San Diegans recognize Jamul Casino for its dining, panoramic views and service

East County News Service

Photo:  Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub at Jamul Casino, named “Best Sports Bar” for the sixth consecutive year in the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Readers Poll

August 3, 2023 (Jamul) - On Sunday, July 30, the San Diego Union-Tribune announced the winners of its 27^th annual “San Diego’s Best” Readers Poll, with Jamul Casino bringing home a personal best of nine (9) awards.  The Union-Tribune Readers Poll reflects the voting audience’s top selections for more than 200 products and services in San Diego—everything from restaurants to entertainment, retail, real estate, legal services, and more.  The winners earn the right to be called “San Diego’s Best.” 

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of the San Diego Sheriff's Dept.

August 1, 2023 (Ramona) – Jonathan McDowell, 47, of Ramona died at Scripps Mercy Hospital on July 29, 10 days after he was found unresponsive in his cell at the George Bailey detention facility. The Medical Examiner’s autopsy has concluded that McDowell died of asphyxia due to hanging and that his death was a suicide.

A statement from the Sheriff’s department says,  “We extend our sympathies to the McDowell family and those affected by his death. A Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer will support the family as they deal with the loss of a loved one.”

McDowell was arrested on Feb. 20 on charges of assaulting a peace officer with a gun,  attempted murder, and committing a felony while  on bail or release.

By Miriam Raftery

August 1, 2023 (Warner Springs) – A 16-year-old skateboarder from Warner Springs has died after being struck by a vehicle last night on State Route 79.

East County News Service

July 30, 2023 (Santee) -- Summer is almost over and to close out the fun, East County is hosting its first-ever X-Fest full of extreme-sport events, local vendors, superstar athletes, music, guest speakers, testimonies, entertainment and tons of free giveaways.

By Shiloh  Ireland

July 30, 2023 (Pine Valley) – The 52^nd annual Pine Valley Days Parade was held on July 29, a fun event in a small town with a big heart. Pine Valley's annual event was filled with families lining the main street and children darting for candy scattered by the participants.

From equestrians, big rigs and action characters to local beauty queens, youth groups, a bagpipe band and a Tecate dragon, it was a colorful display of the very best in this very small town.

Update August 3, 2023:All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted.

By Miriam Raftery

July 29, 2023 (Aguanga, CA) – The #Bonny Fire in Aguanga has grown to 2,069 acres and is threatening 632 structures,  Cal Fire reports this morning. The fire is currently burning in Riverside County, but evacuations have been ordered in Terwilliger Valley including areas north of the San Diego County line, west of Anza Borrego State Park,Southof Bowers,Bailey and Ramsey,and East of Bonny.  View evacuation map: http://linktr.ee/calfirerru

The fire is 5% contained but is burning in extremely rugged, steep terrain. Escalating temperatures today pose challenges for firefighters, and one firefighter injury is reported. A chance of thunderstorms this afternoon heightens risk of erratic fire behavior.

By Kathy Carpenter

July 25, 2023 (Poway) - In the hallowed halls of the Old Bailey, a tale of murder, lies, and the enigmatic “Witness for the Prosecution” begins to unfold, presented by PowPac Theatre in Poway. The audience is drawn into the case of Leonard Vole’s story and his subsequent arrest for murder. "Witness for the Prosecution” is a slow, deliberate, tantalizing tease.

This gripping courtroom drama is set in 1950s London. The story revolves around Leonard Vole, a charming and enigmatic young man accused of murdering a wealthy widow. He finds himself in a precarious situation as the primary suspect in a crime he denies committing.

Enter Sir Wilfrid Robarts, a brilliant and seasoned barrister who takes on Leonard's case. Despite Leonard's protestations of innocence, the evidence seems stacked against him. As the trial progresses, Sir Wilfrid's legal skills are put to the test, and he must unravel a web of deception, betrayal, and unexpected twists.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Erik Prince in 2015, cc-2.0 via Wikipedia

July 27, 2023 (San Diego) — The name Erik Prince became familiar to many residents in San Diego’s East County when Blackwater, the private military contracting firm he founded, sought to build a paramilitary training camp in Potrero.

$1,000 reward for info leading to arrest of suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous

Source: San Diego Sheriff's Department

July 26, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- Do you recognize this man? He is Daniel Ethridge, 34, and he is wanted in connection with a homicide in Lemon Grove earlier this year.

On March 18 around 10:00 p.m., deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation responded to a report of a shooting in the 2800 block of Lemon Grove Avenue. While searching the area, deputies found Gregory Moore, 39, unconscious in a car at the intersection of Lemon Grove Avenue and San Miguel Avenue. He was later pronounced dead.

Sheriff's Homicide Investigators have identified Ethridge as a suspect. He has an active arrest warrant for homicide and is believed to be associated with a local street gang. Ethridge has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an inhabited dwelling.

He should be considered armed and dangerous, according to Lt. Joseph Janjura with the Sheriff’s homicide unit.

July 25, 2023 (Sycamore Fire) -MCAS Miramar reports the #ShotholeFire is burning in Sycamore Canyon between Poway and Santee.

According to the Watch App, the fire has burned around 106 acres but crews are making good progress fighting the fire.

View map and updates: https://app.watchduty.org/i/8064

Source: La Mesa Village Association

July 24, 2023 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Village Association (LMVA) announces that September marks the 30th Anniversary of the La Mesa Village Farmers Market (LMVFM) in downtown La Mesa, and we are inviting the community to help us celebrate. 

To celebrate 30 years, the La Mesa Village Farmers Market will host weekly giveaways starting on September 1, 2023. Weekly prizes include: $50 in LMVFM “Market Bucks” to be given away on the LMVFM Instagram page (@officiallamesafarmersmarket); 30th Anniversary canvas shopping bags will be given out by different vendors each week; free 30th Anniversary stickers available at the LMVFM information booth; and a surprise vendor-filled 30th Anniversary shopping bag to be given away on the LMVFM Instagram page. 

East County  News Service

July 24, 2023  (Mt. Helix) – The Mt. Helix Food and Wine Festival returns on August 19 to benefit the Mt. Helix Park.  The event takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. at the historic and inspiring Mt. Helix amphitheater and 7-acre nature preserve atop one of our region’s tallest peaks, with 360-degree views.

This year’s event features a Wild West theme. Whiskey Ridge band will entertain on the main stage and The Tradesmen up at the cross location as guests savor food and beverages from over 40 sampling booths.  The park will be transformed with a secret Speakeasy Saloon and  line dancing.

Don’t miss the auction with everything from Legoland Tickets and golf outings to yacht experiences and overnights in exotic places, to private parties for you and your friends at Mt. Helix Park.

By Don Woods, La Mesa

Image: Rendering of a proposed digital billboard created by Clear Channel, via City of La Mesa documents

July 22, 2023 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa City Council will discuss a digital billboards proposal this Tuesday evening.

At a prior meeting, the City Council appointed Council members Pat Dillard and Jack Shu to form an “ad hoc” committee to consider a proposal by Clear Channel Outdoor Advertising company to erect a huge new, two-sided digital billboard along the north side of the I-8 freeway as it runs past the Grossmont Center shopping center. The committee has met and has now made a recommendation, which the Council will take up at its 6 p.m. meeting on Tuesday.

Item 14.2 on the Council’s Tuesday agenda says “The Digital Billboard Negotiating Ad-hoc Subcommittee recommends the Council direct staff to develop and circulate, within 30 days, a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the placement and installation of digital billboards in the City, to include: (1) a statement of facts identifying the process to authorize digital billboards; and (2) a listing of questions and concerns (for response) raised by the Digital Billboard Negotiating Ad-hoc Subcommittee”.

So instead of just discussing the proposal with Clear Channel, the ad hoc committee now wants to open up a bidding competition to see who is willing to pay the most to be allowed to erect a digital billboard. In effect, they are interested in selling the safety of La Mesa residents to the highest bidder!  

The committee’s recommendation shows a surprising lack of due diligence. It also seems to ignore a number of facts, and tries to put the cart before several horses.

East County News Service

July 21, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – The Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson unit is investigating a fire that occurred at Grove Motel in the 8000 block of Broadway in Lemon Grove. Deputies on patrol noticed smoke coming from the motel and found a unit fully engulfed in flames.