By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

November 17, 2025 (San Diego) -- November is the time to spotlight early detection, community support, and lifesaving education. Local leaders and national organizations are rallying to raise awareness and reduce stigma about Lung Cancer. 

East County News Service

November 17, 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.

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa Village Association's 10th annual Holiday in the Village event will take place on December 13 from 12 p.m. through 9 p.m. It will feature a variety of enhanced holiday traditions including an ice rink, a winter wonderland, Mrs. Claus’ reading nook, selfies with Santa, holiday photo opportunities, mini golf, and an “elf yourself” activity.

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) -- San Diego Ballet brings “The Nutcracker”, a cherished holiday classic, to the Magnolia performing arts center in El Cajon with performances on Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. as well as Sunday,  December 21 at 12 p.m.

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (Julian) – Make a holiday treat such as a pumpkin spiced meatball, then watch as wolves at the California Wolf Center in Julian savor their pre-Thanksgiving feasts.

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) -- You’re invited to a free, family friendly evening filled with music, joy and holiday cheer—all for a good cause. On December 6, Jubilee festivities begin at 6 p.m., followed by a concert at 7 p.m. in the Magnolia theater featuring Mayor Bill Wells and his 14-piece band performing Motown, R&B and holiday classics. St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Choir and Santa Claus will also put in special appearances.

Event sponsors are sought.  Admission is free, but donations are welcome—all proceeds will benefit the San Diego Rescue Mission’s expansion into East County to provide shelter for homeless people.

By Aaron J. Byzak, MBA, Chief Strategist & Lead Consultant for Galvanized Strategies, Healthcare and Non-Profit Leader

By Rachel Becker, CalMatters

Photo:  Drought-stricken Lake Mead on the Colorado River in August 2022. (File photo by Christopher Clark/U.S. Bureau of Reclamation)

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

November 16, 2025 (San Diego) - After two fraught years of negotiations amid dire projections for the Colorado River’s reservoirs, California and six other states that rely on the river’s water have yet again failed to reach a deal — despite a federal deadline. 

A journey through history, nature and hidden gems

By Karen Pearlman

Overview

“Rural and railways” is a phrase that captures the essence of San Diego’s county’s southeast region. It is in these parts that the rustic charm of open landscapes coexists with the enduring legacy of railroads -- a dual identity that defines the area’s character and appeal.

The Rural and Railways region extends from the Interstate 8 corridor south to the Mexican border, from the San Diego-Imperial County line in the east to the communities of Spring Valley, Dulzura, and Jamul at the western boundary.

Taking the roads less traveled, you can enjoy leisurely drives through rolling hills and small towns. Visitors can ride aboard a historic railway, savor local wines, stop by museums filled with railway and Western memorabilia, try their luck at Native American casinos, or take a hike through scenic parks, wilderness areas, and wildlife preserves.

November 15,  2025 (San Diego) -- As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:

U.S.

• Trump drops tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruit as pressure builds on consumer prices (KSBW)
• Epstein Alleged in Emails That Trump Knew of His Conduct (New York Times)
• Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide (AP)
• ICE wants Washington tribes to detain immigrants for them (Seattle Times)
• Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment Arrives, But Price Data Isn’t Being Updated (NOTUS)
• Trump administration moves to overrule state laws protecting credit reports from medical debt (AP)
• Steve Bannon Reveals ‘There’s a Plan’ for Third Trump Term (Daily Beast)
• Trump administration limits refugee admissions to mostly white South Africans (AP)
• Citing AP investigation, senators demand answers on use of full-body restraints during deportations (AP)
• Republican lawmakers lash out at Pentagon for keeping them in the dark (Reuters)
• Heritage Foundation in revolt over Tucker Carlson defense after controversial Nick Fuentes interview: ‘Footsie with literal Nazis’ (NY Post)
• Kansas county to pay $3 million after law enforcement raid on a small-town newspaper (NBC)

WORLD

• Trump likely to face long military commitment and chaos if he ousts Maduro in Venezuela, experts say  (CNN)
• Putin directs drills of Russian nuclear forces as his summit with Trump is put on hold (AP)
• Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will double its non-US exports as Canadians can't rely on US (AP)
• Protests erupt after police raid in Brazil leaves 119 dead and draws accusations of excessive force (AP)
• France adopts consent-based rape law in the wake of landmark Gisèle Pelicot case (AP)
• More than 60 dead as typhoon wreaks havoc in the Philippines (BBC)
• Iranian capital faces water rationing and evacuations if it doesn't rain soon, president warns (AP)

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.

East County News Service

November 14, 2025 (Oceanside) -- The first inpatient psychiatric health facility funded in part by San Diego County opened Nov. 13 in Oceanside.

San Diego County Board of Supervisors leader Jim Desmond says, “When I came into office, I said we needed to stop leaving people on the streets and start getting them into treatment. Today, that work is becoming reality.”

He calls the new facility,  “a place where people in crisis will finally get help, not handcuffs.”

By Alexander J. Schorr

Screenshot: Student Board Trustee Sage Larson and Board Trustee Chris Fite

November 14, 2025 (El Cajon) — The conservative board majority of the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) last night rejected a resolution proposed by Trustee Chris Fite that would have offered protection to vulnerable students and their families facing the looming presence of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) on school campuses.  The motion died without a second.

By Heidi Hope 

November 13, 2025 (La Mesa) – If you’re looking for men’s and women’s vintage and contemporary fashions, you’ll find a treasure trove of resale clothing and accessories at The Vault.  Run by Michelle La Bruno, The Vault is located at the corner of Lemon Avenue and Nebo Drive in La Mesa’s downtown village, tucked behind the train locomotive museum in the storefront formerly occupied by Unique Boutique.