculture, livestock and the environment, also raising potential human health and safety issues.