Local philanthropists and philanthropic organizations earn awards for their profound impact on region 

East County News Service

December 9, 2025 (El Cajon) - Six individuals and two organizations were honored with awards for outstanding philanthropic efforts in San Diego at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter’s 53^rd annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in Chula Vista. Among the honorees is El Cajon's Mateo Magaña, recognized as the 2025 NPD Outstanding Volunteer. Magaña  an autistic man with communication and language challenges, is one of the most dedicated volunteers at the Chicano Foundation who's incredible visual skills and joyful attitude have made a profound difference at the organization.

East County News Service

November 28, 2025 (El Cajon) – Officers from El Cajon Police Department responded to reports of a home burglary in progress, with the family inside on November 23 around 9:14 a.m.  Whey they arrived, officers learned that two suspects—a woman who fled on foot and a man who stole the victims’ SUV—had already left the scene.

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) -- San Diego Ballet brings “The Nutcracker”, a cherished holiday classic, to the Magnolia performing arts center in El Cajon with performances on Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. as well as Sunday,  December 21 at 12 p.m.

East County News Service

November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) -- You’re invited to a free, family friendly evening filled with music, joy and holiday cheer—all for a good cause. On December 6, Jubilee festivities begin at 6 p.m., followed by a concert at 7 p.m. in the Magnolia theater featuring Mayor Bill Wells and his 14-piece band performing Motown, R&B and holiday classics. St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Choir and Santa Claus will also put in special appearances.

Event sponsors are sought.  Admission is free, but donations are welcome—all proceeds will benefit the San Diego Rescue Mission’s expansion into East County to provide shelter for homeless people.

East County News Service

November 11, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Parkway Plaza will light up the night with its beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival to kick off the holidays on Friday, November 21, followed by a series of events and activities through the holiday season. For the main event, a mischievous green Christmas thief will join Santa to light up the Parkway Plaza Christmas Tree and mark the start of the holiday season, followed by photo opportunities at the tree with the Grinch and visits with Santa, so make sure to bring a wish list.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.,  guests can celebrate the holidays with a festive holiday craft station by El Cajon’s Parks & Recreation, balloon twisting, face painting, giveaways, and photo opportunities. Live entertainment will also be in full swing with a captivating circus performance from the critically acclaimed Marinelli’s Circus and festive show from Dance & Arts Studios. 

East County News Service

November 5, 2025 (El Cajon) – A judge has set bail at $1.5 million for Dani Korkis, 35 of El Cajon,who fled the scene after hitting a 12-year-old boy with his SUV, causing serious injury.

After his arrest, Korkis was initially released on a lower bail but failed to show up at an October 28  court hearing on a separate charge of evading police back in July.He was charged with reckless driving in July and again in August, before the Oct. 22 accident on Ballantyne Street that left the 12-year-old boy with a head injury that left him in a coma initially, ABC 10 News reports, though his condition is reportedly improving. The boy also suffered missing teeth and is wearing a wire to hold his remaining teeth, according to NBC 7.

Korkis now faces additional charges including felony hit-and-run.

East County News Service

Photo:  rendering from ECPD depicts victim, reconstructed based on her skull

November 4, 2025 (El Cajon) — Twenty-seven years after her body was found partially decomposed in a ravine off Avocado in El Cajon, Alicia Ledezma Sanchez has been identified as the homicide victim, thanks to a match to DNA provided by her son. The case is a testament to the persistence of El Cajon Police Department’s detectives and volunteer Cold Case Unit, which persevered over decades to solve the case.

East County News Service

October 29, 2025 (El Cajon) -- On Thursday evening, October 23, a vehicle traveling westbound on Main Street in El Cajon struck a pedestrian who was crossing southbound. After the collision, the driver of the vehicle failed to stop and fled in the vehicle, says Lt. Joe Crawford with El Cajon Police.

By Rich Riel, business owner, former candidate for mayor of San Diego    

October 27, 2025 (El Cajon) - Parkway Plaza is more than a mall—it’s a mirror. Once a bustling commercial hub, it now reflects the stagnation and missed opportunities that plague East County’s civic landscape. Crime, decay, and mediocrity have replaced ambition. And yet, the site sits at a strategic crossroads—adjacent to Highway 8, surrounded by transit corridors, and ripe for reinvention.

El Cajon Police seek help to find white or silver SUV with front-end damage

East County News Service

October 23, 2025 (El Cajon) – Around 8 p.m. last night, a 12-year-old boy was struck by an SUV in the 300 block of Ballantyne Street, suffering major head trauma.  The vehicle, described by witnesses as a white or silver SUV with front-end damage, fled the scene.

East County News Service

October 16, 2025 (El Cajon) - Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center will host its first annual Fashion Show Fundraiser – “Boots and Belles: Fashion at the Wieggy” on November 8 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.  The event will feature stunning designs of local artist and designer Dawn Hough Sebaugh, whose WALA Collection blends the color, creativity, and western spirit that defines our community.

Located in the heart of the art district in El Cajon, the museum stands as a tribute to the artist whose vivid portrayals of the American West captured the spirit of a bygone era.  Olaf Wieghorst not only painted the West, but he also lived it.  Of all the places he could have called home, he chose El Cajon, where he raised his family, connected deeply with neighbors, and truly began his artistic journey.

By Miriam Raftery

October 8, 2025 (El Cajon) – Last month, several dog owners in El Cajon got together to hold a birthday party for their dogs complete with music, cake, doggie gift bags, games and more. That event proved so much fun that organizers will be hosting a community Halloween party complete with dog costume contest, games and food for people, and a prize for the costume contest winner.