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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
Escondido “Trump house” owner dies after vicious attack; veteran with PTSD charged
By Miriam Raftery May 26, 2026 (Escondido) – Army veteran Kerry Sheron, 69, proudly displayed American flags and Trump banners outside his Escondido home. Now he is dead of injuries sustained in a savage attack by a fellow veteran who reportedly suffered from PTSD. Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, the
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
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
Escondido “Trump house” owner dies after vicious attack; veteran with PTSD charged
By Miriam Raftery May 26, 2026 (Escondido) – Army veteran Kerry Sheron, 69, proudly displayed American flags and Trump banners outside his Escondido home. Now he is dead of injuries sustained in a savage attack by a fellow veteran who reportedly suffered from PTSD. Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, the
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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THE WILL POWER REPORT – Nursing Home Problems Classified?
Nothing but the Truth! By Will Power December 28, 2008 (San Diego) — Another “lame-duck” Federal rule concerning Nursing homes has been approved by the outgoing Bush Administration. The rule places State examiners who police Nursing Homes under a Federal Gag Order which prevents patients and relatives of elderly and infirm patients from finding out about lapses in patient care.
AMERICAN IDOL STAR JOSH GRACIN’S BENEFIT CONCERT AT BARONA HELPED BRIGHTEN HOLIDAYS FOR THOUSANDS OF NEEDY CHILDREN
American Idol’s country music star and former U.S. Marine, Josh Gracin shows his support for Toys for Tots with fellow U.S. Marines. From left to right: Corporal Timothy C. Lewis, Sergeant Viviene B. Sussman, Josh Gracin, Sergeant Suzanne A. Thiele and Staff Sergeant Michael G. Miller. December 26, 2008 (San Diego) — American Idol favorite and country music chart topper
PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS FROM EAST COUNTY SHARE STORIES
By Miriam Raftery Aneesha Silvels President-elect Barack Obama has called for a major expansion of the Peace Corps and other public service programs, adding, “This will be a cause of my presidency.” Obama’s plan aims to double the size of the Peace Corps from 7,800 to 16,000 volunteers by the organization’s 50th anniversary in 2012. “JFK made their service a
FACE-OFF: A BAIL-OUT FOR CALIFORNIA?
Dual views on hot topics LET’S STAY OFF THE BAILOUT BANDWAGON By Steve Hunyar December 26, 2008 (San Diego) —When former California Governor Grey Davis first took office in 1999, the California State budget was $81.3 billion. By 2003, the budget ballooned to $98.9 billion when Davis also announced the state was facing a possible $28 billion shortfall. The level
CALIFORNIA BUDGET IMPASSE CAUSES PARTISAN DIVIDE:
Governor refuses to sign measure with tax/fee increases to avoid deep cuts in education Republicans, Democrats trade sharp criticisms Senate leader seeks help from federal government to fund public works projects and jump start California economy By Miriam Raftery December 23, 2008 (San Diego’s East County)–Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter) has written to Henry Paulson, Secretary of the U.S.
NEW EAST COUNTY FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER OPENS; HELPS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
The East County Family Justice Center , opened in mid-December, will offer a broad cross-section of services in one location for victims of domestic violence and their children. Assemblyman Joel Anderson, a supporter of efforts to assist victims of domestic violence, announced the opening in a newsletter to constituents. ”Over 3,000 domestic violence incidents are reported in San Diego ‘s
SANDBAGS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS
With wet weather expected throughout the week, CAL FIRE-San Diego County Fire Authority has sandbags available throughout the County. The sand and sand bags were graciously provided by the County of San Diego-Flood Control Engineering Group. Julian Station #501587 Highway 78 Julian, CA. 92036 Flinn Springs Station #21 9711 Flinn Springs Road EL Cajon, CA 92021 Rincon Station #70 16971
COUNTY ANNOUNCES PLAN TO KEEP FIRE STATIONS OPEN
State Budget Cuts Threaten Fire Stations; County Offers to Shift Staff to Protect Region December 23, 2008 (San Diego) —Acting swiftly to counteract California’s latest budget crisis, the County of San Diego has proposed to temporarily shift some firefighters from County-contracted stations to ensure that all 18 CAL FIRE stations remain open this year, according to a press release issued
RECESSION IN CALIFORNIA: SENATOR BOXER RELEASES REPORT
1 in 18 San Diego households face foreclosure; food bank demand up 50% December 23, 2008 (Washington, D.C.) — California Senator Barbara Boxer has prepared a report detailing impacts of the nation’s recession on California counties and cities. The report, based on interviews conducted with officials in 20 cities and all 58 counties, paints a stark picture of the economic
$1,000 REWARD FOR FEMALE SUSPECT IN CARJACKING AT GROSSMONT CENTER
December 23, 2008 (La Mesa) — On December 22, 2008, at about 5:30 PM, a woman was carjacked, robbed and driven into El Cajon by a female suspect as the woman was parking at Grossmont Center. The victim, a 20 year old female from La Mesa, told police that she had just parked at Grossmont Center near Wal-Mart when a
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
Mt. Helix Park adds new butterfly garden, picnic tables
Story and main photo by Karen Pearlman May 17, 2026 (Mount Helix) — A barren stretch of dirt outside the front office of Mt. Helix Park Foundation near the top of Mount Helix has become a colorful and welcoming spot for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, towhees and other visitors to the area. Thanks to financial backing from the family of Suzanne
How to fix a ‘giant county bureaucracy’: San Diego County debates competing charter reform plans
By Deborah Brennan, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: photos of the current San Diego Board of Supervisors are displayed inside the San Diego County Administration Center on March 24, 2026. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters May 17, 2026 (San Diego) – San Diego County Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer pitched a plan to reform the county
Mount Laguna Observatory summer visitors program starts May 23
East County News Service May 17, 2026 (Mount Laguna) — Star parties are back at Mount Laguna with the return of the Summer Visitors Program at the Mount Laguna Observatory. The public programs will be held on Saturday nights from 8 to 11 p.m., May 23 through August 15, with a special bonus mid-week viewing scheduled for Wednesday, August 12.
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