GUHSD priorities: trustees give themselves a massive raise, nearly quadrupling salaries

By Alexander J. Schorr

December 15, 2025 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) governing board majority voted 4-1 to raise their own monthly salary of $534.04 to a proposed $2,000.00 each starting  in January 2026. Trustee Chris Fite voted no. While California law does allow for school boards to increase their trustees’ compensation annually by up to 5% based on the presenting monthly rate, as per the newest law AB 1390, the board trustees have gone above and beyond what is normally acceptable for a trustee's stipend.


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Santee approves contract to build $26.8 million community center and gives ok for new condos

By Mike Allen

Image:  rendering of new community center

December 15, 2025 (Santee) -- Santee’s City Council has unanimously approved a contract to build its long-planned Community Center next to the Cameron YMCA for a total cost of $26.8 million, or $3.3 million more than the city staff’s estimate given in April.


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Rabbi killed in Australian Hanukkah shooting was nephew of rabbi injured in Poway synagogue attack

By Miriam Raftery

File photo: Rabbi Ysroel Godstein of Poway

December 15, 2025 (Poway) – Rabbi Eli Schlanger, the nephew of Chabad Poway’s founding Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, as among 16 people murdered in a mass shooting yesterday during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Goldstein was injured during the April 2019 shooting at Chabad Poway, when he lost a finger and was credited with leading children to safety. 


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Holiday lights and more in La Mesa Walks! stroll on Dec. 17

East County News Service

Dec. 15, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa residents and those who just like La Mesa will put on their walking shoes while soaking in some festive cheer this week as La Mesa Walks! hosts a special evening edition of the "Holiday Light Stroll" this Wednesday, Dec. 17.

La Mesa Walks!, the popular community program, will shift its focus to colorful, dazzling neighborhood light displays on Wednesday in the free, family-friendly outing.
 
The walk is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at La Mesita Park, at 8855 Dallas St., but those who are participants are being encouraged to arrive at 5 p.m. to sign in, enjoy complimentary cider and cookies, and mingle before the trek.

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The stress of apartment searching in San Diego: monthly rents and cost of living exceed national average, while scammers target renters

By Heidi Hope

December 15, 2025 (San Diego) -- Hunting for an affordable apartment in San Diego County is a recipe for aggravating stress. Rents and living expenses in the city of San Diego are among the highest in the nation. East County communities are also too expensive for a single person working a low-wage part-time job to afford.

Scam rental advertisements and inappropriate landlords worsen the struggle for renters and potential tenants, as I have learned in my own difficult apartment-hunting experiences.


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Lemon Grove community invited to 'Skate to Donate' fundraiser for youth programs

East County News Service
 
Dec. 15, 2025 (San Diego) – The Lemon Grove Forward Club is inviting the  community to lace up their roller skates for a good cause at the "Skate to Donate" fundraiser next month.
 
The family-friendly event is aimed at supporting essential youth-centered programs in Lemon Grove and will take place from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 at Ringer’s Skating Rink, 6060 Federal Blvd. in San Diego.
 
The event promises an afternoon of lively fun, where family, friends and neighbors will roller skate while directly contributing to the community.
 
The Lemon Grove Forward Club, which traces its roots back to 1913, when it was originally established as the Lemon Grove's Women's Club, has enjoyed a rebirth in the last few years. It remains dedicated to enhancing opportunities for local youth while proactively addressing the needs of the Lemon Grove community by way of promising initiatives and projects.

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Sharp-Collins hosting annual holiday giveaway for families in need

 
East County News Service
 
Dec. 15, 2025 (San Diego) – Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins is inviting families to attend the 2025 Holiday Giveaway this weekend.
 
The event, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20 at Bell Middle School, is aimed at providing essential items and supportive services to those in need during the holiday season.
 
The annual event will offer a robust array of assistance. The school is located at 620 Briarwood Road in San Diego.
 
Assemblymember Sharp-Collins organized the giveaway to directly assist families within the 79th District with critical holiday provisions.

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East County Jews to light Menorah today, stand against deadly shooting at Hanukkah celebration in Australia

By Miriam Raftery

December 15, 2025 (San Diego) –  “Let the world see that when darkness tries to intimidate us, we answer with light,”  Rabbi Rafi Andrusier from Chabad of East County said today following a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia.

Rabbi Andrusier urged local community members to join in a local Menorah lighting at 3:30 p.m. today in San Carlos.

At least 15 people were killed and 38 injured when a gunman opened fire on a crowd celebrating the first day of Hanukkah today at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The shooter was disarrmed by a Muslim man who risked his life to  tackle the shooter from behind. A second gunman was also apprehended.

Authorities have called the mass shooting a terrorist attack on the Jewish community on this first night of Hanukkah, an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of a temple in Jerusalem where a small amount of oil lasted eight days in the temple’s Menorah, an action deemed a miracle.


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Deputies respond to report of possible armed man at Sharp Rees-Stealy in Santee

Man detained due to mental health crisis; no weapon found

Photo by Patrick Ward

December 14, 2025 (Santee) – Sheriff’s deputies evacuated the Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group building on Cuyamaca Street in Santee yesterday afternoon, after receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a possible armed person.


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Federal jury convicts Sheriff's deputy of excessive force, violating inmate's civil rights

Inmate suffered head and spinal injuries after being smashed head first into wall, left bleeding in cell without medical attention

East County News Service

December 13, 2025 (San Diego) -- San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremiah Manuyag Flores was convicted by a federal jury yesterday of violating the civil rights of a man in pretrial custody at the San Diego Central Courthouse by using excessive force that caused serious injuries, writing a false report to cover up his illegal actions. Sentencing is scheduled for April 1, 2026.


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Seven arrested for retail theft in Lemon Grove

East County News Service

December 11, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation's Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving (COPPS) team ran a retail theft operation at multiple businesses throughout the city on December 10. During the eight-hour operation, deputies made seven arrests—six misdemeanors and one felony—averaging roughly one arrest per hour.


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Recall effort dropped against Lemon Grove Mayor Snow

By Karen Pearlman
 
Dec. 10, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A recall effort against Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow, who was elected by voters in 2024, has failed.
 
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, a group called the Lemon Grove Neighborhood Association shared a text message with East County Magazine that said, “Today marks the conclusion of the signature-gathering phase for the recall of Mayor Alysson Snow.”
 
The message stated, “Our committee successfully engaged with thousands of concerned residents for signatures and information” but added that the committee has “made the difficult but necessary decision” to stop the recall.
 
The message was sent by Ken King, who has led the recall effort since the summer.
 

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Our guide to Animal Sanctuaries and Wildlife Centers in San Diego’s inland region

By Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery

From world-renowned conservation hubs to intimate, family-friendly rescues, San Diego's East County and inland region is a vibrant destination for wildlife lovers, animal aficionados and compassionate travelers. Here, you can enjoy close-up encounters with exotic animals, native wildlife, and rescued farm animals.

The area’s expansive network of nonprofit sanctuaries, educational centers and specialized rescue organizations welcomes visitors to see everything from exotic predators and native wolves to rehabilitated raptors and farm animals. Whether you're looking for a daily adventure or a unique educational tour, these sites offer myriad hands-on opportunities to support animal welfare, conservation and education.


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Lakeside firefighter/paramedic Jeff Reyes honored for heroism: saved fire captain who fell through floor in a burning building

 

Photo:  Chief Don Butz, left, and Batallion Chief Eric Stamm commend firefighter/paramedic Jeff Reyes

View video by Shiloh Ireland

 

By Shiloh Ireland

Miriam Raftery contributed to this report

December 10, 2025 (Lakeside) – Lakeside firefighter/paramedic Jeff Reyes acted “without hesitation, drawing on instinct, training and sheer courage” to save the life of Captain Steven Russo, who fell through the floor of a burning building, said Lakeside Fire Protection Chief Don Butz during a ceremony yesterday recognizing Reyes’ heroism.

Engineer Shawn McKenna was also recognized for his critical role in transmitting the emergency message and facilitating the rescue.

Crews were battling a two-alarm commercial building in March when Russo fell through a hole in the floor, not realizing the fire was directly underneath him, according to Battalion Chief Eric Stamm. He called the situation “perilous” adding,  “Jeff grabbed Captain Russo and pulled him out of the floor.”


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Enchanted Village gala raises $600K+ to support adults with intellectual, developmental challenges

Event drew the community together in support of compassionate care and a safe, inclusive place for adults to thrive 
Photo by Samantha Andico courtesy Noah Homes
 
East County News Service
 
Dec. 10, 2025 (Spring Valley) – Compassionate care took center stage at the Enchanted Village Gala last weekend.
 
More than 150 attendees gathered in Spring Valley to raise funds for Noah Homes, the nonprofit organization and residential community that enriches the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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County share: Sustainability hacks during the holiday season

Sustainable gifts are always in. Photo from Pexels.com
 
East County News Service
 
Dec. 10, 2025 (San Diego County) -- Going green and being sustainable poses some challenges, and can be especially difficult to navigate during the holiday season.
 
Gving and receiving gifts and packages of all makes and models -- and most come with wrapping of all types -- plus boxes, bags, ribbons, bows and more can make it difficult to be sustainabile-minded.
 
But you can do it! -- so says the communications staff from San Diego County.

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Our guide to lodging in East County

By Miriam Raftery

Lodging opportunities in San Diego’s inland region have dramatically expanded in recent years. Several Native American tribes have opened up elegant casino resorts,  many also offering live entertainment, spas, and other amenities.  Many national hotel chains have moved into East County and Northeast County cities. 

Or opt for historic inns with rustic charm,  cabins, forested campgrounds, or eclectic options such as staying in a yurt, floating cabin, covered wagon, or at a llama preserve.

There are also private vacation rentals available through companies such as Airbnb, Vrbo, HipCamp and Booking.com, as well as through realtors.

Below are highlights of lodging options, from luxurious resorts and spa retreats to mountain lodges, cabins, campgrounds and much more to assure an enjoyable and memorable stay.


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La Mesa Police plans added holiday enforcement, urges drivers to celebrate responsibly

National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign begins 
 
Source:  City of La Mesa
 
December 9, 2025 (La Mesa) - The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The La Mesa Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of driving impaired and to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

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FilmNet Holiday Gala December 16: pitch panel and super networking at Red Carpet Event

East County News Service

 

December 8, 2025 (San Diego) -- The San Diego filmmakers tenth new monthly gathering on Tuesday, December 16 will start with a red carpet and photo stations, include food and drinks for sale, and offer an “Improve your Pitch” panel of industry experts as well as “Spark Super Networking” activities. Creators and filmmakers are invited to prepare 1-2 minute pitches to deliver for critique by the panel, and co-host David Kamatoy will be leading fun, innovative networking exercises to help local film professionals meet the people they need to connect with.


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Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego chapter celebrates ‘National Philanthropy Day’ by honoring local residents dedicated to community service, including El Cajon volunteer

Local philanthropists and philanthropic organizations earn awards for their profound impact on region 

East County News Service

December 9, 2025 (El Cajon) - Six individuals and two organizations were honored with awards for outstanding philanthropic efforts in San Diego at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter’s 53rd annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center in Chula Vista. Among the honorees is El Cajon's Mateo Magaña, recognized as the 2025 NPD Outstanding Volunteer. Magaña  an autistic man with communication and language challenges, is one of the most dedicated volunteers at the Chicano Foundation who's incredible visual skills and joyful attitude have made a profound difference at the organization.


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Domestic violence suspect charged with attempted murder of victim and police officers in El Cajon

East County News Service

December 9, 2025 (El Cajon) – An El Cajon man, 38, is under arrest for allegedly trying to stab and kill a female victim in a domestic violence altercation, as well as attempted murder of a police officer after he rammed a police vehicle.


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Gifts and love from The Karen Cooper Foundation for dogs at the San Diego Humane Society

Photo from The Karen Cooper Foundation gift sharing for dogs courtesy San Diego Humane Society
 
East County News Service
 
Dec. 9, 2025 (San Diego) -- Christmas arrived a few weeks early for more than 600 dogs at the San Diego Humane Society.
 
Thanks to the generosity of The Karen Cooper Foundation, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, every dog under the SDHS' care received a special holiday toy and treat to lift their spirits while they wait for a loving, forever home.
 
Members of The Karen Cooper Foundation, including Bob Cooper and his daughter, Michele Cooper, were able to spread holiday joy through their donations at the SDHS's main campus on Gaines Street.

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Loveland Reservoir water transfer at 21% but coming to an end, SWA says

Photo of Loveland Reservoir by Ostan Patton

By Karen Pearlman

Dec. 9, 2025 (Alpine) – Sweetwater Authority’s plan to leave Loveland Reservoir with at least 25 percent of its water capacity during the most recent transfer of water into the Sweetwater Reservoir has not gone as originally planned, as shared with East County Magazine on Dec. 5.

Sweetwater Authority (SWA), the special district that oversees Loveland Reservoir and Sweetwater Reservoir as well as the Sweetwater Dam, reports on its website that the reservoir has dipped down to 21.2 percent of total capacity (as of 8 a.m. Dec. 9) before the water transfer was stopped just after 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9.

SWA manages local water from Sweetwater and Loveland reservoirs, pumps from aquifers like the San Diego Formation and uses a desalination plant for brackish river water.


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FDA creates hurdles for Americans to get COVID-19 vaccine, puts infants at risk with changes to Hepatitis-B vaccine recommendations

A dozen former FDA commissioners and other experts weigh in, also debunking false claims about vaccines 

 

By G. A. McNeeley 

 

December 8, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- In an internal memo obtained by CNN, Dr. Vinay Prasad, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) chief medical & scientific officer said on November 28 that the FDA will change its vaccine approval process. Though Prasaid claimed this was due to 10 deaths of children linked to COVID vaccines, he provided no evidence of this and medical experts dispute those claims. He also issued unsubstantiated changes in recommendations for Hepatitis-B vaccines for infants, a change the American Medical Association calls “reckless.”


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Palantir is rewriting security and privacy, creating massive database shared by federal agencies including ICE and the military

By Alexander J. Schorr

 

Image: CC via Bing

 

“Our Product is used to kill people.” — Palantir CEO Alex Karp, emphasizing the company’s role in enabling lethal military operations.

 

December 8, 2025 (San Diego) — Palantir Technologies is building the U.S. Army’s next-generation ground station, TITAN, using artificial intelligence (AI) to process massive amounts of sensory data to improve targeting accuracy. A March 2025 executive order by President Trump mandated data sharing across federal agencies, positioning Palantir as the primary vendor to build digital infrastructure for this effort— potentially creating a centralized database for American’s personal information. Palantir’s software has been central to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations in tracking and identifying undocumented immigrants, which aligns with Trump’s immigration crackdown agenda.


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As politics in San Diego has shifted blue over the last decades, local broadcast industry has turned MAGA red

Trump Supporters Will Soon Control Most TV News Stations in San Diego

By J.W. August

December 7, 2025 (San Diego) - San Diego County’s voter makeup has gone from red to blue over the decades, and there’s no better example in recent years than the evolving Democratic majority on the San Diego City Council and county Board of Supervisors.


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California students with disabilities face ‘terrifying’ special ed cuts after Trump changes

By Carolyn Jones, CalMatters

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

Photo:  Lena Deacy at her home in Culver City, on Dec. 1, 2025. Photo by Zaydee Sanchez for CalMatters

December 6, 2025 (Los Angeles) - Sleep is a rare commodity at Lindsay Crain’s house. Most nights, she and her husband are up dozens of times, tending to their daughter’s seizures. The 16-year-old flails her arms, thrashes and kicks — sometimes for hours.


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East County AWP construction boosts cost, but officials say recycled water supply is worth the price

By Mike Allen

Photo: Education Center at AWP plant

December 5, 2025 (Santee) -- Three years into construction, the massive East County Advanced Water Purification Program is approaching the finish line late next year when the region’s sewage now being treated at Point Loma will be pumped to a new Santee plant and converted to drinkable, purified water.


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San Diego Pottery Tour Dec. 6-7 includes 7 studios in inland region

East County News Service

Dec. 5, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The 18th Annual San Diego Pottery Tour is being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6  and Sunday, Dec. 7.

The annual event celebrates the flourishing ceramic arts scene in San Diego.

The sdpotterytour.com website allows those interested to view the work of participating potters, and helps plan a trip. The site allows the downloading of an interactive PDF map for the tour, with clickable studio addresses that go to Google Maps directions.
 

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Loveland Reservoir draining underway brings pushback from East County residents

Loveland Reservoir showing what is left of the public fishing zone. Photo by Ostan Patton

By Karen Pearlman

Dec. 5, 2025 (Alpine) – It’s been three years since Loveland Reservoir was drained by Sweetwater Authority to “deadpool” level for the first time ever, leaving the area susceptible to environmental challenges, killing fish and increasing fire hazards.
 
Now another extreme draining is underway by Sweetwater Authority (SWA), the special district that oversees Loveland Reservoir and Sweetwater Reservoir as well as the Sweetwater Dam.
 
Locals are concerned again now, with the Alpine-housed reservoir dipping below 32 percent of capacity as of Thursday morning. The reservoir has been steadily dropping from its 63 percent capacity in mid-November, as water transfers continue with water flowing downstream to serve drinking water customers in Chula Vista, National City and Bonita.
 

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