Mountains

PAN FOR GOLD AT HISTORIC BANNER CREEK, JULIAN ON JULY 12

East County News Service

July 7, 2024 (Julian)—Banner Ranch invites you to try your luck at panning for gold just as prospectors did in the 1870s at Banner Creek.  On July 12., you can rent a gold panning kit for four hours (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. to  6 p.m.) and a glass tube container to take home any findings.

Banner City was founded in 1870 when Louis Redman tripped over gold quartz in a canyon 1500 feet below Julian.  He marked his gold find with an American flag, hence the town became known as Banner. Some claim the yield that year from Banner’s mines surpassed those of Julian’s gold prospecting.  Even today, there are over 150 placer claims in the area.


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OPEN FARM DAY JULY 20 AT OASIS CAMEL DAIRY

East County News Service

July 7, 2024 (Ramona) -- Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona invites you to open farm days on select Saturdays all summer long. The next open farm day is July 20th.  Enjoy a camel and bird show, feeding treats to camels, a camel encounter with photos, petting mini-sheep, and more.

You can also take a camel ride and shop for camel milk products such as lotions, soaps and chocolates.


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CRITTER ENCOUNTERS: RAMONA RESCUE IS HAVEN FOR INJURED AND DISABLED ANIMALS

By Mimi Pollack
 
Photo: Finley the Fennec Fox
 
July 6, 2024 (Ramona) -- In the United States, there is a problem with people acquiring exotic animals without really doing their research. People bring these pets home as tiny babies, not realizing that they can grow to be quite large as adults. For example black and white Argentine Tegu lizards, which start out as tiny babies, can grow to be up to four feet long. In addition, there are animals that are hit by cars, which unfortunately can be a frequent occurrence in rural areas such as Ramona.

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18 LOCAL WATER SYSTEMS FAIL SAFE DRINKING WATER STANDARDS; 16 MORE ARE AT RISK

Update: Hear our in-depth interviews with state water officials, originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM Radio.
 
By Miriam Raftery
 
July 3, 2024 (San Diego) – The State of California has released its 2023 Drinking Water Needs Assessment, including a dashboard listing water systems that failed state or federal standards for safe drinking water. In San Diego County, 18 water systems failed repeated tests due to contaminants that include arsenic, uranium, nitrate, nitrite, manganese, E-coli, heavy metals, and more, including numerous water providers in East County. Sixteen other local water systems are at risk or potentially at risk. Also see: California Open Data.
 
Failing means the water system failed to meet one or more state or federal standards. However, it does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe. A system can be put on the list if there are serious financial issues that prevent it from cleaning up the water, for instance. Some systems may have multiple wells, and be able to continue providing clean, safe water through other wells.  Some may have only a temporary problem, while others may require costly long-term solutions.
 
Disadvantaged communities in California may be eligible for state grants to help restore safe drinking water under the SAFER (Safe and Affordable funding for equity and resilience) program.

Audio: 

Download: Audio icon Newsmakesrs-WaterQuality-Dmitri&more.mp3

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HEAD-ON COLLISION IN SANTA YSABEL KILLS RAMONA MAN

East County News Service
 
July 5, 2024 (Ramona) – A 63-year-old Ramona man died following a collision on July 3 on State Route 78 in Santa Ysabel. He was driving a 2000 Chevrolet S-10 westbound on the highway, approaching Salmon Road, around 3:40 p.m. when his vehicle veered into oncoming traffic, striking an Isuzu box truck.

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CLOSURES AT THREE LOCAL LAKES PREVENTED

By Miriam Raftery
 
June 25, 2024 (San Diego) – Following an outcry by rural residents and Supervisor Joel Anderson, the City of San Diego has revised its budget to eliminate proposed temporary closures of the reservoir at El Capitan in Lakeside, Lake Sutherland in Ramona, and Lake Hodges in Escondido.
 
In a post on the Friends of the San Diego Lakes Facebook page today, Supervisor Anderson states, “WE DID IT! WE STOPPED THE CLOSURES of EL CAP, SUTHERLAND AND HODGES IN 2025. LOTSA PEOPLE TO THANK FOR THIS.”
 
Though located in the County unincorporated areas, the reservoirs are owned by the city of San Diego. 

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JULIAN TOWN SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 29 TO FEATURE ROCK, FOLK, BLUES AND MORE

East County News Service
 
June 21, 2024 (Julian)  – The Julian Community Heritage Foundation will host the 3rd annual Julian Town Square Music Festival, described as “an electrifying musical event aimed at supporting the continued renovation of the Julian Town Square,” a community park & outdoor entertainment space in the heart of the historic mountain town. 
 
The concert, set to take place on Saturday, June 29, from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Julian Town Square, promises an exciting day of music, food, and community fun. Julian Town Square, in the center of town, is envisioned as an epicenter of art, theater & community gatherings: a dynamic space for residents and visitors alike to gather, connect, and celebrate the rich heritage of San Diego’s East County.

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HAVE A BLAST AT GIANT PAINTBALL PARK IN RAMONA

By Bransen P. Harper
 
June 21, 2024 (Ramona) -- A couple of weeks ago, I went paintballing with a friend in a fun day-out at Giant Paintball Park in Ramona, celebrating the return of spring to the San Diego backcountry. Paintballing is a fun experience for all ages, an activity in which everyone can have fun shooting the opposing teammates while running around and  breaking a sweat.

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EXTREME HEAT FORECAST FRIDAY THROUGH NEXT WEEK

East County News Service

June 20, 2024 (San Diego’s East County)  --The National Weather Service is warning of a prolonged heat wave starting Friday and extending to late next week. But before you think about going to the beach to cool off, be aware that potentially dangerous lightning storms and rip currents are forecast for coastal areas Saturday and Sunday. 

Temperatures could reach up to 114 degrees by this weekend in the low deserts and up to 105 degrees in the high deserts.   San Diego County valleys and mountains could reach 98 degrees.  The high heat poses risks of heat-related illness for people, pets and livestock without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.


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PHOTOGRAPHER ROY TOFT’S GIFT TO RAMONA

 
By Mimi Pollack
 
Photos courtesy: Roy Toft, Teri Kerns, and Mimi Pollack
 
June 18, 2024 (Ramona) – Ramona photographer Roy Toft, has always had an affinity for animals. This photographer has had many adventures in his life, photographing wildlife and leading tours around the world, but he calls Ramona home. He lives there with his wife, Stella, and their cat. Now he is giving a gift back to the Ramona community with the release of his new coffee table book, Wild Ramona.
 
When he was a student at Polytechnic State University, his major was wildlife biology, but a camera, a Canon AE1, given as a graduation gift by his father, changed the course of his life. Photography became his passion and his degree in biology also came in handy.

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REMAINS OF MAN MISSING FOR OVER TWO DECADES FOUND IN ALPINE: SHERIFF SEEKS HELP TO SOLVE COLD CASE

East County News Service
 
June 18, 2024 (El Cajon/Alpine) -- The Sheriff's Homicide Unit is asking for the public's assistance in the cold case disappearance of an East County man. 
 
Christopher Schafer was last seen by his family in El Cajon in August 1997. He was 28-years-old at the time of his disappearance.

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SAVOR THE FLAVORS: A SIP OF JULIAN JULY 27

East County News Service

June 18, 2024 (Juylian) -- On Saturday, July 27, the 8th Annual Sip of Julian will serve up tastes of wine, craft beer, craft cocktails and hard sider, along with small bites at each venue. The self-guided event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is for those age 21 and up.

Attendees will receive a commemorative glass and wine tote. 


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US HISTORY IN FOLK AND ROCK MUSIC: SONGS OF PROTEST JUNE 15 AT THE RAMONA LIBRARY

East Councy News Service

June 14, 2024 (Ramona) -- Relive the history of protest music and experience the sounds of Bob Dylan, Barry McGuire, Neil Young, and more on Saturday, June 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ramona Library.

Desert Crossing is a musical duo that specializes in vocal harmonies in covers and originals across a variety of musical genres. Sponsored the Friends of the Ramona Library.


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VIEW THE COSMOS AT A STAR PARTY IN JULIAN ON JUNE 8

East County News Service

June 3, 2024 (Julian) – The Julian Dark Sky Network invites you to a star party this Saturday, June 8 starting at 8 p.m. at the Desert View Park/Inspiration Point (423 Inspiration Point Rd., Julian, two miles south of  Julian off Highway 79).  Bring binoculars and cameras, or use telescopes provided for people of all ages to view the cosmos,including deep nebulae, star clusters in the Milky Way, and a crescent moon.

Be sure to dress warm for this event, which is free to the public.


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PASSAGES: FAMED ARCHITECT AND ARTIST JAMES HUBBELL, 1931-2024

By Miriam Raftery

May 20, 2024 (Santa Ysabel) – The world has lost a creative giant.  Visionary artist and internationally acclaimed architect James Hubbell passed away on May 17 in Chula Vista at age 92, surrounded by family members including his wife, Anne.  

“We’ve lost a great friend, a generous, creative talent, and an extraordinary man,”  reads a statement issued by the Ilan-Lael Foundation, founded by Hubbell to inspire future generations of budding artists, architects and builders. 

Hubbell designed hundreds of public and private artworks. Locally, his creations include the Pacific Portal gazebo and Pacific Rim Park’s Pearl of the Pacific on Shelter Island, the Triton Restaurants in San Diego and Carlsbad, Kuchumaa Passage, a public artwork at Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort and Spa in Tecate, Mexico, and a mosaic foundation at Coronado Ferry Landing.

Internationally,  he headed up efforts to create a series of international peace parks at locations rimming the Pacific Ocean.  He also began a 30-year volunteer project to build Colegio La Esperanza, an elementary school embedded with mosaics to bring hope, education and beauty to students east of Tijuana, Mexico.


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MUSIC RETURNS TO RAMONA TOWN HALL WITH ASHLEY E. NORTON CONCERTS JUNE 8-9

By Miriam Raftery
 
May 17, 2024 (Ramona) – Amid renovations of Ramona’s historic town hall, the venue will host its first live music concerts in 40 years on June 8 and 9. Ashley E. Norton will perform songs from her newest album, “Call of the Void” along with a song called “Whiskey in the Walls” written specifically about Ramona’s Town Hall. The singer/songwriter will also debut a music video at the event, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the town hall renovations.

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MOUNTAIN LION WITH JAW FRACTURE RETURNS TO WILD AFTER RECOVERY IN RAMONA

Source: San Diego Humane Society
 
May 14, 2024 (Ramona)  - A mountain lion is back in the wild in Central California after spending two months at San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. The adult male was released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on May 1, 2024, in rural San Luis Obispo County,
where he was initially found suffering injuries consistent with being hit by a car. Before release, he was fitted with a GPS collar to monitor his movements.

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CPUC PROPOSES REJECTING AT&T’S REQUEST TO WITHDRAW AS CARRIER OF LAST RESORT AND END LAND LINES, ALSO PLANS RULEMAKING PROCESS

“AT&T failed to demonstrate the availability of replacement providers...Additionally, public commenters at CPUC public forums highlighted the unreliability of voice alternatives such as mobile wireless or VOIP.” –CPUC

May 10, 2024 (Sacramento) – After hearing from consumers across the state and reviewing evidence in the record, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today issued a proposal rejecting AT&T’s request to withdraw as a carrier of last resort (COLR), which would have ended land line service across San Diego County and other areas. The CPUC also indicated that it intends to initiate a new Rulemaking process to address COLR telecommunications service obligations.

The proposal will be on the CPUC’s June 20 Voting Meeting agenda.

AT&T's plan to pull the plug on land line phone service has drawn strong opposition from rural residents in East County and elsewhere in California, as ECM reported in February, as well as from consumer advocates who warn that ending land lines would leave many in rural or remote locations with no reliable phone service at all, since Internet VOIP phone service is not widely available in many places and some areas also lack cell phone connectivity. Even for those with cell service, land lines have proven life-saving options when cell towers have burned down during wildfires in places such as rural Potrero.


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ARE YOU READY FOR WILDFIRES?

East County News Service

May 9, 2024 (San Diego) – Governor Gavin Newsom has declared May 5-11 as “Wildfire Preparedness Week.”  Noting the increasingly challenging wildfire seasons due to climate change, Newsom says his administration has made historic investments to increase forest management and decrease catastrophic wildfire risks, such as buying state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and technology.

Now he’s asking all Californians to take steps to protect their properties by creating defensible space around homes, hardening homes, developing wildfire action plans and teaming up to join Fire Safe Councils and Firewise Communities, which work to regularly assess wildfire risk and prioritize actions to address those risks.

“All of us have an essential role in protecting ourselves, loved ones, and communities from wildfire,” the Governor says. “During Wildfire Preparedness Week, I encourage all Californians to visit ReadyForWildfire.org to learn about steps we can take to prepare for wildfire season and help prevent loss of life and property. Together, we can create a more fire resilient California.”  Find tips at https://readyforwildfire.org/.

To stay ready for a wildfire or natural disaster at any time, the California Fire Foundation has just relaunched its Firefighters on Your Side community preparedness program at FirefightersOnYourSide.org to help Californians prepare their homes with defensible space, make a 5-minute evacuation plan, pre-pack essentials, and print a master checklist. . 


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WILD IN THE COUNTRY MAY 18 AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS

East County News Service

May 9, 2024 (Alpine) --  Lions, Tigers and Bears, an exotic animal sanctuary in Alpine, invites you to “Wild in the Country” on May 18.

The sanctuary’s biggest annual fundraiser features live and silent auctions, a luncheon, live entertainment, and opportunities to view the big cats and other rescued animals.

Wild in the Country's live auction will be run by celebrity auctioneer and star of Storage Hunters, Sean Kelly.


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CHILD MOLESTATION SUSPECT FROM RAMONA DIES IN JAIL

By Miriam Raftery
 
May 6, 2024 (Ramona) – Child molestation suspect Majid Arif Almajid, 38, of Ramona died yesterday morning at the George Bailey Detention Facility in San Diego. He was found unresponsive in his bunk and passed away despite efforts to revive him by deputies, jail medical staff and Cal Fire paramedics.

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FOUR SUSPECTED DRUG DEALERS ARRESTED IN RAMONA

East County News Service

May 6, 2024 (Ramona) -- Four people are behind bars on suspicion of selling drugs in Ramona. 

On Friday, May 3 around 7:00 a.m., deputies and detectives from the Ramona Sheriff's Substation conducted a search of a home in the 1300 block of Hanson Lane across the street from Ramona High School.

“An investigation by Sheriff's Detectives revealed drug activity may have been taking place at this home. There was also evidence that individuals wanted for outstanding warrants were staying there,” says Sergeant Sean Gallagher.


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RAMONA GETS GRANT FOR SUSTAINABLE SHUTTLE SERVICE

East County News Service
 
May 1, 2024 (Ramona) -- Ramona residents who need a ride to shop for groceries, visit a doctor or a cultural event, will soon have a shuttle service with electric vehicles powered by the sun.

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WANT FRESH EGGS? TIPS FOR RAISING BACKYARD CHICKENS

By Patrick Watkins
 
Photo: Easter Egger chicken, known for blue eggs
 
April 27, 2024 (Alpine) -- With grocery prices skyrocketing and everyone looking for a way to cut back on costs, a fun and surprisingly low maintenance way to save money is by owning chickens. Now don’t mistake low maintenance for entirely no maintenance. Chickens aren’t just simply egg machines; some initial effort must be made. Here are some basic tips as well as things to avoid if you’re bringing chickens into your own backyard. 
 
My personal experience raising hens started five months ago when the skyrocketing egg prices and avian flu reports made me give into impulse and finally start a flock. I took the longer route of raising them from a young age, and this comes with its own set of pros and cons. A big issue new owners run into is figuring out whether their chicks are male or female, especially with most cities not allowing roosters. Experienced flock owners have methods such as wing shape, but the rest of us are left guessing if Betty is in fact a Bruno until a larger comb develops on boys at about six months.

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“SWATTING” CALL PROMPTS LOCKDOWNS AT RAMONA HIGH AND OTHER SCHOOLS IN VICINITY

By Miriam Raftery

April 25, 2024 (Ramona) – A phone call to the Sheriff’s communications center yesterday around 1:40 p.m. reported an individual armed with a firearm outside  Ramona High School. The incident prompted a lockdown of the high school and other nearby schools while deputies from Ramona and Poway stations searched the campus.

The call appears to have been a false report or “swatting” incident to provoke a law enforcement response. Nothing suspicious was found.


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SIPS AND SAMPLES TO SAVOR AT VINTAGE ALPINE MAY 5

East County News Service
 
April 24, 2024 (Alpine) -- The 37th annual Vintage Alpine, a wine and food experience in the country, will be held on May 5 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Summers Past Farms, 15602 Olde Hwy 80 in Flinn Springs. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Alpine, this event traditionally offers tastes from over 40 local wineries, as well as samples of foods from local restaurants and sips from local breweries.

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PINE VALLEY WOMAN DIES AFTER BEING HIT BY PICKUP TRUCK

East County News Service
 
April 15, 2024 (Pine Valley) – A Pine Valley woman, 61, was struck and killed Saturday morning while walking on the shoulder along Pine Boulevard south of Rocky Pass. The victim was Mary Lombard Stewart, according to her husband, Brian Stewart.
 
“The sirens were for my wife Mary, who was struck from behind while walking to our house on Valley View Trail,” he posted on Facebook. “My wife did not survive the impact.”

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LILAC FESTIVAL APRIL 20-MAY 12 AT FORT CROSS IN JULIAN OFFERS FRAGRANT BLOOMS AND PLENTY OF FUN

East County News Service
 
April 12, 2024 (Julian) -- Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, invites you to their 9th annual Lilac Festival event on Saturdays and Sundays starting April 20 and will go on through Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
The outdoor educational farm that specializes in living history field trips, is also home to five acres of beautifully fragrant lilacs near the town of Julian.
 
Fort Cross is the largest lilac farm in Southern California that sells fresh-cut bouquets directly to the public, and will have different lilac varieties available for purchase 7 days a week as soon as the flowers are in bloom.

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AN INTERSTELLAR SUCCESS: MAKING COUNTY GOVERNMENT WORK FOR JULIAN

By Supervisor Joel Anderson
 
April 10, 2024 (Julian) – For Julian residents, preserving the dark sky is a way of life. Designated as an International Dark Sky Community in 2021, Julian is part of the mere 1% of the U.S. where the Milky Way remains visible. 
 
The mountain town’s mission recently faced a challenge when the brightness of fourteen newly installed streetlights exceeded dark sky community standards — prompting the Julian Dark Sky Network to seek assistance from my office.

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$378,000 IN GRANTS AWARDED TO 13 FIRE SAFE COUNCILS IN SAN DIEGO RIVER WATERSHED

Alpine Fire Protection District invites public to event April 4

Source:  San Diego Regional Fire Foundation

Photo, left: Alpine Fire Protection District's new wood chipper

April 3, 2024 (San Diego) – The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation and the San Diego River Conservancy are pleased to announce $378,958 in funding for 13 Fire Safe Councils in the Conservancy’s watershed area and a new chipper for the Alpine Fire Protection District. 

Alpine Fire Station will host an event April 4 from 11:30 to 1 p.m.  Alpine Fire Protection District will talk about its new chipper that will provide services for free chipping to the communities and will discuss the new fuel break funds that were made possible through a Community Protection grant.  The attendees at the event tomorrow will be  able to be part of the overall collaboration between the San Diego River Conservancy and the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation.saying thankyou for the hard work and commitments we all have made to focus on supporting the communities of Alpine and Viejas. 

.The San Diego River Conservancy is pleased to announce that it has awarded a grant to the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation and Fire Safe Councils in San Diego County. These Fire Safe Councils are remarkable organizations that work diligently to make local communities safer by engaging in activities aimed at reducing the risk and intensity of wildfires, said Julia Richards, Executive Officer, San Diego River Conservancy. Their efforts are truly commendable and deserve to be recognized year after year.  We proudly stand behind the Fire Safe Councils and support their vital work.” 


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