By: Jessyka Heredia

August 14, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- There is a new bistro coming to Lemon Grove in what was formerly the Lemon Grove Bakery. Located at 3308 Main Street, the building has a long history that has  been the center of town ever since and Lemon Grove Bistro will be the next business to keep this historical building alive.

East County News Service

August 9, 2023 (Barona) – For more than half a century, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has been hosting its powwow, a traditional gathering attracting Native American tribal members from across  North America.

The 51st annual Barona Powwow features competitions in tribal dancing and drumming. It will be held on the Barona  Reservation at the Barona Sports Complex, located at 1095 Barona Road in Lakeside.

East County News Service

August 8, 2023 (El Cajon) --  A 58-year-old man was found dead in his room at the El Cajon Inn & Suites motel this morning by an employee who called 911.  The worker entered the room to check on the welfare of the guest, who had not been seen for several days.

By Miriam Raftery

August 7, 2023 (Boulevard, CA) – The community room at the Boulevard Sheriff station was packed for  Boulevard Planning Group’s meeting on August 3, with updates on a dozen major energy projects on the agenda.

Some are moving forward, some have been withdrawn, others face legal challenges, and several remain in the pipeline.

The board also addressed other issues ranging from potential impacts of the county's cannabis ordinance to the appointment of two new board members.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Cherry Diefenbach: Pine Valley Bridge on Old Highway 80  is among the bridges receiving honorary names.

August 6, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego County Supervisors in July unanimously voted to approve honorary naming of four bridges to commemorate pioneering leaders in East County.  The request was made by District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson, in response to requests from community members, petitions signed by at least 100 residents, and approval by each community’s planning group or sponsor group.

By Branda Gorgies

Photos take

n by Branda Gorgies, Miriam Raftery, and Nathan Dumlao via UnSplash

July 11, 2023 (East County) – While there’s always a nearby Starbucks, gas station or convenience store, shopping locally and supporting small businesses is a great contribution to the community.

Although, sometimes it can be difficult to find local coffee shops near you. This article is here to give you a comprehensive list of local brewers that you can support. Click the titles of coffee shops listed  to visit their websites.

August 4, 2023 – Padre Dam Municipal Water District’s Board Vice President and former General Manager August A. Caires passed away on August 2.

Board President Bill Pommering shares, “Augie served this District and his community with outstanding distinction for nearly 30 years. He was a good friend and colleague to many of us. He will be missed greatly.”

Caires led the District as General Manager from 1993 to 2006 and served on Padre Dam’s Board of Directors from 2007 to 2023. He served as Board President in 2009 and 2017 and Vice President in 2008, 2011, 2015-2016 and 2023. Caires served on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program’s Joint Powers Authority Board of Directors from 2019 to 2023. He was also a Veteran of the United States Army.

By Mike Allen

August 4, 2023 (Santee) -- One year into the construction of the $950 million East County Advanced Water Purification Program (AWP_, the largest infrastructure project in the region’s history is starting to take shape.

Huge concrete and steel structures with names such as digesters, headworks, clarifiers, equalization tanks, and aeration basins are sprouting at the end of Fanita Parkway in Santee where the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Plant used to exist.

The facility that once produced some 2 million gallons of water used for irrigation is being transformed to a far larger entity that will produce some 11.5 million gallons of drinkable water daily for about 500,000 East County residents.

Owner cites financial need, but residents say they're getting a raw deal and seek legal counsel

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Milt Cyphert

August 3, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs, CA) – For nearly three decades, the De Anza Springs Resort in the high desert community of Jacumba Hot Springs has provided a 523-acre haven for naturalists to bare all, as one of the nation’s largest clothing-optional destinations.

But two days ago, residents received stark news:  a letter from the resort’s new management informing them of a decision to become a “textile” park. Starting September 1, clothing will be required in all common areas such as the pool and hiking trails. Then on October 1, nudity will be banned everywhere on the property, including privately owned and leased sites.

The action has laid bare resentments and anger among residents who bought or leased sites specifically for the freedom to be clothes-free,  as well as among frequent visitors who purchased club memberships. Some are seeking legal counsel over what they contend were deceptive marketing practices, as well as concerns over loud concerts and other problems stemming from changes implemented by the new owners.

“We understand that change can sometimes be met with mixed feelings, and we empathize with those who might feel upset or uncertain about the introduction of the new clothing rule,” the owners’ letter states, also encouraging residents with questions to  setup an appointment by emailing Luke Wasyliw, who blames residents for not supporting some events and cites financial needs.

San Diegans recognize Jamul Casino for its dining, panoramic views and service

East County News Service

Photo:  Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub at Jamul Casino, named “Best Sports Bar” for the sixth consecutive year in the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Readers Poll

August 3, 2023 (Jamul) - On Sunday, July 30, the San Diego Union-Tribune announced the winners of its 27^th annual “San Diego’s Best” Readers Poll, with Jamul Casino bringing home a personal best of nine (9) awards.  The Union-Tribune Readers Poll reflects the voting audience’s top selections for more than 200 products and services in San Diego—everything from restaurants to entertainment, retail, real estate, legal services, and more.  The winners earn the right to be called “San Diego’s Best.” 

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of the San Diego Sheriff's Dept.

August 1, 2023 (Ramona) – Jonathan McDowell, 47, of Ramona died at Scripps Mercy Hospital on July 29, 10 days after he was found unresponsive in his cell at the George Bailey detention facility. The Medical Examiner’s autopsy has concluded that McDowell died of asphyxia due to hanging and that his death was a suicide.

A statement from the Sheriff’s department says,  “We extend our sympathies to the McDowell family and those affected by his death. A Sheriff's Family Liaison Officer will support the family as they deal with the loss of a loved one.”

McDowell was arrested on Feb. 20 on charges of assaulting a peace officer with a gun,  attempted murder, and committing a felony while  on bail or release.

By Miriam Raftery

August 1, 2023 (Warner Springs) – A 16-year-old skateboarder from Warner Springs has died after being struck by a vehicle last night on State Route 79.

East County News Service

July 30, 2023 (Santee) -- Summer is almost over and to close out the fun, East County is hosting its first-ever X-Fest full of extreme-sport events, local vendors, superstar athletes, music, guest speakers, testimonies, entertainment and tons of free giveaways.

By Shiloh  Ireland

July 30, 2023 (Pine Valley) – The 52^nd annual Pine Valley Days Parade was held on July 29, a fun event in a small town with a big heart. Pine Valley's annual event was filled with families lining the main street and children darting for candy scattered by the participants.

From equestrians, big rigs and action characters to local beauty queens, youth groups, a bagpipe band and a Tecate dragon, it was a colorful display of the very best in this very small town.