Our guide to lodging in East County

By Miriam Raftery

Lodging opportunities in San Diego’s inland region have dramatically expanded in recent years. Several Native American tribes have opened up elegant casino resorts, many also offering live entertainment, spas, and other amenities. Many national hotel chains have moved into East County and Northeast County cities.

Or opt for historic inns with rustic charm, cabins, forested campgrounds, or eclectic options such as staying in a yurt, floating cabin, covered wagon, or at a llama preserve.

There are also private vacation rentals available through companies such as Airbnb, Vrbo, HipCamp and Booking.com, as well as through realtors.

Below are highlights of lodging options, from luxurious resorts and spa retreats to mountain lodges, cabins, campgrounds and much more to assure an enjoyable and memorable stay.

La Mesa Police plans added holiday enforcement, urges drivers to celebrate responsibly

National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign begins

Source: City of La Mesa

December 9, 2025 (La Mesa) - The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The La Mesa Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

FilmNet Holiday Gala December 16: pitch panel and super networking at Red Carpet Event

Filmnet Holiday Gala

East County News Service

December 8, 2025 (San Diego) -- The San Diego filmmakers tenth new monthly gathering on Tuesday, December 16 will start with a red carpet and photo stations, include food and drinks for sale, and offer an “Improve your Pitch” panel of industry experts as well as “Spark Super Networking” activities. Creators and filmmakers are invited to prepare 1-2 minute pitches to deliver for critique by the panel, and co-host David Kamatoy will be leading fun, innovative networking exercises to help local film professionals meet the people they need to connect with.

Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego chapter celebrates ‘National Philanthropy Day’ by honoring local residents dedicated to community service, including El Cajon volunteer

Local philanthropists and philanthropic organizations earn awards for their profound impact on region

East County News Service

December 9, 2025 (El Cajon) - Six individuals and two organizations were honored with awards for outstanding philanthropic efforts in San Diego at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter’s 53^rd annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in Chula Vista. Among the honorees is El Cajon's Mateo Magaña, recognized as the 2025 NPD Outstanding Volunteer. Magaña an autistic man with communication and language challenges, is one of the most dedicated volunteers at the Chicano Foundation who's incredible visual skills and joyful attitude have made a profound difference at the organization.

Domestic violence suspect charged with attempted murder of victim and police officers in El Cajon

East County News Service

December 9, 2025 (El Cajon) – An El Cajon man, 38, is under arrest for allegedly trying to stab and kill a female victim in a domestic violence altercation, as well as attempted murder of a police officer after he rammed a police vehicle.

Gifts and love from The Karen Cooper Foundation for dogs at the San Diego Humane Society

Photo from The Karen Cooper Foundation gift sharing for dogs courtesy San Diego Humane Society

East County News Service

Dec. 9, 2025 (San Diego) -- Christmas arrived a few weeks early for more than 600 dogs at the San Diego Humane Society.

Thanks to the generosity of The Karen Cooper Foundation, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, every dog under the SDHS' care received a special holiday toy and treat to lift their spirits while they wait for a loving, forever home.

Members of The Karen Cooper Foundation, including Bob Cooper and his daughter, Michele Cooper, were able to spread holiday joy through their donations at the SDHS's main campus on Gaines Street.

Loveland Reservoir water transfer at 21% but coming to an end, SWA says

Photo of Loveland Reservoir by Ostan Patton

By Karen Pearlman

Dec. 9, 2025 (Alpine) – Sweetwater Authority’s plan to leave Loveland Reservoir with at least 25 percent of its water capacity during the most recent transfer of water into the Sweetwater Reservoir has not gone as originally planned, as shared with East County Magazine on Dec. 5.

Sweetwater Authority (SWA), the special district that oversees Loveland Reservoir and Sweetwater Reservoir as well as the Sweetwater Dam, reports on its website that the reservoir has dipped down to 21.2 percent of total capacity (as of 8 a.m. Dec. 9) before the water transfer was stopped just after 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9.

SWA manages local water from Sweetwater and Loveland reservoirs, pumps from aquifers like the San Diego Formation and uses a desalination plant for brackish river water.

FDA creates hurdles for Americans to get COVID-19 vaccine, puts infants at risk with changes to Hepatitis-B vaccine recommendations

A dozen former FDA commissioners and other experts weigh in, also debunking false claims about vaccines

By G. A. McNeeley

December 8, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- In an internal memo obtained by CNN, Dr. Vinay Prasad, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) chief medical & scientific officer said on November 28 that the FDA will change its vaccine approval process. Though Prasaid claimed this was due to 10 deaths of children linked to COVID vaccines, he provided no evidence of this and medical experts dispute those claims. He also issued unsubstantiated changes in recommendations for Hepatitis-B vaccines for infants, a change the American Medical Association calls “reckless.”

Palantir is rewriting security and privacy, creating massive database shared by federal agencies including ICE and the military

News

By Alexander J. Schorr

Image: CC via Bing

“Our Product is used to kill people.” — Palantir CEO Alex Karp, emphasizing the company’s role in enabling lethal military operations.

December 8, 2025 (San Diego) — Palantir Technologies is building the U.S. Army’s next-generation ground station, TITAN, using artificial intelligence (AI) to process massive amounts of sensory data to improve targeting accuracy. A March 2025 executive order by President Trump mandated data sharing across federal agencies, positioning Palantir as the primary vendor to build digital infrastructure for this effort— potentially creating a centralized database for American’s personal information. Palantir’s software has been central to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations in tracking and identifying undocumented immigrants, which aligns with Trump’s immigration crackdown agenda.

As politics in San Diego has shifted blue over the last decades, local broadcast industry has turned MAGA red

News

Trump Supporters Will Soon Control Most TV News Stations in San Diego

By J.W. August

December 7, 2025 (San Diego) - San Diego County’s voter makeup has gone from red to blue over the decades, and there’s no better example in recent years than the evolving Democratic majority on the San Diego City Council and county Board of Supervisors.

California students with disabilities face ‘terrifying’ special ed cuts after Trump changes

Listen to Podcasts

By Carolyn Jones, CalMatters

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

Photo: Lena Deacy at her home in Culver City, on Dec. 1, 2025. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

December 6, 2025 (Los Angeles) - Sleep is a rare commodity at Lindsay Crain’s house. Most nights, she and her husband are up dozens of times, tending to their daughter’s seizures. The 16-year-old flails her arms, thrashes and kicks — sometimes for hours.

East County AWP construction boosts cost, but officials say recycled water supply is worth the price

By Mike Allen

Photo: Education Center at AWP plant

December 5, 2025 (Santee) -- Three years into construction, the massive East County Advanced Water Purification Program is approaching the finish line late next year when the region’s sewage now being treated at Point Loma will be pumped to a new Santee plant and converted to drinkable, purified water.

San Diego Pottery Tour Dec. 6-7 includes 7 studios in inland region

San Diego Pottery Tour

East County News Service

Dec. 5, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The 18th Annual San Diego Pottery Tour is being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.

The annual event celebrates the flourishing ceramic arts scene in San Diego.

The sdpotterytour.com website allows those interested to view the work of participating potters, and helps plan a trip. The site allows the downloading of an interactive PDF map for the tour, with clickable studio addresses that go to Google Maps directions.

Loveland Reservoir draining underway brings pushback from East County residents

Loveland Reservoir showing what is left of the public fishing zone. Photo by Ostan Patton

By Karen Pearlman

Dec. 5, 2025 (Alpine) – It’s been three years since Loveland Reservoir was drained by Sweetwater Authority to “deadpool” level for the first time ever, leaving the area susceptible to environmental challenges, killing fish and increasing fire hazards.

Now another extreme draining is underway by Sweetwater Authority (SWA), the special district that oversees Loveland Reservoir and Sweetwater Reservoir as well as the Sweetwater Dam.

Locals are concerned again now, with the Alpine-housed reservoir dipping below 32 percent of capacity as of Thursday morning. The reservoir has been steadily dropping from its 63 percent capacity in mid-November, as water transfers continue with water flowing downstream to serve drinking water customers in Chula Vista, National City and Bonita.

From the Fire Chief’s Corner: Christmas tree safety

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

December 4, 2025 (San Diego) -- By now most of us have our Christmas trees up. However, did you know that half of those that purchase live Christmas trees fail to keep them properly watered? There are also other factors that can cause Christmas tree fires.

Fiery crash in Ranchita kills girl, 8, injures seven others

East County News Service

December 4, 2025 (Ranchita) – An 8-year-old girl has died and seven other people injured, including children, in a multi-vehicle collision Sunday afternoon, November 30 on San Felipe Road south of Montezuma Valley Road. Alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Rep. Issa reportedly considering Texas House seat amid redistricting shakeup

Rep. Darrell Issa

Politics and local government

Update December 5, 2025 -- Associated Press reports that Issa has decided not to run in Texas. After being asked to do so by Texas Republicans, Issa reportedly said, “I appreciate the opportunity, but California is my home. I told them I’m going to stay in Congress, and I don’t need to go to Texas for that. "He addedthat he trusts voters locally to support his reelection despite the redrawn district here.

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Rep. Darrell Issa. File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego

December 4, 2025 (San Diego) - Longtime California Rep. Darrell Issa is reportedly considering running for Congress in Texas in the aftermath of redistricting efforts by both states.

Jacumba artist debut December 7

East County News Service

December 4, 2025 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- On Sunday, December 7 from 4 to 7 p.m., Jacumba Hot Springs’ newest gallery introduces the watercolors of Descanso artist Charlotte Hickcox, along with the creations of Jacumba’s Linda Churchill in an evening exhibit sure to amaze. Refreshments will be provided.

Jacumba Art is located at 44608 Old Highway 80, 91934 in Jacumba.

Jacumba Bathhouse Bazaar: first Saturday in December

East Couny News Service

December 4, 2025 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Jacumba Hot Springs, a scenic outpost in East County’s high desert region, hosts its monthly street bazaar this Saturday Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of its historic Old Bathhouse. About an hour’s drive from San Diego along I-8 and Old Highway 80, the oak and boulder-studded landscape attracts travelers to a region growing with activities and interest.

Since 2021, as part of a town revival project, the local vendors, artists, crafters and junk dealers gather monthly, offering herbal and mushroom products, woodcraft, paintings, garden plants, jewelry, handcrafted knives, clothing and collectibles.

County officials respond to November coyote attack at UTC

East County News Service

A coyote peers out from near Cowles Mountain in 2023. Photo by Karen Pearlman

Dec. 4, 2025 (San Diego County) -- San Diego County officials are sharing information in response to a recent coyote attack that took place in the Westview UTC mall parking lot on Nov. 25.

The coyote attack injured two children and has prompted a coordinated response by the county and partner agencies to ensure public safety.

The coyote has since been euthanized, county officials say. The animal tested negative for rabies.

Paul Nichols, retro one-man band, to perform Dec. 5 at Mike Hess Alpine Brewing

By Miriam Raftery

December 3, 2025 (Alpine)—Paul Nichols, aka Retro One-Man Band will provide lively entertainment on the patio at Mike Hess Brewing in Alpine this Friday, December 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

He performs on fingerstyle and slide guitar, vocals, harmonicas, and foot percussion as well as signing in a wide variety of styles, from blues, roots, and roadhouse boogie to Latin, classics and instrumental jazz. He’s performed at many venues, including East County Magazine events over the years.

Grossmont Healthcare District Awards Nearly $4 Million to Strengthen Health and Wellness Services Across East County

East County News Service

Dec. 3, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The Grossmont Healthcare District has approved nearly $4 million in community grants and sponsorships for fiscal year 2025–26. GHD officials say that the grant shares mark the largest single-year investment in its history to support the health and well-being of East County residents.

The awards were finalized at the GHD governing board’s Dec. 2 meeting, following a highly competitive cycle that drew more than $10 million in applications from more than 100 nonprofit organizations. Sixty-four unique organizations will receive funding.

An email shared by the District reported that this year’s investment takes on added significance in the wake of the recent federal government shutdown, which temporarily disrupted and destabilized many of the most relied upon local programs — including behavioral health services, senior nutrition programs, chronic disease support and community-based clinics. The shutdown underscored the vulnerability of East County’s safety net and how important it is that local institutions step up to protect essential health services.

FBI San Diego investigation leads to seizure of fake cryptocurrency investment domain used by Tai Chang scam compound in Burma: 400 San Diegans victimized

Crime Beat

East County News Service

December 3, 2025 (San Diego) – An investigation led by the FBI’s San Diego Field office has resulted in the Scam Center Strike force seizing a third web domain used to defraud countless Americans, including at least 400 victims in San Diego.

Lemon Grove garden mural to be revealed Dec. 6

East County News Service

December 3, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove’s Community Garden will host a celebration this Saturday, December 6 at 9 a.m. to unveil a garden mural.

Shredded cheeses recalled in 31 states due to possible metal fragments: Cheese were sold at major retailers under several brand names

cheese recall

East County News Service

December 3, 2025 (San Diego) – Great Lakes Cheese Co. has recalled shredded cheeses sold in 31 states due to possible metal fragments in the products. The cheese was sold under multiple brand names, including Borden, Good & Gather, Great Value, Publix, Food Lion and Food Club, and at stores such as Walmart, Target, Aldi, Publix and H-E-B.

Products have expiration dates ranging from January 2026 through March 2026 and may still be in consumers’ refrigerators. The recall includes shredded mozzarella as well as mixed cheeses.

East County Magazine’s “Feasting and Merrymaking” holiday party December 7

December 1, 2025 (La Mesa) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—so East County Magazine is hosting a “feasting and merrymaking” holiday party this Sunday, December 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at a private Mt. Helix home.

The party is open to all subscribers—and subscriptions to our e-newsletter is free! Subscribe. Cost is just $20 and bring a dish to share.

The festivities include:

Holiday feasting! Bring a dish to share
Live music by Evans Kontopuls
Raffle, prizes and surprises
Holiday trivia game
Mix and mingle with local journalists and make new friends

To attend:

Subscribe to our free newsletter (2-4 issues per month) and/or our East County Widfire & Emergency Alerts
Prepay $20 per person online at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate
RSVP to receive address: editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Put “party RSVP” in subject line and include your guests and type of dish you’ll bring (appetizer, dessert, side dish, or main dish)

Buon appetito! New Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia in La Mesa offers artful and delicious dining experiences

By Heidi Hope

December 2, 2025 (La Mesa) - Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia, a new pizza restaurant in La Mesa, evokes Italian ambience from delicious food to images of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel paintings on the ceiling.

Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice

San Diego Bookshelf

Book by Caitlin Rother

Review by Paul Levikow

December 2, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego-based New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother takes on the mysterious disappearance of the McStay family of four, who were last seen in their Fallbrook home in February, 2010.

Jamul Casino Resort deepens philanthropic impact through year-round efforts

Tribal Beat

Source: Jamul Casino Resort

December 2, 2025 (Jamul) - Jamul Casino Resort is celebrating the holiday season with a continued commitment to uplifting the San Diego community. Rooted in the Resort’s mission, Jamul Casino Resort and the Jamul Indian Village actively partner with local organizations that provide essential resources to those in need to continue connecting with and supporting their local community.

Destination East County: Dreamy December events to remember

East County News Service

Listen to an audio version of this story.

November 30, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—and there’s plenty of merry events coming up in December across East County!

Festivities include a stage production of “’‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in La Mesa, Pine Valley’s Camp Christmas holiday lighting extravaganza, the Marinelli Circus at Parkway Plaza, a Jubilee Jam at the Magnolia in El Cajon, Laurel and Hardy films including “There Ain’t No Santa Claus” in El Cajon, Julian Theater’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, Chrstmas with the Animals at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, and the Nutcracker Ballet at The Magnolia.

Scroll down for details on December's memorable East County events.

Audio:

Download:

DestinationDecember2025.mp3