Sycuan Casino Resort hosted the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce's 114th annual East County Honors Awards Gala over the weekend.

Photos and story by Karen Pearlman

East County News Service

February 27, 2026 (El Cajon) -- On Saturday, February 28, the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 114th anniversary of its annual East County Honors event at Sycuan Casino Resort at 5 p.m. Since 1912, the Chamber has held the tradition of swearing in the new Chamber Board of Directors and recognizing outstanding businesses, organizations, and community leaders of East County. 

By G. A. McNeeley 

Image created with ChatGPT

February 24, 2026 (Washington D.C.) -- Three Senate Democrats released legislation on Monday, February 23 that would mandate refunds of tariffs paid under President Donald Trump's higher duties that The Supreme Court struck down on Friday, February 20, according to CNBC. 

The legislation, led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), and Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) follows the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision that ruled against a majority of Trump's tariffs. 

"Trump's illegal tax scheme has already done lasting damage to American families, small businesses and manufacturers who have been hammered by wave after wave of new Trump tariffs," Wyden said in a statement, according to CNBC. 

Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and Foundation receive $655,000 in federal budget to expand support to low-income and underemployed adults

Source:  Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District

February 9, 2026 (El Cajon) -  Last week, upon approval of the most recent Congressional budget bill, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges were included to receive $655,000 for the District’s Pathways for Adults to Career Training (PACT) program to expand efforts in East County to upskill low-income adults, and to upgrade Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges’ Child Development Centers and Basic Needs Programs.

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

Image credit:  Shutterstock

February 4, 2026 (San Diego) - Businesses and employees concerned about federal immigration enforcement actions can learn about their rights through a new video training series.

By Mike Allen

January 19, 2026 (Santee) -- Santee’s newest hotel came in handy for a few local families who needed a temporary home because their regular abode sustained serious damage.

“One guest stayed for two weeks because their house flooded, and another stayed three weeks because their house caught fire,” said Jesse Duenas, general manager of the Woodspring Suites on Mission Gorge Road near the confluence of SRs 52 and125 that officially opened before New Year’s Day.

“Thrifting is a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find.” – Darlene Cossio,  Goodwill Director of Marketing and Communications in La Mesa

By Heidi Hope 

November 20, 2025 (La Mesa) – In today’s tight economy, with many people struggling financially, one of the best ways to stretch your dollars is by shopping at thrift stores. At Goodwill, you will  find deep discounts on second-hand clothing and accessories such as shoes, handbags and backpacks—from wardrobe basics to stylish outfits. 

By Heidi Hope 

November 18, 2025 (La Mesa)-- For 43 years, Act II has been a thriving and successful boutique offering women’s resale fashion in La Mesa’s downtown village. It is a trendy store started from a family business in 1982 by Dolores Buller and her daughter Deanne Ross, who still owns the store. Act II focuses on stylish female fashion with the hope of helping others dress well, feel good and maintain a budget-friendly experience. 

Andrea Holland, Act II’s store manager, explains the process of gathering fashions to sell and describes their fashion specialty for women’s clothing.

“Ladies resell--we specialize in current trendy fashion, and we have wonderful prices,"Holland says. "You can get designer wardrobe here for just really great deals.” 

By Heidi Hope 

November 13, 2025 (La Mesa) – If you’re looking for men’s and women’s vintage and contemporary fashions, you’ll find a treasure trove of resale clothing and accessories at The Vault.  Run by Michelle La Bruno, The Vault is located at the corner of Lemon Avenue and Nebo Drive in La Mesa’s downtown village, tucked behind the train locomotive museum in the storefront formerly occupied by Unique Boutique.

By Heidi Hope

If you are visiting the Julian area or a Julian local in need of affordable clothing, you cannot miss Kimmi Branson’s store where you can access vintage clothing for reasonable pricing that never goes out of style. 

Branson started this business getting inspired by her husband. She recalls, “My husband asked me: “What would you like to do besides waiting tables?” Because I had been doing it for so long and working so hard. I raised five kids on my own.” This question led to her vision for her business venture, which is to provide accessible, affordable and high quality clothing. 

“I wanted to have something in Julian where the locals could come,” she says. “I wish to provide gently used clothing, beautiful jewelry, some purses and some horseshoe artworks that my husband makes for a reasonable price, so they don't have to drive down the mountain. I could help the community and myself.” 

By Paul Levikow

October 10, 2025 (San Diego) – The weekly ICE Out of San Diego rally at the San Diego Federal Building downtown yesterday focused on the government shutdown, while also including messages about ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ detention efforts.

Dave Lagstein of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 221 was one of the event organizers. He told the crowd of about 50-60 protesters that having the event every week gets a little confusing because, “There are so many things we need to stand up for.”

He added, “The top thing that’s in the news right now is the government shutdown and it is really important that we continue to get out the word. Trump and the Republicans have shut down the government because they want to cut off healthcare, double healthcare costs so they can fund ICE.”

Violet, an El Cajon resident who attended the rally, did not want to give her last name. She said it was important for her to attend the rally “because I see a lot of sadness, a lot of heartbreak a lot of division, a lot of hate, a lot of racism, and trauma in families.” The community leader, organizer and advocate said there might be plans to hold events in East County.