Jamul Casino Resort gets two film awards

“Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards

East County News Service

April 1, 2026 (Jamul) – Jamul Casino Resort has been recognized with two prestigious ADDY Awards from AAF Reno, earning a Gold ADDY and Best of Show in the Corporate Social Responsibility category for “Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul.”

The short film honors the history, culture and resilience of the Jamul Indian Village of California. As a Gold ADDY recipient, the work will now advance to the national ADDY competition.

La Mesa debuts grand plans for former Macy’s site

April 1, 2026 Special Edition

By Art Thrives

April 1, 2026 (La Mesa) – In a surprise announcement today, La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis announced that the city has acquired the former Macy’s department store building at Grossmont Center.

“I’m delighted to reveal that this site will soon be home to a spacious new library and long-awaited community theatre,” said Arapostathis, a retired teacher and long-time junior theater leader. He added, “The new Jewel of the Hills center will become a cultural and arts hub for our community, fulfilling our promise of a state-of-the-art library as well as providing event space and a stage for youth theater and other community groups.”

Passages: Anne Christine “Chris” (Raines) Stevens, former Spring Valley resident

Obituaries

Obituary provided by Ron Stevens

Anne Christine “Chris” (Raines) Stevens, 80, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away on September 24, 2025.

She was born in Los Angeles, California in 1944 and grew up in a loving family that nurtured her creativity, faith, and determination. Chris attended Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley, CA, graduating in 1962, and was especially proud of her role as Captain of the marching corps, where her leadership and school spirit shone brightly.

Rally against city of San Diego Measure A on April 1

East County News Service

March 31, 2026 (San Diego) -- Leaders from across San Diego County will gather at San Diego City Hall tomorrow (April 1) with a serious message: “Don’t Be Fooled,” with a press conference and rally to mark the official launch of the "No on Measure A" campaign.

Measure A or the "No-Primary Homes Tax" is on the June 2 ballot and asks voters to weigh in on taxing owners of properties in the city that sit empty for more than half a year.

If passed, Measure A would impose an $8,000 annual tax on more than 5,000 residences deemed "non-primary," and would increase to $10,000 in 2028. Corporate owners would face a $4,000 surcharge on top of the base tax.

HelloFresh pizza meal kits recalled in California and nationwide

East County News Service

March 31, 2026 (San Diego County) -- A a quiet supplier notification in January about tainted pizzas has turned into a federal safety alert, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now officially upgrading the recall of a popular meal-kit pizza because of the potential presence of metal fragments.

The recall, which specifically targets HelloFresh’s Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza, was elevated to a Class II classification on March 23.

Fallbrook artist loses 50 years of work in studio fire

“This is nothing compared to what is taking place in the world” -- Jerome Gastaldi, who lost 50 years of work in a fire at his Fallbrook studio on March 20 (photo courtesy Villa con Cuore studio)

East County News Service

March 31, 2026 (Fallbrook) -- Contemporary American artist Jerome Gastaldi on March 20 lost his primary studio in Fallbrook, as well as more than 50 years of his own art and collected pieces of other artists' works in a sudden fire at his studio property, Villa con Cuore.

The fire at the 2500 block of Los Alisos S. Drive destroyed Gastaldi's paint studio, welding and print studios, library, gallery storage and a lifetime of collected works — many exhibited publicly over the years.

Latest No Kings rallies draw 70,000 in San Diego County, 8 million nationwide

No Kings rallies

70,000 San Diego County residents join 8 million nationwide in No Kings demonstrations, the largest ever U.S. protest

By Miriam Raftery

March 31, 2026 (San Diego) -- No Kings rallies nationwide on Saturday, March 26 drew more than 8 million people, including over 70,000 across San Diego County. Organizers say this was the largest protest in United States history.

The protestors voiced opposition to antidemocratic actions by the Trump administration. Many also voiced concerns over an escalating war in Iran and other military conflicts, as well as other issues including aggressive actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement against immigrants protestors and bystanders, including two U.S. citizens killed in Minnesota.

El Cajon City Council denies Afghan Center’s appeal for prayer tent extension

East County News Service

March 30, 2026 (El Cajon ) -- The El Cajon City Council last week unanimously upheld a decision by the city's Planning Commission to deny the Afghan Community Culture Center a permit extension for its temporary prayer tent on East Main Street between Walter Way and East Madison Avenue.

The ruling ended an ongoing dispute between the city’s safety regulations and the center, which provides services to a community of more than 3,000 people who look to the ACCC as a spiritual, educational and social home, according to ACCC Board President Bakhtar Aminzay.

"We have to follow the state law, which has to do with public safety issues," said El Cajon City Councilmember Gary Kendrick.

The ACCC since last November has owned a building at 1342 E. Main St., but structural damage on the inside by previous tenants have made the building uninhabitable as well as not being up to code, Kendrick said.

Brush fire burning in Santee near Town Center

Update 9:14 p.m. Forward spread has been stopped.

Update 7:42 p.m. -- The fire has crossed the river and is now burning directly behind commercial buildings including Michael's. "There appears to be no direct access for engines to get to it," ECM reporter Patrick Ward says. The Sheriff has evacuated some stores and is advising the public to avoid the area.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Photos by Patrick Ward.

March 29, 2026 (Santee) – Fire crews are battling the Town Center Fire burning in vegetation in the 100 block of River Rock Court, across the river from Walmart and the Town Center shopping plaza. The fire is within 50 to 100 yards of commercial structures and has burned 3 aces as of 7:40 p.m., per Watch Duty.

Per Watch Duty App, the incident commander has requested a type 1 strike team of 5 engines, a strike 3 team of 5 engines, and a water dropping helicopter.

Ground crews are now engaged in structure protection on the south side of the river due to a threat to commercial structures there.

La Mesa City Council grapples with housing and parking concerns

Councilmember Laura Lothian criticizing city tactics on parking issues

By Alexander J. Schorr

March 29, 2026 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa City council met on March 24 to try and tackle the “parking crisis” fueled by new housing development in the Downtown Village.

La Mesa is currently facing massive tension over the need for affordable housing and a growing parking crisis in its Downtown Village district. Recent developments have prioritized transit-oriented housing with reduced parking requirements, sparking concerns from local business owners and residents about the long-term impact on the area’s accessibility and economic health.

Sheriff impounds 10 electric motorcycles, issues citations for violations by e-bikes and e-motorcycles in Santee

East County News Service

March 28, 2026 (Santee) -- Deputies from the Santee Sheriff's Station conducted an enforcement operation on Thursday aimed at addressing the growing number of electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric motorcycles (e-motorcycles) being operated in violation of state and local laws within the City of Santee.

El Cajon approves funds for reconstruction of Fletcher Hills Fire Station 7

East County News Service

March 28, 2026 (El Cajon) – Heartland Fire’s station 7 in Fletcher Hills, built in 1960, will soon undergo major renovations. El Cajon’s City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve budget revisions for the reconstruction.

Health alert: 2 rabid bats found in Escondido

Officials seeking potential contacts, photo courtesy County of San Diego

East County News Service

March 28, 2026 (Escondido) -- San Diego County public health officials are seeking anyone who may have come into direct physical contact with two wild bats found in separate Escondido locations last weekend.

Both animals have since tested positive for rabies, marking the fourth and fifth confirmed cases of rabid bats in the county this year.

The first infected bat was discovered at about 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, in a grassy area near the White Oak Villas condo complex. The animal was retrieved by the San Diego Humane Society for testing.

Helix Water District electrifies East County

Helix Water District Board Member Joel Scalzitti tells the crowd at the Helix Operations Center on Vernon Way on Friday that the district's new electrification project will be a model for the rest of the county.

Photos and story by Karen Pearlman

March 27, 2026 (El Cajon) – While providing safe drinking water to their 278,000 ratepayers is their main goal, the Helix Water District has put some energy into other public utility needs.

On Friday, the District showed how infrastructure and mandates have led it to expand its portfolio, showing off its $11 million electrification project in El Cajon.

The project on Vernon Way is designed to power Helix's fleet for the next 50 to 60 years -- and acts as a pioneer for the region with a replicable success story for municipalities navigating the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Magical Mystery Campout and Beatles Tribute Fair: festival April 4-5 in Jacumba

By Rebecca Person

March 28, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- East County’s abuzz with a Beatles invasion. De Anza Springs Resort, a high desert retreat, welcomes the public to the Magical Mystery Campout and Beatles Fair, a two-day festival on April 4 and 5. The weekend will feature multiple Beatles cover bands, hiking, swimming in indoor and outdoor mineral pools and a spa, stargazing, and Beatles memorabilia.

Sheriff's Department weighs in before 'No Kings' rallies

East County Magazine

March 27, 2026 (San Diego County) -- On the eve of what many are calling the largest civil mobilization in American history, in "No Kings" protests, the official stance from regional law enforcement has been clear and public-facing.

Suspicious backpack at Santee Sheriff’s station triggers fear of explosives and shutdown of nearby streets

By Miriam Raftery

March 27, 2026 (Santee) – A staffer spotted a camouflage backpack near the front entrance of the Santee Sheriff station today at 12:24 p.m. Surveillance video showed a man on bicycle dropping off the suspicious pack. Deputies secured the area and sought help from the Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson detectives.

Patrol deputies conducted a search of the surrounding area for the individual, while the Sheriff’s helicopter issued public address announcements with a description of the subject.

Bomb/Arson detectives assessed the backpack and identified items that appeared to be military-style equipment. As a precaution, nearby streets and sidewalks adjacent to the station were temporarily closed to ensure public safety. Upon further examination, multiple rounds of high-powered ammunition were recovered from inside the backpack.

Detectives ultimately rendered the backpack safe and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Saddle up: Border Patrol officers on horseback are coming to East County

U.S. Border Patrol

East County News Service

March 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) -- U.S. Border Patrol horse patrol units across the Southwest recently received 15 horses from the U.S. Army, an interagency transfer that will save the agency an estimated $105,000.

Meet candidates in Lakeside on April 22

East County News Service

March 27, 2026 (Lakeside) – Voters are invited to the “Candidates to Constituents Town Hall” series. The series is hosted by Alpine resident Anne Tillmond and features local, county & state candidates that voters can connect with over three town halls. The first C2C town hall is on Wednesday, April 22^nd, 2026 in Lakeside from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided. Contact candidatestoconstituents@gmail.com for more information or to RSVP - Seating is limited.

Sheriff not investigating 7 reported rapes at Otay Mesa detention center

By Wendy Fry and Nigel Duara, CalMatters

Photo: a CoreCivic vehicle at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. (File photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)

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

March 27, 2026 (Otay Mesa) - San Diego County Sheriff’s officials failed to investigate at least seven reported sexual assaults at the privately run Otay Mesa immigration detention center in 2025, and records show the agency has ceded control of the cases to civilian administrators employed by the nation’s largest for-profit prison contractor.

A century in paving San Diego with Hazard Construction

Hazard Construction President Jason Mordhorst and one of Hazard Construction's old trucks -- which still works.

Photos and story by Karen Pearlman

March 26, 2026 (Lakeside) – If you’ve driven a car in San Diego County, you've literally been on top of things with the Hazard Construction Company.

From the winding, scenic roads of Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar to the massive, multi-lane interchanges of Interstate 8, the Lakeside-headquartered firm has spent a century literally laying the foundation for San Diego and Southern California's growth and expansion.

This June, Hazard officially hits the 100-year mark -- a rare centennial milestone that cements Hazard as one of the oldest and most influential civil engineering contractors in the state.

Hazard Construction Company started small in 1926 when it concentrated on road construction and excavation, but has evolved into a full-service general engineering contracting firm with a focus on private sector work.

East County public transportation guide to Padres Opening Day March 26

Skip Interstate 8 and 'ride the rails' with the Padres-wrapped Trolley

East County News Service

March 25, 2026 (San Diego) -- With the San Diego Padres set to kick off the 2026 season at Petco Park tomorrow afternoon (March 26, first pitch set for 1:10 p.m.), baseball fans in Santee, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, San Carlos and beyond are being urged to dodge the inevitable Interstate 8 gridlock.

With sellout crowds expected all weekend, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is ramping up Green and Orange Line service to ensure East County fans spend more time in their seats and less time hunting for pricey parking spots.

League of Women Voters of San Diego continues nonpartisan candidate forums ahead of June primary

YouTube video screenshot of League of Women Voters' District 2 candidate forum on March 5

East County News Service

March 25, 2026 (San Diego) -- As the June 2 Primary approaches, the League of Women Voters of San Diego has ramped up its efforts to educate local residents on candidates and issues when they head to the ballot box.

The League of Women Voters of San Diego scheduled five candidate forums designed to provide voters with direct access to the individuals seeking to represent them in City Hall.

For information on the candidates, Measure A (Empty Homes Tax) and the election itself, visit the city's official 2026 election website here.

Juvenile riding e-motorcycle injured in hit-and-run Santee collision

East County News Service

March 25, 2026 (Santee) – A juvenile riding an electric motorcycle on Mission Gorge Road yesterday afternoon was struck by a passing motorist and fell off the e-motorcycle.

The motorist fled the scene before Sheriff’s deputies arrived.

In a preliminary investigation, statements from witnesses indicate that a group of kids on e-motorcycles were ‘in the roadway causing a hazard -- riding in lanes, holding up traffic,” when the juvenile was struck, said Sgt. Lorenzo Ortiz.

Lakeside hiker found dead on El Cajon Mountain is identified

File photo: El Capitan County Preserve hiking trail

Story updated March 26

By Miriam Raftery

March 24, 2026 (Lakeside) – The San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office has identified a hiker who died on El Cajon Mountain in the El Capitan County Preserve on March 22 as Johnathan L. Gorbea, 40, of Lakeside.

Gorbea was a decorated U.S. Navy veteran who also worked for the Department of Defense, according to a GoFundMe page set up by one of his cousins, which by 11:30 a.m. March 26 had raised $16,715 of $20,000 sought.

Gorbea’s family reported him missing on Sunday morning, after he failed to return from a hike he had left for on Saturday morning.

Expungement program with the county shared by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe

East County News Service

March 24, 2026 (San Diego County) -- Working to dismantle barriers to employment and housing for formerly incarcerated residents, San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe of District 4 has announced a new initiative offering a "fresh start" through a mobile expungement service.

Montgomery Steppe said she wants to help individuals navigate the complex process of cleaning up adult criminal records.

For many, a past conviction remains a permanent roadblock to stability, even years after completing their sentences.

Karnival of the Arts coming to DeAnza Springs April 30 through May 3

East County News Service

March 24, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Performance art and music will collide and combine in concert in the high desert this spring as the Karnival of the Arts (KOTA) West returns to the DeAnza Springs Resort.

The festival, which has spent half a decade establishing a "West Coast home" in southeastern San Diego County, centers on a unique "triple-decked" stage production and will go from 4 p.m., April 30 through 4 p.m., May 3.

The design allows for simultaneous live painting, flow arts and musical performances, and this year features headliners Thundersmack (Leo P of Too Many Zooz and Michael Wilbur of Moon Hooch) and electronic multi-instrumentalist Vincent Antone.

"Our event highlights art like no other," says KOTA co-founder and producer Miguel Munoz. "Starting with triple decked stages for simultaneous live painting and dance/flow performances right along side regional favorite bands and international headliners."

Male lion joins pride at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

East County News Service

View video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1484962496593617

March 24, 2026 (San Pasqual) -- The lion pride at the Safari Park just got a little louder as Bo, Zuri, Amira, and Malika are together on habitat for the first time. For the past several years, the Safari Park has had only lionesses on display, but now the pride has a new lion king with the addition of Bo, a young male lion.

The Circle Players present 'The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise' April 17, 18 and 19

East County News Service

March 24, 2026 (El Cajon) -- The First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon’s theater outreach program, The Circle Players, will navigate Richardson Hall into the high seas next month for an interactive mystery dinner theater production, “The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise.”

Written by Nancy Bond, the play invites audience members to board the fictional cruise ship Grand Jubilation as it sets sail for the Bahamas.

The evening blends traditional performance with a "Game Night" experience. Guests are encouraged to participate as fellow passengers, competing in teams and cheering for victory as the sun and fun shift into a web of mystery and intrigue.

The No Kings march on March 28 aims to be biggest yet, protesting authoritarianism across U.S.

No Kings rallies San Diego

By Alexander J. Schorr

March 24, 2026— On Saturday, March 28, 2026, a massive nationwide mobilization called “No Kings 3” is scheduled across the United States. It is organized by the NO Kings Coalition, which includes groups like Indivisible, the ACLU, and the AFL-CIO. This event is expected to be one of the largest protests in American history.

The protest primarily aims to oppose what organizers describe as authoritarian actions and “regime brutality” by the second Trump administration. This specific date of protests was also chosen following the murders of residents like Alex Pretti, Renée Good, and Keith Porter during federal immigration (ICE) operations.

As of March 2026, the public views Trump’s second term as generally negative and deeply polarized. The nation is struggling under rising costs for living and affordability, disdain over the recent Iran War started by President Trump, as well as a general dissatisfaction of life in the United States,