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Where Dreams Soar: New Gillespie Flight Center
By Miriam Raftery Photo: Owner Paul Kassel If you’ve ever longed to learn to fly, or if you’re a pilot seeking to upgrade your skills to fly for commercial airlines, you can make your dreams take wing at Gillespie Flight Center in El Cajon. “My father was a pilot and
It’s a sign of the times – LA MESA now up on La Mesa Boulevard
Story and photos by Karen Pearlman June 9, 2026 (La Mesa) — One day before the city of La Mesa unveils a “Bill Walton Way” street sign near Helix High, community members gathered in the La Mesa Village for a sign Walton would have loved — the long-awaited downtown district
News Issues
Where Dreams Soar: New Gillespie Flight Center
By Miriam Raftery Photo: Owner Paul Kassel If you’ve ever longed to learn to fly, or if you’re a pilot seeking to upgrade your skills to fly for commercial airlines, you can make your dreams take wing at Gillespie Flight Center in El Cajon. “My father was a pilot and
Reading Cinemas closes at Grossmont Center; AMC to renovate and reopen movie theater in 2027
By Miriam Raftery June 9, 2026 (La Mesa) – AMC has announced that it will acquire and fully renovate the movie theater space long occupied by Reading Cinemas at Grossmont Center, though the site won’t reopen until early next year. Printer-friendly version
Politics
Tight race in 5th Supervisorial district race to fill Desmond’s seat
By G. A. McNeeley Miriam Raftery contributed to this report June 6, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The County Board of Supervisors will soon have a new face representing the 5th district, since Jim Desmond is termed out and running for the 48th Congressional District. San Marcos Mayor Rebecca
Campa-Najjar concedes Congressional primary race; Desmond and von Wilpert advance to November run-off
By Miriam Raftery June 3, 2026 (San Diego) – In the race to fill the redrawn 48th Congressional district seat being vacated by the retirement of Republican Darrell Issa, a a redrawn district that Democrats hope to flip from red to blue, the November run-off will be between Supervisor Jim
Wildfires and Emergencies
County Fire celebrates 17 new EMS graduates
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office June 5, 2026 (San Diego) – Seventeen young adults earned their graduation certificate from County Fire’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Corps program, completing more than 400 hours of training designed to launch them into careers in the medical field. Printer-friendly version
New eco-friendly fire station opens in Jacumba
Photos courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service June 3, 2026 (Jacumba) — San Diego County officials and fire chiefs recently gathered in the county’s high desert area to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art county fire station. Fire Station 43, spearheaded by San Diego County Fire and
Events & Arts
Summer BBQ, Open House and Pilot Meetup June 14 at Gillespie Flight Center Celebrates America’s 250th anniverary
By Miriam Raftery June 10, 2026 (El Cajon) – Pilots, aspiring pilots, friends and family are invited to a summer barbecue, open house and pilot meet up at Gillespie Flight School this Sunday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary including
La Mesa plans patriotic activities to celebration nation’s 250th birthday
East County News Service June 6, 2026 (La Mesa) – To celebrate the 250th Birthday of America, the community is invited to a weekend of fun and festive family events in La Mesa June 12-13. Events will kick off on Friday, June 12, with the summer’s first Movie in the
Best of East County
Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park formerly called Stonewall Peak has officially had a name change. It is now called Cush-pii, which means “Sharp Peak” in the Kumeyaay language. The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names opted to rename
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
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
Summer BBQ, Open House and Pilot Meetup June 14 at Gillespie Flight Center Celebrates America’s 250th anniverary
By Miriam Raftery June 10, 2026 (El Cajon) – Pilots, aspiring pilots, friends and family are invited to a summer barbecue, open house and pilot meet up at Gillespie Flight School this Sunday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary including
Where Dreams Soar: New Gillespie Flight Center
By Miriam Raftery Photo: Owner Paul Kassel If you’ve ever longed to learn to fly, or if you’re a pilot seeking to upgrade your skills to fly for commercial airlines, you can make your dreams take wing at Gillespie Flight Center in El Cajon. “My father was a pilot and
Features
Summer BBQ, Open House and Pilot Meetup June 14 at Gillespie Flight Center Celebrates America’s 250th anniverary
By Miriam Raftery June 10, 2026 (El Cajon) – Pilots, aspiring pilots, friends and family are invited to a summer barbecue, open house and pilot meet up at Gillespie Flight School this Sunday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary including
Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park formerly called Stonewall Peak has officially had a name change. It is now called Cush-pii, which means “Sharp Peak” in the Kumeyaay language. The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names opted to rename
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SIMPLE WISDOM: ARE YOU CAUGHT IN A TRIANGLE?
By Penelope Andrade April 1, 2009 (San Diego)–Are you caught in a relationship triangle? Everyone is familiar with two people having an affair without the knowledge of a spouse or significant other. What you may not know is that other triangles also cause problems – parent and child against the other parent – friends, couples/in-laws, co-workers siding with one another
EAST COUNTY CITIES VIE TO LURE SHOPPERS
By Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – A sales tax hike that takes effect today in La Mesa and El Cajon, has sparked competition among East County cities and Chambers of Commerce vying for shoppers’ business. A statewide sales tax increase boosts sales tax county-wide to 8.75%. In El Cajon and La Mesa, voters approved additional
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXTENDED AN EXTRA 20 WEEKS
By Miriam Raftery March 27, 2008 (Sacaramento) – With the state’s unemployment rate at 10.5%, jobless Californians will be eligible to receive unemployment benefits for an additional 20 week. Legislation signed by Governor Schwarzenegger will bring help to more than 400,000 California families, the California Labor Federation reports. California workers generated nearly 3,000 letters to legislators and the governor to
ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STILL BLOOMING IN HIGHER ELEVATIONS
Wildflower Hike Planned April 16. April 1, 2009 (Borrego Springs) – It’s not too late to see Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in bloom. As we move past the peak flower time, the show is moving from the desert floor to canyons and higher elevations, where there are a wide variety of plants just beginning to bloom. Anza-Borrego Institute will offer
EAST COUNTY EATER – THE VINE WINE BAR & BISTRO: VINTAGE CHARM IN ALPINE
2502 Alpine Blvd., Alpine CA 91901 (619)722-7046 www.visitthevine.net April 1, 2009 (Alpine) — Let me recommend a sure-fire place to unwind. The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Alpine is situated in a cozy wooden building with hand-hewn beams and split-rail trim, reminiscent of places sure to be found in the back-closets of our memories. Places surrounded by trees
COURTS LIKELY TO OVERTURN SUNRISE POWERLINK APPROVAL, CONSUMER ATTORNEY PREDICTS TO CROWD OF 600 PROTESTORS IN ALPINE
By Miriam Raftery Sign expresses residents’ outrage over fire dangers posed by Powerlink April 8, 2009 (Alpine)—A coalition of more than 600 people packed the community center in Alpine last night to protest Sunrise Powerlink, the high-voltage line that SDG&E plans to build through the heart of this mountain community. Attorney Michael Shames from the Utility Consumers Action Network told
REMINDER! JOIN THE FUN TONIGHT AT A “HOT TIME AT HOOLEYS” WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE!
August 12, 2009 – We sold out — but had a handful of cancellations so there are just a few tickets left for tonight’s "Have a Hot Time at Hooleys with East County Magazine." Festivities are from 6-9 p.m. at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill in Grossmont Center. Tickets cost $25 or $20 for Chamber of Commerce members or members of sponsoring organizations. Printer-friendly
APRIL 2009 FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: PARTIES, A PARADE, RODEO, RIVER BLITZ AND MUCH MORE
By Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Aloha! Viejas teams up with El Cajon to host a brand new festival on Saturday, April 4. The new "It’s 5’clock Somewhere Party" includes transformation of a downtown warehouse into an inland "beach" paradise complete with tiki bar, Hawaiian food and music by Shipwrecked, a Jimmy Buffet-style band. Also this weekend,
VIEJAS TRIBAL MEMBER RECEIVES HEALTH HERO AWARD
Charlie Brown is honored for his ongoing contribution to the Burn Institute. March 23, 2009 (San Diego, Calif.) – Charlie Brown, a Viejas Tribal Member and Director of Viejas Community Relations, was awarded the Health Hero Award by the Combined Health Agencies for his contributions to the local health industry and community activism. Brown, nominated on behalf of the
SEIU LOCAL 221 RATIFIES CONTRACTS WITH SAN DIEGO COUNTY
March 20, 2009 (El Cajon)—Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 221 members have ratified their contract with the County of San Diego. Voting on the contract took place March 17-19, and of the members who voted, 89% voted to ratify the contract. The new contract will extend the currently existing contract by two years and will include a 2%
125 PRODUCTS RECALLED FOR SALMONELLA; FDA PUBLISHES LIST OF TAINTED PEANUT BUTTER PRODUCTS; WAL-MART BAKERY PRODUCTS, MAJOR SNACK FOOD BRANDS & DOG BISCUITS ON LIST
CALIFORNIA HAS MOST CASES IN NATION, CDC REPORTS January 19, 2009 (Washington D.C.) — The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has created a searchable list of products and brands associated with the expanded recall of products containing peanut butter made by Peanut Corporation of America(PCA). This list is available on the FDA website at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm and will be updated
STABBING SUSPECT AT LARGE IN RAMONA
January 9, 2009 (Ramona) — An eighteen year-old woman was attacked by an unknown male suspect while walking home from a bus stop in the 27200 block of Sawday Truck Trail in Ramona at 3:20 p.m. today. The victim was cut with a sharp instrument and sustained a 2 1/2 inch laceration on the back of her head. The woman
THE CITY THAT WORKS: POWER, POLITICS AND CORRUPTION IN CHICAGO
EXCLUSIVE TO EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE By Dennis Moore Steve Breen The opinions expressed are the views and beliefs of the author only, and do not necessarily reflect the views or beliefs of East County Magazine, its publisher or editor. Author Dennis Moore has offered East County Magazine an exclusive preview of his upcoming book, The City That Works: Power, Politics,
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY’S 5TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY (SANDEE) AWARDS
Nominations are due February 2nd, 2009 December 9, 2008 (San Diego)–Those in search of recognition for their energy efficiency, energy conservation or renewable energy projects should look no further: the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is seeking nominations for the fifth annual SANDEE Awards. Nominations for the prestigious event are due by February 2nd. CCSE’s signature SANDEE Awards event
FLAVORS OF THE GARDEN: VALENTINE’S DAY TOUR AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE’S WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN
February 1, 2009 (El Cajon) — Savor a flavorful tour of the Water Conservation Garden on Saturday, February 15th at 11:30 a.m. Tour includes samples of sweet and savory flavors from the botanical world including fruits, vegetables, and herbs–and then there is chocolate! Printer-friendly version
MORE INAUGURATION PARTIES LOCALLY
January 16, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Several progressive organizations are planning dozens of local inaugural bashes on January 20th besides those previously posted on our site. Below are links to find Inauguration Day events in your neighborhood hosted by local members of Democracy for America (DFA) or by MoveOn.org. Members of the public are welcome regardless of party
FORMS IN METAL EXHIBITION OPENS IN HYDE ART GALLERY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
January 14, 2008 (El Cajon) — To mark the 1st anniversary of the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Sculpture facility, the Hyde Art Gallery at Grossmont College will host Forms in Metal , a group exhibition of contemporary metalwork from January 26-February 26; An opening event is scheduled for February 10th from 7-9 p.m. The exhibition will feature the work
MANY MORE INAUGURATION PARTIES PLANNED IN EAST COUNTY
In addition to private parties that are planned all over the county several national organiztions are mobilizing supporters to open their homes for viewing parties. To find out if there is a party in your neighborhood click on the following links. Moveon.org is planning many local house parties as well as some events in local restaurants: http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/index.html?action_id=158&rc=homepage The Presidential Inauguration
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA REGENTS CUT FRESHMAN ENROLLMENT BY 6%; EAST COUNTY EDUCATION LEADERS ASSESS IMPACT ON LOCAL STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES
By Miriam Raftery January 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Grappling with cuts in state funding, regents at the University of California voted yesterday to cut freshmen enrollment by 6%, eliminating 2,300 spots for students throughout the UC system. The cuts occur at a time when UC is receiving more applications than ever before, as fewer students can afford
STATE OF THE STATE: “CALIFORNIA FACES INSOLVENCY WITHIN WEEKS,” GOVERNOR WARNS
January 15, 2009 (Sacramento)–Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger refused to deliver a traditional state-of-the-state address today “because the reality is that our state is incapacitated until we resolve the budget crisis,” he said during today’s address in Sacramento. (Video of speech: http://msmedia.dot.ca.gov/governor/20090115_state.asf; text of speech: http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/018621.html) Printer-friendly version
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