SANTEE DAD IS FATHER OF THE YEAR HONOREE BY AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION
East County News Service Photo: American Diabetes Association’s Father of the Year honorees (left to right): Tum Vongsawad, Jeffrey Martin, Tracy Sundlun. June 20, 2016 (Santee) – Santee resident Tracy Sundlun, senior VP of global events, Competitor Group, was recently honored by the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) San Diego office with a 2016 Father of the Year award. Sundlun, father of daughter Felicity, is co-founder of Competitor Group’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, which began in 1998 and has grown to 30 events in 15 states, Washington D.C., and six countries, featuring more than 600,000 runners annually. He has been inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions, and last year was named “One of the 50 Most Influential People in Running” by Runner’s World magazine. He is a seasoned professional with more than four decades of involvement in virtually every facet of the sports of track and field, including long distance running and race walking. His experience includes coaching at Georgetown University, University of Colorado, University of Southern California and in five Olympics, as well as sports administration overseeing the New York Metropolitan Association The Athletics Congress and USA Track & Field from 1982 to 1997. He also founded for high school athletes the National Scholastic Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships, now called the New Balance Indoor and Outdoor Nationals. He was the youngest ever Olympic coach in 1972, and will serve as head manager of the United States Men’s Track & Field Team for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Two other local fathers were honored at the ADA’s 13th annual Father of the Year awards dinner held June 16. They include Jeffrey Martin, CEO, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Tum Vongsawad, chief operating officer, San Diego County Credit Union. ADA officials said the fundraiser generated more than $200,000 in donations for diabetes research and programs and services for people with diabetes. The ADA said its Father of the Year awards program honors fathers who have demonstrated the ability to balance their personal lives, serve as role models of strength, commitment and love for their children and help make positive contributions to their families and communities. The New York-based Father’s Day Council, which began the awards program in 1942, designated the ADA as its charity partner in 1999. In 2004, the San Diego ADA office began its Father of the Year awards program. Over the past 13 years in San Diego, the awards program has generated more than $2 million in donations.
SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AT SAJJ HOUSE
Review by Maridian Broadus June 20, 2016 (El Cajon) — Are you out of ideas of what to cook for dinner? Does your palate crave something other than the ordinary salt and pepper fare that comes out of your kitchen? If you answered “yes” to at least one of the questions posed, then pack your appetite, flee your house, and head over to Sajj House (1255 Avocado Ave., El Cajon), a marvelous new Mediterranean style restaurant where you can savor the flavors of exotic spices. My food-loving friends and I joyfully traveled to Sajj House and upon entering the restaurant we were immediately impressed with the wine bar and open view of the kitchen. We were graciously greeted with a welcoming smile, seated, handed menus, and were told of the specials of the day. The menu was filled with mouth watering flatbreads, shawarmas and an array of other delicious dishes. The owner is Iraqi and Lebanese; the chef is Persian (Iranian) and their heritage is reflected in the delicious cuisine. An advantage of eating out with friends is that each person orders a separate item and everyone shares the food when it arrives to the table. I love this! Friend one ordered the Turkish Laham B’ Ajeen, which is a tantalizing flatbread with seasoned beef. Friend two ordered the Chicken Shawarma, a spiced marinated chicken medallion entrée, and Zereshk polo, a Persian basmati rice with barberries, saffron and turmeric. I rounded out our dinner order with a Fattoush salad made with romaine lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, crisp pieces of fried pita bread, pomegranate seeds, and other Mediterranean spices. While waiting for our feast to arrive, my friends decided to take advantage of the beer and wine menu. Friend one ordered an ale called a 359, which is produced locally at the Coronado Brewery and found it to be quite refreshing. We also ordered an appetizer dish, Sambousek, to share. Friend two ordered a glass of Pinot Noir red and admired the full-bodied taste. As my friends sipped their spirits, I sat comfortably and enjoyed glancing at one of the several flat screen televisions located throughout the restaurant. Before our food arrived, I decided to visit the ladies room to wash my hands. I am a stickler for clean restrooms and am very pleased to announce that the inside of the restroom mirrored the dining area; clean and well lighted. The food arrived moments after my return to the table and it looked amazing. The Chicken Shawarma was aligned on a platter with golden rice beside it. The beautiful Fattoush salad overflowed in a bowl, and pickles were draped across the top of the flatbread. The food also tasted fantastic. The Chicken Shawarma and rice infused with spices tantalized our taste buds; the hot flatbread was crispy on the edges, and the salad was a vegetarian delight with the crunch of the romaine and fried pita bread. Our favorite, however, was the sambousek—a filo-dough filled with a spiced meat mixture. My friends and I enjoyed the ambiance of the Sajj House. You can fit a feast at Sajj into any budget, where you’ll find many affordable items. The restaurant not only serves dinner, but is also open for breakfast at 8.00 a.m. serves lunch, and closes at 10:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday. So the next time you want to get out of cooking at your house, I highly recommend Sajj house as a great destination. For more information, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sajjhouse/ or call (619) 447-1500.
NEW SHELTER OPENS AT LOS COCHES; ADVISORY EVACUATIONS AT BUCKMAN SPRINGS
Update 4:30 p.m. – The Pacific Coast Trail near Campo is threatened. Hikers are advised to stay off the trail, Cleveland National Forest reports. The fire is also threatening the Hauser Wilderness area. By Miriam Raftery Photo, Left by Richard Edwords, Kamps Propane June 20, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) 4 p.m. — Per County Emergency Services: The Sheriff’s Department has issued an evacuation advisory near Campo and Buckman Springs due to the Border Fire. Evacuations are currently voluntary. Residents can go to Golden Acorn Casino, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, which has been set up as a temporary evacuation point. It is not a shelter. The American Red Cross has opened an overnight shelter at Los Coches Creek Middle School (9969 Dunbar Lane, El Cajon) for residents impacted by the Border Fire. Note: The emergency shelter at Campo Elementary School at 1654 Buckman Springs Rd. has closed. Residents in need of emergency assistance evacuation should call 9-1-1. For additional information, visit www.sdcountyemergency.com or call the San Diego Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line at 858-565-5200. For additional information, visit @CALFIRESanDiego. You can sign up to receive AlertSanDiego messages at www.sdcountyemergency.com. You can listen to scanner traffic on the Border Fire at: Heartland: http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/6326/web Rural: http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/9733/web Phone landlines and cell service are both out in the Potrero area. Sign up for free East County Wlidfire and Emergency Alerts via e-mail at the top right side of our homepage and also receive a free weekly copy of our newsletter. You can also follow EastCountyAlert on Twitter for brief text alerts on your mobile phone. We recommend all of the above since some communications means may fail during a major regional emergency. You can also watch for updates at www.EastCountyMagazine.org.
EVACUATIONS ORDERED IN CAMPO, POSSIBLE EVACUATIONS NEXT IN LAKE MORENA
By Miriam Raftery June 20, 2016 (Campo)–Cal Fire has ordered mandatory evacuations of Star Ranch, Forest Gate, Canyon City, Dogpatch and Cowboy Ranch in the Campo area due to the Border Fire. Scanner traffic indicates an advisory evacuation in Lake Morena. A red flag alert is in effect per the National Weather Service. Below is more info from the Sheriff earlier today on the fire that has scorched 1900 acres and is 5% contained: Border Fire Update The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to assist firefighters with the Border Fire near Potrero. At last check, CAL FIRE says the Border Fire has burned 1,900 acres. 48 deputies are helping with security patrols and traffic control in evacuated and fire areas. In the air, two ASTREA Bell 205 fire/rescue helicopters are making water drops. The helicopters are equipped with 375-gallon belly tanks. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Campo Elementary School, 1654 Buckman Springs Road, Campo. 44 people stayed at the shelter overnight. Large animals can be taken to: Circle T Ranch at 24215 Viejas Grade Road, Descanso. Owners must care for their animals’ needs while at the ranch. (San Diego Humane Soceity) U.S. Border Patrol Boulevard Station at 2463 Ribbonwood Road, Boulevard (County Department of Animal Services) State Route 94 is closed from Highway 188/Tecate Road to Mountain Empire RV Park (29146 Highway 94). With the excessive heat warning from the National Weather Service, Campo-Morena Village Library at 31356 Highway 94 in Campo is open until 6:00 p.m. as a Cool Zone. The Potrero Library is closed. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, call the Sheriff’s Department at (858) 565-5200. For additional information on the fire, call 2-1-1. You can sign up to receive AlertSanDiego messages at www.sdcountyemergency.com. ### Sign up for free East County Wlidfire and Emergency Alerts via e-mail at the top right side of our homepage and also receive a free weekly copy of our newsletter. You can also follow EastCountyAlert on Twitter for brief text alerts on your mobile phone. We recommend all of the above since some communications means may fail during a major regional emergency. You can also watch for updates at www.EastCountyMagazine.org.
SDSU SWIMMERS EARN CSCAA TEAM SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICA AWARD
By Liz Alper Photo courtesy goaztecs.com June 20, 2016 (San Diego) – The College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) has awarded the 2015-16 San Diego State swim and dive team the Team Scholar All-American Award for the 2016 spring semester. The Team Scholar All-American Award is awarded for excellence in the classroom. Programs must achieve a GPA of 3.00 or higher during the spring semester. The Aztecs swim and dive team reached a 3.13 GPA overall.
BORDER FIRE 5% CONTAINED, 1900 ACRES: SCHOOLS CLOSED, 3 INJURED
By Miriam Raftery Photo courtesy of Cal Fire via Twitter June 20, 2016 (Potrero) — The Border Fire has charred 1,900 acres and is now 5% contained as of 9 a.m. according to Cal Fire. The community of Potrero remains under evacuation order. Highway 94 remains closed through the area. Scanner traffic indicates a second fire has been reported in Mexico close to the Border Fire; we are awaiting confirmation and details. Mt. Empire School District has announced all schools districtwide will be closed today due to the fire. Three people have been injured including a firefighter. Several outbuildings have burned, per Cal Fire. Hundreds of firefighters from across Southern California are battling the blaze in steep, rugged terrain that has burned in many years and is dry from years of drought during triple-digit heat. The emergency shelter for today is at Campo Elementary School, 1654 Buckman Springs Road.Reporting San Diego has reported yesterday that some horses were turned loose by county animal services personnel to save them from the fast-moving fire which started yesterday near highways 94 and 188. Reporter Nadin Abbott interviewed Nancy Fritz in Potrero, whose home was saved thanks to water drops from a Very Large Air Tanker or VLAT. Some stayed behind. One neighbor from a nearby community fought a fire with a garden hose, a situation Cal Fire warns is very dangerous as the agency urges everyone in the impacted area to leave. Several outbuildings have burned. Flames came within 50 feet of the town’s general store, a historic structure that dates to the 1800s. 10 News reported that 44 people spent the night at an overnight shelter at Campo Elementary School, some forced to sleep in their cars, along with pets on a day when temperatures reached around 110 degrees in the area. Cal Fire announced a shelter at the Campo Community Center but since it is not an official Red Cross Center, a note on the door at one point referred people to the Campo Elementary School site an hour away, according to 10 news. Some also sought refuge yesterday during the day at the Dulzura Community Center. SDG&E’s website indicates 94 customers are without power in Dulzura/Potrero/Campo, the fire area, with power restoration expected at 6 p.m. today. A separate unplanned outage in Lake Morena has left 96 without power; restoration there is also set for 6 p.m. Phone landlines and cell service are both out in the Potrero area. SDG&E has issued a Flex Alert for today, asking all customers to conserve power. Outages are possible so be prepared. If you need emergency assistance in evacuation, call 9-1-1. If you need additional information, check the San Diego County Emergency website at www.sdcountyemergency.com or call the San Diego Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line at 858-565-5200 or dial 211. For help with large animal evacuations due to , call the San Diego County Animal Services at (619) 236-2341. Follow additional updates on Twitter at #BorderFire. Road closures in effect on Highway 94 are changing rapidly as the fire moves. (Photo, right, by Leon Thompson yesterday) Get the latest traffic and road closure information at https://cad.chp.ca.gov/Traffic.aspx. You can listen to scanner traffic on the Border Fire at: Heartland: http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/6326/web Rural: http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/9733/web Sign up for free East County Wlidfire and Emergency Alerts via e-mail at the top right side of our homepage and also receive a free weekly copy of our newsletter. You can also follow EastCountyAlert on Twitter for brief text alerts on your mobile phone. We recommend all of the above since some communications means may fail during a major regional emergency. You can also watch for updates at www.EastCountyMagazine.org.
CAT-ILLACS AT LEMON GROVE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES JUNE 30
East County News Service June 20, 2016 (Lemon Grove) — The smooth sounds of the Cat-illacs will entertain a crowd at Lemon Grove’s Summer Concert Series on Thursday, June 30th. The summer concert series takes place each Thursday night all summer long at Berry Street Park starting at 6:30. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the music.
HEAT RECORDS SHATTER ACROSS COUNTY
East County News Service June 19, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Across the region, record temperatures were reached during today’s scorching heat. So how hot was it? In San Diego County, the highest temperature recorded was in Borrego, which reached 117 degrees – breaking a record 115 for June 19th set back in 1989. Campo was 109, Ramona 106, El Cajon 104, and Alpine 103—all breaking records for this date. Besides breaking maximum temperature records, San Diego also tied a minimum temperature record of 69 degrees for today’s date that has stood since 1875.
PADRES SPLIT SERIES WITH NATS WITH MATINEE WIN
By Liz Alper Photo: some post-game catch with dads on Father’s Day. Courtesy @Padres on Twitter June 19, 2016 (San Diego) – Happy Father’s Day, dads! This year, you get a decent pitching matchup on the Padres and Nationals matinee series finale. But most of all, you get a Padres win. Gio Gonzalez took the hill for Washington against Drew Pomeranz for San Diego. The Nationals got things started again with Michael Taylor’s solo homer in the first and the Nats led 1-0. But in keeping with the pattern we saw last night, Yangervis Solarte singled in the Padres’ half of the first, bringing home Wil Myers to tie the game at one. Unlike last night, it didn’t take the Padres long to break open the game. Adam Rosales doubled in the fourth, scoring two and the Padres jumped ahead 3-1. Washington would tie the game in the fifth with homers by Danny Espinosa and Taylor, but in the bottom of the fifth, Derek Norris hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Solarte and San Diego went up 4-3. Alexei Ramirez singled, scoring Melvin Upton Jr. and the Padres went up 5-3. In the sixth, Matt Kemp singled, scoring Ryan Schimpf and the Padres went up 6-3. They’d go on to win and split the series with the Nats. The Padres get a day off tomorrow before heading to Baltimore to take on the Orioles in an interleague matchup.
BORDER FIRE IN POTRERO NOW 1,500 ACRES, EVACUATION CENTERS OPEN
Update 10 p.m. The fire is 5% contained and a firefighter has been injured, CalFire reports. An emergency overnight shelter is open at Campo Elementary School, 1654 Buckman Springs Rd.in Campo. By Miriam Raftery Photo, left: air tanker battles the Border Fire, by Leon Thompson June 19, 2016 (Potrero) –As of 7:20 tonight, the fast-growing Border Fire has charred 1,500 acres and led to mandatory evacuation orders for the entire town of Potrero, per Cal Fire. Structures are threatened. Residents fleeing the Border Fire can now go to these evacuation centers: Campo Community Center ( Cool Zone ) at 300 Sheridan Rd, Campo Elementary School ( Red Cross Shelter ) at 1654 Buckman Springs Rd, or the Dulzura Community Center at 1136 Community Building Road off State Route 94 (note corrected address). This information has been verified through Red Cross and Campo Community Center employees. The Sheriff reports a third evacuation center opened at Campo Elementary School, 1654 Buckman Springs Road, Campo. If you need emergency assistance in evacuation, call 9-1-1. If you need additional information, check the San Diego County Emergency website at www.sdcountyemergency.com or call the San Diego Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line at 858-565-5200. For help with large animal evacuations due to , call the San Diego County Animal Services at (619) 236-2341. Follow additoinal updates on Twitter at #BorderFire. Road closures in effect on Highway 94 are changing rapidly as the fire moves. Get the latest traffic and road closure information at https://cad.chp.ca.gov/Traffic.aspx. Here are closures as of now: EB CLOSURE AT 188 – OLD HWY 80 AT 94 – OTAY LAKES RD AT 94 – WB 8 1/2 MI EO BUCKMAN SPRINGS – WB 94 CLOSED AT POTRERO – EB CLOSURE AT 188 You can listen to scanner traffic on the Border Fire at: Heartland: http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/6326/web Rural: http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/9733/web Phone landlines and cell service are both out in the Potrero area. The fire started around 11:30 this morning in the vicinity of State Routes 94 and 188. KNSD7 News was been at the scene earlier when the fire was 900 acres and caught dramatic video of the wildfire encroaching behind the historic general store at the heart of Potrero: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Firefighters-Battling-Small-Wildland-Fire-Near-US-Mexico-Border-383557671.html. They reported it was zero percent contained and burning near businesses and homes with temperatures approach120 degrees. Photo, left, by Michele Little: Helicopter drops water on Border Fire in the early hours of the blaze. Sign up to receive free East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts via email at the top right side of our homepage and you can also receive a free weekly copy of theEast County Magazine newsletter. You can also follow EastCountyAlert on Twitter for brief texts on your mobile phone. We recommend all of the above, since you can’t know which form of communications will work best in a major regional emergency. .