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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
Register to Vote!
Voter registration drives are being held at several East County locations listed below. You must be registered by October 20th to vote in the November 4th presidential election. Registering in person means you don’t have to worry about forms getting lost in the mail or arriving too late. If you’re not yet registered, you can sign up at any of
WATER SHORTAGE REVIVES RECYCLED WATER PROPOSALS
By E.A. Barrera Photos by Daisy Sharrock October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Water is the single biggest issue facing the future of San Diego County. Even the process for updating San Diego County’s land use general plan – the so-called General Plan 2020 process – depends on the availability and amount of water the area will sustain. "Water is
Health Tips
HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASES REACH FIVE TOTAL SAN DIEGO August 18, 2008 — Another confirmed locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus (WNV) brings the year-to-date total to five—including one patient in East County, according to the County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA). FDA DECISION ON BPA OUTRAGES HEALTH ADVOCATES FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug 20, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via
A Firestorm of Controversy – Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Ballot measure will ask voters to approve tax for fire services By E.A. Barrera Photos courtesy of La Mesa Fire Department “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully unprepared.”
DYING TO COME TO AMERICA – Immigrant Death Toll Soars; Water Stations Sabotaged
By Miriam Raftery September 1, 2008 (Holtville)–“These people came here looking for opportunity. Not one of them expected to die,” said Enrique Morones, erecting a hand-made wooden cross at a gravesite marked only by a brick engraved with the name Jane Doe. A few years ago, there were twenty bricks in this pauper’s graveyard at Holtville in Imperial County, final
Tough Medicine, Part I
Grossmont Hospital Investigations Raise Oversight Concernts, Criticisms By Sara McInerney, staff writer, and editor Miriam Raftery September 14, 2008 (La Mesa)–Revelations of preventable patient deaths and alleged neglect at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have led some community leaders to demand increased oversight even as new complaints of patient care at Grossmont surface. Grossmont is one of four hospitals in San Diego County
Tough Medicine, Part II
Community Leaders Call for New Hospital in East County: Long Waits in Grossmont ER, Patient Deaths Heighten Urgent Need By Sara McInerney, Staff Writer September 18, 2008 (La Mesa)–Government investigations into at least three preventable patient deaths at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have raised serious questions about the facility’s capacity to service the needs of East County’s growing population. Closure of the
Democratic Candidates Urge Voters to Unite for Change at East County Rally
By Miriam Raftery "I’ve been a Republican for 35 years and I became a Democrat in January," La Mesa Councilmember David Allan told a crowd of approximately 350 people at the East County Uniting for Change picnic on Sunday at Harry Griffith Park in La Mesa. Sponsored by the La Mesa-Foothills, East County and Santee Democratic Clubs, the event took
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 RafteryPhotos by Aida Canonizado 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 ordered all state employees’ pay
Taxing Issues
La Mesa Council candidates address budget gap, public safety and future growth By Miriam Raftery State budget cuts have left La Mesa facing a potential budget shortfall of several million dollars. In exclusive interviews with East County Magazine, challenger Shannon O’Dunn as well as incumbents David Allan and Ruth Sterling shared their views on bridging the budget gap as well
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