Cities

Shane Harris leading backlash against parking fees in Balboa Park

East County News Service

Jan. 9, 2026 (San Diego County) --  San Diego public advocate Shane Harris has introduced a new ordinance to fully repeal paid parking in Balboa Park and restore free public parking.

To support this effort, Harris has launched this online petition to demonstrate broad public support for making Balboa Park parking free again.

Harris has also called a press conference for Monday, Jan. 12 at Balboa Park that will include supporters from around San Diego County, including El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones and Jim Kiddrick, president and CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Starting this past Monday, Jan. 5, the park’s century-long tradition of free access for vehicles came to an end.

Harris argues that the system is not just a financial burden but "a logistical disaster that punishes the very people the park was built to serve."

The parking charges in Balboa Park were not approved by city voters in a general election. Instead, they were enacted through a series of votes by the San Diego City Council.

Because this was an administrative decision by the council rather than a ballot measure, Harris's petition is specifically designed to pressure the council to reverse its own vote.


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Detra Williams named San Diego County's Chief Deputy of Tax Collection

East County News Service
 
Jan. 9, 2026 (San Diego County) -- Detra Williams has been appointed as San Diego County's next Chief Deputy of Tax Collection, succeeding Chief Deputy David Baker, who has retired.
 
Williams was appointed to the position effective Jan. 6. County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen announced the appointment on Jan. 6.
 
Williams has worked for the County of San Diego for nearly 35 years. She spent more than 20 years in the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office and held leadership roles in the District Attorney’s Office and other County departments.
 
In October, the County Board of Supervisors had selected Williams and three other finalists, including Cohen and Baker, as candidates to fill the role of Treasurer-Tax Collector during a public hearing.
 

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Helix High cheer team reaches summit -- and looking for support

La Mesa squad wins first CIF championship, now sets sights on national competition in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy Helix High Cheer Team
 
East County News Service
 
Jan. 7, 2026 (La Mesa)  — After three consecutive years of finishing as runners-up, the Helix Charter High School competitive cheer team finally reached the top of the podium, capturing first place in the Division 2 Large group at the San Diego Section CIF Traditional Competitive Cheerleading Championships competition in Carlsbad.
 
The event was held Dec. 13 at Carlsbad High School.
 
East County we well represented on the winners' podium. Other East County winners include Granite Hills (Division 1 Large), Steele Canyon (Division 1 Large coed), Grossmont (Division 3 Large), Santana (Division 3 Medium), Valhalla (Division 3 Small) and West Hills (Division 3 Large Coed).
 
For Helix head coach Heather Meyers and her 24-member squad, the victory represented the culmination of five years of steady progress and unwavering determination.
 
"It's hard to even find words for this feeling," Meyers said about the team's success. "For years, Helix Cheer climbed the same hill, coming so close but never quite reaching the top. Three years of second place could've broken us. Instead, it shaped us. It taught us patience, resilience, and how to keep believing when the outcome wasn't guaranteed."

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San Diego Automotive Museum to hold "Garage Night" fundraiser

Evening event at new IGNITE Academy campus (see photo, left, showing students from the academy) will support automotive career training for local youth
 
East County News Service
 
Jan. 7, 2026 (Santee) -- The San Diego Automotive Museum will host its first Garage Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the recently opened IGNITE Academy campus, 8630 Argent St. in Santee.
 
The evening event will invite the community to experience an evening of food, drinks and vintage automobiles while supporting the Museum's workforce development initiative.
 
Attendees will have the chance to tour the academy campus, view vehicles owned and maintained by program participants, and learn about student achievements since the program's launch.

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Dog training tips from the San Diego Humane Society

 

San Diego Humane Society shares how to start the new year on the right paw. Photo courtesy SDHS
 
East County News Service
 
Jan. 5, 2026 (San Diego County) — Behavior challenges left unaddressed can become the reason dog owners surrender their pet to a shelter like the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services.
 
With January being National Train Your Dog Month, the San Diego Humane Society is looking to help pet families and their dogs thrive with proper training methods.
 

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Escaped felon in Lemon Grove

East County News Service
 
Dec. 24, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation is looking to the public for help in locating a wanted felon who escaped from custody. 
 
Just after 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, Sheriff's Deputies observed Hiram Sanchez, 36, in the 7100 block of Broadway in Lemon Grove. He was wanted on an active and outstanding felony warrant. Deputies contacted Sanchez and placed him in handcuffs.
 
During the arrest, Sanchez fled from deputies on foot onto state Route 94, placing himself and the deputies in extreme danger. Deputies did not pursue Sanchez onto the freeway.
 
At some point, Sanchez slipped out of his handcuffs and continued to run away.
 
Deputies immediately coordinated with the California Highway Patrol as well as with the San Diego Police Department's helicopter and Sheriff's K-9 resources to conduct a thorough search of the area, but Sanchez was not located.
 

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Light does not need permission to shine: San Diego leaders unite against hate at Hanukkah ‘Rally for Light’

Photos and story by Karen Pearlman

Dec. 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Across the street from the calm San Diego Bay but amid a rising tide of global concern, some of San Diego County’s top elected officials, law enforcement and multi-faith leaders gathered Monday at the County Administration Center to send a singular message: Hate has no sanctuary in San Diego.

Organized by San Diego County Assessor Jordan Marks (shown speaking in photo above right), Monday afternoon’s "Rally for Light," marked the eighth and final day of Hanukkah, and the hour-long event ended with a ceremonial lighting of a 6-foot hanukkiah (menorah) by local faith leaders, county employees and community members.

While the event celebrated the "Festival of Lights," the atmosphere was underscored by a somber urgency following a string of recent anti-Semitic attacks reaching from San Francisco to an outdoor celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia.


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Gifts and love from The Karen Cooper Foundation for dogs at the San Diego Humane Society

Photo from The Karen Cooper Foundation gift sharing for dogs courtesy San Diego Humane Society
 
East County News Service
 
Dec. 9, 2025 (San Diego) -- Christmas arrived a few weeks early for more than 600 dogs at the San Diego Humane Society.
 
Thanks to the generosity of The Karen Cooper Foundation, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, every dog under the SDHS' care received a special holiday toy and treat to lift their spirits while they wait for a loving, forever home.
 
Members of The Karen Cooper Foundation, including Bob Cooper and his daughter, Michele Cooper, were able to spread holiday joy through their donations at the SDHS's main campus on Gaines Street.

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County officials respond to November coyote attack at UTC

East County News Service
 
A coyote peers out from near Cowles Mountain in 2023. Photo by Karen Pearlman
 
Dec. 4, 2025 (San Diego County) -- San Diego County officials are sharing information in response to a recent coyote attack that took place in the Westview UTC mall parking lot on Nov. 25.
 
The coyote attack injured two children and has prompted a coordinated response by the county and partner agencies to ensure public safety.
 
The coyote has since been euthanized, county officials say. The animal tested negative for rabies.
 

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Sharp HealthCare nurses begin strike

Photo of striking nurses by Lauren Cazares Facebook page
 
East County News Service
 
Nov. 26, 2025 (San Diego County) -- Thousands of nurses at Sharp HealthCare in San Diego began a strike today that is expected to last through Thanksgiving weekend.
 
The strike is likely to impact hospital operations during one of the busiest times of the year. The hospital group says it has been making arrangements to maintain patient care. 
 
More than 5,000 nurses and healthcare professionals are participating to negotiate for better pay, improved sick leave and safer staffing levels. The healthcare workers are part of the Sharp Professional Nurses Network (SPNN) and other unions at Sharp HealthCare locations across San Diego County. They are seeking a new contract addressing concerns that include current conditions they say are unsafe and that their compensation isn't competitive with other hospitals in the region.

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National aging summit calls on community leaders to present

Dec. 5 is deadline for proposals to inform local aging service agencies
 
East County News Service
 
Nov. 14, 2025 (San Diego County) -- Regional input is being sought for a national conference happening in San Diego next July.
 
Because the most critical insights and best practices in community-based care typically come from the local level, the USAging Conference and Tradeshow, "Answers on Aging," is actively seeking presenters with ground-level experience that can shape the future of support for older adults and caregivers across the nation.
 
Scheduled for July 18 through July 21, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, the national summit is not only a conference it's also a vital training ground as the country's largest annual gathering of local aging service leaders. The event is hosted by USAging, the national voice for Area Agencies on Aging and tribal aging programs, and is expected to draw more than 1,400 leaders who are dedicated to ensuring health, independence and dignity.

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November CalFresh/SNAP benefits being delivered to local beneficiaries

Thanks to San Diego County and State actions
 
East County News Service
 
Nov. 7, 2025 (San Diego County) -- San Diego CalFresh/SNAP beneficiaries are starting to see their full November benefits loaded on to their EBT cards.
 
CalFresh is the federal food assistance program also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also commonly referred to as Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) or Food Stamps.
 
The process began late Thursday after a federal court ruled in favor of restoring full benefits during the government shutdown, according to the State.
 
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced that it will comply with the court order to fully fund SNAP benefits for November, and the state is stepping up to assure no gaps in coverage for Californians.

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Larry Cohen named new County Treasurer-Tax Collector

 

 

East County News Service
 
Nov. 5, 2025 (San Diego County) -- San Diego County has a new Treasurer-Tax Collector to fill the void of Dan McAllister, who retired earlier this year.
 
The County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed Larry Cohen to fill the position of Treasurer-Tax Collector for McAllister who retired Aug. 2.
 
Cohen will serve until the current San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector term ends Jan. 4, 2027. An election will determine a successor for the following four-year term.

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Grossmont Healthcare District announces James Sly as CEO

By Karen Pearlman

Nov. 4, 2025 (East County) – The Grossmont Healthcare District has a new Chief Executive Officer. 

Santee resident James Sly was unanimously approved by the five-member GHD board to be the Grossmont Healthcare District CEO and lead the organization on Tuesday afternoon.

Sly, who has been the CEO of the East County Economic Development Council since December 2020, will start as the GHD CEO on Dec. 15. His salary will be $270,000 a year with a yearly $5,000 stipend.

Aaron Byzak, who has been the interim CEO for the Grossmont Healthcare District since March 2025 following the GHD board's decision to not renew the contract of Christian Wallis, will stay as interim director until Dec. 19, and he will continue to be the communication strategy consultant for the GHD.


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Grossmont Healthcare District Board to consider James Sly as CEO at upcoming meeting

By Karen Pearlman
 
Nov. 1, 2025 (East County) -- Santee resident and San Diego East County Economic Development Council leader James Sly could be named the new CEO of the Grossmont Healthcare District this week.
 
The GHD board meeting agenda for Nov. 4 lists a Chief Executive Officer employment agreement for Sly.
 
Aaron Byzak has been the interim CEO for the Grossmont Healthcare District since March 2025 following the GHD board's decision to not renew the contract of Christian Wallis. Byzak has also been the communication strategy consultant for the GHD.
 

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California commits $80M boost to food banks as hardship rises

 
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank's main warehouse. Photo courtesy San Diego Food Bank
 
East County News Service
 
Oct. 30, 2025 (Sacramento) --  In a vital response to increasing economic strain on families across the state, California has officially approved fast tracking an additional $80 million in extra funding for local food banks.
 
The $80 million in state funds will be distributed to food banks across California to strengthen food distribution and help offset the delays in federal assistance. This is part of a coordinated effort by the state, which also involves California Volunteers
 
This significant financial commitment aims to bolster the efforts of community organizations helping families facing food insecurity.

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Apostille pop-up shop returns to San Diego for final 2025 event

East County News Service
 
Oct. 29, 2025 (San Diego County) -- Need international document authentication? Now's your chance.
 
San Diego County residents needing international document authentication will have an opportunity to have a one-stop-shop for it on Wednesday, Nov. 5, as the California Secretary of State’s Apostille pop-up shop returns for a fifth and final 2025 appearance.
 
Hosted at the San Diego Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office inside the County Administration Center, this one-day event brings this vital Sacramento-based service directly to locals.
 
The envent will go from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the center at 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 273, in downtown San Diego.

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Candlelight vigil, funeral procession held for fallen LMPD Officer Lauren Craven

East County News Service

Oct. 29, 2025 (La Mesa) -- This past week has marked one of the most challenging stretches of time for the La Mesa Police Department as it mourns the loss of fallen La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven.

Candlelight vigil photos by Karen Pearlman

Craven, 25, died the night of Monday, Oct. 20 in San Diego's Grantville area, on Interstate 8 near Fairmount Avenue. She was returning from San Diego's Central Jail and stopped to assist a motorist who had been in an accident on the freeway.


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Little Black Dress event at Goodwill starts in November

East County News Service
 
Oct. 25, 2025 (San Diego County) -- Goodwill Industries of San Diego County's Little Black Dress event featuring a custom gown by top designer Evan Hirsch is set to begin in November.
 
Goodwill San Diego's Little Black Dress (LBD) event is when stores in the region will showcase a wide selection of LBDs, shoes and accessories at competitive prices.
 
The Chula Vista Goodwill retail store will serve as the flagship location, offering the largest assortment of LBDs and accessories.

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Seven women honored at East County Chamber WILL event

East County News Service

Oct. 23, 2025 (East County) -- The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce awarded a group of top females from around the county last Friday at its 23rd annual Women in Leadership event.

The Women in Leadership Luncheon, with more than 450 attendees at Sycuan Casino, honored seven women who excel professionally and as community leaders -- women who demonstrate exemplary character, integrity and leadership.

The 2025 awardees were Dr. Julie Hayden, Dyna Jones, Gizelle Lukach, Janet Hanley, Michelle Ziemba, Noura Bishay and Susan Roberts-Egley.


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Funeral procession for fallen LMPD Officer Lauren Craven October 28

La Mesa officials say to expect major traffic delays
 
East County News Service
 
Oct. 25, 2025 (La Mesa) -- A funeral procession is planned for fallen La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven starting at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to the La Mesa Police Department.
 
Craven, 25, was killed in the line of duty on October 20, 2025, after being struck by a drunk driver while assisting at another crash scene on Interstate 8. She was returning from the San Diego Central Jail when she came upon a collision involving several vehicles.
 
Craven stopped to render aid to the drivers involved in the initial crash, but while assisting, a 38-year-old man, who has been arrested on suspicion of DUI, struck Craven with his car. She died at the scene, along with 19-year-old De'Veonte Morris, one of the drivers from the first crash.

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Events planned to support family of La Mesa Police officer killed in car crash

East County News Service
 
Oct. 23, 2025 (La Mesa) -- At least three events are planned to honor fallen La Mesa Police officer Lauren Craven, one tomorrow night at Pink Rose Cafe in La Mesa and another Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Casa Gabriela in La Mesa.
 
The La Mesa Police Department is also having a candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at LMPD headquarters at 8085 University Ave., La Mesa. A program is going to be held with brief remarks, a moment of silence and a closing. Candles will be provided. 
 
Craven, 25. died while trying to save motorists involved in a car crash on eastbound Interstate 8 near Grantville. Craven was struck and killed the night of Oct. 20 after stopping to assist motorists involved in the multi-vehicle crash on I-8 East at Fairmount Avenue at 10:24 p.m.

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Shawn Dixon named president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

 
East County News Service
 
Oct. 23, 2025 (San Diego) -- Shawn Dixon has been named the new president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
 
The SDZWA announced his appointment on Thursday, Oct. 23, which came following an extensive global search.
 
Dixon served as interim president and CEO of the SDZWA for the past seven months, and previously had nine years of service to the organization as its chief operating officer.

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Jewish Family Service hosts drive-thru food distribution for government workers on Oct. 15

Photo courtesy Jewish Family Service
 
East County News Services
 
Oct. 14, 2025 (San Diego) -- Jewish Family Service of San Diego has found another way to help those impacted by the United States federal government shutdown.
 
The nonprofit that helps the entire community, along with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, is hosting a drive-thru food distribution on Oct. 15 at Jewish Family Service of San Diego, Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus in Kearny Mesa for families impacted by the shutdown.
 
Nearly 200 families of federal workers and those in the military will each receive about 40 pounds of food, including fresh produce, non-perishable and shelf-stable pantry food.

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Senator Weber Pierson holding Town Hall on Oct. 16

East County News Service
 
Oct. 12, 2025 (San Diego County) -- California State Senator Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson is holding a Community Town Hall this week at Crawford High School in San Diego.
 
Weber Pierson's event will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, at the high school at 4191 Colts Way. You can RSVP here.
 
In an email shared with constituents of her District 39, Weber Pierson said she is holding the Town Hall to discuss how the newly passed California state budget "aligns with our shared values and fiscal realities."
 

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Dia De Los Muertos Open House at Horses of Tir Na Nog

Nonprofit rescue organization Horses of Tir Na Nog cares for more than 100 animals, including Buttermilk the horse. The rescue group is having an Open House at its site in Guatay on Nov. 1. Photo by Karen Pearlman
 
East County News Service
 
Oct. 11, 2025 (Guatay) -- Horses of Tir Na Nog, the equine-focused rescue in rural East County, is holding it Dia De Los Muertos Open House in November.
 
Celebrating ranch residents who have passed, Horses of Tir Na Nog's annual open house will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1 at its site at 26930 Old Highway 80 in Guatay near Descanso.
 
Horses of Tir Na Nog co-founder Amy Pat Rigney said the event will honor the lives of horses and other ranch residents who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge over the years. 
 

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Gov. Newsom signs bills to stop the 'Puppy Mill Pipeline' in California

 
At a recent companion animal adoption event at Grossmont Center, a dog waits for a chance to find a new home. California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed hree bills in the “Stop The Puppy Mill Pipeline” legislative package. Photo by Karen Pearlman
 
East County News Service
 
Oct. 11, 2025 (Sacramento) -- Unscrupulous, exploitative and abusive "puppy mill" dog breeders are not going to have it easy in California anymore.
 
Just a few days ago, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed all three bills in the “Stop The Puppy Mill Pipeline” legislative package -- looking to reduce consumer fraud and halt animal abuse stemming from sales of companion animals.
 
Senate Bill 312 (Sen. Thomas J. Umberg, D-Santa Ana), Assembly Bill 506 (Assemblymember Steve Bennett, D-Oxnard) and Assembly Bill 519 (Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park) will protect consumers and animals from deceptive practices in the pet industry, close loopholes undermining California law and further protect consumers from fraudulent breeders.
 
All three bills received overwhelming bi-partisan support in both the Assembly and the Senate, and the new laws will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

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San Diego Humane Society urging adoptions during overcrowding crisis

Honeycomb is one of hundreds of animals at the San Diego Humane Society looking for a new home. Photo courtesy SDHS

 

East County News Service

 

Oct. 9, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The San Diego Humane Society is asking the community to step up for animals in urgent need of homes.

 

To make adoption easier, SDHS is participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation’s "Empty the Shelters" national adoption event ( https://www.sdhumane.org/adopt/available-pets ) and offering $50 adoption fees for adult dogs and cats through Oct. 15.

 

SDHS reported earlier this month that it is caring for 770 dogs and nearly 900 cats across its four campuses. With only 405 dog kennels, dogs are having to stay in half kennels, or with multiple dogs in one kennel.

 


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Dental to mental, affordable health insurance coverage is available with Covered California

East County News Service

Sept. 27, 2025 (San Diego County) -- Health insurance can feel confusing and daunting, and typically is expensive.

But Covered California, the state’s Affordable Care Act Marketplace, offers a less stressful way to shop for and compare plans, and works with all the major health insurance companies to negotiate the lowest possible prices for coverage, helping reduce costs and increase options for consumers throughout California.

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies, and is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs.


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Lemon Grove teen reports suspicious person following them

East County News Service
 
Sept. 26, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- A teenager in Lemon Grove reportedly was being followed by a suspicious person in a car earlier this week and the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation is now investigating the matter.
 
Just after 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, a 13-year-old student was walking to Lemon Grove Middle School when the student said they noticed an older man driving a gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, spotted at a stop sign near the intersection of Cypress Avenue and Lemon Grove Avenue.

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