By Miriam Raftery

November 18, 2021 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – The Desert View Tower in Jacumba Hot Springs will host “Healing Jacumba” this Sunday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The event includes energy healing, massage, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, Reiki, herbcrafters, Anushi healing salves, cystal bracelets and more.

By Miriam Raftery

November 17, 2021 (Spring Valley) – Rafael Garcia, 39, of Spring Valley died last night of injuries sustained in a fight on November 11. Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting an assault at Harness Street and Canyon Road in Spring Valley, where they found the victim was unconscious and not breathing after suffering head trauma.

Source:  City of La Mesa

November 15, 2021 (La Mesa) - The La Mesa Police Department is the recipient of a $25,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that will prioritize the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.

East County News Service

November 15, 2021 (Santee) - Residents of Lantern Crest Senior Living gathered to honor retired men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. During the ceremony, veterans who live in the Santee community were invited to bring personal military memorabilia to display and share. The retirees, who call themselves The Lantern Crest Veterans, also wore hats emblazoned with the group’s name.

East County News Service

November 14, 2021 (Ramona) -- On Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26-28 from 12 to 2 p.m., Oasis Camel Dairy invites you to the return of Pomegranate Days along with an open farm tour.  The festivities include a live show featuring racing turkeys, talking parrots and camels.  

You can also feed apple treats to camels, take a camel ride, or shop for gifts such as camel’s milk soaps, lotions, bath products, chocolates and more. 

Story and photos by Scott Lagace

November 14, 2021 (Santee) -- On November 11, 2021, on the 11th hour at the 11th minute, Santee Chamber of Commerce CEO Kristen Dare began a Veterans Day ceremony which attracted many veterans and East County patrons to celebrate the unveiling of a new Veteran’s Memorial and dedication of the Veterans Memorial Bridge over Santee Lakes on Mast Blvd.   

By Miriam Raftery

November 14, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – If you’re looking to indulge or need a gift for a loved one with a sweet tooth, Lemon Grove Lions Club is having a Holiday See’s Candy fundraiser.  The candy is on sale now through Dec 3.

East County News Service

November 13, 2021 (Jamul) – Mourners at a funeral helped law enforcement officers track down Jose Espinosa, 40, who was arrested November 11 after leading Sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit from Jamul to Chula Vista. Espinosa fled in his black Nissan after being pulled over for a traffic stop in the 14000 block of State Route 94 in Jamul.

Source: San Diego Sheriff

November 13, 2021 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is partnering with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, La Mesa Police Department, El Cajon Police Department and the United African American Ministerial Action Council to get unwanted guns off our streets.

Join the Guns For Gift Cards event on Saturday, November 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Civic Center, 4825 Date Avenue, La Mesa. Turn in your unwanted gun and receive a gift card ($100 for handguns, rifles and shotguns & $200 for assault weapons).  Remain anonymous.  No questions asked.

Suspect has long history of violent crimes and had been released early after his most recent conviction

East County News Service

November 11, 2021 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police seek public help to locate Israel Ezekiel Valdiva, who is wanted for savagely stabbing a man in his 70s near the trolley stop at Marshall and Petree. The unprovoked random attack on November 3 shortly after 5 a.m. was recorded on surveillance video at the trolley station.

“The victim had numerous life-threatening stab wounds and had been severely slashed across his face. The victim’s ear was nearly severed off and he had lost a significant amount of blood. The victim was transported to a local trauma center in critical condition,” says Lieutenant Randy Soulard.

By Elijah McKee

Photo, left: Jill Galante and Peggy Han, volunteers with El Cajon Helping Refugees

November 10, 2021 (El Cajon) — “We regularly, four or five times a day, get messages saying ‘Please, my family is so hungry. Please can you visit,’” said Jill Galante as she scanned the newly assembled single bedroom, now ready for four people.

After just one hour of flurried food stocking, donated furniture assembling and bathroom scrubbing, Galante and a group of volunteers from Helping El Cajon Refugees effectively transformed the bare El Cajon apartment into a welcoming place for Sara, her husband who worked with the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan, and their daughters: four-month-old Sana and three-year-old Asra. “We try to make it look like a home,” said Galante.

By Miriam Raftery

November 12, 2021 (El Cajon) – Parkway Plaza shopping mall in El Cajon will host a job fair on Saturday, November 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

“There are a range of positions available from seasonal to full-time/management positions,” says Petra Rich, marketing and business development manager for Parkway Plaza. “These opportunities provide great flexibility and extra holiday cash. We will have opportunities with Pandora, Tilly’s, Cabrera and Associates, Sunglasses Hut and more.”

East County News Service

November 10, 2021 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police responded to reports of a shooting near 200 South Mollision at 4:27 p.m. yesterday. The caller reported hearing a gunshot, then seeing a woman running from the area.

“Officers arrived on the scene and located the victim, who had been shot in the upper back near the shoulder,” says Lt. Jeremiah Larson. “Shortly after, officers were able to detain the suspect as he was walking away from his apartment where the shooting took place. The suspect and the victim are currently in a relationship and live together.” 

The victim was transported to the hospital and is expected to survive. The suspect, a 32 year old El Cajon resident, was arrested without incident. 

By Miriam Raftery

November 9, 2021 (El Cajon) – Downtown El Cajon will host its annual Holiday Lights on Main on Saturday, November 27 from 12 noon to 8 p.m.  The event features a tree lighting at 6 p.m. and free musical entertainment by the Original Starfires Band from 2-4 p.m., followed by the Siers Brothers Band.

There will also be a Santa Village with ice skating, carnival rides, live holiday music and Santa Claus!



The merchants group also invites the public to help support local business on this “Shop Small” occasion to keep revenues in the community.

Traffic, homeless and racism are top concerns

By Mike Allen

Photo:  Josh Williams, president of BW Research, answers question about the Santee survey on Nov. 2 in front of City Council members Rob McNelis, Dustin Trotter and Mayor John Minto. All five members were present.

November 8, 2021 (Santee) -- A survey commissioned by the city of Santee found that while the great majority of residents, 80 percent, feel the city’s quality of life is excellent or good, about a third said that quality is declining.