January 2018 Articles

January 2018 Articles

CONTROLLED BURN NEAR PINE VALLEY STARTS TUESDAY

 
 
East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts
 
January 15, 2018 (Pine Valley) -- If you see smoke  over East County  on this week, be aware that Cal Fire San Diego will conduct its first controlled burn of the year starting on Tuesday. Ignition is set to begin by mid-morning and is expected to take place over several days until complete.
 
The planned 100-acre burn on Corte Madera Ranch south of I-8 near Pine Valley is part of Cal Fire's vegetation management program to help prevent future large wildfires. Smoke will be visible throughout the county.

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THEFT FROM UTILITIES ALLEGED IN SPRING VALLEY POT SHOP RAIDED MONDAY

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 15, 2018 (San Diego) – They seem to spring up faster than weeds after the winter rains.  Marijuana dispensaries, still illegal on unincorporated lands in San Diego County despite the state’s recent legalization of recreational use, continue to pop up and routinely be shut down by the Sheriff’s department.


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YOUTH GROUP VISITS BACKCOUNTRY TO PLANT TREES

 

Story and photos by A.J. Herrington

January 15, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) --​ ​A group of children from the inner city San Diego neighborhood of City Heights travelled to Boulder Creek Preserve Saturday to plant trees at the wildlife sanctuary near Descanso.


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EL CAJON POLICE ARREST PEOPLE FOR FEEDING HOMELESS IN WELLS PARK ON MLK WEEKEND

 

By Paul Kruze and Miriam Raftery

Photo: Screenshot from video on James Elia’s Facebook page

 

January 14, 2018 (El Cajon)—Defying a city of El Cajon ban on feeding homeless people in public places,  a dozen individuals including a 14-year-old minor were arrested and given misdemeanor citations by El Cajon Police today, then released.

The feeding was one of many held around the country this weekend to carry on the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who in a 1964 lecture to Nobel laureates voiced concerns about those who “have no houses or beds to sleep in.“ Rev. King added, “If we feel this as a profound moral fact, we cannot be content to see men hungry, to see men victimized with starvation and ill health, when we have the means to help them.”

El Cajon’s City Council voted to adopt a temporary ban on feeding the homeless in public places during the countywide hepatitis emergency declaration, since there have been many cases among the homeless in the outbreak, which county health officials believe originated in El Cajon.


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SDSU DIVERS WRAP UP BRUIN INVITE

 

Nicole Dutton led SDSU with 11th-place finish in platform competition

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 14, 2018 (Los Angeles) - Six divers from the San Diego State swimming and diving team concluded competition at the Bruin Invite on Saturday in platform competition. The final event of the Bruin Invite featured 49 divers from 13 different teams.


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DEDICATION CEREMONY JAN. 27 FOR “HIKING ON MT. WOODSON” MURAL AT RAMONA FITNESS CENTER

 

Source: Ramona H.E.A.R.T. Mural project

Photo: Artist Rik Erickson works to complete expansive 12 feet x 70 feet Mt. Woodson mural to be placed at the Ramona Fitness Center on Jan. 27

January 14, 2018 (Ramona) -- A dedication ceremony for the “Hiking on Mount Woodson” mural will be held on Saturday, January 27 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Ramona Fitness Center at 558 Main Street, Ramona. The public is invited to attend. In addition to refreshments, attendees will receive a picture of the mural, autographed by the artist.


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TWO GOALS BY STROME USELESS AS ROADRUNNERS DEFEAT GULLS 4-2

 

Source: San Diego Gulls

Photo via sandiegogulls.com

January 13, 2018 (San Diego) - San Diego fell 4-2 to the Tucson Roadrunners tonight at Valley View Casino Center to end a four-game win streak. Dylan Strome scored two goals and added an assist (2-1-3) for Tucson while Adin Hill stopped 31-of-33 shots in the victory. Despite the loss, San Diego has wins in four of their last five games (4-1-0-0), and has won 10 of their last 13 contests (10-3-0-0) and 12 of their last 16 (12-4-0-0). 


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LEADERS FROM SAN DIEGO TO UNITED NATIONS DENOUNCE TRUMP’S SLUR AGAINST IMMIGRANTS FROM NATIONS OF COLOR

 

By Miriam Raftery

This is a moment of truth, a moment to reflect on our values -- values of decency, respect, and compassion -- and call this president to account for his treatment of others.” – Andrea Guerrero, Alliance San Diego

January 13, 2018 (San Diego) – The Washington Post, citing multiple sources, reported  Friday that during a meeting with several Senators meant to hammer out bipartisan immigration legislation, President Donald Trump made a vulgar racial remark. “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” the President reportedly said of immigrants from Africa, Haiti, and El Salvador.


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BOISE STATE RALLIES PAST SDSU WOMEN'S HOOPS 86-70

 

Aztecs outscored 50-27 in second half

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  Geena Gomez led the Aztecs with 14 points vs. Boise State on Saturday.  Courtesy goaztecs.com

January 13, 2018 (San Diego) - The San Diego State women’s basketball team was unable to build on a seven-point halftime lead against visiting Boise State on Saturday, dropping an 86-70 decision in a Mountain West game at Steve Fisher Court.


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HENDERSON, DRAXLER PACE NO. 22 AZTEC TRACK AND FIELD AT UW PREVIEW

 

Seniors each took second in their respective event and were first collegiate finishers

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo:  Bonnie Draxler courtesy goaztecs.com

January 13, 2018 (Seattle) - Seniors Ashley Henderson and Bonnie Draxler each finished second in their respective events and first among collegiate athletes to lead the No. 22 San Diego State track and field team Saturday at the UW Preview in Seattle.


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SDSU DIVERS WRAP UP THREE-METER ACTION AT BRUIN INVITE

 

Alexandra Caplan led SDSU with 11th-place finish

Source: goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 13, 2018 (Los Angeles) - Six divers from the San Diego State swimming and diving team completed the second day of competition at the Bruin Invite at UCLA on Saturday. The Aztecs had a trio of divers finish in the preliminary’s top 25 for 3-meter competition, with Alexandra Caplan leading the way with an 11th-place finish in the finals. The Aztecs were one of seven teams in the 13-team competition to have three or more divers finish in the top 25 of the preliminary round.


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“MEAN MARY” IN CONCERT FEB. 2 IN SANTEE

 

East County News Service

January 13, 2018 (Santee) – Mean Mary in concert on February 2 at 7 p.m.  at the Summit Universalist Unitarian Fellowship in Santee. The artist is an Americana, bluegrass, blues, and folk artist based in Nashville, stopping here on her “Blazing Tour” through Southern California.


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RALLY CALLS ON HUNTER TO RESIGN

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 13, 2018 (El Cajon) – On Thursday, one day after revelations that a Grand Jury has been convened and issued a subpoena in a federal criminal investigation into Congressman Duncan Hunter’s alleged use of campaign finances for personal use, the progressive group Indivisible called on Hunter to resign.


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SANTEE BROTHERS SENTENCED TO 20+ YEARS IN PRISON FOR MURDERING HOMELESS MAN

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

January 12, 2018 (Santee) – Santee brothers Austin and Preston Mostrong were sentenced to spend decades in prison for beating George Lowery, 50, a homeless man to death in April,2016 at a Santee encampment. 

Austin Mostrong, 22, pled guilty to second-degree murder of Lowery as well as assaulting another victim.  Preston Mostrong, 21, pled guilty to manslaughter, mayhem, and causing great body injury.  Austin was sentenced to 20 years in prison and Mostrong received a sentence of 20 years to life.


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CALIFORNIA SENIOR LEGISLATURE ANNOUNCES DONATE TO CODE 438 INITIATIVE

 

East County News Service

January 12, 2018 (Sacramento) -- The California Senior Legislature (CSL) announced its Donate to Code 438 initiative this week, whereby Californians can support the work of the CSL this tax season via Code 438, the California Senior Citizen Advocacy Voluntary Contribution Tax Fund, on the California Resident Income Tax Return Form 540.


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ESCOTO’S HAT TRICK LEADS SAN DIEGO TO 8-3 WIN OVER TACOMA

 

Sockers remain undefeated at 10-0 before schedule gets tougher; Chiles and Farber score two goals each, while Toth earns fifth victory

Source:  San Diego Sockers

Photo courtesy sdsockers.com

January 12, 2018 (San Diego) - The 14-time champion San Diego Sockers (10-0) defeated the Tacoma Stars 8-3 before the largest crowd of the season of 3,395 at Valley View Casino Center to remain undefeated.


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CAPLAN LEADS SDSU WITH FOURTH PLACE FINISH AS SDSU DIVERS COMPETE AT UCLA

 

Source: goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 12, 2018 (Los Angeles) - The San Diego State swimming and diving team had six divers compete at the Bruin Invite at UCLA on Friday. The three-day event started with 1-meter competition, with two of SDSU’s six divers reaching the finals in the 55-diver field. The Aztecs were one of five teams in the 13-team field to have multiple divers reach the finals.


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SANTEE BANS SMOKING ON TRAILS, TAKES FIRST STEP TO DISTRICT ELECTIONS

 

By Mike Allen

January 12, 2018 (Santee)--Smoking or vaping on Santee’s city trails such as the Walker Preserve and near Mast Park will no longer be legal following the City Council’s amending its code at its Jan. 10 meeting.

The newly amended law, that also bans smoking electronic cigarettes in the same areas, takes effect after the second reading of the measure Jan.24.

With the vote, Santee joins the rest of the 18 cities and San Diego county in prohibiting smoking on public trails, which is an obvious fire hazard. But the change didn’t go far enough for nearly all the speakers who testified before the council took its vote.


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JOIN LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR AN EVENING MIXER AT PROPRIETOR’S RESERVE WINE BAR MARCH 27

 

East County News Service

January 11, 2018 (La Mesa) - On Tuesday, March 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them for an evening mixer at one of the newest wine bars in La Mesa and East County, the Proprietor’s Reserve Wine Bar at the Riviera.


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SMALL BUSINESS LEADERS JOIN FORCES FOR THE GOOD OF SAN DIEGO

 
Nonprofit launches under new name and local control to influence policy and make communities thrive; website highlights issues it will tackle in San Diego
 
Members invited to free seminar about new laws affecting small business in 2018

East County News Service

January 11, 2018  (San Diego) – Local small business leaders have formed a local nonprofit with a mission to unite small business owners in driving policy that improves San Diego’s communities. The organization has launched its new issues-based website featuring its new brand. Business For Good San Diego (previously operates as the San Diego chapter of Main Street Alliance) comprised of local business owners focused on issues unique to this region and led by a board of directors. Its over 200 small business members say that good policy — fundamental principles that guide the region’s governments — intersects with a small business’s bottom line, the livelihood of its employees, and the health of its communities.

“When we use our collective voices to influence San Diego policy, it’s good for the entire county,” says Mikey Knab (photo), director of operations at Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant and chairman of Business For Good’s board of directors. The issue areas that Business For Good has chosen are immigration, government transparency, small business investment, homelessness and environmental health.


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RAMONA RANCH WINERY PLANS CHEESE PAIRINGS, LIVE MUSIC, PAINTING, OWLS AND VALENTINE SWEETS

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 11, 2018 (Ramona) – Ramona Ranch Vineyards is hosting a variety of events in January and February.  Below are their descriptions.  For more information, visit http://ramonaranchwines.com/.

As part of our year-end inventory, we've unearthed some gems, including our 2013 Sangiovese Rose, and our 2014 Aglianico to share with you.  Come pair with Cheeses from the Cave local cheese samples on 1/13, 1/27, 2/10 & 2/24.  Gentleman Farmer will be back in February with their artisan products on 2/17 & 2/18 with samples and sauces for sale.


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STORMS CAUSE DEADLY LANDSLIDES IN SANTA BARBARA, DUMP UP TO 6 INCHES OF RAIN IN SAN DIEGO’S MOUNTAINS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Montecito mudslide, courtesy Santa Barbara Fire Dept.

January 11, 2018 (San Diego’s East County)— In Santa Barbara County, heavy rains turned to tragedy when mudslides caused burned hillsides to collapse, killing at least 17 people in Montecito, where 43 more remain missing as a desperate search for survivors continues.

But here in San Diego, this week’s rains brought welcome relief from an unusually dry winter.


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ANOTHER ILLEGAL POT SHOP RAIDED IN SPRING VALLEY

 

By Miriam Raftery

January 11, 2018 (Spring Valley) – A raid at The Bakery, an illegal marijuana dispensary at 9215 Birth Street in Spring Valley, yesterday morning resulted in seizure of large amounts of marijuana, marijuana edibles, cash, marijuana paraphernalia and other items.


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SDSU WATER POLO FALLS TO CHINESE NATIONAL TEAM

 

Aztecs come up short 16-9 in Orange County

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 11, 2018 (San Clemente) - After just three days of preseason camp, San Diego State put its caps on and faced the Chinese National Team in an exhibition at JSerra Catholic High School. The Aztecs and China played six periods, but the four-quarter final had SDSU on the short end of a 16-9 score.


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THE NEW TAX LAW AND YOU: REP. SUSAN DAVIS TO HOLD INFORMATION FORUM ON JAN. 13 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE

East County News Service

January 11, 2018 (El Cajon) -- Congresswoman Susan Davis will be hosting a tax information forum at Grossmont College on Saturday, January 13 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Grossmont College (8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon) in the Griffin Gate Auditorium.

Congresswoman Davis will be bringing together experts to discuss the larger implications of the new tax law and how to navigate the changes.  The event is intended to provide information and answer questions.  Following brief remarks, speakers will be available for a Q&A session and resource tables with helpful information will be present throughout the event.


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SDSU MEN'S BASKETBALL PRESS CONFERENCE 1/11: ON THE ROAD

 

 

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Story by Liz Alper

Videos courtesy goaztecs.com

For video of Jordan Schakel and Trey Kell's portion of the press conference, click "read more" and scroll down.

January 11, 2017 (San Diego) - With a dominant win against San Jose State behind them and a road matchup against Boise State looming, head coach Brian Dutcher, freshman Jordan Schakel and senior Trey Kell took the podium for the first men's basketball-only press conference of the year.


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SDSU'S RASHAAD PENNY AND KYAHVA TENZINO NAMED TO ALL-BOWL TEAMS

 

Penny lands on five all-bowl teams; Tezino makes Sports Illustrated team

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

January 11, 2018 (San Diego) - San Diego State senior running back Rashaad Penny and sophomore linebacker Kyahva Tezino were each recently named to all-bowl teams. Penny landed on the Associated Press, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, ESPN and Bleacher Report all-bowl teams, while Tezino made the Sports Illustrated team.


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COUNTY BOARD APPROVES $2 MILLION TREE PLANTING PROGRAM

 

The Board of Supervisors Wednesday approved a $2 million expansion of a program to remove and replace weakened trees in County parks. The action authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to advertise and award the contract for its Comprehensive Tree Program.


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GRANITE HILLS STUDENT ARRESTED FOR BRINGING BB GUN ON CAMPUS

 

East County News Service

January 11, 2018 (El Cajon) – After a teacher received a tip about a photo on Snapchat showing a student holding a gun in a classroom, administrators placed Granite Hills High School in secure campus mode briefly and notified authorities, NBC 7 reports.


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LA MESA HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO HOST SATURDAY MORNING LECTURE ON GROSSMONT HOSPITAL HISTORY BOOK

 

East County News Service

January 11, 2018 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Historical Society will host a lecture on Saturday, Jan. 20 featuring local historian Jim Newland discussing his latest book on the history of Grossmont Hospital. The lecture, which is open to the public, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St., La Mesa. Requested admission donation is $5 per person. For more event info, visit www.lamesahistory.com or call (619) 466-0197. To RSVP, visit http://bit.ly/2BQFPzz.


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