By Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery

Overview: San Diego County's beautiful coastline often steals the spotlight, but the eastern side of the county offers a serene and varied landscape.  Our Rivers and Lakes region encompasses  eastern portions of the San Diego River, which flows from its headwaters in the mountains to the sea, along with reservoirs, many parks, rocky crags, and our county’s only natural lake.

This area also celebrates its wild west roots, offers many nature trails as well as contemporary comforts, providing a wealth of recreational opportunities here.

From the bird-laden banks of the San Diego River in Lakeside to the popular Lake Murray Reservoir, the waterways and places around them continue to draw visitors with their inviting features. The County also operates numerous parks in the Lakeside area, including some with rugged terrain and adventures awaiting visitors.

“They meant to hurt us, but they’re hurting our kids.” –Jason Balisteri, Mount Miguel history teacher and former teacher-librarian

By Armando Rasing II

Photos, left:  protest signs at GUHSD board meeting when the majority voted to fire all teacher-librarians.

November 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) - The 2025-26 school year marks the first school year that the Grossmont Union High School District doesn’t have a teacher-librarian for any of its nine schools, following mass layoffs. 

Journey through historic towns, high-mountain wilderness, and seasonal splendor

By Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery

Overview: San Diego County’s mountains offer a majestic escape from city life, inviting visitors into a different kind of Southern California experience — one steeped in Gold Rush history, seasonal beauty and outdoor adventure.

The region's charming, high-elevation communities provide a refreshing break, whether for a day trip to enjoy pine-scented air and famous apple pies, or a longer weekend getaway. Attractions including Julian, Mount Laguna, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and William Heise County Park beckon year-round. You'll primarily discover these gems along Highways 78 and 79 and through Cleveland National Forest lands, including wilderness areas and even spectacular waterfalls.

Other towns to visit include Santa Ysabel, Wynola, Descanso, Pine Valley, Guatay, and Warner Springs.

Our mountain areas are beautiful all year long with winter snowfall, colorful fall foliage, summer days ideal for hiking or camping, and springtime when wildflowers bloom and waterfalls are flowing.

CA Attorney General is investigating the shooting

East County News Service

November 21, 2025 (Alpine, CA) – A concerned neighbor called 911 to request a wellness check on her neighbor on November 5,  after she found his door partially open and he did not answer. The incident ended tragically. Sheriff’s deputies fatally shot the resident, 72-year-old Robert Edmund Liddell,  after they saw him holding what appeared to be a gun, but was later determined to be a replica weapon.

The Sheriff’s Department has released video of the shooting. Viewer discretion is advised.  

“Thrifting is a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find.” – Darlene Cossio,  Goodwill Director of Marketing and Communications in La Mesa

By Heidi Hope 

November 20, 2025 (La Mesa) – In today’s tight economy, with many people struggling financially, one of the best ways to stretch your dollars is by shopping at thrift stores. At Goodwill, you will  find deep discounts on second-hand clothing and accessories such as shoes, handbags and backpacks—from wardrobe basics to stylish outfits. 

East County News Service

November 19, 2025 (Santee) -- A reckless driving suspect struck multiple vehicles while leading Sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit from Santee to San Diego on November 18^th.

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) -- "'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." But wait. A mouse is stirring - because Santa missed his house last year. Lamplighter’s Theatre in La Mesa will present “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” featuring the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who visit the North Pole and just won't take no for an answer.

Performances run Nov. 29 through Dec. 14.

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (Julian) – Ebeneezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future will come to life in Julian, where the Julian Theater Company presents Charles Dickens’ holiday classic play,  “A Christmas Carol.”

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — ‘Tis the season to enjoy “Jingles and Jam” with Rebecca Jam, who was named Breakout Artist of Year by the Smooth Jazz Network and “Debut Artist of the Year” by JazzTrax, both in 2022. She earned a San Diego Music Award in 2023 “Best R&B/Funk/Soul Album” for her debut solo album, A Shade of Jade.

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (Pine Valley) – Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from Nov. 21 through Dec. 23, Pine Valley Camp  Christmas provides enchanting family entertainment. Hundreds of thousands of lights bring the forest to life, timed to the beat of holiday music hourly from 6-9 p.m. including the finale, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” There’s also a dancing water show on the half hour, plus many other activities to enjoy.