August 23, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Greg Fox, Chair of the Alpine Community Planning Group, has forwarded an announcement from the County Department of Public Works (DPW) advising that SDGE’s contractor, American Heavy Equipment (AHE) has submitted a moving permit application and traffic control permit request to transport seven large transformers from the San Diego Port to Bell Bluff Truck Trail (east of Alpine).

The truck will get onto I-8 from Greenfield Drive and will exit on Japatul Valley Road and will not be traveling through the Community of Alpine.  AHE is proposing the first move for tomorrow night (August 23, 2011). This is the first of seven roundtrip moves that will occur every two to three days apart after the initial move.

By Miriam Raftery

Update August 22, 2011 12:30 a.m. - A manhunt continues for a suspect identified as Kevin Collier.  10 News reports that Collier may have eluded authorities after killing two families members and wounding an El Cajon police officer.  

Update 10:15 p.m. - Bodies are reportedly confirmed in the residence but the scene is still too hot to enter, ECM has learned.  Chillingly, the suspect held a yard sale the day before gunning down his family members, advertising on Craig's list, "Big yard sale. Everything you need for your kitchen and more! Name your own price I just want the stuff gone!!!"

August 22, 2011 (San Diego) – Water for Children Africa, a nonprofit founded by El Cajon resident Vickie Butcher to bring safe clean water to rural villages in Africa, will host its annual Music Festival and Eco Fair on Saturday, September 24 from 9 a.m. to sunset at San Diego City College near Balboa Park.

August 22, 2011 (El Cajon) – Looking to kick up your heels and dance the night away? Or just kick back with a picnic dinner while enjoying some live music under the stars? El Cajon’s Concerts on the Green continue each Friday night from 6 to 8 p..m. now through September 30th.

August 21, 2011 (El Cajon) – Samantha Bonpensiero photographed the Novamenco concert at the Water Conservation Garden last weekend, capturing the beauty and drama of both music and dance on a sizzling summer’s night in Rancho San Diego.  Novamenco has emerged as one of San Diego’s hottest musical entertainment groups. 

By Miriam Raftery

Can chickens provide early warnings of wind turbine health dangers?

By Miriam Raftery
August 21, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Like those proverbial canaries in the coal mine, chickens near wind farms may provide early clues to potential harm to health of humans and animals. That’s the contention of Hamish Cumming, a farmer battling proposed wind turbines near his home in Australia.

He has written a letter to East County Magazine seeking help from people living near wind farms locally (and in other locations) to document cases of shell-less eggs, dead chickens, or other animals that suffer internal hemmorrhaging.

August 21, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – A buffet brunch with live music will be held at Hooleys Irish Pub in Rancho San Diego from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today to help raise money for Saving Horses, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit horse rescue. The organization rescues horses from slaughter, abuse and neglect.

August 20, 2011 (La Mesa) – Do you live, work or attend school in La Mesa? The city invites you to help plan and build a community garden. A meeting will be held Wednesday, August 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the Helix Charter school campus, 7323 University Avenue, Room 1300, La Mesa.

“Tell us what you would like to see there and how you would like to help with the garden,” an invitation from the City states.

August 20, 2011 (Julian) -- The Julian Triangle Club will host a fundraiser on Tuesday, August 23rd, at Wynola Pizza Express, between 5-8 p.m.  Music will be provided from 6-8 p.m. by the “Gory Dayz” combo.   

 August 20, 2011 (La Mesa) --Sharp Healthcare announces two programs for seniors.

PROJECT C.A.R.E. OFFERS HELP FOR SENIORS:  Do you live alone? Concerned about someone living alone? Project C.A.R.E. can provide a daily computerized telephone call, Vial of Life, friendly visitor and more. Call the Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center at 619-740-4214 for details.

 Update 12:36 p.m.:  Spread of the Bullpen Fire has been stopped at four acres.  The Incident Commander has released the airtankers, 1 helicopter, and the bulldozer.  Firefighters will remain on scene mopping up hot spots.  One minor injury to a firefighter, a bee sting, was reported.

August 20, 2011 (Lakeside)CAL FIRE is on scene of a two-acre brush fire near 1154 Bullpen Street, near the community of Barona (TB Map 1193 A4). Currently there are 5 engines, 2 fire crews, 2 helicopters, 2 airtankers, 1 bulldozer, 1 chief officer (75 firefighters).

The fire was reported at 11:49 and the cause is under investigation.

August 20, 2011 (La Mesa) – Police officers fired multiple shots, killing a shotgun-wielding man late last night near La Mesa's downtown village  Pine Court in La Mesa remains closed until at least mid- morning today between University Avenue and Allison while authorities conduct an investigation.