ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS

July 29, 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:

U.S.

WORLD

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


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OUR GUIDE TO EAST COUNTY’S CITY SCENES

By Miriam Raftery

July 30, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) - Four incorporated cities are located in close proximity to each other in the heart of San Diego’s East County: El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Santee.

Each has its own distinct character, charm, community events and attractions—from a dining district in La Mesa’s historic downtown village to lakes and river parks in Santee, history alive in Lemon Grove, and outdoor festivities in El Cajon’s multicultural downtown district.

Read more about these cities (including unincorporated areas on their outskirts) below.


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JAMUL CASINO RESORT ACHIEVES EXCELLENCE ACROSS NUMEROUS SAN DIEGO’S BEST 2025 CATEGORIES

East County News Service

July 30, 2025 (Jamul) – Jamul Casino Resort is the recipient of several "San Diego's Best" wins, earned by the 2025 San Diego Union Tribune Reader's Poll. The resort earned top honors for Best San Diego Hotel and Best Staycation, in recognition of the brand-new hotel tower that is now open. Jamul Casino Resort also earned accolades in Bars & Nightlife, Entertainment, and Food & Restaurant categories including Best Sports Bar, Best Entertainment Venue and Best Romantic Restaurant.

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EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS

July 30, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego's inland regions, published in other media.  This week's round-up stories include:

LOCAL

STATE

For excerpts and links to full stories, click “read more” and scroll down.


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TSUNAMI ADVISORY FOR WEST COAST INCLUDING SAN DIEGO AFTER MASSIVE 8.8 EARTHQUAKE

Tsumani could reach Hawaii and Alaska this evening, San Diego shortly after midnight, with risk of more tidal waves due to powerful aftershocks.

East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

Note:  An earlier tsunami watch has been upgraded to a tsunami advisory.

July 29, 2025 (San Diego) – The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami advisory for the entire West Coast including San Diego County after , an 8.8 quake, struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula late this afternoon. This is among the 10 strongest quakes ever recorded worldwide. The quake has been upgraded  from earlier estimates.

Aftershocks including a 6.7 quake have also occurred.

The quakes and aftershocks have potential to produce tsunamis, or tidal waves, posing life-threatening danger.

Avoid low-lying coastal areas until the tsunami advisory is lifted.  The earliest a tsunami could reach San Diego County is estimated at around 1:15 a.m. for La Jolla and Oceanside, slightly later in the South Bay and earlier for Northern California, Alaska and Canada.

The advisory extends indefinitely due to powerful aftershocks that produce additional risks. 


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JACUMBIA FEST BRINGS AFRO-COLUMBIAN RHYTHMS TO JACUMBA AUG. 30

East County News Service

July 29, 2025 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Bad Vibes Good Friends and Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel will present Jacumbia Fest  on August 30 starting at 5 p.m.— a one-night-only celebration of Afro-Colombian rhythms, traditional and psychedelic cumbia from Colombia, Mexico and USA.


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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS


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BEACH BOYS’ AL JARDINE AND HIS PET SOUNDS BAND WILL ROCK THE MAGNOLIA NOV. 22

East County News Service

 

July 29, 2025 (El Cajon) – Tickets are now on sale for a Nov. 22 concert at the Magnolia in El Cajon by Al Jardine, one of the original Beach Boys members, and his Pet Sounds band.  The evening will be a tribute to the late Brian Wilson, Beach Boys founder. The evening will include performances of classic Beach Boys’ hits such as “California Girls,” “I Get Around,” Sloop John B,” Surfin’ USA,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun”—music that helped define the California sounds of summer. 


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FUNDRAISING SITE AIMS TO HELP BORREGO SPRINGS WOMAN WHO LOST HOME TO FIRE

By Miriam Raftery

July 29, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – When a fire engulfed her home in Borrego Springs on July 24, Cherie Bianco, a hairdresser and yoga teacher, lost everything – her home, her car, clothing and other belongings, and even her beloved pet dog and cats.


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NEW TRUMP ADMIN POLICY BARS MANY STUDENTS FROM ADULT SCHOOL CLASSES

By Adam Echelman, CalMatters

Photo:  students work on an assignment during an English as a second language class at the San Diego Continuing Education Mid-City campus in San Diego on Oct. 6, 2023.  File photo courtesy Adriana Heldiz/CalMatters 

July 28, 2025 (San Diego) - As President Donald Trump ramps up immigration enforcement, targeting immigrants at workplaces and street corners across California, his administration is turning its attention to adult students. 


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BEHIND THE MASKS: WHO ARE THE PEOPLE ROUNDING UP IMMIGRANTS IN CALIFORNIA?

By Michael Lozano, CalMatters

Photo:  a line of federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in the day. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

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

July 27, 2025 (Sacramento) - They appeared in plain clothes outside a San Diego hotel, wore camouflage as they raided a Los Angeles factory and arrived with military gear at a Ventura County farm.


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SUPERVISOR DESMOND RUNS FOR CONGRESS; MULTIPLE CANDIDATES TAKE AIM AT HIS SEAT

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  5th Supervisorial district candidates Kyle Krahel, John Franklin and Rebeca Jones.

July 27, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego’s 5th Supervisorial district will soon have a new representative.  Supervisor Jim Desmond, a conservative Republican, has announced plans to run for the 49th Congressional district . The 49th District, currently represented by Congressman Mike Levin, a Democrat, is a coastal enclave that includes Oceanside, Camp Pendleton and San Clemente.  


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CHIEF’S CORNER: HOT BLOODED?

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 25, 2025 (San Diego) -- Warm temperatures can have a surprisingly complex impact on your blood and cardiovascular system. Here's how your body responds when the heat rises. Heat does not literally “thicken” the blood, but dehydration from heat can make your blood more concentrated, which might feel similar in effect.


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SOMETHING WICKED – SPIRIT CLUB MYSTERIES BOOK ONE

Book by M. Lee Buompensiero

Reviewed by Pennell Paugh

July 25, 2025 (San Diego) -- San Diego author M. Lee Buompensiero has released her first novel in the Spirit Club Mystery series. Something Wicked features a reluctant heroine, Sophie Lawton, who not only sees and talks to ghosts, she also solves crimes with their help.


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TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S IMPACT ON CALIFORNIA’S ENVIRONMENT AND THE AGENCIES THAT WORK TO PROTECT IT

 

Federal budget cuts have closed an EPA office and pose significant threat to California’s clean air, water, and clean energy sources 

By G. A. McNeeley 

July 25, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- On Thursday, July 10, California’s top leaders in wildfire response, water resources, natural lands and clean energy assembled to discuss budget cuts, staff reductions and more significant changes brought forward by The Trump Administration that are posing a threat to California’s environment, the LA Times reports. 

California’s drive to run its electric grid entirely on wind, solar and other clean sources of energy got harder after President Donald Trump signed a sweeping new budget law. Changes in federal tax incentives could affect the feasibility of new solar and wind projects that California is counting on to provide more electricity for its citizens, according to CalMatters


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GUHSD BOARD ADOPTS RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW BROWN ACT AND BYLAW— PRESIDENT WOODS DENIES VIOLATIONS

By Alexander J. Schorr 

“We need public school leadership that we can trust.” —Madeline McCurry-Schmidt, a La Mesa parent and graduate of a GUHSD school

 

new promise to keep

 

July 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- All public boards in California are expected to follow the state’s open government laws. But explosive revelations based on public records published by the San Diego Union Tribunesuggested secret meetings and backroom deals involving several Grossmont Union High School district trustees. In response, on July 17, the GUHSD Governing Board took the unusual step of pushing a resolution to follow the Brown Act and district bylaws, which trustees approved unanimously.


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FBI AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS ARREST MEMBERS OF MEXICAN MAFIA PRISON GANG

East County News Service

July 25, 2025 (San Diego) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in San Diego and its law enforcement partners yesterday arrested five people believed to be associated with the Mexican Mafia prison gang, the latest in string of related arrests and indictments.

The latest five suspects have been indicted for allegedly running an illegal gambling establishment, money laundering, and importing methamphetamine.


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RAMONA COUNTRY FAIR BRINGS SUMMERTIME FUN AUG. 1-3

By Regina Elling

Carnival rides are a big part of the fun at Ramona Country Fair. Photo by Regina Elling

July 25, 2025 (Ramona) -- Visitors to the Ramona Country Fair, set for Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3, can expect to enjoy amusement rides, vendor booths, carnival food, a variety of musical acts, a car show, a dog demonstration, equestrian events, a corn hole tournament and lots of old-fashioned fun and entertainment. There is even expanded shade and cool zones to help beat the heat.

“The importance of the Fair is multi-faceted,” said Karen Domnitz, Ramona Chamber of Commerce vice president. “It’s for people to enjoy, it brings people to Ramona and is the largest event and fundraiser put on by our Chamber of Commerce.”

Presented by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, admission to the Fair is free. Single day parking passes are $20; unlimited, $25.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: HOT AUGUST NIGHTS BRING LATE SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

A collage of postersAI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

By Miriam Raftery

July 24, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Hot August nights and late summer days bring some of East County’s most iconic events. 

This month’s hot happenings include the Ramona Country Fair, San Diego Dark Sky Fest in Julian, A Gatsby-themed Mt. Helix Food and Wine Festival celebrating the Mt. Helix Park’s centennial, a country music pool party at Sycuan, Santee’s summer concerts,  La Mesa’s classic car show, Julian Mountain brew fest, Macy Gray in concert at the Magnolia, Grammy Award-winning Alabama Shakes at SDSU, Julian Mountain Brew Fest, open farm days at the Oaisis Camel Dairy,  and the new Jacumbia Fest brings Afro-Columbian vibes to Jacumba Hot Springs.

Scroll down for details on these events and more.


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JULIAN MOUNTAIN BREWFEST SET FOR AUG. 23

East County News Service

July 24, 2025 (Julian) – The Julian Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the Julian Mountain Brewfest at Nickel Beer Company at 1485 Hollow Glen Road from noon to 4 p.m.,  Saturday, Aug. 23.

A $25 ticket includes eight tastings, a commemorative cup and live music by the Sun Valley String Band.


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MT. HELIX PARK FOUNDATION FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL AUG. 16 FEATURES GATSBY THEME

 
By Karen Pearlman 
Miriam  Raftery also contributed to this report


Last year's Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival event was a 
hit. (Photo courtesy Mt. Helix Park Foundation)
 
July 24, 2025 (La Mesa) – A privately owned "public" park and nature preserve with an outdoor ampitheater toward the top, East County is fortunate Mount Helix Park is open 365 days a year and has no entrance fee. Thousands annually hike its trails, sit by the 35-foot stone cross at the  top and take in sweeping views across San Diego County. 
 
But keeping the six-acre park -- celebrating its 100th year in 2025 -- open for free comes at a cost for its operations and upkeep. 
 
With that in mind, the nonprofit Mt. Helix Foundation. which owns and maintains the park grounds, is hosting its annual fundraiser on Aug. 16. The foundation will transform the scenic hilltop of Mt. Helix into a vibrant celebration of culinary arts, fine beverages and community spirit for the 18th Annual Mt. Helix Food & Wine Festival,  In honor of the centennial, this year's celebration will feature a Great Gatsby theme reflecting the site's historical roots complete with a speakeasy, two live bands and dancing under the stars.
 
The event is recognized as one of East County’s premier gatherings, and serves as the  organization’s primary fundraiser to preserve and enhance the historic park, said Krista Powers, executive director of the Mt. Helix Park Foundation.
 
Powers said the Food & Wine Festival typically draws 700 people. The park's biggest yearly draw is Easter sunrise services, which attracts about 1,800 people to the top. Christmas activities bring close to 1,000 people to the site annually.

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION MEETING ON LONG-TERM GAS SYSTEM PLANNING

East County News Service

July 24, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The California Public Utilities Commission will hold a public forum August 7 on long-term gas system planning.

As California moves toward a shift away from fossil fuels, gas utilities including San Diego Gas & Electric were to submit maps of their gas distribution systems including foreseeable gas pipeline replacement projects and their recommended priority neighborhood decarbonization zones by July 21. 

Links to those maps will be posted by the CPUC here.


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CONGRESSWOMAN SARA JACOBS HOSTS TOWN HALL JULY 27 IN ESCONDIDO, SINCE ISSA WON’T HOLD LIVE SESSION WITH HIS CONSTITUENTS

Five candidates running against Rep. Issa are also expected to be there

East County News Service

July 23, 2025 (Escondido) – Since Republican Representative Darrell Issa has repeatedly refused to hold a townhall in his 49th Congressional district, Indivisible North County has organized “The Town Hall We Deserve” with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, a Democrat representing the 51st Congressional district, to speak with voters on critical issues facing our nation.

Five Democratic candidates running against Issa have also been invited to have tables at the event, according to organizers.

Registration is required and seating is limited.  Register here.  The event will take place July 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts,340 N. Escondido Blvd.in Escondido.

Have something to say? Submit your questions in advance for Rep. Jacobs. Submit your questions here.


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UPGRADES TO RAMONA AIR ATTACK BASE PLANNED FOR NEW CAL FIRE TANKER

By Paul Levikow

Creative Commons image of  C-130H air tanker

July 24, 2025 (Ramona) – Enhanced wildfire response capabilities are coming to Southern California, after CAL FIRE announced a significant construction project at the Ramona Air Attack Base that will prepare for a new tanker to be based there.

Construction is tentatively set to begin Aug. 1 and take 8-12 months to complete, according to a news release from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s San Diego Unit.

“The project is a crucial step in preparing the base to accommodate one of CAL FIRE’s new C-130H air tankers, dramatically enhancing the agency’s wildfire response capabilities in Southern California,” the news release said. The tanker will be added to CAL FIRE’s current resources of three aircraft, one air attack platform and two air tankers that are currently based in Ramona.


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PASSAGES: KEITH AND PRISCILLA WEBB, OWNERS OF JULIAN HARD CIDER

East County News Service

July 24, 2025 (Julian) – Keith and Priscilla Webb, best known locally as owners of Julian Hard Cider, the nation's first craft cider company in Julian, passed away two days apart earlier this month. They also owned Apple Lane Orchard, a popular wedding and vacation rental destination in the mountain community in San Diego's East County.

Both are remembered as generous community members who contributed to numerous local charities,  as well as being successful business owners. 


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SUPERVISORS TO WEIGH IN ON COTTONWOOD SAND MINE IN SEPTEMBER

 
By Karen Pearlman
 
July 23, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) -- The final public hearing on the fate of the Cottonwood Golf Course and whether it will be turned into a sand mine is going to be held later this summer.
 
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors will hear from residents as well as the developers about the proposal to grant the Cottonwood Golf Club a major use permit to operate an industrial open-pit sand mine for a minimum of 10 years.
 
The county's planning commission earlier this month denied the MUP, but the supervisors will be listening to testimony about it in September.

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PEDESTRIAN DEATH IN RAMONA

East County News Service

July 23, 2025 (Ramona) – A 40-year-old Ramona man is dead after being struck by a vehicle shortly before midnight on July 18.

The victim was standing in the roadway on northbound State Route 67 north of Archie Moore Road in Ramona, an area with low lighting, when a Dodge Challenger driven by an Irvine woman, 44, collided with the pedestrian, according to Officer Jasmine Lopez with the California Highway Patrol.


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THREE-VEHICLE CRASH ON DEHESA ROAD KILLS EL CAJON WOMAN

Update July 27, 2025:  The victim has been identified as Marie Anderson, 60, of El Cajon.

East County News Service

July 23, 2025 (San Diego) – An El Cajon woman, 60, is dead and three others injured as a result of a three-vehicle crash that occurred July 19 on Dehesa Road, east of Sloan Canyon Road in unincorporated El Cajon.  Her identity has not yet been released by the county medical examiner.

According to the California Highway Patrol, she was driving a 2018 Nissan Sentra westbound on Dehesa Rd. when for unknown reasons, her vehicle crossed over the center double-yellow lines and struck a 2007 Honda Pilot driven by a 77-year-old El Cajon woman.

The Nissan driver could not regain control and then crashed into a  2019 Ford F-150 driven by a 42-year-old El Cajon woman with a female passenger. The Ford overturned onto the roadway.


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FANITA RANCH CHALLENGED AGAIN IN NEW LAWSUIT

By Mike Allen

July 23, 2025 (Santee) -- As expected, a coalition of environmental groups including Preserve Wild Santee have filed a new legal challenge against Santee’s biggest residential project, Fanita Ranch, which the City Council most recently approved in June.

It was the third time in five years that the Santee City Council gave its approval to the controversial 3,000-house development that has a history dating back to the 1990s.

At every juncture, the environmental coalition which also include the Center for Biological Diversity, the Endangered Habitats League and the California Chaparral Institute, have opposed the project as dangerous due to building in a very high fire hazard severity zone but also non-complaint with existing state laws covering new construction.

Also, the latest suit states that the city is ignoring the passage of Measure N in November 2020, which required a public vote on any new development that increases density and would necessitate amending the city’s General Plan.


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SANTEE TAKES HIGH ROAD, APPROVES FOUR CANNABIS SHOPS

By Mike Allen

Image,left:  Rendering of Buzz's planned cannabis store interior

July 23, 2025 (Santee) -- Santee has concluded what Mayor John Minto called “an exhaustive process” to award four business permits for the sale of cannabis and related products to four groups, all of which have experience in retailing the highly regulated lines of liquor and gasoline.

The vote on the cannabis business licenses July 11 followed an extensive, four-phase vetting process that began in October culminating in three days of interviews with all 16 groups interviewed by the five-member council.

The stores will offer both medical and recreational cannabis (marijuana) products.


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