EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE WINS SANTEE CHAMBER FAVORITES AWARD FOR BUSINESS RESOURCES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left:  ECM Editor MIriam Raftery with Santee Favorites award

March 17, 2024 (Santee) – East County Magazine received a “Santee’s Favorites” award for best business resources at the Santee Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Awards Night on March 7 at Sycuan Casino Resort’s Heritage Event Center.

East County Magazine offers affordable sponsorship opportunities on our news site, which averages 5-10 million hits and a quarter million visits each month.  Our news coverage includes highlighting East County businesses, business news and events.. Next up,  ECM is planning to add a business directory, to help our readers easily locate business services in San Diego’s inland region.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Santee Chamber as the favorite for Business Resources, an award chosen by popular vote,” says East County Magazine editor and founder Miriam Raftery.  “We are constantly striving to find more ways to help local businesses. We welcome tips and story ideas, which can be sent to editor@eastcountymagazine.org.”  For sponsorship information, businesses owners and nonprofits can call (619)698-7617.

Sycuan was the  title sponsor of the event. Santee Chamber President/CEO, Kristen Dare, alongside past Board Chair, Eddie Vandiver, co-hosted onstage as the organization welcomed over 250 guests.


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KUNG FU GHOST: THE CINEMATIC JOURNEY OF A SAN DIEGO INDEPENDENT FILM

By Michael Howard

 

Photo: San Diego independent film producer Jennifer Linch (R), stands with actor Eddie Lane during last year's Comic-Con. Photo by Michael Howard

 

March 17, 2024 (San Diego) -- San Diego’s own Jennifer Linch, the creative force behind the acclaimed comedy action martial arts film "Kung Fu Ghost," has navigated the complex landscape of independent filmmaking in San Diego with determination and passion, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way to end up with a successful title streaming on Peacock, Prime Video, and Apple TV. 


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APPLICATIONS FOR DISASTER CALFRESH HAVE BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY MARCH 22, 2024

East County News Service
 
March 17, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- The program provides a one-time payment to buy food for those experiencing challenges from the January flood. Income limits apply.
 
All CalFresh recipients and new Disaster CalFresh recipients can use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase hot and prepared food until Wednesday, April 17, 2024 due to the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the Jan. 22 storms and flooding.

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REFUGE ON THE MOUNTAIN: SURVIVAL AFTER AN APOCALYPTIC DISASTER

Local author has series of events coming up.
 
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh
 
March 17, 2024 (San Diego) -- Ocean Beach resident Cornelia Feye writes a post-apocalyptic story. 
 
After a massive solar storm causes a catastrophic global blackout, Greg and Vega escape with their extended family to their solar powered, self-sufficient mountain cabin. Their survival is threatened when a dead body is found on the path behind their home, and a gang of lawless neo-Nazis threaten to take over their property.

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SHARP-COLLINS SURPASSES VASQUEZ IN 79TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

By Miriam Raftery
 
Photo: Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins
 
March 16, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – The 79th Assembly district race is still too close to call.  While La Mesa Councilman Colin Parent is still solidly in first place with 39.65% of the vote (21,745 votes). Educator Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins has overtaken Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez to move into second place.
 
Currently Sharp-Collins has 30.27% (16,597 votes), while Vasquez has 30.08% (16,494 votes).

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WOMAN DIES IN EL CAJON HOUSE FIRE

East County News Service
 
March 16, 2024 (El Cajon) — An elderly woman died in an early morning fire Friday at her home in the 1700 block of North First Street in unincorporated El Cajon.
 
Deputies from the Lakeside Sheriff's Substation along with the San Miguel, Lakeside, Santee and Heartland Fire Departments responded to the location after receiving a call around 1 a.m. Units arrived within minutes and found the home fully engulfed in flames. 

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COUNTY EXTENDS EMERGENCY TEMPORARY LODGING PROGRAM FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

East County News Service

March 16, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to extend the Emergency Temporary Lodging Program.

The program, which was launched on Feb. 10, has provided safe and secure lodging for more than 840 families who were displaced by flooding from the Jan. 22 storm. 

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BEAUTIFUL BORREGO BLOOMS: OUR GUIDE TO WILDFLOWER VIEWING

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

March 16,  2024 (Borrego Springs) – Those heavy winter rains have resulted in one of the most beautiful bloom seasons in recent memory in the Anza-Borrego Desert.  I visited earlier this month, finding the desert floor along Henderson Canyon Road bursting with colorful purple verbena, white primroses and yellow sunflowers.

Many of the most spectacular wildflower fields are not in the Anza-Borrego State Park, but just outside it on the outskirts of Borrego Springs.

Tips for your visit:


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EARTH DAY 2024 FAIR IN LA MESA

By Jonathan Goetz
 
March 16, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa is inviting residents, visitors, sponsors and vendors to join its family-friendly Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Drive, La Mesa CA 91942. The festival is a celebration of the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and a showcase of local businesses that offer eco-friendly products and services.


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COUNTY APPROVES PLAN TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN UNINCORPORATED COMMUNITIES

By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
Photo: Bing Copilot
 
March 15, 2024 (San Diego) -- County Supervisors voted this week to make improvements for pedestrians at four intersections in the unincorporated communities of La Presa, Spring Valley and Fallbrook, and to make additional improvements at 17 different locations to improve pedestrian safety.

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HISTORIC CEMETERY TOURS IN CAMPO OFFERED

Source: Mountain Empire Historical Society
 
March 15, 2024 (Campo) -- Want to learn about the colorful lives (and deaths) of some of the early settlers in the Campo area? The Mountain Empire Historical Society (MEHS), a 501c3 organization, will provide 2 ½ to 3 hour long guided tours of three private historic cemeteries: the Milquatay Pioneer Cemetery (see photo left), the Old Campo Cemetery, and the Ortega Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 6th and then again at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 14th. 

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COUNTY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION EVENT MARCH 30 IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service
 
March 15, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- I Love a Clean San Diego announces the upcoming Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Event organized by the County of San Diego for unincorporated residents. This event provides an excellent opportunity for you to safely dispose of hazardous materials and electronic waste from your home.
 
Here are the event details:
 
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024
Location: Steele Canyon High School – Back Parking Lot
Address: 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley
Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

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COUNTY AUTHORIZES EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO STORM DRAINS IN FLOODED EAST COUNTY COMMUNITIES

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Storm drain, San Diego County Dept. of Public Works

March 13, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – County Supervisors, at a Flood Control District meeting today, approved continuation of storm drain emergency repairs in several unincorporated communities, following catastrophic flooding on January 22 that overwhelmed county stormwater drains.


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CANDLEWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL MARCH 23 HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC ART IN BORREGO SPRINGS

4th annual event showcases commissioned public art by Karla Diaz, Jake Freilich, Pearl C. Hsiung, Debra Scacco, and student artists from Borrego Springs High School
 
March 14, 2024 (Borrego Springs) -- The Candlewood Arts Festival returns to the Anza Borrego Desert on March 23 with commissioned public art works as well as a gallery exhibition of art by local youth. The Festival, sponsored by Under The Sun Foundation, will include a performance, workshops, an artists’ talk, and an opening party for visitors and residents to experience contemporary art together in the unique desert community of Borrego Springs. Events will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

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SEXUALLLY VIOLENT PREDATOR TO BE RELEASED IN CAMPO

East County News Service

March 14, 2024 (Campo)—Yesterday, Sheriff’s deputies with the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force went door to door in Campo to advise residents that Alan Earl James, a registered sexually violent predator (SVP) with the state and county, will be released into their neighborhood at 1138 Custer Road, Campo.


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SAN DIEGO SELECTED AS HOST FOR 2024 MAJOR LEAGUE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Source: Major League Rugby
 
March 24, 2024 (San Diego) – Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier professional rugby league in North America, has named San Diego as the host site for the 2024 MLR Championship. The Quest for the Shield will culminate at Snapdragon Stadium on Aug. 4, 2024 at 4 p.m. (EST) featuring the champions from the East and West conferences.

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AZTECS BEAT BOISE ST., ADVANCE TO MW CHAMPIONSHIP

The Aztecs will play in their sixth championship game and first since 2013.
 
Source: GoAztecs
 
Photo: SDSU Aztecs senior guards Abby Prohaska (24) and Jazlen Green (11) celebrate on the court following the team's 72-69 win over Boise St. SDSU will face UNLV for the Mountain West Tournament championship. (SDSU)
 
March 14, 2024 (Las Vegas) -- The San Diego State women's basketball (22-12) outlasted Boise State (21-13) 72-69 in the semifinals of the Mountain West Tournament to advance to their first championship game since 2013. The Aztecs will face the regular season champion, No. 21/19 UNLV, on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

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THUNDERSTORMS, SANTA ANA WINDS AND SNOW

 

March 14,2024 (San Diego)--A storm sweeping into our region is forecast to bring Santa Ana winds through Friday, with rain countywide and gusts up to 70 miles per hour in high desert areas. 

Mountains and deserts could have thunderstorms through Saturday, with snow down to 5,000 feet in elevation.


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SUPERVISORS APPROVE 150 SLEEPING CABINS FOR HOMELESS IN SPRING VALLEY

A similar number of hotel vouchers may be phased out in favor of less glamorous, but fully inclusive, wrap-around services
 
By Jonathan Goetz
 
March 14, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- In an effort to address the homelessness crisis, Supervisors Wednesday voted 4-0 (with Joel Anderson absent due to a medical issue) to spend $18.5 million for 150 sleeping cabins at the corner of Jamacha Road and SR-125 in Spring Valley as part of Governor Gavin Newsom's sleeping cabin effort.

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GARDENERS, HEADS UP! CITY LAUNCHES JUNE BLOOM OF EL CAJON COMPETITION

By Chris Berg, marketing and engagement manager,  City of El Cajon

 

March 14, 2024 (El Cajon)  - The City of El Cajon announces its inaugural June Bloom of El Cajon competition, a community-focused event designed to inspire and reward the creation of green spaces across our urban landscape. This initiative, in partnership with Armstrong Garden Centers, aims to engage citizens and businesses alike in fostering a greener, more vibrant City.

 

The June Bloom competition invites all residents and business owners in El Cajon to participate in transforming the community through the power of gardening. By enhancing front yards, balconies, storefronts, and community spaces with lush plants and creative landscaping, participants will not only contribute to the beautification of the City but also have the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes.


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SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE ANNOUNCES STEW

East County News Service
 
Photo: Jamaelya Hines and Danielle Bunch, courtesy: Scripps Ranch Theatre
 
March 14, 2024 (San Diego) -- Scripps Ranch Theatre continues Season 44 with STEW by Zora Howard, a co-production with Common Ground Theatre and directed by Yolanda Franklin.
 
Mama is up early to prepare an important meal and, even with her family on hand to help, time is running short. Tensions simmer with three generations of Tucker women under one roof, but things come to a boil as the violence hovering around the periphery of their lives begins to intrude.

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TWIN BROTHERS ARRESTED FOR SERIES OF RETAIL THEFTS IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

 

March 13, 2024 (El Cajon) – El  Cajon Police have arrested twin brothers for a series of retail thefts between January 23 and February 24. Ali and Shuaib Ahmed, 28, are accused of orchestrating five retail thefts at the Ultra Beauty Store in El Cajon, allegedly stealing over $3,000 in merchandise, as well as a Feb. 24 theft at JC Penney in El Cajon, where goods valued at $700 were stolen.


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EL CAJON SEEKS MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS FOR EAST COUNTY MARKET NIGHTS EVENTS

By Chris Berg, marketing and engagement manager, city of El Cajon

March 13, 2024 (El Cajon) —The city of El Cajon is inviting experienced and innovative event planners and organizations to submit proposals for the management of the newly conceived East County Market Nights. This weekly event, set to transform downtown El Cajon every Thursday evening, combines a certified Farmers Market with a dynamic nightlife experience, including live music, gourmet food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. Video Preview


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SANTEE SEEKS PLAN FOR PARK AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT BARN SITE

By Mike Allen

March 13, 2024 (Santee) -- Santee is hoping to strike a deal with San Diego County to create a new park surrounding the historic Edgemoor Barn as well as much needed affordable housing.

At its most recent meeting on Feb. 28, the city council approved a resolution supporting a collaborative effort between the city and county for a plan on some 21 acres next to the Las Colinas Women’s Detention Center.


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PETER PAN JUNIOR THEATER PRESENTS: ANNIE

By Jonathan Goetz

March 13, 2024 (San Diego) -- Join the Peter Pan Junior Theater for a heartwarming performance of the beloved musical “Annie,” set to take place from March 20th to 23rd at the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Performing Arts Center in San Diego. This enchanting production promises to bring the classic tale of hope and adventure to life, featuring the talents of young performers who have been rehearsing and training to deliver an unforgettable experience.

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SUSPECTED DUI IN SPRING VALLEY RESULTS IN SOLO DRIVER FATALITY

East County News Service
 
March 13, 2024 (Spring Valley) – On March 10, 2024, at approximately 3:00 a.m., an unidentified female driver was traveling in a silver sedan, southbound in the northbound lanes of State Route 125, just north of Jamacha Road, at an unknown speed. Preliminary investigation and physical evidence suggested the solo female driver was driving wrong way and as a result, the sedan collided with a concrete bridge, lost control and collided with a metal chain link fence, and left the roadway. The sedan came to rest on Jamacha Road.

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PASSAGES: KATHRYN “KATHY” CARPENTER, THEATER REVIEWER FOR EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE

East County News Service

March 12, 2024 (San Diego) – Kathryn “Kathy” Lynn Carpenter, East County Magazine’s theater reviewer for the past 15 years, passed away on September 16, 2023,  two days after her 65th birthday.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Kathy’s passing last fall,”  said ECM editor Miriam Raftery. “Kathy was a kind-hearted person and a valued member of our team who loved showcasing the works of community and youth theaters, high school and college performances, as well as highlighting the talents of young actors. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and all who loved her. This is a loss to the entire San Diego theatrical community.”


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LAMPLIGHTERS PRESENTS “FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS”

East County News Service

March 12, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Lamplighter’s Theatre in La Mesa will present the comic play, “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.” The show runs March 1 through 24.


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LA MESA CITY ADDRESS SHOWS BRIGHT DAYS AHEAD FOR JEWEL OF THE HILLS

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch Video Here

March 7, 2024 (La Mesa) – Dr. Mark Arapostathis, Mayor of La Mesa, gave a State of the City address in February that spoke of progress in processes at City Hall, growth in housing and business opportunities, as well as community engagement such as new park facilities and festive events all year round.


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WALL THAT HEALS COMES TO EL CAJON MARCH 21-24: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

By Miriam Raftery

 

Image courtesy of the City of El Cajon

 

March 12, 2024 (El Cajon) -- “The Wall That Heals”, a ¾-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with a Mobile Education Center, will be at Wells Park in El Cajon March 21-24. Volunteers are needed to help make this amazing educational opportunity happen. 


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