Communities

STEELE CANYON GOVERNING BOARD APPROVES SALARY INCREASE FOR STAFF

 

Story and photos by Branda Gorgies


The Steele Canyon High School governing board recently held a meeting to approve final decisions regarding salaries of the teachers.

The special meeting was on Monday at 3:45 p.m. in the school library. It was only about five minutes long, but the board members approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) as well as the new salary schedules and extended curricular salaries. 


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SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR MISSING RAMONA WOMAN, 66

Update: Zita Swanson has been found safe and reunited with her family.

September 21, 2023 (Ramona) -- The Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit has been activated to help locate a missing woman in Ramona.

Zita Swanson, 66, left her home early this morning in the 700 block of G St. in Ramona and did not return home, says Lt. John Malan.

She does not have a vehicle, and is not believed to be carrying a cell phone or purse. Shie is Hispanic, 5'5" tall, 174 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple or blue striped blouse, blue jeans and black shoes.


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JOGGER, 73, FIGHTS OFF ROBBER IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery

September 21, 2023 (El  Cajon) – A homeless man with an extensive criminal record has been arrested for attempting to rob a 73-year-old man. The victim was jogging near Mollison Ave. and Greenfield Dr. on Sept.15 at 11:09 a.m.  when the suspect demanded five dollars. He then “threatened to “tase” the man, grabbed onto his arm, and reached for his wallet,” says Lieutenant Jeremiah Larson, public information officer with El Cajon Police.

The man fought off his attacker and ran toward an apartment complex yelling for help.


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MOTORCYCLIST KILLED IN PINE VALLEY CRASH

East County News Service

September 19, 2023  (Pine Valley)—A 56-year San Diego man missed a curve while driving a motorcycle Sunday afternoon southbound on Sunrise Highway, around 1.5 miles north of Old Highway 80 in Pine Valley. He struck a guardrail and was ejected, landing approximately 100 feet down an embankment.


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MAYOR WELLS AND FRIENDS CONCERT SEPT. 30 TO HELP THE HOMELESS

By Miriam Raftery

September 18, 2023 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and his all-star band will revisit pop and soul classics in a concert to benefit the East County Transitional Living Center, a facility which helps homeless individuals and families transition off the streets and transform their lives.


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ANDUJAR TAKES SEAT ON PADRE DAM BOARD HELD BY CAIRES

By Mike Allen
 
September 19, 2023 (Santee) -- Ivan Andujar (photo, left) was appointed by the board of directors of Padre Dam Municipal Water District to the Division 4 seat formerly held by the late Augie Caires earlier this month.
 
Caires, who served as the general manager of the district from 1993-2006 and then on the board of directors from 2007 to 2023, died Aug. 2. Andujar, an Alpine resident, will serve the remainder of Caires term, which expires in December 2024.
 
The board selected Andujar after interviewing three candidates at its Sept. 6 meeting. The two other candidates were Paul Tarpy and Kimberly Hales.

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JULIAN FARM AND ORCHARD NAMED ONE OF USA TODAY'S BEST APPLE ORCHARDS

By Kyle Alderman

September 19, 2023 (Julian) – Julian Farm and Orchard is a winner in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Apple Orchard in the USA. The farm was nominated by an expert panel from the publication that includes editors and relevant contributors. The nominees were then voted on by the public and the farm placed among the top 10, representing the only location in California.

Julian Farm and Orchard was recognized for its vast apple orchard that boasts over 1,400 trees and covers a large portion of the 25-acre property. The panel also considered other factors including their activities and other Autumn offerings.


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IN U.S. BORDER TOWN - STEADY STREAM OF MIGRANTS CONTINUES

By Rebecca Person

photos By Pete Cerep

September15,2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Just when a recent crisis of hundreds of stranded undocumented people seemed to abate, local residents of San Diego County border town Jacumba Hot Springs are reporting new waves of migrants seen on foot emerging from the rugged desert here.

In recent weeks, the numbers and frequency of sightings have increased from occasional to now several groups are observed each week. The latest group on September 13 numbered 62 people who scurried over a remote desert trail and clustered in the shade of tamarisk trees beside Old Highway 80 in Jacumba.

Photos of the travelers reveal them to be mostly young men, possibly Asian, though a few women and children were seen. By contrast, most of the May migrants said they were from Haiti, Turkey, Brazil or Guatemala, according to residents who brought them water and survival supplies.

Those pictured in photos in this article were loaded into vans late in the day on  Sept. 13 to be transported to their next destination under the apparent supervision of Border Patrol, witnesses told  ECM.


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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: SCOTTIES STAY UNDEFEATED WITH HARD-FOUGHT 35-21 WIN OVER CATHEDRAL

Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
September 15, 2023 (San Diego) -  We’ve got another matchup for week five before our two-week break and it’s a divinely good one from Cathedral Catholic High School, where the undefeated HIghlanders of Helix went up to do battle with the Dons at Manchester Stadium on the campus of Cathedral Catholic.

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SUSPECT FACES MURDER CHARGE IN DEATH OF SAMUEL HOLTHAUS

By Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

September 15, 2023 (El Cajon) -- An arrest has been made in the death of a 59-year-old man in unincorporated El Cajon, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday.


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LIGHTS, CAMERA, CELEBRATE: SALUTE TO LOCAL HEROES OCT. 5 AT SYCUAN

 

September 14, 2023 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you its 14th annual  Salute to Local Heroes dinner on Thursday,  October 5 at  Sycuan Casino Resort.

“This evening is our opportunity to come together and honor those that are dedicated to the citizens of La Mesa and our community,” says La Mesa Chamber President Mary England. “The pandemic has given us a great opportunity to see our local heroes in action. We are celebrating those that serve our community in extraordinary ways from: the La Mesa Police Department, Heartland Fire & Rescue – La Mesa, AMR Paramedics, and the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. During this evening we will also install our Board of Directors.”

The event will be held from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. in Sycuan Casino Resort’s Heritage Ballroom at5485 Casino Way,  El Cajon 92019.


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HERE’S THE BUZZ: LA MESA EXPANDS BEEKEEPING ORDINANCE

By Miriam Raftery

September 13, 2023 (La Mesa) – At last night’s La Mesa City Council meeting, Councilman Jack Shu proposed replacing the city’s restrictive beekeeping ordinance with a more expanded ordinance patterned after the county of San Diego to enable backyard beekeeping.


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PASSAGES: JOHN MENDOZA, (1944-2023) RETIRED GROCERY WORKER AND HUSBAND OF COUNCILMEMBER JENNIFER MENDOZA

East County News Service
 
September 12, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – John Mendoza, a retired grocery worker, active community volunteer and husband of Lemon Grove Councilmember Jennifer Mendoza, died of a heart attack on September 3.
 
Councilmember Mendoza made the announcement “with a heavy heart” on Facebook, recalling him as “an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, Lion, Christian.”

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EXPERIENCE THE AUTHENTIC TASTE OF ITALY AT AROMI: CRAFTED BY ANDREA CARBONARO

East County News Service

September 11, 2023 (La Mesa) -- Food connoisseurs and Italian cuisine aficionados are in for a treat! Aromi Italian Cuisine, the city's newest Italian dining sensation, is proud to introduce its authentic Italian Rigatoni Carbonara crafted by none other than Andrea Carbonaro. Drawing inspiration from family recipes and the heart of Italy, he brings a taste of his heritage to every plate.


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THE POWAY RODEO’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT SEPT. 22-23 PROMISES TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER

This year’s rodeo provides more ways to enjoy the excitement than ever before, including big-screen video, VIP seating, and special activities just for kids

Story and photos courtesy of Poway Rodeo

September 11, 2023 (Poway) -- The Poway Rodeo returns for its 50th year of bringing the very best in action-packed entertainment to its centrally located north San Diego location. This year’s rodeo promises more ways than ever before to enjoy all the excitement, with big-screen video projection, VIP seating opportunities, and special adventures for even the youngest cowpokes.

Visitors can choose from three performances: one on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., and two on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. VIP ticketholders enjoy exclusive extras like preferred seating, excellent arena views, personal service, and included food and drinks.


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MACY’S COMING TO SANTEE’S TROLLEY SQUARE IN TIME FOR HOLIDAYS

By Mike Allen

September 11,2023 (Santee)-- Santee’s Trolley Square will offer a bit of upscale shopping when Macy’s takes over the now vacant Bed Bath & Beyond space starting in November.

“They told us they’re shooting for Black Friday in November,” said Pam White, Santee’s economic development manager.

This Macy’s won’t be the same kind found in most of the regional shopping malls. Instead, it will be a scaled-down format the national chain has been testing for several years and that has garnered some success.


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LAKESIDE RODEO CROWNS 2023 QUEENS

By Shiloh Ireland

 

Photo:  L-R: Stella Erb, 2023 Miss Junior Rodeo, Jordan Smith, 2024 Junior Miss Rodeo, Kaety Kotterman, 2024 Miss Rodeo and Emily Cullins, 2023 Miss Rodeo.

 

September 10, 2023 (Lakeside) -- Kaety Kotterman, 23, from Blossom Valley won the crown as Miss Rodeo Lakeside Queen in last night’s pageant.  Jordan Smith, a Poway high school student, took the Junior Miss Rodeo 2024 title. 


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ENGINE FAILS, INSTRUCTOR SAYS OF EMERGENCY LANDING IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Mary Loeza, Mom'sTravel Team

September 10, 2023 (El Cajon) – An engine cut off while an aviation student was piloting a plane yesterday slated to land at Gillespie Field in El Cajon.  The instructor, Steve Mitchell, 67 with Blue Max Aviation, told  Fox 5 that he took over the controls and  made an emergency landing, crashing into a wire fence around the airport as well as a fence on private property, dragging it across Magnolia Avenue.


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ECM FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: BULLDOGS FALL IN OT AFTER STRONG FIRST HALF IN EPIC CLASH WITH TITANS

Story and photos by Liz Alper
 
September 8, 2023 (Ramona) - Poway and Ramona is always an epic battle and for week four, ECM Sports headed up to the Valley of the Sun, where the Titans and undefeated Bulldogs clashed on Pop Warner Night in Ramona.

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3.1 QUAKE STRIKES NORTH COUNTY INLAND

East County News Service

Sources: Twitter, USGS & Bing AI

September 8, 2023 (Lake Henshaw) -- A 3.1 magnitude earthquake struck inland North County last night at approximately 10:59 p.m. reports the United States Geological Survey.12

Search Search | East County Magazine Earthquake safety for tips in case this is a pre-shock to something worse to come within the next days or week.


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NAKED MAN ON DRUGS WALKS INTO CHILDREN’S BEDROOM IN EL CAJON APARTMENT

By Miriam Raftery
 
September 7, 2023 (El Cajon) – A naked man on methamphetamines walked into an apartment in the 1000 block of Redwood Avenue in El Cajon around 5:30 a.m. on Monday. A young woman and several children, her siblings, were sleeping when the man walked into the children’s room.

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DEER MOUSE TESTS POSITIVE FOR HANTAVIRUS

By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 7, 2023 (Mount Laguna, Calif.) -- A deer mouse collected near Mount Laguna on Aug. 24 during routine monitoring has tested positive for hantavirus.

Hantavirus in wild rodents is relatively common in San Diego County. This is the seventh routine detection of hantavirus in the region for calendar year 2023.  However, because wild rodents naturally avoid people, human exposure to the virus is rare. Still, County officials advise people should be careful around wild rodents as there is no cure or vaccine for hantavirus.


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STEELE CANYON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WALK OUT TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS WHO ASKED FOR SALARY INCREASE

By Branda Gorgies

Photos from Branda Gorgies, Brenda Ramirez and Creative Commons via Google Images

 

September 6, 2023 (Spring Valley) -  Teachers at Steele Canyon High School, a charter school in the Grossmont Union High School District, are seeking a salary increase because many of them feel they’re not being paid a competitive salary. On August 16, at the high school’s library, Steele Canyon’s independent governing board held a meeting with public comment from five teachers. On Monday this week, students held a walkout to show support for the teachers. 


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MOTORIST NOT WEARING SEATBELT DIES IN HEAD-ON RAMONA CRASH

By Miriam Raftery

September 5, 2023 (Ramona) – A head-on crash in Ramona early yesterday morning proved deadly for one driver, but the other survived with non-threatening injuries. Both young drivers were residents of Ramona. The difference? The motorist who survived was wearing a seatbelt, while the other was not.


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LICENSE PLATE CAMERAS IN EL CAJON ARE CATCHING CRIMINALS, BUT CRITICS CLAIM POLICE DEPARTMENT IS SHARING PRIVATE DATA ILLEGALLY

By Branda Gorgies
 
Photos by Creative Commons via Google Images
 
September 3, 2023 (El Cajon) – Cameras in public are being used in El Cajon successfully to capture criminals, from car thieves to suspects in violent crimes. But some have raised concerns about privacy. Along with concerned community members, some lawmakers and lawyers are claiming that the police department is illegally sharing private license plate data.

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ALLEY CAT ART WALK SEPT. 15 SHOWCASES LOCAL ARTISTS

East County News Service

September 3, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Galleries and businesses in downtown El Cajon invite you to the 12th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk, on Friday September 15 from 4-8 pm.

Visitors can see fine art, a juried art show, crafts, giftware, live music, and refreshments.  The event is open to the community.


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ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: MAKING LEMON GROVE CLEANER, SAFER AND MORE FAMILY FRIENDLY

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies

September 3, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove’s main business corridor on Broadway is the center of commerce, but the physical environment of the area is suffering. Community leaders recently took to the streets to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their neighborhood along Broadway. It was an inspiring display of community engagement and commitment to positive change to shed light on issues like drug and alcohol harm, blight, walkability, and other areas needing of improvement. This June walk on a Saturday morning reflects the strong sense of community among Lemon Grove's residents and underscores the urgency to address pressing concerns through collaborative efforts.


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CAUGHT IN A 'HARD PLACE,' LA MESA POLICE CHIEF, ORGANIZERS CANCEL OVERSIGHT FORUM

By Ken Stone,Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo:  La Mesa Police Chief Ray Sweeney (right) succeeded Walt Vasquez (center) and Matt Nicholass in July 2021. Photo via Twitter

September 3, 2023 (La Mesa) - The announcement came Monday in Facebook.

“Join us Thursday at 10am for presentation and discussion about La Mesa community policing in three years since the rioting and looting of May 2020,” said the illustrated flier appearing in several La Mesa groups.

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GET INVOLVED WITH REGIONAL PLANNING - ENGRAVED INVITATION

By: Tracy Defore, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo: Doaa Polus, seen pointing to her map, votes for 3 new parks just north of I-8 in the vicinity of First Street

September 3, 2023 (San Diego) -- The County is looking for input on projects covering a wide range of priorities that may affect you, your neighborhood or the region at large.


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EL CAJON HAS TWO WEEKENDS OF OKTOBERFEST FUN

By Miriam Raftery

September 2, 2023 (El Cajon) – The German-American Societies of San Diego will host two weekends of Oktoberfest at their El Cajon headquarters: Sept. 29-Oct. 1 and Oct. 6-8.


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