East County News Service

February 20, 2016 (Alpine) – A community forum to discuss electromagnetic fields from SDG&E’s underground transmission lines will be held on Tuesday, February 23 at 6 p.m. in the Alpine Elementary auditorium (1850 Alpine Blvd.)  You’re invited to join the Alpine Union School District, Supervisor Dianne Jacob and members of her administration for this informal discussion.

SDG&E slated to upgrade 30 mobile home parks, improve safety for residents

By Mike Allen

February 19, 2016 (El Cajon) -- Elected officials, state and local utility people and residents of the Heart ‘O the Hills Mobile Lodge in El Cajon gathered Feb. 18 to celebrate the completion of a natural gas and electric line upgrading, the first park in San Diego County to obtain such a conversion.

New EMF readings at Alpine Elementary have lower levels; district offers reassurance to parents

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2016 (Alpine) –  Alpine planners, school officials, and SDG&E have weighed in with responses to publication of meter readings that revealed high electric-magnetic frequency (EMF) levels along Alpine Boulevard, where Sunrise Powerlink high voltage lines are buried. The readings were first published in the Alpine Sun and later highlights, analysis and community reactions were published in East County Magazine and the Alpine Community Network.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Supervisor Dianne Jacob, speaking against Powerlink at a 2010 rally

Update:  SDG&E, the Alpine Union High School District, and the Alpine Community Planning Group have responded to community concerns.  The County Board of Education has measured levels at the Alpine Elementary School and found them within EPA recommended levels. SDG&E has offered to meet with any concerned residents or business owners and take measurements. We have also provided additional a broader range of studies on possible health issue.  See our new article here with the latest details: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/alpine-powerlink-concerns-spark-responses 

February 17, 2016 (Alpine) – Today, Supervisor Dianne Jacob sent a letter to California Public Utilities Commission chairman Michael Picker requesting an immediate investigation and independent review of high electric magnetic field (EMF) levels in Alpine. Copies of Jacob’s letter were sent to Governor Jerry Brown, Attorney General Kamala Harris and all CPUC commissioners.

East County News Service

February 17, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors (PSAR), a 2,000-member trade group for San Diego area realtors, has announced that La Mesa resident Jan Farley has joined its board of directors. Farley also is serving as the 2016 president of the San Diego chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors.

By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2016 (Ramona) – The Milagro Farm Winery has announced that it is closing its tasting room to the public effective immediately while undergoing upgrades, with plans to reopen in the next couple of months.

By Liz Alper

February 16, 2016 (Spring Valley) - Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of buildings 700, 800 and 800A on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

By Miriam Raftery

February 16, 2016 (La Mesa) — On February 11^th, the state adopted new regulations to reduce conservation mandates for water agencies that have taken steps to boost local water supplies .  Helix Water District is expected to get a credit for water bought from the new Carlsbad Desalinization plant, as well as due to high inland temperatures.  The district must apply for the break, but if approved, Helix could see its conservation mandate reduced to reducing water use by 12% instead of 20% through October 2016.

Helix customers have reduced water use 23% compared to 2013, far exceeding the Governor’s 20% required reduction for the district. If the restrictions on water use are eased, next up the board could consider easing or eliminating penalties on water users who exceed the limit—welcome relief for homeowners on larger lots struggling to keep large trees alive as hot weather arrives early.

By Mike Allen

February 15, 2016 (Santee) -- Santee teachers will receive an immediate four percent raise retroactive to July 1 of last year and get an additional four percent salary bump starting July 1 as part of their new contract, which is expected to be ratified by the board of the Santee School District on Feb. 16.

East County News Service

February 15, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Magazine, in conjunction with California Health Network, a local nonprofit, is expanding our health and fitness section to promote health awareness to East County residents. This is a great opportunity for you to promote your business to our 150,000 readers and help educate the public on important and potentially life-saving health issues.       

East County News Service

February 15, 2016 (Santee) – Four young people suffered serious injuries after the vehicle they were in crashed into concrete barriers, coming to rest in a hole at a construction site in Santee.

East County News Service

February 14, 2016 (La Mesa) -- The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library at 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, is now hosting its Winter Art Exhibit featuring 24 watercolor paintings by award-winning art instructor Drew Bandish and five of his students. The students include Susan Hewitt of Lakeside, Royce Hinson of El Cajon, Lorri Lynch of Lakeside, Mirjam Schippers of El Cajon and Joan Vandenberg of El Cajon. The show runs through March 12.

East County News Service

April 15, 2016 (Alpine) – The Alpine Woman's Club will host its inaugural “Flowers in the Mountains” garden tour on May 7^th.  Tickets for the garden tour are $15 each or $20 on day of the event, and may be purchased at Postal Annex, 2170 Alpine Blvd., or by sending your check to Rita David 2023 Running Mare Lane, Alpine CA 91901. For mail in orders and to purchase tickets you can pick them up on Sat May 7^th at 9:30am at the Town Hall 2156 Alpine Blvd.

East County News Service

February 4, 2016 (Descanso) -- City folks are invited to come surround yourselves with adorable animals at a Valentine’s weekend Open Ranch at Alpacas of San Diego, located in Descanso (9718 River Drive).  This free event will be held Saturday, February 13^th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Mention you heard about this event on East County Magazine, and receive a 10% discount on any item purchased!

You can meet the animals, learn about alpacas and even shop for a gift for your sweetheart, including jewelry and crafts made by local artists, natural soaps and of course, alpaca wool products.  There will also be a crafts table for kids.