By Miriam Raftery

October 2, 2024 (Spring Valley) – Audience members offered up in-depth questions for candidates in the 79^th Assembly District forum moderated by the League of Women Voters Monday night at the New Seasons Church in Spring Valley.

Educator LaShea Sharp-Collins,PhD and La Mesa Councilmember Colin Parent, both Democrats, agreed on some issues, such as protecting reproductive choice, but diverged on others, such as criminal justice reforms. Each touted their expertise in certain areas (Sharp-Collins on educations and equity issues, Parent on housing and transportation), their experiences preparing them for higher office, and their priorities if elected.

East  County News Service



September 23, 2024 (Spring Valley, CA) – Ther Spring Valley Community Alliance (SVCA) and New Seasons Church are sponsoring a forum for candidates running in November for the 79th State Assembly District. The forum will take place on Monday, September 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the New Seasons Church,2300 Brancroft Drive in Spring Valley.

Both candidates, LaShae Sharp-Collins, PhD, and Colin Parent have confirmed their attendance.  Sharp-Collins is the County Office of Education’s community engagement specialist and an adjunct professor at San Diego State University. Parent is a La Mesa City Councilman, attorney, and general counsel for the nonprofit Circulate San Diego.

They will give opening statements and take questions from the audience. Take this opportunity to hear the candidates and learn where they stand on issues important to you.

The forum will be moderated by the League of Women Voters of San Diego and conducted according to their guidelines.

East County News Service

September 24, 2024 (Lemon Grove) -- Every  Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thrive Lemon Grove brings the market to you! A Mobile Farmer’s Market is held at Treganza Park(3200 Main St., Lemon Grove).  Connect with your neighbors, shop for fresh, local produce, and grab a delicious dinner. It’s the perfect way to support local farmers and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere. Don’t miss this great opportunity to enjoy fresh food and good company.

East County News Service

September 30, 2024 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Jacumba Art gallery at 44608 Old Highway 80 in Jacumba  Hot Springs, will host an exhibit of new paintings by talented local artist Linda Churchill. You’re invited to view this special exhibit on Friday, October 18 at 3 p.m.

Churchill, owner of Muralizing, specializes in landscapes and has 35 years experience creating large-scale murals,in addition to paintings.

The artist suffered a devastating loss last year, when a fire destroyed her art studio and home, as ECM reported.

Visit Jacumba Art on Facebook for more on the new art gallery.

East County News Service

September 1, 2024 (El Cajon) -The German American Societies of San Diego invites you to  two full weekends of authentic German celebrations with Oktoberfest in El Cajon. The festivities will be held at 1017 S Mollison in El Cajon the last weekend in September and again the first weekend in October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Enjoy German food such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, potato salad, salted pretzels, and a variety of European pastries. Let a great selection of German beers and liquors – or water, soft drinks and coffee – quench your thirst while you enjoy traditional folk dancing, choir recitals, drama routines, stein-holding competitions, and interactive musical entertainment. Games, contests and prizes, a Kid Zone and a variety of shopping booths line the patio “tent” for additional all-ages fun. Enjoy the Opening Day Parade with Club VIPs and dignitaries, the Tapping of the Keg, and the Crowning of our 2024 Oktoberfest Königin (Queen) on Friday, Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m..

East County News Service

September 23, 2024 (Poway) -- Poway OnStage invites you to Eternamente: Dia de los Muertos Spectacular  on October 6 at 2:00 p.m. This celebration of life features lively music, dance, beautiful costumes, and a virtual altar to pay tribute to the departed. There will also be a meet and greet with the cast after the show in the lobby of the Poway Center for Performing Arts.

By Miriam Raftery

September 20, 2024 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police are seeking tips to identify the killer of a homeless woman, 52, last night. Officers responded to a 9-1-1 call at 10:33 p.m. reporting an  unconscious woman with a serious head injury inside a solo encampment in the 8000 block of High Street in La Mesa. 

“Responding officers found the female and sought to render first aid, but unfortunately the victim was deceased,” says Sergeant Jose Gaytan.  A white male adult with a beard was seen leaving the area a few hours prior to the initial call and is a person of interest, but there is no further description.

“Initial information gathered by investigators revealed the victim, a 62-year-old white female known to be homeless in the La Mesa area, was inside her encampment when the attack occurred. Evidence at the scene indicates that the attack likely occurred within hours of the victim being discovered," Sgt. Gaytan says.

East County News Service

September 8 ,2024 (La Mesa)-- From Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 6, the quaint streets of La Mesa Village will transform into the largest German celebration in San Diego. This free event takes place Friday, October 4, 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, October 6, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

This beloved Bavarian-style  festival has become an annual pilgrimage for thousands, drawing revelers for three days of vibrant live music, authentic German cuisine, and a plethora of German and Craft beers. This year, La Mesa Oktoberfest is set to exceed all expectations, capturing the spirit of Munich with unmatched enthusiasm and charm. From the traditional Bavarian decor and lively music to the delicious food and drinks, attendees can expect an unparalleled experience that honors the festival's rich heritage.

By Jonathan Goetz

Photo, California's 75th Assembly District (AD-75) courtesy: NBC San Diego.

September 19, 2024 (Lakeside) -- County Republican Party Chairman Corey Gustafson comes out swinging against former San Diego Councilman Carl Demaio in a letter leaked over the weekend in Times of San Diego. The GOP Chair rallies Republican Central Committee Members to support Lakeside Union School District Board Trustee Andrew Hayes in California's 75th Assembly District (AD-75), in the General election featuring two Republican candidates in what has become known as "California's jungle primary system."

The GOP Chair's letter broke over the weekend from Ken Stone, who summarizes in Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association, the latest of many DeMaio controversies.  Stone writes that "perennial candidate Carl DeMaio is being accused of attempted bribery, bullying, threats and lies as his Reform California group endorses 'rogue' Republicans amid his own race for Assembly."

East County News Service

September 16, 2024 (La Mesa) – Many restaurants have set up outdoor dining sites since the pandemic. While some cities, such as San Diego, have since imposed barriers to outdoor dining that forced many to shut down, La Mesa aims to streamline the process for new outdoor dining sites to open, while retaining clear paths of travel to businesses. 

On Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., the city will host an outreach session on outdoor dining at the La  Mesa Community Center in the Arbor Room, 4975  Memorial Drive, La Mesa.

“We want to hear from you!” A flyer states.  Objectives of the update are:

East County News Service

September 13, 2024 (Ramona) –Yesterday morning before 9 a.m., the Ramona Sheriff's Substation was notified by Olive Pierce Middle School about a threat of a possible school shooting. After an investigation, authorities have concluded the threat was unfounded.

Deputies arrived at the school within minutes. For the safety of students and staff, school administrators made the decision to place the school on a limited lockdown while deputies investigated the incident.    

After a thorough search of the entire campus, deputies did not find anything suspicious at Olive Pierce Middle School. No one was hurt.

Out of an abundance of caution, deputies also conducted security sweeps at Ramona High School and Ramona Community Montessori School and provided extra patrols at all three campuses until the end of the school day.

East County News Service

September 12, 2024 (El Cajon) – The 12^th annual Chaldean-American Festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 14 from 3-10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 15 from 3 to 9 p.m.  Celebrating the rich culture of the 50,000 Chaldeans who call San Diego County home, the festival includes authentic food, live music, carnival rides, a petting zoo, raffle, vendors and more.

This year’s festival will be held at Hillsdale Middle School, 1301 Brabham St. in El Cajon.