National Guard to also be deployed in nation’s capital city

By Miriam Raftery

August 11, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to put Washington D.C.’s police force under federal control, claiming a need to reduce crime, CNN reports. However, according to a Newsweek report, violent crime in Washington D.C. was the lowest in 24 years last year, while other crimes also fell.

By Karen Pearlman

Aug. 11, 2025 (La Mesa) -- Grossmont Hospital just hit 70 years, but the venerable facility is looking sharper than ever.

As part of a celebration of its 70^th anniversary, nearly 150 SHARP Grossmont Hospital staffers gathered Monday morning on the helicopter pad atop its Emergency Room to spell out a giant number “70.”

By Mike Allen

Photo: Members of Santee Fire Dept, SD Regional Fire Foundation and the SD River Conservancy with new brush rig funded through the city along with grants from the two nonprofits.

August 11, 2025 (Santee)-- The city of Santee has another key tool in its goal of protecting the city from wildfires, a new brush fire engine.

City officials and the public will get together Aug. 20 for a “push-in” ceremony at Station No. 5 to celebrate the new engine, which was paid mostly from nonprofit grants.

According to the city, the $627,000 fire engine made by HME Inc. was acquired thanks to a $407,000 grant from the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation, and the San Diego River Conservancy. The remainder came from the city’s general fund.

Book by Thomas Wing

Review by Pennell Paugh

August 10, 2025 (San Diego) -- San Diego author Thomas Wing, releases Against All Enemies. This gripping thriller ominously shows us a violent but possible reaction to America’s tariff war — China launches a full-scale surprise attack on the U.S. Capitol, Pentagon, military bases, and communication satellites.

East County News Service

August 9, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa announces the official launch of its redesigned website, which is now live at www.cityoflamesa.gov.

While the site may look different, it retains all the same tools, features, and functionality residents and businesses have come to rely on, according to a press release from the city.

East County News Service

August 8, 2025 (San Diego) -- County public health officials have confirmed the first case of measles in the region this year in a teenage resident who had recently traveled overseas.  Anyone who visited Rady Children’s Hospital’s emergency room or the Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines Urgent Care on August 6 or 7,

By Miriam Raftery

August 8, 2025 (San Diego) – Today, Superior Court Judge Matthew Braner dismissed a lawsuit filed by Grecia Figueroa against former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. Judge Braner said Figueroa engaged in “rampant and willful spoilation of evidence” including deleting photos and text messages damaging to her case.

By Paul Levikow

August 7, 2025 (Grantville) – The San Diego County Office of Homeless Solutions opened a new Overnight Safe Parking site in the Grantville neighborhood of San Diego today, with capacity to serve 20 vehicles. The location, in the 4500 block of Glacier Ave., is on county-owned land that will eventually become 300 affordable senior housing units. It’s part of the County’s efforts to expand emergency housing options for people experiencing homelessness.

The site is in a residential and commercial neighborhood next to the California Bank & Trust, which is on Mission Gorge Road.

The opening was announced at a morning news conference with San Diego County District 2 Supervisor Joel Anderson, Rep. Sara Jacobs from California’s 51^st Congressional District, San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo of District 7, and other officials.

By Miriam Raftery

August 6, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Dangerously high temperatures are forecast across much of East County through Friday, peaking on Thursday. Other East County communities could reach the high 90s. 

East County News Services

Aug. 5, 2025 (Ramona) – Three young black bear cubs found orphaned in Calaveras County have a second chance at life.

Housed and cared for at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center, the cubs, thought to be between 6 and 7 months old, were rescued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife after being seen alone for several days. Their mother was never found.

Calaveras County is located in the Gold Country and High Sierra regions of California, situated on the eastern side of the state’s Central Valley. The county seat is San Andreas, with Angels Camp its only incorporated city.

The cubs arrived at the Ramona-headquartered wildlife center on July 24, and it was there that one week later they underwent a full health evaluation. The veterinary team, led by Dr. Alexis Wohl, confirmed their genders — two males and one female. The exams also included dental checks and other diagnostics to assess their overall health.

East County News Service

Image: surveillance photos of the suspect

August 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Sheriff’s department seeks public help to identify and find a man wanted for sexual battery of a female jogger, 24, in the 1600 block of Hilton Head Road in the Rancho San Diego community of unincorporated El Cajon.

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  El Capitan County Preserve

August 1, 2025 (Lakeside) - As summer temperatures rise, the County of San Diego has closed three parks that it shuts down every year for the month of August to protect residents during what is often the hottest time of the year.

East County News Service

August 1, 2025 (San Diego) - Sheriff's stations and substations across the county will be hosting family-friendly community events to take a stand against crime on Tuesday, August 5.

National Night Out is an annual event that promotes law enforcement-community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie.

You’re invited to our East County Dining Club special event at Zest Wine Bistro in Lemon Grove on Thursday, August 21 at 6:30  p.m.

20% of dinner proceeds and100% of raffle proceeds will benefit East County Magazine’s reporting and wildfire alerts.

Savor gourmet charcuterie served family-style (gourmet cheeses and deli meats, olives, crostini and fresh fruits) paired with three wines (red, white, and rosé).

This exclusive event is expected to sell out quickly, since seating is limited, so we4 recommend RSVPing as soon as possible to reserve seats!  The deadline to RSVP is August 18, if seats are still available. 

RSVP to: info@eastcountymedia.org with your name and number of guests (with guest names if possible).