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It’s a sign of the times – LA MESA now up on La Mesa Boulevard
Story and photos by Karen Pearlman June 9, 2026 (La Mesa) — One day before the city of La Mesa unveils a “Bill Walton Way” street sign near Helix High, community members gathered in the La Mesa Village for a sign Walton would have loved — the long-awaited downtown district
ECM’s World Watch: U.S. and international news
This week’s World Watch features top U.S. issues including inflation and falling wages, a court blocks payoffs to January 2 insurrectionists, the SAVE Act fails passage, judges block key immigration policies, an ICE agent is arrested, administration corruption evidence mounts, mail-in voting issues raised, depletion of U.S. weapons stockpiles,
News Issues
Reading Cinemas closes at Grossmont Center; AMC to renovate and reopen movie theater in 2027
By Miriam Raftery June 9, 2026 (La Mesa) – AMC has announced that it will acquire and fully renovate the movie theater space long occupied by Reading Cinemas at Grossmont Center, though the site won’t reopen until early next year. Printer-friendly version
Grossmont High honors alumni astronauts with campus mural
Photo courtesy of ABC 10 News, an ECM news partner East County News Service June 9, 2026 (El Cajon) – Students at Grossmont High School have a towering reminder that when it comes to achieving their ambitions, they can reach for the stars. A new mural honors three alumni who
Politics
Tight race in 5th Supervisorial district race to fill Desmond’s seat
By G. A. McNeeley Miriam Raftery contributed to this report June 6, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The County Board of Supervisors will soon have a new face representing the 5th district, since Jim Desmond is termed out and running for the 48th Congressional District. San Marcos Mayor Rebecca
Campa-Najjar concedes Congressional primary race; Desmond and von Wilpert advance to November run-off
By Miriam Raftery June 3, 2026 (San Diego) – In the race to fill the redrawn 48th Congressional district seat being vacated by the retirement of Republican Darrell Issa, a a redrawn district that Democrats hope to flip from red to blue, the November run-off will be between Supervisor Jim
Wildfires and Emergencies
County Fire celebrates 17 new EMS graduates
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office June 5, 2026 (San Diego) – Seventeen young adults earned their graduation certificate from County Fire’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Corps program, completing more than 400 hours of training designed to launch them into careers in the medical field. Printer-friendly version
New eco-friendly fire station opens in Jacumba
Photos courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service June 3, 2026 (Jacumba) — San Diego County officials and fire chiefs recently gathered in the county’s high desert area to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art county fire station. Fire Station 43, spearheaded by San Diego County Fire and
Events & Arts
La Mesa plans patriotic activities to celebration nation’s 250th birthday
East County News Service June 6, 2026 (La Mesa) – To celebrate the 250th Birthday of America, the community is invited to a weekend of fun and festive family events in La Mesa June 12-13. Events will kick off on Friday, June 12, with the summer’s first Movie in the
Ethan Talks to Animals: Be Brave, Scared Shirley
Book by Nico Waters Review by Pennell Paugh June 5, 2026 (San Diego) – San Diego author Nico Waters has added another book to her Ethan Talks to Animals series. This one is titled, Be Brave, Scared Shirley. In second grade, Ethan wished on his birthday to be able to
Best of East County
Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park formerly called Stonewall Peak has officially had a name change. It is now called Cush-pii, which means “Sharp Peak” in the Kumeyaay language. The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names opted to rename
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
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
It’s a sign of the times – LA MESA now up on La Mesa Boulevard
Story and photos by Karen Pearlman June 9, 2026 (La Mesa) — One day before the city of La Mesa unveils a “Bill Walton Way” street sign near Helix High, community members gathered in the La Mesa Village for a sign Walton would have loved — the long-awaited downtown district
Reading Cinemas closes at Grossmont Center; AMC to renovate and reopen movie theater in 2027
By Miriam Raftery June 9, 2026 (La Mesa) – AMC has announced that it will acquire and fully renovate the movie theater space long occupied by Reading Cinemas at Grossmont Center, though the site won’t reopen until early next year. Printer-friendly version
Features
Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park formerly called Stonewall Peak has officially had a name change. It is now called Cush-pii, which means “Sharp Peak” in the Kumeyaay language. The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names opted to rename
La Mesa plans patriotic activities to celebration nation’s 250th birthday
East County News Service June 6, 2026 (La Mesa) – To celebrate the 250th Birthday of America, the community is invited to a weekend of fun and festive family events in La Mesa June 12-13. Events will kick off on Friday, June 12, with the summer’s first Movie in the
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TV M*A*S*H DOCTOR OFFERS HEALING WORDS FOR HUMANITY IN NEW BOOK; VISIT TO BONITA LIBRARY DRAWS FULL HOUSE
By Miriam Raftery Mike Farrell with officers of Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club. February 17, 2009 (Bonita) — Mike Farrell and his co-stars on the popular M*A*S*H TV show raised public awareness about the human costs of war. But what many fans don’t realize is that in his private life, Farrell has much in common with the character he portrayed, Dr. B.J.
20% DROP IN GAS HEATING BILLS THIS WINTER; FUNDS INCREASED TO HELP LOW-INCOME CUSTOMERS
February. 17, 2009 (San Diego) — Due to a decline in commodity costs, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) natural gas customers can expect their heating bills to be 20-percent lower this winter than last year, the utility company has announced. The average monthly residential winter heating bill (for 50 therms of natural gas) is expected to be about $50
9 Ways That “Waiting For Mortgage Rates to Fall” Can Come Back To Haunt You
By Jim Copeland February 2009 (San Diego) — At the end of 2008, as mortgage rates fell to around 5%, homeowners helped to start a mini-refinance boom. Recently, self-doubt has crept in as rates have inched upward since January 14, 2009 Rest easy, friends. You’re not missing out. Nevertheless, the refinance boom has homeowners wondering whether it would be a
SANTEE SPORT CLIPS GIVES $1,340 TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF EAST COUNTY
February 18, 2009 (Santee)–Today, the Santee Sport Clips presented a $1,340 check to the Boys & Girls Club of East County for a recent cut-a-thon fundraiser in which customers donated $5 to the organization and received a free “MVP” haircut. Because previous grand opening customer traffic records were shattered by nearly 75 percent, Sport Clips President, Clete Brewer, was in
NEARLY 20% OF ELIGIBLE CA FAMILIES MISSING OUT ON VALUABLE TAX CREDIT
February 2, 2009 (Public News Service) — Too many Californians struggling to put food on the table are also leaving money on the table; almost 20 percent of eligible California families – tens of thousands of people – are failing to claim their federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It’s a special federal program to supplement the earnings of low-income
EAST OF THE LINE: LOCAL ECONOMY GETS SHOT IN THE ARM FROM BORDER OPERATIONS
By Billie Jo Jannen Victor Leon of Potrero and Rudolfo Reyes of Campo put a raked finish on the drying concrete at the base of the border fence in the far western portion of Campo. They are working on the south side of the fence, which is constructed a short distance north of the border inside the border “buffer zone.”
GET READY TO RUMBA! FREE WHEELCHAIR BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES START FEB 19 IN LA MESA
February 17, 2009 (La Mesa) — TheWheelchair Dancers Organization, sponsored by the Sharp Grossmont Foundation, is offering 8 weeks of free wheelchair ballroom dance classes. This is the first wheelchair ballroom dance program ever offered in San Diego by a professionally certified wheelchair dance instructor, William Valencia. Dance classes start on Thursday, February 19, from 12 Noon-1:00 pm., Sharp Grossmont
BREAKFAST WITH BAKARI THE LION: FEB. 21 AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS
February 16, 2009 (Descanso)–Here’s something to roar about–Lions, Tigers & Bears is hosting “Breakfast with Bakari”, an African lion at big cat sanctuary in Descanso, just east of Alpine. Guests are invited to enjoy breakfast, visit with 13 rescued cats, other farm animals and their caretakers. You can also watch lions and tigers frolicking in the new Tiger Trails exercise
LA MESA’S BUDGET A COMPLEX ISSUE
LA MESA’S BUDGET A COMPLEX ISSUE Annual Budget Workshop March 17 By Kristin Kjaero A number of diverse elements contribute to the city’s financial health as a whole. In a lead up to the City’s Annual Budget Workshop, we are pleased to provide an overview for our readers. CITY FINANCES Structural Deficit For the past two and a half years,
WHAT’S HOT THIS WEEK? PLENTY!
February 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Concerts, circus performers, art shows, the AMGEN tour and wheelchair ballroom dance lessons are among the many exciting activities coming to San Diego’s eastern region this week. Printer-friendly version
Mount Laguna Observatory summer visitors program starts May 23
East County News Service May 17, 2026 (Mount Laguna) — Star parties are back at Mount Laguna with the return of the Summer Visitors Program at the Mount Laguna Observatory. The public programs will be held on Saturday nights from 8 to 11 p.m., May 23 through August 15, with a special bonus mid-week viewing scheduled for Wednesday, August 12.
Ram Media Foundation’s Borrego Sun Launches Community Media Apprenticeship Program for Borrego Springs Youth
Source: Ram Media Foundation May 16, 2026 (Borrego Springs) — Ram Media Foundation has launched a new community media apprenticeship initiative designed to provide local youth and emerging creators with hands-on experience in journalism, digital media, photography, video production, social media, marketing, and community communication. Printer-friendly version
Lakeside Veterans Wall of Honor to recognize those who served in U.S. military
By Miriam Raftery May 16, 2026 (Lakeside) – As Memorial Day approaches, efforts are underway in Lakeside to create a wall of honor honoring Lakeside resident who have served in the United States military. “ ur vision is to provide a dedicated space in the unincorporated community of Lakeside, Ca. to commemorate those who have made immense sacrifices in the
Hundreds attend SDG&E virtual workshops on proposed 145-mile Golden Pacific Powerlink as state champions grid resiliency
Preliminary graphic of a proposed map outlining planned Golden Pacific Powerlink By Karen Pearlman May 15, 2026 (San Diego County) — Four virtual open house meetings about the Golden Pacific Powerlink provided hundreds of online attendees insight on the proposed grid that will bring a 500-kilovolt transmission line project of around 150 miles, spanning from outside of El Centro to
Data centers are guzzling California’s water. We have no idea how much
By Rachel Becker, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo via Data Center News on YouTube May 16, 2026 (San Diego) – Data center builders don’t tell the public how much water they use, according to a new report — and the industry is encroaching into water-stressed and vulnerable communities. The report, by the think tank Next10 and
State launches new funding to help flood victims repair and rebuild homes
By Miriam Raftery May 16, 2026 (San Diego)—The California Dept. of Housing and Community Development has just launched new round of funding through the ReCoverCA program to help homeowners and landlords repair and rebuild single-family homes damaged by floods, as well as replace flooded mobile homes. The funds are available to eligible applicants who suffered damage in declared federal disasters
El Cajon Church joining nationwide Memorial Day ‘Taps Across America’ tribute
East County News Service May 15, 2026 (El Cajon) — East County residents can unite with thousands of communities across the country this Memorial Day for a synchronized musical tribute honoring the United States’s fallen service members. The First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon will host a live local observance as part of Taps Across America, a nationwide initiative that
Ram Media Foundation acquires historic Borrego Sun, expanding local journalism and digital community media
Source: Ram Media Foundation May 15, 2026 (Borrego Springs) — Ram Media Foundation, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on strengthening community through media, has acquired the historic Borrego Sun, reinforcing its commitment to local journalism, public media access, and community storytelling in Borrego Springs and surrounding desert communities. Printer-friendly version
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
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