Santee/Lakeside

EL CAJON’S MAYOR STANDS UP FOR LAKESIDE RESIDENTS PROTESTING SEX OFFENDER PLACEMENTS

By Shiloh Ireland

September 21, 2022 (Lakeside) -- At 5:45 pm on September 17th, 50 neighbors gathered for a third protest against the placement of five sex offenders in a house in their close-knit family neighborhood.  Their first protest was September 11th... Mayor Wells of El Cajon attended and offered support, though has no jurisdiction over unincorporated El Cajon, but responded to residents invitation to come out.  

 

When asked if he would talk to the supervisors or anyone else, he replied, "I would be happy to meet with themThis an East County problem. Wells says of the predators, Why are they placed here and the County is doing nothing to stop itThere are kids all over the place hereEast County is where people are sent when people don't want them in their neighborhood."


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HELP PROTECT LAKESIDE: RESIDENTS LAUNCH FUNDRAISING SITE FOR LEGAL FUNDS TO FIGHT SEX OFFENDER PLACEMENTS

By Miriam Raftery

September 21, 2022 (Lakeside) – Last week, East County Magazine reported on Lakeside residents protesting the secret placement of five sex offenders at a home on Blossom Valley Road in their community. Now, residents have launched a GoFundMe page called “Help Protect Lakeside” to raise funds for legal costs to fight this action.

The page states, “Our Lakeside Community is devastated to find out a home in our small HOA Community is being utilized as a Facility to house up to 6 Registered Sex Offenders at all times. Our small community and surrounding neighborhoods have been blindsided by these events, and we no longer feel safe. The home, aka facility, will continue to be a revolving door for convicted criminals.”


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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: PACK EMERGE VICTORIOUS IN DEFENSIVE SHOWDOWN

Story and photos by Liz Alper

September 16, 2022 (Spring Valley) - We’re finally mostly into conference play and to kick it off, ECM Sports ventured to Spring Valley, where the Matadors of Mount Miguel hosted the Wolf Pack of West Hills.  Both teams are gridlocked at 2-2 and hoping to make some headway going into conference matchups.


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HOMELESS COUPLE, AFTER FLEEING WILLOWS FIRE IN LAKESIDE, NEEDS HOUSING TOGETHER

By Shiloh Ireland

Miriam Raftery contributed to this report

September 16, 2022 (Lakeside) – After the Willows Fire burned out homeless camps along the San Diego Riverbed in Lakeside on August 31, I went back to speak with those who suffered losses. I found a couple, two men, who openly talked about their lives, how they got here, and shared some alarming thoughts on the fire.

They want housing and do not desire to live in the riverbed. But they said they have been unable to secure clean living arrangements as a couple and would “have to have children” to enter a shelter together.


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HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS IN LAKESIDE

By Shiloh Ireland

September 16, 2022 (Lakeside) – On September 12, Hope for the Homeless Lakeside (www.hope4homelesslakeside.org) organized an outreach event held in the parking lot next to the Parks and Recreation Building in Lakeside. Also present was a mobile unit from the county, HHSA-Health and Human Service Agency and several deputies from the HART -Homeless Assistance Resource Team of the San Diego Sheriff Department.

Judy Scheuer (photo, right) is the executive director, spoke with East County Magazine about how she came to establish the organization to help homeless people in the community – help needed now more than ever, after the August 31 Willow Fire destroyed homeless encampments in the riverbed and one homeless man was found dead in a pond days earlier.

“Three years ago, it started as a grassroots effort; then I hired a homeless woman and then began taking water, food, blankets tents and also hauled out trash weekly in the riverbed,” she said.  “Showers were offered weekly and  Otay Mesa Detention Facility fixed broken bicycles for us.”  Now bicycles are going to be repaired by a resident she knows.


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SANTEE COUNCIL APPROVES FANITA RANCH HOUSING ONCE AGAIN

By Mike Allen

Photo:  view of Fanita Ranch site, looking south from State Route 67

September 15, 2022 (Santee) -- Fanita Ranch, the 3,000-unit residential development that has gone through multiple iterations and designs since the city was founded, was approved once again by the Santee City Council after a four and a half-hour meeting Sept. 14.

This approval, on a 4-0 vote with Councilman Rob McNelis recused due to his property benefiting from the project, comes on the heels of the Council’s 2020 approval of the same project. That was followed by a lawsuit from environmental groups, a referendum that put the issue on this November’s ballot, and a court-order rescinding the 2020 approvals due to wildfire evacuation concerns. The Council used the court’s decision to negate its earlier approval and remove the initiative from the upcoming ballot.

Because Fanita Ranch complied with Santee’s Essential Housing Program, a law the city adopted in August 2021, city officials said last night that approval of the new plan presented last night did not entail amending the city’s General Plan, and hence, there is no requirement to hold a public vote.


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NEIGHBORS ANGRY TO FIND FIVE SEX OFFENDERS SECRETLY PLACED IN THEIR LAKESIDE NEIGHBORHOOD

By Henri Migala

September 12, 2022 (Lakeside) -  Families, neighbors and their supporters gathered in Lakeside on Blossom Valley Road to protest five sex offenders secretly placed in their neighborhood in the past couple of weeks.

In a story that happens all too frequently in East County, approximately 100 residents and community members expressed their surprise, fear and outrage at finding out that their quiet, family-friendly community was housing convicted sex offenders. Not one, or two, but five – all in one home.


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PADRE DAM BOARD APPOINTS NEW BOARD MEMBER TO DIVISION 5

Source:  Padre Dam Municipal Water District

September 10, 2022 (Santee) - Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors has appointed Rocky Qualin to the Board of Directors to fill the vacancy in Division 5 as the result of the recent passing of James Peasley. Qualin took the oath of office at the Board meeting on September 7, 2022 and then participated in his first meeting. Qualin will hold office for the balance of the unexpired term which expires December 2, 2022.  


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FROM VINE TO TABLE: HARVEST TIME AT TREVI HILLS WINERY IN LAKESIDE

By Shiloh Ireland

September 10, 2022 (Lakeside) -- It was a dark and calm morning as I arrived at 5:00 a.m. on August 16 at Trevi Hills Winery in Lakeside, where each harvest, several varieties are hand-picked by staff as well as neighbors who enjoy coming out and volunteering their time.


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COUNTY REQUIRES REMOVAL OF GUN FROM SIGN ON PUBLIC LAND AFTER CITIZEN’S COMPLAINT

East County News Service

September 7, 2022 (Lakeside) – A Lakeside resident was startled to see the number 45 and a gun image with flag on a sign outside a Boy Scout meeting house on public property at Lindo Lake County Park. 

“It looks like a Trump flag on the back of a pickup truck that’s been tattered,” said the resident, a gun owner who voiced concern that the imagery made a political statement (Trump was the 45th President) and could be construed as promoting violence.


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MEET THE FIREFIGHTERS: OPEN HOUSE AT LAKESIDE FIRE STATION SEPT. 24

East County News Service

September 7, 2022 (Lakeside) –The Lakeside Fire Protection District invites you to an open house at Fire Station 2, located at 12216 Lakeside Avenue, on September 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be demonstrations, station tours, games, food, drinks and plenty of fire apparatus to check out.


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9/11 MEMORIAL WALK AND HISTORICAL PRESENTATION IN LAKESIDE ON SEPT. 11

East County News Service

September 5, 2022 (Lakeside) – The Lakeside Historical Society and the Maine Avenue Revitalization Association invite the public to a 9-11 Memorial Walk with storyteller Ted Tomaszewicz, who was at his desk on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2001 when the terrorist attacks on New York’s World Trade Center occurred.

“We walk together. We walk to remember. We walk to never forget,” states a flyer for the event.  Meet at 5:30 p.m. at Mary’s Donuts, 10101 Maine Ave. in Lakeside. The walk begins at 6 p.m., followed by a program at the Lakeside Historical Society at 9906 Maine Ave., Lakeside.


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EQUESTRIAN CENTER RISING IN LAKESIDE

By Shiloh Ireland

September 3, 2022 (Lakeside) – The new 13.88-acre Dianne Jacob Equestrian Center, long a dream for Lakeside residents, is finally becoming a reality after numerous delays. Located on Moreno Avenue at Willow Road, the covered arena and several outbuilding constructions are moving at a steady pace. The steel is prefabricated and as of mid-August when these shots were taken, the roof is in place as well as one wall of the arena.


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TWO WEEKENDS OF POWWOWS

By Miriam Raftery

September 3, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) – This weekend, the Barona Band of Mission Indians hosts its 50th annual powwow September 2-4.  Next weekend, the Sycuan Powwow will be held September 9-11. Each powwow commences on Friday night, continuing through the weekend.


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WILLOW FIRE CHARS 15 ACRES, DESTROYS HOMELESS CAMP IN LAKESIDE

By Shiloh Ireland

September 1, 2022 (Lakeside) – The Willow Fire burned 15 acres under and across the State Route 67 bridge at Lakeside Avenue yesterday. Cause of the fire is under investigation as crews mopped up hot spots today.


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FIRE IN LAKESIDE PROMPTS EVACUATION WARNINGS

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photos: Left, by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson, right via San Diego Fire Dept.

Update 7:30 p.m.:  New road closures:  Vine St. north of Mapleview St. to cul-de-sac,        Mapleview St. east from Channel Rd to SR-67, and Lakeside Ave. closed between SR-67 and Channel Rd.

 

August 31, 2022 (Lakeside) – The #WillowFire in Lakeside has scorched around 4.5 acres after starting in a riverbed near Mapleview Road and State Route 94. State Route 94 is closed in both directions due to heavy smoke.

Some residents nearby have received evacuation warnings for people to prepare to leave if an evacuation order is lifted. The Sheriff’s department advises vulnerable people such as those with disabilities, access or functional needs, or large animals to leave now.

A temporary evacuation point is at the Lakeside Christian Church, 13739 El Monte Road in Lakeside.


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SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR SPRING VALLEY SHOOTING; WEAPONS SEIZED

East County News Service

August 31, 2022 (Lakeside) – A suspected gang-related shooting in Spring Valley on August 18 led SWAT teams to search homes in Lakeside and Santee todayThe search found a stash of weapons and resulted in arrests of four individuals.


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NO CHALLENGERS FOR TWO SANTEE DISTRICTS, SO COUNCIL OPTS TO APPOINT

By Mike Allen

August 28, 2022 (Santee) -- In a first for the city of Santee, two incumbent members of the City Council were appointed to another four-year term and will avoid the November election, because no challengers in either district filed papers to challenge them.


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A TASTE OF THAILAND: THAI THAI RESTAURANT IN SANTEE

On the road with the East County Eater

Story and photos by Shiloh Ireland

August 26, 2022 (Santee) -- On the road and in Santee-Yesterday I returned to my favorite Thai restaurant. When I have Thai Cuisine, it has to be authentic, fresh and delicious. Thai Thai Restaurant is located at 10251-B, Mast Blvd; Santee. Phone:  619.335.3453. Thai Thai features dine-in and carry-out, offers reservations and has reasonable prices.

What I especially enjoy, too, is the friendliness of staff and willingness to explain or recommend any dish as there are many. I love curries and their yellow, red and green is a pleasant surprise. One month ago, they added a sushi bar to their operation and it looks very popular also. Thai beer is also on the menu.


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BOARD ACCEPTS GRANT FOR A 12-BED ‘ACUTE PSYCHIATRIC UNIT’ IN SANTEE

Approx. $12.4 million will help build unit at Edgemoor Hospital

Source:  Joel Anderson

Image by gyansingh13 from Pixabay

August 22, 2022 (Santee) - San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted today to accept the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP): Round 3 Launch Ready grant that will go towards building a 12-bed Acute Psychiatric Unit at the Edgemoor Hospital in Santee.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: ORCHIDS IN BLOOM

East County News Service

August 17, 2022 (Lakeside) - This brilliant bloom on a Hong Kong orchid was taken at the Lakeside Ranch home of Shiloh Ireland Photography.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: ON THE TRAIL

East County News Service

August 15, 2022 (Lakeside) -- Shiloh Ireland Photography sent in this horseback-view image of the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside.


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JACKIE HANSON’S ARTWORK FEATURES EAST COUNTY VISTAS

By Shiloh Ireland

August 11, 2022 (Lakeside) -- Jackie Hanson is a gifted artist and local Lakeside resident. I had the pleasure to interview her on August 7th at Trevi Hills Winery in Lakeside, where she has a showing of her paintings running through the month of August.


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APRIL BAKER INTRODUCED AS WEST HILLS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Experienced administrator and educational technology leader will lead the Wolf Pack

Source:  Grossmont Union High School District

August 10, 2022 (Santee) - At its August 9, 2022 meeting, the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Governing Board (Board) appointed Mrs. April Baker to serve as Principal of West Hills High School (West Hills). Mrs. Baker will succeed Mrs. Robin Ballarin who accepted a leadership position as a Director of GUHSD Human Resources. 


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SANTEE FILMMAKERS WIN FIRST PLACE IN SAN DIEGO MOVIE AWARDS

By Christianne McCormick

Photos by Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2022 (Santee) -- San Diego’s first annual San Diego Movie Awards featured two film makers from the East County area who have been nominated and won the Best First Time Film Makers Award.


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PASSAGES: JAMES PEASLEY, VP OF PADRE DAM MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT

By Mike Allen

August 5, 2022 (Santee) -- James Peasley, who served on the board of the Padre Dam Municipal Water District for 12 years starting in 2010 and was its current vice president, died Aug. 2, the Santee-based water district announced.


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HEROIC BYSTANDER AND DEPUTIES SAVE DROWNING WOMAN AT LINDO LAKE

Good Samaritan asks why law enforcement took so long to rescue the woman

 

View video by Angel New of the rescue (warning, strong language and partial nudity)

Photo, left: Screenshot of  video by Angel New shows paramedics and deputies working to revive the victim, as Scot Wolfe (right), the heroic citizen who first went into the water to save the woman, looks on.

By Miriam Raftery

Shiloh Ireland  contributed to this report

August 3, 2022 (Lakeside) – A woman was saved from drowning at Lindo Lake yesterday after Scot Wolfe, a bystander, entered the water to save her.  Sheriff’s deputies followed and pulled the woman out of the water and began lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived.

But some Lakeside residents are criticizing deputies and a park ranger for not taking action until a citizen went in first.  A video by Angel New on Facebook shows that at least a minute and forty seconds elapsed before the first deputy went into the water. Several deputies, appearing in no rush, can be seen standing beside the lake, one stating that they must take their equipment off before they can enter the water.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: RUFFLED FEATHERS

East County News Service

August 2, 2022 (Lakeside) - This snowy egret with ruffled feathers was photographed at Lindo Lakes Park in Lakeside by Shiloh Ireland Photography.


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SANTEE ADOPTS CANNABIS ORDINANCE

By Mike Allen

Photo:  map of permitted cannabis locations in Santee

August 1, 2022 (Santee) -- Santee is the latest city in San Diego County to permit cannabis businesses including sale of marijuana within its borders, following a 3-2 vote at its most recent City Council meeting July 27.


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BODY FOUND IN LAKESIDE POND

Update August 14, 2022:  The Medical Examiner's office has identified the 50-year-old man as Thomas Moreno. Moreno's family have been notified of his death. The cause and manner of his death remain under investigation, the Sheriff's office reports.

Updated August 1 at 5 p.m. with additional information from the Sheriff's department.

East County News Service

Photos by Shiloh Ireland Photography

August 1, 2022 (Lakeside) -- The body of a man around 50 years old was found this morning in a pond south of Willow Road near Moreno, east of State Route 67 in Lakeside. The Sheriff's Search and Rescue Dive Team responded to a call and recovered the body.

The man was wearing shorts with no shirt. Authorities indicated there were no obvious signs of trauma. The vicitm may have gone swimming and drowned, though the County Medical Examiner is slated to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

At this point the death is suspicious in nature however, there is no indication of foul play. The circumstances of this incident are still under investigation," says Lieutenant Chris Steffan.


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