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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
Escondido “Trump house” owner dies after vicious attack; veteran with PTSD charged
By Miriam Raftery May 26, 2026 (Escondido) – Army veteran Kerry Sheron, 69, proudly displayed American flags and Trump banners outside his Escondido home. Now he is dead of injuries sustained in a savage attack by a fellow veteran who reportedly suffered from PTSD. Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, the
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
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
Escondido “Trump house” owner dies after vicious attack; veteran with PTSD charged
By Miriam Raftery May 26, 2026 (Escondido) – Army veteran Kerry Sheron, 69, proudly displayed American flags and Trump banners outside his Escondido home. Now he is dead of injuries sustained in a savage attack by a fellow veteran who reportedly suffered from PTSD. Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, the
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 OF THE LINE: NEW PLANNING GROUP CHAIRMEN HAVE THEIR WORK CUT OUT
By Billie Jo Jannen Planning groups countywide have seated their newly elected members since the first of the year and Campo’s changing of the guard does nothing to dispel its image as among the most contentious in the rural East County (along with the now-legendary Ramona, Potrero and Alpine groups). The short description of the meeting might well be summed
LAKESIDE HEARING FEB 18 ON SUNRISE POWERLINK PATH THROUGH EL MONTE VALLEY
San Diego Gas & Electric will be at the Lakeside Community Planning Group (LCGP) Mtg on February 18 at 7 PM at the Lakeside Community Center at 9841 Vine Street, Lakeside, CA to discuss the Sunrise Powerlink high-voltage power lines proposed for the El Monte Valley. A map and view of the proposed powerline path, which would include three sides
CRAFTING WITH MARY: HOLIDAY BOUQUETS
By Mary Genser February 8, 2009 (La Mesa) — It’s easy to create festive floral arrangements to suit any occasion–all on a minimal budget. Start with a simple container such as a drinking glass, vase, pottery jar or even a metal can. You can pick up these items at discount stores or yard sales, or simply use an item from
DON QUIXOTE FIGHTS THE WINDMILLS—AND SO DO THE FOLKS IN BOULEVARD
by Gayle Early (photo by Miriam Raftery) February 10, 2009 (Campo)–Editor’s Note: Should wind turbines hundreds of feet tall –higher than the existing Kumeyaay wind farm turbines—be allowed in the rural McCain Valley/Boulevard region in East County? Does the nation’s critical need for “green” energy outweigh the concerns of residents seeking to preserve the rural character of their backcountry communities?
FEB. 25 HEARING ON WIND TURBINES & WIND TESTING
February 2009 (San Diego)–The County Board of Supervisors will deliberate February 25 whether to ease permitting requirements for installing industrial-scale meteorological testing units (MET towers) on private and county properties. The county is also debating the turbine ordinance to allow for more options, such as industrial-scale turbines on private property or more than one turbine per lot, including the smaller
LA MESA SAVES FLAG DAY PARADE: DONATIONS ROLL IN FROM RESIDENTS, BUSIENSSES AND CIVIC LEADERS
February 9, 2009 (Mesa) “ Thanks to the generosity of La Mesa citizens, business leaders and elected officials who donated out of their own pockets, La Mesa’s annual flag day parade has been saved from the budget chopping block. The 14th annual event will take place on Saturday, “We met the goal and then some,” an e-mail signed by Council
ART SALE FEB. 14: HERITAGE OF AMERICAS MUSEUM AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Five East County artists will help raise money for the Heritage of the Americas Museum with an art sale from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the museum, located on the campus of Cuyamaca College, 12110 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, in El Cajon. Admission is free. Printer-friendly version
PROP L SPARKS DEBATE AT LA MESA OPEN FORUM MEETING
By Yuliana Cerda February 6, 2009 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa City Council held an open forum meeting in the auditorium at Rolando Elementary School last Thursday night. The meetings are meant to provide an opportunity for citizens to voice concerns or input on issues throughout their city. La Mesa citizens voiced their views on an array of issues
OUR GUIDE TO THE MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS TO TAKE YOUR SWEETHEART ON VALENTINE’S DAY
By Miriam Raftery February 7, 2009 — Where are the sweetest spots to savor a romantic Valentine’s dinner for two in San Diego’s eastern region? East County Magazine’s restaurant reviewers, staff and editors have teamed up to offer these recommendations for places that offer not only fabulous food, but a cozy ambience ideal for wining and dining your sweetheart this
SEX EDUCATION? HELIX DEFENDS ITS ACTIONS, DISPUTES REPORT RELEASED BY DISTRICT THAT CRITICIZED HELIX ADMINISTRATOR’S RESPONSE TO SEXUAL ABUSE, MISCONDUCT;
BOARD TO CONSIDER CHARTER SCHOOL CURE CORRECT ORDERS AT FEB. 12 MEETING February 6, 2009 (La Mesa) Did administrators at Helix Charter High School respond appropriately to four incidents of sexual abuse and misconduct involving teachers and students and has enough been done to prevent similar problems in the future? The Grossmont Union-High School Governing Board will consider these questions
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
Escondido “Trump house” owner dies after vicious attack; veteran with PTSD charged
By Miriam Raftery May 26, 2026 (Escondido) – Army veteran Kerry Sheron, 69, proudly displayed American flags and Trump banners outside his Escondido home. Now he is dead of injuries sustained in a savage attack by a fellow veteran who reportedly suffered from PTSD. Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, the Navy veteran arrested for the assault, is a registered Republican
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 societies or nonprofit rescue organizations. The Lemon Grove City Council voted
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. According to the prosecution, McNally strangled Holthaus with an electrical
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
Troubling details emerge on teen shooters in Islamic Center attack
By Philicia Tonangoye Photo by Leonard LMT, creative commons 4.0 via Wikipedia: San Diego Islamic Center, hours after the shooting The deadly attack at San Diego’s Islamic center on Monday was planned by two teens who met online and became radicalized in a hate speech forum. The pair eventually took their own lives after shooting and killing three men at
ECM World Watch: national and global news
May 25, 2026 (San Diego) – Top stories reporting in other media in the US include rising inflation, weakening of the Voting Rights Act, a fund that could reimburse Jan. 6 rioters, court rulings on tariffs and humanities grants, ICE funding of police, and insider trading allegations. Global headlines include the U.S. indicting Cuba’s former ruler, plans stalled to
Teachers’ union endorses challengers for controversy-mired Grossmont Union High School District board
By Alexander J. Schorr May 24, 2026 — Grossmont Education Association (GEA), the teachers’ union in the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) has endorsed a slate of three challengers running against controversial incumbents for the district’ s board of trustees. The endorsed slate includes Jeneé Littrell for area 3 against incumbent Gary Woods, Steve Mull for area 4
La Mesa City Council approves e-bike safety law for children under 12
By Paul Levikow May 23, 2026 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa City Council voted 4-1 on May 12 to adopt a new electric bicycle safety ordinance prohibiting children under age 12 from operating Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes within city limits. Councilmember Laura Lothian cast the lone dissenting vote. The ordinance was adopted under California’s San Diego Electric
County reports two local cases in statewide Kebab Shop E. Coli outbreak
By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: E. coli bacteria. Image source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 23, 2026 (San Diego) – County health officials are urging anyone who has eaten at The Kebab Shop restaurant chain between March 27 and April 30, 2026, and later became ill with a stomach illness to get medical care right away amid a
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