Cities

Four new rescues now at San Diego Humane Society's East County hub

One of the dogs rescued by the San Diego Humane Society on Friday (Photo courtesy San Diego Humane Society)
 
East County News Service
 
April 4, 2026 (San Diego County) -- The San Diego Humane Society’s East County campus and its main campus are operating under critical "over capacity" conditions this weekend following the arrival of a specialized transport of dogs from the Imperial Valley.
 
On Friday, April 4, 2026, four of 20 dogs transported from the Humane Society of Imperial County were admitted to the El Cajon SDHS Campus on North Marshall Avenue. The remaining 16 were taken to the San Diego Campus on Gaines Street near the University of San Diego.
 
San Diego Humane Society officials say that the move was intended to save lives -- despite the severe local space shortage, and that it continues to seek potential adopters for all its companion animals.

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Rally against city of San Diego Measure A on April 1

East County News Service
 
March 31, 2026 (San Diego) -- Leaders from across San Diego County will gather at San Diego City Hall tomorrow (April 1) with a serious message: “Don’t Be Fooled,” with a press conference and rally to mark the official launch of the "No on Measure A" campaign.
 
Measure A or the "No-Primary Homes Tax" is on the June 2 ballot and asks voters to weigh in on taxing owners of properties in the city that sit empty for more than half a year.
 
If passed, Measure A would impose an $8,000 annual tax on more than 5,000 residences deemed "non-primary," and would increase to $10,000 in 2028. Corporate owners would face a $4,000 surcharge on top of the base tax.

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Sheriff impounds 10 electric motorcycles, issues citations for violations by e-bikes and e-motorcycles in Santee

East County News Service

March 28, 2026 (Santee) -- Deputies from the Santee Sheriff's Station conducted an enforcement operation on Thursday aimed at addressing the growing number of electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric motorcycles (e-motorcycles) being operated in violation of state and local laws within the City of Santee.


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Helix Water District electrifies East County

Helix Water District Board Member Joel Scalzitti tells the crowd at the Helix Operations Center on Vernon Way on Friday that the district's new electrification project will be a model for the rest of the county.
 
Photos and story by Karen Pearlman
 
March 27, 2026 (El Cajon) – While providing safe drinking water to their 278,000 ratepayers is their main goal, the Helix Water District has put some energy into other public utility needs.
 
On Friday, the District showed how infrastructure and mandates have led it to expand its portfolio, showing off its $11 million electrification project in El Cajon. 
 
The project on Vernon Way is designed to power Helix's fleet for the next 50 to 60 years -- and acts as a pioneer for the region with a replicable success story for municipalities navigating the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

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Sheriff's Department weighs in before 'No Kings' rallies

East County Magazine
 
March 27, 2026 (San Diego County) -- On the eve of what many are calling the largest civil mobilization in American history, in "No Kings" protests, the official stance from regional law enforcement has been clear and public-facing.
 

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A century in paving San Diego with Hazard Construction

Hazard Construction President Jason Mordhorst and one of Hazard Construction's old trucks -- which still works.
 
Photos and story by Karen Pearlman
 
March 26, 2026 (Lakeside) – If you’ve driven a car in San Diego County, you've literally been on top of things with the Hazard Construction Company.
 
From the winding, scenic roads of Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar to the massive, multi-lane interchanges of Interstate 8, the Lakeside-headquartered firm has spent a century literally laying the foundation for San Diego and Southern California's growth and expansion.
 
This June, Hazard officially hits the 100-year mark -- a rare centennial milestone that cements Hazard as one of the oldest and most influential civil engineering contractors in the state.
 
Hazard Construction Company started small in 1926 when it concentrated on road construction and excavation, but has evolved into a full-service general engineering contracting firm with a focus on private sector work.

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East County public transportation guide to Padres Opening Day March 26

Skip Interstate 8 and 'ride the rails' with the Padres-wrapped Trolley
 
East County News Service
 
March 25, 2026 (San Diego) -- With the San Diego Padres set to kick off the 2026 season at Petco Park tomorrow afternoon (March 26, first pitch set for 1:10 p.m.), baseball fans in Santee, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, San Carlos and beyond are being urged to dodge the inevitable Interstate 8 gridlock.
 
With sellout crowds expected all weekend, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is ramping up Green and Orange Line service to ensure East County fans spend more time in their seats and less time hunting for pricey parking spots.

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League of Women Voters of San Diego continues nonpartisan candidate forums ahead of June primary

YouTube video screenshot of League of Women Voters' District 2 candidate forum on March 5

East County News Service

March 25, 2026 (San Diego) -- As the June 2 Primary approaches, the League of Women Voters of San Diego has ramped up its efforts to educate local residents on candidates and issues when they head to the ballot box.

The League of Women Voters of San Diego scheduled five candidate forums designed to provide voters with direct access to the individuals seeking to represent them in City Hall.

For information on the candidates, Measure A (Empty Homes Tax) and the election itself, visit the city's official 2026 election website here.


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Expungement program with the county shared by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe

East County News Service

March 24, 2026 (San Diego County) -- Working to dismantle barriers to employment and housing for formerly incarcerated residents, San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe of District 4 has announced a new initiative offering a "fresh start" through a mobile expungement service.
 
Montgomery Steppe said she wants to help individuals navigate the complex process of cleaning up adult criminal records.
 
For many, a past conviction remains a permanent roadblock to stability, even years after completing their sentences.

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San Diego County leaders share concerns ahead of World TB Day

East County News Service

March 23, 2026 (San Diego County) --While tuberculosis (TB) is often dismissed as a disease of the past, San Diego County health officials warned Monday, March 23, that the region is currently a hotspot for the infection, with local rates now outpacing state and national averages.

In an event held at Waterfront Park on Monday morning, County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre and top health officials, including County Public Health Officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan and Dr. Jeffrey Percak, Medical Director for County TB Prevention and Care, highlighted a concerning trend: after years of decline, the number of people diagnosed with TB in San Diego has been rising steadily since 2020.


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Walden Family Services marks 50 years with golf tournament and 'No Place Like Home' gala

East County News Service
 
March 22, 2026 (San Diego) -- Nonprofit Walden Family Services, which has supported more than 100,000 foster children and families since its founding in 1976, will host two public fundraisers as part of celebrating its 50 years in service.
 
The golden anniversary comes as the organization pivots toward an expansion of its housing and prevention programs for "Transitional Age Youth" --- young adults ages 18 to 26 who are aging out of the foster care system.
 
The celebration begins this week with the Walden Fairways Scramble Golf Tournament on Thursday, March 26. Held at the Singing Hills Golf Course at Sycuan, the charity tournament is designed to raise immediate funds for Walden’s housing initiatives.
 

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El Cajon pushing for state to look deeper at SB 54

By Karen Pearlman

March 19, 2026 (El Cajon) — A deepening rift between local autonomy and state mandate is in the spotlight in El Cajon after Mayor Bill Wells sent a letter to the attorney general earlier this week.
 
The El Cajon City Council, already divided since a 2025 resolution giving support to cooperating with federal immigration authorities to remove undocumented immigrants convicted of major crimes, continues to stay fractured.
 
A letter dated March 17, 2026 from Wells to California Attorney General Rob Bonta marks the city’s latest challenge to Senate Bill 54 from 2017, the California Values Act, which the Mayor alleges has created a legal "Catch-22" that endangers vulnerable children.
 
The letter said that the city is "concerned that California's suite of sanctuary policies represent an intentional effort by California to encourage illegal aliens to reside in the state (unlawfully)."
 
The letter said that California laws "provide economic incentives for illegal aliens to reside in California without fear of deportation. It is in this regard that these policies run afoul of federal criminal law."

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Record-breaking March heat wave gripping San Diego County

Photo of Lake Murray on March 17 by Karen Pearlman
 
East County News Service
 
March 17, 2026 (San Diego County) -- Baby, it's hot outside!
 
An unusually powerful high-pressure system has settled over Southern California, ushering in a period of dangerously hot conditions that threaten to shatter both daily and monthly temperature records across San Diego County.
 
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for the desert regions beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, and extending through 8 p.m. Saturday, March 21.
 
The NWS warns that residents in the low deserts should prepare for blistering highs between 104 and 112 degrees Fahrenheit, with the most intense heat expected on Thursday and Friday. Overnight relief will be minimal, as temperatures are only projected to dip into the mid-70s.

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Chaldean Bishop arrested while trying to leave the U.S.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Miriam Raftery: Bishop Shaleta in May 2024 at opening of incubator business center for refugees and immigrants in El Cajon

March 5, 2026 (El Cajon) – San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies today arrested Chaldean Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta at the San Diego International Airport, where he was attempting to leave the country. He is charged with eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and one count of aggravated white collar crime enhancement, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s department.


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Sheriff warns of spike in vehicle thefts of Jeeps by reprogramming key fobs after pursuit and crash in East County

East County News Service

March 4, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – A suspect accused of stealing a Jeep Wrangler in Santee and crashing into parked cars near Parkway Plaza in El Cajon following a pursuit has been arrested and is hospitalized with serious injuries.


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GUHSD Film Festival coming Friday, March 6

East County News Service

March 4, 2026 (El Cajon) — El Cajon Valley High will roll out the proverbial red carpet on Friday, March 6 for the Grossmont Union High School District's 2026 GUHSD Film Festival.

The annual event will take place this year from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the El Cajon Valley High School Event Center, a premier stage for the district’s most talented young filmmakers.

The film showcase features original creative works from students enrolled in the Career Technical Education Arts, Media & Entertainment pathway at GUHSD.

More than just a screening, the film festival is a celebration of technical mastery and artistic storytelling of students, and by students in the district -- GUHSD students who have spent months scripting, filming and editing projects that range from narrative short films to complex animation.

 

 

 


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East County Chamber honors leaders, organizations at 114th annual soiree

Sycuan Casino Resort hosted the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce's 114th annual East County Honors Awards Gala over the weekend.

Photos and story by Karen Pearlman

March 2, 2026 (El Cajon) -- More than 400 business and nonprofit leaders, community advocates and public officials gathered at Sycuan Casino Resort last Saturday for the 114th Annual East County Honors Awards Gala.
 
Hosted by the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, the event continues to be more than a formal dinner, it also acts as a fundraiser for the nonprofit that represent the diverse business community of the East County region, including El Cajon, Lemon Grove, Rancho San Diego, Alpine, Spring Valley and Jamul.
 
The organization also maintains strong partnerships with other chambers in Santee, La Mesa, Lakeside, Julian, Borrego Springs, Ramona and Poway.
 

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City of San Diego leaders moving toward safety overhaul on Jackson Drive, other streets

A memorial of bouquets of flowers, stuffed animals, notes and religious candles for the children who were hit by a car, with one killed, at the site of an October accident on Jackson Drive. The city of San Diego continues to make changes for safety. Photo by Karen Pearlman

By Karen Pearlman

Feb. 27, 2026 (San Carlos) -- The San Diego City Council is paving the way for safer streets in the city, including along heavily traveled Jackson Drive in San Carlos, where speeding vehicles, line of sight issues and pedestrian safety have been a growing concern.

The City Council in mid-March will consider passing a plan that will reduce vehicle traffic speeds along Jackson and in other high-priority areas where safety concerns are the most pressing.


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New leader at East County EDC in Matt Sanford

East County News Service
 
Feb. 26, 2026 (El Cajon) -- The East County Economic Development Council has named Matt Sanford as its new President and CEO, with plans coming for a new chapter as the region’s economic growth continues
 
Following a competitive nationwide search that drew more than 300 applicants, Sanford was selected to succeed James Sly, who departed late last year to lead the Grossmont Healthcare District. Sanford officially will start on March 23.
 
"Honored to join San Diego East County EDC and looking forward to this next chapter, supporting East County businesses and shaping the ecosystem for what’s to come," Sanford wrote on his LinkedIn page on Thursday.
 
Sanford arrives with nearly 20 years of experience in the San Diego County economic landscape. His resume includes a recent tenure as the Economic Development Director for the City of Carlsbad, overseeing business attraction, retention strategies and an annual budget of more than $1 million.
 

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Poway Symphony concert March 22 features Mendelssohn Classics

East County News Service
 
Feb. 26, 2026 (Poway) -- The Poway Symphony Orchestra  will perform a "Mendelssohn Classics" concert that starts at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 22, at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.
 
Poway Symphony Orchestra, a 65-member ensemble, will perform under the baton of Conductor and Music Director John LoPiccolo.
 
Ensemble leadership said that the afternoon will showcase two of Felix Mendelssohn’s most enduring masterworks, headlined by internationally acclaimed guest violinist YuEun Gemma Kim.

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Donating blood in March could save YOUR life, too

East County News Service
 
Feb. 26, 2026 (San Diego County) -- The American Red Cross is turning a routine blood donation into a lifesaving health diagnostic in March.
 
Amid a severe national blood shortage which saw supply levels plummet by 35% in early 2026 due to winter blizzards and a heavy flu season the organization is offering a dual incentive: a $15 Amazon Gift Card and a free A1C test for all successful donations between March 1 and March 31.
 
The move comes as new data reveals a startling trend: 1 in 5 blood donors -- individuals who are generally considered healthy enough to give -- are walking around with elevated A1C levels.

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Jeep thefts surge in La Mesa: Thieves using fob hacking to target autos

East County News Service

Feb. 26, 2026 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Police Department is sounding the alarm to the community about rising thefts of recent models of Jeeps.

The police department shares that residents in La Mesa as well as surrounding East County neighborhoods need to be informed of a sophisticated spike in vehicle thefts targeting high-end, newer-model Jeeps.

They say that thieves are pivoting from traditional "smash-and-grab" tactics to high-tech electronic hacking that allows them to drive away in a stolen vehicle in under three minutes.

The primary targets are 2020 and newer Jeep Wranglers and Jeep Rubicons.

Unlike older theft methods that involved hotwiring or physical damage, tech-savvy criminals are using portable electronic devices often marketed as locksmith tools to bypass security. By accessing the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostic port, thieves can communicate directly with the car's computer.

Once connected, the device "tricks" the vehicle into thinking a new key is being programmed. Within moments, the thief has a fully functional electronic key fob, allowing them to start the push-to-start engine and drive away without ever having the original key.


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Escondido City Council looking at showdown over ICE training contract

Scrrenshot, left, of Escondido City Council meeting from Feb. 18 courtesy city of Escondido website video
 
By Karen Pearlman
 
Feb. 24, 2026 (Escondido) -- The city of Escondido is bracing for a charged City Council meeting tomorrow (Feb. 25), as elected officials prepare to publicly look at a quietly renewed agreement allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to train at a city-owned firing range — a contract some say they never knew existed.
 
The open session part of the meeting starts at 5 p.m. at  first item on the City Council agenda is a presentation by Escondido Chief of Police Ken Plunkett, which will center around the Escondido Police Department firing range and corresponding contracts.
 
Before the City Council meeting at Escondido City Council Chambers, 201 North Broadway in Escondido, a rally and press conference led by Escondido Indivisible is scheduled for outside City Hall asking the city to cancel the contract with ICE.

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And the survey says... County Supervisors looking for input

East County News Service
 
Feb. 20, 2026 (San Diego County) — There's one week left to tell San Diego County officials what you want to see, including ways they can better pull back the proverbial curtain on local government.
 
With a comprehensive survey launched earlier this year, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors -- Paloma Aguirre (District 1), Joel Anderson (D2), Terra Lawson-Remer (D3), Monica Montgomery Steppe (D4) and Jim Desmond (D5) -- are looking at a public outreach initiative aimed at reimagining how the public interacts with the group tasked with governing the county's $8 billion-plus budget.
 
The survey can be accessed here, with a Feb. 27 deadline for input.

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Galloping into the Year of the Fire Horse in East County

East County News Service
 
Feb. 18, 2026 (San Diego County) — The thunder of hooves isn’t just coming from local farms and ranches this week; it’s the sound of the Year of the Fire Horse.
 
Lunar New Year festivities -- some of which will last all year long -- are trotting through the region.
 
The 2026 celebrations carry a rare significance. This is the first "Fire Horse" element since 1966. Fire Horse years traditionally symbolize a period of high energy, bold transformation and spirited movement.

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County approves new traffic signals, road improvements and filtration project

 

By Donna Durckel, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
Photo:  rendering of final road improvements
 
February 12, 2026 (San Diego) - The Board of Supervisors approved three major infrastructure projects to improve safety, mobility and sustainability in unincorporated communities: new traffic signals in Lakeside and Fallbrook, road upgrades in Valley Center and a stormwater filtration project in Fallbrook.

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California opens $2.5M in grants to reimagining State Parks through art and culture

East County News Service
 
Feb. 10, 2026 (Sacramento) – Looking to literally bridge the gap between nature and the diverse communities of the state, California State Parks and the nonprofit Parks California are opening two major grant programs.
 
With up to $2.5 million offered, the initiative seeks to transform public lands into "vibrant hubs" of cultural heritage, performance and community-led storytelling.
 
The announcement marks the opening of the Arts in California Parks grant programs -- a final opportunity to tap into a historic three-year pilot initiative designed to make the state’s 280 park units more welcoming and inclusive.

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La Mesa hosting Home Energy Fair in March

East County News Service
 
February 5, 2026 (La Mesa) -- With San Diego County residents navigating some of the highest utility rates in the nation, learning about ways to save is becoming increasingly important.
 
With that in mind, a Home Energy Fair is coming starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 7, at the La Mesa Library. The four-hour fair will offer residents a direct line to energy experts and ways to find financial relief.
 
The event comes at a critical time.
 
According to EnergySage, San Diego County residents pay an average of 39 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) -- 98% higher than the national average. With the typical local household bill around $360 per month, the Fair will share ways to bridge the gap between rising costs and available solutions.
 

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San Diego Humane Society celebrates end of quarantine for cat attacked by coyote

Photo courtesy San Diego Humane Society
 
East County News Service
 
Jan. 28, 2026 (Esconddo) -- Orange tabby Kyle has beaten the odds, and is looking for a new home.
 
Staff at the San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido campus threw a graduation party on Jan. 28 to celebrate Kyle's survival from a coyote attack last year. Kyle has now successfully completed his six-month rabies quarantine and is cleared for adoption.
 
On July 27, 2025, a community member saw a coyote attack Kyle near East Valley Parkway and North Rose Street in Escondido.
 
The onlooker acted quickly and intervened, getting Kyle safely away from the coyote, bringing the cat to SDHS' campus in Escondido for emergency care.

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County EBT theft drops more than 80% after chip card issued

East County News Service
 
Jan. 23, 2026 (San Diego County) -- More attention to security needs and new chips are making a difference in the safety of electronic benefits cards, also known as EBT cards.
 
San Diego County officials report that enhanced security measures and new chips have led to an 84 percent reduction in EBT card thefts affecting the county’s CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief recipients. 
 
Nearly a year ago, the California Department of Social Services issued new EBT cards with chips similar to those in many credit cards. The card expiration date, card security code and all personal information also were moved to the back side of the card. Prior to the shift to improve security, California EBT cardholder information was traditionally printed on the front of the card.

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