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Teachers’ union endorses challengers for controversy-mired Grossmont Union High School District board
By Alexander J. Schorr May 23, 2026 — Grossmont Education Association (GEA), the teachers’ union in the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) has endorsed a slate of three challengers running against controversial incumbents for the district’ s board of trustees. The endorsed slate includes Jeneé Littrell for area
La Mesa City Council approves e-bike safety law for children under 12
By Paul Levikow May 23, 2026 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 on May 12 to adopt a new electric bicycle safety ordinance prohibiting children under age 12 from operating Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes within city limits. Councilmember Laura Lothian cast the lone dissenting
News Issues
Teachers’ union endorses challengers for controversy-mired Grossmont Union High School District board
By Alexander J. Schorr May 23, 2026 — Grossmont Education Association (GEA), the teachers’ union in the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) has endorsed a slate of three challengers running against controversial incumbents for the district’ s board of trustees. The endorsed slate includes Jeneé Littrell for area
Historic Borrego Sun expands to 24/7 free digital community platform
East County News Service May 21, 2026 (Borrego Springs) — The historic Borrego Sun is expanding into a continuously updated digital community media platform delivering free online access to local news, weather updates, events, tourism information, community features, social media content, and things to do throughout Borrego Springs and surrounding desert communities.
Politics
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
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector race features four candidates seeking to watchdog public money
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Race Features Four Candidates By Paul Levikow May 20, 2026 (San Diego County) — The race for San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector in the June 2 primary election is drawing increased attention as candidates debate how best to oversee billions in public funds, modernize tax
Wildfires and Emergencies
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
Evacuations ordered due to Tusil Fire in Campo
Update 3:45 p.m.: The #TusilFire is now 500 acres and has burned within 1/4 mile of I-8, which is closed in both directions. Motorists can expect significant delays. A temporary evacuation center has been set up at Golden Acorn Casino. May 19, 2026 — Homes are immediately threatened and evacuations
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
La Mesa City Council approves e-bike safety law for children under 12
By Paul Levikow May 23, 2026 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 on May 12 to adopt a new electric bicycle safety ordinance prohibiting children under age 12 from operating Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes within city limits. Councilmember Laura Lothian cast the lone dissenting
County unveils $9.1B budget plan; public input sessions coming
Photo courtesy County of San Diego May 22, 2026 (San Diego County) — The County of San Diego is holding a virtual meeting and an in-person open house next week so the public will be able to learn about and weigh in on the County’s $9.15 billion recommended budget for
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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CHEAP CHIC: SAVOR A RESALE FASHION SHOPPING SPREE
By Miriam Raftery September 22, 2008 (LA MESA) – If your budget is tight amid today’s rising prices, take heart! A fun way to shrink your clothing budget without sacrificing style is to treat yourself to a shopping spree in a delightful East County resale shop. My personal favorite resale outlet is Act II, which has two stores in downtown
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO JULIAN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
By Miriam Raftery September 21, 2008 (JULIAN) – “We’ve had at least 500 people here so far,” Dick Thilken, president of the Julian Lions Club said of the 38th annual Julian Bluegrass Festival on Sunday afternoon, September 21st. “Each day we’ve had six musical groups playing.” Besides officially scheduled acts, players from various areas joined in for some impromptu musical
PHOTOS FROM OUR READERS & STAFF
October 1, 2008 (EAST COUNTY) – BEST PICS FROM EAST COUNTY LAST MONTH Printer-friendly version
ALPINE BUSINESS NETWORKING ASSOCATION LAUNCHED
September 30, 2008 (ALPINE) – More than 50 business owners gathered at the Liar’s Club restaurant in Alpine Aug. 21 to celebrate the launch of the Alpine Business Networking Association ABNA). “`Fun in marketing’ is the key phrase to describe this organization,” said Greg Fox, president of ABNA. “What we are about is promoting the personal interaction of like-minded business
PEOPLE POWER – WORLD’S LAST CASES OF POLIO?
Local Rotary Members Strive to End Global Scourge By Miriam Raftery October 1, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — Polio, once the most dreaded childhood disease which killed or paralyzed millions of people, may soon be eradicated worldwide – and members of local Rotary chapters are eagerly pitching in to rid the globe of this silent killer. Since the World
THE ROLLING REVIEWER – AN ANTIQUE STORY
By Janelle Eckardt October 1, 2008 (La Mesa) — When considering a place and/or attraction in the East County to highlight from my perspective as a 20-something woman in a wheelchair, La Mesa’s long row of antique shops didn’t immediately rank high on my list. This is not to say that I don’t appreciate the fine crafts of generations past–I
IN SEARCH OF THE GREAT PUMPKIN
Our Guide to East County Pumpkin Patches Article and photos By Daisy Sharrock Leon Thompson. Bear Padilla checks out pumpkins at Bates Nut Farm. There is something wonderful about autumn. Even here in East County, where the temperature dips only a fraction compared to much of the country, you can still feel a tinge of crisp coolness ushering in the
EDITORIAL – BLUETOOTH BLUES
By Miriam Raftery October 1, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) Legislators who voted to ban cell phone usage while driving obviously never tried communicating via a a hands-free device while traversing East County’s back roads and byways, where even normal cell phone service is spotty at best and often non-existent. I’m certain that if these do-gooders in Sacramento had to
People Power – On the Trail With the Rock “Doc”: Bringing Natural Science to Reservation Children
By Miriam Raftery October 1, 2008 (Mesa Grande reservation) – Bouncing down a dusty dirt road with hairpin turns so narrow that we have to honk our horn to warn oncoming drivers, we descend past Lake Sutherland into a deep gorge. We emerge in a hidden valley—home of the lower Mesa Grande Indian reservation. The most remote tribal village in
A PURR-FECT PLACE
At new Tiger Trails haven in Alpine, rescued tigers run, swim for first time By Miriam Raftery September 17, 2008 (ALPINE) – Q: What happens when you take four captive-bred tigers and turn them loose in a facility large enough for them to run freely for the first time? A: A cat-aclysmic event complete with romping, frolicking and caterwauling, much
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
New high voltage Golden Pacific Powerlink proposed in East County: SDG&E hosts virtual meetings May 12 and 14
Hear our interview with SDG&E’s project manager on the proposed route By Miriam Raftery April 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The state wants SDG&E to build Golden Pacific Powerlink, a new 500 kilovolt high-voltage line. The project would run from Imperial County through San Diego’s East County and North County, including Anza Borrego Desert State Park, then head
Health and Science Highlights
April 26, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) –Top health/science stories include the CDC blocking a report on COVID vaccines, the federal government reclassifying marijuana, flu vaccines no longer mandated for U.S. troops, and gas-powered AI centers emitting more greenhouse gases than many nations. HEALTH CDC blocks publication of report showing COVID vaccine efficacy (Center for Infections Disease Research and Policy)
Lemon Grove man charged with murder
East County News Service April 25, 2026 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove resident Eric Nunez, 33, has been arrested on April 23 and charged with murder. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, died of injuries after being shot in the 2100 block of Eldora Street in Lemon Grove on April 23 shortly after 4 a.m. Printer-friendly
Two dead after collision in Julian
East County News Service April 25, 2026 (Julian) – Two people who died in an April 4 collision in Julian have been identified as Jesus Canales Lopez, 66, and Maria Del Carmen Contreras Albino, 48. Two pickup trucks collided on westbound State Route 78, just west of Mastros Trailer Park in Julian around 2:49 p.m. Both vehicles overturned multiple
Millions in “Inflation Relief” need to be collected by April 30
East County News Service April 23, 2026 (San Diego County) — The office of Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson of District 39 in the state of California has sent out a reminder to San Diego County residents about their Middle Class Tax Refund, and an April 30 deadline for the spending of that money. Possibly for thousands of San Diegans, their
Hungary’s ousted leader, a Putin ally, accused of funding Conservative Political Action Committee in U.S.
By Alexander J Schorr April 23, 2026— After a victory in April by Hungary’s Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar which ended authoritarian Viktor Orbán’s16-year rule, the outgoing government has been accused of illegally using state funds to finance the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, in the United States. CPAC is one of the most influential forces on the Republican
Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber warns of ongoing threats to voting rights at East County Democratic Club meeting
Story and photo by Paul Levikow April 22, 2026 (Alpine) — California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber recently delivered an assessment of the challenges facing the state’s electoral system, while urging vigilance and civic participation ahead of the 2026 elections. About 30 attendees gathered at The Alpine Club for the East County Democratic Club’s April meeting to hear from the state’s chief elections
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of student violinists. Now with Villa Musica is celebrating its 20th anniversary, the
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