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Teachers’ union endorses challengers for controversy-mired Grossmont Union High School District board
By Alexander J. Schorr May 23, 2026 — Grossmont Education Association (GEA), the teachers’ union in the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) has endorsed a slate of three challengers running against controversial incumbents for the district’ s board of trustees. The endorsed slate includes Jeneé Littrell for area
La Mesa City Council approves e-bike safety law for children under 12
By Paul Levikow May 23, 2026 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 on May 12 to adopt a new electric bicycle safety ordinance prohibiting children under age 12 from operating Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes within city limits. Councilmember Laura Lothian cast the lone dissenting
News Issues
Teachers’ union endorses challengers for controversy-mired Grossmont Union High School District board
By Alexander J. Schorr May 23, 2026 — Grossmont Education Association (GEA), the teachers’ union in the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) has endorsed a slate of three challengers running against controversial incumbents for the district’ s board of trustees. The endorsed slate includes Jeneé Littrell for area
Historic Borrego Sun expands to 24/7 free digital community platform
East County News Service May 21, 2026 (Borrego Springs) — The historic Borrego Sun is expanding into a continuously updated digital community media platform delivering free online access to local news, weather updates, events, tourism information, community features, social media content, and things to do throughout Borrego Springs and surrounding desert communities.
Politics
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
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector race features four candidates seeking to watchdog public money
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Race Features Four Candidates By Paul Levikow May 20, 2026 (San Diego County) — The race for San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector in the June 2 primary election is drawing increased attention as candidates debate how best to oversee billions in public funds, modernize tax
Wildfires and Emergencies
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
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
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 City Council approves e-bike safety law for children under 12
By Paul Levikow May 23, 2026 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 on May 12 to adopt a new electric bicycle safety ordinance prohibiting children under age 12 from operating Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes within city limits. Councilmember Laura Lothian cast the lone dissenting
County unveils $9.1B budget plan; public input sessions coming
Photo courtesy County of San Diego May 22, 2026 (San Diego County) — The County of San Diego is holding a virtual meeting and an in-person open house next week so the public will be able to learn about and weigh in on the County’s $9.15 billion recommended budget for
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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Imperial Valley ‘seismic swarm’ rattles San Diego County
Map courtesy United States Geological Survey East County News Service May 10, 2026 (Brawley) — A prolific seismic swarm in Imperial Valley reached a peak in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 10, sending some light shaking into San Diego County and triggering mobile alerts for some residents. The largest event of the sequence so far — a magnitude
Reunions part of massive rescue operation of 700+ animals at Villa Chardonnay
Photo of reunion of Honey, rescued from Villa Chardonnay, and her original owner, along with San Diego Humane Society workers, courtesy of San Diego Humane Society By Karen Pearlman May 10, 2026 (Julian) — Amid the logistics of looking into the needs of more than 700 animals seized from an animal sanctuary in Julian, stories of heartbreak and hope are
Lions Tigers & Bears ‘Wild in the Country’ event is May 30
East County News Service May 9, 2026 (Alpine) — Lions Tigers & Bears, Southern California’s premier accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, is holding its signature fundraising gala, Wild in the Country later this month. The event is set to take place from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 30 at 24402 Martin Way, the organization’s 142-acre ranch in Alpine.
SD & Imperial Small Business Development Center Network hosting expo June 11
East County News Service May 9, 2026 (La Mesa) –The San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center Network will host the Small Business Expo La Mesa on Thursday, June 11 at the La Mesa Community Center. The half-day event is designed to support local entrepreneurs, is scheduled to run from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at 4975 Memorial Drive.
SD Superior Court warns of sophisticated new scams
East County News Service May 9, 2026 (San Diego County) — If you receive a text message about a missed court date or a phone call from someone saying they are a “law enforcement officer” demanding payment for a warrant, take a breath before you take out your wallet. It’s likely a trap, say leaders from the Superior Court of
Boulevard Bazaar coming to backcountry May 17
East County Magazine May 9, 2026 (Boulevard) — Don’t look now (or maybe definitely look) but the Mountain Empire is about to get a little more eccentric. Community members in Boulevard on Sunday, May 17 will host the inaugural “Bizarre Bazaar.” The plan, according to Boulevard community spokesperson Mara Harris, is to continue this event and have a quarterly “Art
Heat warning coming to San Diego County this weekend into next week
East County News Service May 8, 2026 (San Diego County) — A powerful high-pressure system will settle over Southern California, pushing temperatures in San Diego’s desert regions toward unseasonably extreme temperatures this weekend. The National Weather Service has officially upgraded its Extreme Heat Watch to an Extreme Heat Warning for the low deserts, effective 10 a.m. Sunday through 8 p.m.
County of San Diego West Nile Virus aerial mosquito treatment update
East County News Service May 8, 2026 (San Diego County) — The County of San Diego will be launching its annual air war against the mosquito later this month and keep it going Starting May 14, the County’s Vector Control Program will begin a series of aerial larvicide drops designed to thin the ranks of mosquito populations before they can
El Cajon woman arrested following stabbing and interstate pursuit
East County News Service May 8, 2026 (El Cajon) – A 39-year-old woman is in custody following a stabbing on Prince Street that led to a police pursuit across Interstate 8 the morning of Wednesday, May 6 The incident began around 11:20 a.m. when El Cajon police officers responded to reports of an assault in the 1000 block of Prince
Use your pedal power on “Bike Anywhere Day” on May 21: free T-shirts and chance to win an e-bike
East County News Service Image via SANDAG May 8, 2026 (San Diego) – Bike Anywhere Day (formerly Bike to Work Day) is a free, annual event that SANDAG has hosted in the San Diego region for more than 30 years. It is an opportunity for everyone to bike to work, school, the beach, or anywhere. Register to participate in the
Great Debates: Congressional Candidates Square Off
Duncan Hunter Mike Lumpkin 52nd Congressional district candidates face off in a series of five debates. Here’s your chance to learn first-hand where candidates stand–or even ask a question yourself! Former U.S. Navy Seal Commander Mike Lumpkin, a Democrat, battles ex-USMC Captain Duncan D. Hunter, Republican, and Libertarian Mike Benoit to replace retiring Congressman Duncan Hunter in debates Oct. 7,
WATER, PACE OF DEVELOPMENT TOP CONCERNS IN CAMPO/LAKE MORENA PLANNING GROUP RACE
By Miriam Raftery Lake Morena October 6, 2008 (Campo) – Concerns over the impacts of new and proposed major developments on water supplies and community character have divided community members in this rural region. Tensions ran high at a forum for Campo/Lake Morena Planning Group candidates held on September 29th, where community members posed tough questions for candidates on two
CITY, COUNTY SEE SHIFTS TOWARD DEMOCRATIC COLUMN – OCT. 20 DEADLINE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION
Countywide, new voter registrations have been running ten to one Democratic over Republican for the past several months, even in traditionally “red” conservative areas including Santee and El Cajon. According to an October 1, 2008 report issued by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, Democrats now outnumber Republicans by 249,338 to 189,012 in the City of San Diego, while
A FIERY ARGUMENT
Fire Chief, City and County leaders debate pros and cons of fire tax By Miriam Raftery 2007 San Diego wildfires destroyed over 3,400 structures and killed 15 people (photo: La Mesa Fire Dept.) October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – “We have to stop turning to others to solve our problems,” said Ron Roberts, Chair of San Diego’s Board of Supervisors.
GREEN HOUSES
ASID Kitchen and Bath Tour Oct. 25 Features “Green” Kitchen on Mt. Helix By Miriam Raftery Recycled glass adds sparkle to natural slate backsplash October 11, 2008 (Mt. Helix) – A Mount Helix kitchen/great room featuring natural materials, solar screens and and energy-efficient features is among 11 kitchens featured on the 2008 Fall Kitchen Tour on October 25th. Sponsored by
Editorial – SDG&E SHUT-DOWN THREAT FIRES UP BACKCOUNTRY OBJECTIONS
By Donna Tisdale La Mesa Fire Department In response to SDG&E’s announced plans to shut off-power to "remote areas" during high wind events: SDG&E and their urbanite supporters want to run the Sunrise Powerlink through the most HIGH RISK FIRE ZONES of our highly flammable backcountry. In addition to the 500-1000 estimated turbines already proposed in this area, SDG&E is also pushing
BATTLE OF THE WATCHDOGS: WILL THE REAL CONSUMER CHAMPION PLEASE STAND UP?
By Miriam Raftery Anderson Lutz October 10, 2008 (Assemblyman Joel Anderson considers himself a watchdog for taxpayers. His opponent, Ray Lutz, founded a citizens’ watchdog group. Both claim to represent the public interest. The differences in their views reflect a core question being asked more and more amid today’s challenging economic times: just what is the proper role of government?
LOCAL RESIDENTS JOIN NATIONAL PROTEST OF WALL STREET BAIL-OUT BILL
By Miriam Raftery September 26, 2008 (El Cajon) – East County residents angered by the Bush administration’s proposed $700 billion bail-out bill for Wall Street financial firms took to the streets yesterday as part of a national protest action organized by True Majority. Thousands protested across the nation (photo: New York protest, taken by Jeremy Scahill.) “Many people in the
PENDLETON FIRE 100% CONTAINED
October 9, 2008 (Camp Pendleton) 9:30 a.m. — A wildfire that began late yesterday afternoon at Camp Pendleton is now 100% contained, though firefighters continue to douse hotspots. “Between 900 and 1,000 acres have burned,” Major Kristen Lasica, Public affairs officer told East County Magazine last night. ECM activated our wildfire alert system last night after learning that aircraft including
HUNTER OPENS DOOR FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTORS
Border Fence creates opportunities for some, but draws criticisms from others, with waivers of environmental reviews by Gayle Early Gayle Early. October 1, 2008 (El Cajon) – Congressman Duncan Hunter’s office hosted an informal briefing by the Army Corps of Engineers on September 18 on the status of the border fence construction and possible subcontracting opportunities for local businesses. Mary
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