May 2025 Articles

May 2025 Articles

WHY HAVE EL CAJON’S WATERSCAPE AND DUCK POND GONE DRY?

By Miriam Raftery

Photos, left by Robert Gehr:  

May 18, 2025 (El Cajon) – For 48 years, El Cajon has had water features and ducks near its civic center in the heart of downtown. But now the water features have been drained, leaving only bare, jagged rocks where once a waterfall and streambed flowed.

“The pond is now dry and converted into a dry riverbed for the moment,”  City Manager Graham Mitchell told ECM.  “The reason for the conversion is that the pump system has failed and the bed of the pond has many leaks.” Repair cost is estimated at $500,000, he added. “Because the City Council directed staff to explore possible uses for that space, it does not make sense to put $500,000 of repairs into the feature.”

Could some waterworks remain?  “Depending on how the space around The Magnolia is programmed, the pond could come back, or it may become something else,” said Mitchell. “However, those are questions that the City Council will address later.”


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AFTER BOMBING IN PALM SPRINGS , SAN DIEGO SHERIFF PROVIDES EXTRA PATROLS AT FERTILITY CLINICS

East County News Service

Photo via FBI:  The FBI is investigating this as a terrorism act, along with the U.S. Joint Task Force on Terrorism and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

May 18, 2025 (San Diego) – A vehicle bomb outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic yesterday killed one person and left four others injured. 

The suspect has been identified as Guy Edward Bartkus of Twentynine Palms,  a military community, CBS reports, citing law enforcement officials. According to CBS, the suspect stated irrationally in writings and/or recordings that he was against bringing people into the world against their will. He reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing.


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OUR INTERVIEW WITH DR. KEITH BLACK, AUTHOR OF BRAIN SURGEON AND LEADING BRAIN TUMOR RESEARCHER

Dr. Keith Black Interview with Anat Tour/ East County Magazine

May 10, 2025 (San Diego) – Recently, ECM Bookshelf host Anat Tour sat down for an in-depth interview with Dr.Keith Black on our East County Magazine Radio Show. Dr. Black  A pioneer in brain tumor research and leading neurosurgeon, he is also author of the book Brain Surgeon.

In the interview, Dr. Black talks about his early learning experiences, his pioneering research, how he believes artificial intelligence will influence the field of neuroscience, and more.

You can view a video of the full interview, hear an audio version aired on KNSJ  Radio, or scroll down to read a transcript. To read a review of Dr. Black’s book, Brain Surgeon, click here.

Audio: 


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OTAY WATER DISTRICT AWARDED TRANSPARENCY CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE



Highlights Efforts to Promote Transparency and Good Governance



East County News SErvice

May 18, 2025 (Spring Valley, CA) -- The Otay Water District received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance and reaffirm its commitment to openness and accessibility for its constituents and local stakeholders.

"This award reflects the Otay Water District's dedication to open government," said Board President Jose Lopez. "I commend our staff for empowering the public with information and encouraging engagement and oversight."


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TAKE THE WARRIOR HIKE CHALLENGE MAY 24 AT EL CAPITAN COUNTY PRESERVE

Hikers on the trail at El Capitan County Preserve

By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office

May 17, 2025 (Lakeside) -- Conquer what is arguably the toughest trail in San Diego County this Memorial Day weekend. Trek up El Cajon Mountain in El Capitan County Preserve during the 10th annual Warrior Hike Challenge on Saturday, May 24.

The adventure is designed to celebrate the physical and mental stamina that’s required to hike El Capitan, which is popular among active-duty military and veterans.

There are several levels to this challenge. Participants can choose their own adventure, navigating the length of trail that matches their individual interest and ability. “Celebration stations” will be at the 1-mile and 3-mile turnaround points. Extreme hikers can push on to the summit for an 11-mile roundtrip trek.


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BORREGO SPRINGS MICROGRID COLLABORATIVE SEEKS GRANT FOR COMMUNITY MICROGRID DEVELOPMENT

Initiative would serve as a model for community-led energy resilience, delivering more reliable power and improved energy security for Borrego’s most vulnerable residents and businesses

File photo, left:  Sunbeams over Anza-Borrego Desert near Borrego Springs

By Gabriela Dow

May 16, 2025 (Borrego Springs) -- The Borrego Springs Microgrid Collaborative (BSMC) has submitted a grant application for funding through San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) under the California Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP). California Senate Bill 1339, enacted 2018, directed the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to develop microgrid policies, leading to the MIP. 

This funding opportunity is a critical step in advancing a community microgrid that enhances energy reliability, resilience, and sustainability for Borrego Springs – a community of just over 3,000 residents in San Diego County, surrounded by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

The MIP was established to improve electricity reliability, increase resilience in high-risk communities, and promote clean energy technologies. This milestone marks an important step toward a more sustainable and reliable energy future for the Borrego Springs community.


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ANZA-BORREGO NAMED BEST STATE PARK FOR WILDFLOWERS

 

Three other state parks in San Diego County also recognized



East County News Service

Photos. left and right by Bob Kutschner: Wildflower fields at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

May 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park has been named the best California state park for wildflower viewing in a new “Best of California State Parks”  poll released by the California State Parks Foundation. Anza-Borrego also won an honorable mention for best camping location.

Three other state parks in San Diego County also made the list.


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ACADEMY FIRE IN SAN PASQUAL VALLEY HALTED

By Miriam Raftery

May 16, 2025 (San Pasqual)—The #AcademyFire has been halted at 49.7 acres, according to Cal Fire, with no structures lost or injuries. The fire briefly threatened structures along Highland Valley Road in the San Pasqual Valley east of Escondido.

The blaze began this afternoon in the 7700 Block of San Pasqual Valley Road (State Route 78) in San Pasqual Valley near the San Pasqual Academy, a boarding school for foster youths.


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DESCANSO DAY FAIR AND PARADE JUNE 7: SMALL TOWN FAMILY FUN

East County NA poster with a cowboy hat and boots in a wooden frameAI-generated content may be incorrect.ews Service

May 16, 2025 (Descanso) -- The Descanso Town Hall Association will present its annual Descanso Day Fair and Parade on Saturday, June 7. The parade rolls out from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with grand marshals Brett and Tammy Cooker, owners of Descanso Junction restaurant.

The fair takes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Descanso Town Hallo, 24536 Viejas Grade Road, Descanso. Big Sky Moon will play live country music and classic rock from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Guests can also enjoy pulled pork sandwich plates and hot dog plates, IPAs and lagers with Burning Beard Brewery, a horse shoe tournament at noon (with signups at 11, for $25), a Kidz Zone ($8 unlimited play, with prizes), cake walk, vendors inside and outside the hall, raffle and silent auction.


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DEAD CROWS IN LEMON GROVE TEST POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

Crow image cc via Bing

May 16, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- Two dead crows recently collected in routine monitoring from Lemon Grove tested positive for West Nile virus, prompting County environmental health officials to remind people to protect themselves from mosquitoes that can transmit the virus to people.

The positive tests mark the first detections of West Nile virus in the county this year. There have been no reported human cases in San Diego County this year.

However, West Nile virus remains a potentially deadly threat. County officials said people should continue to follow the County’s “Prevent, Protect, Report” guidelines to protect themselves from mosquitoes. Those include finding and dumping out standing water around homes to keep mosquitoes from breeding.


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EARTHTALK®: REDUCING RISKS OF CHEMICALS IN MANICURES AND PEDICURES

From the Editors of E - The Environmental Magazine

Image via Pixabay

April 15, 2025

Dear EarthTalk: Am I being exposed to harsh chemicals when I get a manicure or pedicure? -- Susan Porter, via e-mail

The nail care industry is booming. Global market projections will near $11 billion by 2027. But beneath the glossy finish of a manicure or pedicure may lie health and environmental concerns. Many consumers, and even salon workers, remain unaware of the chemical exposures involved in these beauty treatments.

Nail polishes, removers and adhesives often contain ingredients collectively known as the “Toxic Trio”: toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says these chemicals come with serious health risks, including nervous system, respiratory and reproductive harm. Even short-term exposure can cause headaches, dizziness and skin or eye irritation.


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LA MESA SEEKS BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS

Want to make a difference in your community? The City of La Mesa is currently recruiting volunteer members for several Boards and Commissions. The application deadline is July 1 at 5:30 p.m.

These are the boards and commissions with current openings:

To apply for a board or commission submit a completed application to the City Clerk’s office.


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CALIFORNIANS WOULD LOSE AI PROTECTIONS UNDER BILL ADVANCING IN CONGRESS

 

House Republicans want to ban state AI regulations for 10 years. California leaders are alarmed.

by Khari Johnson, Technology reporter, CalMatters.

This story was originally published by CalMattersSign up for their newsletters.

May 16, 2025

House Republicans moved to cut off artificial intelligence regulation by the states before it can take root, advancing legislation in Congress that, in California, would make it unlawful to enforce more than 20 laws passed by the Legislature and signed into law last year.

The moratorium, bundled in to a sweeping budget reconciliation bill this week, also threatens 30 bills the California Legislature is currently considering to regulate artificial intelligence, including one that would require reporting when an insurance company uses AI to deny health care and another that would require the makers of AI to evaluate how the tech performs before it’s used to decide on jobs, health care, or housing.

The California Privacy Protection Agency sent a letter to Congress Monday that says the moratorium “could rob millions of Americans of rights they already enjoy” and threatens critical privacy protections approved by California voters in 2020, such as the right to opt out of business use of automated decisionmaking technology and transparency about how their personal information is used.


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NO CITIZENSHIP SWEARING-IN CEREMONY AT THIS YEAR’S AMERICA ON MAIN STREET FESTIVAL

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Naturalization citizenship ceremony, cc via Bing

May 16, 2025 (El Cajon) – This year, El Cajon’s America on Main Street celebration won’t include a mass swearing-in ceremony for new citizens.

“The City reached out to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services to make our annual request for their participation,” city manager Graham Mitchell told ECM. “Our contact person informed us that due to operational needs they are unable to participate this year, but asked that we keep them in mind for next year. “

The federal government’s denial of the city’s request to swear in new immigrations comes amid the Trump administration’s expanded operational crackdowns and mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and some green card holders. Withholding swearing in of new immigrants dashes hopes of many who went through the long and costly process to become U.S. citizens.

America on Main Street began in 2017 as a “patriotic celebration of our diversity,” according to Councilmember Gary Kendrick, a cofounder of the event.


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TRUMP ADMINISTRATION WANTS TO SELL FEDERAL LANDS, SLASHES FUNDING FROM FOREST AND PARK SERVICES

The Trump Administration is trying to sell off federal lands, while its budget cuts are severely impacting national parks and forests


By G. A. McNeeley 

Photo: Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah


May 16, 2025 (San Diego) – House Republicans have approved a provision to their budget that would allow the federal government to sell thousands of acres of public land in Nevada and Utah, in an effort to boost fossil fuel production and development projects, according to Newsweek. 

 

The move comes after deep cuts in rangers and other staffing have impeded public access and safety at national parks and forests.

 

Meanwhile, the Trump Administration’s funding cuts and the loss of federal workers who support wildland firefighting is continuing to make planning for the upcoming wildfire season a challenge, according to CBS News. 


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DESCANSO RESIDENTS OPPOSE CALTRANS PLAN TO DRASTICALLY CUT PARKING SPACES

By Miriam Raftery

May 16, 2025 (Descanso, CA) – Tammy and Brett Cooker opened their Descanso Junction Restaurant in 2003, in a century-old building on State Route 79.  Days later, the Cedar Fire roared through the region, destroying many homes and closing down I-8.   But the Cookers swiftly earned the community’s loyalty, keeping their doors open to serve up displaced community members, stranded motorists, and firefighters.

During the COVID pandemic, they weathered forced shutdowns of indoor dining, surviving winter's frigid mountain temperatures by investing in plastic bubbles for outdoor diners under oak trees out back. 

But now their business faces a new threat—this time, from Caltrans. Citing safety concerns, the state transportation agency wants to eliminate the20 perpendicular parking spaces in front of Descanso Junction and nearby businesses, replacing them with only six horizontal parking spots.


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PASSAGES: BO MAZZETTI, 77, RINCON CHAIRMAN AND LEADING ADVOCATE FOR NATIVE AMERICANS

 

East County News Service

Photo: Chairman Bo Mazzetti, courtesy of the Rincon band of  Luiseño Indians 

May 15, 2025 (Valley Center, CA) –Bo Mazzetti, Chairman of the Rincon band of Luiseño Indians for over 16 years, passed away on May 1 at age 77 after battling cancer.  A leading voice for Native Americans statewide over several decades, he was a founding member and President of the Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association, also serving on the statewide Tribal Chairman’s Association.

"Mr. Mazzetti was a driving force behind the establishment of the CTCA and uniting a majority of Northern, Central, and Southern California indigenous tribal members and their Indian reservations into a unified voice," according to the SCTCA website.

The SCTCA site quotes Mazzetti's words:  As my father taught me, it is our responsibility to pave the pathway for future generations and to pursue a path that younger tribal leaders can follow, like our tribal elders did for us."

He  held numerous other influential positions during his lifetime of service, including in federal, state and local government as well as tribal offices.


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CALIFORNIA BUDGET IS $12 BILLION IN THE RED AMID TRUMP TARIFFS AND RISING COSTS

by Alexei Koseff

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

Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media during a press conference unveiling his revised 2025-26 budget proposal at the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento on May 13, 2025. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters

In summary

California is experiencing unexpectedly shaky economic conditions, as health care costs rise and Trump’s tariffs create ongoing uncertainty.

May 14, 2025 Gov. Gavin Newsom announced yesterday that California is facing a $12 billion budget deficit, spurred by soaring costs for social services as the state’s economy teeters from President Donald Trump’s chaotic tariffs strategy.


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WOMAN, 31, DIES DAY AFTER ADMISSION TO LAS COLINAS DETENTION FACILITY

East County News Service

Update May 15:  The deceased has been identified as Callen Lines.

May 14, 2025 (Santee) – A 31-year-old woman died in a hospital on May 12, one day after she was arrested for vehicle theft and resisting arrest.

According to Lt. Juan Marquez with the San Diego County Sheriff’s department, sergeants at the Las Colinas and Reentry Facility in Santee found the woman unresponsive in her cell at 7:25 p.m. on May 12 while performing routine supervisor checks.

The sergeants began CPR, activated 9-1-1and requested help from the facility’s medical staff.

Emergency medical personnel from American Medical Response (AMR) Ambulance #5 and the Santee Fire Department assumed lifesaving measures upon their arrival. AMR Ambulance transported the woman to a local hospital. Despite their efforts, the woman was pronounced deceased at the hospital at about 8:15 p.m.


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EL CAJON HOSTS AMERICA ON MAIN STREET MAY 17

East County News Service

May 13, 2025 (El Cajon) -- America on Main Street is also known as El Cajon's Largest Block Party. The event will hosted in Downtown El Cajon on Saturday, May 17. Admission and most activities are free of charge.

America on Main Street is a celebration of the American spirit through appreciation and respect of the many diverse ethnic and historical groups in the community. Highlights include multiple stages of live entertainment, American and ethnic food booths, rides, arts, crafts and display booths, a petting zoo, bounce houses and more,


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4TH ANNUAL JULIAN TOWN SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 7

A poster with a guitar in the grassAI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

May 13, 2025 (Julian) -- The Julian Town Square Music Festival brings music to the mountains on June 7 from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Presented by the Julian Community Heritage Foundation and Julian Chamber of Commerce, this event will feature multiple musical performances. 

These include Kimmi Bitter and Westside Twang, Tim Flannery and the Lunatic Fring, Thea The Band, The Ordeal, Donn Bree and Friends,  Dolly’s Revenge, and Subconscious Culture.


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PASSENGER, 86, DIES OF INJURIES FROM ACCIDENT ON I-8 IN PINE VALLEY

East County News Service

May 12, 2025 (Pine Valley) – James Michel, 86, from Yuma, Arizona was a passenger in a vehicle that rear-ended a stopped vehicle on I-8 west near Buckman Springs Road on April 24 shortly before 10 a.m.

He was transported to UCSD Medical Center in San Diego, where he died two weeks later, on May 8.


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LA MESA MOTORCYCLIST KILLED, TWO INJURED IN COLLISION ON AVOCADO

East County News Service

May 12, 2025 (La Mesa) – A collision between a motorcycle and an SUV Saturday night proved deadly for a 22-year-old La Mesa man.  

He  was riding a 2017 Ducati motorcycle northbound on Avocado Blvd. just south of Explorer Road in La Mesa with a female passenger, 20, from El Cajon  just after 8 p.m. when a 2019 Ford Explorer driven by a La Mesa man, 40, tried to make a turn from southbound Avocado onto Explorer Road, causing a head-on crash, according to the CHP.


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FIRE DAMAGES APARTMENT BUILDING IN SPRING VALLEY



East County News Service

May 12, 2025 (Spring Valley) – A fire on Saturday, May 10 cause significant damage to an apartment building in the 400 block of Grand Avenue.

San Miguel Fire and Sheriff’s deputies from the Rancho San Diego station responded at 9 a.m. and found two rear patios of the apartment building in flames.


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HEARING MAY 19 ON CITY’S PLAN TO CLOSE LAKE MURRAY ON WEEKDAYS; OTHER LOCAL LAKES FACE CUTS

Residents launch petition to keep lake open

By Karen Pearlman

Photo, left, by Miriam Raftery:  Lake Murray

May 12, 2025 (San Diego) – Lake Murray is one of several local reservoirs that may see their hours of operation get slashed starting next year because of budget issues in the city of San Diego.

To cover the city’s $258 million deficit in its budget, the San Diego City Council is considering reducing the hours of both Lake Murray and Miramar Lake from seven days a week to just two – Saturday and Sunday.

Other outlying bodies of water overseen by the city of San Diego, including the El Capitan Reservoir, Lake Sutherland and Barrett Lake, are also slated for reductions in hours.


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PADRES BREAK 1889 RECORD WITH 21-0 ROMP OVER ROCKIES

By Karen Pearlman

May 12, 2025 (Denver) – Following a wild 21-0 win over the Colorado Rockies on May 10 at Coors Field, the San Diego Padres moved briefly back into first place in the National League West, breaking a baseball record that has stood for more than a century.

But the Friars closed their nine-game road trip with a 9-3 loss to Major League Baseball’s losingest team, the Rockies (7-33) on Sunday. 


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GUHSD CHIEF OF STAFF HOBBS RESIGNS AMID CONTROVERSY; TRUSTEES REFUSE TO RESCIND LAY-OFFS

By Alexander J. Schorr

Photo, left: Sign on table urging recall of four GUHSD trustees.

May 11, 2025 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD)  governing board refused a last-ditch chance to rescind its layoffs of credentialed teachers, librarians, counselors, and psychologists at the May 8 board meeting, despite angry comments from constituents.

After the public session, the board adjourned to a private session and returned with a surprise announcement that the majority had voted to accept the resignation of newly named Chief of Staff Jerry Hobbs, who has become mired in controversy.


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JUDGE DENIES KALASHOS’ REQUEST TO POSTPONE JAIL TERM

By Miriam Raftery

File photo: Bessmon "Ben" and Jessica Kalasho

May 11, 2025 (San Diego) – A last-minute effort by former El Cajon Councilman Bessmon “Ben” Kalasho and his wife, Jessica, to postpone their 8-day jail sentence has been rejected by Superior Court Judge Wendy Behan. The Kalashos have been ordered to surrender on June 9th to begin serving their sentence, which was imposed for criminal contempt of court.

The action stems from a 2017 civil lawsuit against the Kalashos, who were accused of using false social media aliases, fake polls, and altered photos to defame plaintiffs including a beauty pageant queen, a taco shop owner, and attorney Lina Charry.  Kalasho resigned from the El Cajon City Council immediately after a settlement was announced with most plaintiffs in that case, amid calls by the public for Kalasho to resign.

Charry refused to settle her case and secured a hefty judgement against the Kalashos, who repeatedly failed to show up and provide financial records to enable Charry to collect the money for her judgement. The court charged and convicted the Kalashos with criminal contempt of court and issued bench warrants for their arrest in May 2023.


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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: ELEPHANTS' POOL PARTY!

East County News Service

May 11, 2025 (Escondido) -- Elephants at the the San Diego Zoo's Safari Park in Escondido found a cool way to beat the heat during this week's heat wave--holidng their own pool party.

In this video, you'll see the herd's matriarch, Swazi, playing in the water with the youngsters. When one elephant goes in, the others quickly join, which is often initiated by the younger elephants. Teens Khosi and Kami started this "pool party" that lasted about 35 minutes. Play is a great way for the herd to bond.


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GUHSD STUDENTS ART SHOW AT LAKESIDE LIBRARY THROUGH MAY 12

Video and article by Shiloh Ireland

View video

Grossmont High School District, composed of 12 high schools, has an art show at the Lakeside Library through May 12th. Beautiful pieces of art are displayed, and some are for sale. A lot of talent awaits you.

Check the library for library hours and support these young artists.


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