FANITA RANCH GETS GO AHEAD FROM SANTEE CITY COUNCIL--AGAIN

By Mike Allen

June 12, 2025 (Santee) -- The largest residential project in Santee’s history, Fanita Ranch, was granted approval by the City Council, in a 3 -1 vote June 11 with Vice Mayor Rob McNelis recusing himself.

It was the third time in five years the Santee City Council gave its approval to the project that will add 2,949 houses to some 2,600 acres of open space in the city’s northwest quadrant. Santee was challenged legally by a coalition of environmental groups twice before, including last year on the basis that the language in the city’s environmental impact report (EIR) was deficient.

Santee’s interim City Manager Gary Halbert said those deficiencies were corrected and contained in a revised EIR that was approved. The city will provide those changes to the same Superior Court judge, Katherine Bacal, to get her approval. Should she agree the changes are legal, developer HomeFed Rancho Fanita can proceed with construction, Halbert said.

“NO KINGS” PROTESTS PLANNED SATURDAY NATIONWIDE OVER AUTHORITARIAN TACTICS, INCLUDING 11 EVENTS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

East County News Service

June 12, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- “They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services. The corruption has gone too. far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings,” states the website No Kings, which is organizing protests nationwide on Saturday, June 14. The demonstrations are expected to draw millions of participants nationwide and locally, thousands.

San Diego County has 11 “peaceful” protests planned. View map. and click each location for details; times of rallies vary The local protests are slated to be held in Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Del Mar, El Cajon, Escondido, Mira Mesa, Ramona, Rancho Bernardo, San Marcos, and two in downtown San Diego including Civic Center Plaza and Waterfront Park.

SAN DIEGO GROCERY WORKERS VOTE TO OK STRIKE AMID CONTRACT DISPUTE

grocery store strike

UFCW Local 135 grocery store workers have authorized an unfair labor practice strike. (Photo courtesy of UFCW Local 135)

By Elizabeth Ireland, Times of San Diego

June 12, 2025 (San Diego County) -- More than 90 percent of voting United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135 members at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions stores across San Diego County have authorized a strike if necessary, according to the union.

The vote, held June 8–11, comes amid ongoing contract negotiations between the union and grocery store parent companies Kroger and Albertsons.

The union, which represents more than 13,000 workers throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties, accuses the companies of unfair labor practices, including “surveillance, intimidation and retaliation,” during the months-long bargaining process.

“This strike authorization is not just a vote — it’s a mandate,” said Local 135 President Todd Walters. “We will not be pushed around or silenced. This vote shows that we are strong, united, and ready to do whatever it takes to win the fair contract you deserve.”

CALIF. SENATOR PADILLA FORCIBLY REMOVED FROM HOMELAND SECURITY PRESS CONFERENCE AND HANDCUFFED

Action sparks bipartisan outrage

By Miriam Raftery

June 12, 2025 (Los Angeles) – In a shocking action, California’s U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly dragged out of a press conference in Los Angeles today, thrown on the ground and handcuffed while trying to ask a question of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Video shows he clearly identified himself, stating "I am Senator Alex Padilla" before being manhandled by federal agents.

A statement from Senator Padilla’s office indicates the Senator “is currently in Los Angeles exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight of the federal government’s operations in Los Angeles and across California,” a reference to immigration enforcement that has led to protests in L.A. and President Donald Trump calling in the National Guard and U.S. Marines.

“HIGHWAYMAN” TOM WELLER, WHO AIDED THOUSANDS OF STRANDED MOTORISTS, NOW NEEDS HELP FOR EMERGENCY HOME REPAIRS

San Diego Highwayman

Photos and story by Karen Pearlman

June 11, 2025 (El Cajon) – He spent more than 50 years helping close to 10,000 stranded motorists along all stretches of freeways across San Diego County, and now Thomas Weller could use some assistance of his own.

While health issues forced him off the road in 2017, Weller (photo left, Weller in front of his El Cajon home) still goes by the name “San Diego Highwayman” for his decades of service changing tires, replacing batteries, filling up empty gas tanks, standing watch over drivers and passengers in need – all at no charge.

The calling card he always handed out to those whom he helped reads: “Assisting you has been my pleasure. I ask for no payment other than for you to pass on the favor by helping someone in distress that you may encounter.”

IN A WIN FOR PUBLIC ACCESS, CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO KEEP LAKE MURRAY OPEN DAILY

By Karen Pearlman

Photo by Karen Pearlman: wild birds at the Lake Murray reservoir

June 11, 2025 (San Diego) – The future of continued daily access to Lake Murray is looking a little brighter today.

With a 7-2 vote, the San Diego City Council on Tuesday approved a 2025-26 budget that preserves activities at Lake Murray and other city-operated reservoirs and lakes, avoiding many previously threatened cuts to hours and days of operation.

The action came after Friends of San Diego Lakes submitted a petition with more than 8,500 signatures of residents opposed to a proposal to close the popular lake on weekdays.

There will also be no cuts to recreation center hours or park restrooms, and while city libraries will remain closed on Sundays, the budget reversed proposed Monday closures for 16 branches.

It remains to be seen whether Mayor Todd Gloria will sign or veto the revised budget.

GUHSD BOARD REJECTS TEACHERS’ ETHNIC STUDIES PROGRAM, PROVIDES UPDATES ON AI AND TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES

By Alexander J Schorr

Photo, front row: Zahra Nuristani and Maggie Kelly, student board members stepping down, and Sage Larson, one of two new student board members

At the June 6 meeting, Grossmont Union High School District’s governing board rejected an ethnic studies program prepared by teachers, announced AI and technology updates, shared a video from the new superintendent, and welcomed new student board members.

In addition, an organizer of efforts to recall four trustees announced progress on the recall campaign.

FARM TOUR DAY RETURNS JUNE 28

Explore San Diego Agriculture with Local Farmers

East County News Service

June 10, 2025 (Escondido) — The San Diego County Farm Bureau is bringing back Farming Tour Day, starting at 9 a.m., Saturday June 28.

This year’s event offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a diverse array of local farms in Escondido, showcasing the heart of San Diego agriculture.

Participants will enjoy guided walking tours led by the farmers themselves, sharing their expertise and passion for growing everything from mushrooms, succulents and cacti to citrus and avocados.

Each farm offers a unique perspective on local agriculture and innovative growing practices. Farm Tour Day is family-friendly and self-driven — bring your group, follow our detailed tour map, and explore at your own pace.

PASSAGES: ART MADRID, FORMER LA MESA MAYOR WHO SERVED THE CITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS

By Karen Pearlman

June 10, 2025 (La Mesa) – Leaving behind a legacy of service, prolific leadership and unwavering commitment to civic matters, longtime La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid has passed away at age 90.

His leadership shaped the city, earning admiration and respect from residents, businesses and civic leaders around the region and across the country.

He passed away in his home in La Mesa on Friday, June 6, according to his daughter, Lisa Madrid.

Madrid was elected to public office in La Mesa six times, including two terms as a City Council member from 1981-1990 and four terms as mayor, leading the city from 1991-2014, including during the city's centennial celebration in 2012. He previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a stint in Korea, then spent 35 years working for Pacific Bell before entering politics.

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 "common sense" 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.