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El Cajon sanctuary lawsuit against California draws national attention
By Paul Levikow May 26, 2026 (El Cajon) — Weeks after the City of El Cajon filed a lawsuit challenging California’s sanctuary state law, the political and legal aftershocks continue to reverberate far beyond East County. What began as a local dispute has quickly escalated into a nationally watched test
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
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
El Cajon sanctuary lawsuit against California draws national attention
By Paul Levikow May 26, 2026 (El Cajon) — Weeks after the City of El Cajon filed a lawsuit challenging California’s sanctuary state law, the political and legal aftershocks continue to reverberate far beyond East County. What began as a local dispute has quickly escalated into a nationally watched test
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
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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MARKETING MATTERS: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS AND GROWTH
THE INTERNAL CUSTOMER–MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU MAY THINK> By Rama Beerfas May 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) –In our previous installment, we looked at customer service as your #1 marketing tool. (If you missed it, check it out at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=taxonomy/term/310.) This month, we focus on what exactly an internal customer is–nd why internal customers are just as important as
SILVER CREEK FINE ART CELEBRATES 30 YEARS WITH $3,250 DRAWING
April 26, 2009 (El Cajon)–Silver Creek Fine Art & Custom Framing is offering more than $3,000 in prizes as part of its 30th Anniversary celebration, according to Lynn Endicott, owner of the art gallery and custom framing business serving East San Diego County since 1979. “We wanted to do something fun to mark our 30th year in business and something
WELCOME RECEPTION MAY 5 FOR NEW GCCD CHANCELLOR: DEALING WITH BUDGET CRISIS A TOP PRIORITY
April 26, 2009 (El Cajon)–– Talk about a baptism by fire. Dr. Cindy L. Miles has started a new job as chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District at a time of fiscal uncertainty amid what some economists still expect to be the deepest recession in the modern era. Limited funding by the state at a time of escalating enrollment
FLOOD OF RATEPAYER PROTESTS PROMPTS HELIX WATER TO HOLD EMERGENCY MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 27 AT 2 PM; CRITICS CONTEND DISTRICT PLAN IS UNFAIR TO BIG FAMILIES & LARGE LOT OWNERS
Update April 28: Despite strong public protest, Helix Water District approved eliminating agricultural meters for 900 customers and accepted other staff recommendations. Watch for details soon. By Miriam Raftery April 26, 2009 (La Mesa)—Deluged by hundreds of calls from residents irate about steep rate increases for heavy water use, and by many seeking irrigation meters to qualify for
U.S. DECLARES SWINE FLU EMERGENCY; BORDER CROSSERS, AIR TRAVELERS TO BE SCREENED FOR ILLNESS
April 26, 2009 (Washington D.C.)—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public emergency today in the United States due to the outbreak of a new strain of swine flu in five states (California, Ohio, New York, Kansas and Texas). “We have implemented passive surveillance protocols to screen individuals who may arrive at our borders,” Homeland Security Secretary
CASINO NIGHT A WIN FOR LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
By Miriam Raftery Jeff Hallman (right) of Hallman Jewlers portrayed James Bond; Mary England (center) filled the bill as a Bond Girl for the La Meas Chamber’s Casino Night; George Juchum (left) is owner of Rockscapes, Inc. April 14, 2009 (San Diego)—More than 175 guests filled the Golden Ballroom at the Town & Country Hotel for the La Mesa
SUPERVISOR JACOB & AREA MAYORS TO SPEAK MAY 1 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
April 26, 2009 (El Cajon)–County Supervisor Dianne Jacob is scheduled to be joined by several mayors of East County cities as featured speakers at the East County Chamber of Commerce’s “First Friday Breakfast” starting at 7:15 a.m., Friday, May 1, at Grossmont College’s Student Center on the eastern side of the campus. Also speaking at the breakfast will be Barry
SWINE FLU STRAIN IN SAN DIEGO MATCHES DEADLY VIRUS IN MEXICO; ANTI-VIRAL MEDICINES COMBAT DISEASE IF TREATED EARLY
By Miriam Raftery ECM intern Marissa Kerizan also contributed to this story. April 25, 2009 (San Diego)—The Center for Disease Control has found that swine flu virus strains in San Diego match samples of a virus that has killed 81 people and sickened over 1,300 in Mexico. In Mexico City, where the majority of cases occurred, all public
HOLLINGSWORTH OPPOSES BILLS TO RESTRICT SALE OF TOBACCO NEAR SCHOOLS & ADD RENEWAL FEE FOR TOBACCO LICENSES; SENATOR TOOK HEFTY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM TOBACCO INDUSTRY
By Miriam Raftery April 24, 2009 (Sacramento) California State Senate Leader Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murietta), whose district includes San Diego’s East County, has issued a statement opposing three bills aimed at restricting sale of tobacco to minors. The three measures, SB 601, 602 and 603, passed the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee on a party-line vote. Holilngsworth took $39,500 in campaign
“EATER” EVENT A VORACIOUS SUCCESS—AND FUN FOR ALL
By Miriam Raftery Ballroom dancers Peggy Diamond and Peter Tworoger April 21, 2009 (Alpine)—East County Magazine’s guests were all winners at our “On the Road With the East County Eater” party Monday night at the Vine Wines Bar & Bistro in Alpine. Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful sponsors, every guest walked (or danced) away with a prize! East
California State Senate unanimously passes Senator Weber Pierson’s early math screening bill
Source: Senator Akilah Weber-Pierson AI image via Pixabay May 20, 2026 (San Diego) — The California State Senate has unanimously passed SB 1067, legislation authored by Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. to strengthen early identification of math learning challenges for students in kindergarten through second grade. Printer-friendly version
Cannabis affects childhood brain development, is ‘real risk’ for teens, UCSD finds in long-term study
By Thomas Murphy, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: “Time Machine” cannabis pre-rolls have a high THC content, 23.51%. The packaging warns pregnant women that the drug can affect their babies. Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego May 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Experts have warned against childhood cannabis use since
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 on both eastbound and westbound I-8 are reopened, but other
Educator Dr. Mark Jeffers honored as 2026-27 San Diego County Teacher of the Year
East County News Service May 19, 2026 (Spring Valley) — Longtime Mount Miguel High School English teacher Dr. Mark Jeffers was named a 2026-27 San Diego County Teacher of the Year. Dr. Jeffers is one of five educators selected for this honor from a large pool of teachers across the county. Dr. Jeffers was given his award during a surprise
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 have been ordered in Campo due to the #Tulsi Fire.
‘I truly believe that’s what saved the 140 kids.’ SDPD details heroism of three Islamic Center shooting victims.
By Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online Journalism Association Photo: A guard looks as on as a man and child leave flowers at the Islamic Center of San Diego the day after a mass shooting left three victims and two shooters dead. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) May 19, 2026
Vehicle malfunction caused Mission Fire Series, Cal Fire investigators determine
May 19, 2026 (Fallbrook) — Cal Fire investigators have determined the causes of multiple fires within the Mission Fire Series in Fallbrook on May 2 to be fragments from a catalytic converter on a malfunctioning vehicle. This series of fires included 26 separate fire perimeters that burned nearly 20 acres along State Route 76 and Interstate 15. Printer-friendly version
Aging pipes, persistent breaks challenge Julian’s water system
Photo courtesy Julian Community Services District By Paul Levikow May 19, 2026 (Julian) — Residents and business owners in the East County mountain community of Julian have running water again, after water service was restored following a recent outage and boil-water advisory on Main Street. But local officials caution that the problems are not over yet. According to Julian Community
Multi-agency rescue, care at Villa Chardonnay ongoing
Photo of horses rescued from Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings, Inc., and now at Suwanna Ranch in Northern California courtesy Humane Farming Association By Karen Pearlman May 18, 2026 (San Diego County) — The multi-agency animal rescue operation at Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings, Inc. animal sanctuary in Julian continued over the weekend with specialized teams converging to provide emergency
Active shooter at Islamic Center in San Diego: multiple casualties reported
Update 3:15 p.m. — San Diego Police confirm that five people are dead, including three victims, all adult men, as well as two teenage suspects who appear to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The San Diego Police Department said all three of the victims were adult men. The two suspects were identified only as two teenagers. Police said the
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