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Restoration or destruction? Proposed plan for Laguna Mountains raising concern
Photo of part of the Laguna Mountains area that could be part of a plan by the government to prevent wildfires by bulldozing the area and cutting down chaparral. Photo by David Hogan, The Chaparral Lands Conservancy By Karen Pearlman May 29, 2026 (Mt. Laguna) — A sweeping federal plan
Lemon Grove City Council pushes back tenant ordinance discussion
“Residents took time out of their evening to come speak, and I believe their voices deserved to be heard through action, not continued postponement!” – Jennifer Mendoza, Lemon Grove City Councilmember, screenshot of May 19 meeting courtesy Lemon Grove City Councilmember Jessyka Heredia’s Facebook video By Armando Rasing II May
News Issues
Medical Examiner rules hanging death in jail a suicide
East County News Service May 29, 2026 (San Diego) – On May 27, the San Diego County Sheriff revealed that the Medical Examiner’s office has ruled Grant Parker’s death a suicide. He was arrested February 15 on charges of murder and assault for fatally stabbing a man in downtown San
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.
Politics
Lemon Grove City Council pushes back tenant ordinance discussion
“Residents took time out of their evening to come speak, and I believe their voices deserved to be heard through action, not continued postponement!” – Jennifer Mendoza, Lemon Grove City Councilmember, screenshot of May 19 meeting courtesy Lemon Grove City Councilmember Jessyka Heredia’s Facebook video By Armando Rasing II May
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
Wildfires and Emergencies
New Firehawk helicopter now stationed at Ramona Air Base
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office May 29, 2026 (Ramona) – San Diego County’s wildfire response just got a major boost. A new CAL FIRE Firehawk helicopter is now permanently based at the Ramona Air Base and officially went into service on Monday. “When wildfire strikes, minutes
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
Events & Arts
Ilan-Lael Foundation offers June tours of historic Hubbbell house in Santa Ysabel
East County News Service May 29, 2026 (San Diego) – You’re invited to see James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios near Julian, California. Docent-led tours are offered each Thursday through Saturday in June, starting at 10 a.m.An immersive art and nature experience, each 90-minute tour covers
Descanso Day Parade and Fair June 6 continues a 137-year-old historic tradition
East County News Servicerur May 29, 2026 (Descanso) — Descanso’s first community fair was held in 1899 under a tent near the creek. The tradition has grown through the years to include a parade and community fair, which this year will be held on June 6. The festivities take place
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
Restoration or destruction? Proposed plan for Laguna Mountains raising concern
Photo of part of the Laguna Mountains area that could be part of a plan by the government to prevent wildfires by bulldozing the area and cutting down chaparral. Photo by David Hogan, The Chaparral Lands Conservancy By Karen Pearlman May 29, 2026 (Mt. Laguna) — A sweeping federal plan
Lemon Grove City Council pushes back tenant ordinance discussion
“Residents took time out of their evening to come speak, and I believe their voices deserved to be heard through action, not continued postponement!” – Jennifer Mendoza, Lemon Grove City Councilmember, screenshot of May 19 meeting courtesy Lemon Grove City Councilmember Jessyka Heredia’s Facebook video By Armando Rasing II May
Features
Ilan-Lael Foundation offers June tours of historic Hubbbell house in Santa Ysabel
East County News Service May 29, 2026 (San Diego) – You’re invited to see James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios near Julian, California. Docent-led tours are offered each Thursday through Saturday in June, starting at 10 a.m.An immersive art and nature experience, each 90-minute tour covers
Descanso Day Parade and Fair June 6 continues a 137-year-old historic tradition
East County News Servicerur May 29, 2026 (Descanso) — Descanso’s first community fair was held in 1899 under a tent near the creek. The tradition has grown through the years to include a parade and community fair, which this year will be held on June 6. The festivities take place
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State Republican Party sends cease and desist letter to Carl DeMaio and Reform California over “unlawful and deceptive” voter guide mailers and website
Letter alleges deceptive voter guides violate state and federal laws By Miriam Raftery May 15, 2026 (San Diego) – The California Republican Party has sent a cease and desist letter and threat of litigation to San Diego Assembly member Carl DeMaio, principal officer of Reform California dated May 14.The letter accuses DeMaio of a “coordinated, brazen, and unlawful campaign to
San Diego Trolley ready for influx of Padres fans next week with Dodgers coming to town
East County News Service May 15, 2026 (San Diego County) — The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is ramping up its San Diego Trolley service to accommodate sold-out crowds next week at Petco Park when the San Diego Padres prepare to host their rival Los Angeles Dodgers, in their first high-stakes matchup of the 2026 season. The three-game series, running
Reader’s Editorial: Protecting East County from Wildfires: A Real Plan for Congress
By Stan Caplan Photo: 2007 Harris Fire During my recent interview with Miriam Raftery of East County Magazine, I was asked about my plan to address the ongoing wildfire crisis that has devastated so many families in our region. I realized I was too brief in my answer. East County deserves a full, detailed commitment — so here it
Dodgers up in the National League West by 1 game after Padres drop series finale in Milwaukee
Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller has been stellar as the closer for the team this season. Photo courtesy San Diego Padres Facebook page East County News Service May 14, 2026 (San Diego) — The San Diego Padres closed out a rocky three-game road trip in Milwaukee on a rough note Thursday, falling 7-1 to the Brewers in the series finale
Hear our interview with Stan Caplan, candidate for 51st Congressional district
East County News Service May 14, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Stan Caplan is a former Republican running as a Democrat against incumbent Democrat Sara Jacobs and several lesser known candidates in the 48th Congressional district. ECM recently interviewed Caplan for our radio show on KNSJ. Click the audio link to hear our full interview, or scroll down
Senate adopts Padilla amendment to resolution prohibiting senators from betting on prediction markets
East County News Service May 14, 2026 (Washington D.C.) – “Politicians betting on their own races, massive wagers placed moments before the President announced of a ceasefire in Iran, and suspected insider trading before the capture of Nicolás Maduro – these are just a few examples of the blatant, brazen corruption that we’ve seen playing out on prediction markets,”
Pedestrian, 80, fatally struck by vehicle outside of La Mesa Costco
East County News Service May 13, 2026 (La Mesa) – An 80-year-old woman walking in the driveway at Costco in La Mesa was struck by a vehicle pulling out of the driveway this morning shortly after noon. She later died of her injuries. Printer-friendly version
CalFresh Awareness Month takes on greater meaning with county outreach
East County News Service May 13, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County officials are using CalFresh Awareness Month this month to launch an expansive outreach campaign to connect residents with food resources and streamline the application process for those who face food insecurity. CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, currently serves more than 373,000 San
CA-48 Congressional Race is One of California’s Most Competitive Battlegrounds
By Paul Levikow Photos via campaigns, left to right: Marni Von Wilpert, Ammar Campa-Najjar, and Jim Desmond May 13, 2026 (East County) — The race for California’s newly redrawn 48th Congressional District has become one of the most closely watched House contests in the nation, with Democrats hoping to capitalize on newly favorable district boundaries while Republicans rally behind
Man jailed after violent April assault in La Mesa
East County News Service May 13, 2026 (La Mesa) — A 22-year-old San Diego man is behind bars facing an attempted homicide charge following his arrest early Thursday morning in connection with a violent assault in La Mesa last month. Alexsis Moreno-Magana was taken into custody at about 1:32 a.m. near the intersection of Kettner Boulevard and Broadway by the
HIGHWAYS OPEN, FIRES 100% CONTAINED IN CAMPO AND RANCHO BERNARDO; FIREFIGHTERS STILL BATTLE JULIET BLAZE
October 14, 2008, 11:00 p.m. — All major highways in San Diego County are open tonight. The Juliet Fire, which burned 3,980 acres in the Oceanside area after spreading from Camp Pendleton, is now 60% contained and evacuation orders in Fallbrook have been lifted. The Shockey Fire in Campo is 100% contained after burning 200 acres. A small fire in
NEW FIRES BREAK OUT IN RANCHO BERNARDO AND OCEANSIDE, I-5 CLOSED
October 14 (12:30 p.m.) – Santa Ana winds are fueling new fires in several portions of San Diego County, forcing closure of several major highways and evacuations in the Rancho Bernardo, Oceanside, Fallbrook and Campo areas last night and today. Police have ordered evacuation of homes on the west side of a fire on a hillside at Camino del Norte
FIRE NEAR CAMPO 50% CONTAINED, HWYS 94 AND 8 CLOSED, 400 EVACUATED
October 13 (Campo) 9:30 a.m. — Three hundred homes have been ordered to evacuate due to a 100-acre wildfire that began at Highway 94 near Shockey Truck Trail. The blaze has burned 100 areas on both sides of 94 and is 50% contained. No structures have been lost. Evacuation centers have been established at at the Potrero Library and Mountain
4,000 FLEE FIRES IN PENDLETON, OCEANSIDE, FALLBROOK
Fire in North County. Photo by Corina Squires October 14 (Camp Pendleton) 12:10 p.m. – The third blaze in there weeks to strike Camp Pendleton has charred over 1,500 acres, forcing evacution of over 4,000 people from Oceanside as well as base housing. Some schools in Oceanside may be closed tomorrow, ECM has learned. The Juliet fire forced evacuation of
SDG&E THREAT TO CUT POWER DURING FIRE DANGER SPARKS HEATED OUTCRY AMONG EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS
Large crowd likely at CPUC meeting Tuesday in San Diego By Miriam Raftery October 13, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) – Backcountry residents are reacting with shock, praise and outrage to a notice sent by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) to 45,000 customers warning that power lines may be shut off when fire danger is high. With red flag
HIGH FIRE DANGER, SANTA ANA WINDS STARTING TONIGHT
CAL Fire gears up with extra airpower, asks homeowners to take defensive steps; SDG&E may cut power in high-risk areas Story and photos by Miriam Raftery October 12, 2008 (El Cajon) – CAL Fire has issued a warning that the danger of wildfire is high due to forecasts of Santa Ana winds starting tonight combined with already hot, dry conditions
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.
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