Aug. 12, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – After several months of rebuffs from the city of Lemon Grove, proponents of a recall effort to remove Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow from office have finally received the city’s OK to move forward on their petition.
Snow, meanwhile, has filed a lawsuit in San Diego County Superior Court against the organizers of a recall effort, including main petitioner Kenneth King. The city of Lemon Grove’s election official Joel Pablo, the Lemon Grove City Clerk, is also named.
Snow, elected last November, is alleging that the group is fraudulent in its attempt to remove her from office. The lawsuit seeks to immediately halt the circulation of the petition that Snow claims fraudulently appends voters’ signatures to a previous Notice of Intention to Recall Petition, which Snow calls a “False NOI.”
August 15, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- 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:
Actions raise concerns over children’s wellbeing; their locations are undisclosed
By Karen Pearlman
Miriam Raftery contributed to this story; photos by East County Magazine staff
Updated Aug. 15 with responses from federal officials
Aug. 14, 2025 (El Cajon) – Nonprofit Southwest Key Programs Inc. (photo, left) is no longer operating its site in El Cajon that had been housing unaccompanied immigrant children since the first Trump administration.
El Cajon City Manager Graham Mitchell told the City Council and staff on Monday via email that the United States’ largest provider of housing and services for unaccompanied minors has left the city.
“Larger employers are required by law to inform the City if they go out of businesses or initiate a large-scale layoff,” the email said. “Earlier today, the City received a notice from Southwest Key (operating on Broadway) that they lost federal funding and will be shutting down. As you recall, Southwest Key has been operating at the site for many years operating as a facility for unaccompanied minors that have entered into the United States from the southern U.S. border.”
August 15, 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:
August 13, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Palms Restaurant and Banquet Hall on Main Street was determined to be in violation of its Conditional Use Permit Tuesday by the El Cajon City Council and ordered to close by Oct. 1, unless it is granted a new CUP at next week’s Planning Commission meeting.
The Planning Commission revoked The Palms’ CUP at its June meeting. The business owners appealed the ruling, which was denied by the City Council on a 4-1 vote. Rather than require the business to close immediately, the Council voted to allow it to stay open until Oct. 1. Mayor Bill Wells voted no.
August 14, 2025 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon City Council was reassured Tuesday about police responses to mental health calls for service after recent news coverage and concerns expressed by County officials. Some changes have been made in the wake of a ruling by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that was handed down last year stemming from a fatal encounter with police in Las Vegas with a man experiencing a mental health crisis. The item on the agenda Tuesday was for informational purposes only. No action was required by the City Council.
Screenshot from official MLB video of a Ramón Laureano home run during Wednesday's 11-1 Padres win in San Francisco
By Karen Pearlman
Aug. 13, 2025 (San Diego) – Don’t look now but the San Diego Padres are back in first place in the National League West.
After a mid-season slump, the Padres (69-52) have rediscovered their winning form and are making a strong push for the postseason.
The Friars have gone 17-8 since the All-Star break, have won eight of their last 10 games, are on a five-game winning streak, and are now a full game ahead of the arch rival Los Angeles Dodgers (68-53) for the NL West lead.
The Padres are currently on the road, just finishing a three-game series sweep against league foe San Francisco with an 11-1 win on Wednesday. The team will head down to Los Angeles for a crucial three-game weekend series against the Dodgers starting Friday, Aug. 15.
August 13, 2025 (El Cajon) – Dozens of East County residents filled El Cajon City Council chambers Tuesday, demanding the City repeal a resolution allowing police to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The effort was organized by Latinos en Accion and Activist San Diego to urge speakers to address the Council during public comments. Twenty-six presenters addressed the council for 90 minutes in a near-capacity crowd. Some held protest signs and wearing T-shirts displaying their opposition to the resolution and support of an effort to recall District 4 Councilmember Phil Ortiz.
Ortiz voted for the measure in February when it narrowly passed 3-2, as ECM reported.
Aug. 13, 2025 (La Mesa) – Road changes long planned for state Routes 94 and 125 in La Mesa at the junction with Spring Valley are starting to move again.
The SR 94/125 Interchange Project, in the works for several decades by the California Department of Transportation in collaboration with the San Diego Association of Governments, will bring connectors long anticipated and needed for the freeways and the region.
The original project extended more than three miles along both routes and Caltrans officials say it remains “a highly prioritized project in the region.”
Construction is expected to begin in late spring or early summer 2026 with an anticipated finish to the first of two phases in late spring or early summer 2028.
You’re invited to our East County Dining Club special event atZest Wine Bistroin Lemon Grove on Thursday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m.
20% of dinner proceeds and100% of raffle proceeds will benefit East County Magazine’s reporting and wildfire alerts.
Savor gourmet charcuterie served family-style (gourmet cheeses and deli meats, olives, crostini and fresh fruits) paired with three wines (red, white, and rosé).
This exclusive event is expected to sell out quickly, since seating is limited, so we4 recommend RSVPing as soon as possible to reserve seats! The deadline to RSVP is August 18, if seats are still available.
RSVP to: info@eastcountymedia.orgwith your name and number of guests (with guest names if possible).
August 12, 2025 (Santee) - Momentum Tutoring (www.momentumtutoring.org) invites the community to the Santee Youth Business Fair at Santee Lakes, a dynamic one-day marketplace where young entrepreneurs will showcase their creativity, hustle, and heart. The event takes place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Lake #2, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve.
Applications accepted now through through Sept. 4; forum for applicants Aug. 13
By Karen Pearlman
Aug. 12, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove is actively seeking applicants to fill the vacant City Council seat of Sitivi “Steve” Faiai, who passed away on July 8.
Faiai, who was elected in 2024, had just begun his political career when he died at age 50 after suffering a heart attack.
At its Aug. 5, 2025 meeting, the Lemon Grove City Council directed staff to open the application process for the appointment of a City Councilmember to fill out the remainder of Faiai’s term. The Council opted against callling for a special election, which could have cost the city more than $250,000.
By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies East County
Photo: members of the Revitalize Broadway Board celebrate the one-year anniversary of its founding. Photo by Revitalize Broadway
August 12, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- When a group of Lemon Grove residents and business owners came together last year to reimagine the city’s aging Broadway corridor, they could not have imagined how much progress would be made in such a short time. One year later, their vision has blossomed into a vibrant community movement known as Revitalize Broadway Lemon Grove. And the momentum continues to grow.
This grassroots coalition has not only helped beautify one of East County’s most neglected thoroughfares but has also made significant strides in reducing alcohol-related harm and addressing public safety through the lens of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). The results are inspiring.
National Guard to also be deployed in nation’s capital city
By Miriam Raftery
August 11, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to put Washington D.C.’s police force under federal control, claiming a need to reduce crime, CNN reports. However, according to a Newsweek report, violent crime in Washington D.C. was the lowest in 24 years last year, while other crimes also fell.
August 4, 2025 (San Diego) — In an age when it is uncertain who is a lawful agent of the US government and who is a vigilante, it is important to remember to stay safe and stay informed. Some immigration agents are wearing masks, but there have also been instances of people abducted by individuals falsely claiming to be immigration agents.
SHARP Grossmont Hospital employees stand atop the helicopter pad atop its Emergency Room on Aug. 11 as part of a celebration of the hospital's 70 years of service to the community. Photo courtesy SHARP Grossmont Hospital
By Karen Pearlman
Aug. 11, 2025 (La Mesa) -- Grossmont Hospital just hit 70 years, but the venerable facility is looking sharper than ever.
As part of a celebration of its 70th anniversary, nearly 150 SHARP Grossmont Hospital staffers gathered Monday morning on the helicopter pad atop its Emergency Room to spell out a giant number “70.”
Aug. 10, 2025 (Spring Valley) -- San Diego County Department of Animal Services has taken custody of a Chihuahua and is pursuing animal cruelty charges against a Spring Valley woman after a disturbing video surfaced which appeared to show a dog being struck with a wooden plank, then covered with a container and kicked.
On July 21, a concerned citizen recorded a video of the incident in an apartment complex parking lot in Spring Valley.
The woman, reportedly living out of her vehicle at the time, was seen apparently striking the dog. Since that time Animal Services officers from County Animal Services and officers from the San Diego Humane Society attempted to locate the woman.
Photo: Members of Santee Fire Dept, SD Regional Fire Foundation and the SD River Conservancy with new brush rig funded through the city along with grants from the two nonprofits.
August 11, 2025 (Santee)-- The city of Santee has another key tool in its goal of protecting the city from wildfires, a new brush fire engine.
City officials and the public will get together Aug. 20 for a “push-in” ceremony at Station No. 5 to celebrate the new engine, which was paid mostly from nonprofit grants.
According to the city, the $627,000 fire engine made by HME Inc. was acquired thanks to a $407,000 grant from the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation, and the San Diego River Conservancy. The remainder came from the city’s general fund.
August 10, 2025 (San Diego) -- San Diego author Thomas Wing, releases Against All Enemies. This gripping thriller ominously shows us a violent but possible reaction to America’s tariff war — China launches a full-scale surprise attack on the U.S. Capitol, Pentagon, military bases, and communication satellites.
August 9, 2025 (Julian) - If you are going to Summergrass, and if you are a Julian Family Fiddle Camp (JFFC) alumni OR if you are interested in attending JFFC, you are invited to attend the JFFC pie scial & promotion at 7 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 16.
August 9, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa announces the official launch of its redesigned website, which is now live at www.cityoflamesa.gov.
While the site may look different, it retains all the same tools, features, and functionality residents and businesses have come to rely on, according to a press release from the city.
Photo: Plans for a proposed battery storage facility at 8135 El Paso St. have been set aside. Photo by Amy Reichert.
August 9, 2025 (La Mesa) - In her meetings with La Mesa’s city manager, Councilmember Laura Lothian asked about the proposed 18-megawatt battery storage facility at 8135 El Paso St.
August 8, 2025 (San Diego) -- County public health officials have confirmed the first case of measles in the region this year in a teenage resident who had recently traveled overseas. Anyone who visited Rady Children’s Hospital’s emergency room or the Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Urgent Care on August 6 or 7,
August 8, 2025 (San Diego) - Long-time resident of San Diego, Dr. Ruth Leyse Wallace, recently released her fourth book, Integrating Nutrition into Mental Health Care.
August 8, 2025 (San Diego) – Today, Superior Court Judge Matthew Braner dismissed a lawsuit filed by Grecia Figueroa against former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. Judge Braner said Figueroa engaged in “rampant and willful spoilation of evidence” including deleting photos and text messages damaging to her case.
Update 3:20 p.m.-- Evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted; forward spread has been stopped.
Update 1:30 p.m.-- The fire has been mapped at 88 acres and is now 5% contained. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.
East County WIldfire and Emergency Alerts
August 8,2025 -- There is immediate structure threat from the #RoadrunnerFire, a brush fire that began at Roadrunner Lane and Ribbonwood Road. The fire has burned 25 acres and has zero containment.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has issued Evacuation Orders and Warnings for nearby areas, all north of I-8 as of 12:55 p.m. For an interactive map with updated emergency evacuation information visit: OES Emergency Map
The temporary evacuation point is located at : Golden Acorn Casino (1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo 91906).
An Evacuation Order requires immediate movement out of the affected area due to an imminent threat to life.
Thomas Weller in front of his home in El Cajon (Photo by Karen Pearlman)
By Karen Pearlman
Aug. 7, 2025 (El Cajon) – Thanks in a large part to the efforts of a local philanthropic nonprofit, The San Diego Highwayman is on the road to better times.
Though he is now retired, Tom Weller -- known as “The Highwayman” for his decades of volunteer work helping stranded and displaced motorists along freeways throughout San Diego County – was assisted by the East County Posse in the place where he needs it most – the house he shares with his wife, Patty, and rescued dog Sadie Mae in El Cajon.
This story was originally published by CalMatters.Sign up for their newsletters.
Photo: rooftop solar panels on a home in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, on Feb. 18, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters
August 7, 2025 (Oakland) - The California Supreme Court today sided with environmental groups in a case seen as pivotal for the proliferation of rooftop solar power in California.
August 15, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- 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:
August 15, 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:
By Paul Levikow
August 14, 2025 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.
Screenshot from official MLB video of a Ramón Laureano home run during Wednesday's 11-1 Padres win in San Francisco
East County News Service
By Karen Pearlman
By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies East County
National Guard to also be deployed in nation’s capital city
By Alexander J. Schorr
East County News Services
By Mike Allen
East County News Service
Book by Thomas Wing
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Drew Sitton, 
East County News Service
Book by Ruth Leyse Wallace, PhD
By Miriam Raftery
By Malena Carollo, CalMatters
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