Politics and local government

SANDAG MEETING FRIDAY ON DRAFT 2025 PLAN

Photos and story By Karen Pearlman

July 17, 2025 (San Diego County) – There won’t be any light rail coming to Alpine to zip people out to downtown San Diego, but the planners at the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) have unfurled some grand ideas in its Draft 2025 Regional Plan to improve transportation in both rural and urban areas in East County as well as countywide.

SANDAG leadership offered some insight into the plan at an hourlong Zoom meeting on Wednesday, July 16. The meeting was geared to those in the unincorporated parts of East County, and while it offered opportunities to ask questions, the SANDAG hosts mostly shared information about its long-term blueprint aimed at shaping the region’s transportation, housing, land use and climate goals over the next two decades.

The meeting hosts encouraged residents to visit an interactive project map on SANDAG’s website at https://www.sandag.org/regional-plan/2025-regional-plan

The proposed Regional Plan shows six “neighborhood shuttles” being proposed for unincorporated areas: Alpine, Casa de Oro/Spring Valley, Borrego Springs, Lakeside, Ramona and Fallbook/Pala.


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COUNTY WINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

 
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
July 16, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The County of San Diego has been honored with 51 Achievement Awards for programs it provides to the public by the National Association of Counties, which recognizes standout county government programs.
 
The County received awards in 15 categories for programs that run the gamut of the services the County provides from law enforcement to health services, to land use, including the Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan.
 

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RESIDENTS URGE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO BAN SALE OF ALL ANIMALS IN LEMON GROVE


Story and photo by Jennifer Sencion

 

July 13, 2025 (Lemon Grove) —  Dozens of concerned residents and animal advocates spoke at the Lemon Grove City Council meeting Tuesday night to demand a citywide ban on the retail sale of all animals.

 

Sixteen of the nearly 20 speakers urged Councilmembers to expand on California Assembly Bill 485, which already prohibits the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in retail stores, to include all animals in the ban.

 

Much of the concerns centered on Lemon Grove Pet Supplies and Exotics, a pet store located on Main Street that has been in business for over a decade. Many of the speakers shared personal experiences at the shop, ranging from witnessing unsanitary conditions to finding deceased animals. 


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LEMON GROVE COUNCILMAN AND HELIX FOOTBALL COACH STEVE FAIAI DIES

By Miriam Raftery
 
July 10, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Community members are grieving the loss of Sitivi “Steve” Faiai.
 
The Lemon Grove City Councilmember and Helix High football coach died Tuesday morning of an apparent heart attack, according to the city.
 
Faiai, 50, was an active member of Journey Church and also worked at Sprouts grocery store.
 
A statement from the city announced the news “with a heavy heart,” offering praise for the Councilman elected in November.

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ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ: A FLORIDA `CONCENTRATION CAMP’

By Alexander J Schorr

July 4, 2025 (Everglades, FL)  — Nearby President Trump’s Miami resort in the swamplands of the Florida Everglades sits a makeshift detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz,” the latest in his administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.

Andrea Pitzer, author of One Long Night: A Global History of Concentration Camps, writes in an editorial published on MSNBC, “I visited four continents to write a global history of concentration camps. This facility’s purpose fits the classic model: mass civilian detention without real trials targeting vulnerable groups for political gain based on ethnicity, race, religion or political affiliation rather than for crimes committed. And its existence points to serious dangers ahead for the country.”

The term ‘concentration camp’ was in use for many years before the Germans used some as extermination camps, Pitzer notes. While most have been in foreign countries,notable exceptions were internment camps on U.S. soil set up to hold Japanese-Americans, including citizens, during World War II. President Ronald Reagan later apologized for their imprisonment and signed a measure granting reperation payments to those incarcerated.


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TRUMP SIGNS BUDGET BILL ON JULY 4 THAT INFLATES DEFICIT, CUTS SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME AMERICANS AND MAKES TAX CUTS FOR WEALTHY PERMANENT

By G. A. McNeeley 

July 6, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – President Donald Trump on July 4 signed the highly contentious budget bill into law. The measure passed the Senate by a one-vote margin and on July 3, the House of Representatives approved the measure.  All San Diego representatives voted no, with the exception of Rep. Darrell Issa, who voted in favor. 

Trump called the measure, "One big beautiful bill."  But crticis charge it will harm vulnerable Americans and dramatically increases the federal deficit, while dramatically increasing funds for immigration enforcement and making permanent tax breaks passed during the first Trump administration for the wealthiest Americans.

"This disgusting abomination, the GOP tax scam that guts Medicaid, rips food from the mouths of children, seniors, and veterans, and rewards billionaires with massive tax breaks," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, in a marathon floor speech, ABC 10 News reports. "Every single Democrat stands in strong opposition to this bill because we're standing up for the American people." 


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“ICE OUT” MARCHERS IN EL CAJON TAKE STAND FOR IMMIGRANTS AS CONCERNS OVER ICE RAIDS AND ABUSE OF DETAINEES GROWS

By Miriam Raftery

Photos and videos by Shiloh Ireland

It’s my duty...to speak up for other people that currently are scared... I know what it feels like to be undocumented and having to be living in the shadows for fear of being deported.” – Carlos Gomez Perez, an Iraq War combat veteran who earned a Silver Star medal of valor.

July 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids ramp up nationwide, detaining and deporting even many immigrants who committed no crimes, an “ICE out of El Cajon” march and rally on June 28  called for support of immigrants.

Concerns over non-criminals detained and abuse of detainees

Trump ran on a platform of deporting “violent criminals” who are undocumented. But KPBS reports that since Donald Trump took office in January, the number of detained immigrants who have no criminal records has skyrocketed by 12,000%--from 800 to over 11,700.  By contrast, detentions of convicted criminals in ICE detention rose only 59%, from 9,000 in January to 14,500 in June.


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A CALL FOR RECALL AT AZTEC PARK

By Alexander J Schorr

Photo: Mount Miguel High School teacher/librarian Jason Balistreri, Lauren Cazares, GEA Vice President Stephanie Macecca, Colin Parent, GEA President James Messina, and teacher Jay Steiger

July 3, 2025 (La Mesa) – On June 29, supporters of efforts to recall trustees of the Grossmont Union High School District gathered at Aztec Park. The mobilization effort focused on  gathering signatures of those who live in Area 2 of the Grossmont Union High School District in order to recall board trustee Scott Eckert.

Speakers accused the GUHSD governing board of violating public trust and utilizing power to punish political adversaries or those viewed as “disloyal” to their personal agendas and ideologies. 


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COUNTY BUDGET INCLUDES MANY EAST COUNTY PROJECTS



By Miriam Raftery

Image: County Administration Building

July 2, 2025 (San Diego) – The $8.63 billion balanced budget passed by San Diego County Supervisors last week prioritizes housing, homelessness, public safety, infrastructure, health, environmental sustainability and support for vulnerable populations.

It also includes projects benefitting or impacting East County communities. These include:

  • Buying two ambulances for unincorporated areas
  • Purchasing a helicopter for firefighting and search and rescue missions
  • A new crisis stabilization unit in El Cajon
  • Operating safe parking programs in Spring Valley and unincorporated El Cajon, plus opening a third safe parking site in Grantville for people living in vehicles
  • Constructing Troy Street Sleeping cabins in Lemon Grove to shelter homeless people
  • Upgrades and repairs at the Descanso Fire Station
  • Staffing two water tenders to provide water during wildfires
  • Partnering with Cal Fire to explore using livestock grazing to reduce fire risk
  • Enhanced fire and emergency medical services in Dulzura and Pauma Valley
  • Improving a temporary space during construction of new Ramona Sheriff’s substation
  • New county library opening in 2026 in Casa de Oro
  • Creating community gardens in Spring Valley and Ramona
  • New mobile veterinary surgical unit for unincorporated areas
  • Cleaning up homeless encampments in unincorporated areas
  • Installing new electric vehicle charging stations in rural areas

In addition to those East County specific projects, the budget  includes many other items to benefit residents countywide including these:


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MCCANN CONCEDES: AGUIRRE WINS SUPERVISOR SEAT

By Miriam Raftery

July 2, 2025 (San Diego) – Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre has declared victory in the 1st Supervisorial district special election, after her opponent, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, conceded the race.

Aguirre issued this statement, “Whether you voted for me or not, I’m ready to work my heart out to bring down costs, protect our health, and deliver results—no matter your income, political party or zip code. We need bold action to protect against Trump’s Medicaid cuts, clean up the polluted sewage poisoning our communities and finally get serious about putting County funding where it belongs: in our communities to help working families who are struggling."

The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council, which recruited hundreds of union members to knock on doors and make calls to elect Aguirre, posted that thanks to these efforts, San Diego County now has “a pro-union, community-first majority—blocking right-wing austerity that would’ve gutted services for our most vulnerable.”


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AGUIRRE TAKES STRONG LEAD IN DISTRICT 1 SUPERVISORIAL RACE

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left, via candidates' websites:  John McCann, left, and Paloma Aguirre, right

July 1, 2025 (San Diego) – In a special election that will determine the balance of power on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre leads with 53.22% of the vote over Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, who has 36.78%, according to the San Diego County Registrar of Voters

Aguirre, a Democrat, has 37,324 votes while McCann, a Republican, has 32,805, a lead of 4,518 votes. Another 9,500 ballots remain to be counted, with the next update from the Registrar due by 6 p.m. this evening. The winner is expected to take office by the end of this month as the new District 1 Supervisor.

Though the race is officially nonpartisan, the board currently has a 2-2 split following the resignation of Nora Vargas.  If Aguirre’s lead holds, Democrats will retake the majority, which could sway policy decisions on key issues.

An Aguirre win will also bring back a Latina voice on the board of Supervisors in an era when immigration issues have brought heightened tensions to the region, as well as providing a voice calling for cleanup of severe pollution that has forced long-term beach closure and serious air pollution health threats to Imperial Beach residents.

Aguirre released a statement declaring victory, though McCann has not yet conceded.


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ISSA BILL WILL INCENTIVIZE WILDFIRE PREVENTION THROUGH TARGETED TAX RELIEF

East County News Service

July 1, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has introduced the Wildfire Infrastructure and Landowner Tax Relief Act of 2025 (WILTR Act) to make wildfire mitigation and resilience attainable for homeowners who know it provides essential protection from future fires. The bill text can be found here.

“It’s not enough to say we will be ready for the fire next time. We need to back it up with real solutions that put homeowners in charge,” said Rep. Issa. “This legislation makes it more possible than ever for homeowners to adopt breakthrough innovations in wildfire defense through targeted tax relief we know will make it possible.”


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SUPREME COURT LIMITS INJUNCTIONS THAT BLOCKED TRUMP’S PLAN FOR BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP

 


“We are fighting to make sure President Trump cannot trample on the citizenship rights of a single child.” –Cody Wofsy, deputy director, ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project, which filed a class lawsuit in response to Supreme Court’s action


By G. A. McNeeley 

 

June 28, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- The United States Supreme Court has narrowed the scope of nationwide injunctions by lower courts, in a case that involves President Donald Trump's executive order to eliminate birthright citizenship, according to ABC 10

 

It’s been widely accepted that the Constitution’s 14th Amendment confers automatic citizenship to most people who are born in the United States, NBC reports.

 

Despite this, the court ruled in a 6-3 vote to prohibit nationwide injunctions by lower courts.  Thus the lower court must narrow its ruling to only those areas over which it has jurisdiction,not nationwide.   The ruling allows Trump to enforce his executive order in other states not covered by lower court decisions, putting the future of babies born to undocumented parents in limbo.


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WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN LOSES SD COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY FUNDING

 
 
Photo and story by Karen Pearlman
 
June 26, 2025 (San Diego) – The fate of public access to the Water Conservation Garden in Rancho San Diego is a little less certain after another partner, the San Diego County Water Authority, on Thursday voted to withdraw its funding and participation from the Water Conservation Authority, operators of the Water Conservation Garden.
 
The Garden is a six-acre site focused on natural resource conservation and sustainability. It was initially funded starting in 1990 and opened with strong backing during an era of major drought issues in 1999. A demonstration site for water-wise landscaping that offers programming reaching across the county, The Garden had been receiving support from the SDCWA since 2001.
 
Combined with the exit of backing earlier this year from the financially strapped city of San Diego, The Garden now looks to lose 1/3 of its funding.

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SUPREME COURT ALLOWS TRUMP TO DEPORT MIGRANTS TO COUNTRIES THAT AREN'T THEIR HOMES, WITHOUT DUE PROCESS

 

Court majority’s action exposes “thousands to the risk of torture or death,”  says Justice Sonia Sotomayor

By G. A. McNeeley 

June 25, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — The Supreme Court has allowed The Trump Administration to restart the swift deportations of migrants to countries that aren't their homelands. The conservative majority also lifted a court order that required migrants be given a chance to challenge their deportations, according to PBS

Immigration officials had put eight people on a plane to South Sudan that was eventually diverted to a U.S. naval base in Djibouti, after U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy stepped in. 


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CITY OF SAN DIEGO BUDGET CUTS WON'T CUT INTO LOCAL LAKES

Fishing expeditions like this man's at San Vicente Reservoir will continue uninterrupted after fears of budget cuts within the city of San Diego that would have cut hours and days at a group of lakes and reservoirs were quelled. Photo by Karen Pearlman

By Karen Pearlman

June 25, 2025 (San Diego) --Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are celebrating after the San Diego City Council voted Monday to keep the city's lakes and reservoirs open, overriding some of Mayor Todd Gloria’s budget vetoes.

 
The council voted 6-3 to adopt a $6 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26, partially rejecting Gloria’s proposed cuts aimed at closing a $350 million deficit — one of the largest in city history.
 
Among the restorations: funding for recreation programs at city reservoirs, partial support for wildfire prevention, nearly $1 million in community grant funds for councilmembers and $450,000 for racial equity initiatives.

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SEVEN VOTE CENTERS NOW OPEN FOR SUPERVISORIAL SPECIAL ELECTION

 
Voting has started for those in the County of San Diego's First Supervisorial District (Photo courtesy County of San Diego)
 
By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
Jun. 20, 2025 (San Diego County) -- If you live in the County of San Diego’s First Supervisorial District, you can cast your ballot early at any one of seven vote centers in the district.
 
Voting started June 21 for the two candidates -- Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre, a Democrat, and Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, a Republican.
 
The person elected will fill the district’s vacant seat for the remainder of the current term that ends in January 2029. Only those who live in the district can vote in the election.

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TRUMP CAN KEEP TROOPS IN LA FOR NOW, APPEALS COURT RULES

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

by Mikhail Zinshteyn

Photo: National Guard in Los Angeles, via U.S. Northern Command

June 23, 2025 (Los Angeles) -- President Trump had a legitimate interest in protecting federal employees when he deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles, an appeals court ruled.

President Donald Trump can continue to control the National Guard in California for the time being after a panel of judges from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals determined he followed the law in deploying troops to Los Angeles.



The order, handed down Thursday evening, is the latest in a fast-moving legal saga playing out over Trump’s decision to call up the National Guard and U.S. Marines to the Los Angeles area in response to protests after federal immigration law enforcement agents began worksite raids and arrests two weeks ago. California’s Democratic leadership, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, has called the deployment unnecessary and illegal.


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ENVIRONMENTALISTS SOUND ALARM OVER BUDGET AMENDMENT TO SELL OFF PUBLIC LANDS—INCLUDING FOREST LANDS IN EAST COUNTY

By Miriam Raftery

Image:  Lands proposed for sale in Rep. Darrell Issa's district

June 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Senate Republicans have slipped language into the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” budget reconciliation measure that would allow sale of up to 250 million acres of federal public lands in 11 states including California. 

The Wilderness Society calls this a “disturbing giveaway that sets an extremely dangerous precedent.”

A map of lands to be sold includes much of Cleveland National Forest in San Diego’s East County, as well as portions of Mt. Laguna and Pine Valley, plus large tracts of U.S. Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands in northeast county, desert areas near Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and even some coastal locations.

Over 16 million acres are proposed for sale in California, including Big Sur, an iconic and picturesque section of California’s coastline.

Find links to contact your Congressional members and Senators at the bottom of this article.


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U.S. BOMBS IRAN’S NUCLEAR FACILITIES

By Miriam Raftery

Image: Screenshot from BBC video of Iranian nuclear facility bombing by U.S.

June 21, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. has bombed three Iranian nuclear sites,  President Donald Trump announced tonight on social media.  The BBC confirmed the action, posting video of smoke rising above an Iranian nuclear site.

The action, done without Congressional approval, has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers. Some praised the destruction of any potential nuclear weapons development by Iran, a state supporter of terrorism, while others voiced concerns over escalation of tensions in the region.  Some Congressional members also denounced the action as unconstitutional, since it was done without the approval of Congress, which the Constitution requires for acts of war.


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TRUMP’S BUDGET BILL WILL NEGATIVELY AFFECT MEDICAID USERS

 

President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” will also give tax breaks to the wealthiest of Americans; Democrats and some Republicans raise objections 

By G. A. McNeeley 

June 21, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S. Dakota) faces backlash from Republicans, over the latest version of President Donald Trump’s budget bill, which ignores Republican senators’ concerns about Medicaid cuts, according to The Hill, as well as concerns over cuts to clean energy incentives. 

Democrats have been virtually united in opposition to these cuts as well, but with Republicans in control of both houses of Congress, Democrats lack power to force changes.

While slashing medical care for the poorest Americans, the House Republicans’ tax cuts for wealthy Americans and corporations would add $2.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) analysis of the bill that Republican lawmakers narrowly approved last month, according to CNN. 


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MAYOR GLORIA VETOES KEY BUDGET ITEMS, CUTTING ACCESS TO SOME LAKES , FUNDS FOR BRUSH CLEARING, STORMWATER PROJECTS AND MORE

By Karen Pearlman

June 18, 2025 (San Diego County) – A little over a week after the San Diego City Council voted 7-2 to continue to fund consistent public access to city-owned and operated lakes and reservoirs, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria wielded his line-item veto power to cut access at some lakes, though Lakes Murray and Miramar will remain accessible daily. The Mayor also vetoed funding for numerous other items, from homeless outreach to brush clearing and stormwater projects to prevent fires and floods.

The Mayor preserved funding for other popular items previously on the chopping box, such as libraries and firepits for beach bonfires.


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60,000+ IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO “NO KINGS” RALLY, THOUSANDS MORE COUNTYWIDE PROTEST AUTHORITARIAN ACTIONS OF TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

By  Miriam Raftery

Photos,left:  Aerial image of No Kings rally downtown, courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News, and protestor in El Cajon, photo by Miriam Raftery.

June 15, 2025 (San Diego) – At least 60,000 people participated in “No Kings” protests in downtown San Diego, according to the San Diego Police department. Local organizers estimate even more, around 80,000. Times of San Diego has a time-lapse video of San Diego's march.

In addition, thousands more protested at No Kings events in other local communities, including East County, with around 1,000 in El Cajon and several hundred in Ramona. Photos posted on social media  show numerous other rallies with hundreds or more at each.


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JUDGE BLOCKS USE OF NATIONAL GUARD IN LOS ANGELES, PENDING APPEAL

UpdateJune 21:  The Ninth Circuit  Court of Appeals has ruled that Trump can retain control of the National Guard. ECM news partner 10 news reports.  It remains to be seen whether California will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.  The Ninth Circuit ruling overturns the lower court ruling discussed in our June 12 article below.

By Miriam Raftery

June 12, 2025 (Oakland, CA) – In a blistering decision, U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer today ordered control of California’s National Guard be returned to the Governor, though the Judge stayed his order until tomorrow afternoon to allow the Trump administration time to file for an emergency appeal.

The judge’s order states that in ordering thousands of California National Guard members to Los Angeles amid civil unrest  over mass immigration enforcement, President Donald Trump’s actions were “illegal—both exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.”

Judge Breyer rejected an argument by a Trump administration lawyer, who had claimed courts do not have authority to review a president’s decision on whether the National Guard was needed.

“That’s the difference between a constitutional government and King George,” stated Judge Breyer, a Clinton appointee and brother of former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.


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FANITA RANCH GETS GO AHEAD FROM SANTEE CITY COUNCIL--AGAIN

By Mike Allen

June 12, 2025  (Santee) -- The largest residential project in Santee’s history, Fanita Ranch, was granted approval by the City Council, in a 3 -1 vote June 11 with Vice Mayor Rob McNelis recusing himself.

It was the third time in five years the Santee City Council gave its approval to the project that will add 2,949 houses to some 2,600 acres of open space in the city’s northwest quadrant. Santee was challenged legally by a coalition of environmental groups twice before, including last year on the basis that the language in  the city’s environmental impact report (EIR) was deficient.

Santee’s interim City Manager Gary Halbert said those deficiencies were corrected and contained in a revised EIR that was approved. The city will provide those changes to the same Superior Court judge, Katherine Bacal, to get her approval. Should she agree the changes are legal, developer HomeFed Rancho Fanita can proceed with construction, Halbert said.


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“NO KINGS” PROTESTS PLANNED SATURDAY NATIONWIDE OVER AUTHORITARIAN TACTICS, INCLUDING 11 EVENTS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

 

East County News Service

June 12, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- “They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services. The corruption has gone too. far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings,” states the website No Kings, which is organizing protests nationwide on Saturday, June 14. The demonstrations are expected to draw millions of participants nationwide and locally, thousands.

San Diego County has 11 “peaceful” protests planned. View map. and click each location for details; times of rallies vary The local protests are slated to be held in  Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Del Mar, El Cajon, Escondido, Mira Mesa, Ramona, Rancho Bernardo, San Marcos, and two in downtown San Diego including Civic Center Plaza and Waterfront Park.


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CALIF. SENATOR PADILLA FORCIBLY REMOVED FROM HOMELAND SECURITY PRESS CONFERENCE AND HANDCUFFED

Action sparks bipartisan outrage

By Miriam Raftery

June 12, 2025 (Los Angeles) – In a shocking action, California’s U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly dragged out of a press conference in Los Angeles today, thrown on the ground and handcuffed while trying to ask a question of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Video shows he clearly identified himself, stating "I am Senator Alex Padilla" before being manhandled by federal agents.

A statement from Senator Padilla’s office indicates the Senator “is currently in Los Angeles exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight of the federal government’s operations in Los Angeles and across California,” a reference to immigration enforcement that has led to protests in L.A. and President Donald Trump calling in the National Guard and U.S. Marines.


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IN A WIN FOR PUBLIC ACCESS, CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO KEEP LAKE MURRAY OPEN DAILY

By Karen Pearlman

Photo by Karen Pearlman: wild birds at the Lake Murray reservoir

June 11, 2025 (San Diego) – The future of continued daily access to Lake Murray is looking a little brighter today.

With a 7-2 vote, the San Diego City Council on Tuesday approved a 2025-26 budget that preserves activities at Lake Murray and other city-operated reservoirs and lakes, avoiding many previously threatened cuts to hours and days of operation.

The action came after Friends of San Diego Lakes submitted a petition with more than 8,500 signatures of residents opposed to a proposal to close the popular lake on weekdays.

There will also be no cuts to recreation center hours or park restrooms, and while city libraries will remain closed on Sundays, the budget reversed proposed Monday closures for 16 branches.

It remains to be seen whether Mayor Todd Gloria will sign or veto the revised budget. 


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LOS ANGELES IMMIGRATION PROTESTS, CIVIL UNREST FUEL CLASH BETWEEN GOVERNOR AND PRESIDENT

By Alexander J. Schorr

Photo: KTLA screenshot: flashbang deployed amid L.A. civil unrest at Los Angeles Sheriff's officer looks on

June 11, 2025 (Los Angeles) -- California sued the Trump administration this week over the President’s order to deploy 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles without the Governor's consent. California Governor Gavin Newsom has argued that the deployment is “an illegal act, an immoral act, [and] an unconstitutional act.”

A hearing is scheduled Thursday on the lawsuit, which was filed before Trump also ordered 700 Marines deployed protect federal buildings in Los Angeles, further heightening tensions following five days of protests over roundups of undocumented immigrants, many of whom have not been charged with any crimes. As residents sought to block ICE from hauling away immigrants, some violent clashes ensued, including rocks thrown at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and vehicles burned.

The deployment appears to be the first time in decades that a state’s National Guard was activated without the request of its governor, adding a significant escalation against those who have sought to halt the administration’s mass deportation efforts


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PASSAGES: ART MADRID, FORMER LA MESA MAYOR WHO SERVED THE CITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS

By Karen Pearlman

June 10, 2025 (La Mesa) – Leaving behind a legacy of service, prolific leadership and unwavering commitment to civic matters, longtime La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid has passed away at age 90.

His leadership shaped the city, earning admiration and respect from residents, businesses and civic leaders around the region and across the country.

He passed away in his home in La Mesa on Friday, June 6, according to his daughter, Lisa Madrid.

Madrid was elected to public office in La Mesa six times, including two terms as a City Council member from 1981-1990 and four terms as mayor, leading the city from 1991-2014, including during the city's centennial celebration in 2012. He previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a stint in Korea, then spent 35 years working for Pacific Bell before entering politics.


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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

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