By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Border Fire, Day 1, by Leon Thompson

June 21,2016 (Lake Morena/Campo) 1:30 p.m. – An evacuation warning has been issued for Lake Morena and Campo, Cal Fire has announced.  Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for Potrero,Forrest Gate, Star Ranch, Cowboy Ranch,Dog Patch and Canyon City.

800 structures remain threatened and 4 outbuildings have been destroyed. Highway 94 is closed west of Buckman Springs to state route 188. The Pacific Coast Trail is also closed to hikers. 

“The fire continues to move to the north and northeast,threatening portions of the Pacific Crest National Scenic trail as well as surrounding communities,” a Border 3 Fire Update issued by Cal Fire states.

East County News Service

Photo: Hikers at trailhead to Three Sisters Falls (file photo)

June 20, 2016 (Julian) – Yesterday, a small vegetation fire off Boulder Creek Road a half mile from Three Sisters Falls near Julian was swiftly doused. Palomar Hot Shots, helicopters, U.S. Forest Service and a Cal Fire air tanker attacked the blaze when it had charred only a quarter of an acre at mid-morning yesterday.

By Miriam Raftery

June 17, 2016 (San Diego's East County) -- A reader e-mailed us to point out that many of the Cool Zones listed on the County's map are not open Sundays. So we did some research to find a few more options on some cool places to go, such as shopping malls, bowling alleys, ice rinks, movie theatres, casinos, aquatic centers, libraries and more. 

We also have some tips on how to beat the heat at home and keep your cool. Plan ahead, since SDG&E says Flex Alerts (temporary power outages) are possible during the extreme heat starting Sunday. 

Check out our list below of cool places  that are open Sunday and beyond:

East County News Service

June 14, 2016 (Ramona) -- Motorists traveling along SR-67 at Dye and Highland Valley Road in Ramona may have already noticed indications of construction at the intersection as part of a major upgrade project that includes road widening and more.  Crews placed construction signs the first week of June and the speed limit has been reduced from 55 to 45 mph for the safety of commuters and highway workers. For a description of the project click here.  

East County News Service

June 6, 2016 (Descanso) -- The Forest Service has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed Three Sisters Falls Recreation Management project, and we are asking you to review it and provide comments. This project was developed to establish a trailhead and trails along Boulder Creek Road and address public safety and resource issues in the Three Sisters Falls area. The draft EA is available on the Cleveland National Forest’s project webpage, listed below, or by clicking here. Hard copies are available from the project leader, identified below.

http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=46285

East County News Service

June 3, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- The California Department of Parks and Recreation proposes prohibiting public access off designated trails.  The public has until June 6 to comment. California State Parks System Map  In San Diego County, that would include Rancho Cuyamaca and Anza Borrego Desert state parks.

The Anza Borrego Desert Foundation raises serious concerns about negative impacts to the public in their message below, which includes links to send your comments:

East County News Service

May 31, 2016 (Julian) – You’re invited to grab your partner and mosey on up to Julian for the annual Julian Dance and Back Country Barbecue on Saturday, June 11^th from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

East County News Service

May 30, 2016 (Ramona) -- Travelers on State Route 67 in the community of Ramona are alerted that construction activities will begin Thursday at the intersection at Dye and Highland Valley roads, according to Caltrans.  Crews will begin placing construction signs and marking underground utilities.

East County News Service

May 26, 2016 (Alpine) – The largest roller skating rink in Southern California will open this Saturday and remain open daily May 28 through September 5 at the Viejas Outlets in Alpine.

East County News Service

May 25, 2016 (Alpine) - Alpine Business Networking Association (ABNA) is holding a Garden Party Mixer on Thursday, June 9th at 5:30 p.m. at Alpine Garden & Gifts located at 2442 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine. The evening’s highlights will include a delicious barbeque dinner and speakers Kathy Matranga (water-wise plant suggestions and grass replacement) and Frank Sturniolo (“Reach for Life”).

East County News Service

May 20, 2016 (Alpine) -- Lisa Timanus from Alpine had a chance to “Come on Down” and win a sensational selection of prize.  She will be appearing on The Price Is Right primetime special Big Brother edition airing on Tuesday, May 24^th at 8 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.  The outcome is a secret—you’ll have to watch to find out how she fares.

By Miriam Raftery

May 16, 2016 (Ramona) – The Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural project has already brought seven beautiful murals commemorating Ramona’s history to this town nestled in the mountains of San Diego’s East County.  Soon, two more murals of epic significance will be on display, thanks to a recent vote by Ramona’s Design Review Board approving the projects.

East County News Service

May 13, 2016 (Warner Springs) – A motorcyclist who crossed the double yellow line as he approached a curve on State Route 79 in Warner Springs on Wednesday struck a motor home driven by a man from Germany.

Updated May 11: Plaintiffs issue statement saying they will appeal the ruling.

By Miriam Raftery

May 6, 2016 (Alpine) – A preliminary ruling by Superior Court Judge Joel Pressman would set aside a preliminary injunction against the Grossmont District. If the ruling stands, it will allow Grossmont to keep $42 million that had been set aside for an Alpine High School that the district never built. The money is a portion of bond measure funds approved by voters in part for the long-promised school.

The suit was filed by the Alpine Union School District and Alpine Taxpayers for Bond Accountability. The groups have 15 days to file an appeal.

East County News Service

May 5, 2016 (Alpine) - The Alpine-Mountain Empire Chamber’s “Hot Topics” breakfast will be at Mike Place, 1602 Alpine Blvd. on May 10^th at 7:15 a.m.  This month’s breakfast features two speakers: Christine Connell with the Alpine Library Friends Association and Jefferson Baker, the Acting Branch Manager of the Alpine Library.