Communities

WELCOME, RURAL RESIDENTS!

Our Rural section covers most San Diego County's inland communities south of I-8  to the border including Alpine, Barrett Junction, Boulevard, Campo, Deerhorn Valley, Dehesa, Dulzura,  Jamul,  Japatul, Lake Morena, Otay,  Potrero, and Spring Valley. 


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WELCOME, MOUNTAIN DWELLERS!

Our Mountain Living section covers the mountain communities in San Diego's East County north of I-8 including Aguanga, Cuyamaca, Descanso, Guatay, Julian, Mount Laguna, Pine Valley, Ranchita, Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Shelter Valley and Warner Springs.


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WELCOME, DESERT DENIZENS!

Our deserts section covers the Anza Borrego Desert State Park and the communities of Borrego Springs, Ocotillo, Ocotillo Wells and Jacumba.


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WELCOME, SANTEE & LAKESIDE RESIDENTS!


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GUHSD BOARD ADOPTS RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW BROWN ACT AND BYLAW— PRESIDENT WOODS DENIES VIOLATIONS

By Alexander J. Schorr 

“We need public school leadership that we can trust.” —Madeline McCurry-Schmidt, a La Mesa parent and graduate of a GUHSD school

 

new promise to keep

 

July 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- All public boards in California are expected to follow the state’s open government laws. But explosive revelations based on public records published by the San Diego Union Tribunesuggested secret meetings and backroom deals involving several Grossmont Union High School district trustees. In response, on July 17, the GUHSD Governing Board took the unusual step of pushing a resolution to follow the Brown Act and district bylaws, which trustees approved unanimously.


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RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR BRINGS SUMMERTIME FUN AUG. 1-3

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.


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JULIAN MOUNTAIN BREWFEST SET FOR AUG. 23

East County News Service

July 24, 2025 (Julian) – The Julian Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the Julian Mountain Brewfest at Nickel Beer Company at 1485 Hollow Glen Road from noon to 4 p.m.,  Saturday, Aug. 23.

A $25 ticket includes eight tastings, a commemorative cup and live music by the Sun Valley String Band.


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MT. HELIX PARK FOUNDATION FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL AUG. 16 FEATURES GATSBY THEME

 
By Karen Pearlman 
Miriam  Raftery also contributed to this report


Last year's Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival event was a 
hit. (Photo courtesy Mt. Helix Park Foundation)
 
July 24, 2025 (La Mesa) – A privately owned "public" park and nature preserve with an outdoor ampitheater toward the top, East County is fortunate Mount Helix Park is open 365 days a year and has no entrance fee. Thousands annually hike its trails, sit by the 35-foot stone cross at the  top and take in sweeping views across San Diego County. 
 
But keeping the six-acre park -- celebrating its 100th year in 2025 -- open for free comes at a cost for its operations and upkeep. 
 
With that in mind, the nonprofit Mt. Helix Foundation. which owns and maintains the park grounds, is hosting its annual fundraiser on Aug. 16. The foundation will transform the scenic hilltop of Mt. Helix into a vibrant celebration of culinary arts, fine beverages and community spirit for the 18th Annual Mt. Helix Food & Wine Festival,  In honor of the centennial, this year's celebration will feature a Great Gatsby theme reflecting the site's historical roots complete with a speakeasy, two live bands and dancing under the stars.
 
The event is recognized as one of East County’s premier gatherings, and serves as the  organization’s primary fundraiser to preserve and enhance the historic park, said Krista Powers, executive director of the Mt. Helix Park Foundation.
 
Powers said the Food & Wine Festival typically draws 700 people. The park's biggest yearly draw is Easter sunrise services, which attracts about 1,800 people to the top. Christmas activities bring close to 1,000 people to the site annually.

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING ON LONG-TERM GAS SYSTEM PLANNING

East County News Service

July 24, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The California Public Utilities Commission will hold a public forum August 7 on long-term gas system planning.

As California moves toward a shift away from fossil fuels, gas utilities including San Diego Gas & Electric were to submit maps of their gas distribution systems including foreseeable gas pipeline replacement projects and their recommended priority neighborhood decarbonization zones by July 21. 

Links to those maps will be posted by the CPUC here.


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CONGRESSWOMAN SARA JACOBS HOSTS TOWN HALL JULY 27 IN ESCONDIDO, SINCE ISSA WON’T HOLD LIVE SESSION WITH HIS CONSTITUENTS

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 49th Congressional district, Indivisible North County has organized “The Town Hall We Deserve” with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, a Democrat representing the 51st 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.


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UPGRADES TO RAMONA AIR ATTACK BASE PLANNED FOR NEW CAL FIRE TANKER

By Paul Levikow

Creative Commons image of  C-130H air tanker

July 24, 2025 (Ramona) – Enhanced wildfire response capabilities are coming to Southern California, after CAL FIRE announced a significant construction project at the Ramona Air Attack Base that will prepare for a new tanker to be based there.

Construction is tentatively set to begin Aug. 1 and take 8-12 months to complete, according to a news release from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s San Diego Unit.

“The project is a crucial step in preparing the base to accommodate one of CAL FIRE’s new C-130H air tankers, dramatically enhancing the agency’s wildfire response capabilities in Southern California,” the news release said. The tanker will be added to CAL FIRE’s current resources of three aircraft, one air attack platform and two air tankers that are currently based in Ramona.


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PASSAGES: KEITH AND PRISCILLA WEBB, OWNERS OF JULIAN HARD CIDER

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. 


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PEDESTRIAN DEATH IN RAMONA

East County News Service

July 23, 2025 (Ramona) – A 40-year-old Ramona man is dead after being struck by a vehicle shortly before midnight on July 18.

The victim was standing in the roadway on northbound State Route 67 north of Archie Moore Road in Ramona, an area with low lighting, when a Dodge Challenger driven by an Irvine woman, 44, collided with the pedestrian, according to Officer Jasmine Lopez with the California Highway Patrol.


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THREE-VEHICLE CRASH ON DEHESA ROAD KILLS EL CAJON WOMAN

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.


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FANITA RANCH CHALLENGED AGAIN IN NEW LAWSUIT

By Mike Allen

July 23, 2025 (Santee) -- As expected, a coalition of environmental groups including Preserve Wild Santee have filed a new legal challenge against Santee’s biggest residential project, Fanita Ranch, which the City Council most recently approved in June.

It was the third time in five years that the Santee City Council gave its approval to the controversial 3,000-house development that has a history dating back to the 1990s.

At every juncture, the environmental coalition which also include the Center for Biological Diversity, the Endangered Habitats League and the California Chaparral Institute, have opposed the project as dangerous due to building in a very high fire hazard severity zone but also non-complaint with existing state laws covering new construction.

Also, the latest suit states that the city is ignoring the passage of Measure N in November 2020, which required a public vote on any new development that increases density and would necessitate amending the city’s General Plan.


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SANTEE TAKES HIGH ROAD, APPROVES FOUR CANNABIS SHOPS

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.


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CREST FIRE STATION 18 CONSTRUCTION IS ON TIME AND ON BUDGET, ACCORDING TO SAN MIGUEL FIRE & RESCUE OFFICIALS

By Paul Levikow

Image, left: rendering of future Fire State 18

July 17, 2025 (Crest) – San Miguel Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief Tobin Riley appeared before the Crest Community Association Thursday to provide an update on construction of Fire Station 18 on the corner of Suncrest Boulevard and North Lane. The update was provided after Facebook posts by concerned residents wondered why the lot has been sitting empty for so long.

“Perception is reality, people drive by, they see the dirt lot not moving and they have the right to ask questions,” Riley said. “The station is being built in phases.”


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SANDAG MEETING FRIDAY ON DRAFT 2025 PLAN

Photos and story By Karen Pearlman

July 17, 2025 (San Diego County) – There won’t be any light rail coming to Alpine to zip people out to downtown San Diego, but the planners at the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) have unfurled some grand ideas in its Draft 2025 Regional Plan to improve transportation in both rural and urban areas in East County as well as countywide.

SANDAG leadership offered some insight into the plan at an hourlong Zoom meeting on Wednesday, July 16. The meeting was geared to those in the unincorporated parts of East County, and while it offered opportunities to ask questions, the SANDAG hosts mostly shared information about its long-term blueprint aimed at shaping the region’s transportation, housing, land use and climate goals over the next two decades.

The meeting hosts encouraged residents to visit an interactive project map on SANDAG’s website at https://www.sandag.org/regional-plan/2025-regional-plan

The proposed Regional Plan shows six “neighborhood shuttles” being proposed for unincorporated areas: Alpine, Casa de Oro/Spring Valley, Borrego Springs, Lakeside, Ramona and Fallbook/Pala.


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COUNTY WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

 
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
July 16, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The County of San Diego has been honored with 51 Achievement Awards for programs it provides to the public by the National Association of Counties, which recognizes standout county government programs.
 
The County received awards in 15 categories for programs that run the gamut of the services the County provides from law enforcement to health services, to land use, including the Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan.
 

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LA MESA CITY COUNCIL APPROVES RENOVATIONS FOR GROSSMONT CENTER

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.


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STATE PARKS PHOTO CONTEST RUNNING THROUGH SEPT. 30

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park photo (left) by Karen Pearlman
 
East County News Service
 
July 15, 2025 (San Diego County) -- California State Parks Foundation is inviting park visitors and photography enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels to capture the natural beauty, recreational activities and unique landscapes of California’s state parks.
 
The California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest is now open for submissions and runs through September 30, 2025.
 
San Diego County has more than a dozen state parks, including Anza Borrego Desert, Cuyamaca Rancho, Palomar Mountain and several state beaches — including Carlsbad State Beach, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla, Border Field State Park Beach in Imperial Beach and Silver Strand State Beach in Coronado.
 

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SUNCREST TRUCK TRAIL NOT A VIABLE OPTION FOR FIRE EVACUATION ROUTE IN CREST, ACCORDING TO FIRE OFFICIALS

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.


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SANDAG LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY INPUT; ZOOM MEETING ON JULY 16

East County News Services
 
July 13, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The San Diego Association of Governments is hosting a special online presentation/feedback session on the 2025 Regional Plan for unincorporated communities in San Diego County.
 
The meeting will be held via Zoom from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 16. Register here.
The regional plan can be founder here.
To comment on the plan, visit here.
 
SANDAG's 2025 Regional Plan aims to enhance mobility and equity in unincorporated San Diego County through expanded rural transit service, microtransit shuttle zones and vanpool programs. 
 
The Draft 2025 Plan is to be funded at approximately $126 billion, with a new funding strategy more streamlined than previous versions.
 
With a strong emphasis on social equity and community feedback, investments are being prioritized in faster-to-deploy solutions rather than major new rail projects — especially in light of funding constraints following the defeat of Measure G.
 
Measure G, the San Diego County ballot initiative that would have added a half-cent sales tax to fund regional transportation and infrastructure, was narrowly rejected by voters, with 688,922 yes votes (49.54%) and 701,639 no votes (50.46%).

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RESIDENTS URGE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO BAN SALE OF ALL ANIMALS IN LEMON GROVE


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. 


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LA MESA BECOMES FIRST LOCAL CITY CERTIFIED AS AGE-FRIENDLY EMPLOYER, HELPING JOB SEEKERS AGE 50 AND UP

East County News Service

July 13, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa has been designated as a Certified Age-Friendly Employer (CAFE) by the Age-Friendly Institute, becoming the first municipal government in San Diego County to receive the CAFE seal.

This recognition highlights the City’s commitment to inclusive hiring practices and support for a multigenerational workforce. The City maintains recruitment and retention strategies that embrace the strengths of seasoned professionals including reducing turnover, retaining institutional knowledge, and enhancing customer service.

“La Mesa is proud to be recognized as a workplace that values experience,” said Mayor Mark Arapostathis. “Many of our employees have served this community for decades. Their knowledge, dedication, and perspective are essential to delivering the high-quality services our residents expect.”


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YOU'RE INVITED! JULY 17 FEAST AT HIMALAYAN CUISINE IN LA MESA WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE'S DINING CLUB

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.


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LA MESA GRANDMOTHER DETAINED BY ICE WHILE SERVING AS LEGAL OBSERVER FOR IMMIGRANTS AT COURTHOUSE

By Miriam Raftery

July 11, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa resident Barbara Stone, a 71-year old U.S. citizen and courthouse observer at immigration proceedings,  is free tonight after being detained by Immigrants and Customs agents (ICE) for eight hours without access to an attorney, according to her daughter and witnesses.

Jessica Kort, posted a plea for help after the detention:  “My mom, Barbara Stone, has been volunteering as a legal observer at the San Diego Edward J. Schwarz Federal Building courthouse to support immigrants at risk of detention, bear witness to and ensure procedural accountability as ICE detains individuals after their proceedings, and escort individuals after hearings.”

The post continues, “This morning, in an effort to intimidate and retaliate against the volunteers, ICE arrested Barbara and federal officers have detained her the whole day. She is being interrogated without an attorney and without talking to witnesses.

According to Kort, Stone is a 71 year old white woman, a US born citizen, a grandmother, and a passionate volunteer for the most vulnerable in our society.

Stone’s website indicates she is a graduate of Grossmont High School in El Cajon who later studied U.C. Berkeley and at the Monterey Institute of Foreign Studies, later working for Qualcomm Inc.


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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WEST NILE VIRUS SPREAD: COUNTY TO HOLD PROGRAM SATURDAY IN LA MESA

 

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.


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RAMONA MAN KILLED IN TWO-VEHICLE CRASH

East County News Service
 
July 11, 2025 (Ramona) – A 35-year-old Ramona man died at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on State Route 67 in Ramona on Wednesday, July 9.
 
The victim was driving a Lexus southbound on state Route 67 near Brantner Lane when for unknown reasons, his vehicle crossed the center line and crashed head-on into a Ford Excursion.
 
The Lexus driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
 
The driver of the Ford, a 65-year-old Ramona woman, was transported to Palomar Hospital with moderate injuries.

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