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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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Congressman Hunter Bill Would Prevent Transfer of Guantanamo Prisoners to Camp Pendleton
January 21, 2009 (Washington D.C.)– On his first day in office, President Barack Obama ordered that the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay be closed down within a year. Closure of the now-infamous detention facility could result in some of the 245 prisoners held there being transferred to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, according to a Pentagon study. Newly elected Congressman
POLICE SEEK ROBBER WHO ATTACKED CLERK WITH HAMMER AT LA MESA SHELL STATION
January 21, 2009 (La Mesa) — A man attempted to rob the Shell Gas Station at 5302 Lake Murray Boulevard, La Mesa at 6:32 this morning by threatening the clerk there with a hammer. The suspect entered the business and demanded money. The suspect threatened to hit the clerk, 28, with a ten-inch-long sheet rock hammer. A struggle ensued over
SAN DIEGO CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER SHARES SENTIMENTS ON OBAMA VICTORY
By Miriam Raftery Carrol W. Waymon, PhD January 20, 2009 (San Diego) — Watching the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama holds special meaning for Carrol W. Waymon, PhD, San Diego’s most prominent living civil rights leader. ”It’s incredible to me,” said Waymon, who led efforts to desegregate schools and housing in San Diego as head of San Diego’s Human Relations
DEMOCRATIC OFFICIALS & INSIDERS REFLECT ON WHAT OBAMA WIN MAY MEAN FOR STATE, CITY GOVERNMENT
Story and photos by Miriam Raftery and Leon Thompson Marty Block January 20, 2009 — At the Malcolm X Library inauguration viewing, East County Magazine asked elected officials and legislative insiders whether state and local governments are likely to see change as a result of the Barack Obama presidency. Newly elected Assemblyman Marty Block, who represents the 78th district, predicted
FREE “MVP” HAIRCUTS AT SPORTS CLIPS IN SANTEE; STORE CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING JAN 24-25: DONATE $5 TO SANTEE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB AND GET A HAIRCUT FREE
January 19, 2009 (Santee) — Sport Clips, providers of “championship haircuts” for men and boys in a sports-themed environment, announced today a Cut-A-Thon at their new Santee-area store to benefit the local Boys & Girls Club. Customers that donate $5 to the organization on either Saturday, January 24 from 9 to 6 p.m. or Sunday, January 25 from 10 to
Editorial: ELECTION REFLECTION
By Mary Handfelt January 19, 2009 (Lakeside) — The election that wouldn’t end is over; all the parties have cranked down their intensity level notch by notch. The victors have quietly settled into a new kind of peace, as if committed to demonstrating in hyperbole the open minds and hearts that they promised would be – the harmony that comes
125 PRODUCTS RECALLED FOR SALMONELLA; FDA PUBLISHES LIST OF TAINTED PEANUT BUTTER PRODUCTS; WAL-MART BAKERY PRODUCTS, MAJOR SNACK FOOD BRANDS & DOG BISCUITS ON LIST
CALIFORNIA HAS MOST CASES IN NATION, CDC REPORTS January 19, 2009 (Washington D.C.) — The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has created a searchable list of products and brands associated with the expanded recall of products containing peanut butter made by Peanut Corporation of America(PCA). This list is available on the FDA website at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm and will be updated
STABBING SUSPECT AT LARGE IN RAMONA
January 9, 2009 (Ramona) — An eighteen year-old woman was attacked by an unknown male suspect while walking home from a bus stop in the 27200 block of Sawday Truck Trail in Ramona at 3:20 p.m. today. The victim was cut with a sharp instrument and sustained a 2 1/2 inch laceration on the back of her head. The woman
PHOTO ESSAY: BACK COUNTRY BEAUTY
By Miriam Raftery On a January morning, while people in much of the nation were shivering in sub-zero tempatures, I took a drive and basked in the glorious sunshine of an East County winter’s day. I found golfers teeing off at Singing Hills Country Club, a cyclist savoring a morning ride, a farmer ploughing his fields, hikers and dog walkers
THE CITY THAT WORKS: POWER, POLITICS AND CORRUPTION IN CHICAGO
EXCLUSIVE TO EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE By Dennis Moore Steve Breen The opinions expressed are the views and beliefs of the author only, and do not necessarily reflect the views or beliefs of East County Magazine, its publisher or editor. Author Dennis Moore has offered East County Magazine an exclusive preview of his upcoming book, The City That Works: Power, Politics,
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,
La Mesa Police seek help identifying person who assaulted woman on Parkway Drive
East County News Service May 7, 2026 (La Mesa) — Detectives with the La Mesa Police Department are looking for assistance in identifying a person of interest following a violent assault that left a woman in critical condition last week. The investigation began shortly before 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, when officers responded to reports of an injured
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