By Karen Pearlman

Image of Mountain Lion courtesy Pixabay

April 17, 2025 (Descanso, CA) -- A 31-year-old Descanso runner on Wednesday, April 16, came face-to-face with a mountain lion that he says charged at him, during an evening run on the Oak Trail in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

JJ Goodrich wrote on his Facebook page as well as in the Descanso Neighbors Facebook page that he had an encounter with a local mountian lion.

"Please be aware if you hike out there," Goodrich wrote in Descanso Neighbors. "It was on Oak Trail between East Mesa Fire Road and Harvey Moore. Probably 140-150 lbs, never hissed, ears up, and maintained eye contact. They can close the distance incredibly fast, it was impressive."

By Miriam Raftery

April 14, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – As a cooling trend continues, the National Weather Service predicts strong winds, rain, and snow for our mountain areas later this week.

There is a chance of rain countywide and mountain snow on Thursday, increasing on Friday, with possible rain in the mountains as late as Saturday morning.

East County News Service

April 14, 2025 (La Mesa) – If you love harmonica music, head out to Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa this Friday, April 18. Spring Harp Fest takes place at Harry Griffen Park from10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy live music from many local harmonica players and groups. There’s also an unknown players jam.

Last updated April 14, 2025 8 p.m including reports from readers, local authorities, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

April 14, 2025 (Ramona) -- A 5.2 earthquake struck at 10:08 a.m  about 2  miles south of Julian. The jolt was felt across the county, knocking pictures off walls and bottles off shelves at homes in La Mesa.

California Highway Patrol reports that boulders dislodged by the quake are blocking State Route 76 near State Route 79 in the Lake Henshaw area. See photo below right, via CalTrans. Mud and debris are also reported at the entry to Palomar State Park.

SDG&E's website reports an unplanned power outage in the Santa Ysabel/Julian areas.

"The earthquake epicenter was in Julian, under Heise Park, 2 miles from our house. Power is still out in our area. Cats are still hiding due to aftershocks," resident Nancy Kramer advised ECM at 12:40 p.m.

In Julian, Mountain Spirtis Liquor posted video showing broken bottles that fell off shelves, 10 News reports.

Leslie Crouch told ECM via email,"I’m in Julian the epicenter and I lost a lot of my knickknacks. Antique glassware, bottles,  pictures broken."

Descanso resident Cynthia Burnham posted on Facebook "Yes, it was very scary - had pics and a clock fall off the wall, plus could see the waves of movement in the shaking window glass next to my desk. And it was a loud one. (Sounds like a train coming through.) It was also 40 seconds long..."

At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in San Pasqual, elephants formed an “alert circle” during the earthquake, encircling young elephants to protect them.  “Elephants have the ability to feel sound through their feet,” says Emily Senninger with the Safari Park. “This video demonstrates the strong social family structure in elephant herds. The herd, consisting of Ndlula, Umngani, Khosi, and youngsters Zuli and Mkhaya, went back to normal after about 4 minutes, though they did stay close to one another. “ View video.

East County News Service

April 13, 2025 (Santee) – The Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer returns May 24. This annual event features a beer garden featuring craft brews, wine and spirits, kids’ zones with carnival rides and games, live music and entertainment, plus over200 vendors showcasing local arrtisans and businesses.

The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the intersection of Town Center Parkway and Riverview Parkway in Santee.

This event, hosted by the Santee Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santee, is for ages 21 and up, and it’s dog-friendly.

By Branda Gorgies, Miriam Raftery and Karen Pearlman

Whether you’re looking for a quick cup of coffee or a jumping java joint complete with live music, poetry readings and delicious dishes, San Diego’s inland region has an array coffee houses brimming with both character and freshly-brewed coffee choices.

Whether you're seeking espressos, mixed coffee beverages, cold brews, or just a good cup of freshly ground java, you'll find plenty of tempting choices, including many that also serve up foods ranging from pastries and snacks to full breakfasts, lunches, healthy options and more.

Here's our guide to the best places to find a great cup of coffee and other coffee-related options:

By Miriam Raftery

(Click image above to view flyer with sign-up details)

April 10, 2025 (Campo) – You’re invited to join mountain men, fur trappers and pioneer families from the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous for “Shinin’ Times” that rewind back to the 1820s.

The organization’s spring camp will be held May 2-10 at Northcote Ranch,2402 Lake Morena Drive in Campo. Spread over 10 acres of mountain prairie, the reenactment area includes primitive camps, a trader’s row, archery range, tomahawk and knife throwing range, and black powder rifle walk-through range.

Participants can learn primitive skills (such as tomahawk and knife throwing, shooting with a primitive bow and arrow, and fire starting with flint and steel), take aim at a BB gun shooting gallery, and  be immersed in living history.

 For those wishing to go beyond a day visit, you can camp out in a tipi encampment or in the “Tin Tipi” modern camp for tents and RVs.

By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams

Apr 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- In a party-line vote, House Republicans on Thursday approved a budget blueprint that sets the stage for the GOP to pass another round of tax cuts for the rich, paid for in part by slashing Medicaid, federal nutrition assistance, and other critical programs.

The final vote was 216 to 214, with two Republicans—Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Victoria Spartz of Indiana—and every Democrat opposing the measure, which now must be converted into legislation.

The budget reconciliation process that Republicans are using for their sweeping bill means it can pass with a simple majority in both chambers of Congress.

By Miriam Raftery

April 9, 2025 (Lakeside) – An El Cajon man, 57, who was not wearing his seatbelt died at the scene of a solo vehicle crash in Lakeside this afternoon.

He was driving a 2006 Toyota Tacoma westbound on El Monte Rd. about a mile and a half east of Lake Jennings Road when he lost control and struck an embankment, then crossed into the eastbound lane and hit another embankment.

By Miriam Raftery

East County has long been called the playground of San Diego County. Visitors and residents alike will find many unique adventures to experience in our inland region, from tours of rugged desert terrain and wineries to activities such as zip-lining, sky sailing, scenic hikes, trail rides, vintage railway rides, wildlife safaris, fishing, boating, beautiful gardens, and more. There are also unique classes such as falconry, rock climbing, pioneer skills such as axe-throwing, star gazing and more, as well as visits to wildlife preserves, soothing hot springs, farms, flower fields, and even a gold mine.

Some are free, while others have fees ranging from very affordable to more extravagant splurges. There are activities for solo adventurers, couples, and families, many of which you won't find anywhere else.  

Here are a few of our East County guide’s favorite local adventures: