Restoration or destruction? Proposed plan for Laguna Mountains raising concern 7
Photo of part of the Laguna Mountains area that could be part of a plan by the government to prevent wildfires by bulldozing the area and cutting down chaparral. Photo by David Hogan, The Chaparral Lands Conservancy By Karen Pearlman May 29, 2026 (Mt. Laguna) — A sweeping federal plan to manage more than 13,000 acres of the Laguna Mountains in the Cleveland National Forest in San Diego County is being pitched by the federal government as a necessary restoration to prevent catastrophic wildfires and improve overall forest health. But local conservationists are slamming the Laguna Mountains Forest Restoration Project, calling it an industrial attack on one of the county’s most cherished wilderness areas. According to the United States Forest Service, the project is urgently needed to reverse a century of aggressive fire suppression. Officials argue that successfully stopping small fires for decades has left the mountain plateau unnaturally dense and vulnerable to drought, insect infestations and disease. Printer-friendly version
7 viewsLemon Grove City Council pushes back tenant ordinance discussion 27
“Residents took time out of their evening to come speak, and I believe their voices deserved to be heard through action, not continued postponement!” – Jennifer Mendoza, Lemon Grove City Councilmember, screenshot of May 19 meeting courtesy Lemon Grove City Councilmember Jessyka Heredia’s Facebook video By Armando Rasing II May 29, 2026 (Lemon Grove) – A vote concerning a potential ordinance development was pushed to June 16 during the last Lemon Grove City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 19. City Council members were scheduled to choose between adopting a local draft ordinance, which would have been presented to the council in June, with more permanent tenant protections or referring back to state law. During the meeting, they also went over various policy options that would be in an ordinance. Printer-friendly version
27 viewsMedical Examiner rules hanging death in jail a suicide 8
East County News Service May 29, 2026 (San Diego) – On May 27, the San Diego County Sheriff revealed that the Medical Examiner’s office has ruled Grant Parker’s death a suicide. He was arrested February 15 on charges of murder and assault for fatally stabbing a man in downtown San Diego. Printer-friendly version
8 viewsNew Firehawk helicopter now stationed at Ramona Air Base 9
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office May 29, 2026 (Ramona) – San Diego County’s wildfire response just got a major boost. A new CAL FIRE Firehawk helicopter is now permanently based at the Ramona Air Base and officially went into service on Monday. “When wildfire strikes, minutes matter,” said County Board of Supervisors Chair Terra Lawson‑Remer. “This Board has made wildfire readiness a top public safety priority and permanently basing this Firehawk helicopter in San Diego is a major result of that work. San Diego County stepped up, invested in this partnership with CAL FIRE, and delivered a stronger, faster, more capable tool to protect families, homes, and communities across our region.” Printer-friendly version
9 viewsIlan-Lael Foundation offers June tours of historic Hubbbell house in Santa Ysabel 30
East County News Service May 29, 2026 (San Diego) – You’re invited to see James and Anne Hubbell’s acclaimed home and art studios near Julian, California. Docent-led tours are offered each Thursday through Saturday in June, starting at 10 a.m.An immersive art and nature experience, each 90-minute tour covers the art and architecture of famed architect and artist James Hubbell amid the surrounding unspoiled natural beauty of the Santa Ysabel landscape. Admission fees go entirely to support Ilan-Lael Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to preserving the Hubbell property and its legacy of bringing art and nature to the community. Reservations are required. For tickets ($45) and details, visit https://ilanlaelfoundation.org/. Printer-friendly version
30 viewsDescanso Day Parade and Fair June 6 continues a 137-year-old historic tradition 20
East County News Servicerur May 29, 2026 (Descanso) — Descanso’s first community fair was held in 1899 under a tent near the creek. The tradition has grown through the years to include a parade and community fair, which this year will be held on June 6. The festivities take place at the historic Descanso Town Hall, 24536 Viejas Grade Road in Descanso, a small rural town east of Alpine.festrural Printer-friendly version
20 viewsDestination East County: Joyful June events 132
By Miriam Raftery May 29, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Memorial Day weekend through the month of June is a time that’s jumping with joyful events including Santee Summer Knights—a Medieval festival, star parties on Mount Laguna, Wild in the Country at Lions, Descanso Day Parade and Fair, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, open farm tours at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, La Mesa’s Flag Day Parade, a ballet production of Snow White at Kroc Theatre, Hubbell House tours in Santa Ysabel, Cajon Cruise nights, La Mesa’s classic car show, Laurel and Hardy comedy film showings, Julian’s Town Square Music Festival, Santee Summer Concerts, and rock legends Three Dog Night at the Magnolia in El Cajon. Scroll down for full details. Printer-friendly version
132 viewsLa Mesa hosts 27th annual Flag Day Parade June 13 24
East County News Service May 28, 2026 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Flag Day Parade is a cherished annual tradition that celebrates our nation’s colors and spirit of patriotism. Since its inception in 1997, the parade has become a beloved community event, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and local groups. This year’s parade salutes Old Glory on Saturday, June 13, starting at 10 a.m. The parade will march west through the La Mesa Village, from Memorial Drive to Acacia Avenue. For more information, visit https://www.cityoflamesa.gov/1665/Flag-Day-Parade. Printer-friendly version
24 viewsMt. Helix Park hosting inclusive ‘Tarzan – The Beat of the Jungle’ performances in July and August 21
East County News Service May 28, 2026 (Mount Helix) — A high-energy jungle adventure under the stars is coming this summer to Mt. Helix Park. El Cajon-based nonprofit Arms Wide Open (AWO) will bring its “Inspire” inclusive theater arts program to the Mt. Helix Theatre for a run of “TARZAN – The Beat of the Jungle.” According to information shared by AWO, the production will take audiences on a rhythmic journey through the heart of the jungle, where every beat tells a story. Featuring live percussion, dance and singing, the show celebrates the power of music, movement and community. Printer-friendly version
21 viewsAnza-Borrego Desert State Park part of $2.4M statewide grant program 35
East County News Service May 28, 2026 (San Diego County) — California State Parks and nonprofit partner Parks California announced a $2.4 million investment in championing the next generation of environmental stewards — with a portion of those funds bringing paid internships and hands-on career training for high school students at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Distributed among 13 community and tribal organizations across the state through the Career Pathways grants program, the funding is expected to prepare more than 350 participants for careers in parks and public lands management. The grant represents a direct investment in the community’s youth with the Borrego Village Association selected as an Implementation Grantee, meaning the group will actively provide high school students with multi-month training programs at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Printer-friendly version
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