East County News Service

January 24, 2023 (Julian) – Julian Tea & Cottage Arts invites you to romantically-inspired Valentine’s Teas from Feb.9 through Feb. 14.  The four-course menu features soup, finger sandwiches and savories, a scone with curd, jam and whipped cream, plus a grand finale served on a three-piece dessert tray.

Biden opposes phase-out of gas stoves, but many cities are adopting bans

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Gas stove, cc by SA-NC via Bing

January 12, 2023 (San Diego) – Debate over banning gas stoves is heating up.

Dozens of cities have banned some or all natural gas appliances in new construction, including the cities San Francisco, Seattle, New York, San Diego and Los Angeles. Conversely, at least 20 states have passed laws prohibiting cities from banning natural gas, CNN reports.

By Shiloh Ireland

December 23, 2022 (Lakeside) -- On Wednesday, December 15, Grocery Outlet  held its grand opening in Lakeside. ECM has been in contact with corporate and the new owner-operator Cristobal Sanchez as he prepared for the occasion.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

November 27, 2022 (San Diego) - ‘Tis the season—for food!

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

Image credit:  Shutterstock

November 21, 2022 (San Diego) - There’s a chance that many of us will have more people around our Thanksgiving Day tables this year than we’ve had in a while. And that means it’s time to brush up on how to cook—safely, that is!

Chef Sean Sherman, James Beard Award winner and founder/CEO of The Sioux Chef company will showcase modern indigenous foods 

East County News Service

November 2, 2022 (Jamul) -- On Saturday, November 19, Jamul Casino will welcome Chef Sean Sherman, Founder and CEO of the company The Sioux Chef, for a one-of-a-kind culinary event on The Rooftop.  Internationally renowned for advancing indigenous cuisine, Chef Sean Sherman will guide guests through a three-course curated meal exclusively prepared for the evening.  Two seating options are offered at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., tickets for the Chef Sherman culinary event. Tickets cost $85 and may be purchased here. 

East County News Service

November 2, 2022 (San Diego’s East County) -- During November and December, the Rock Church will host eight food distributions throughout the San Diego region, including El Cajon in East County.  The distributions are free and open to the community and will include frozen ground turkey, food, diaper and supplies distribution. Additionally, there will be 400 gallons of Hollandia milk distributed at the San Marcos location.

East County News Service

October 25, 2022 (Warner Springs) – You’re invited to head to the beautiful North Mountain Wine Trail of San Diego County for the 2022 "Taste of the Summit."  Four wineries (Emerald Creek Winery, Hawk Watch Winery, Shadow Mountain Winery and Sierra Roble Winery), all located in Warner Springs are teaming up for what promises to be a fantastic fall wine and food experience.  

12 local food businesses will compete to win three months of free rent in Parkway Plaza’s food court plus a $20,000 business investment 

September 15, 2022 (El Cajon) — Parkway Plaza regional shopping mall has announced that 12 local food businesses selected to participate in the mall’s first-ever Taste for the Space competition on October 15. They are competing for a prize package valued at over $50,000, including a $20,000 business investment and three months of free rent. 

“We are excited to have such a diverse group of businesses competing in our first-ever Taste for the Space,” said Petra Rich, Marketing and Business Development Manager. “They’re diverse in many aspects including cuisines, business models as well as ownership backgrounds. We have everything from French and vegan cuisines to Hungarian and Haitian; there are competitors that have a food truck or storefront and others who are mobile caterers. We’re also proud to say that the majority of businesses participating are minority-owned. The competition is going to be tight, so I hope everyone is ready to put their taste buds to the test.”

New California alcohol law promotes safer service—and indicates future policies

Source: California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

Photo:  CC via Bing

August 22, 2022 (Sacramento) -- On July 1, 2022, state Assembly Bill 1221 went into effect. According to this new policy, any individual in California who sells alcohol at a bar or restaurant is required to undergo a state-certified training, known as Responsible Beverage Service (RBS). The training must be completed by Aug. 31, 2022 or risk the legal and financial consequences. Provided by trainers approved through the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), RBS training teaches servers about how to serve—and when not to, as the course provides information on avoiding over service and refusing service to already-intoxicated patrons.

Source: Julian Chamber of Commerce

July 17, 2022 (Julian) -- On Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Julian Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting the 7th annual Sip of Julian. The Sip features many of Julian’s alcoholic beverage purveyors.

East County News Service

Photo: CC via Bing

May 30, 2022 (San Diego) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers, retailers and restaurants not to eat, sell or serve any FreshKampo or HEB brand organic strawberries purchased between March 5 and April 25.

If you ate these berries in the past two weeks and have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis A, you should immediately consult your doctor to get vaccinated, which can prevent infection within 14 days of exposure. 

By Katie Cadiao, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 13, 2022 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency and its partners are working together to get the word out about CalFresh benefits during the month of May, which is designated as CalFresh Awareness Month.

Over 47,000 supermarket employees impacted; deal includes significant wage increases, more hours, improved healthcare benefits and safety

East County News Service

April 14, 2022 (San Diego) -- Grocery store employees represented by seven UFCW Locals in Southern and Central California overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions, averting a strike.