East County News Service

October 16, 2017 (Sacramento) -- California has a shortage of college-educated workers.  A key obstacle is cost.  So, Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law Assembly Bill 19, to provide community college students one year of tuition-free education.

Ilai Shvika’s goal with two seconds remaining forces game into OT

Source:  goaztecs.com

Photo courtesy goaztecs.com

October 15, 2017 (Los Angeles) - The San Diego State men’s soccer team put up a valiant effort in Sunday night’s contest, but fell in heartbreaking fashion in a 2-1 overtime setback at UCLA on Sunday night. The Aztecs are now 4-9-0 (0-5-0 Pac-12) on the year, while the Bruins jump above .500 in both their overall record (6-5-0) and Pac-12 record (3-2-0).

By Miriam Raftery

October 15, 2017 (Alpine) – Jack Wadel, 60, was arrested yesterday after the Alpine Sheriff’s department received calls that the suspect “reportedly was threatening to shoot people in the crowded library, and was pointing a toy gun at people,” says Sergeant Alex Navarro with the Sheriff’s department.

By Miriam Raftery

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

October 15, 2017 (Cuyamaca) -- The Green Fire is 75 percent contained at eight acres as of 10:30 a.m., Cal Fire reports.  The grass fire began yesterday afternoon near the Green Valley Falls campground area in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, not far from State Route 79.

A witness, who asked that his name not be published, told East County Magazine that he and his wife were hiking on the Harvey Moore Trail moments before the fire started and saw several people in the meadow.  Arriving at the parking lot and learning of the fire, the witness says the saw the people -- a couple and a third inidividual, get into an SUV and drive away.

Supporters of medical marijuana delivery invited to Oct. 16 meeting

By Miriam Raftery

October 15, 2017 (Santee) – On October 12^th, the San Diego County Sheriff’s department targeted medical marijuana delivery services in a sting operation.  Six arrests were made, including one driver who was a registered sex offender, the Sheriff’s department reports. The Santee station’s COPPS unit ordered purchases through online sources using delivery drivers within Santee’s city limits, a violation of the city’s municipal code.

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Story by Liz Alper

Videos courtesy goaztecs.com

October 14, 2017 (San Diego) - The 6-0 Aztecs hosted Boise State at SDCCU Stadium this week, continuing Mountain West play.

By Miriam Raftery

October 14, 2017 (El Cajon) –“The unimaginable destruction of the ongoing northern California wildfires that have taken homes, schools, and lives has proven devastating to thousands upon thousands of families,” says Nancy Padilla, one of three East County women organizing a caravan of relief supplies to help fire survivors. “The daily images from this historic disaster have been both heartbreaking and terrifying, leaving those affected with literally nothing in the way of personal possessions. This week we will be collecting much needed supplies that will be transported by us to the affected area next weekend, and hope that many of our friends and supporters will be able to contribute to our efforts. Every little bit will help, and however much you can spare, in whatever form you give it, is meaningful and will make a difference,” she adds.

By Miriam Raftery

October 14, 2017 (San Diego) — Governor Jerry Brown today issued an emergency proclamation to allow California to increase its supply of the hepatitis A vaccine in order to control the growing outbreak. 

East County News Service

October 14, 2017 (San Diego) – Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill by California State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) that will protect California’s urban forests, a critical step in the state’s efforts to fight climate change.

East County News Service

October 14, 2017 (Buckman Springs) – A 61-year-old woman driving south on Buckman Springs Road south of Lake Morena Drive Thursday at 3:30 p.m. missed a curve and her vehicle spun out of control.  The vehicle overturned and the motorist, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected and killed.

Source: El Cajon Police 

October 14, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers ahead of all other types of injury, disease, or violence.  To shed light on this epidemic and reduce the number of lives lost, the El Cajon Police Department wants to draw public attention to National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 15-21.

By Miriam Raftery

Click to view video of Emms shooting black-powder, muzzle loaded gun

September 24, 2017 (Mount Laguna) — If you stop by the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous October 13-21, you’re likely to feel as though you’ve been transported into the past –a mountain man encampment bringing history to life.  Activities for participants include black-powder shooting instruction, archery, tomahawk throwing, tool-making, camp stove cooking, early American music, and a traders’ row selling vintage and replica items from Colonial times in the 1770s through around 1840.

In an exclusive interview, Richard Emms, president of the Laguna Mountain Shooting Club, resident gunsmith and Rendezvous Booshway (leader of a group of mountain men)shares insights on how the group got started and what attracts folks to don historical garb for the 10-day encampment in period-style tents. 

Update October 16, 2017:    The death toll is now at least 41, following death of a water truck driver. 

By Miriam Raftery, East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photo, left: Courtesy of Cal Fire

October 12, 2017 (San Diego)—The complex of nearly two dozen firestorms raging across northern California have now collectively surpassed in deadliness the 2003 Cedar Fire, which killed 16 people in San Diego County. 

At least 31 people are now confirmed dead across northern California and the toll will likely climb higher, with hundreds of people still missing and dozens of official searchers combing the rubble of burned homes and businesses with dog teams, searching for bodies.

Show continues this weekend Oct. 12-14

Review By Kathy Carpenter

Associate Reviewer sdtheatrereviews.com

Freelance Writer Splash Magazine

October 10, 2017 - (Casa De Oro) - Kids are amazing. The Young Actors Theatre stars shine again and again. They are committed, work hard, and keep growing as talented young people—some of whom could have long careers in the arts if they wish.

Peter and the Star Catcher, directed and choreographed by Joe Dioisio, is a complex but not well known show that is at times hard to follow. The story is about Peter Pan, before he was Pan. Let your imagination take flight.

Backcountry hidden pleasures:   Our guide to unique lodging and adventures in San Diego’s beautiful backcountry

By Miriam Raftery

October 12, 2017 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – You’re invited to soak and stretch your way to relaxation and Nirvana at the second High Mountain Desert Yoga Retreat, tucked among boulders high in the In-Ko-Pah and Jacumba mountains near the eastern San Diego County line.

This four-day healing event from October 31 to November 3 will include natural sulfur hot spring pools, healing sessions at the Desert View tower including Kundalini Tantra Yoga, Reiki healing, and crystal sound healing. Guests will also savor delicious vegan meals scenic hikes and some desert surprises, plus a three-day stay at the nearby Jacumba Hot Springs Resort.