June 23, 2012 (La Mesa)—Manual Morales Rodriguez, 28, is under arrest after turning himself into the Chula Police headquarters Friday night. Rodriguez told officers that he was wanted for the murder of Jesse Nader, 26.  Nader, a resident of Spring Valley, was stabbed to death in the 4200 block of Mars Way in Rancho San Diego on June 17.

 April 16, 2012 (Rancho San Diego) – Firefighters with San Miguel Fire District dispatched units to a fully engulfed house fire in  the 1800 Block of Vista Grande at 4:40 p.m. today. On arrival, crews witnessed large flames shooting out of all of the home’s front windows, said Leonard Villareal, public information officer for San Miguel Fire. 

 
February 4, 2012  (Rancho San Diego, Jamul) -- Local Cub Scouts and their fathers volunteered on Saturday, January 28th to help maintain a nesting site for endangered California Least Terns at Mariner's Point in Mission Bay. They spent three hours clearing the nesting site of invasive plants so the terns can use the site for nesting and rearing their young during the next breeding season (from mid-April to August). 

UPDATE:  THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO A LABOR DISPUTE.

San Miguel Fire seeks sponsors and door prize donors for event

October 8, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Bring the family for fun and free activities at the 5th annual Fire Expo at the Rancho San Diego Towne Center on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event features a children’s zone, rescue demonstrations, fire and rescue vehicles, fire safety and health information, law enforcement demonstrations, music, free food and free prize drawings.

July 21, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – San Diego Sheriff’s officers launched a foot chase against a suspected parolee, possibly armed with a gun, near Jamacha Road and Calle Albara in the Cottonwood area of Rancho San Diego shortly before 7 p.m. this evening.
 

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male adult, age 30, six feet tall, 200 pounds, with dark hair. When last seen he was wearing a yellow shirt, white hat, and sunglasses.

ECM investigation reveals record of deaths, prior injuries from "lion walks," Africa's latest tourism attractions

By Miriam Raftery

May 7, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) Updated May 9, 2011: --A lion attack near Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe has injured Rancho San Diego resident Colleen Garbaczewski. Garbaczewski, an executive with Pacific Coast Rentals and active community volunteer, had taken a “lion walk” with her husband when the attack occurred.

An East County Magazine investigation reveals that lion walks, in which tourists are encouraged to walk alongside and even pet “tame” lions, have resulted in other serious injuries and at least two deaths.

Event at Heritage of the Americas Museum attracts a full house
 

By Miriam Raftery
 

April 7, 2011 (Rancho San Diego)—Bring the family to visit with live native animals, join a guided nature hike, get free art and photography lessons, view a firetruck and more this Sunday, April 10.

Festivities to celebrate the 15th birthday of the San Diego National Wildlife Refugee will take place near the old steel bridge on Highway 94 at Singer Lane in Rancho San Diego from 1-5 p.m.
 

Schedule of events:

“CHAMBER MAIDS" TOUR ANNOUNCED

April 1, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – A free banjo lesson taken during a Chamber-led tour of Deering Banjo factory in Spring Valley proved music to Valerie Harrison’s ears. “I never knew I had musical talent before,” said the plucky President of the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce. 

March 14, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Don’t want to fight crowds to head to downtown San Diego for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, or drive home after a night of partying? Sure ‘n’ we’ve got the answer!

Irish pubs in La Mesa, Rancho San Diego and Poway are hosting their own celebrations—complete with free cab rides home. For families, an Escondido park is offering a St. Patrick’s Day hike and crafts.  Plus a Scripps Ranch church is holding a special St. Patrick’s Day mass--in Gaelic.

Don’t forget to wear green!

January 31, 2011 (Santee) – Two-year-old Ethan Miller, son of Darren and Christie Miller in Santee, has neuroblastoma cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. A charity golf event will be held on Thursday, April 7th at Cottonwood Golf Course in Rancho San Diego to benefit Ethan Miller and his family.

Rancho San Diego festivities also include snowman contest, bonfire, and more

December 11, 2010 (Rancho San Diego)--The Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Olde Time Christmas Village December 11th from 3-9 pm in the Rancho San Diego Professional Center, 3855 Avocado Bl., La Mesa.

This free public event celebrates children and community. Activities include a snowman building contest, a bonfire, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday treats, sweets and more.