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Grossmont Union High School District to graduate 4,725 students in June
East County News Service June 1, 2026 (El Cajon) – This week, 4,725 students will graduate from the Grossmont Union High School District. The matriculating students will be earning their high school diplomas on Wednesday, June 3 and Thursday, June 4, from the district’s nine comprehensive high schools, two independent
Passages: Maggie Eggers, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce Chairman, 69
By Karen Pearlman June 1, 2026 (La Mesa) – East County has lost a big part of its community vibe with the passing of Margaret (Maggie) Eggers. A devoted wife, stepmother, sister, aunt, colleague and friend who placed family and community at the center of her life, Eggers passed away
News Issues
Grossmont Union High School District to graduate 4,725 students in June
East County News Service June 1, 2026 (El Cajon) – This week, 4,725 students will graduate from the Grossmont Union High School District. The matriculating students will be earning their high school diplomas on Wednesday, June 3 and Thursday, June 4, from the district’s nine comprehensive high schools, two independent
Man sentenced to life without parole for brutal murder of estranged wife, Ericka Wilson, in Spring Valley
East County News Service May 31, 2026 (Spring Valley) – San Diego County District Attorney announced this week that Kandynn Wilson, 34, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the vicious stabbing death of his estranged wife, Ericka J. Wilson, mother of their young child, in
Politics
More than 200 vote centers open for June Gubernatorial primary
Photo courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service June 1, 2026 (San Diego County) — The gubernatorial primary election has arrived and the San Diego County Registrar of Voters is reminding residents of options for casting ballots, including at more than 200 vote centers across the county. As
Lemon Grove City Council pushes back tenant ordinance discussion
“Residents took time out of their evening to come speak, and I believe their voices deserved to be heard through action, not continued postponement!” – Jennifer Mendoza, Lemon Grove City Councilmember, screenshot of May 19 meeting courtesy Lemon Grove City Councilmember Jessyka Heredia’s Facebook video By Armando Rasing II May
Wildfires and Emergencies
New Firehawk helicopter now stationed at Ramona Air Base
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office May 29, 2026 (Ramona) – San Diego County’s wildfire response just got a major boost. A new CAL FIRE Firehawk helicopter is now permanently based at the Ramona Air Base and officially went into service on Monday. “When wildfire strikes, minutes
Spring Valley arson suspect arrested
East County News Service May 26, 2026 (Spring Valley) – Sheriff’s deputies used a drone to tract down a suspect reportedly seen setting a fire that caused evacuation of homes in Spring Valley last night. Printer-friendly version
Events & Arts
Missing in Paris: Recipe for Murder (Kat Velvet Twist & Turn Thrillers Book 4)
Novel by Emmeline August Reviewed by Pennell Paugh June 1, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego mystery writer Emmeline August has written a fourth mystery. This time, the story is centered in Paris. Cookbook author Katri Velvet goes to France to take a pastry class. She arrives to a
Ilan-Lael Foundation offers June tours of historic Hubbbell house in Santa Ysabel
East County News Service May 29, 2026 (San Diego) – You’re invited to see James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios near Julian, California. Docent-led tours are offered each Thursday through Saturday in June, starting at 10 a.m.An immersive art and nature experience, each 90-minute tour covers
Best of East County
Photos of the Week: Two winning shots from Lake Jennings Photo Contest
East County News Service May 17, 2026 (East County) — The Helix Water District has announced the winners of the Lake Jennings 2026 Photo Contest: Sunrise to Sunset! and East County Magazine is featuring two for our “Photos of the Week.” At left and top, first-place youth category winner Hannah
Don’t miss Santa Ysabel and Wynola on your way to visit Julian
Tiny mountain towns often overlooked by travelers in East County’s back country By Paul Levikow Photos by Miriam Raftery and Paul Levikow April 10, 2026 (Santa Ysabel/Wynola) – Visitors travelling to Julian north from Ramona can oftentimes overlook two equally charming communities along the way. Some might even think Santa
People
Lemon Grove Forward Club earns 13 prestigious awards and community honors
East County News Service May 7, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — The Lemon Grove Forward Club received 11 prestigious awards this past April from the GFWC Southern District, recognizing the club as a leading intermediate-sized organization for its outstanding servicepeop and impact. The Lemon Grove Forward Club achieved 16,829 volunteer service
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Soroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member); Nancy
Communities
Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges to award more than 6,230 degrees and certificates in 2026
Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District May 30, 2026 (El Cajon) – Next week, Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges will be awarding more than 6,230 degrees and certificates to nearly 2,500 graduates, with over 900 graduates expected to participate in the Commencement Ceremonies. Cuyamaca College is awarding 358 additional degrees compared to
Restoration or destruction? Proposed plan for Laguna Mountains raising concern
Photo of part of the Laguna Mountains area that could be part of a plan by the government to prevent wildfires by bulldozing the area and cutting down chaparral. Photo by David Hogan, The Chaparral Lands Conservancy By Karen Pearlman May 29, 2026 (Mt. Laguna) — A sweeping federal plan
Features
Ilan-Lael Foundation offers June tours of historic Hubbbell house in Santa Ysabel
East County News Service May 29, 2026 (San Diego) – You’re invited to see James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios near Julian, California. Docent-led tours are offered each Thursday through Saturday in June, starting at 10 a.m.An immersive art and nature experience, each 90-minute tour covers
Descanso Day Parade and Fair June 6 continues a 137-year-old historic tradition
East County News Servicerur May 29, 2026 (Descanso) — Descanso’s first community fair was held in 1899 under a tent near the creek. The tradition has grown through the years to include a parade and community fair, which this year will be held on June 6. The festivities take place
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Grossmont Union High School District to graduate 4,725 students in June
East County News Service June 1, 2026 (El Cajon) – This week, 4,725 students will graduate from the Grossmont Union High School District. The matriculating students will be earning their high school diplomas on Wednesday, June 3 and Thursday, June 4, from the district’s nine comprehensive high schools, two independent charter schools, one middle college high school, one Project Based
Passages: Maggie Eggers, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce Chairman, 69
By Karen Pearlman June 1, 2026 (La Mesa) – East County has lost a big part of its community vibe with the passing of Margaret (Maggie) Eggers. A devoted wife, stepmother, sister, aunt, colleague and friend who placed family and community at the center of her life, Eggers passed away on May 28, 2026, with her husband Robert (Bob) by
Missing in Paris: Recipe for Murder (Kat Velvet Twist & Turn Thrillers Book 4)
Novel by Emmeline August Reviewed by Pennell Paugh June 1, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego mystery writer Emmeline August has written a fourth mystery. This time, the story is centered in Paris. Cookbook author Katri Velvet goes to France to take a pastry class. She arrives to a world of murder and mystery that surrounds the kitchens of
Tecate Horse Rescue saves animals from slaughterhouses
Photo courtesy D.J. Osborne By Jan Hedlun and D.J. Osborne June 1, 2026 (Tecate) — Tucked in the Eastern shadow of Tecate Peak (Mount Kuchama) on the border between the United States and Mexico, is the 99.8 acre Tecate Horse Rescue founded by D.J. and Mike Osborne, along with DJ’s Mom, Jean Becker. The property was originally purchased in 2017
San Diego Humane Society adoption fees waived on California Adopt-a-Pet Day, June 6
East County News Service June 1, 2026 (San Diego County) — The San Diego Humane Society is clearing a path to make the road to a forever home less bumpy for hundreds of companion animals. The SDHS is waiving all adoption fees Saturday, June 6, as part of the third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day. As shelters across the state struggle
More than 200 vote centers open for June Gubernatorial primary
Photo courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service June 1, 2026 (San Diego County) — The gubernatorial primary election has arrived and the San Diego County Registrar of Voters is reminding residents of options for casting ballots, including at more than 200 vote centers across the county. As of Saturday, May 30, a total of 220 vote centers
Man sentenced to life without parole for brutal murder of estranged wife, Ericka Wilson, in Spring Valley
East County News Service May 31, 2026 (Spring Valley) – San Diego County District Attorney announced this week that Kandynn Wilson, 34, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the vicious stabbing death of his estranged wife, Ericka J. Wilson, mother of their young child, in 2022. A jury in December found Wilson guilty of first-degree
Proposal would open 95% of federal wildlife refuges to hunting and fishing
Photo of local San Diego County coyote by Debbie Ekhaml taken at the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Jamul By Karen Pearlman May 30, 2026 (San Diego County) – There may be sweeping changes coming to public lands across the United States that could deeply impact precious wildlife preserves such as the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. A coming
Sheriff warns of scam mailers soliciting donations for law enforcement
East County News Service Image: Screenshot from Sheriff’s post on social media May 30, 2026 (San Diego) – A nonprofit with poor ratings for charitable organizations has sent mailers out locally soliciting donations for gear to help law enforcement agencies. The San Diego Sheriff’s Department has posted warnings on social media about the mailers, stating, “the San Diego County Sheriff’s
Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges to award more than 6,230 degrees and certificates in 2026
Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District May 30, 2026 (El Cajon) – Next week, Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges will be awarding more than 6,230 degrees and certificates to nearly 2,500 graduates, with over 900 graduates expected to participate in the Commencement Ceremonies. Cuyamaca College is awarding 358 additional degrees compared to 2025, which represents an approximate 32% increase in degrees and
Xavier Becerra draws raucous crowd in Balboa Park as governor’s race intensifies
A crowd of supporters listen to Xavier Becerra last month at Balboa Park. Photo by Paul Levikow By Paul Levikow May 6, 2026 (San Diego) — With ballots already arriving in mailboxes across San Diego County, the race for California governor is entering a volatile stretch marked by rising changing numbers, escalating attack ads, and a crowded field that has
24th annual ‘Grip It & Rip It’ Tournament set for May 14
East County News Service May 5, 2026 — One of the region’s favorite networking events is headed back to Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan later this month. The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce’s Grip It & Rip It! Golf Tournament will take place starting with a 10:30 a.m. check in on Thursday, May 14. The 24th
Multi-agency fire drill set for Barona as San Diego braces for fire season
East County News Service May 5, 2026 (Lakeside) — As the region prepares for the inevitable heat and dry winds of summer, hundreds of first responders are converging on East County to ensure they’re prepared before the first smoke appears on the horizon. Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday May 6, and through Friday, May 8, the San Diego County Fire Chiefs, in
Public’s help needed after alleged sexual battery of 10-year-old in Poway
East County News Service May 7, 2026 Update: The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in a sexual battery incident involving a 10-year-old girl in Poway. The Sheriff’s Child Abuse Unit Detectives had probable cause to believe Jose Santana (DOB: 06/02/1989) was in violation of one (1) count of 288(b)(1) PC – Lewd and Lascivious act on
Mountain lion captured in Escondido neighborhood
Photo of mountain lion courtesy California Department of Fish and Wildlife East County News Service May 5, 2026 (Escondido) — A mountain lion was sedated and captured Monday in Escondido after the animal wandered into an apartment complex, sparking evacuations and drawing a crowd of onlookers. The encounter began just after 1:30 p.m. when the Escondido Police Department received reports
Hundreds of animals under care of San Diego Humane Society after raid of Julian animal sanctuary
Jace Huggins, chief of Humane Law Enforcement for the San Diego Humane Society (left) and Dr. Gary Weitzman, CEO of the SDHS, speak to reporters at the SDHS Gaines Street campus on Monday afternoon. (Photo by Karen Pearlman) By Karen Pearlman May 4, 2026 (San Diego) — More than 500 animals, from a lone crow to more than 150 horses,
14-year-old killed, pedestrian injured in crash near Cowles Mountain
East County News Service May 4, 2026 (San Carlos) — A 14-year-old girl died the morning of Sunday, May 3, after a vehicle jumped the curb, struck a pedestrian and crashed into a tree on Navajo Road near Cowles Mountain. San Diego Police Department officers and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department personnel responded to a vehicle rescue on Navajo Road near
Two dead in rollover crash on I-8 near Jacumba
East County News Service May 4, 2026 (Jacumba) — A tragic single-vehicle accident claimed the lives of two Texas men over the weekend after their vehicle overturned on Interstate 8 in the high desert, authorities said. The collision occurred at approximately 7:35 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, just west of Carrizo Gorge Road. According to the California Highway Patrol, a
Multi-Vehicle collision on I-8 in La Mesa leaves El Cajon Man dead
East County News Service May 4, 2026 (La Mesa) — A late-night chain-reaction crash involving a semi-truck and two passenger vehicles on Interstate 8 claimed the life of a young El Cajon man early Saturday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision occurred at about 1:37 a.m. on May 2, west of Fletcher Parkway. Investigators say a 28-year-old
State health officials file lawsuit against Santee-based Kratom manufacturer
East County News Service May 4, 2026 (Sacramento) – The California Department of Public Health, in coordination with Attorney General Rob Bonta, has filed a formal legal complaint against Ashlynn Marketing Group, Inc., for the illegal manufacture and distribution of kratom-derived products. The filing, submitted to the San Diego County Superior Court, targets the company — which operates under the
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