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Fiery collision kills Julian man, injures four others
East County News Service May 27, 2026 (Julian) – A head-on collision on May 25 shortly before 7 p.m. on Pine Hills Road, just north of Deer Lake Park in Julian, resulted in one death and injuries to four other people. Printer-friendly version
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
News Issues
Harbison Canyon man sentenced to 216 years in prison for brutal murder of Samuel Holthaus and other violent crimes
East County News Service Photo: Victim Samuel Holthaus, courtesy of the District Attorney’s office May 26, 2026 (San Diego) – Kenneth McNally Jr., 42, has been sentenced to 216 years in prison for murdering Samuel Holthaus, 59, and committing a series of other violent crimes in Harbison Canyon in 2023.
Ghost guns seized in Spring Valley after SWAT team operation
East County News Service Photo courtesy of San Diego County Sheriff May 25, 2026 (Spring Valley) – A Spring Valley man who is prohibited from owning firearms has been arrested after a search found un-serialized “ghost” guns, ammunition, and gun parts in various stages of manufacture. Printer-friendly version
Politics
Lemon Grove bird sale ban heading to November ballot after 3-2 vote
By Karen Pearlman May 25, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove voters will have the final say this November on a measure that would end commercial bird sales in the city, replacing them with a rescue-only model that requires pet stores to source birds exclusively from animal shelters, humane
Our interview with Marni Von Wilpert, candidate for 48th Congressional District
May 22, 2026 (San Diego’s East County — Earlier this month, ECM interviewed Marni Von Wilpert, a Democrat and one of the leading contenders running in the 48th Congressional district for an open seat as a result of Republican Darrell Issa retiring. She’s a San Diego City Councilmember, a
Wildfires and Emergencies
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
Firefighters hold Tusil Fire to 1,000 acres overnight despite difficult conditions; some evacuations remain in place
Story and Photos by Josh Stotler; Miriam Raftery contributed to this report May 20, 2026 (Campo) – Wind-driven flames crossed Interstate 8, forcing temporary shutdown of the freeway in both directions late yesterday as crews battled the #Tusil Fire in rugged terrain. As of this morning, the number lane
Events & Arts
Lemon Grove Pride Drag Brunch coming on June 6
East County News Service May 24, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — J Lau Farrow-Halston of Escondido Drag is hosting the Lemon Grove Pride Drag Brunch next month. The 2 1/2-hour show will include performances by Amore Envy, Gabby Link Aux and Drag Latina’s Rosalinda and will be held starting at noon
Destination East County: Joyful June events
By Miriam Raftery May 21, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – June is jumping with joyful events including Santee Summer Knights—a Medieval festival, star parties on Mount Laguna, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, open farm tours at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, a ballet
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
Fiery collision kills Julian man, injures four others
East County News Service May 27, 2026 (Julian) – A head-on collision on May 25 shortly before 7 p.m. on Pine Hills Road, just north of Deer Lake Park in Julian, resulted in one death and injuries to four other people. Printer-friendly version
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
Features
Lemon Grove Pride Drag Brunch coming on June 6
East County News Service May 24, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — J Lau Farrow-Halston of Escondido Drag is hosting the Lemon Grove Pride Drag Brunch next month. The 2 1/2-hour show will include performances by Amore Envy, Gabby Link Aux and Drag Latina’s Rosalinda and will be held starting at noon
Destination East County: Joyful June events
By Miriam Raftery May 21, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – June is jumping with joyful events including Santee Summer Knights—a Medieval festival, star parties on Mount Laguna, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, open farm tours at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, a ballet
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FOUNDER OF STONEY’S KIDS HONORED DURING EAST COUNTY TOY & FOOD DRIVE EVENT AT VIEJAS
By Miriam Raftery Stoney Stone and his Wife. Photo Credit: Leon Thompson December 10, 2008 (Alpine) — Community members from throughout East County gathered at the Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge for a holiday party and auction to help needy families locally. In addition, community leaders paid tribute to B.W. “Stoney” Stone, founder of Stoney’s Kids and long-time organizer of the East
HO, HO, HO! EAST COUNTY LEADERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON
East County’s movers and shakers got into the holiday spirit at parties throughout our region. December 15, 2008 (Rancho San Diego) — Jamul Chamber of Commerce president Valerie Harrison donned reindeer antlers to conduct last week’s meeting, where comedian Russ T. Nailz provided comic relief. Members brought toys for the East County Toy & Food Drive”as did attendees at a
HOLIDAY TEA TRADITION BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
By Miriam Raftery December 11, 2008 (El Cajon) — This year’s holiday tea, sponsored by Friends of East County Arts, Inc. served up something new along with the traditional tea, scones and finger sandwiches. “This is the first year that men have been invited,” said Howard Bagley, director of St. Clair Gallery and a strong supporter of the organization. “In
Cuyamaca College dedicates Wendell Cutting Center in honor of East County humanitarian
From left: nephew L.G. Wayne Cutting; Cuyamaca Interim President Cristina Chiriboga; brothers Larry and Wayne Cutting; sister Ruth Anne Cutting; GCCCD Governing Board Trustee Deanna Weeks; TRUSTEE Bill Garrett; and student trustee Chuck Taylor. December 12, 2008 (El Cajon) Former governing board member Wendell Cutting was remembered Friday for his generosity of spirit and caring for humanity during a
THE WILL POWER REPORT – Prescription Medicine Costs
Nothing but the Truth! By Will Power January 1, 2008 (San Diego) — I am at the end of my rope with Big Pharma. They are the greediest, least efficient, most corrupt corporations going, and that included Big Oil. They sell bad, unsafe, overpriced drugs that kill people and don’t allow people who need drugs to get them. I went to
The Rolling Reviewer- A Few of My Favorite Things
By Janelle Eckardt January 1, 2008 (San Diego) — There is no denying that the oversaturation of bright lights, holiday music, and the overabundance of sales successfully lures us into shopping every year for that one special thing we may have written off as excessive two months ago, but that is suddenly now budding into a necessity. And while that
MAKING MIRACLES HAPPEN: CHALLENGE CENTER TAKES THE “DIS” OUT OF DISABILITES
Story and photos by Miriam Raftery; videos by Leon Thompson and Rob Constantine. December 21, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — “When I first had my stroke, I couldn’t speak or move my right side. I couldn’t walk,” recalled Austin Junkin, 80, of Lemon Grove. “Now I can do anything. I lift 100 pounds with ease,” he said, demonstrating his
STATE CUTS FIRE STAFFING DUE TO BUDGET CRISIS
Only 5 of 20 engines will be staffed this winter By Miriam Raftery December 11, 2008 (San Diego) — CAL FIRE will reduce staffing to winter preparedness levels in Southern Califiornia to address a one-time $6.3 million budget crisis. “This means additional seasonal employees will be laid off for a total of 17 weeks from mid-December to mid April, 2009
Poway Sheriff’s Investigators Seek Public’s Help to Identify and Apprehend Burglary Suspects: $1,000 Reward
December 4, 2008 (Poway) — San Diego County Crime Stoppers is joining forces with San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s Poway detectives to help identify and apprehend the suspects responsible for burglarizing a jewelry store. The suspects’ vehicle was caught on store surveillance video. On November 11, 2008 at about 6:00 a.m., two suspects stole about $100,000 worth of jewelry from
La Mesa Rotary Gives Donation to CHIP’s Organization
(left to right) Lynn Hamilton, current La Mesa Rotary President, Joel Tzinberg and Glenn Kellogg. December 10, 2008 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Rotary Club donated $500.00 to the Community Health and Improvements Partners (CHIP’s) organization. CHIP is a collaboration of San Diego health care systems, hospitals, community clinics, insurers, physicians, universities, community benefit organizations and the County of
San Diego Humane Society slashing fees for ‘Empty the Shelters’ drive
East County News Service April 30, 2026 (San Diego) — On a day meant to celebrate the bond between humans and animals, the San Diego Humane Society is issuing an urgent plea to the community to adopt. April 30 marks National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, and the timing couldn’t be more critical: local shelters are bursting at the seams,
Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival plus Coyote Music Festival this Saturday, May 2, at Cuyamaca College
East County News Service April 30, 2026 (Rancho San Diego) – Cuyamaca College is hosting the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival as well as the Coyote Music Festival. Both major community events are happening this Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are free to the public. This highly anticipated community fetivity brings together The Water Conservation
San Diego County to host first focus group on rural winery expansion
East County News Service April 29, 2026 (San Diego County) — Wine not change for the better? That’s a question that will likely be tackled soon as San Diego County officials seek to modernize the region’s winery ordinance. To start the grapes rolling, the county needs residents to share their thoughts on the backcountry economy’s future — balancing a burgeoning
Supreme Court hears case that could strip temporary protected status from Haitian and Syrian immigrants and others
East County News Service April 29, 2026 (Washington D.C.) — Washington, DC — As yesterday’s America’s Voice virtual event detailed (recording here), the Haiti and Syrian temporary protected status (TPS) cases being argued before the Supreme Court today could not only strip TPS protections from immigrants from those two nations, but potentially for more than 1.3 million people from
Welcome to our new site! Tips for our readers
Dear Readers: April 28, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — Our new, redesigned website has finally launched! Posting comments will be restored soon. We’re deeply grateful to the Prebys Foundation for their generous grant for our new site layout, new logo, improved navigation, plus security upgrades. We also thank our many readers who sent donations. Here’s what’s new, and
Backcountry residents raise concerns over industrial energy projects during energetic townhall meeting
Concerned East County backcountry residents filled the Boulevard Backcountry Resource Center earlier this month to discuss concerns, including a massive battery storage area planned for the region. Photo by Karen Pearlman By Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery April 28, 2026 (Boulevard) — Hundreds of rural residents turned out at a town hall in Boulevard’s new Backcountry Resource Center on April
Anza-Borrego Foundation leads opposition to new Golden Pacific Powerlink through heart of Anza Borrego Desert State Park
By Miriam Raftery April 28, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – “California’s largest state park — and one of the last true wild places in Southern California — could face one of the biggest industrial threats in its history,” states a website set up by the Anza-Borrego Foundation at https://theabf.org/park-threat/ . “A proposed 500-kV transmission line, the Golden Pacific Powerlink, could
ECM World Watch: national and global news
April 28, 2026 (San Diego) – Top U.S. and world news includes DACA deportation threats, a presidential assassination foiled, Forest Service offices closing, the treasury declaring insolvency, a majority of Americans supporting impeachment, Iran rebuilding its arsenal during the ceasefire, the EU sending aid to Ukraine, the UAE withdrawing from OPEC, and more. Printer-friendly version
East County Roundup: local and statewide news
April 28, 2026 (San Diego) – This week’s Roundup includes video of the governor candidates’ debate, funding cuts to local arts, a tax the billionaire measure that’s qualified for the ballot, speed warnings in El Cajon, a court strikes down a California law regarding ICE agents, and more. Printer-friendly version
Cal Fire suspends burn permits
Source: Cal Fire Following another wet winter that produced significant vegetation growth across the region, rising temperatures, low humidity, and seasonal winds are rapidly curing grasses and light fuels. These conditions are increasing wildfire risk across San Diego County, prompting Cal Fire to suspend all residential outdoor burn permits within the State Responsibility Area. This suspension takes effect at 8:00am
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