JOIN US MAY 8 FOR A FESTIVE FEAST! EAST COUNTY DINING CLUB AT LEMON GROVE BISTRO

SANTANA COACH AND WIFE WILL HEAD TO PARIS OLYMPICS TO WATCH SON COMPETE, THANKS TO A COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: MOTHER’S DAY EVENTS, HISTORICAL HAPPPENINGS, FOOD AND WINE FESTS AND MORE

TRUMP LAWYER ARGUES TO SUPREME COURT THAT PRESIDENTS SHOULD HAVE IMMUNITY EVEN FOR ORDERING EXECUTION OF A POLITICAL RIVAL

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN LA MESA'S "ART IN THE PARK"

GARDEN'S GIFT SHOP REOPENS ON MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

AZTECS BEAT UNLV FOR MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPIONSHIP

SHIRTLESS FIREFIGHTERS TO SIGN CALENDARS AT DEANO’S PUB MAY 2 TO BENEFIT PROTECT SANTEE BALLOT MEASURE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVES FUNDS FOR MIGRANT CENTER; COUNTY TO PROVIDE SHORT-TERM RELIEF

A DREAM FULFILLED: CHALDEAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL OPENS INCUBATOR BUSINESS CENTER IN EL CAJON

FEATHER ALERT ISSUED FOR MISSING CAMPO WOMAN

COUNTY HOSTS TWO VIRTUAL MEETINGS THIS WEEL ON ITS HOUSING BLUEPRINT PLAN

AN ARTIST WHO REPURPOSES

Hopefully, this exhibit will be the first of many more to come. This East County Artist's type of art would be perfect for Earth Day!
 
By Mimi Pollack, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
 
April 15, 2024 (San Diego) -- When immigrants first arrive, everything is new for them, and they must work to repurpose their life. Many volunteers, including Roni Breite, guide them in doing that.
 
In a similar way, Breite gives new life to discarded objects she finds and fashions them into her own unique designs. The display she had at the First Annual Artists’ Showcase at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Carlos earlier this month was fascinating.

SAN DIEGO POLITICAL, COMMUNITY LEADERS CONDEMN IRAN MISSILE ATTACK AGAINST ISRAEL

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
 
Photo: Iranian missiles over Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, courtesy of Mehr News Service under a Creative Commons 4.0 license.
 
April 14, 2024 (San Diego) -- Iran’s drone and missile attack against Israel that began Saturday evening in the Mideast was quickly condemned by the governor, San Diego lawmakers and Jewish community leaders.

LA MESA CITY COUNCIL GRAPPLES WITH FREE SPEECH, HATE AND INTIMIDATION

Council supports state bill making distribution of hate flyers on private property a civil rights violation, retains controversial ban on remote public comments
 
By Michael Howard
 
Photo: Vice Mayor Laura Lothian discusses State Assembly Bill 3024 during April 9 La Mesa City Council Meeting. 
 
April 14, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) – The La Mesa City Council continues to grapple with a balance between free speech protected by the U.S. Constitution and hate speech that just doesn’t seem to go away.
 
In its latest action, the Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday to adopt a resolution to support state bill AB 3024, the Stop Hate Littering Act, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Ward.
 
That bill adds language to section 51.7 of the current California State Civil Code to further define “intimidation by threat of violence” to include “distribution of hateful materials on private property of another without authorization for the purpose of terrorizing the owner or occupant of that private property or in reckless disregard of the risk of terrorizing the owner or occupant of that private property.”

HOW SAN DIEGO BAN ON HOMELESS CAMPS HAS FARED

 
Photos by Kristian Carreon for CalMatters 
 
CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters
 
April 13, 2024 (San Diego) -- A new bill would make it illegal for homeless residents to camp in certain places, such as near schools, throughout California. Its authors say such a ban has had great success in San Diego. But a closer look at that city paints a more nuanced picture.
 
Politicians pushing to make homeless encampments illegal across wide swaths of California point to one city as proof it will work.

This coverage was made possible in part by a grant from the A-Mark Foundation.

COUNTY HONORS 12 PUBLIC HEALTH CHAMPIONS

By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
April 13, 2024 (San Diego) -- The Health and Human Services Agency’s 2024 Live Well San Diego Public Health Champion Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, April 5, 2024. This event honored 12 local people and organizations for their outstanding contributions in the prevention of disease or injury and the promotion of public health for all San Diegans.
 
The annual awards ceremony is held during National Public Health Week, a time to recognize the importance of public health and improving the nation’s health overall.

LILAC FESTIVAL APRIL 20-MAY 12 AT FORT CROSS IN JULIAN OFFERS FRAGRANT BLOOMS AND PLENTY OF FUN

East County News Service
 
April 12, 2024 (Julian) -- Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, invites you to their 9th annual Lilac Festival event on Saturdays and Sundays starting April 20 and will go on through Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
The outdoor educational farm that specializes in living history field trips, is also home to five acres of beautifully fragrant lilacs near the town of Julian.
 
Fort Cross is the largest lilac farm in Southern California that sells fresh-cut bouquets directly to the public, and will have different lilac varieties available for purchase 7 days a week as soon as the flowers are in bloom.

NEW MURALS DEDICATED IN CITY HEIGHTS REFLECT MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY

East County News Service
 
April 12, 2024 (City Heights) – Vibrant new public murals now adorn the exterior of City Heights Plaza del Sol, an affordable housing complex in the heart of San Diego’s City Heights community. The murals are the latest addition to a series of ArtReach Murals created under lead artist Josué Baltézar.

SPRING FESTIVAL AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE MAY 4

East County News Service
 
April 12, 2024 (Rancho San Diego, CA) — Cuyamaca College invites you to celebrate the season at its Spring Festival on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event is hosted by the Ornamental Horticultural Dept. and Heritage of the Americas Museum.

EARTH DAY CLOTHING SWAP AT MISSION TRAILS

East County News Service
 
Photo Credit: Rebecca Wallace
 
April 12, 2024 (San Diego) -- Refresh your closet for spring, sustainably! Bring clothing in good condition, and swap with other community members for new-to-you outfits.
 
Date and time
Monday, April 22 · 6 - 9 p.m.

HIKING YOUR FEELINGS WITH SYDNEY WILLIAMS

East County News Service
 
Join Sydney Williams for a hike, a book signing + discussion of her new book, Hiking Your Feeling: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love
 
April 12, 2024 (San Diego) -- Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
 
Join wellness advocate and wilderness guide Sydney Williams for a book signing and discussion of her new book, Hiking Your Feeling: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love, as well as a guided walk through the park. The book will be available for purchase at the MTRP gift shop.
 
Date and time
Sunday, April 14 · 2 - 4 p.m.

BOARD EXPANDS OPEN SPACE NEAR EL CAPITAN COUNTY PRESERVE

By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
April 11, 2024 (Lakeside) -- The County took steps Wednesday to add more space and species protection to land at El Monte Road in Lakeside. The Board of Supervisors approved the donation of 75 acres of land next to El Capitan County Preserve.
 
County Parks Department officials said the land fits into the County’s Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP) area. The additional acreage expands the County’s MSCP preserve to nearly 46,300 acres.

RANCHO BERNARDO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SEEKS PROPOSALS FOR RANCHO BERNARDO TO BOOST COMMUNITY PRIDE, REVITALIZATION AND QUALITY OF LIFE

RBCF, an affiliate of San Diego Foundation, will also support music programs for RB Symphony on the Green.
 
April 11, 2024 (Rancho Bernardo) -- Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation (RBCF), an affiliate of San Diego Foundation, announced the availability of grant funding to enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and play in Rancho Bernardo.
 
“In our 36th year, RBCF looks forward to supporting projects demonstrating the power to build a more vibrant community,” shared Daniel Wilson, RBCF Grants Chair. “Organizations that serve the Rancho Bernardo community can submit applications for programs involving music for awards between $1,500 and $5,000 from the RB Symphony on the Green Fund. Awards up to $10,000 will also be granted to programs that inspire community pride, revitalization and increase the quality of life of the broader community.”

CELEBRATING 6 YEARS OF QUICK, ACCESSIBLE, HIGH-QUALITY CARE

By Sharp HealthCare
 
Photo: (L to R) Denise Ricci, Misty Skeen and Beatriz Chapman, who have all been with the Sharp Grossmont Care Clinic since it opened in 2018
 
April 11, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Misty Skeen was so sure she wanted a career in health care that she started volunteering in her local hospital’s emergency department when she was just 14 years old. Now, as a longtime Sharp employee and a lead nurse of the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Care Clinic, she says she wouldn’t change a thing.
 
“I was very passionate about nursing as a profession and health care in general,” says Skeen, who continued volunteering throughout her time in nursing school. “I thought nursing would really suit me because I like interacting with patients and families and having the time to help educate them while we form that personal connection.”
 
The Care Clinic, which serves patients with urgent, non-life-threatening medical needs, opened its doors at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in April 2018. Skeen, who has been with the clinic from the beginning, says her favorite thing about their work is that they make a positive impact on the community every day.

ALL-INCLUSIVE DAY OF PLAY THIS SATURDAY: STARRY NIGHT CINEMA & RESOURCE FAIR

Experience inclusive fun with amazing activity stations, resources and a starlit movie screening—celebrate community for all. Free event!
 
East County News Service
 
April 11, 2024 (San Diego) -- Picture this! As the afternoon is in full swing, families gather at The Salvation Army Kroc Center Field for an unforgettable inclusive experience.
 
Kids of all abilities explore captivating activity stations, including the out-of-this-world Light Saber Creation Station, underwater Nemo Sensory Tent, enchanting Olaf Snowball Toss, a magical Wizarding World and more. Parents are able to connect with helpful resource services and providers, gaining valuable insights and family support.

SPRING VALLEY ARSON SUSPECT SOUGHT

East County News Service
 
April 10, 2024 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is seeking Sean Arkward, 54, for suspicion of setting fire to an occupied home in Spring Valley.
 
After receiving a call on April 9 around 7:35 p.m. from a resident reporting that their house was on fire in the 900 block of Sacramento Avenue in Spring Valley, Deputies from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station along with the San Miguel Fire Department responded to the location. Units arrived within minutes and found several small fires throughout several rooms in the home.

KIDZ DANZ KOMPANY PRESENTS 30TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW "COLORS"

East County News Service
 
April 10, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The critically-acclaimed and award-winning Kidz Danz Kompany, San Diego’s premier children’s dance company, presents “Colors”, KDK’s 30th Anniversary show, at the MP Dance Performance Space (8674 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942) on April 19-27, 2024 @ 7pm.

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 22ND ANNUAL CREEK TO BAY CLEANUP APRIL 20, WITH 100 SITES COUNTYWIDE INCLUDING EAST COUNTY OPTIONS

Source: I Love a Clean San Diego
 
April 10, 2024 (San Diego) – I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is set to host the 22nd annual Creek to Bay Cleanup on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is the region’s largest one-day environmental volunteer effort in celebration of Earth Month, with nearly 100 cleanup sites around the county, including many East County locations. I Love A Clean San Diego expects thousands of volunteers of all ages to participate. Residents can register to volunteer now at cleansd.org/creektobay.

AN INTERSTELLAR SUCCESS: MAKING COUNTY GOVERNMENT WORK FOR JULIAN

By Supervisor Joel Anderson
 
April 10, 2024 (Julian) – For Julian residents, preserving the dark sky is a way of life. Designated as an International Dark Sky Community in 2021, Julian is part of the mere 1% of the U.S. where the Milky Way remains visible. 
 
The mountain town’s mission recently faced a challenge when the brightness of fourteen newly installed streetlights exceeded dark sky community standards — prompting the Julian Dark Sky Network to seek assistance from my office.

JONES’ SAFE ACT TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES FROM SEXUALLY VIOLENCE PREDATORS ADVANCES WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

Source: Senator Brian W. Jones’ office
 
April 10, 2024 (Santee) -- Tuesday, the Senate Public Safety Committee unanimously approved Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones’s (R-San Diego) bipartisan Senate Bill 1074, called the “Sexually Violent Predator Accountability, Fairness, and Enforcement Act” (SAFE Act). Click here for SB 1074 the factsheet and here for more information about the bill and SVP issue.

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: TRAUMATIC EVENTS CAN HAVE AN IMPACT ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

By David R. Shorey, East County Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies
 
April 9, 2024 (San Diego) -- On January 22, 2024, floods displaced more than a thousand San Diego County residents and severely damaged thousands of homes. Many affected were East County residents, with parts of Spring Valley and Lemon Grove hit hardest. In the wake of a disaster like this, it's not uncommon for individuals to turn to alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances as a means of coping. The upheaval, stress, and trauma triggered by such events can lead some to seek solace in these substances, believing they provide an escape from the turmoil. What may seem like a reprieve can quickly spiral into a long-term struggle, exacerbating existing problems and creating new ones.
 
The aftermath of a traumatic event often brings about heightened anxiety, depression, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances, driving some to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. While these substances may seem to offer temporary relief, they ultimately disrupt natural sleep cycles, jeopardize physical health, strain relationships, and pave the way for dependence and addiction.

FATAL COLLISION IN CREST

East County News Service
 
April 9, 2024 (Crest, CA) – A 53-year-old El Cajon man has died of injuries sustained in a collision yesterday on Crest.
 
The victim was driving a 2014 Yamaha YZF R1 motorcycle at around 50 miles per hour eastbound on La Cresta Road, west of Coyote Ridge, around 5:10 p.m. when a Kia Forte pulled out of a driveway to make a left turn, causing the motorcycle to hit her vehicle.

LA MESA ACTIVATES FIRST HAWK SIGNAL IN CITY TO PROTECT PEDESTRIANS

Source: City of La Mesa
 
April 9, 2024 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa installed its first High-Intensity Activated CrossWalk (HAWK) signal at the intersection of Jessie Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard in an effort to enhance pedestrian safety.

SHERIFF SEEKS HELP TO ID BORREGO SPRINGS HOMICIDE VICTIM FOUND IN 1985

East County News Service
 
Victim had a coyote tattoo and the word “life or wife” on his left forearm, as well as “Linda” and “Gypsy” on his right forearm.
 
April 9, 2024 (Borrego Springs)—The San Diego Sheriff is seeking public help to identify the victim in a cold-case homicide. The man’s body was found Saturday, October 26, 1985 on State Highway 22, between mile post markers 37 and 38 in the Borrego Springs area. The body was located down a steep embankment on the north side of the road. 

TATIS HOMER GIVES PADRES 9-8 WIN OVER CUBS, AFTER TEAM TRAILED 8-0

Video of Fernando Tatis game-winning homerun:  https://twitter.com/i/status/1777554014001037587

By Miriam Raftery

April 9, 2024 (San Diego) – Never say never.  Down 8-0 in the sixth inning, the San Diego Padres battled back last night, ultimately winning 9-8 thanks to an eighth inning, two-run homer by Fernando Tatis, Jr.  Tatis credited the epic comeback to teammates “believing in each other.”

The game was the opposite of a pitcher's duel. Padres starter Yu Darvish had a nightmarish outing, giving up four runs in the second inning and exiting the game in the third,   The Cubs went on to score four more runs for a seemingly insurmountable lead.

But in a seemingly miraculous sixth inning,Tatis’ led off with a walk, scoring on a homerun by Jake Cronenworth that also drove out the Cubs’ starting pitcher. The Padres’ onslaught continued with Manny Machado’s grounder bobbled by the Cubs’ shortstop, followed by a single by Jurickson Profar and a triple by Ha-Seong Kim that drove in two more runs.Luis Campusano grounded out but allowed Kim to score. Jackson Merrill singled and scored on a homerun by Xander Bogaerts.

The Padres trailed by just one run, 8-7, when Tatis came up to bat in the eight inning with a runner on base.

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON

East County News Service

Photos by Robert Gehr

April 9,2024 (El Cajon) --El Cajon Police Department is investigation the death of a man who died following an assault early this morning. 

Officers responded to reports of an assault around 3 a.m.and provided medical aid to the victim, who died at the scene in the 100 block of Main Street between Orange Avenue and Magnolia. His injuries are consistent with blunt force trauma,a ccording to Lt. K.MacArthur with ECPD.

ECM photographer Robert Gehr reports streets are open to traffic while the investigation continues.

LA MESA POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING DEATH OF MAN IN PARKED CAR

Update April 11, 2024 --The victim has been identified as Roderick Stroman, 42, of San Diego.
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
April 8, 2024 (La Mesa) – Responding to a call reporting a gunshot yesterday morning around 12:35 a.m., La Mesa Police officers found a black sedan parked in the 7100 block of Waite Drive with a shattered driver’s side window. They found an unresponsive man in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to his upper torso.

JEWELRY STORE SMASH-AND-GRAB SUSPECT ARRESTED IN LA MESA

East County News Service
 
April 8, 2024 (La Mesa) — Surveillance video helped La Mesa Police identify and arrest a suspect accused of a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Grossmont Center.
 
The robbery occurred on April 5 around 10:50 a.m. A witness inside the store called 911 to report that a man used a hammer to smash a glass display case and snatch up several expensive watches, as an employee fled to the back of the store in fear for her safety.

BORREGO SPRINGS SET TO HOST PRESTIGIOUS 6-12-24 HOUR WORLD TIME TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Source: GoToBorregoSprings.com
 
Registration opens April 15 for event Nov. 1-3
 
April 7, 2024 (Borrego Springs) – Borrego Springs, a tranquil desert oasis, is set to host the prestigious 6-12-24 Hour World Time Trial Championships (WTTC) November 1-3. Esteemed in the endurance cycling world, this event draws top time trial racers globally to this Southern California gem.

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