March 12, 2014 (Spring Valley) – A Spring Valley teen who was hit and killed by a vehicle while crossing an intersection at La Presa Avenue and Jamacha Boulevard has been identified as Samual Garcia-Acedo, 15.

March 12, 2014 (La Mesa) – The Medical Examiner has identified John Mathew Hajosy, 28, of La Mesa as the driver killed by a wrong-way driver on State Route 94 shortly after 2 a.m. on February 23.

Public Service Announcement: San Diego County

March 13, 2014 (San Diego)--The County of San Diego needs your help in identifying potential storm water quality improvement projects.  Recently adopted regulations require that the County identify and pursue a variety of on-the-ground projects to improve regional storm water quality.  The first step in this process is to assess and locate potential projects that could be implemented.  

Project types that may be considered include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following categories:

• Stream or riparian area rehabilitation

• Retrofitting existing infrastructure (Green Streets, Low Impact Development, Treatment);

• Regional BMP’s (best management practices for stormwater treatment basins);
• Groundwater recharge projects (infiltration basins);

• Water supply augmentation projects (large cisterns); and

• Land purchases to preserve floodplain functions.

Project suggestions will be accepted until March 28, 2014.  Scroll down for details.

By Nadin Abbott

March 11, 2014 (San Diego) – Following an East County Magazine investigation that found a disparity in distribution of veterans’ services countywide, today the Board of Supervisors voted to expand veterans’ services from the current locations in urban areas to also include County libraries-- starting with Ramona, El Cajon, Pine Valley and Julian. Volunteers who are veterans themselves will staff these services.  

Supervisor Dianne Jacob introduced the proposal, emphasizing that many of the veterans who reside in rural areas of the County “cannot access the nine current locations.” So this expansion was needed.

March 12, 2014 (Ramona) – A kayaker found drowned at Lake Sutherland on March 1 has been identified as Leonard Kevin Jones, 57, a widower.  According to the Medical Examiner, dilated cardiomyopathy contributed to his death.

By Miriam Raftery

March 11, 2014 (Campo) – Why did the County offer sandbags at multiple locations in the recent storm, but none east of Alpine?  Campo resident Claudia Millerbragg indicated that at least four other people in her community wanted sandbags to protect their properties, but could not access them.

East County Magazine contacted Supervisor Dianne Jacob’s office and in turn, we received a  response from Sasra Agahi, a senior civil engineer in the flood control division of County Public Works, who indicated that as a result of our inquiry, sandbags should be available in Campo in time for a storm due next week.

March 8, 2014 (San Diego)--They are the first line of public safety. They answer calls from people during the worst moments of their lives. They give up family time, weekends and holidays; work graveyard shifts and make critical decisions during life and death situations. When a call for help is made, the voice on the other end is a Sheriff’s Dispatcher.

March 7, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help in finding 14-year-old Venicia Ortiz from Alpine.  Venicia was last seen on Wed. February 26. She is known to hang out along Imperial Avenue and 24th Street in the Grant Hill area of San Diego as well as National City and Chula Vista. She may be in the company of 28-year-old Edgar Morales.

Judge announces tentative ruling – before hearing arguments

By Sharon Penny

March 6, 2014 (San Diego)--On March 3, U.S. District Court Judge Janis L. Sammartino heard testimony from legal representatives for both sides in a lawsuit brought by the Protect Our Communities Foundation (POC – www.protectourcommunities.org) against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) over controversial approvals for Iberdrola's controversial Tule Wind project planned in Boulevard’s McCain Valley Recreation and Conservation Area in East County.

The POC originally filed a Motion for Summary Judgment in August 2013. This week marked the first hearing under the U.S. District Court. According to Plaintiff Donna Tisdale, POC’s attorney Stephan C. Volker had prepared for a one hour argument and was surprised by the Judge’s announcement that she had a tentative ruling in hand. The judge read that ruling aloud, took a 15 minute break for attorneys to prepare a response.  Each side was then allowed a half hour to argue their points and one minute for rebuttal.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.