THUNDERSTORMS, SANTA ANA WINDS AND SNOW
March 14,2024 (San Diego)–A storm sweeping into our region is forecast to bring Santa Ana winds through Friday, with rain countywide and gusts up to 70 miles per hour in high desert areas. Mountains and deserts could have thunderstorms through Saturday, with snow down to 5,000 feet in elevation. Use caution if driving due to strong winds and wet roadways If driving in mountain areas, carry chains and be prepared for icy conditions.
THUNDERSTORMS, SANTA ANA WINDS AND SNOW
March 14,2024 (San Diego)–A storm sweeping into our region is forecast to bring Santa Ana winds through Friday, with rain countywide and gusts up to 70 miles per hour in high desert areas. Mountains and deserts could have thunderstorms through Saturday, with snow down to 5,000 feet in elevation. Use caution if driving due to strong winds and wet roadways If driving in mountain areas, carry chains and be prepared for icy conditions.
SUPERVISORS APPROVE 150 SLEEPING CABINS FOR HOMELESS IN SPRING VALLEY
A similar number of hotel vouchers may be phased out in favor of less glamorous, but fully inclusive, wrap-around services By Jonathan Goetz March 14, 2024 (Spring Valley) — In an effort to address the homelessness crisis, Supervisors Wednesday voted 4-0 (with Joel Anderson absent due to a medical issue) to spend $18.5 million for 150 sleeping cabins at the corner of Jamacha Road and SR-125 in Spring Valley as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s sleeping cabin effort. The site will also allow for more centralized services to be provided for vulnerable populations. The Jamacha cabins site is located directly across the street from a 7-11 and Veterans Thrift Store. On the other side of State Route 125 are the Jack in the Box and Target at the corner of Sweetwater and Jamacha Roads. The annual operating costs are estimated at $5-$6 million, which will include 24-hour site management and security services, case management including behavioral health supports, housing navigation, meals, transportation, site maintenance, and hygiene facilities. “Establishing the 150 sleeping cabins would allow for the reduction of 150 rooms in the Regional Homeless Assistance Program (RHAP), which currently have an estimated $9 million annual operating cost,” according to the Board agenda. The land belongs to the California Department of Transportation and may be leased for seven years at $1 per year with a $5,000 administration fee. Of the $18.5 million in construction costs, approximately $10 million is proposed to come from the Governor’s sleeping cabin effort and another $8.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. According to the 2023 Point in Time Count, East County had 1,703 homeless people, including 528 who were unsheltered, 881 in an emergency shelter, and 294 in transitional housing. East County has 17% of the countywide homeless population.
SUPERVISORS APPROVE 150 SLEEPING CABINS FOR HOMELESS IN SPRING VALLEY
A similar number of hotel vouchers may be phased out in favor of less glamorous, but fully inclusive, wrap-around services By Jonathan Goetz March 14, 2024 (Spring Valley) — In an effort to address the homelessness crisis, Supervisors Wednesday voted 4-0 (with Joel Anderson absent due to a medical issue) to spend $18.5 million for 150 sleeping cabins at the corner of Jamacha Road and SR-125 in Spring Valley as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s sleeping cabin effort. The site will also allow for more centralized services to be provided for vulnerable populations. The Jamacha cabins site is located directly across the street from a 7-11 and Veterans Thrift Store. On the other side of State Route 125 are the Jack in the Box and Target at the corner of Sweetwater and Jamacha Roads. The annual operating costs are estimated at $5-$6 million, which will include 24-hour site management and security services, case management including behavioral health supports, housing navigation, meals, transportation, site maintenance, and hygiene facilities. “Establishing the 150 sleeping cabins would allow for the reduction of 150 rooms in the Regional Homeless Assistance Program (RHAP), which currently have an estimated $9 million annual operating cost,” according to the Board agenda. The land belongs to the California Department of Transportation and may be leased for seven years at $1 per year with a $5,000 administration fee. Of the $18.5 million in construction costs, approximately $10 million is proposed to come from the Governor’s sleeping cabin effort and another $8.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. According to the 2023 Point in Time Count, East County had 1,703 homeless people, including 528 who were unsheltered, 881 in an emergency shelter, and 294 in transitional housing. East County has 17% of the countywide homeless population.
GARDENERS, HEADS UP! CITY LAUNCHES JUNE BLOOM OF EL CAJON COMPETITION
By Chris Berg, marketing and engagement manager, City of El Cajon March 14, 2024 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon announces its inaugural June Bloom of El Cajon competition, a community-focused event designed to inspire and reward the creation of green spaces across our urban landscape. This initiative, in partnership with Armstrong Garden Centers, aims to engage citizens and businesses alike in fostering a greener, more vibrant City. The June Bloom competition invites all residents and business owners in El Cajon to participate in transforming the community through the power of gardening. By enhancing front yards, balconies, storefronts, and community spaces with lush plants and creative landscaping, participants will not only contribute to the beautification of the City but also have the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes. “We believe that green spaces are essential for the wellbeing of our community,” said Chris Berg, Marketing Manager, City of El Cajon. “This competition is more than just about planting flowers and trees; it’s about coming together as a community to create a sustainable and beautiful environment for all to enjoy.” The June Bloom competition is a testament to El Cajon’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. With the promotional support of Armstrong Garden Centers, participants will have access to high-quality plants, expert gardening advice, and the necessary resources to bring their green visions to life. Contestants are encouraged to register and submit their entries by May 1, 2024. A panel of esteemed judges, including local horticulturists, community leaders, and representatives from Armstrong Garden Centers, will evaluate the entries based on creativity, use of space, and overall impact. “We’re excited to partner with the City of El Cajon on this innovative initiative,” said Chris Gardner, Manager, Armstrong Garden Centers El Cajon. “It’s an excellent opportunity to encourage community involvement and show that everyone can play a role in enhancing the green footprint of our city.” The winners of the June Bloom competition will be announced at a special ceremony in July, where the most exceptional green spaces will be celebrated for their contribution to El Cajon’s environmental and aesthetic enhancement. To learn more about the June Bloom competition, including registration details, guidelines, and prize information, please visit elcajon.gov/junebloom.
GARDENERS, HEADS UP! CITY LAUNCHES JUNE BLOOM OF EL CAJON COMPETITION
By Chris Berg, marketing and engagement manager, City of El Cajon March 14, 2024 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon announces its inaugural June Bloom of El Cajon competition, a community-focused event designed to inspire and reward the creation of green spaces across our urban landscape. This initiative, in partnership with Armstrong Garden Centers, aims to engage citizens and businesses alike in fostering a greener, more vibrant City. The June Bloom competition invites all residents and business owners in El Cajon to participate in transforming the community through the power of gardening. By enhancing front yards, balconies, storefronts, and community spaces with lush plants and creative landscaping, participants will not only contribute to the beautification of the City but also have the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes. “We believe that green spaces are essential for the wellbeing of our community,” said Chris Berg, Marketing Manager, City of El Cajon. “This competition is more than just about planting flowers and trees; it’s about coming together as a community to create a sustainable and beautiful environment for all to enjoy.” The June Bloom competition is a testament to El Cajon’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. With the promotional support of Armstrong Garden Centers, participants will have access to high-quality plants, expert gardening advice, and the necessary resources to bring their green visions to life. Contestants are encouraged to register and submit their entries by May 1, 2024. A panel of esteemed judges, including local horticulturists, community leaders, and representatives from Armstrong Garden Centers, will evaluate the entries based on creativity, use of space, and overall impact. “We’re excited to partner with the City of El Cajon on this innovative initiative,” said Chris Gardner, Manager, Armstrong Garden Centers El Cajon. “It’s an excellent opportunity to encourage community involvement and show that everyone can play a role in enhancing the green footprint of our city.” The winners of the June Bloom competition will be announced at a special ceremony in July, where the most exceptional green spaces will be celebrated for their contribution to El Cajon’s environmental and aesthetic enhancement. To learn more about the June Bloom competition, including registration details, guidelines, and prize information, please visit elcajon.gov/junebloom.
SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE ANNOUNCES STEW
East County News Service Photo: Jamaelya Hines and Danielle Bunch, courtesy: Scripps Ranch Theatre March 14, 2024 (San Diego) — Scripps Ranch Theatre continues Season 44 with STEW by Zora Howard, a co-production with Common Ground Theatre and directed by Yolanda Franklin. Mama is up early to prepare an important meal and, even with her family on hand to help, time is running short. Tensions simmer with three generations of Tucker women under one roof, but things come to a boil as the violence hovering around the periphery of their lives begins to intrude. The kitchen becomes a microcosm of the family, a protection from outside traumas with the making of the stew a challenging task (it gets ruined twice) and a group activity needed to keep the family together. *some strong language* The talented San Diego cast includes Alyce Smith Cooper as Mama, Danielle Bunch as Lillian, Jamaelya Hines as Lil’ Mama and Jodi Marks as Nelly. The production runs April 5 – April 21, 2024 on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Patrons can purchase Tickets online at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/showtickets/ or contact SRT Patron Services at 858-395-0573. Yolanda Marie Franklin, Executive Artistic Director of Common Ground Theatre and Director of Stew shared “I am so looking forward to partnering with Scripps Ranch Theatre to share the beautiful story STEW (2021 Pulitzer Prize Finalist) by Zora Howard with San Diego. Like the three generations of black women in STEW, food and community play a big role in my life and are an inherent part of the Black Family Experience. When things go wrong in your life – you can always go home and share a meal. Food heals. Life will happen and no matter how it ends – family can always come together, sit down at the table and try to figure it out. That experience and focus on family is front and center in STEW – and is a theme that is accessible to everyone. At Common Ground Theatre, we want people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to participate, interact and connect. It is a goal we share with Scripps Ranch Theatre. STEW examines a multi generational family doing just that. Come on into our kitchen and find out what happens when family secrets bubble to the top.” Yolanda Franklin’s talented production team includes the following. Stage Manager: Charmaine Reed Producing Director: Barbara Barber Set Design/Builder: John Spafford Props Design/Set Dressing: Duane McGregor Lighting Design: Kate Reynolds Sound Design: Andrew Buck Costume Design: Cassandra Crawford Yolanda Franklin (Director) Yolanda Marie Franklin is the Executive Artistic Director for Common Ground Theatre, a local theatre company in San Diego which stands as one of the first and longest running black theatre companies in America. Yolanda has heart, dedication, skill, talent, community relations and vision. For almost 20 years Yolanda has been a very loyal and dedicated member of our San Diego theatre community. In that time she has had the privilege and good fortune of working with almost all of our theatre companies as either actor, writer, director or producer. Yolanda is also a multi-faceted award winning actress and director capable of many disciplines and has been the recipient of three Craig Noel Critics Circle Awards for her production of The Ballad of Emmet Till. Under her direction, the show won the award for Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Dramatic Production, and Outstanding Direction. In 2020, Yolanda was appointed Executive Artistic Director of Common Ground Theatre, and has given the company a resurgence within the community, while restoring this theatre community with the gift of producing works primarily for, by and about African American people. Yolanda has what it takes to get the job done and loves what she does in the arts serving and advocating for the equity of the unheard and unseen in her community and beyond. ALYCE SMITH COOPER (Mama) has performed locally as Storyteller and Poet at The Balboa Park Museum of Man, The Children’s Museum, Jacobs Symphony Hall, The Educational Cultural Complex, The Veteran’s Museum, The LaJolla Playhouse, The Old Globe Theater, The Roustabout Theater and The Lyceum Theater. She has performed on film for The Vanguard Production “History of Joy” in 2021 and 3 music videos for The LaJolla Playhouse WOW Festival 2021 “Spittin Truth To Power”. Most recently she was seen in a featured role in the Scripps Ranch Theater Festival “ Out on a Limb” in the play “Go Fish”, and in the San Diego Black Artists Collective Black Lady Showcase at The Old Globe Theatre. DANIELLE BUNCH (Lillian) is a Houston-native with a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Houston and MS in Arts Administration from Drexel University. Her favorite roles of the last decade include Suzanna in Becky Shaw (Firecracker Productions), Carol in Feathers & Teeth (Mildred’s Umbrella Theatre), A Black Lady Showcase (Black Artist Collective residency at The Old Globe), Billie in Harlem Duet (Coronado Playhouse), and Der Ring des Nibelungen (Houston Grand Opera). Off stage, Danielle is an arts education advocate in her roles as Communications Manager for Create CA and new board member of San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition. JAMAELYA HINES (Lil’ Mama) has been performing as a dancer for most of her life in theaters on the East and West coasts. Her most recent credits include 42nd Street and Jesus Christ Superstar (Moonlight Amphitheater), In the Heights (San Diego Musical Theater) and Footloose (Norwegian Cruise Line). She is excited to be making her acting debut at SRT and showing off her acting ability in Stew. jamaelyahines.com JODI MARKS (Nelly) Credits: Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Laguna Playhouse), Once On This Island, Ragtime, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tarzan (Moonlight), In the Heights, Sound of Music (La Mirada), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (CCAE). Jodi is thrilled to be making her Scripps Ranch Theatre debut. Most of all she would love to thank her agents at FSE, her
SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE ANNOUNCES STEW
East County News Service Photo: Jamaelya Hines and Danielle Bunch, courtesy: Scripps Ranch Theatre March 14, 2024 (San Diego) — Scripps Ranch Theatre continues Season 44 with STEW by Zora Howard, a co-production with Common Ground Theatre and directed by Yolanda Franklin. Mama is up early to prepare an important meal and, even with her family on hand to help, time is running short. Tensions simmer with three generations of Tucker women under one roof, but things come to a boil as the violence hovering around the periphery of their lives begins to intrude. The kitchen becomes a microcosm of the family, a protection from outside traumas with the making of the stew a challenging task (it gets ruined twice) and a group activity needed to keep the family together. *some strong language* The talented San Diego cast includes Alyce Smith Cooper as Mama, Danielle Bunch as Lillian, Jamaelya Hines as Lil’ Mama and Jodi Marks as Nelly. The production runs April 5 – April 21, 2024 on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Patrons can purchase Tickets online at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/showtickets/ or contact SRT Patron Services at 858-395-0573. Yolanda Marie Franklin, Executive Artistic Director of Common Ground Theatre and Director of Stew shared “I am so looking forward to partnering with Scripps Ranch Theatre to share the beautiful story STEW (2021 Pulitzer Prize Finalist) by Zora Howard with San Diego. Like the three generations of black women in STEW, food and community play a big role in my life and are an inherent part of the Black Family Experience. When things go wrong in your life – you can always go home and share a meal. Food heals. Life will happen and no matter how it ends – family can always come together, sit down at the table and try to figure it out. That experience and focus on family is front and center in STEW – and is a theme that is accessible to everyone. At Common Ground Theatre, we want people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to participate, interact and connect. It is a goal we share with Scripps Ranch Theatre. STEW examines a multi generational family doing just that. Come on into our kitchen and find out what happens when family secrets bubble to the top.” Yolanda Franklin’s talented production team includes the following. Stage Manager: Charmaine Reed Producing Director: Barbara Barber Set Design/Builder: John Spafford Props Design/Set Dressing: Duane McGregor Lighting Design: Kate Reynolds Sound Design: Andrew Buck Costume Design: Cassandra Crawford Yolanda Franklin (Director) Yolanda Marie Franklin is the Executive Artistic Director for Common Ground Theatre, a local theatre company in San Diego which stands as one of the first and longest running black theatre companies in America. Yolanda has heart, dedication, skill, talent, community relations and vision. For almost 20 years Yolanda has been a very loyal and dedicated member of our San Diego theatre community. In that time she has had the privilege and good fortune of working with almost all of our theatre companies as either actor, writer, director or producer. Yolanda is also a multi-faceted award winning actress and director capable of many disciplines and has been the recipient of three Craig Noel Critics Circle Awards for her production of The Ballad of Emmet Till. Under her direction, the show won the award for Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Dramatic Production, and Outstanding Direction. In 2020, Yolanda was appointed Executive Artistic Director of Common Ground Theatre, and has given the company a resurgence within the community, while restoring this theatre community with the gift of producing works primarily for, by and about African American people. Yolanda has what it takes to get the job done and loves what she does in the arts serving and advocating for the equity of the unheard and unseen in her community and beyond. ALYCE SMITH COOPER (Mama) has performed locally as Storyteller and Poet at The Balboa Park Museum of Man, The Children’s Museum, Jacobs Symphony Hall, The Educational Cultural Complex, The Veteran’s Museum, The LaJolla Playhouse, The Old Globe Theater, The Roustabout Theater and The Lyceum Theater. She has performed on film for The Vanguard Production “History of Joy” in 2021 and 3 music videos for The LaJolla Playhouse WOW Festival 2021 “Spittin Truth To Power”. Most recently she was seen in a featured role in the Scripps Ranch Theater Festival “ Out on a Limb” in the play “Go Fish”, and in the San Diego Black Artists Collective Black Lady Showcase at The Old Globe Theatre. DANIELLE BUNCH (Lillian) is a Houston-native with a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Houston and MS in Arts Administration from Drexel University. Her favorite roles of the last decade include Suzanna in Becky Shaw (Firecracker Productions), Carol in Feathers & Teeth (Mildred’s Umbrella Theatre), A Black Lady Showcase (Black Artist Collective residency at The Old Globe), Billie in Harlem Duet (Coronado Playhouse), and Der Ring des Nibelungen (Houston Grand Opera). Off stage, Danielle is an arts education advocate in her roles as Communications Manager for Create CA and new board member of San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition. JAMAELYA HINES (Lil’ Mama) has been performing as a dancer for most of her life in theaters on the East and West coasts. Her most recent credits include 42nd Street and Jesus Christ Superstar (Moonlight Amphitheater), In the Heights (San Diego Musical Theater) and Footloose (Norwegian Cruise Line). She is excited to be making her acting debut at SRT and showing off her acting ability in Stew. jamaelyahines.com JODI MARKS (Nelly) Credits: Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Laguna Playhouse), Once On This Island, Ragtime, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tarzan (Moonlight), In the Heights, Sound of Music (La Mirada), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (CCAE). Jodi is thrilled to be making her Scripps Ranch Theatre debut. Most of all she would love to thank her agents at FSE, her
TWIN BROTHERS ARRESTED FOR SERIES OF RETAIL THEFTS IN EL CAJON
East County News Service March 13, 2024 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have arrested twin brothers for a series of retail thefts between January 23 and February 24. Ali and Shuaib Ahmed, 28, are accused of orchestrating five retail thefts at the Ultra Beauty Store in El Cajon, allegedly stealing over $3,000 in merchandise, as well as a Feb. 24 theft at JC Penney in El Cajon, where goods valued at $700 were stolen. During Shuaib Ahmed’s arrest, officers discovered he was in possession of drugs intended for distribution. Consequently, the brothers were booked into the San Diego County Jail, facing multiple felony charges, including grand theft and conspiracy. Shuaib Ahmed also faces charges of possession of drugs for sale. Both Ali and Shuaib Ahmed have extensive arrest records related to theft-related crimes, with Shuaib Ahmed currently on probation for burglary, according to Sergeant Kevin Reilly with ECPD’s investigations division.
TWIN BROTHERS ARRESTED FOR SERIES OF RETAIL THEFTS IN EL CAJON
East County News Service March 13, 2024 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police have arrested twin brothers for a series of retail thefts between January 23 and February 24. Ali and Shuaib Ahmed, 28, are accused of orchestrating five retail thefts at the Ultra Beauty Store in El Cajon, allegedly stealing over $3,000 in merchandise, as well as a Feb. 24 theft at JC Penney in El Cajon, where goods valued at $700 were stolen. During Shuaib Ahmed’s arrest, officers discovered he was in possession of drugs intended for distribution. Consequently, the brothers were booked into the San Diego County Jail, facing multiple felony charges, including grand theft and conspiracy. Shuaib Ahmed also faces charges of possession of drugs for sale. Both Ali and Shuaib Ahmed have extensive arrest records related to theft-related crimes, with Shuaib Ahmed currently on probation for burglary, according to Sergeant Kevin Reilly with ECPD’s investigations division.