East County News Service

September 1, 2024 (El Cajon) -The German American Societies of San Diego invites you to  two full weekends of authentic German celebrations with Oktoberfest in El Cajon. The festivities will be held at 1017 S Mollison in El Cajon the last weekend in September and again the first weekend in October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Enjoy German food such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, potato salad, salted pretzels, and a variety of European pastries. Let a great selection of German beers and liquors – or water, soft drinks and coffee – quench your thirst while you enjoy traditional folk dancing, choir recitals, drama routines, stein-holding competitions, and interactive musical entertainment. Games, contests and prizes, a Kid Zone and a variety of shopping booths line the patio “tent” for additional all-ages fun. Enjoy the Opening Day Parade with Club VIPs and dignitaries, the Tapping of the Keg, and the Crowning of our 2024 Oktoberfest Königin (Queen) on Friday, Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m..

East County News Service

September 20, 2024 (El Cajon) -- After nearly three decades of distinguished service with the El Cajon Police Department, Chief Michael Moulton has announced his retirement effective December 17.  Chief Moulton’s tenure spans over 29 years, beginning his career with the department in November 1995.

 He has served as the fifteenth Chief for the department, a milestone reflecting his long-standing role in the growth and evolution of the department. Chief Moulton has served in every division throughout his career. From starting in the Community Policing Unit to becoming a detective in the Gang Suppression Unit, Moulton’s contributions have been vast and varied. In September 2019, City Manager Graham Mitchell appointed Mike Moulton as the Chief of Police, positioning him to guide the department through some of its most challenging times, including the global pandemic and the civil unrest of 2020.

East County News Service

September 12, 2024 (El Cajon) – The 12^th annual Chaldean-American Festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 14 from 3-10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 15 from 3 to 9 p.m.  Celebrating the rich culture of the 50,000 Chaldeans who call San Diego County home, the festival includes authentic food, live music, carnival rides, a petting zoo, raffle, vendors and more.

This year’s festival will be held at Hillsdale Middle School, 1301 Brabham St. in El Cajon.

By Miriam Raftery

September 7, 2024 (El Cajon) – San Diego Police have arrested Jose Orozco, 53, for arson, after a landlord-tenant dispute. After the bedroom in his El Cajon residence on Coker Way was set on fire Friday night, detectives from El Cajon Police Dept. found   plastic bottle filled with gasoline and a rag on top in his vehicle. 

Orozco was later found by San Diego Police Department and arrested. He is charged with arson and possession of a destructive device.

East County News Service

September 6, 2024 (El Cajon) --Investigators from the El Cajon Police Department conducted a retail theft operation in collaboration with the Home Depot in El Cajon to combat the ongoing theft issues facing our local businesses. Investigators worked closely with store staff to surveil and arrest thieves in real-time without a delayed response.

“This one-day operation netted five arrests and led to the recovery of stolen merchandise from the store,” says Sergeant Kevin Reilly.

East County News Service

September 1, 2024 (El Cajon) -- East County artists and galleries are banding together to host the 13th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk on Friday, September 13th. This free, family-friendly event will take place on Main Street and Rea Avenue in Downtown El Cajon from 4 to 8 p.m. 

Hosted by the art galleries, studios, museums, and small businesses in the Historic Downtown El Cajon District, the Art Walk is an annual celebration of the local art scene. All are welcome to stroll through Arts Alley to see the artisanal craft booths, boutique vendors, children’s interactive art booths, live music and entertainment. All venues participating are within walking distance, making it easy to scope around, shop, and take in all the different mediums and styles.

By Miriam Raftery

August 23, 2024 (El Cajon) – Three seats are on the ballot in El Cajon.  In districts 2 and 4,  Councilmembers Michelle Metschel and Phil Ortiz are running unopposed.  In district 3, Councilman Steve Goble, a retired businessman, faces a challenge from  Courtney Hall, a public policy expert and data analyst.

Below are details on their experience, qualifications, accomplishments and endorsements.

Don't like your new pet? "We'll take her or him or them back," assures East County Magazine the Director of Public Relations at the San Diego Humane Society (ECM) (official)

By Kristen Andelman

Photo:Jay Farrington testifiedto board on priorities for the Office of School Safety, which the GUHSD board majority later voted to eliminate.

July 18, 2024 (El Cajon) -- Grossmont Union High School District has ousted its School Safety Director Jay Farrington and eliminated the entire school safety department entirely, effective June 30. 

The action is shocking and particularly troubling in a district that survived two mass shootings at Santana and Granite Hills high schools back in 2001.The Santana shooting killed 2 students and injured 13 people; five people were shot and injured at Granite Hills. School shootings are at record levels nationwide today. So far this year, there have been 107 school shootings, killing 29 people and injuring 61.

The decision was made by the GUHSD board on May 11 in a in a 3-2 vote.  Board members Chris Fite and Elva Salinas voted against the cut, while members Robert Shield, Gary Woods and Jim Kelly voted to eliminate student safety.