SANTEE REPLACES LOW-INCOME APARTMENTS WITH CONDO PROJECT

An infill condo project for 52 units is coming to Santee

Photo and story by Mike Allen

June 9, 2025 (Santee) -- The Santee City Council unanimously approved another infill condominium project recently, this one for 52 units on the site that once housed the PureFlo Water dispensary, and had previously been approved for low-income apartments.

The site is adjacent to Laurel Heights, an 80-unit single family housing project that was approved about four years ago.

The latest project had been planned as a 96-unit apartment complex in 2022, but developer Michael Grant apparently pulled out, allowing KB Homes, one of the nation’s largest home builders, to step in and continue its activity in Santee.

'EVERYBODY STOOD UP': WHY A UNION LEADER'S ARREST GALVANIZED CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATS ON IMMIGRATION

immigration

Business and Labor

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

By Jeanne Kuang

June 9, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The union leader federal agents detained at an immigration protest in Los Angeles last week is well known to California’s Democratic leadership from his years of activism in and out of the Capitol.

That’s one reason so many leading Democrats jumped to his defense.

David Huerta, the 58-year-old president of a statewide janitors union and of the Service Employees International Union California, was arrested by federal agents Friday outside a Los Angeles garment warehouse where protesters gathered to watch and oppose an apparent workplace immigration raid.

The denouncements poured in quickly after that.

“David Huerta is a respected leader, a patriot, and an advocate for working people,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “No one should ever be harmed for witnessing government action.”

CALIFORNIA COMPANY'S EGGS RECALLED DUE TO SALMONELLA OUTBREAK

East County News Service

June 9, 2025 (San Diego County) -- California-based August Egg Company in Hilmar is recalling 1.7 million eggs tied to a multi-state outbreak of salmonella, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA said brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs were distributed by the August Egg Co. in Merced County were distributed from Feb. 3 to May 15 to retailers in nine states, including California, with best-by dates ranging from March 4 to June 19.

The eggs were distributed under more than two dozen brand names and distributed to stores that include Walmart, Safeway, Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky, Smart & Final, Raleys, Food 4 Less and Ralphs.

The recalled products are brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs from August Egg Co., with plant codes: P-6562 or CA5330.

LATINOS EN ACCION HELPING THEIR COMMUNITY

Latino community

From left to right: Mairene Branham, Violeta Lombrera and Eva Pacheco. (Photo by Mimi Pollack)

By Mimi Pollack

June 8, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Latinos en Acción, a group in El Cajon, is led by three mothers who want to make a difference in their diverse community.

These three very different women came together with the same goals in mind: to make the people of El Cajon more aware of what is going on.

They do this in part by holding rallies where they condemn U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids -- especially those targeting elders -- demand an end to El Cajon Police and ICE cooperation, call out racist visa revocations that target Afghan families and hold city officials accountable.

They want to defend immigrants’ rights and dignity.

CONCERNS LEAD JEWISH COMMUNITY TO PULL SUPPORT OF SD PRIDE

Controversial Headline Performer, Safety Concerns Cited as Reasons for Withdrawal

By Karen Pearlman

June 7, 2025 (San Diego) – Many local Jewish organizations from across San Diego County that have traditionally been part of the annual San Diego Pride event will not be joining in this year.

Jewish community leaders say that because the Pride Festival chose musical artist Kehlani to be a headliner at the annual July festival, there will be no official, organized Jewish presence there.

According to a media release shared last week from the Jewish Federation of San Diego, the groups and synagogues that will not be participating in San Diego Pride include the Federation, ADL-San Diego, Lawrence Family JCC, Temple Emanu-El of San Diego, Congregation Dor Hadash, Congregation Beth Israel of San Diego, Congregation Tifereth Israel Synagogue and Temple Adat Shalom of Poway.

It also includes the festival’s current volunteer director of medical operations and assistant director of medical operations, Dr. Jennifer Anger and Eliyahu Cohen-Mizrahi. Both individuals are Jewish and have also stepped away from their roles with Pride.

TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGES COMING TO CAMPO ROAD IN CASA DE ORO

Artistic rendering of coming changes to Campo Road (Courtesy County of San Diego)

By Karen Pearlman

June 7, 2025 (Casa de Oro) – The County of San Diego is moving into the next phase of the ambitious Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan, aimed at transforming the Campo Road corridor into a safer, more walkable and vibrant community hub.

Backed by a multi-million-dollar grant awarded early this year, county personnel along with input from stakeholders continue to focus on detailed design and engineering for public infrastructure improvements including a more walkable environment, improved safety and connections for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, said Audrey Hamilton, project manager with the County Department of Public Works, who led a June 4 Zoom meeting on the latest news for the area.

The coming work is expected to bring new life to portions of Campo Road and surrounding streets in the unincorporated area between Spring Valley and La Mesa.

There’s been more than a decade of discussion and years of tentative plans for revitalizing the main commercial strip and adjacent residential area along Campo Road in Casa de Oro.

LOCAL AUTHOR’S NOVEL, IN HARM’S WAY, BRINGS REVOLUTIONARY WAR NAVAL BATTLES TO LIFE

Featured Local Author

In Harm’s Way: Book One of The Sea Hawkes Chronicles by Thomas M. Wing

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

June 7, 2025 (San Diego) -- San Diego resident Thomas M. Wing has released his second novel In Harm's Way, an action-packed historical story set during America’s War of Independence.

Wing says he based his story on actual naval battles.

The details Wing provides about those times are interesting and compelling. The main character, Captain Jonas Hawke, returns home to Norfolk after several months of trading in the Indies and the Caribbean.

COMMUNITY PANCAKE BREAKFAST TO LAUNCH YOUTH FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM

East County News Sevice

June 7, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Juneteenth Foundation is inviting families and community members to a Pancake Breakfast Celebration later this month.

The celebration, in partnership with Mission Federal Credit Union, is set for 9 a.m. until noon, Thursday, June 19, at MacArthur Park in La Mesa.

There is a $5 donation suggested for those interested in partaking of the event, which includes not just a pancake breakfast but also kids activities like games and a bounce house, as well as a raffle.

It also will include a financial literacy angle, celebrating the launch of “Start From Zero,” a brand-new program designed for youth and families in La Mesa, Spring Valley and Lemon Grove.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER IN LA MESA

East County News Service

June 6, 2025 (La Mesa) — Heartland Firefighters of La Mesa will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser and emergency preparedness training on Sunday, June 8, at La Mesa Fire Station 11.

The event, which will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 8034 Allison Ave., is open to all ages. Tickets are $5 and include pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice.

Proceeds will benefit the Heartland Fire Explorer Program.

SD SUPERIOR COURT WARNS ABOUT SCAMS

Latest scam concerns traffic court fees, previous scams have concerned jury duty or warrants

East County News Service

June 6, 2025 (San Diego County) – The San Diego Superior Court is warning the public about new scams that are making the rounds around the county.

The court has received complaints about individuals trying to scam members of the public by pretending to be court officers or officials.

In a recent example, individuals have received text messages stating that there are overdue Traffic Court fees in their name and if they do not pay the fees in a certain manner, additional action will be taken.

MT MIGUEL HS FOUNDATION HOSTING QUARTERMANIA FUNDRAISER

East County News Service

June 6, 2025 (Spring Valley) -- Mt Miguel High School Foundation, the nonprofit organization devoted to helping Mount Miguel High School, is hosting Quartermania this month.

Quartermania is a cross between an auction and bingo.

The event, set from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 21, will be held at the Mount Miguel High School Multi-Cultural Event Center, 8585 Blossom Lane in Spring Valley.

The cost of admission is $25, and all proceeds will go toward Mount Miguel High School Special Projects.

The event will feature Preview shopping at 1 p.m., and a Quarter Auction from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drinks and snacks will be available.

A spokesperson from the group said that possible vendors may include Perfectly Posh, Party Lite, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, Handmade items by Carmen and Simply Scarves.

SENATE PASSES 5 BIPARTISAN BILLS BY SEN. BRIAN W. JONES

Bills tackle public safety, insurance crisis, and more

East County News Service

June 5, 2025 (Sacramento) -- This week, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) announced that five of his commonsense bills passed the Senate with unanimous, bipartisan support, and that they are now under consideration in the State Assembly.

Each proposal aims to address urgent issues facing Californians -- from public safety and insurance coverage to updating outdated state laws.

“These bills are focused on real problems and offer real solutions,” Jones said in a statement to the public. “From protecting communities from sexually violent predators to fixing gaps in insurance coverage for mobile homes, I’m proud to have unanimous support in the Senate and look forward to working with my colleagues in the Assembly to get them across the finish line.”

LOCAL NOVELIST EVOKES APPALACHIA IN DEPRESSION ERA

Thank Ye, Mister Sun by Bob Riffenburgh

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

June 5, 2025 -- Award-winning San Diego resident Bob Riffenburgh has written a charming historical fiction novel about Appalachia, 1939-40.

Thirteen-year-old Ronson Allen stays hungry after dinner because there isn’t enough food to go around. Nevertheless, he feels carefree, loves his family, and is happy playing with his best friend, Harry.

Everything changes when Ronson’s beloved sister is assaulted.

The book focuses on the stark realities of social class. The Allens are poor and fear retribution by the town’s wealthy because members of the privileged have victimized their daughter. When his parents don’t seek justice, with Harry’s help, Ronson takes that goal upon himself.

SUP. ANDERSON PRAISES VOTE IN SUPPORT OF AGENDA TIMELINE EXTENSION

East County News Service

June 3, 2025 (San Diego) -- San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson (photo, left) the county's District 2 representative and voice, praised a unanimous vote on Tuesday, June 3 from his fellow supervisors regarding extending public notice review time for the Board of Supervisors agenda.

On Tuesday, Anderson said, "Today's vote was a baby step in the right direction for transparency and for my constituents' ability to have adequate notice and input on County decisions."

Anderson has long been advocating for advance transparency and engagement by extending agenda review times.

SAN DIEGO LAWMAKERS ANGRY OVER ARMED ICE RAID ON SOUTH PARK RESTAURANT

Top news

San Diego lawmakers reacted with fury Monday to last weekend’s armed ICE raid on a popular South Park restaurant, accusing the federal government of heavy-handed tactics in support of arbitrary arrest goals.

Reprinted, with permission of author, from Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Rep. Juan Vargas speaks to media outside the federal courthouse in downtown San Diego. (Photo by JW August/Times of San Diego)

By JW August

June 2, 2025 (San Diego) -- “Why were ICE agents armed to the teeth as if they were entering a war zone, storming restaurants?” asked Rep. Juan Vargas at a press conference on the steps of the federal courthouse downtown.

Vargas was joined by Reps. Mike Levin, Sara Jacobs and Scott Peters, as well as Mayors Todd Gloria of San Diego and Paloma Aguirre of Imperial Beach, city councilmembers and other lawmakers.

Vargas criticized federal magistrate Judge Karen Crawford for signing the warrant leading to the raid, and demanded a meeting with her boss, Judge Cynthia Bashant, who became chief judge in January. The warrant was apparently based on a four-year-old tip.

“And that’s why we’re here, because we’re pissed off and we’re not going to allow this to happen,” Vargas said.

CLANDESTINE SELECTION OF NEW GUHSD SUPERINTENDENT LACKS TRANSPARENCY

By Alexander J Schorr

Photo,left: GUHSD's new Superintendent, Dr.Kirsten VitalBrulte

June 2, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Following Mike Fowler’s departure from the GUHSD governing board due to cancer, and with Sandra Huezo taking the role of Acting Superintendent, the board selected a candidate finalist for the role of board Superintendent behind closed doors, with no public comment allowed and press barred from the room.

Governing Board President Gary Woods announced Dr. Kirsten Vital Brulte as the Superintendent Finalist for GUHSD. She recently served for eight years as Superintendent of Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD), the largest district in Orange County, serving more than 44,000 students. The official approval is expected on June 10: read the full description and announcement details here.

GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO GRADUATE 4,768 STUDENTS: HERE ARE THE VALEDICTORIANS AND SALUTATORIANS

Education

East County News Service

June 3, 2025 – Throughout the month of June, approximately 4,768 students earning a high school diploma from nine comprehensive high schools, two independent charter schools, one middle college high school, one Project Based Learning school of choice, and three special education academies in the Grossmont Union High School District will be donning caps and gowns for commencement exercises.

Listed below are the total graduate numbers and the names of the Valedictorians and Salutatorians at each school.

CALLING ALL FOODIES: TASTE OF SAN DIEGO-EAST JUNE 23

East Couinty News Service

June 3, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join businesses and food providers at the 16th Annual “Taste of San Diego East” on Monday, June 23 at the Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa in Mission Valley.

Guests can “taste, savor, and mingle” as you meet business vendors and enjoy the food samplings prepared by food and catering participants. Whether you love all-American barbecue or old-fashioned onion burgers, or crave international cuisine including Indian, Irish, Italian, Himalayan, Mexican and Sushi, you’ll find plenty to savor and sip.

"ARTIVAL" DEBUTS IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON JUNE 7

June 3, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Artival-- an art, wine and music festival--makes its debut in downtown El Cajon on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate art, culture and community.

Organizers describe the new festival as "where art meets vibes: immerse yourself in creativity, community and craft."

Enjoy an art walk featuring works by talented local artists, from fine art and photography to jewelry, handmade clothing, and ceramics.

There will also be food trucks, a wine garden, beer, and live music.

CHIEF MECHAM OFFERS OUTLOOK ON FIRE SEASON AND UPGRADES IN LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION

“We will be dropping water at night this summer.” – Chief Tony Mecham (photo, left)

By Miriam Raftery

June 3, 2025 (San Diego) – “The largest economic threat in San Diego County is a large, devastating fire,” says Tony Mecham, County Fire Chief and Cal Fire Unit Chief. But he told a crowd of fire safe council members during the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation’s SAFE awards on May 19, “We have something that’s working in San Diego.”

During the event, Chief Mecham praised efforts of fire safe council volunteers to reduce fire risk. He also announced new firefighting aircraft and equipment for our region, gave an outlook on this year’s severe fire potential amid drought conditions, and shared his experiences and lessons learned from battling major fires including the Eaton Fire that ravaged Los Angeles County in January, and shared concerns over federal budget cuts.

SDG&E INVESTMENT SINCE 2007 HAS REDUCED WILDFIRE RISK

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Brian D'Agostino, SDG&E Vice President of wildfire and climate science and the company's first meteorologist.

View slide presentation by Brian D’Agostino

June 3, 2025 (San Diego) – After the 2007 firestorms ravaged our region, including some fires linked to power lines, San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E) invested heavily to prevent future fires--developing the nation's largest utility-owned weather systems, drones to patrol lines, satellites to measure mosture content in vegetation, predictive fire modeling share with first responders and public officials, a firefighting team of its own, underground power lines in high-risk areas, and during extreme conditions, planned power outages to prevent fires.

“Seventeen years later, no large fire has come from our fire lines,” Brian D’Agostino, Vice President of Wildfire and Climate Scientist for SDG&E, and the company’s first meteorologist hired 17 years ago, said in a presentation at the San Diego Regional Fire Safe Council’s SAFE awards on May 19.

Many of SDG&E's innovations have since gone statewide or national, helping to reduce wildfire dangers to communities across the West. That's in sharp contrast to some other utility companies that failed to take such steps and had power lines responsible for some of the worst fires in California history.

SAN DIEGO REGIONAL FIRE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES PROJECT SAFE GRANTS TO LOCAL FIRE SAFE COUNCILS

$300,000 in grants awarded to 31 local Fire Safe Councils throughout the San Diego region

June 2, 2025 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation (Fire Foundation) awarded $300,000 in grants to 31 Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) to aid in wildfire prevention and preparedness, including community education to make their neighborhoods safer.

"Our goal is to make San Diego County the safest in the nation," said Joan Jones, Executive Director of the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation. "You are the boots on the ground," she told Fire Safe Council members during the awards presentation on May 19 at an SDG&E facility."We have 13 new fire safe councils this year!" San Diego now has over 50 fire safe councils-- the most of any region in the United States - all supported by the Fire Foundation.

Fire Safe Councils are community-led, volunteer-based organizations dedicated to protecting homes and communities from wildfires. FSCs support their communities through various activities including fire-hardening homes, removing flammable plantings, hosting vegetation chipping events, installing reflective address signage, and educating and assisting neighbors with emergency preparedness.

In 2024, volunteers from FSCs invested 16,000 of their time in clearing 1.5 million cubic feet of vegetation, collecting 178 tons (356,000 pounds) of trash, metal, and e-waste; distributing 53,000 newsletters, and presenting 100 wildfire safety education events all geared toward making their communities safer for all residents.

EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

East County Round-UP

June 3, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media. This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

LaShae Sharp-Collins Wants More Homes Not Just Housing (Voice of San Diego)
ICE just grabbed another man who’d been in a San Diego homeless shelter San Diego Union-Tribune).
An immigration raid at a San Diego restaurant leads to a chaotic scene (KPBS)
El Cajon skilled nursing facility kitchen temporarily shut down for ‘major’ health violations (KPBS)
Breeds & Brew Dog-Centric Beer Garden Opening in La Mesa (San Diegoville)
Tijuana wastewater chemicals found in coastal aerosols, UCSD study finds (City News Service)
Inside San Diego’s high-tech lab fighting future disease threats (KPBS)
FAA didn't issue key notice about malfunctioning airport weather observation system before deadly San Diego crash (KPBS)
Man arrested after threat grounds flight to Honolulu from San Diego International Airport (Times of San Diego)
San Diego’s highest paid city employees? Cops racking up overtime and earning over $400,000 (KPBS)
Rep. Darrell Issa’s mail-ballot lawsuit may be thrown out of San Diego federal court (Times of San Diego)
73-unit Jericho Road townhouse development moves forward (La Mesa Times)

STATE

California’s Economy Ranks 4th in the World (Voice of San Diego)
Villaraigosa, despite climate credentials, pivots toward oil industry in run for governor (Los Angeles Times)
Trump’s FCC delays multilingual emergency alerts for natural disasters, sparking concern in L.A (Los Angeles Times)
California schools see 9% surge in homeless students as funds decrease (Ed Source)
Newsom proposes to freeze Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented immigrants (Cal Matters)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WATER AGENCIES END LENGTHY LEGAL DISPUTE

Settlement agreement aims to bring region greater fiscal stability, water supply efficiency

and reliability

East County News Service

June 2, 2025 (San Diego County) – Signaling a new era of collaboration, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the San Diego County Water Authority today announced the settlement of a 15-year legal dispute over rates and the price term of an exchange agreement between the agencies.

At a news conference in San Diego, leaders from two of the state’s largest water agencies hailed the conclusion of all pending litigation, highlighting their commitment to fostering greater teamwork on a range of issues that affect nearly 19 million Southern California residents.

The settlement dismisses all pending appeals, maintaining earlier judicial decisions on various matters. It includes provisions to reduce the potential for future litigation, improve certainty in budgeting, and increase flexibility in efficiently managing water supplies.

ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

ECM World News

June 2, 2025 -- As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

WORLD

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

SYCUAN BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT COMING JUNE 4

East County News Service

June 2, 2025 (El Cajon) The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation is hosting its 34th annual Sycuan Cup Golf Tournament this Wednesday morning, June 4, at the Singing Hills Golf Club in El Cajon.

This year, the event aims to raise $100,000 for four deserving local nonprofit organizations: Elymash Yuuchaap – The Native Resource Center at San Diego State University, SBCS, HorsePlay Collective and War Party Ranch.

The invitational tournament kicks off at 8 a.m. with registration. A special beneficiary award ceremony will follow at 9:15 a.m., during which the Sycuan Tribal Council will present donation checks to each of the selected organizations.

Participants will then tee off at 10 a.m. on the Oak Glen and Willow Glen championship courses.

RAMONA TRAFFIC STOP RESULTS IN ARREST OF DRIVER FOR ILLEGAL WEAPON AND DRUGS

East County News Service

Photo via San Diego County Sheriff's Department

June 1, 2025 (Ramona) – Ryan Jones, 40, faces numerous charges after he was found in possession of a rifle, ammunition, high-capacity magazines and methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Ramona.

On Thursday, May 29 around 9:30 p.m., deputies from the Ramona Sheriff's Substation stopped a pickup truck driven by Jones near the intersection of Main and 16th streets in Ramona.

Jones had an active felony arrest warrant.

HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Health/Fitness

June 1, 2025 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

SCIENCE AND TECH

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

JUDGE FINDS KALASHOS MADE UNPERMITTED CONSTRUCTION, SETS JUNE 18 HEARING TO RESOLVE CLAIMS

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Exhibit from defendants' closing brief in which the Kalashos claimed substantial unpermitted changes to first, third and fourth floors of their Fletcher Hills rental property are each a "nothng burger."

June 1, 2025 (El Cajon) – Former El Cajon Councilmember Bessmon “Ben” Kalasho and his wife, Jessica Deddeh, made major unpermitted construction changes using unlicensed contractors at the Fletcher Hills home that they are currently renting to a family with children, That’s the finding of San Diego Superior Court Judge Joel R. Wohlfeil.

However, the judge this week also ruled against the City of El Cajon’s request to impose over $2.5 million in fines and denied without prejudice the city’s request to put the home into receivership to be sold to pay the fines, meaning fines or receivership could be allowed in the future if the Kalashos fail to comply with the court orders.

Instead, the judge ordered Kalasho to allow a city inspector access to determine whether health or safety hazards exist and prohibited occupancy including rental of the property until any code violations found are corrected, and until the Kalashos comply with building, housing and zoning codes.

FIVE YEARS AFTER THE NIGHT OF CHAOS: LA MESA’S STRUGGLE FOR REFORM

By Karen Pearlman

Photos, left by ECM photographers: La Mesa protest, riot and arson May 30-31, 2020.

May 30, 2025 (La Mesa) – It’s been five years since the last Saturday in May 2020, when the city of La Mesa found itself smack in the epicenter of racial justice protests and civil unrest that mirrored a nationwide outcry against police brutality. The protest later exploded into violence, ending with buildings in flames and a small-town community often likened to Mayberry left shell-shocked.

Since then, the city has made strides to improve communications, public outreach and policing, as the city's Mayor, Police Chief and City Manager told ECM in exclusive interviews shortly before the five-year anniversary of those turbulent events.