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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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HEARTLAND LIONS CLUB PRESENTS TOUCH OF SPRING FASHION SHOW & SILENT AUCTION MARCH 28 IN EL CAJON
March 6, 2009 (El Cajon) –“ Fashions by Dress Barn will be modeled at the Heartland Lions Club’s 21st annual Touch of Spring fashion show. The event also includes a champagne luncheon featuring chicken cordon bleu, a silent auction, and a raffle–all to benefit worthy causes. The fashion show will be held on Saturday, March 28th at the Elks Lodge,
CULINARY STUDENTS AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE SERVE UP FIVE–COURSE MEALS: PUBLIC WELCOME!
March 8, 2009 (El Cajon)–You don’t have to be a starving student to enjoy feasts prepared by Grossmont College’s Culinary Arts Department, which is hosting five-course dinners prepared by culinary students on Thursday evenings from now through mid-May. The public is invited on the campus for the dinners. Cost is $15 per person. Funds will help raise money for travel
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP–FEBRUARY
East County Roundup highlights the best stories about East County issues found in other publications. CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR PROPOSES ONE-STOP PERMITTING FOR ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION New York Times (February 24, 2009) — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is proposing a single-stop permitting agency for electricity transmission and renewable energy projects. The proposed state Energy Department would consolidate permitting efforts divided among at
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVITIES AT HOOLEYS: LIVE BANDS, IRISH FARE & A BRITISH-STYLE DOUBLE-DECKER BUS
By Miriam Raftery Shepherd’s Pie March 7, 2009 — Sure ‘n there’s no finer place to hoist a pint of ale and toast St. Patrick’s Day than at Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill, the most authentic Irish setting you’ll find this side of the Emerald Isle! Charmed by the warmth of an Irish Pub in Ireland, Craig MacDonald and two
EAST COUNTY EATER: OY VEY! BEST DELI IN TOWN: DZ AKINS
Photos of celebrities who have dined at DZ Akins Editor’s Note: Due to a family member’s illness, the East County Eater has been eating mostly hospital food for the past month. So guest columnist Denise Di Mascio fills the Eater’s shoes this month with a review of a local favorite. DZ Akins 6930 Alvarado Rd San Diego, CA 92120 (619)
WHERE’S THE PORK? NO MONEY FOR FIRE STATIONS OR FIRE PREVENTION IN SAN DIEGO’S PROPOSED STIMULUS PROJECTS
“The City and County never asked the fire departments. We are very disappointed,” — August Ghio, President, San Diego Fire Chiefs Association By Miriam Raftery March 5, 2009 (San Diego)–Why didn’t a city and county that have suffered through the worst wildfires in California history request funds through the federal stimulus program for any fire protection projects? The
GROSSMONT COLLEGE SEEKS ALUMNI TO HONOR IN WALK OF FAME
March 4, 2009 (El Cajon)—The Grossmont College Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for educational programs benefiting students at Grossmont College in El Cajon, is seeking nominations for its 2009 Walk of Fame Alumni Award. The Walk of Fame, located on campus in the Main Quad area, is a display of several bronze plaques embedded in concrete that feature
EL CAJON EMPLOYEES GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY
March 3, 2009 (El Cajon)—From blood drives to helping families during the holidays, City of El Cajon employees take pride in getting together throughout the year to help others. When City employees learned of the shortages occurring at the local food banks due to the struggling economy, the Employee Special Events Committee launched a food drive. For over a
RELIGIOUS ART FESTIVAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT St. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Resurerction Flower,award-winning photo by mkona Schlesinger of Poway March 4, 2009 (San Diego)—Many East County residents were accepeted into the 46th annual all-media Religious Art Festival of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church by juror Hiroshi Miyazaki. In the poetry division Elaine Parker, Rancho San Diego won second place and Eldon (Mike) Meyer of Lemon Grove received two Honorable Mention Awards.
SUSTAINABLE JULIAN: IS IT POSSIBLE? MARCH 21 WORKSHOP WILL UNVEIL AMBITION COMMUNITY PLANS
Kathleen Beck and Jeanette Hartman (Brian Kramer) March 8, 2009 (Julian) — Julian residents and environmentalists are embarking on an ambitious plan to make this historic mountain town energy-self-sufficient using renewable resources. Starting with a wind demonstration project at the library, the plan calls for 200 homes in Julian to become self-sustaining through wind and solar energy. "The more that
Tecate, our Neighbors South of the Border
By Dennis Moore December 7, 2008 (Tecate) — Between the desert and the sea beats the heart of Baja California: Tecate, Mexico (not to be confused with the American city by the same name just across the border). Located in the northern central part of the state, Tecate is the ideal starting destination to every other city or point of
POVERTY RISING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY; EL CAJON HAS HIGHEST POVERTY RATE
By Walter Davis December 7, 2008 (San Diego) — Poverty is fueled by scarcity. In San Diego County, scarcity of affordable housing and high paying jobs are causing hardship for many citizens, with some East County communities among the hardest hit. The Center On Policy Initiatives report released on August 26, 2008 reveals incomes stagnated in San Diego County in
TOXIC TOYS STILL ON STORE SHELVES – HOW TO AVOID BANNED PRODUCTS FOR YOUR CHILDREN
December 6, 2008 (San Diego) — Before you buy children’s toys this holiday season, be aware that many toxic toys have NOT been removed from store shelves. Here’s what you need to know to avoid these toys harmful products. According to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, toys containing toxic phthalates are supposed to be banned starting on February 10,
LOOK WHO’S BACK – RECALLED PLANNER GORDON HAMMERS WINS ELECTION, RECLAIMS SEAT ON POTRERO PLANNING GROUP
By Miriam Raftery December 4, 2008 — Less than a year after being recalled by a two-to-one margin, former Potrero Planning Group Chairman Gordon Hammers has been re-elected to the board. Hammers’ victory, though surprising to many, appears to signify a healing in this small rural community split first by controversy over Blackwater and later by the Harris Wildfire that
LOOKING FOR JOB TRAINING? FREE “GET YOUR LIFE ON TRACK” MEETING AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE DEC. 9
The Grossmont College Adult Reentry Program will host “Get Your Life on Track,” a free informational meeting for adults interested in retraining for new jobs and careers, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the college’s Griffin Gate at the Student Center near Parking Lot #7. Reservations are not required. Speakers will include former students who
BOXER ANNOUNCES NEW BORDER CROSSING
By Gayle Early December 2, 2008 (Otay Mesa) — Senator Barbara Boxer announced today that a new port of entry will be developed two miles east of the current Otay Mesa border crossing, a project she and Senator Diane Feinstein pushed through the Administration. In the announcement, she wrote that the new port should alleviate congestion and accommodate future trade
Two finalists named for chancellorship of Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College
December 2, 2008 (EL CAJON) Public forums are scheduled for Dec. 10 and 11 for two finalists seeking the position of GCCCD chancellor. The finalists are Dr. Cindy Miles, president of the Hialeah Campus of Miami Dade College in Florida, and Dr. Mark Zacovic, interim vice president of administrative services for the Pasadena Area Community College District. The district is
POWERLINK PROTEST SONG DEBUTS AT LAKESIDE FUNDRAISER: HEAR IT HERE FIRST!
Coalition to stop Sunrise Powerlink has 78,000 members, organizers report; protest song implores Cleveland National Forest supervisor to save forest, block Powerlink By Miriam Raftery May 31, 2009 (Lakeside) – Mountain Echo gave a debut performance of their new Powerlink protest song during a fundraiser at the Hazy Meadow ranch yesterday. East County Magazine has the exclusive videotape of the
Christmas in the Village
Quintessential hometown fun By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero La Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies, carriage, and fire truck. ENTERTAINMENT Christmas
EDITORIAL – A PROPOSAL FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA
Put Americans to work providing fire protection infrastructure and energy independence for San Diego’s fire-ravaged East County region By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine December 7, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) —President-Elect Barack Obama is expected to propose the largest infrastructure-rebuilding program since Franklin Delano Roosevelt initiated the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. The goal is
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