By Regina Elling

Carnival rides are a big part of the fun at Ramona Country Fair. Photo by Regina Elling

July 25, 2025 (Ramona) -- Visitors to the Ramona Country Fair, set for Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3, can expect to enjoy amusement rides, vendor booths, carnival food, a variety of musical acts, a car show, a dog demonstration, equestrian events, a corn hole tournament and lots of old-fashioned fun and entertainment. There is even expanded shade and cool zones to help beat the heat.

“The importance of the Fair is multi-faceted,” said Karen Domnitz, Ramona Chamber of Commerce vice president. “It’s for people to enjoy, it brings people to Ramona and is the largest event and fundraiser put on by our Chamber of Commerce.”

Presented by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, admission to the Fair is free. Single day parking passes are $20; unlimited, $25.

Five candidates running against Rep. Issa are also expected to be there

East County News Service

July 23, 2025 (Escondido) – Since Republican Representative Darrell Issa has repeatedly refused to hold a townhall in his 49^th Congressional district, Indivisible North County has organized “The Town Hall We Deserve” with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, a Democrat representing the 51^st Congressional district, to speak with voters on critical issues facing our nation.

Five Democratic candidates running against Issa have also been invited to have tables at the event, according to organizers.

Registration is required and seating is limited.  Register here.  The event will take place July 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts,340 N. Escondido Blvd.in Escondido.

Have something to say? Submit your questions in advance for Rep. Jacobs. Submit your questions here.

East County News Service

July 24, 2025 (Julian) – Keith and Priscilla Webb, best known locally as owners of Julian Hard Cider, the nation's first craft cider company in Julian, passed away two days apart earlier this month. They also owned Apple Lane Orchard, a popular wedding and vacation rental destination in the mountain community in San Diego's East County.

Both are remembered as generous community members who contributed to numerous local charities,  as well as being successful business owners. 

East County News Service

July 23, 2025 (San Diego) – An El Cajon woman, 60, is dead and three others injured as a result of a three-vehicle crash that occurred July 19 on Dehesa Road, east of Sloan Canyon Road in unincorporated El Cajon.  Her identity has not yet been released by the county medical examiner.

According to the California Highway Patrol, she was driving a 2018 Nissan Sentra westbound on Dehesa Rd. when for unknown reasons, her vehicle crossed over the center double-yellow lines and struck a 2007 Honda Pilot driven by a 77-year-old El Cajon woman.

The Nissan driver could not regain control and then crashed into a  2019 Ford F-150 driven by a 42-year-old El Cajon woman with a female passenger. The Ford overturned onto the roadway.

By Mike Allen

Image,left:  Rendering of Buzz's planned cannabis store interior

July 23, 2025 (Santee) -- Santee has concluded what Mayor John Minto called “an exhaustive process” to award four business permits for the sale of cannabis and related products to four groups, all of which have experience in retailing the highly regulated lines of liquor and gasoline.

The vote on the cannabis business licenses July 11 followed an extensive, four-phase vetting process that began in October culminating in three days of interviews with all 16 groups interviewed by the five-member council.

The stores will offer both medical and recreational cannabis (marijuana) products.

By Paul Levikow

July 15, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The Grossmont Center shopping mall is in for some major renovations, after the La Mesa City Council unanimously approved the first phase of the new design at its July 8 meeting.

Phase 1 focuses on storefronts between the two anchor stores, Target and Walmart with a new, modern design theme with updated materials, colors, and architectural features. The central plaza will be renovated with outdoor seating, shade structures, lighting, a fountain, and a community gathering space. Landscaping upgrades are also planned with 30 new trees and low-water native plants. In addition, there will be improvements to sidewalks and ADA handicap access. Energy-efficient and safety-conscious design elements, including improved lighting and security bollards will be implemented.

Fire officials announce other upgrades in fire protection for Crest

By Paul Levikow

July 14, 2025 (Crest) – For years, Crest residents have asked the County to create an additional evacuation route on Suncrest Truck Trail to protect residents in the rural community that was devasted in the 2003 Cedar Fire.  In response to a reader’s request, ECM looked into the matter. 

While officials from the County and Cal Fire say Suncrest Truck Trail is not a viable option for several reasons, many other steps are being taken to improve fire safety for Crest.

Story and photo by Jennifer Sencion

July 13, 2025 (Lemon Grove) —  Dozens of concerned residents and animal advocates spoke at the Lemon Grove City Council meeting Tuesday night to demand a citywide ban on the retail sale of all animals.

Sixteen of the nearly 20 speakers urged Councilmembers to expand on California Assembly Bill 485, which already prohibits the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in retail stores, to include all animals in the ban.

Much of the concerns centered on Lemon Grove Pet Supplies and Exotics, a pet store located on Main Street that has been in business for over a decade. Many of the speakers shared personal experiences at the shop, ranging from witnessing unsanitary conditions to finding deceased animals. 

You’re invited to East County Magazine' s DIning Club feast at Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa on Thursday, July 17 at 6:30 p.m.  All proceeds benefit our local news reporting and our wildfire and emergency alerts! Everyone is welcome to attend.

Himalayan Cuisine features delicious cuisine from Nepal, Tibet and India.  Plus we'll have a fabulous raffle with many great prizes including gift certificates to local stores and restaurants, a Himalayan salt lamp, wine lovers gifts, books, an Oriental-style rug, and more.

RSVP’s are required no later than July 14, but if you RSVP before July 10 you’ll be entered in a special prize drawing!

Please RSVP to:  info@eastcountymedia.org with your name, the number in our party, and “RSVP Himalayan” in the subject line.

Pesticide spraying set for July 14 and 15 in more La Mesa neighborhoods

By Miriam Raftery

July 11, 2025 (La Mesa) – Concern over West Nile virus in the La Mesa and Rolando areas has ramped up, after County Vector control tested nearly 2,000 mosquitos in 165 batches in these areas.

West Nile virus found in 37 batches of mosquitos tested in Roland and La Mesa

 “In this area, 37 batches have tested positive for West Nilie virus, Gig Conaughton, communication specialist for San Diego County, told East County Magazine.

The positive tests were in La Mesa and the San Diego portion of Rolando.

Mosquitos were also tested in Lemon Grove, with no West Nile virus detected there.

Spraying dates and locations

Pesticide spraying will be done Monday and Tuesday, July 14 and 15, between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.in the La Mesa areas shown on the map at left and at the County's Adult Mosquito Control site.