TRUCK HAULING BACKHOE HITS BRIDGE OVER HIGHWAY 163: FORCES LONG-TERM LANE CLOSURES
Source: CalTrans July 31, 2015 (San Diego)-Long-term lane closures will be needed to repair the Clairemont Mesa Boulevard overcrossing above southbound State Route 163 (SR-163), according to Caltrans. The announcement was made after structural engineers assessed the damage following a hit on the bridge this morning by a backhoe carried by a semitrailer traveling southbound on SR-163. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, which closed the right lane on southbound SR-163 and the left lane on westbound Clairemont Mesa Boulevard during the morning commute. In the meantime, Caltrans District 11 Director Laurie Berman said that the remaining open lanes of the overcrossing and freeway are safe and the focus is now on repairing the damaged portions as quickly as possible, but that will not come without some impact to local traffic. “Lane closures on both the overcrossing and freeway will be needed to make the necessary repairs,” Berman said. “We are expecting delays on both the freeway and city streets through the area during peak commute hours, so motorists should seek alternate routes for the next few weeks.” Caltrans engineers indicated that the Clairemont Mesa Boulevard overcrossing sustained damage to a pair of concrete girders on its northwest quadrant. The cost of repairs is undetermined at this time. Motorists are reminded that they can check their traffic conditions before their morning and afternoon commutes by going online to Caltrans QuickMap at QuickMap.dot.ca.gov. The website provides real-time information for traffic speeds and lane closures, and allows users to see roadway conditions for themselves with access to freeway cameras.
LA MESA – MT. HELIX AUGUST ACTIVITIES
By Kristin Kjaero August 1, 2015 (La Mesa) – What a vibrant community we live in! August boasts five free concerts, three free movie screenings, two theater productions, the annual Helix High All Class Picnic, and the annual heART of Mt. Helix. There are free clubs for every age and interest at the La Mesa Library, a broad range of activities at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, and a number of classes at the La Mesa Community Center start in August. For those who love nature there are a number of activities as Mission Trails Regional Park and the Water Conservation Garden, and for the fitness oriented there are several walking groups, aquatics, and even a boot camp. Get out and find your bliss, and while you’re at it meet your neighbors. Helix Water District – Customer Appreciation Day at the Water Conservation Garden Special events, free admissions, presentations, guided tours and more at the Water Conservation Garden on August 1. Customers who visit the Garden that Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. will enjoy free entry to the Butterfly Pavilion and the newly completed Native Habitat Garden. Docents will lead group tours of the nearly six-acre grounds at 10 a.m. and noon. Ms. Smarty-Plants will speak at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., providing information about Southern California butterflies and how to attract them to home gardens. The Garden’s director of horticulture will make presentations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and there will be sales and discounts on plants and a variety of other items in the Garden’s gift shop throughout the day. Christian Community Theater San Diego – Mary Poppins CCT celebrates its 35th anniversary at the beautiful Mt. Helix Park amphitheater with this summer’s production of Mary Poppins. Enjoy an evening with everyone’s favorite nanny from July 9 through August 2. For more information and to purchase tickets visit their website. Mission Trails Regional Park free concert – Lilian Palmer Jazz singer Lilian Palmer will perform at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 2. La Mesa Library teen movie series A different movie musical will be shown every month this summer on a big screen in the Young Adults room. This month, a campy musical set in the 1960s about a girl’s dream to be on a teen dance TV show that opens her eyes to the racial tension of the day, begins at 2:00 p.m. on August 8. Summer Bash Business Expo The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce provides the opportunity to mix, mingle and sample food from 14 local businesses on August 12. Raffles throughout the evening. For full details click here. Connect La Mesa Explore La Mesa’s urban trail system the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Meet up August 12 at 9:00 a.m. at the Lake Murray boat dock for a 2.6 mile advanced route (uphill portions and dirt path). Meet up August 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Murietta’s Mexican (8978 La Mesa Blvd.) for a 2.8 mile advanced route (slight elevation changes). Lamplighters Community Theatre – Supporting Cast Lamplighters Community Theatre will be performing the comedy “Supporting Cast” from August 14 through September 13. For more details, click here. La Mesa Library free concert series – Lisa Sanders Singer-songwriter and guitarist Lisa Sanders has opened for performers such as BB King, Al Green and Bonnie Raitt, and will perform her bluesy acoustic rock at the La Mesa Library, August 15 at 2:00 p.m. 8th annual heART of Mt. Helix Saturday, August 15 from 5:30pm to 10pm is the Mt. Helix Park Foundation’s one-of-a-kind event at the top of the hill. Don’t miss live music on two stages, dancing under the stars, featured restaurant samplings along with artists who will be creating their work live. For tickets or to become a sponsor click here. Visit the heart of Mt. Helix page for a complete list of participating restaurants, artists and performers. Helix High School All Class Picnic The Alumni Association’s annual All Class Picnic is August 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Music and entertainment, food for sale or bring your own picnic, King Pins Car Club, activities for kids; bring a chair, shade and sit back and enjoy. RSVP to HelixAnnualPicnic@yahoo.com. Full details here. Movies Under the Moonlight – Ice Age Grossmont Center presents a a free family-friendly movie night series, so bring a comfy chair and find a space in the courtyard; movies begin at dusk, around 7:30-8:00 p.m. The movie this month is Ice Age, on August 17. Dive-In Movie – Rio Families can relax in the pool and enjoy the free family movie, Rio, at La Mesa Municipal Pool, Friday, August 21. Experience a high definition Blu-Ray projection system and amplified sound. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Movie starts at 8:00 pm. Grossmont Center Style Soiree with Fashion Week San Diego Fashion Week San Diego! FWSD, stylish and cutting-edge in all its glory will produce a unique runway show using stores exclusively at Grossmont Center on August 22, at 3:00 p.m. Three San Diego celebrity fashion bloggers, Vanessa Bali, Maria Von Losh of Savvynista and Jenna Pliant of Lucky Little Mustard Seed, will wear and discuss the looks they’ve created from the boutiques and a given budget. Mission Trails Regional Park free concert series – Amy Kanner Amy Kanner will perform playing the Celtic Harp. Concerts are presented twice a month on designated Sundays at 3:00 p.m. The MTRP Foundation Concert Series is free to the public and scheduled at 3:00 p.m. on designated Sundays in the Visitor Center Theater. Donations appreciated. Mission Trails Regional Park free concert series – N. Scott Robinson World percussionist N. Scott Robinson will perform at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center on August 29 at 3:00 p.m. Congressman Duncan Hunter will be the keynote speaker at the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce breakfast The public is invited to attend, Tuesday, August 25, 2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Marie Callender’s (6950 Alvarado Road, San Diego, CA 92120). Breakfast is $15.00 for members (not using annual passes) and $20 for potential members and guests with reservations, and $25 for all who pay “at door.” Reservations may
SHERIFF INVITES YOU TO “NIGHTS OUT AGAINST CRIME” AUGUST 4
July 30, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) — Join the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for free Night Out Against Crime events on Tuesday, August 4. Sheriff’s Stations and Substations all over the county will be hosting block parties to take a stand against crime, including numerous locations in East County.Activities vary by location and may include free food, drinks, giveaways and activities for kids. Night Out Against Crime© is a celebration of community relationships. Meet your neighbors, as well as deputies who patrol your area. All locations will have a Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Specialist on site so you can get tips on how to stay safe. See below for a community near you or visit www.sdsheriff.net. ALPINE 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Alpine Sheriff’s Station 2751 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist Holly Nicholson (619) 659-2608 Flyer: http://goo.gl/uKMm6j ENCINITAS 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Target Parking Lot 1040 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist Jonathan Simon (760) 966-3588 Flyer: http://goo.gl/MIZ85Y FALLBROOK 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Parking Lot behind Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce 111 S. Main Avenue, Fallbrook Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist John Mclelland (760) 451-3124 Flyer: http://goo.gl/55jwRH IMPERIAL BEACH 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Robert Eggers Sr. Recreation Center 1885 Coronado Avenue, San Diego Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist Julio Garcia (619) 498-2435 Flyer: http://goo.gl/YBJALw LEMON GROVE 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Main Street Promenade Corner of Broadway and Lemon Grove Ave. Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist Jim Wieboldt (619) 337-2039 Flyer: http://goo.gl/6P1QJk POWAY 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Poway Sheriff’s Station 13100 Bowron Road, Poway Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist Darlene Duncan (858) 513-2807 Flyer: http://goo.gl/sDodQm RAMONA 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Albertsons Shopping Center Corner of 14th and Main Streets Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist Barbara Wallace at (760) 738-2425 Flyer: http://goo.gl/b7ZJny RANCHO SAN DIEGO 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Target Parking Lot 2911 Jamacha Road, El Cajon Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist Nancy Ortiz (619) 660-7009 Flyer: http://goo.gl/zux820 SAN MARCOS (CITY) 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Connors Park 320 W. San Marcos Boulevard, San Marcos Contact: (760) 744-1050 Ext. 3168 Flyer: http://goo.gl/15gJiC SAN MARCOS (HIDDEN MEADOWS) 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Meadow Lake Golf Club 10333 Meadow Glen Way, Escondido Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist Carmela Lutz (760) 510-5254 Flyer: http://goo.gl/gECKUI SANTEE 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Town Center Community Park West (Between Baseball Fields 2 & 3) 9409 Cuyamaca Street, Santee Contacts: Crime Prevention Specialists Holly Angeles (619) 956-4021 and Martha Miramontes (619) 956-4022 Flyer: http://goo.gl/EVWHqk VALLEY CENTER 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Valley Center Library 29200 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist Brandy Contreras (760) 751-4408 Flyer: http://goo.gl/hpcvQa VISTA The Vista Sheriff’s Station is holding its Night Out Against Crime Event during Vista’s Summer Fun Fest and Safety Fair Saturday, August 8th 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Brengle Terrace Park Ball Fields 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista Contact: Crime Prevention Specialist Henry Tirado (760) 940-4352 Flyer: http://goo.gl/D1CHBA If you can’t make it to any of these events, leave your porch light on as a show of solidarity on Night Out Against Crime©. To learn more about the Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Unit, including important safety tips, visitwww.sdsheriff.net/crimeprevention.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: A PINK SNAKE IN EAST COUNTY?
July 29, 2015 (Lakeside) – Who knew we had pink or red snakes in East County? Sarka-Jonae Miller snapped this photo in Lakeside today near the Santee border, close to Riverford Road off State Route 67. Our researcher team soon identified the reptile as a red racer snake, also known as a red coachwhip for its tail that appears braided like a whip. Red racers are fast-moving snakes that are not poisonous and will sometimes eat other snakes. They do not make good pets, however, as they can be aggressive and bite handlers, also emitting a foul odor or even playing dead to trick predators to leave it alone. They are fairly common in our desert areas and can climb trees or even cacti in search of its prey. Read more: http://www.desertusa.com/reptiles/coachwhip.html View more images at http://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/c.f.piceus.html
FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: WE’VE SEEN FIRE AND WE’VE SEEN RAIN – AND WE’RE GOING TO SEE MORE!
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna July 29, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) –We feel the impact every day. Warm temperatures and lack of rain continue to increased drought conditions. With greater evaporation, particularly during the summer and fall, this will and is exacerbating drought conditions resulting in an extremely high increase of wildfires. Fires are spreading at a phenomenal rate of spread. A deadly and disastrous rate that impacts us all! “Though we have had monsoonal rains, and many are forecasted in the near future, it’s important to remember most of the fuels that surround us are what’s known as ‘one hour fuels’ reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. What this means is it takes only about one hour to completely dry out our vegetation and ready to burn even after a rain storm. The conditions out there because of the drought have caused all of the fuel and vegetation to become extremely dry and readily available to burn. The fuel moisture ‘content’ is critically low so it’s definitely contributing to how quickly fires spread.” This is a double edged sword so don’t be fooled. The National Weather Service continues to show evidence of additional rain through both summer and winter months. Expect fire and expect rain. Both will be at dangerous levels. Where ever you live, prepare for both. They will have a profound impact on all of us! For more information contact your local fire department and visit: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/ and http://www.water.ca.gov/floodsafe/ca-flood-preparedness/fpw-day5.cfm Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
COUNTY TO ADD NEW TRAFFIC SIGNS NEAR MIDDLE SCHOOL IN ALPINE
July 30, 2015 (Alpne) In an effort to increase the safety of children at Joan McQueen Middle School, the County will be installing new traffic signs on Tavern near the school. This effort was spearheaded by Mr. Murali Pasumarthi at the prompting of Kristen Gauss, JMMS Principal Jon McEvoy and Planning Group Members Tom Myers and Lou Russo. Russo stated on the Alpine Community Forum: “We were all concerned after the recent tragedy at West Hills High School and hope this will be the first step toward making JMMS safer during drop off and pick up. Mr. Pasumarthi, with the same concerned parents/Alpine residents/principal, was responsible for the lighted crosswalk at Alpine Elementary. Please feel free to email Murali <Murali.Pasumarthi@sdcounty.ca.gov> and thank him for stepping up for Alpine’s children in this way.”