By G. A. McNeeley 

February 6, 2026 (Washington D.C.) -- Health and Human Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last month announced new dietary guidelines for Americans that are focused on promoting whole foods, proteins and healthy fats, according to NPR.  Health and nutrition experts have praised portions of the new guidelines, but sharply criticized other changes as lacking a scientific basis.

“This is so critical to La Mesa and to our businesses.” - Councilmember Laura Lothian

By Armando Rasing II

Photo by Miriam Raftery: Outdoor dining at Hacienda Cazadores

February 1, 2026 (La Mesa) -- The La Mesa City Council voted unanimously last Tuesday to adopt a new sidewalk dining policy in commercial zones, also reporting progress in meeting climate action goals.

The city temporarily allowed increased flexibility for outdoor dining areas in 2020 to help support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new sidewalk dining policies will take into effect on March 12, allowing businesses to maintain that flexibility with updated guidelines.  

By Heidi Hope

January 24, 2026 (San Diego) - R&B Tea is a new boba shop located in San Diego’s San Carlos community. R&B Tea delivers a fun and rejuvenating aura through the upbeat music, warm welcome from the workers, exciting paintings on the wall along with a variety of significant drinks made from fresh and organic ingredients. 

East County News Service

January 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Cans of Genova yellowfin tuna that were recalled due to potentially fatal botulism were inadvertently shipped to stores by a distributor, including Safeway, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions in California. An earlier recall included some sold under the Trader Joe’s label in California.

By Heidi Hope

December 21, 2025 (La Mesa) - JJang BBQ, a new all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant in La Mesa, delivers a traditional Korean eatery ambience from sizzling hot meats that you cook at the table to tangy sides and a colorful painting on the wall. I cooked and tasted three different meats, including pork belly (samgupsal), Bulgogi beef and boneless beef rib. Each has a mouthwatering Teriyaki flavor. I was overjoyed at the distinctively savory tastes and textures; some layers were soft, some were chewy. 

Source: California Fire Foundation

November 29, 2025 (San Diego) - The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. As families across California prepare for festive celebrations, it’s essential to prioritize safety—especially in a state prone to wildfires. Here are some key holiday safety tips from the California Fire Foundation:

Additionally, President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” provisions could kick millions out of the program 

By G. A. McNeeley 

November 20 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- After disruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits due to the federal shutdown, recipients have been anticipating getting benefits restored now that the shutdown has ended. But U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins previously told Newsmax on  November 13 that the Trump Administration’s plan for all current SNAP recipients is to "have everyone reapply for their benefits,” in an attempt to prevent fraud, according to Newsweek. 

Nearly 42 million low-income Americans who receive SNAP benefits will have to reapply for benefits under this planned overhaul of the program, which is a more intense, time-consuming and costly process than recertifying, according to USA Today. 

Additionally, Rollins previously directed USDA staff during the recent shutdown to continue ushering states toward compliance with the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which is projected to kick millions out of the nation’s largest anti-hunger program within the next few months, according to POLITICO. 

Overall, this affects not only SNAP, but also WIC, federal workers, food banks, senior citizens, and grocery stores.

By G. A. McNeeley 

October 22, 2025 (California) -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the critical food assistance program, being halted is one of the biggest impacts of the ongoing government shutdown, and it’s about to affect tens of millions of the poorest Americans. Several states are warning that they’ll be forced to suspend SNAP benefits by November 1 if the shutdown continues, according to ABC News. 

SNAP, also referred to as "food stamps," serves about 42 million low-income Americans. The program, run by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. 

Governor Gavin Newsom warned on Monday, October 20, that millions of low-income Californians who rely on public assistance to feed their families may be unable to access food benefits next month because of the federal government shutdown, according to POLITICO. 

East County News Service

Oct. 12, 2025 (Lakeside) -- Circle TLC Ranch-Equine Therapy is holding its 14th annual chili cookoff in November.

Dubbing itself "the best chili cook off in East County," leaders of the group say they are currently seeking chili cookers for the event, which costs $25 as a donation to enter a chili to contend.

The cookoff costs $5 (as a donation) that includes tasting and judging chilis as well as a bottle of water to clean the palate and put out any fires from the hot dishes. Children under age 2 will be admitted at no cost.

The event is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11541 Moreno Ave. in Lakeside.

Source:  Cal Coast Credit Union

October 2, 2025 (San Diego) – Imagine being a college student, striving for a better future, yet unsure where your next meal will come from. Research shows this is the heartbreaking reality for nearly half of our local college students who face food insecurity every day. Without reliable access to food, many are forced to skip meals, miss classes, or even drop out.

To combat this crisis, California Coast Credit Union has joined forces with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and local community colleges to launch the 7th annual Pack the Pantry virtual food drive. Running through October 31, 2025, this fundraiser will directly support food pantries on community college campuses across San Diego and Imperial counties. Every dollar raised provides two meals, and Cal Coast will match donations up to $5,000, doubling the impact.

By Paul Levikow

Photo, left: mural of talented chef Gabriela “Gaby” Lopez

September 20, 2025 (La Mesa) – Casa Gabriela in the La Mesa Village has a first-rate, affordable Happy Hour that features unique, scrumptious food  full of flavor, and a list of drink specials including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties. The food is not just delicious, it’s presented well. Stunning, actually.

By Miriam Raftery

Overview

Nestled in the foothills of San Diego’s East County, The Ramona region is nationally recognized as an American Viticultural Region (AVA). You can savor wines at over 40 tasting rooms.  

Ramona is also home to a historic downtown district with shopping, galleries and restaurants, a western museum, a camel dairy, a paint ball range, colorful murals, restaurants , and live music including a theater with concerts. There are also annual events including rodeos, a country fair, hawk watch,  an art and wine festival, and a holiday wine trail to savor.

There are also several county parks in Ramona where you can enjoy hiking trails and scenic views. Ramona’s lodging options range from resorts with golf, tennis and spa facilities to rustic cabins and camping.