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La Mesa Council asks staff to weigh options to expand parking in downtown village
By Miriam Raftery May 27, 2026 (La Mesa) – La Mesa City Council members voted unanimously last night to ask staff to analyze four proposed options to increase parking in the downtown village. The proposals came after Councilmember Laura Lothian, Vice Chair Lauren Cazares and a parking commission rode
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
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
La Mesa Council asks staff to weigh options to expand parking in downtown village
By Miriam Raftery May 27, 2026 (La Mesa) – La Mesa City Council members voted unanimously last night to ask staff to analyze four proposed options to increase parking in the downtown village. The proposals came after Councilmember Laura Lothian, Vice Chair Lauren Cazares and a parking commission rode
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
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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HEARTLAND LIONS CLUB PRESENTS TOUCH OF SPRING FASHION SHOW & SILENT AUCTION MARCH 28 IN EL CAJON
March 6, 2009 (El Cajon) –“ Fashions by Dress Barn will be modeled at the Heartland Lions Club’s 21st annual Touch of Spring fashion show. The event also includes a champagne luncheon featuring chicken cordon bleu, a silent auction, and a raffle–all to benefit worthy causes. The fashion show will be held on Saturday, March 28th at the Elks Lodge,
CULINARY STUDENTS AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE SERVE UP FIVE–COURSE MEALS: PUBLIC WELCOME!
March 8, 2009 (El Cajon)–You don’t have to be a starving student to enjoy feasts prepared by Grossmont College’s Culinary Arts Department, which is hosting five-course dinners prepared by culinary students on Thursday evenings from now through mid-May. The public is invited on the campus for the dinners. Cost is $15 per person. Funds will help raise money for travel
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP–FEBRUARY
East County Roundup highlights the best stories about East County issues found in other publications. CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR PROPOSES ONE-STOP PERMITTING FOR ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION New York Times (February 24, 2009) — California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is proposing a single-stop permitting agency for electricity transmission and renewable energy projects. The proposed state Energy Department would consolidate permitting efforts divided among at
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVITIES AT HOOLEYS: LIVE BANDS, IRISH FARE & A BRITISH-STYLE DOUBLE-DECKER BUS
By Miriam Raftery Shepherd’s Pie March 7, 2009 — Sure ‘n there’s no finer place to hoist a pint of ale and toast St. Patrick’s Day than at Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill, the most authentic Irish setting you’ll find this side of the Emerald Isle! Charmed by the warmth of an Irish Pub in Ireland, Craig MacDonald and two
EAST COUNTY EATER: OY VEY! BEST DELI IN TOWN: DZ AKINS
Photos of celebrities who have dined at DZ Akins Editor’s Note: Due to a family member’s illness, the East County Eater has been eating mostly hospital food for the past month. So guest columnist Denise Di Mascio fills the Eater’s shoes this month with a review of a local favorite. DZ Akins 6930 Alvarado Rd San Diego, CA 92120 (619)
WHERE’S THE PORK? NO MONEY FOR FIRE STATIONS OR FIRE PREVENTION IN SAN DIEGO’S PROPOSED STIMULUS PROJECTS
“The City and County never asked the fire departments. We are very disappointed,” — August Ghio, President, San Diego Fire Chiefs Association By Miriam Raftery March 5, 2009 (San Diego)–Why didn’t a city and county that have suffered through the worst wildfires in California history request funds through the federal stimulus program for any fire protection projects? The
GROSSMONT COLLEGE SEEKS ALUMNI TO HONOR IN WALK OF FAME
March 4, 2009 (El Cajon)—The Grossmont College Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for educational programs benefiting students at Grossmont College in El Cajon, is seeking nominations for its 2009 Walk of Fame Alumni Award. The Walk of Fame, located on campus in the Main Quad area, is a display of several bronze plaques embedded in concrete that feature
EL CAJON EMPLOYEES GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY
March 3, 2009 (El Cajon)—From blood drives to helping families during the holidays, City of El Cajon employees take pride in getting together throughout the year to help others. When City employees learned of the shortages occurring at the local food banks due to the struggling economy, the Employee Special Events Committee launched a food drive. For over a
RELIGIOUS ART FESTIVAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT St. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Resurerction Flower,award-winning photo by mkona Schlesinger of Poway March 4, 2009 (San Diego)—Many East County residents were accepeted into the 46th annual all-media Religious Art Festival of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church by juror Hiroshi Miyazaki. In the poetry division Elaine Parker, Rancho San Diego won second place and Eldon (Mike) Meyer of Lemon Grove received two Honorable Mention Awards.
SUSTAINABLE JULIAN: IS IT POSSIBLE? MARCH 21 WORKSHOP WILL UNVEIL AMBITION COMMUNITY PLANS
Kathleen Beck and Jeanette Hartman (Brian Kramer) March 8, 2009 (Julian) — Julian residents and environmentalists are embarking on an ambitious plan to make this historic mountain town energy-self-sufficient using renewable resources. Starting with a wind demonstration project at the library, the plan calls for 200 homes in Julian to become self-sustaining through wind and solar energy. "The more that
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
Sharp Grossmont Hospital to begin primary care physician residency program
Family Medicine Residency Program at Sharp Grossmont Hospital receives accreditation from ACGME Source: Sharp Healthcare May 8, 2026 (La Mesa) – Sharp HealthCare is pleased to announce that its Family Medicine Residency Program has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program, which will be based at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, will graduate six family medicine physicians into practice each year, helping ensure that San Diego
Santee School District dedicates Educational Resource Center to longest serving board member, Barbara L. Ryan
Source: Santee School District May 8, 2026 (Santee) – The Santee School District Board of Education voted to rename the Douglas E. Giles Educational Resource Center to the Barbara L. Ryan Educational Resource Center, to honor Mrs. Ryan’s leadership and service to the school district and community. “I am deeply honored by this recognition. Serving the students, families, and staff
County launching $2M sidewalk and infrastructure overhaul
Pine Valley photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service May 8, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is starting a project this summer to repair and replace sidewalks, curbs and gutters at 143 locations in unincorporated communities. The work aims to improve safety, walkability, drainage and accessibility for residents. Locations include Alpine, Borrego, Boulevard, Fallbrook, Lake Morena/Campo,
Lakeside Fire’s Pancake Breakfast is May 9
East County News Service May 7, 2026 (Lakeside) — Lakeside Fire Protection District is holding a Pancake Breakfast from 8 a.m. until noon, Saturday, May 9 at Lakeside Fire Station 2. Visitors will have the chance to see the station’s fire engines, meet fire personnel, learn CPR and get tours of the fire station. Cost is $5 per person and
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department using new AI tool
East County News Service May 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — In an effort to give 9-1-1 dispatchers more room to breathe, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is now using a new digital gatekeeper. County residents are being asked to save a new number to their contacts — (858) 868-3200 — for all non-emergency matters. The move marks the
SDHS shares an update on the animal rescue effort at Villa Chardonnay in Julian
San Diego Humane Society workers move transported animals from Villa Chardonnay in Julian into the SDHS’ Gaines Street campus for care on Monday, May 4. Photo and story by Karen Pearlman May 7, 2026 (Julian) — The San Diego Humane Society is reporting that it reached a major milestone today (Thursday, May 7) in what officials are calling one of
Santee considers putting sales tax hike on November ballot
By Mike Allen May 7, 2026 (Santee) — When the city of Santee got the results earlier this year of a study looking at increasing the city’s sales tax by a half-cent, the approval ratings were so high, its leaders decided it might want to try for a full penny increase. At its May 5 meeting, the City Council extended
San Diego honors Lauren Craven and other fallen officers at Waterfront Park
Photo courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service May 7, 2026 (San Diego) — Under the glow of a blue-lit “Wall of Light” at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego, local law enforcement agencies paid tribute on Wednesday to the men and women officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The annual San Diego County Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony,
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