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]

Endnotes:
  1. (more…): https://eastcountymagazine.org/ram-media-foundation-acquires-historic-borrego-sun-expanding-local-journalism-and-digital-community-media/#more-124700

Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/ram-media-foundation-acquires-historic-borrego-sun-expanding-local-journalism-and-digital-community-media/


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:
  1. 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
  2. (more…): https://eastcountymagazine.org/state-republican-party-sends-cease-and-desist-letter-to-carl-demaio-and-reform-california-over-unlawful-and-deceptive-voter-guide-mailers-and-website/#more-124696

Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/state-republican-party-sends-cease-and-desist-letter-to-carl-demaio-and-reform-california-over-unlawful-and-deceptive-voter-guide-mailers-and-website/


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.

(more…)[1]

Endnotes:
  1. (more…): https://eastcountymagazine.org/san-diego-trolley-ready-for-influx-of-padres-fans-next-week-with-dodgers-coming-to-town/#more-124692

Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/san-diego-trolley-ready-for-influx-of-padres-fans-next-week-with-dodgers-coming-to-town/


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.

(more…)[1]

Endnotes:
  1. (more…): https://eastcountymagazine.org/dodgers-up-in-the-national-league-west-by-1-game-after-padres-drop-series-finale-in-milwaukee/#more-124681

Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/dodgers-up-in-the-national-league-west-by-1-game-after-padres-drop-series-finale-in-milwaukee/


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]

Endnotes:
  1. https://eastcountymagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Newsmaker-StanCaplain48CDcandidate.mp3: https://eastcountymagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Newsmaker-StanCaplain48CDcandidate.mp3
  2. (more…): https://eastcountymagazine.org/hear-our-interview-with-stan-caplan-candidate-for-51st-congressional-district/#more-124673

Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/hear-our-interview-with-stan-caplan-candidate-for-51st-congressional-district/


Senate adopts Padilla amendment to resolution prohibiting senators from betting on prediction markets

by Miriam Raftery | May 14, 2026 9:30 pm

 

East County News Service

May 14, 2026 (Washington D.C.) – “Politicians betting on their own races, massive wagers placed moments before the President announced of a ceasefire in Iran, and suspected insider trading before the capture of Nicolás Maduro – these are just a few examples of the blatant, brazen corruption that we’ve seen playing out on prediction markets,” says Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). (more…)[1]

Endnotes:
  1. (more…): https://eastcountymagazine.org/senate-adopts-padilla-amendment-to-resolution-prohibiting-senators-from-betting-on-prediction-markets/#more-124670

Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/senate-adopts-padilla-amendment-to-resolution-prohibiting-senators-from-betting-on-prediction-markets/


Pedestrian, 80, fatally struck by vehicle outside of La Mesa Costco

by Miriam Raftery | May 14, 2026 12:51 am

 

East County News Service

May 13, 2026 (La Mesa) – An 80-year-old woman walking in the driveway at Costco in La Mesa was struck by a vehicle pulling out of the driveway this morning shortly after noon. She later died of her injuries. (more…)[1]

Endnotes:
  1. (more…): https://eastcountymagazine.org/pedestrian-80-fatally-struck-by-vehicle-outside-of-la-mesa-costco/#more-124667

Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/pedestrian-80-fatally-struck-by-vehicle-outside-of-la-mesa-costco/


CalFresh Awareness Month takes on greater meaning with county outreach

by Karen Pearlman | May 13, 2026 10:12 pm

East County News Service

May 13, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County officials are using CalFresh Awareness Month this month to launch an expansive outreach campaign to connect residents with food resources and streamline the application process for those who face food insecurity.

CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, currently serves more than 373,000 San Diegans. The program provides monthly supplemental benefits that help low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food and stretch their monthly household budgets.

“Every household deserves access to healthy food,” said Alberto Banuelos, Ph.D., interim director of County self-sufficiency services. “CalFresh Awareness Month is about connecting residents with resources that help them meet daily needs and make a real difference.”

(more…)[1]

Endnotes:
  1. (more…): https://eastcountymagazine.org/calfresh-awareness-month-takes-on-greater-meaning-with-county-outreach/#more-124663

Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/calfresh-awareness-month-takes-on-greater-meaning-with-county-outreach/


CA-48 Congressional Race is One of California’s Most Competitive Battlegrounds

by Miriam Raftery | May 13, 2026 9:55 pm

 

By Paul Levikow

Photos via campaigns, left to right: Marni Von Wilpert, Ammar Campa-Najjar, and Jim Desmond

May 13, 2026 (East County) — The race for California’s newly redrawn 48th Congressional District has become one of the most closely watched House contests in the nation, with Democrats hoping to capitalize on newly favorable district boundaries while Republicans rally behind San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond.  (more…)[1]

Endnotes:
  1. (more…): https://eastcountymagazine.org/ca-48-congressional-race-is-one-of-californias-most-competitive-battlegrounds/#more-124659

Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/ca-48-congressional-race-is-one-of-californias-most-competitive-battlegrounds/


Man jailed after violent April assault in La Mesa

by Karen Pearlman | May 13, 2026 9:54 pm

East County News Service

May 13, 2026 (La Mesa) — A 22-year-old San Diego man is behind bars facing an attempted homicide charge following his arrest early Thursday morning in connection with a violent assault in La Mesa last month.

Alexsis Moreno-Magana was taken into custody at about 1:32 a.m. near the intersection of Kettner Boulevard and Broadway by the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego.

The arrest was the result of a joint effort between the San Diego Police Department and San Diego Metropolitan Transit System officers, who located Moreno-Magana a week after the initial attack.

(more…)[1]

Endnotes:
  1. (more…): https://eastcountymagazine.org/man-jailed-after-violent-april-assault-in-la-mesa/#more-124658

Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/man-jailed-after-violent-april-assault-in-la-mesa/