Lakeside Veterans Wall of Honor to recognize those who served in U.S. military
by Miriam Raftery | May 16, 2026 6:40 pm
By Miriam Raftery
May 16, 2026 (Lakeside) – As Memorial Day approaches, efforts are underway in Lakeside to create a wall of honor honoring Lakeside resident who have served in the United States military.
“ ur vision is to provide a dedicated space in the unincorporated community of Lakeside, Ca. to commemorate those who have made immense sacrifices in the service of our country,” states the website[1] launched by Lakeside Veterans Wall of Honor, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, which is seeking funds to fulfill its mission. (more…)[2]
Hundreds attend SDG&E virtual workshops on proposed 145-mile Golden Pacific Powerlink as state champions grid resiliency
by Karen Pearlman | May 16, 2026 6:19 pm
Preliminary graphic of a proposed map outlining planned Golden Pacific Powerlink
By Karen Pearlman
May 15, 2026 (San Diego County) — Four virtual open house meetings about the Golden Pacific Powerlink [1] provided hundreds of online attendees insight on the proposed grid that will bring a 500-kilovolt transmission line project of nearly 160 miles, spanning from outside of El Centro to San Onofre.
The new energy line has been in the plans for several years, with California energy leaders projecting a significant surge in electricity needs through 2045. The Powerlink is planned as a way to meet that demand for reliable electricity for homes, transportation, businesses and industry in the state.
The Powerlink is a massive 500 kV (carrying 500,000 volts) transmission project is intended to stabilize California’s aging and congested power grid, and part of the state’s vision since 2023 for strengthening the statewide grid.
(more…)[2]
Endnotes:
Golden Pacific Powerlink : https://goldenpacificpowerlink.com/
State launches new funding to help flood victims repair and rebuild homes
by Miriam Raftery | May 16, 2026 6:11 pm
By Miriam Raftery
May 16, 2026 (San Diego)—The California Dept. of Housing and Community Development has just launched new round of funding through the ReCoverCA program to help homeowners and landlords repair and rebuild single-family homes damaged by floods, as well as replace flooded mobile homes. The funds are available to eligible applicants who suffered damage in declared federal disasters including the January 2024 floods in San Diego County, as well as severe storm from February through July 2023.
Applications are now being accepted at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/funding/recoverca/eligibility[1]. Apply early, since funding is limited. (more…)[2]
El Cajon Church joining nationwide Memorial Day ‘Taps Across America’ tribunte
by Karen Pearlman | May 16, 2026 2:27 am
East County News Service
May 15, 2026 (El Cajon) — East County residents can unite with thousands of communities across the country this Memorial Day for a synchronized musical tribute honoring the United States’s fallen service members.
The First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon will host a live local observance as part of Taps Across America, a nationwide initiative that brings musicians and citizens together to mark the National Moment of Remembrance.
Guests should arrive early as the gathering will take place at 3 p.m. sharp, Monday, May 25 near the flagpole at the church at 500 Farragut Circle in El Cajon.
Ram Media Foundation acquires historic Borrego Sun, expanding local journalism and digital community media
by Miriam Raftery | May 16, 2026 12:34 am
Source: Ram Media Foundation
May 15, 2026 (Borrego Springs) — Ram Media Foundation, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on strengthening community through media, has acquired the historic Borrego Sun, reinforcing its commitment to local journalism, public media access, and community storytelling in Borrego Springs and surrounding desert communities. (more…)[1]
State Republican Party sends cease and desist letter to Carl DeMaio and Reform California over “unlawful and deceptive” voter guide mailers and website
by Miriam Raftery | May 15, 2026 11:47 pm
Letter alleges deceptive voter guides violate state and federal laws
By Miriam Raftery
May 15, 2026 (San Diego) – The California Republican Party has sent a cease and desist letter[1] and threat of litigation to San Diego Assembly member Carl DeMaio, principal officer of Reform California dated May 14.The letter accuses DeMaio of a “coordinated, brazen, and unlawful campaign to deceive California voters into believing your privately controlled slate mailer is an official publication of the Republican Party.” The letter also accuses DeMaio of fundraising under false pretenses and claims the actions violate state and federal laws. (more…)[2]
Endnotes:
cease and desist letter: https://sdrepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/260514-DeMaio-Cease-and-Desist-Letter-1.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawR0eKNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFHcUtvb1BVRVl2NTRSRGRnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm47ZXKWET1K02RnszaaFEYd5Sunqiuo2pOhNhaMiV2I9EbPC3gV81_qGJyR_aem_YWdncwCQXiuYD9u9Id2JhvgRWuYt&brid=YWdncwEF9ELHJHaaSrFphm-sm7-S
San Diego Trolley ready for influx of Padres fans next week with Dodgers coming to town
by Karen Pearlman | May 15, 2026 9:11 pm
East County News Service
May 15, 2026 (San Diego County) — The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is ramping up its San Diego Trolley service to accommodate sold-out crowds next week at Petco Park when the San Diego Padres prepare to host their rival Los Angeles Dodgers, in their first high-stakes matchup of the 2026 season.
The three-game series, running from May 18 to May 20, historically draws massive crowds and heavy downtown traffic. To help baseball fans avoid congestion, steep parking fees and high fuel costs, transit officials are strongly encouraging attendees to use public transportation.
Reader’s Editorial: Protecting East County from Wildfires: A Real Plan for Congress
by Karen Pearlman | May 15, 2026 6:52 pm
By Stan Caplan
Photo: 2007 Harris Fire
During my recent interview with Miriam Raftery of East County Magazine, I was asked about my plan to address the ongoing wildfire crisis that has devastated so many families in our region. I realized I was too brief in my answer. East County deserves a full, detailed commitment — so here it is. (more…)[1]
Dodgers up in the National League West by 1 game after Padres drop series finale in Milwaukee
by Karen Pearlman | May 15, 2026 5:41 am
Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller has been stellar as the closer for the team this season. Photo courtesy San Diego Padres Facebook page
East County News Service
May 14, 2026 (San Diego) — The San Diego Padres closed out a rocky three-game road trip in Milwaukee on a rough note Thursday, falling 7-1 to the Brewers in the series finale at American Family Field.
Despite a 1-2 record on the trip, the Padres remain in a tight battle for the National League West, trailing the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers by just one game entering what could be the most consequential stretch of their 2026 season.
Hear our interview with Stan Caplan, candidate for 51st Congressional district
by Miriam Raftery | May 14, 2026 10:00 pm
East County News Service
May 14, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Stan Caplan is a former Republican running as a Democrat against incumbent Democrat Sara Jacobs and several lesser known candidates in the 48th Congressional district. ECM recently interviewed Caplan for our radio show on KNSJ. Click the audio link to hear our full interview, or scroll down for highlights.
Born in Alabama, he has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and has a business background. He previously ran for Congress in the 51st district as a Republican, winning 38% of the vote. He’s now running as a Democrat, calling himself the “Trojan Horse” candidate seeking to win conservative and moderate votes in a district that has an 18% Democratic registration advantage. (more…)[2]
East County News Service
Source: Ram Media Foundation
East County News Service
Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller has been stellar as the closer for the team this season. Photo courtesy San Diego Padres Facebook page