Oct. 26, 2025 (East County) -- Reports on social media have shared the news that Daniel "Danny" James Tucker, longtime leader and tribal member of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, has passed away.
A Facebook post from Oct. 25 written by Christy Bobof Carter said that she had known him for many years and was best friends with Tucker's sister, Georgia.
Photo of Danny Tucker, left, from Christy Bobof Carter Facebook page
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By Taina Fonseca, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
Photo: Mildred Falls. Photo by Alexander S. Kunz
October 26, 2025 (San Diego) - The San Diego River Park Foundation has successfully purchased a 58-acre parcel from a private owner, the organization announced this week.
Why is that important?
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By Chris Fite, Trustee, Grossmont Union High School District board
October 26, 2025 (El Cajon) -- When the dust settles after all of the lawsuits and media stories and packed and contentious board meetings, these facts will remain: the GUHSD board majority repeatedly if not exclusively tried to make vital decisions regarding hiring, firing and curriculum choices on the basis of their ideological and personal biases, instead of based on what was good for the students and the district. Instead of meeting the needs of all students, parents, and community members, they exclusively catered to the wishes and desires of a tiny fraction (of which they belong): a far right religious faction who are fundamentally opposed to the mission of public education: educating all Americans, newly arrived and native born alike, to prepare them with the academic and vocational tools to thrive economically to achieve their American Dream however they define it and to civically educate students to get along with others who have different ideas or cultures than they do and to think critically because they are exposed to ideas that may be difficult or complicated or contrary to their established views. In short, to learn how to be a democratic citizen. Make no mistake, this reactionary sect is not based on love and forgiveness but on punishment and power.
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By Sir Milo Loftin, County of San Diego Communications Office
October 26, 2025 (San Diego) - County Animal Services is asking for the public’s help to learn more about a puppy found with a severe neck injury caused by a collar that had become embedded in his skin.
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Goodwill San Diego's Little Black Dress (LBD) event is when stores in the region will showcase a wide selection of LBDs, shoes and accessories at competitive prices.
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The Women in Leadership Luncheon, with more than 450 attendees at Sycuan Casino, honored seven women who excel professionally and as community leaders -- women who demonstrate exemplary character, integrity and leadership.
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La Mesa officials say to expect major traffic delays
East County News Service
Oct. 25, 2025 (La Mesa) -- A funeral procession is planned for fallen La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven starting at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to the La Mesa Police Department.
Craven, 25, was killed in the line of duty on October 20, 2025, after being struck by a drunk driver while assisting at another crash scene on Interstate 8. She was returning from the San Diego Central Jail when she came upon a collision involving several vehicles.
Craven stopped to render aid to the drivers involved in the initial crash, but while assisting, a 38-year-old man, who has been arrested on suspicion of DUI, struck Craven with his car. She died at the scene, along with 19-year-old De'Veonte Morris, one of the drivers from the first crash.
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October 25, 2025 (San Diego) - Robert F. Kennedy Jr is an antivaxxer; but to the best of my knowledge has NEVER indicated he understands even the basics of the human immune system. Simply the first time we are infected with a bacteria or a virus, we have defensives cells that sometimes can stop them cold or slow them down, Neutrophils and Macrophages. We also have from birth ca. 1 million different B-cells which are capable of recognizing any invader; but it takes them a week or so to do so, then they produce antibodies that deal with the invader. During this time we can suffer, end up hospitalized, possibly die and/or suffer long term effects; e.g. disabilities. And they produce memory cells that can immediately recognize the same invader and quickly mass produce antibodies to stop it cold. All a vaccine does is produce the same memory cells.
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October 24, 2025 (San Diego) - Each November, a global movement takes root, one mustache at a time. Movember isn’t just about facial hair; it’s about facing the facts. Men’s health is in crisis, and silence is no longer an option.
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Oct. 24, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Local public safety officials have arrested the person who is believed to have been the driver of a car linked to a hit-and-run collision on Wednesday night, Oct. 22 in El Cajon that put a 12-year-old boy in the hospital.
Dani Korkis, 35, of Lakeside was arrested by authorities and booked into San Diego County Jail on felony hit-and-run charges, according to a Friday news release from the El Cajon Police Department.
The 12-year-old boy, who was hit around 8 p.m. in the 300 block of Ballantyne Street, remains hospitalized and is in stable condition.
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Oct. 24, 2025 (La Mesa) -- Lunch service has begun at one of downtown La Mesa's newest eating establishments.
Tour de Tapas, which opened last December with dinner service only, is now featuring its “Euro Small Plates & Sips” in La Mesa Village at lunch.
Dinner service is available 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at the restaurant at 8323 La Mesa Blvd., but lunch is also now available from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
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Oct. 24, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The name and look of the emergency information app for the County of San Diego has changed, and now has new features to help keep residents safe.
Known previously as SD Emergency, it is now called Alert San Diego. The updated app is part of the County Office of Emergency Services’ (OES) modernized emergency communication system. The app provides a one-stop place for quick access to official alerts, interactive maps, preparedness tips and recovery resources.
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October 24, 2025 (El Cajon) - With deep sadness, the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) announces the passing of former Superintendent Mike Fowler, who devoted nearly three decades of extraordinary service to East County students and families. He passed away following a courageous battle with brain cancer.
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Oct. 23, 2025 (La Mesa) -- At least three events are planned to honor fallen La Mesa Police officer Lauren Craven, one tomorrow night at Pink Rose Cafe in La Mesa and another Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Casa Gabriela in La Mesa.
The La Mesa Police Department is also having a candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at LMPD headquarters at 8085 University Ave., La Mesa. A program is going to be held with brief remarks, a moment of silence and a closing. Candles will be provided.
Craven, 25. died while trying to save motorists involved in a car crash on eastbound Interstate 8 near Grantville. Craven was struck and killed the night of Oct. 20 after stopping to assist motorists involved in the multi-vehicle crash on I-8 East at Fairmount Avenue at 10:24 p.m.
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October 23, 2025 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is urging people to check their homes and collect unused or expired prescription medications and turn them in on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
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October 23, 2025 (San Diego) - The County of San Diego County Planning & Development Services (PDS) invites you to attend a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to learn about and share your input on the County’s implementation of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the development of the Green Building Incentive Program Update.
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The SDZWA announced his appointment on Thursday, Oct. 23, which came following an extensive global search.
Dixon served as interim president and CEO of the SDZWA for the past seven months, and previously had nine years of service to the organization as its chief operating officer.
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In its inaugural Major League Soccer season, the team is headed to the playoffs.
San Diego FC will host its first playoff match Sunday, Oct. 26, at Snapdragon Stadium when the team faces the Portland Timbers in Game 1 of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-Three series.
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October 23, 2025 (La Mesa) - Sharp HealthCare is expanding the trusted Sharp Mary Birch brand across San Diego County—starting with the rebranding of Sharp Grossmont Hospital for Women & Newborns, now renamed Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns Grossmont.
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As the shutdown continues, the hunger relief non-profit ispreparing for a massive surge in need with the delay of November CalFresh benefits
Source: Feeding San Diego
October 23, 2025 (San Diego) - As the government shutdown enters the fourth week, Feeding San Diego has expanded food assistance services to federal workers impacted by the loss in pay, including the over110,000 members of the military that call San Diego home.
Now, it’s preparing for another surge in need with the announcement that CalFresh benefits will be delayed should the government shutdown go on after today. More than 400,000 San Diegans receive CalFresh benefits and will experience an interruption in funds loaded onto their EBT cards.
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Photo, left: Supervisor Jim Desmond sought to restrict foreign investors from buying homes and driving up prices.
October 23, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors this week rejected a proposal by Supervisor Jim Desmond to support statewide bans or restrictions on foreign investment in entry-level and single-family housing, particularly when located near sensitive military installations and other critical infrastructure.
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El Cajon Police seek help to find white or silver SUV with front-end damage
East County News Service
October 23, 2025 (El Cajon) – Around 8 p.m. last night, a 12-year-old boy was struck by an SUV in the 300 block of Ballantyne Street, suffering major head trauma. The vehicle, described by witnesses as a white or silver SUV with front-end damage, fled the scene.
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Overall, this affects not only SNAP, but also WIC, federal workers, food banks, senior citizens, and grocery stores.
By G. A. McNeeley
October 22, 2025 (California) -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the critical food assistance program, being halted is one of the biggest impacts of the ongoing government shutdown, and it’s about to affect tens of millions of the poorest Americans. Several states are warning that they’ll be forced to suspend SNAP benefits by November 1 if the shutdown continues, according to ABC News.
SNAP, also referred to as "food stamps," serves about 42 million low-income Americans. The program, run by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food.
Governor Gavin Newsom warned on Monday, October 20, that millions of low-income Californians who rely on public assistance to feed their families may be unable to access food benefits next month because of the federal government shutdown, according to POLITICO.
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October 14, 2025 (Sacramento) – They risk their lives to battle wildfires. Yet California’s inmate firefighters are currently paid just $1 to $10 for an entire day’s work, plus $1 an hour during active duty. A bill signedby Governor Gavin Newsom will raise the rate to $7.25 an hour (the federal minimum wage) during active duty.
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Oct. 21, 2025 (Santee) – Making others happy was something Mary Hennessy did naturally, with no holds – or holes – barred.
As founder and owner of the iconic Mary’s Donuts in Santee, Hennessy sprinkled joy to others – and not just by way of diverse donut toppings, fruity fritter fillings and cinnamon-dusted donut holes, but also through her generous spirit, spreading positivity through acts of kindness and by virtue of making connections.
Mary Hennessy loved interacting with people. chatting with customers, helping behind the counter and especially seeing children come in.
“Handing out stickers to kids was one of her small joys,” said her granddaughter, Kelly Hennessy.
And she did it all for nearly 95 years.
Born Mary Churchill in the small farming town of Dexter, Minn., on May 3, 1931, Hennessy died at her La Mesa home on Oct. 19, 2025, surrounded by family members.
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Image, left: Rendering of Troy Street Sleeping Cabins Project
October 22, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve negotiations with Caltrans to purchase land for the Troy Street Sleeping Cabins Project in Lemon Grove, after hearing comments overwhelmingly in opposition from residents and two City Councilmembers.
The project plan calls for building tiny homes on an undeveloped lot at 2800 Sweetwater Road and Troy Street, which the County expects to pay about $2 million to buy from the state. It’s part of the County’s Compassionate Emergency Solutions and Pathways to Housing efforts for people experiencing homelessness.
There were 26 requests to speak in person in the board chambers or on the phone. There were 78 e-comments in opposition submitted, while 5 e-comments were in support of the plan. Opponents warned of the potential for an increase in crime in the area, or said the project was too expensive and too close to an early childhood education center, or that the Board should focus on permanent solutions instead of temporary ones.
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October 22, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.
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By Miriam Raftery, with additional reporting by Karen Pearlman
Photo: LMPD Officer Lauren Craven, courtesy of La Mesa Police
Updated Oct. 21, 4 p.m. with comments from Chief Ray Sweeney, City Manager Greg Humora, and Governor Gavin Newsom
October 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was struck and killed last night after stopping to assist motorists involved in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 8 east at Fairmount Avenue at 10:24 p.m. last night. One of the motorists also died, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officer Craven was on duty returning from Central Jail when she stopped at the scene of the crash, where one vehicle had lost struck another, then lost control and rolled over, according to the California Highway Patrol. A third vehicle then struck the disabled vehicle, 10 News reports.
The CHP told 10 News that after LMPD Officer Craven got out of her vehicle to assist the motorists, she was struck by an oncoming vehicle, after which a fifth vehicle struck those involved in the original crash.
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October 21, 2025 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved the purchase of a firefighting helicopter with nighttime capabilities, which will be upgraded to accommodate a full crew for fire and rescue missions.
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October 21, 2025 (Anza Borrego)—You’re invited to walk by the light of a full moon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park’s South Palm Canyon Wash on November 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. The hike will be led by Mike McElhatton, education director at the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA).
“Experience the unique and serene beauty of moonlight on the canyon walls as we take a 1.5-mile walk through South Palm Wash,” the invitation states.
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East County News Service
By Taina Fonseca, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
By Chris Fite, Trustee, Grossmont Union High School District board
By 
East County News Service
East County News Service
La Mesa officials say to expect major traffic delays
B
Growing Conversations, Saving Lives
East County News Service 
East County News Service
East County News Service
Source: Grossmont Union High School District
East County News Service
By 
Source: County of San Diego
East County News Service
Source: Sharp HealthCare
As the shutdown continues, the hunger relief non-profit is
By Paul Levikow
El Cajon Police seek help to find white or silver SUV with front-end damage
Overall, this affects not only SNAP, but also WIC, federal workers, food banks, senior citizens, and grocery stores.
By Miriam Raftery
Story and photos by Karen Pearlman
October 22, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include:
By Paul Levikow
East County News Service
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