Photo: The Dog Society welcomes dogs and humans, by Charie Juaneza.

March 8, 2022 (Rolando) --The Dog Society, a new human-dog hangout spot that is part sports bar, part dog boarder, part restaurant, and part family-friendly fun, enjoyed its grand opening on February 25. 

The unique business located at 6331 University Ave in the Rolando Village area of San Diego, just east of La Mesa, is the brainchild of owner Sara Broetje.

“Basically, I love dogs and I love hanging out with my friends watching football, and I love drinking craft beer so I wanted to smash it all together,” she said.

With dire workforce shortage reaching 650,000, new effort will connect many job seekers with great career opportunities

Source:  EC2

March 2, 2022 (San Diego) - As the construction industry faces an unprecedented shortage of workers and negatively impacts the economy, a new hiring platform recently launched to address the gap by connecting young people and the underemployed with great career training and job opportunities.

Source:  La Mesa Chamber of Commerce

February 17, 2022 (La Mesa) - On Wednesday, February 23^rd the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them at an open house and ribbon cutting for San Diego Living Real Estate located at 8504 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m. with the “official” ribbon cutting taking place at 6:00 p.m.

Reprinted with permission from J.W. August, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association  

Photo:  a screenshot of the JustAnswer.com home page.

February 16, 2022 (San Diego) - The internet offer from JustAnswer is tempting for anyone looking for an expert: If you need medical advice, you can get unlimited conversations with doctors. Sign up for a small fee and a seven-day trial promises “on call experts, 24/7.”

By Suzanne Potter, California News Service

Photo via CNS

January 27, 2022 (Sacramento) -- Parents' rights groups are praising a plan to extend paid sick leave for many California workers, which is now on a fast track to pass.

East County News Service

Photo: CC by NC via Bing

January 24, 2022 (San Diego) -- Primior, a leading real estate development and asset management firm, has donated 1 million K95 masks to the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters (SWRCC) who represent more than 57,000 members across Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado.

UFCW union members at STIIIZY retail locations in California to vote on historic contract

East County News Service

Photo:  screenshot from UFSC Local 135 on Facebook

January 21, 2022 (San Diego) – Newly organized workers at STIIIZY dispensaries throughout California including San Diego County are voting on their first ever contract as members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

Giardino owner Karina Kravalis welcomes second eatery in Lemon Grove

East County News Service

January 13, 2022 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove resident and restauranter Karina Kravalis is opening the doors to her latest anticipated project, Zest Wine Bistro which features a variety of delightful vintages from around the world as well as artfully arrayed tapas to savor. The wine bar features cozy indoor and outdoor seating, soon to include an outdoor firepit and heaters for year-round comfort.

The intimate and slick bistro has been a dream for Kravalis, who saw an opportunity to provide something she felt her neighborhood was missing but wanting.

 “After all these years of owning Giardino, I’ve learned that Lemon Grove and East County love their wine,” said Kravalis. “There are so many of us who share a passion for good wine, and wanted a place to sip and toast. Zest is just that - a social gathering space to come try and learn about wine, and nosh on good food."

By Kiki Skagen Munshi

December 11, 2021 (Julian) – ‘Tis the season to bundle up and head to Julian, East County’s charming and historic mountain town. Among the shopping options to discover are five new retail outlets that opened during 2020 and 2021 – offering delightful gift items such as locally made goat soaps, pet products, sports memorabilia, gems, jewelry and geodes. 

Supporting local businesses also helps keep your tax dollars in our region – as well as providing unique holiday gifts for those on your list. 

By Melissa Montalvo, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  CC by NC via Bing

December 5, 2021 (San Diego) - Tens of thousands of California’s guest farmworkers and U.S. farmworkers will see pay increases in 2022, which advocates say comes thanks to their lawsuit to stop a Trump-era wage freeze.

By Miriam Raftery

December 4, 2021 (La Mesa) – This holiday season, why not spread some cheer by shopping local to find some unique gifts right here in East County? 

If you haven’t ventured out lately, you may not realize that many new stores have opened amid the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. 

In this series, we’ll be focusing on new retail outlets perfect for your gift-giving needs – starting with La Mesa’s downtown village.

By Miriam Raftery

November 13, 2021 (El Cajon) – Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-53) stopped by downtown El Cajon on Wednesday to speak about how passage of the infrastructure bill could impact our region. In a tour coordinated with the East County Chamber of Commerce, Jacobs also met with local business owners to hear about their needs as the economy emerges from pandemic.

“We here in San Diego are well placed to receive a lot of funding from this bill,” Jacobs said in a press conference outside of Rob’s Brewpoint, a new coffee shop opened during the pandemic.

Through formula funding, California is expected to receive $44 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which President Joe Biden plans to sign into law on Monday. San Diego will likely get 8 percent of that for roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects, Jacobs said. “There’s also a competitive grant program,” she added, noting that the Secretary of Transportation will have discretion on how those grants will be disseminated.

By Miriam Raftery

November 12, 2021 (El Cajon) – Parkway Plaza shopping mall in El Cajon will host a job fair on Saturday, November 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

“There are a range of positions available from seasonal to full-time/management positions,” says Petra Rich, marketing and business development manager for Parkway Plaza. “These opportunities provide great flexibility and extra holiday cash. We will have opportunities with Pandora, Tilly’s, Cabrera and Associates, Sunglasses Hut and more.”

By Miriam Raftery

File photo: Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar

November 1, 2021 (San Diego) – Consumers who hired Sullivan Solar Power have cast a pall over the company’s once-shining reputation. The company has closed its doors without notice to its customers. Some report being stiffed for tens of thousands of dollars, including deposits paid for work not completed, as well as having to pay subcontractors that Sullivan reportedly never paid.

By Henri Migala and Miriam Raftery

October 31, 2021 (Santee) -- With the recent grand opening of "The Plaza," Lantern Crest Senior Living in Santee might have created a national model for how we provide care for our aging population. The senior living facility is complete with a theater, a '50s-style diner with soda fountain, bowling lanes custom-designed for seniors, on-site medical center and doctor, pharmacy, gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, dog park, community garden, an award-winning chef serving three restaurants and two bars, an elaborately appointed tea room, live music and entertainment venues and much more.