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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park part of $2.4M statewide grant program
East County News Service May 28, 2026 (San Diego County) — California State Parks and nonprofit partner Parks California announced a $2.4 million investment in championing the next generation of environmental stewards — with a portion of those funds bringing paid internships and hands-on career training for high school students
El Cajon sanctuary lawsuit against California draws national attention
By Paul Levikow May 26, 2026 (El Cajon) — Weeks after the City of El Cajon filed a lawsuit challenging California’s sanctuary state law, the political and legal aftershocks continue to reverberate far beyond East County. What began as a local dispute has quickly escalated into a nationally watched test
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
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park part of $2.4M statewide grant program
East County News Service May 28, 2026 (San Diego County) — California State Parks and nonprofit partner Parks California announced a $2.4 million investment in championing the next generation of environmental stewards — with a portion of those funds bringing paid internships and hands-on career training for high school students
El Cajon sanctuary lawsuit against California draws national attention
By Paul Levikow May 26, 2026 (El Cajon) — Weeks after the City of El Cajon filed a lawsuit challenging California’s sanctuary state law, the political and legal aftershocks continue to reverberate far beyond East County. What began as a local dispute has quickly escalated into a nationally watched test
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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East County Roundup: Local and statewide news
May 21, 2026 (San Diego) – This week’s roundup of top stories in other media includes repeal of Balboa Park parking fees, a hateful manifesto left by teens behind the deadly Islamic Center shootings, ICE’s removal of over 16,000 San Diegans, a border wall project desecrating Kumeyaay cultural resources, weedkiller Roundup sprayed in California forests, potential disaster at Lake Hodges,
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. The expanded digital platform combines the longstanding journalism legacy of
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 production of Snow White at Kroc Theatre, Cajon Cruise nights,
East County residents challenge SANDAG vision for state Route 94 corridor plan
By Karen Pearlman May 20, 2026 (Jamul) — The future of state Route 94 is being mapped to better manage traffic, decrease greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and keep the region moving more safely, but a recent presentation by the San Diego Association of Governments to the Jamul Dulzura Community Planning Group highlighted some disconnect between state-level planning mandates and
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 systems, and safeguard taxpayer dollars during uncertain economic times. Printer-friendly
Al Awael Brings Authentic Iraqi Cuisine to El Cajon
Review by Philicia Tonangoye May 16, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) –On the corner of Avocado and Chase Ave in El Cajon, Al Awael is a new family-owned Mediterranean restaurant that offers a wide range of flavorful and affordable Middle Eastern food options for individual diners or family occasions. Al Awael, meaning “the first,” holds special significance for the owner.
California State Senate unanimously passes Senator Weber Pierson’s early math screening bill
Source: Senator Akilah Weber-Pierson AI image via Pixabay May 20, 2026 (San Diego) — The California State Senate has unanimously passed SB 1067, legislation authored by Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. to strengthen early identification of math learning challenges for students in kindergarten through second grade. Printer-friendly version
Cannabis affects childhood brain development, is ‘real risk’ for teens, UCSD finds in long-term study
By Thomas Murphy, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: “Time Machine” cannabis pre-rolls have a high THC content, 23.51%. The packaging warns pregnant women that the drug can affect their babies. Photo by Thomas Murphy/Times of San Diego May 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Experts have warned against childhood cannabis use since
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 on both eastbound and westbound I-8 are reopened, but other
Educator Dr. Mark Jeffers honored as 2026-27 San Diego County Teacher of the Year
East County News Service May 19, 2026 (Spring Valley) — Longtime Mount Miguel High School English teacher Dr. Mark Jeffers was named a 2026-27 San Diego County Teacher of the Year. Dr. Jeffers is one of five educators selected for this honor from a large pool of teachers across the county. Dr. Jeffers was given his award during a surprise
Lemon Grove residents look to halt retail sales of commercially bred birds
Photo of petition-gathering outside of Sprouts in Lemon Grove courtesy Amit Dhuleshia By Karen Pearlman Jan. 22, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — A group of Lemon Grove residents and regional animal welfare advocates are launching a formal bid to update local pet sale regulations, aiming to make Lemon Grove the next California city to prohibit the retail sale of commercially bred
A sweet and Grand (Avenue) time in Escondido with the Chocolate Festival
East County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Escondido) – Wrappers will crinkle and corks will pop next month along Grand Avenue in Escondido. The Escondido Chocolate Festival is set for Feb 7, turning the city’s historic downtown into a literal moveable feast for those with a sweet tooth, a penchant for chocolate pairings and an appreciation for local flair. Hosted by the Escondido
Fort Cross brings ‘Old Timey’ adventure to Julian region
East County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – A family farm in the Julian mountains is bringing back its popular guided tour that brings rustic adventure and recreation education to the outdoors. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures will host its popular Farm Tour Adventure on Jan. 31, a high-energy, two-hour guided circuit at its farm, nestled in the scenic landscape of
Health and science highlights
anuary 22, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Pediatricians group sues federal government over cuts to child health funding (10 News) Health insurance CEOs to appear before House committees as premiums soar (NBC) County Public Health Lab Starts Testing Local Wastewater for Diseases (County News Center) SCIENCE AND
To comply with new state laws, GUHSD board passes protections for immigrant students by 3-2 margin
By Alexander J. Schorr File photo, left: Trustee Jim Kelly called the measure “anarchy” and voted against it, along with Trustee Gary Woods January 21, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Board of Trustees on January 19 voted 3-2 to pass a resolution to establish new guidelines for responding to federal enforcement on campuses. This follows new
City of San Diego secures $4 million in federal funds for stormwater infrastructure project along Chollas Creek
East County News Service Photo by Genevieve Jones-Wright: flooding in Encanto in January 2024 January 21, 2026 (San Diego) — New federal funding will support four critical stormwater infrastructure projects in the City of San Diego, including drainage improvements along Beta Street in Southcrest, which has been impacted by flooding during recent winter storms. The allocation of $4.36 million
What to know about flu and cold season
By Alexander J. Schorr Photo via CDC.gov January 21, 2026 (San Diego) — The current 2025–2026 flu season in the United States has seen high activity, primarily driven by a dominant influenza A(H3N2) strain known as subclade K. According to the latest CDC preliminary estimates as of January 12, at least 7,400 deaths have occurred due to flu so far this season. Last
California Governor’s race draws crowded field of contenders
By Alexander J Schorr Updated January 25 with an additional candidate. January 20, 2026— As of January 2026, the race to succeed the term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom features a crowded field of candidates ahead of the June primary. California uses a nonpartisan blanket primary system, where the top two finishers regardless of party advance to the general election. Who are the candidates?
Cans of tuna recalled due to botulism sent to major retailers including California
East County News Service January 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Cans of Genova yellowfin tuna that were recalled due to potentially fatal botulism were inadvertently shipped to stores by a distributor, including Safeway, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions in California. An earlier recall included some sold under the Trader Joe’s label in California. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
New Woodspring Suites now Santee’s largest hotel
By Mike Allen January 19, 2026 (Santee) — Santee’s newest hotel came in handy for a few local families who needed a temporary home because their regular abode sustained serious damage. “One guest stayed for two weeks because their house flooded, and another stayed three weeks because their house caught fire,” said Jesse Duenas, general manager of the Woodspring Suites
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