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,

San Diego County leaders share concerns ahead of World TB Day

East County News Service

March 23, 2026 (San Diego County) --While tuberculosis (TB) is often dismissed as a disease of the past, San Diego County health officials warned Monday, March 23, that the region is currently a hotspot for the infection, with local rates now outpacing state and national averages.

In an event held at Waterfront Park on Monday morning, County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre and top health officials, including County Public Health Officer Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan and Dr. Jeffrey Percak, Medical Director for County TB Prevention and Care, highlighted a concerning trend: after years of decline, the number of people diagnosed with TB in San Diego has been rising steadily since 2020.

Mt. Miguel High School Foundation hosts "Spring Craft Fair" April 11 to support local students

East County News Service

March 23, 2026 (Spring Valley) -- The Mt. Miguel High School Foundation is inviting the community to its upcoming "Spring Craft Fair" on Saturday, April 11.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mount Miguel High School at 8585 Blossom Lane in Spring Valley.

Whether you are looking for a special treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, the fair offers a chance to shop small while directly benefiting local education, says JoAnne Burke from the Mt. Miguel High School Foundation.

"It will be great place to get unique, one-of-a-kind items," Burke said. "Get a head start on Mother’s Day shopping while browsing a wonderful variety of handcrafted treasures from talented local vendors. You’re sure to find thoughtful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and so much more -- and maybe even a little something just for you, too! Grab a friend and come shop local."

For those interested in participating as a crafter or for more general information, call Burke at (619) 469-7350 or email MtMiguelAlumni@gmail.com .

Walden Family Services marks 50 years with golf tournament and 'No Place Like Home' gala

East County News Service

March 22, 2026 (San Diego) -- Nonprofit Walden Family Services, which has supported more than 100,000 foster children and families since its founding in 1976, will host two public fundraisers as part of celebrating its 50 years in service.

The golden anniversary comes as the organization pivots toward an expansion of its housing and prevention programs for "Transitional Age Youth" --- young adults ages 18 to 26 who are aging out of the foster care system.

The celebration begins this week with the Walden Fairways Scramble Golf Tournament on Thursday, March 26. Held at the Singing Hills Golf Course at Sycuan, the charity tournament is designed to raise immediate funds for Walden’s housing initiatives.

Sarah Foles: A Short Story Collection by Travis Lee provides rich social commentary

San Diego Bookshelf

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

March 22, 2026 (San Diego) -- San Diego author Travis Lee has released a collection of short stories currently displayed in the City of San Diego Author Showcase.

Sarah Foles (A Short Story Collection) contains a variety of stories including one about an ex-military man who loses a leg in an accident. After his discharge, the military pays for his education. In college he is more mature than the other students. Though he is in his late 20s he is attracted to a 17-year-old female student in “Sarah Foles.”

A grandson plans to save his grandmother who is being kept in an Alzheimer's home against her will in “Harry's Goodbye.”

A divorced man teaches his pre-schooler to steal packages from peoples’ front yards in “Jake & Junior.”

All Lee’s stories provide rich social commentary. Every story caused me to stop and think to fully understand and appreciate its underlying message. It’s an ideal gift to share and discuss with friends.

La Mesa 'State of the City' address: Crime rates drop, infrastructure work surges

Story and photos by Karen Pearlman

March 21, 2026 (La Mesa) -- A double-digit decline in property crime and a record-breaking year for road repairs in La Mesa were some of the highlights shared by La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis earlier this month.

In his "State of the City" address shared by the city on March 11 and available on YouTube here, Arapostathis said that La Mesa reported an 11% reduction in property crime alongside substantial drops in commercial burglaries and auto thefts in 2025.

Arapostathis also lauded the city’s development pipeline, noting the issuance of about 1,500 permits as well as the launch of five pre-approved "fast-track" ADU designs to tackle housing affordability.

The city shared more department highlights of 2025 on its website here.

Santee School District awarded grant to launch Career Technical Program

East County News Service

March 21, 2026 (Santee) -- Santee School District was awarded a $215,000 grant through the Strong Workforce Program to launch a new Career Technical Education (CTE) program that will give 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to explore a variety of career pathways.

Planning under way for 80th annual Crest 4th of July Parade and daylong festival

Vendors, food trucks and parade participants wanted

By Paul Levikow

March 21, 2026 (Crest) – The Crest Community Association is planning the 80th Annual Crest 4th of July Parade and is looking for parade participants and vendors for the festival. The event will also honor the 250th birthday of the United States.

San Diego-based USS Boxer with Pendleton Marines deploys to Mideast

News

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

The USS Boxer underway in March 2024 prior to a deployment. (Photo courtesy of the Navy)

March 20, 2026 (San Diego) -- The USS Boxer amphibious ready group with 2,200 Marines from Camp Pendleton has deployed to the Mideast as the war with Iran continues.

According to multiple reports, the amphibious assault ship accompanied by the dock-landing ship USS Comstock and amphibious transport dock USS Portland left San Diego on Wednesday.

The departure was not announced in advance for security. The Associated Press said it received confirmation that ships are bound for the Middle East.

ECM World Watch: national and global news

March 20, 2026 (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.

Iran War and military

US military sends 2,500 Marines and at least one more ship to Mideast (10 News)
Attacks on Middle East energy sites deepen threat to US economy, analysts say (ABC News)
White House blocks intelligence report warning of rising US homeland terror threat linked to Iran war (The Daily Mail)
Trump officials scrapped Pentagon blueprint to avoid civilian war casualties before Iran strikes, report says (Independent)
Trump’s DOGE Cuts Slashed Staff That Handled Middle Eastern Oil and Gas Crises (NOTUS)
Pete Hegseth Blew Billions on Fruit Basket Stands, Chairs, and Crab (The New Republic)

Other national news

WORLD

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

Destination East County: April festivities and Easter events

By Miriam Raftery

March 20, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Upcoming events in our inland region include egg hunts, a bunny bash, and a train ride with the Easter Bunny. Plus you can enjoy a Spring Garden Festival and Butterfly Release at the Water Conservation Garden,a pow-wow at SDSU, Lakeside’s Western Days Parade and Rodeo, a Lilac Festival in Santa Ysabel, El Cajon’s Arbor Day Celebration, Adams Avenue Unplugged, Sweet Pea Days at Summers Past Farms, wolf center tours in Julian, a piano concert at Cuyamaca College, a health fair at Grossmont Center, county libraries’ Spring Break reading series, and a performance by Journey’s former lead singer in Poway.

Scroll down for these fun and festive happenings.

East County Roundup: local and statewide news

March 20, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media. This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

San Diego-based USS Boxer, thousands of Marines deployed to Middle East (10 News)
Artificial Intelligence answering non-emergency sheriff's calls (10 News)
ICE arrests of children in San Diego region skyrocketed in 2025, records show (KPBS)
San Diego institutions weigh renaming public places after Cesar Chávez sexual abuse accusations (Times of San Diego)
Ramona school board member's remarks on immigration spark community backlash (CBS)
San Diego County sues federal government, demands inspections at Otay Mesa Detention Center (Times of San Diego)
DHS responds to county report of steep increase in immigration detentions (City News Service)
Is Helix the Best High School in San Diego County? (Voice of San Diego)
Candidate with ties to data center developer enters race for Imperial Valley utility board (KPBS)
El Capitan High School reinstates senior quotes in yearbook (10 News)

STATE

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

Health and Science Highlights

Health/Fitness

March 20, 2026 (San Diego's East County) -- Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future.

HEALTH

SCIENCE AND TECH

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

Julian Junior Theater makes debut with ‘Annie Jr.' April 24-26

East County News Service

March 19, 2026 (Julian) -- In another month, the sun will be coming out for youths in the San Diego County's backcountry mountains.

In April, the newly formed Julian Junior Theater will take to the stage for its inaugural production, bringing the beloved classic Annie (but in the Annie Jr. version) to the local community. Tickets are $10, and there will only be four performances.

As a California nonprofit, Julian Junior Theater was established with a clear mission: to foster self-confidence, self-expression and a lifelong love for the performing arts.

By providing enriching education and dynamic performance opportunities, JJT is a vital creative hub for young residents in the rural Julian region.

Women’s History Month: Honoring Erica Pinto

Tribal Beat

By Miriam Raftery

This Women’s History Month, we recognize Erica Pinto, a transformative tribal leader whose work has strengthened tribal sovereignty, economic opportunity, and community wellness across the Kumeyaay Nation and San Diego region.

In 2015, Erica Pinto made history as the first woman ever elected Chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village, a historic milestone and a powerful continuation of Kumeyaay leadership traditions rooted in service to community and respect for ancestors.

She grew up on the Jamul and Viejas reservations, where she witnessed the hardships of her people. Her mother, who has been active in Tribal government for several decades, instilled in her the importance of respecting our ancestors and giving back to Jamul Indian Village, lessons she carries with her to this day.

Final chord at Hooley's with Evans Academy Extravaganza March 20

Photo courtesy Facebook

By Karen Pearlman

March 19, 2026 (La Mesa) -- For nearly two decades, the dark wood and stone hearth of Hooley’s Public House in Grossmont Center have served as more than just a backdrop for a well-poured Guinness. It has been a community living room, a dining spot with a welcoming vibe, a sanctuary for local history buffs and a rockin' stage for East County’s music scene.

That era comes to a close when Hooley's in La Mesa closes its doors on Sunday, March 29.

But before the doors lock for the final time, the pub will host one last massive celebration of local talent: the Evans Academy Extravaganza.

El Cajon pushing for state to look deeper at SB 54

By Karen Pearlman

March 19, 2026 (El Cajon) — A deepening rift between local autonomy and state mandate is in the spotlight in El Cajon after Mayor Bill Wells sent a letter to the attorney general earlier this week.

The El Cajon City Council, already divided since a 2025 resolution giving support to cooperating with federal immigration authorities to remove undocumented immigrants convicted of major crimes, continues to stay fractured.

A letter dated March 17, 2026 from Wells to California Attorney General Rob Bonta marks the city’s latest challenge to Senate Bill 54 from 2017, the California Values Act, which the Mayor alleges has created a legal "Catch-22" that endangers vulnerable children.

The letter said that the city is "concerned that California's suite of sanctuary policies represent an intentional effort by California to encourage illegal aliens to reside in the state (unlawfully)."

The letter said that California laws "provide economic incentives for illegal aliens to reside in California without fear of deportation. It is in this regard that these policies run afoul of federal criminal law."

‘Americans and the Holocaust’ exhibition coming to Grossmont College

East County News Service

March 19, 2026 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Library was selected as one of only 50 libraries across the United States to host the traveling exhibition “Americans and the Holocaust.”

Americans and the Holocaust is a collaborative effort between the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. Locals will be able to visit the exhibition from April 14 through May 21, 2026 at Grossmont College, 8800 Grossmont College Drive in El Cajon.

This is the exhibition's second national tour, and follows a successful run at 50 libraries between 2021-23. Because of its popularity, the USHMM and ALA expanded the initiative to an additional 50 sites for a 2024-26 cycle, reaching communities from Hawaii and Alaska to Texas and New Hampshire.

Dolores Huerta issues statement on Cesar Chavez abuse

East County News Service

Photo via Dolores Huerta’s press office

March 19, 2026 (San Diego) – Dolores Huerto, cofounder of the United Farm Workers Union, has issued a statement on her Facebook page on revelations that she and other women were sexually abused by co-leader Cesar Chavez.

In her statement, she talks about being pressured and later forced to have sex with Chavez, why she stayed silent and is now speaking out, the two children by Chavez that she's maintained relationships with, and her renewed commitment to support workers' rights and women's rights.

“I am nearly 96 years old, and for the last 60 years have kept a secret because I believed that exposing the truth would hurt the farmworker movement I have spent my entire life fighting for.

County warns of measles exposure at Sharp Memorial Hospital’s emergency room

Photo courtesy County of San Diego

East County News Service

March 18, 2026 (San Diego) -- Local public health officials have issued an urgent exposure alert following a confirmed case of measles on Wednesday, March 11, at the Sharp Memorial Hospital Emergency Department at 7901 Frost St. in San Diego.

A traveler from out of state -- who was unvaccinated and infectious at the time of their visit -- has tested positive for the virus.

While the individual was evaluated for a fever at the Frost Street facility, they did not display the characteristic rash or other respiratory symptoms that typically signal a measles infection, potentially leaving dozens of patients and staff exposed.

Tainted legacy: César Chávez sexual abuse allegations prompt leaders to cancel events, pursue justice for survivors

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Cesar Chavez in 1972, public domain image by Cornelius M. Keyes via National Archives and Records Administration

March 18, 2026 (San Diego) – Latino leaders across the state and nation are expressing shock after a bombshell investigation by the New York Times revealed evidence of sexual abuse against women and girls by César Chávez , famed cofounder of the United Farmworkers Union and a prominent national leader of the Latino rights movement who died in 1993.