ATMOSPHERIC RIVER TO DRENCH REGION OVER EASTER WEEKEND

GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SLASHES STAFFING, OVER OBJECTIONS OF VOCAL CROWD

CONSUMER ALERT FOR SAFELY FILING YOUR TAXES

VIEW OUR INTERVIEW: LA MESA ACTIVISTS OBJECT TO CITY COUNCIL BANNING REMOTE PARTICIPATION

WINTER STORM WARNING

EASTER BRUNCH AND EGG HUNT MARCH 30 IN EL CAJON

BIA SAN DIEGO PARTNERS WITH WORKFORCECONNECT TO UTILIZE JOBS PLATFORM, WHILE ADDRESSING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

RECENT FIRE DEATHS HEIGHTEN CALLS FOR FIRE PROTECTION BALLOT MEASURE IN SANTEE

COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND TANYA TUCKER LIVE AT THE MAGNOLIA MAY 19

MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY NIGHT SLATED FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 4

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS SHOW FLIPS IN TWO KEY RACES HOLDING

184 GUNS TURNED IN AT SHERIFF’S LEMON GROVE GUN SAFETY EVENT

News

HERE’S THE BUZZ: LEGAL POT DRAWS CROWDS IN SAN DIEGO

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Rebecca Jefferis-Williamson

January 2, 2018 (San Diego)—Customers lined up before dawn at several of San Diego’s eight legal recreational marijuana shops that opened their doors January 1st.  The city was among the first places in California to permit recreational cannabis sales under Prop 64, which voters approved in 2016 and which is now in effect.

ECM reporter Rebecca Jefferis-Williamson visited the Apothekare in Mission Valley on New Year’s Day.  “No, I do not smoke, but I am a writer and always curious,” she posted on Facebook. 

She found a line wrapped around the building outside and snaking through the dispensary’s interior as well.  To gain access, customers had to be “buzzed” in through two areas with security guards.


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REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS GIVE BACK, SERVING MEALS TO HOMELESS IN EL CAJON

 

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo: License to Freedom's Executive Director Dilkhwaz Ahmed and Pacific Consulting Group's Pavel Consuegra serve up a meal for the homeless and El Cajon’s Mayor

December 30, 2017 (El Cajon) – Local immigrants and refugees are giving back to the community, serving up dinner to the homeless with License to Freedom at Meridian Baptist Church in El Cajon.

License to Freedom members have been helping the homeless for two years, including an event held on December 27th, two days after Christmas. The events will continue in 2018.  Meridian Baptist feeds the homeless every Wednesday night and License to Freedom hosts the 4th Wednesday of each month.


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COUNTY APPROVES DICTIONARY HILL PRESERVE IN SPRING VALLEY

 

 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Magazine

January 1, 2018 (Spring Valley) – After 15 years of efforts by Spring Valley residents to protect Dictionary Hill from development and blasting the top off the 1,059 feet tall peak, County Supervisors in November voted to acquire and preserve 175 acres of coastal sage scrub and habitat including Dictionary Hill (also known as Lookout Mountain) as well as adjacent canyons and ridgelines. 

Local residents and activists celebrated with a New Year's Day hike up the peak, savoring panormaic views from the mountains to the sea.


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JULIAN AND CUYAMACA TO LOSE PARAMEDIC ENGINE STARTING JAUNARY 1

 

By Miriam Raftery

Updated 12 p.m. to include comments from Pat Landis.

December 30, 2017 (Julian/Cuyamaca)—On January1st,  the full-time staffed San Diego County Paramedic Fire Engine serving the Julian and Cuyamaca areas will be permanently closed. The action leaves the communities to rely solely on volunteer firefighters and one ambulance for fire and life safety services, which could lead to long delays in medical services if that unit is transportation a patient to a hospital, critics contend.

The paramedic engine had been providing fire and emergency medical response services 24 hours a day, seven days a week under a temporary agreement between the County of San Diego and the Julian-Cuyamaca Fire Protection District. The CAL FIRE Firefighters that were assigned to the engine have been reassigned to other facilities within San Diego County.

The action comes after the Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District voted to reject consolidation with the County Fire Department and remain independent—the last remaining volunteer fire department in the County.  Cal Fire firefighters blame the board for the current problems, but a former board member faults the district's fire chief.


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SECOND ARREST MADE IN SHOOTING OF 21-YEAR-OLD FATHER IN SPRING VALLEY

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 30, 2017 (Spring Valley) – A second arrest has been made in the fatal Spring Valley shooting of Candido M. Arragon Jr., 21.  Arragon, father of a toddler son, was shot Wednesday in the back of his head in a vehicle at Conception Avenue and San Francisco Street in Spring Valley. 

Alejandro Pearce, 19, of Spring Valley was arrested by the Fugitive Task Force and Sheriff’s Homicide Detail last night shortly before 9:30 p.m. on US Elevator Road after a search of his residence. He is charged with first degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon, and is being held without bail. 

On Thursday, a juvenile suspect was also arrested and charged with murder.


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CASA DE ORO REVITALIZATION PLANS: PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT

 

Source: County of San Diego

December 30, 2017 (Spring Valley) -- On September 27, the County Board of Supervisors directed Planning & Development Services staff to develop options for a plan that could revitalize the Casa de Oro area. The project is focused along Campo Road and the surrounding areas.

Staff will be presenting the proposed options at the following three meetings.  You’re invited to come hear the options and provide your input and ideas.


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RESIDENTS SAFE AFTER LA MESA MAN THREATENED TO BLOW UP HOME

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News

December 29, 2017 (La Mesa) – A La Mesa man called 911 last night at 11:30 to report that he had filled his home with gas and planned to blow it up.  La Mesa Police swiftly evacuated neighbors, some in pajamas.

ECM news partner 10 News was at the scene and got video of the man emerging from the home after police knocked on the door.  He went back inside but after a 45 minute stand-off, staggered out front and collapsed briefly.  Police carried him to the street, where he revived and was taken into custody.


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SPRNG VALLEY SHOOTING VICTIM DIES, TEEN ARRESTED FOR MURDER

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 29, 2017 (Spring Valley) – A gunshot victim found in a vehicle at the intersection of Concepcion Avenue and San Francisco Street in Spring Valley Wednesday night has died of his injuries, says Lieuteuant Rich Williams with the Sheriff’s homicide unit. 

A 17-year-old juvenile suspect has been arrested and charged with murder.  His name has not been released because he is a minor.


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FLU DEATHS RISE; HEALTH OFFICIAL WARNS OF WORST SEASON IN A DECADE

 

Source: County of San Diego

December 28, 2017 (San Diego) -- The flu is here and it’s hitting San Diegans hard. So far, 11 people have died locally of the flu this season and more than 3,000 cases have been reported. The rate of new cases is also climbing fast.


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KALASHO GETS SLAPPED: COUNTER SUIT AGAINST ACCUSERS THROWN OUT BY SAN DIEGO JUDGE

 

By Paul Kruze

Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report

Read Judge Taylor’s full decision dismissing Kalasho’s cross complaint.

December 27, 2017 (San Diego)--San Diego Superior Court Judge Timothy Taylor gave his early Christmas gift Friday to embattled El Cajon City Councilman Ben Kalasho: a proverbial piece of coal.

The judge dismissed a counter suit filed by Kalasho against two beauty pageant contestants and a taco shop owner who are suing Kalasho on serious allegations of abusive behavior including sexual misconduct, fraud, defamation, and cyberharassment.

With Kalasho stoically standing next to his attorney, Judge Taylor found that the countersuit filed by Kalasho, a public figure, met the definition of a SLAPP suit meant to intimidate individuals’ constitutional rights of freedom of speech and petition for the redress of grievances. SLAPP suits are illegal under California law. The judge affirmed that the plaintiffs have a right to redress their grievances against Kalasho in a court of law and to speak about their grievances in the media.

“Lawsuits are public proceedings,” Taylor admonished Kalasho’s attorney, Stephen J. Liosi.


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ALPINE COMMUNITY PLAN: YOUR INPUT NEEDED ON JANUARY 6


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HEAR OUR INTERVIEW: EL CAJON MAYOR BILL WELLS

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 28, 2017 (El Cajon)—El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells was our guest for an in-depth interview on our radio show last week.  You can hear the full interview, originally aired on KNSJ, by clicking on the “audio” link.  Our topics included the performing arts center, a major new goal for helping the homeless, and economic revitalization in the community.

Mayor Wells shared details about the city’s exciting new partnership with Live Nation to reopen the East County Performing Arts Center.  The Mayor, who plays several musical instruments, recalled how music made a big difference in his own life.  “It was the first thing I was really good at,” he reflected, also sharing a humorous anecdote about how he talked his way into the school band as a youngster growing up.

Audio: 

Interview with El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells Dec. 2017

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CARRIZO GORGE HIKE DECEMBER 30 INCLUDES IMPOSSIBLE RAILROAD VISTAS

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 27, 2017 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Hi ho! The Jacumba Hikers and Walkers are hitting the trail to Carrizo Gorge and Walker Canyon on December 30th.   This six mile hike is rated hard due to a steep down and up trek across the gorge, where hikers will see an up-top view of the “Impossible Railroad” at De Anza Resort, then head north on an old road to an abandoned railroad settlement in historic Walker Canyon.


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MTS BOOSTING TROLLEY SERVICE FOR HOLIDAY BOWL AND PARADE

 

Fans using Compass Cloud ticketing app can bypass Trolley line after the game!

December 27, 2017 (San Diego) - The Metropolitan Transit System will boost Trolley service to accommodate the large crowds expected for both the Holiday Bowl and Holiday Bowl Parade on Thursday, December 28.  The Michigan State Spartans and the Washington State Cougars each bring nationally ranked teams and loyal fan bases to help make this bowl game a live and festive atmosphere.


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COUPLE LOSES EVERYTHING IN MOBILE HOME FIRE AT LENORA WINERY IN RAMONA

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 27, 2017 (Ramona) – A fire on December 22nd destroyed a mobile home rented by Fidel and Dora Ontiberos at the Lenora Winery on Steffy Lane in Ramona. 

“They did lose everything that they owned inside that mobile home as well as their pick-up truck and some contents in a small storage shed,” winery owner Eric Metz told East County magazine in an e-mail on December 26th.  “They were not injured, fortunately, but they escaped with just their lives.”  The couple had no insurance, so the loss is total.


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MORE NEW CALIFORNIA LAWS TAKE EFFECT IN 2018

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 26, 2017 (San Diego) – Besides new laws affecting motorists, there are several other important new laws taking effect in 2018, including a minimum wage increase, legal marijuana sales, new protections for workers and job applicants, new requirements for employers and general contractors, limits on where you can buy ammunition, and more.


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DMV REMINDS MOTORISTS OF NEW 2018 LAWS

 

Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles

December 26, 2017 (Sacramento) -- With the new year just around the corner, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) wants to inform the public of several new laws or changes to existing law that, unless otherwise noted, take effect January 1, 2018.


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IN CHRISTMAS MASS, POPE FRANCIS URGES CHRISTIANS TO WELCOME REFUGEES

 

By Miriam Raftery

Pope's homily for Christmas Mass during the night: full text

December 25, 2017 (The Vatican) -- In his homily at Christmas Mass in St Peter’s Basilica during the night, Pope Francis drew parallels between Biblical refugees Joseph and Mary and the millions of refugees around the world today who are “driven from their lands” under desperate circumstances, often forced to leave family members behind.

“In many cases,  the Pope observed, “this departure is filled with hope, hope for the future; yet for many others this departure can only have one name: survival. Surviving the Herods of today, who, to impose their power and increase their wealth, see no problem in shedding innocent blood.”

He urged compassion and a welcoming attitude toward refugees, in stark contrast to the harsh policies imposed by the Trump administration, which has sought to restrict admission of refugees and increase deportations, tearing many families apart.


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MISSING SENIOR IN LAKESIDE FOUND SAFE ON CHRISTMAS EVE

 

East County News Service

December 25, 2017 (Lakeside) – William “Frank” Taylor is home safe for the holidays, thanks to the kindness of community members.  The 89-year-old, who suffers from dementia but is very physically fit, vanished from 7900 Shalamar Drive in Lakeside around 5 p.m. last night.

 He left without a jacket, wearing only a long-sleeve blue shirt, jeans and tennis shoes on a chilly winter night.  Fortunately, he was found a short time later, the Sheriff’s department announced at 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve. 


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APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR CITY OF EL CAJON COMMISSIONS

 

Source: City of El Cajon

December 24, 2017 (El Cajon) -- The El Cajon City Council is now accepting applications for Personnel Commission, Planning Commission, and Veterans’ Commission. The filing period is December 13, 2017, through January 11, 2018, at 5:30 p.m.  Applicants will be interviewed and appointed on January 23, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon, CA 92020.


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CORY IVERSON'S WIDOW TO GRIEVING FIREFIGHTERS: "USE THIS NIGHTMARE TO HELP OTHERS"

 

By Ken Stone, originally published in Times of San Diego, a San Diego Online News Association member

December 24, 2017 (San Diego) - Ashley Iverson slowly inhaled. Then she let out a long breath in front of 1,800 mourners with their hearts in their throats.

“Just breathe is what I told one of my best friends when she lost her soulmate at the age of 22,” Iverson said at Saturday’s private memorial service for her firefighter husband Cory at The Rock Church in Liberty Station.


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PASSAGES: PROMINENT EAST COUNTY LIVES LOST IN 2017

 

 

East County News Service

December 24, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Far too many local leaders and luminarieswho touched our lives and made a difference in our community took leave of this earth in 2017. 

Below are some of the most prominent and noteworthy East County figures who passed on in the past year, listed in alphabetical order:


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LOTTERY TICKET SOLD AT JULIAN MARKET & DELI WORTH $1.3 MILLION

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Julian Market & Deli, decked out for Fourth of July

December 23, 2017 (Julian) – The holidays just got a lot merrier for one lucky Julian resident or visitor.

A lottery ticket sold at the Julian Market & Deli, 2202 Main Street in the mountain town of Julian has five winning numbers in the multi-state Mega Millions lottery and is worth $1,298,334, the state lottery announced yesterday. 

The five winning numbers drawn Friday were 1, 20, 30, 33, and 42.  The Mega number, 16, was not on the Julian ticket.


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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: SPACEX ROCKET LAUNCH

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 23, 2017 (San Diego) – If you were startled by brilliant, fast-moving lights in the sky last night over southern California, you’re not alone.  San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman reports that SDPD received many calls reporting the phenomenon, and tweeted the photo, left. 

No, it wasn’t a UFO with space aliens, or a U.S. military aircraft. In fact, it was a successful launch of a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base near Santa Barbara.


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MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTER CORY IVERSON TO BE LIVE-STREAMED TODAY

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 23, 2017 (San Diego) — Governor Jerry Brown is expected to attend a memorial service Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Rock Church in  Point Loma to honor Cory D. Iverson, a Cal Fire engineer station in Dulzura who lost his life battling the Thomas Fire in Ventura County.  The service is private, but will be live-streamed for the public to view at www.SDRock.com/Iverson.  

"His bravery and years of committed service to the people of California will never be forgotten," said Governor Brown, who ordered flags at the state capitol flown at half mast.


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FROST ADVISORY FOR DESERT AREAS

 

East County News Service

December 22, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory for tonight that includes inland desert regions in San Diego County. Temperatures could reach as low as 25 degrees in some places.

Pet owners are advised to bring pets inside tonight and to bring in or cover plants sensitive to cold, such as tropical plants or citrus.


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EL CAJON APPROVES LANDMARK AGREEMENT WITH LIVE NATION TO REOPEN ECPAC

 

Landmark vote sets path to reopen theatre in 2019 for headline acts, though community groups’ use of theatre may be limited

By Paul Kruze

Photo by Miriam Raftery, left: Arich Berghammer, Live Nation, addresses Council prior to historic vote

December 20, 2017 (El Cajon) -- After many community discussions, public meetings and  frustrations over the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) remaining closed for nearly the past decade, the El Cajon City Council last Tuesday unanimously approved a preliminary draft agreement for City Manager Doug Williford to ink worldwide concert producer Live Nation as the new manager of the theatre. (Councilman Ben Kalasho was absent, citing an emergency.)

Prior to the landmark vote which longtime councilmember Gary Kendrick has characterized as “the most important vote and the biggest thing to happen to El Cajon. Everybody wins.” He added that Live Nation “has the Midas touch. Every performing arts center they touch turns to gold.”


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TAX BILL SIGNED INTO LAW BY TRUMP

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

December 22, 2017 (Washington D.C.) – President Donald Trump has signed into law a final version of a sweeping ta reform bill.   The measure provides huge, permanent tax cuts for corporations and wealthy individuals, also providing temporary tax relief for many other individuals that will take effect in 2019 and expire eight years later.  Many of those cuts will be offset, however, by loss of popular tax deductions and a provision that is expected to raise rates for Affordable Care Act healthcare policies.

Among San Diego’s representatives, only Republican Duncan Hunter voted in favor.  Republican Darrell Issa joined with Democrats Susan Davis, Scott Peters, and Juan Vargas to vote against, as did California’s two Senators, Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein.

Here's a summary of what’s in the final bill, including key last-minute changes:


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SANTEE TO REMAIN ONLY EAST COUNTY CITY TO ALLOW SMOKING IN PUBLIC PARKS; COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS BAN FOR HIKING TRAILS

 

By Paul Kruze

Hear audio of meeting: http://www.mediafire.com/file/bo4c5wwv6k6tmcb/SanteeSPARC12142017Meeting.mp3

 

December 21, 2017 (Santee) -- Cigarette smokers in our region may end up with one less place to smoke if the Santee City Council approves a recommendation of the Santee Park and Recreation Committee (SPARC) to ban smoking on its numerous hiking trails located within the city limits. Smoking would still be allowed in public parks, leaving Santee the last city in San Diego County to still allow smoking in public parks, although the city does restrict smoking to designated areas during special events.

Smoking marijuana, however, will remain prohibited in Santee parks, although the state is set to decriminalize use on January 1 after voters passed Proposition 64 legalizing the public recreational use and commercial purchase of marijuana.


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COUNTY TO OFFER CHILD CAR SEATS AND SAFETY CLASSES

 

More child car seats and safety education classes.

That’s what the County Health and Human Services Agency will be offering to low-income parents thanks to a program funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.


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