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La Mesa Council asks staff to weigh options to expand parking in downtown village
By Miriam Raftery May 27, 2026 (La Mesa) – La Mesa City Council members voted unanimously last night to ask staff to analyze four proposed options to increase parking in the downtown village. The proposals came after Councilmember Laura Lothian, Vice Chair Lauren Cazares and a parking commission rode
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
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
La Mesa Council asks staff to weigh options to expand parking in downtown village
By Miriam Raftery May 27, 2026 (La Mesa) – La Mesa City Council members voted unanimously last night to ask staff to analyze four proposed options to increase parking in the downtown village. The proposals came after Councilmember Laura Lothian, Vice Chair Lauren Cazares and a parking commission rode
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
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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SDSU AND VIEJAS BAND OF KUMEYAAY INDIANS AGREE ON NAMING RIGHTS TO SDSU ARENA: ON CAMPUS VENUE TO BE CALLED VIEJAS ARENA STARTING JULY 1, 2009
March 17, 2009 (San Diego)–The on campus sports and entertainment venue at San Diego State University will be renamed Viejas Arena, under a new agreement between the university and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the two announced today. "We’re very pleased that the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, who are such an important member of the San Diego community,
ALL ABOARD! SD LAS HERMANAS HOSTS CASINO FUNDRAISER ON RIVERBOAT
March 17, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego Las Hermanas, a group of East County women who raise money for East County charities, is hosting Casino Night with the San Diego Las Hermanas Riverboat Queens on Friday, March 27. The spring fundraiser is being held aboard the William D. Evans Riverboat, launching from the Bahia Hotel in Mission Bay. The San
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP — MID-MARCH
East County Roundup highlights the best stories about East County issues found in other publications. SDG&E SAYS ITS EQUIPMENT STARTED 167 FIRES IN 5½ YEARS Union-Tribune (March 14, 2009) — Nearly 170 fires have been started by San Diego Gas & Electric Co. power lines or transformers in the past 5½ years, according to a report the utility released yesterday
BE INVENTIVE: SCIENCE FESTIVAL AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE MARCH 20-21
March 1, 2009 (El Cajon) — The public is invited to experience hands-on scientific demonstrations and view exhibits that celebrate science in our everyday lives at the 2009 Grossmont College Science Festival on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, to be held on the college campus. Admission and parking are free. Families with students of all ages are encouraged
MORE THAN PLANTS AT WATER-WISE PLANT FAIR
By Miriam Raftery Flowering perennials from Daylily hill Maic Palmiere of Crest displays baskets and jewelry made from pine needles March 14, 2009 (El Cajon) — Birdhouses, eco-friendly jewelry, and water-saving wizardry awaited visitors at the Water-Wise Plant Fair, held today at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. If you thought low-water landscaping means gravel and cacti, think again.
IT’S NO LONGER SANTEE, BUT MORE LIKE SANTREE
By Karla Moran (Karla Moran) March 14, 2009 (Santee) —The working power of a city makes a difference–as evidenced at the 8th annual SanTree Fest and Earth Day Celebration. Sponsored by the City of Santee, this year’s event had its best turn out yet. The community worked together to improve the environment and create a cleaner tomorrow. Parents and children
MEDIA REFORM, INITIATIVE PROCESS & CLEAN ELECTIONS TOP COMMON CAUSE AGENDA
By Miriam Raftery March 16, 2009 (San Diego)–At a San Diego fundraising dinner for Common Cause last week, speakers addressed the latest priorities taken on by the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting the public interest and holding government accountable to the voters. Media reform (including a conference this weekend in Southern California), clean elections and revising the California initiative
SAN DIEGO HOME DIALYSIS PROVIDER LAUNCHES COUNTYWIDE KIDNEY DISEASE AWARENESS PROGRAM DURING NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH
Home Dialysis Therapies of San Diego offers free seminars and private consultations in March to help educate San Diegans about advanced kidney disease and available treatment options March 5, 2009 (San Diego) — Home Dialysis Therapies of San Diego, San Diego’s largest home dialysis provider, announces its countywide educational series throughout the month of March to help inform advanced kidney
NEW LA MESA BUSINESS HELPS SENIORS STAY INDEPENDENT IN THEIR HOMES
March 13, 2009 (La Mesa) — It is estimated that 7 million women are unpaid caregivers to the elderly. They struggle to cope with the exhaustion, loneliness, mental and physical demands, and heartbreak of watching their loved one grow weaker. Advanta Home Care provides an affordable solution for older individuals or couples capable of managing their physical needs, but who
PARENTS OF MISSING ESCONDIDO TEEN ASK PUBLIC’S HELP, ORGANIZE SEARCHES: $60,000 REWARD OFFERED
March 14, 2009 (Escondido)–One month after the disappearance of Amber Leeanne Duboise, 14, Escondido police have received new tips and family members are organizing searches in the community. To volunteer, visit http://www.bringamberhome.com/. Donations are also requested to help with costs of the search, which has drawn national attention. You can download flyers to post or distribute here: https://eastcountymagazine.org/?q=bringamberhome. A $50,000
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
East County-based physician Charles Hamori honored by American College of Physicians
By Karen Pearlman April 21, 2026 (La Mesa) — When he was a teenager growing up in Muncie, Indiana, Charles Hamori performed his first successful medical diagnosis — on himself. Hamori was 14 when he correctly identified his own appendicitis, and it was at that moment (or soon thereafter) a doctor was born. “With my first diagnosis of appendicitis, my
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