PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: SPRINGTIME IN HARRY GRIFFEN PARK

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 19, 2017 (La Mesa) -- Wildflowers are popping up all East County over after the winter rains -- including these sunflowers springing forth at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa.

The park, located behind Grossmont High School,  has idyllic paths for strolling  or walking your dogs through areas of native vegetation just starting to blossom.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SEWAGE SPILL NEAR LAKESIDE RESULTS IN WATER CONTACT CLOSURE FOR LOS COCHES CREEK

  

 

 

Source: County of San Diego

March 19, 2017 (San Diego's East County)--An estimated 900,000 gallon sewage spill was identified Friday, March 17th at Los Coches Creek near East Sierra Alta Way in unincorporated El Cajon, the County announced today. The sewage entered the creek after an underground sewer pipe became exposed and significantly damaged during the February 27th storms.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

JAMUL INDIAN VILLAGE TO DELIVER NEW FIRE TRUCKS TO COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY, IMPROVE REGIONAL FIRE SAFETY

 

East County News Service

March 18, 2017 (Jamul) -- Leading up to what could be a busy fire season in San Diego County, the Jamul Indian Village will officially hand over the keys and deliver a new $1 million ladder truck and $500,000 pumper truck to the San Diego County Fire Authority on Tuesday.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

READER’S EDITORIAL: REP. HUNTER’S “CLOWN HALL” MEETING

 

By Patrick Malloy, candidate, 50th Congressional District

March 18, 2017 (Ramona) -- I was inside at the Ramona "town hall" but that's not an accurate depiction. It started off with prayer, and then led into the Congressman's adoration of our President, skipping over the checks and balances that we elected him for. My name is Patrick Malloy, I'm running in 2018 or sooner if we have a special election, which we deserve. I ran for this seat in the last election.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BOYS BASKETBALL: HELIX DEFEATS IMMANUEL 80-69; ADVANCES TO STATE FINALS IN SACRAMENTO

 

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity?  Drop a line on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 18, 2017 (La Mesa) - Helix High varsity boys basketball has paved their way to the finals.  Tonight, they faced Immanuel High School from Reedley, California.  The Eagles sport a 23-8 overall season record and an 8-2 league record and are the Central Section champions.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TRUMP STARTS PROCESS TO WEAKEN VEHICLE FUEL EMISSION STANDARDS: ACTION COULD MAKE YOU PAY MORE TO FILL YOUR TANK AND INCREASE AIR POLLUTION

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Los Angeles smog in 1972, before the current standards; photo by Gene Daniels, public domain via Wikimedia.

 

March 18, 2017 (Washington D.C.) — California has threatened legal action after President Donald Trump ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to abandon strict fuel efficiency standards for vehicles and rules that limit emission of greenhouse gasses.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WOMEN EDUCATORS TO HONOR THEIR OWN

 

By Teresa Fistere

March 18, 2017 (San Diego) - On Saturday, April 1st, members of Delta Kappa Gamma International (DKG), a professional society for women educators, will meet for brunch at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley for a "Spring Circles of Celebration" to honor local women who have given outstanding service to their profession, their community, or their chapter.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CONSUMERS UNION GIVES PROPOSED HEALTHCARE PLAN AN “F”

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 18, 2017 (Washington D.C.) — Consumers have long relied on information from Consumers Union regarding testing and rating of products from appliances to cars.  Now, Consumers Union has issued a report card for the new healthcare bill proposed by Congressional Republicans, which scored an “F” in every category rated.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

WETTEST WINTER IN 100 YEARS

 

East County News Service

Photos courtesy National Weather Service

March 18, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - The National Weather Service has a new report and video out on the extreme winter weather. It’s official – October 2016 to February 2017 was the wettest winter in California since 1900, with a whopping 27.81 inches of precipitation.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DEMOCRATS TAKE AIM AT HUNTER: FIVE OPPONENTS TO SPEAK APRIL 20 IN EL CAJON

 

 

LOCATION HAS CHANGED:  The new location for this event is 1150 East Broadway in El Cajon (the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors building).  An earlier announcement listed a location in Santee. There are now 7 candidates running; for full details including the new candidates see http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/7-candidates-running-against-duncan-hu...

By Miriam Raftery

March 18, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The 50th Congressional district seat held by Republican Congressman Duncan D. Hunter has long been considered a safe seat, with a solid conservative majority.  But Hunter’s unwavering support for Trump administration policies have mobilized activists, sparked protests, inspired at least five Democratic candidates to say they’ll run against Hunter in 2018-- and prompted the San Diego Democratic Party to announce it will invest money to target Hunter’s seat for the first time ever.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FLYING HIGH: ELLEN OCHOA NAMED TO U.S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: NASA

March 18, 2017 (La Mesa) — I remember Ellen Ochoa from our student days at Parkway Junior High School.  She was brilliant, having already skipped two grades and still maintaining an “A” average. So, I’m not surprised at her stellar career, which included becoming the first Hispanic woman astronaut in space and now, induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.  Congratulations to a true local hero!


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TRUMP'S PROPOSED BUDGET COULD THREATEN HUNTING AND FISHING'S FUTURE

 

Deep cuts at the agencies responsible for conservation and sportsmen’s access would be felt in every corner of the country

East County News Service

March 18, 2017 (Washington D.C.) -- Hunters and anglers would find less healthy habitat and more public access closures under President Trump’s proposed budget, officially released this morning. In fact, the ripple effect of major budget cuts at the agencies that oversee conservation in America would likely be felt most in the rural communities that thrive off outdoor recreation spending related to public lands and other hunting and fishing access.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ST. PAWTRICK’S DAY PHOTO BOOTH AT HARRY GRIFFEN PARK

 

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 18, 2017 (La Mesa)—If you’d like an Irish-themed photo with your dogs,  stop by the first-ever holiday photo booth today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. just outside the dog run, on the grass, at Harry Griffen Park (9950 Milden St.)  in La Mesa .  You’ll find props, clothes and signs to put you and your pups in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit – free of charge, thanks to the nonprofit Canine Corners board.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ATKINS BILLS TO PROTECT SAN DIEGO RIVER, FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVANCE IN LEGISLATURE

 

View a video on the San Diego River Conservancy’s report to the Legislature

March 18, 2017 (Sacramento) -- This week, two bills authored by Sen. Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) cleared key policy committees and moved on to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. One wil help enhance portions of the San Diego River in East County. The other provides funding to build affordable housing.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

EL CAJON HONORS SUNSHINE HORTON FOR “GENEROUS SPIRIT” AS CIVIC VOLUNTEER

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 17, 2017 (El Cajon) — El Cajon’s City Council declared Tuesday, March 14th as Sunshine Horton Day to honor the city’s Goodwill Promoter. 

Horton, who was previously named El Cajon Citizen of the Year in 2012,  has been improving the lives of East County residents for nearly 40 years.  “We appreciate all she has done to make El Cajon a better place for all,” Mayor Wells stated in the proclamation.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BOYS LACROSSE: THREE HILLERS NET HAT TRICKS AS GROSSMONT TERRORIZES NORSEMEN 16-0

 

Does your son or daughter play a sport at a level other than varsity?  Drop a line on this story or tweet @ECMagSports to request coverage!

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Story and photos by Liz Alper

March 17, 2017 (El Cajon) - In the midst of Helix basketball’s playoff run, spring sports have begun in East County’s high schools and on St. Patrick's Day, Valhalla High boys lacrosse traveled to Grossmont for an early season conference matchup which marked the beginning of conference play.  Both teams are struggling in the young season; the Norsemen are 0-4 and the Foothillers are 0-3.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT ENCOURAGING 39 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS INTERESTED IN HEALTHCARE CAREERS WITH $88,500 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

 

East County News Service

March 17, 2017 (La Mesa) – The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), a public agency that supports various health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County region, awarded $88,500 in scholarships to 39 high school students who have expressed interest in a career as a healthcare professional. The scholarships were presented at the GHD board meeting on Friday, March 17.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

KALASHO SAYS EL CAJON MAYOR’S PROPOSAL TO BAN COUNCIL MEMBERS' USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES IS ILLEGAL

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 17, 2017 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells has proposed banning City Council members from using iPads, cell phones or other electronic devices during Council hearings.

They Mayor says his goal in introducing item 6.3 on the agenda during the March 14th public hearing was to assure that members are giving public hearings their full attention and not engaging in outside communications, assuring transparency.  But Councilman Kalasho claims the move is unconstitutional and targets him.  Members of the public who spoke sided with Kalasho in a testy exchange that can be viewed on video (starting at approximately 52 minutes, 44 seconds):  https://elcajonca.iqm2.com/Citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=1049&Format=Agenda


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

RAIN AND SNOW TO RETURN NEXT WEEK

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  Flooded roadway, courtesy National Weather Service

March 17, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. The dry and warm weather pattern that has held for the last week will come to an end early next week as a series of storms arrive along the California Coast, the National Weather Service predicts.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DUI ENFORCEMENT TONIGHT IN EL CAJON

 

East County News Service

Photo:  Rollover crash caused by a drunk driver

March 17, 2017 (El Cajon) - Before you head out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, be aware that El Cajon Police will have a DUI checkpoint tonight from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. in areas with high rates of DUI collisions or arrests in the past.  The checkpoint aims to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers as part of a traffic safety campaign.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TRUMP APPROVES DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 15 CALIFORNIA COUNTIES

 

By Miriam RafteryPhoto

Photo by Alex Tardy, National Weather Service:  San Diego River crested at 14.15 feet, third highest level ever recorded

March 16, 2017 (San Diego) — President Donald Trump has  granted a federal disaster declaration requested by California Governor Jerry Brown in 15 California counties, including San Diego, due to severe storms that caused flooding, mudslides, and other damage from January 18-23.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND FAITH: A MORAL IMPERATIVE

 

By James Long, SanDiego350

Photo:  Dr. Ramanthan makes his presentation. Photo by Greg Withee

March 16, 2017 (San Diego) - On Monday, March 13, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Mission Valley, a panel composed of a climate scientist and representatives of the Jewish, Catholic, and Islamic faiths discussed climate change, each from their perspectives.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DENTAL DISCOUNTS FOR DOG FOOD DONATIONS TO HELP SENIORS IN LA MESA

 

East County News Service

March 16, 2017 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Modern Dental Group (5620 Lake Murray Blvd.) is partnering with Animals, a nonprofit that provides animal services for the elderly.  Any patient who brings in a bag of dogfood to donate will receive a 15 percent discount on treatment.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SDSU GRAD PROGRAMS RANKED AMONG NATION'S BEST

 

Several SDSU programs are recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Graduate Schools 2018 released today.

East County News Service

March 16, 2017 (San Diego) — SDSU’s graduate programs in education and aerospace engineering are ranked among the nation’s best in the latest U.S. News & World Report issue of America’s Best Graduate Schools.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP’S REVISED TRAVEL BAN ON REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Child in Africa, where famine threatens millions of children with starvation, the U.N. announced this week.  Trump’s order, blocked by a judge, barred refugees from entering the U.S, including drought-stricken nations

March 16, 2017 (San Diego) – A federal judge in Hawaii has blocked implementation of President Donald Trump’s revised travel ban, just hours before it was scheduled to take effect. In a scathing 43-page ruling, U.S.  District Judge Derrick K. Watson wrote that there is a strong likelihood that the case, filed by the State of Hawaii, would be successful in proving that the executive order violates the U.S. Constitution by discriminating based on religion. Read the ruling.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SUPERVISORS, BY A ONE-VOTE MARGIN, BAN ALL MARIJUANA SALES PLUS FARMING CANNABIS AND HEMP

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 15, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The majority of voters in San Diego County, including most in unincorporated areas, voted to legalize recreational marijuana.  But instead of heeding voters wishes for more access to pot, San Diego Supervisors voted 3-2 on Tuesday to outlaw all marijuana sales in unincorporated areas, including medical marijuana.   (Licensed dispensaries already open and those approved for construction will have five years to shut down.) Supervisors also voted to outlaw all farming of marijuana and hemp.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

AS ROAD CONDITIONS WORSEN, SUPERVISORS SEEK NEW FUNDING SOURCES FOR REPAIRS

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 15, 2017 (San Diego) — County Supervisors voted 4-0 on Tuesday to direct staff to come back in 90 days with recommendations on new funding sources to pay for road repairs. 

The latest Pavement Condition Index, or PCI, back in September gave the county a score of just 60, or “fair” – and that was before winter rains and flooding caused cracks and potholes to proliferate.  Supervisors’ set a goal to raise that score to 70, or “very good” within five years.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

PADRES LOSE SPRING TRAINING NAIL-BITER TO REDS

 

Like our sports coverage?  Donate to help support ECM’s sports section!

Follow @ECMagSports on Twitter for live sports coverage and stories!

Story by Liz Alper

Photo via @Padres on Twitter

March 15, 2017 (Goodyear, Ariz.) - The extended spring training continued for the Padres with a visit to the Cincinnati Reds’ spring training facility in Goodyear, Arizona.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TRUMP PROPOSES TO END ALL FUNDING FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 15, 2017 (Washington D.C.) - President Donald Trump’s budget contains a radical proposal to completely eliminate all funding for public broadcasting, including National Public Radio, or NPR, and PBS, the Public Broadcasting System which includes KPBS here in San Diego.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SDSU CELEBRATES 120TH ANNIVERSARY

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: The school’s first “campus” was located in downtown San Diego on the southwest corner of Sixth and F streets. (Credit: SDSU Special Collections and University Archives)

March 15, 2017 (San Diego) – Back in 1897, President William McKinley was sworn in as President of the United States. Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in England. The Klondike gold rush began, and San Diego State University was born. This week, the university is celebrating it 120th anniversary.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages