By Miriam Raftery

June 13, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – Judges in two separate cases have extended restraining orders against Lemon Grove Councilwoman Liana LeBaron pending future hearings, but have not yet ruled on the merits of the cases.

Temporary restraining issues were issued in response to requests from Councilwoman Jennifer Mendoza and from LeBaron’s estranged husband, Timothy C.D. Howell.

By Jessyka Heredia

View interview on Youtube

June 12, 2023 (El Cajon) -- On Thursday, ECM sat down with former Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball star Lamar Odom and Dontae Ralston, Executive Director / Founder of West Urban Outreach in El Cajon, to talk about their new substance abuse treatment centers called Odom Wellness Treatment Centers set in a residential recovery environment.

There are three treatment centers expected to open in San Diego County at this time. El Cajon and Lemon Grove as well as one in the city of San Diego. 

When asked about the type of clients they will be servicing, Odom said, “I’m sure we will have a high-profile celebrity clientele, but of course anybody is welcome with a substance abuse problem. Addiction doesn’t discriminate, so we’ll be ready to help them.”

Odom said his inspiration to open these treatment centers was due to his own very public battle with addiction. Odom told ECM that when he overdosed, he had “12 strokes and six heart attacks,” adding that his purpose is “to help people.” At the time of his near-fatal overdose in 2015, Odom had just retired from the NBA and was going through a divorce with Khloe Kardashian.

Update June 19, 2023  --The Medical Examiner has identified the victim as Christopher Dembowski.

East Count News Service

June 12, 2023 (El Cajon) – A 43-year-old El Cajon was killed in solo-vehicle crash Friday around 6:45 p.m. at the junction of State Route 67 and Interstate 8 in unincorporated El Cajon.

He was driving a 2010 Ford Econoline van on the ramp from SR-67 southbound onto westbound I-8 when for unknown reasons, the vehicle veered right off the roadway and struck a yellow and black advisory sign, then crashed into a tree.

East County News Service

June 12, 2023 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Historical Society is hosting an open house to celebrate its 50^th anniversary. The public is invited to commemorate this special occasion on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knox House Museum, 280 North Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon.

East Count News Service

June 10, 2023 (Alpine)-- In Saturday, June 17, Supervisor Joel Anderson will be hosting a town-hall style Community Coffee in Japatul at the residence of John & Cori Mendez, 23155 Illahee Drive in Alpine, from 3:00 to 5:00  p.m.

Update June 12, 2023 --  The victim has been identified as Sarah Louise Crocker, 48, of Ladera Ranch, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner. 

Story and file photo by Miriam Raftery

June 8, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – A woman supervising four teenagers on a hike to Three Sisters Falls died after trying to save a girl who slipped on a ledge at the middle waterfall and fell into the pool below in Cleveland National Forest near Descanso this morning.

Both the woman and girl fell, suffering severe injuries. According to Lieutenant Jeff Ford with the San Diego Sheriff’s department, “Several people witnessed the accident and attempted to render medical aid. 

Deputies from the Sheriff’s rural command responded. Rescuers pulled the victims from the water, but the woman was dead.

East County News Service

June 8,2023 (La Mesa)—You’re invited to enjoy Art in the Park, an evening with appetizers, drinks and entertainment starting at 4 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Garden at MacArthur Park. Socialize while viewing and bidding on artwork for sale from local artists.

Ticket sales help support La Mesa's parks and cost $35 per person. This is a 21+ event.

Experience the captivating blend of art and nature at Ilan-Lael Foundation's Spring Tours, exploring visionary creations of founder James Hubbell in Santa Ysabel

Story courtesy of Ilan-Lael Foundation

Photos, left by Kristin Kjaero and Miriam Raftery

June 7, 2023 (Santa Ysabel) - Immerse yourself in the enchanting and fantastical world of renowned artist and architect James Hubbell, founder of the Ilan-Lael Foundation at the 2023 Spring Tours. The world-famous compound will open its doors to visitors every Monday, Friday, and Saturday until June 17 with tours running at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Located in the stunning hills of Santa Ysabel, California, Ilan-Lael offers a unique and captivating experience for art and nature enthusiasts alike. Built “from the earth up” as living and working spaces for himself and his family, Hubbell spent over two decades creating the awe-inspiring structures. Despite losing four of the Ilan-Lael buildings in the 2003 Cedar Fire, Hubbell, his family, and team came back stronger and rebuilt with the help of the community. Their Spring Tours provide a rare opportunity to explore this extraordinary space, where Hubbell’s vision can be seen and felt.

By Miriam Raftery

June 7, 2023 (Ramona) -- The rider who died yesterday afternoon in a crash while performing jumps at the Slayground Motocross Park in Ramona as been identified as Patrick Michael Casey of Riverside, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office. 

A  BMX champion who turned pro at age16,  Casey is remembered as "an incredible BMX rider, multiple X games, Simple Session medalist, and an all-around fantastic human," Simple Session posted on Facebook. "We are heartbroken about the news and sending lots of love and prayers to his wife, Chase, his son Reid, and his daughter Taytum. This crushing news will send shockwaves through the BMX and action sports world today."

East County News Service

Photo:  CC by NC-ND via Bing

June 6, 2023 (Guatay) -- The parking lot sale at Heavenly Oaks Residential Community returns on Saturday, June 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 26835 Old Highway 80 in Guatay (halfway between Descanso and Pine Valley.)

If you plan to go to the Run to the Hills car show that day in Pine Valley, head west 3.5 miles on Old Highway 80 to Heavenly Oaks. There will be lots of quality "garage sale" items for sale.

East County News Service

June 5, 2023 (Ramona) -- The San Diego Humane Society recently posted on Facebook, “We bear-ly can contain our excitement, as two bear cubs have an incredible second chance at life in the wild after spending five months at our Ramona Wildlife Center for care and rehabilitation!”

By Miriam Raftery

June 5, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – On May 30, Lemon Grove Mayor Raquel Vasquez picked up nomination documents from the Registrar of Voters to run for County Supervisor District 4 in the August 15 special primary election to fill the vacancy left by Nathan Fletcher’s resignation. But today, one day before the filing deadline, Mayor Vasquez announced in an e-mail to followers that she has decided not to run.

“Though I have the experience, qualifications, and ability to serve the residents of District 4, I will be taking a step back. I will continue to build consensus on other pathways to help our communities grow and prosper,” she stated. “Residents who live, work and play in Rancho San Diego, Spring Valley, Casa de Oro and Lemon Grove are worthy of a leader who will invest in our communities. I wish the candidates all the best with their campaigns and look forward to working with the elected County Board of Supervisors for District 4.

East County News Service

June 4, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- AnniVenti La Trattoria, an Italian restaurant owned and operated by three brothers, is now open in Lemon Grove. The restaurant is named after their family's original restaurant located just 10 miles from Palermo in Italy, where the brothers grew up working. Emanuele Gagliano, one of the brothers, says, "It's been our lifelong dream to bring the authentic tastes of Italy to Lemon Grove, and we're thrilled to share our passion for modern Italian cuisine with you."

AnniVenti La Trattoria's menu reflects the Italian heritage of the Gagliano brothers with a contemporary twist to tantalize your taste buds. Their diverse selection of dishes caters to all palates, whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner for two or a group gathering. The menu includes various antipasti, such as the crunchy pistachio burrata and the zuppa cozzee e vongole, along with a selection of salads and sides. Their primi piatti/pasta section includes dishes like the Spaghetti Vongole e Pistacchio, the Paccheri e Scampi, and the Gnocchi Sorrentina, while their entrées section features dishes like theFiletto Di Manzo, the  Pollo Arrosto, and the Salmone di Bronte.

East County News Service

June 4, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – The City of Lemon Grove invites you to Concerts in the Park each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Berry Street Park (7071 Mt. Vernon St., Lemon Grove).  The concerts run from June 29 through August 10.

By Jessyka Heredia

June 2, 2023 (La Mesa)-State Assembly candidate Colin Parent kicked off his campaign for the 79^th State Assembly  at Bolt Brewery in La Mesa on Wednesday with approximately 35 supporters in attendance.

Parent spoke briefly to the crowd, noting that in 2016 he became the first Democrat elected to the La Mesa City Council in years. “We have accomplished a lot already,” he said.

For example, he noted that the city “broke ground earlier this year on the first 100% affordable housing project in the city in decades--right next to the trolley, right caddy corner to city hall. It’s going to create hundreds of units for low- and moderate-income families.”  He added, “We also adopted some rules to make it much, much easier for homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling units (ADU) in their backyard.”

Parent also addressed equity issues, stating, ”Three years ago we decided for the first time to fly the pride flag and just this week, we fought back a proposal to eliminate that.”