July 16, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - If you're looking for a reason for a weekend road trip, hop on up to Julian for Hikes & Hops with Volcan Mountain Foundation and Anza Borrego Desert Foundation on July 25^th.Participants will receive a voucher for beer at Nickel Beer Company and a taste of Anza-Borrego Brew (a vanilla oatmeal stout ) after the hike, which will cover six miles with scenic views and cool, shaded groves.

July 16, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - The Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona invites you to Watermelon Days on July 31^st through Aug. 2 from 1 to 7 p.m.

Update:  Hear our interview on KNSJ radio with Micole Moore, Ramona Valley Vineyards Association, and Elaine Lytleton, Hatfield Creek Vineyards and Winery, here:

http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/fmpwoizmfi/Newsmakers-Wineries-ElaineLytle....

Are the County's proposed changes rooted in 'sour grapes' complaints filed by competitors of successful new wineries?

By Miriam Raftery

July 12, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – Several years ago, the County adopted a tiered winery ordinance designed to promote agriculture and help small “boutique” winery owners.  But now the County is proposing drastic changes.  At a packed hearing last week, numerous winery owners and heads of vintners’ associations turned out, most warning of dire harm to the region’s wine industry if the proposal is adopted.

“Should the changes proceed as written, many fear for the death of our budding wineries, eliminating our potential growth, impact and long-term commitment to our communities,” a letter to County program manager Joseph Farace signed by Teri Kerns and Micole Moore states. Moore is president of Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, which has over 100 members. Kerns is Editor in Chief of the Ramona Valley Wine Region Magazine. Together, the couple also owns Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery.

July 10, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for Oak Grove Complex located at 37560 Highway 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086 effective immediately.  The system serves potable water to 2 residences, 2 fire barracks and 80 campsites.

East County News Service

July 9, 2015 (Descanso) – Once again, Camp Jack will offer a summer camping experience for at-risk youths. This year’s camp starts on July 26 with a Traditional Barbeque hosted by the El Cajon Valley Host Lions club.

By Miriam Raftery

July 3, 2015 (Ramona) – On June 29, we reported that this could be the last year for the Ramona fireworks show, since the Ramona Rotary Club had fallen short of raising the enormous funds needed for the display.  Fortunately, the Club has now reached its fundraising goal, the Ramona Home Journal reports in an e-mail sent to its readers.

East County News Service

June 29, 2015 (Ramona) --  The annual Ramona Fireworks display, synchronized to music, will be held on July 4^th at 9 p.m. at the Ramona High School football field, after a pre-fireworks picnic and activities at Olive Pierce Middle School.  But the Ramona Rotary Club, which organizes the display, has come up short despite substantial community fundraising efforts and warns that unless substantial donations or sponsors are received, this will be the last fireworks show in Ramona.

By Miriam Raftery

June 27, 2015 (Ramona) – A 21-year-old Ramona man driving a new 2015  Honda Civic was struck head-on Friday night at 10:34 p.m. on State Route 67.  A Kia driven by a 16-year-old San Diego teen with a provisional driver’s license crossed the center line after the driver lost control.  The two drivers, along with a 16-year-old passenger in the Kia, all sustained serious injuries.

June 24, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)--A welcome sight will soon be rolling out to some outlying areas of the County.

East County News Service

June 16, 2015 (Julian)—A 24-year-old hiker has died after suffering apparent heat-related physical distress on the Cedar Creek trail near Julian on June 16^th in the early evening.  His friends called 911 and paramedics were notified, along with Sheriff’s deputies.

The 17^th annual Blues Bash will be held at Menghini Winery in Julian on Saturday, June 20 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  The music fest will include Jonathon Boogie Long and the Blues Revolution from Louisiana, crowned “King of the Blues” by Guitar Center. The event also features wine-tasting and dancing. 

June 15, 2015 (Julian)--California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are looking for a minimum-security inmate who walked away from the La Cima Conservation Camp #42, located near the community of Julian, in San Diego County.

By Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2015 (Lakeside) – Lakeside residents have launched an online petition asking Bill Horn, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, to save El Monte from a proposed sand-mining project.  View or sign petition here.

This ill-conceived, destructive and dangerous project poses a clear public safety threat. It would also destroy a place so beautiful that it’s been designated a county scenic view corridor and a focal point in long-range San Diego River Park preservation plans.  Mining here could also contaminate a major drinking water supply and potentially spread deadly Valley Fever across our region.

May 25, 2015 (Julian) - Julian’s Sons of the American Legion invite you to the annual Julian Dance and Back Country Barbecue on Saturday, June 13^th from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The event will be held at Menghini Winery (1150 Julian Orchard Drive) and will feature three live bands: Shotgun Wedding, Freight Shakers, and Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Healthy and diseased oaks, courtesy University of California Riverside

May 16, 2015 (Ramona)--A voracious insect has devastated oak trees that once formed a canopy shading visitors at Dos Picos Park in Ramona.