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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
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
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
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
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
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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LA MESA HOSTS 2 TOWNHALL MEETINGS & BUDGET WORKSHOP
February 1, 2009 (La Mesa) — As part of La Mesa’s commitment to staying in touch with the community, the City Council has scheduled two Town Hall Meetings for 2009. These open forum meetings provide an opportunity for citizens to provide input on issues in their neighborhood and throughout the City. The two meetings are held in different parts of
Native American News – Feb 1, 2009
Local and national news of interest to the Native American community OBAMA REACHING OUT TO NATIVE AMERICANS February 9, 2009 (CNN)–President Barack Obama intends to add a senior policy adviser for Native American affairs to his White House staff shortly, first lady Michelle Obama revealed Monday. The first lady made the announcement while speaking to employees at the Interior Department–the
NO DOUGH FOR DONUT STORE ROBBER: ALERT CITIZEN CALLS POLICE, HELPS TAKES A BITE OUT OF CRIME
Feb. 1, 2009 Update: After further investigation, the last two outstanding suspects in the Yum Yum Donut Shop armed robbery were arrested by the La Mesa Police Department. Nicholas Mitchell, 18 years old, of La Mesa, was arrested for robbery and conspiracy. Steven George, 28 years old, of La Mesa, and also a parolee, was arrested for robbery, conspiracy and
SHERIFF SEEKS PUBLIC HELP TO FIND KIDNAPPERS OF TEEN IN POWAY
January 30, 2009 (Poway) — Three men reportedly forced a 12-year-old girl into a van in Poway yesterday near Scots Way and Midland Road. According to the Poway Sheriff, the victim was walking home between 5:25 and 5:45 p.m.. Three Hispanic male adults in older white box-type utility van stopped and forced the juvenile into the van. The suspects drove
RANCHO SAN DIEGO RESTAURANT INFURIATES CHAINS BY GIVING AWAY HUNDREDS OF FREE MEALS
By Miriam Raftery February 1, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) — We have seen many types of restaurant promotions to grab our attention. However, Brenda Nason, owner of Bistro D’Vine in Rancho San Diego, simply takes the cake. Her goal is to give one free meal to every household in the Rancho San Diego area that has not already been to
HAWK WATCH 2009
February 1, 2009 (Ramona)–Each Saturday in February from 9 a.m to noon, the public is invited to visit the Ramona Grasslands with the Wildlife Research Institute, Inc. for a free educational program. You will see raptors such as the Golden Eagle, the wintering Ferruginous Hawk, the Red-tailed Hawk, Prairie Falcon and the Red-shouldered Hawk. Nineteen (19) species of raptors alone
FACE OFF: SHOULD CONGRESS SUPPORT PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROPOSAL?
Dual views on hot topics The President’s proposed economic stimulus plan has split Congress down party lines, with Democrats overwhelmingly in favor and House Republicans unanimously opposed. San Diego’s Democratic Congressman Bob Filner and San Diego County Republican Party Chairman Tony Krvaric face off with drastically divergent views on the stimulus proposal. Texts below were submitted to ECM as press
FLAG DAY PARADE IN JEOPARDY: LA MESA SEEKS SPONSORS, DONORS TO SAVE ANNUAL EVENT
January 31, 2009 (La Mesa) — Faced with a budget gap, La Mesa’s City Council has voted not to provide financial support for the City’s Flag Day Parade this year. To save the popular community event, some councilmembers and community leaders have launched a one-week fundraising drive in hopes of saving the community’s parade. Printer-friendly version
BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY ROBBED AT GUNPOINT
January 29, 2009 (La Mesa) — At 7:39 PM, La Mesa Police responded to a report of an armed robbery from the Burlington Coat Factory located at 7938 El Cajon Boulevard. Several La Mesa Police officers and the Sheriff’s helicopter ASTREA responded to the scene, but the suspect had fled prior to their arrival. The suspect entered the open business,
FILNER REINTRODUCES BILL TO HONOR FALLEN HEROES FROM VIETNAM
January 28, 2009 (San Diego) — Congressman Bob Filner has reintroduced legislation to honor the service and sacrifice of many members of the United States Armed Forces who fought in Vietnam, the “In Memory Medal for Forgotten Veterans Act” (H.R. 671). The bill recognizes veterans who died as a result of their service in the Vietnam War but who do
Eco-Job Faire at SDSU Works Toward Green Economy
Story and photos by Gayle Early Amanda Costa and Erin Lannon of SDSUÕs Enviro-Business Society November 12, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) — “Hey, you’re going the wrong way!” Amanda Costa, former co-president of SDSU’s Enviro-Business Society called out to students streaming down Aztec Center steps. A “green-career forum” was about to start, where the Society, also known as “Club e3,” would
O CHRISTMAS TREE–CERTIFIED GREEN!
The Coalition of Environmentally Conscious Growers™ is asking consumers to purchase a real “certified green” Christmas tree this holiday season for the following reasons: Artificial Christmas Trees were recently added to the Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s list of household products containing polyvinyl chloride, or PVC Real Christmas trees are natural products of the U.S., contributing to the nation’s
SYCUAN DONATES $300,000 TO SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL AT FUNDRAISING GALA
Event Raises More Than $600,000 for New Robotic Surgery Program November 15, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) — Grossmont Hospital Foundation hosted its Carnevale di Venezia Annual Gala on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina to help raise money for Sharp Grossmont Hospital. The event netted more than $600,000 dollars, which will support the hospital’s new da
SDG&E HOSTS “FIRE PREPAREDNESS” COMMUNITY MEETINGS
SDG&E will host a series of fire preparedness community meetings on November 17, 18 and 19 in Valley Center, Alpine and Pine Valley to discuss its proposal to shut-off power during high fire-risk periods. “The "power shut-off" portion of our Emergency Fire Plan has been suspended until next year’s fire season (at least),” Don Parent, SDG&E public affairs manager, wrote
“Border 24” Fire
November 15, 2008 – A Vegetation Fire broke out this morning East of the Tecate Border crossing. Fire officials say 35-40 acres have burned but the fire’s advance has been stopped. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT SHARES VIEWS ON ELECTION OUTCOMES AND IMPACT ON BUSINESS COMMUNITY
By Miriam Raftery East County Chamber of Commerce President Mike Cully (left) and membership director Regina Williamson (right) present new member plaque to ECM Editor Miriam Raftery and Marketing Director Leon Thompson. Mike Cully, president of the East County Chamber of Commerce, was at Election Central in Golden Hall downtown as the announcement was made that Barack Obama had won
FIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER SET FOR SAT. NOV 8
"Do you think the victims of the fires of 2003 & 2007 be allowed to go homeless?" asks Randy Seol of the musical group Strawberry Alarm Clock. This Saturday, November 8 from 3 to 8 p.m., Seol is organizing a benefit fundraiser to meet and hear musical groups slated to perform at a benefit concert next March.(The concert was originally
SDG&E PLAN TO CUT POWER GETS FROSTY RECEPTION AT PUC HEARING; BACK COUNTRY RESIDENTS, PUBLIC OFFICIALS VOICE OBJECTIONS
By Miriam Raftery November 2008 (San Diego) — Public officials and backcountry residents leveled harsh criticism at SG&E during a public meeting of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) convened in San Diego on October 14 to discuss causes of the 2007 wildfires and how to prevent future conflagrations. Speaker after speaker blasted SDG&E’s proposal to cut power to 45,000
HOPE PREVAILS: OBAMA VICTORY HAS LONG COATTAILS LOCALLY
By Miriam Raftery Democrats gathered at House of Blues await word on Presidential race On the night when most of America turned blue, Democrats gathered to celebrate at the aptly-named House of Blues in San Diego. Cheers greeted the historic announcement that Barack Obama had just been declared the winner, becoming the first African-American president in U.S. history. Kristy Mundt,
Budget Crisis Hits Home
State workers in East County struggle to cope with prospect of huge pay cuts, lay-offs; Judge orders Sept. 12 hearing on Governor’s wage-slashing orders By Miriam Raftery Photos by Aida Canonizado November 4, 2008 (El Cajon)–Mildred Scarber, a state employee who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in El Cajon, was shocked to learn that Governor Schwarzenegger has
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