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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
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
News Issues
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
24th annual ‘Grip It & Rip It’ Tournament set for May 14
East County News Service May 5, 2026 — One of the region’s favorite networking events is headed back to Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan later this month. The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce’s Grip It & Rip It! Golf Tournament will take place starting with a
Politics
El Cajon sanctuary lawsuit still making waves one week later
By Paul Levikow May 6, 2026 (El Cajon) — One week 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
Xavier Becerra draws raucous crowd in Balboa Park as governor’s race intensifies
A crowd of supporters listen to Xavier Becerra last month at Balboa Park. Photo by Paul Levikow By Paul Levikow May 6, 2026 (San Diego) — With ballots already arriving in mailboxes across San Diego County, the race for California governor is entering a volatile stretch marked by rising changing
Wildfires and Emergencies
Multi-agency fire drill set for Barona as San Diego braces for fire season
East County News Service May 5, 2026 (Lakeside) — As the region prepares for the inevitable heat and dry winds of summer, hundreds of first responders are converging on East County to ensure they’re prepared before the first smoke appears on the horizon. Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday May 6, and through
About 10 to 20 fires burning along SR 76 and I15
East County News Service May 2, 2026 (North San Diego County) — The North County Fire Protection District is reporting a total of 10 to 20 spot fires along state Route 76 and up Interstate 15. Most fires were reported 50-feet by 50-feet, according to Watch Duty App. Eastbound SR-76
Events & Arts
Spring Valley filmmakers featured in GI Film Festival
Screenshot still from “The Craftsman” East County News Service May 6, 2026 (San Diego) — The GI Film Festival San Diego returns for its 11th year this week, moving into the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA @ SDMA) from today, May 6 through
La Mesa Chamber to host 17th annual ‘Taste of San Diego – East’
East County News Service LA MESA — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will hold its 17th annual “Taste of San Diego – East” on Monday, June 15. The food and business showcase will go from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa in Mission Valley.
Best of East County
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
Photo of the Week: Jacumba Sunset
April 6, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Martin Eder sent in this photo, taken along Interstate 8 just west of Jacumba near the San Diego-Imperial County line, after he attended the Magical Mystery Beatles tribute music festival at De Anza Springs Resort. The setting sun illuminated a plume in the sky,
People
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
Donate to help pets in need at Alpine Pet Food and Supply Drive April 4
East County News Service March 14, 2026 (Alpine) – Dog and cat food, treats, grooming supplies, new pet toys, feeding bowls, beds, blankets, crates/carriers, leashes,…
Communities
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
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
Features
Spring Valley filmmakers featured in GI Film Festival
Screenshot still from “The Craftsman” East County News Service May 6, 2026 (San Diego) — The GI Film Festival San Diego returns for its 11th year this week, moving into the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA @ SDMA) from today, May 6 through
La Mesa Chamber to host 17th annual ‘Taste of San Diego – East’
East County News Service LA MESA — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce will hold its 17th annual “Taste of San Diego – East” on Monday, June 15. The food and business showcase will go from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa in Mission Valley.
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Budget Crisis Hits Home
State workers in East County struggle to cope with prospect of huge pay cuts, lay-offs; Judge orders Sept. 12 hearing on Governor’s wage-slashing orders By Miriam RafteryPhotos by Aida Canonizado Mildred Scarber, a state employee who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in El Cajon, was shocked to learn that Governor Schwarzenegger has ordered all state employees’ pay
Vines and Steins – Gio Wine Bar
Editor’s note: Gio’s has gone out of business, however a new restaurant has opened in its place. By Richard Noel If you’re out and about in East County and in the mood for a great glass of wine in an elegant atmosphere, relax with the knowledge that this urge will not require you to drive into the urban core of
Taxing Issues
La Mesa Council candidates address budget gap, public safety and future growth By Miriam Raftery State budget cuts have left La Mesa facing a potential budget shortfall of several million dollars. In exclusive interviews with East County Magazine, challenger Shannon O’Dunn as well as incumbents David Allan and Ruth Sterling shared their views on bridging the budget gap as well
Green Houses – Jamul Home is Green and Fire-Safe
Eco-friendly EAST COUNTY homes By Miriam Raftery After twice having to evacuate during wildfires, Keith and Danya Jolley decided to build a new, fire-safe and energy efficient “green” home on their Jamul property. The home was featured on last year’s GreenBuilt Homes Tour. One year later, the Jolleys remain thrilled with their new home. “The house turned out better
Sylvia’s Soapbox – Duncan the great white Hunter
Wildebeest hunt bags a Congressman By Sylvia Hampton Our congressman Duncan Hunter (R-52nd district) is leaving his congressional seat to his son. Sort of an inheritance or royalty passed on to the next generation like in England. Since Duncan D. Hunter, the son, has the same name his election should be like shooting fish in a barrel. But before Hunter
Presidential Candidates Address La Raza in San Diego
By E. A. Barrera Photo by E.A. Barrera/Photo courtesy of NCLR Obama Talks Health, Education, and Announces Plan to Help Small Business McCain Emphasizes Tax Issues, Trade with Latin America Printer-friendly version
Celebrating 100 Years: Cleveland National Forest Centennial
Fiddlin’ Foresters, Living History Week Cap Festivities in Local Mountain Parks By Miriam Raftery A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt signed a declaration to create the Cleveland National Forest–a 460,000 acre preserve that is home to golden eagles, mountain lions and other wildlife species. To celebrate the centennial, the U.S. Forest Service is hosting several free special events in
People Power – Magic Horse Miracles: Therapeutic Riding Program Benefits Disabled Kids
By Miriam Raftery Avery Titus rides tall in the saddle at The Magic Horse, guided by riding therapist/founder Robin Pawl. Before, he could not sit up on his own. September 2008 (Lakeside)–Ten-year-old Avery Titus squeals with delight, pressing his face against the sun-warmed backside of Iggy, a quarterhorse at the Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding program in Lakeside. “Before, he couldn’t sit
Capitol Report – How They Voted
For more information on these and other bills, visit www.vote-smart.org or www.govtrack.us Printer-friendly version
East County Roundup – September
Links to top stories in other publications on East County issues WATER RATIONING GROWS INCREASINGLY LIKELY San Diego Union-Tribune (Sept. 26, 2008) —| For the first time since 1992, San Diego is facing the possibility of water rationing, a step that could happen as soon as January. The threat is expected to loom for years as Southern California readjusts to
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
El Cajon sanctuary lawsuit still making waves one week later
By Paul Levikow May 6, 2026 (El Cajon) — One week 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 of federal versus state authority, drawing sharp reactions from
East County mourning grad student killed in multi-vehicle collision
By Karen Pearlman May 6, 2026 (El Cajon) — Family and friends are grieving the loss of Jonathan Tyson Nevels, who died in a tragic accident on an East County freeway the morning of Saturday, May 2. Nevels, 28, was a 2015 alumnus of Grossmont High and later attended Sonoma State University. Nevels was pursuing a graduate degree in clinical
Report: Regional homelessness down in county
Photo of volunteers working the Point In Time Count in January courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service May 6, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County saw a modest 1 percent decrease in overall homelessness this year, but beneath that is a more encouraging story: Street homelessness dropped 11 percent countywide, driven by targeted state grants,
Xavier Becerra draws raucous crowd in Balboa Park as governor’s race intensifies
A crowd of supporters listen to Xavier Becerra last month at Balboa Park. Photo by Paul Levikow By Paul Levikow May 6, 2026 (San Diego) — With ballots already arriving in mailboxes across San Diego County, the race for California governor is entering a volatile stretch marked by rising changing numbers, escalating attack ads, and a crowded field that has
24th annual ‘Grip It & Rip It’ Tournament set for May 14
East County News Service May 5, 2026 — One of the region’s favorite networking events is headed back to Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan later this month. The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce’s Grip It & Rip It! Golf Tournament will take place starting with a 10:30 a.m. check in on Thursday, May 14. The 24th
Multi-agency fire drill set for Barona as San Diego braces for fire season
East County News Service May 5, 2026 (Lakeside) — As the region prepares for the inevitable heat and dry winds of summer, hundreds of first responders are converging on East County to ensure they’re prepared before the first smoke appears on the horizon. Beginning tomorrow, Wednesday May 6, and through Friday, May 8, the San Diego County Fire Chiefs, in
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