Politics and local government

Supporters flee Swalwell’s governor campaign amid allegations of sexual assault

By Jeanne Kuang and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters

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

Photo:  U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell speaks to a crowd during a town hall he hosted at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center in downtown Fresno on Dec. 15, 2025. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

April 10, 2026 (Fresno) - Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, one of the leading candidates for California governor, came under increasing pressure Friday to drop out of the race following a report by the San Francisco Chronicle that he sexually assaulted a former female staffer. Swalwell denied the allegations.


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Rally against city of San Diego Measure A on April 1

East County News Service
 
March 31, 2026 (San Diego) -- Leaders from across San Diego County will gather at San Diego City Hall tomorrow (April 1) with a serious message: “Don’t Be Fooled,” with a press conference and rally to mark the official launch of the "No on Measure A" campaign.
 
Measure A or the "No-Primary Homes Tax" is on the June 2 ballot and asks voters to weigh in on taxing owners of properties in the city that sit empty for more than half a year.
 
If passed, Measure A would impose an $8,000 annual tax on more than 5,000 residences deemed "non-primary," and would increase to $10,000 in 2028. Corporate owners would face a $4,000 surcharge on top of the base tax.

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Latest No Kings rallies draw 70,000 in San Diego County, 8 million nationwide

70,000 San Diego County residents join 8 million nationwide in No Kings demonstrations, the largest ever U.S. protest

By Miriam Raftery

March 31, 2026 (San Diego) -- No Kings rallies nationwide on Saturday, March 26 drew more than 8 million people, including over 70,000 across San Diego County. Organizers say this was the largest protest in United States history.

The protestors voiced opposition to antidemocratic actions by the Trump administration. Many also voiced concerns over an escalating war in Iran and other military conflicts, as well as other issues including aggressive actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement against immigrants protestors and bystanders, including two U.S. citizens killed in Minnesota.


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El Cajon City Council denies Afghan Center’s appeal for prayer tent extension

East County News Service

March 30, 2026 (El Cajon ) -- The El Cajon City Council last week unanimously upheld a decision by the city's Planning Commission to deny the Afghan Community Culture Center a permit extension for its temporary prayer tent on East Main Street between Walter Way and East Madison Avenue.

The ruling ended an ongoing dispute between the city’s safety regulations and the center, which provides services to a community of more than 3,000 people who look to the ACCC as a spiritual, educational and social home, according to ACCC Board President Bakhtar Aminzay. 

"We have to follow the state law, which has to do with public safety issues," said El Cajon City Councilmember Gary Kendrick.

The ACCC since last November has owned a building at 1342 E. Main St., but structural damage on the inside by previous tenants have made the building uninhabitable as well as not being up to code, Kendrick said.


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Meet candidates in Lakeside on April 22

East County News Service

March 27, 2026 (Lakeside) – Voters are invited to the “Candidates to Constituents Town Hall” series. The series is hosted by Alpine resident Anne Tillmond and features local, county & state candidates that voters can connect with over three town halls. The first C2C town hall is on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 in Lakeside from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided. Contact candidatestoconstituents@gmail.com for more information or to RSVP - Seating is limited.


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League of Women Voters of San Diego continues nonpartisan candidate forums ahead of June primary

YouTube video screenshot of League of Women Voters' District 2 candidate forum on March 5

East County News Service

March 25, 2026 (San Diego) -- As the June 2 Primary approaches, the League of Women Voters of San Diego has ramped up its efforts to educate local residents on candidates and issues when they head to the ballot box.

The League of Women Voters of San Diego scheduled five candidate forums designed to provide voters with direct access to the individuals seeking to represent them in City Hall.

For information on the candidates, Measure A (Empty Homes Tax) and the election itself, visit the city's official 2026 election website here.


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Expungement program with the county shared by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe

East County News Service

March 24, 2026 (San Diego County) -- Working to dismantle barriers to employment and housing for formerly incarcerated residents, San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe of District 4 has announced a new initiative offering a "fresh start" through a mobile expungement service.
 
Montgomery Steppe said she wants to help individuals navigate the complex process of cleaning up adult criminal records.
 
For many, a past conviction remains a permanent roadblock to stability, even years after completing their sentences.

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The No Kings march on March 28 aims to be biggest yet, protesting authoritarianism across U.S.

By Alexander J. Schorr

March 24, 2026— On Saturday, March 28, 2026, a massive nationwide mobilization called “No Kings 3” is scheduled across the United States. It is organized by the NO Kings Coalition, which includes groups like Indivisible, the ACLU, and the AFL-CIO. This event is expected to be one of the largest protests in American history.

The protest primarily aims to oppose what organizers describe as authoritarian actions and “regime brutality” by the second Trump administration. This specific date of protests was also chosen following the murders of residents like Alex Pretti, Renée Good, and Keith Porter during federal immigration (ICE) operations.

As of March 2026, the public views Trump’s second term as generally negative and deeply polarized. The nation is struggling under rising costs for living and affordability, disdain over the recent Iran War started by President Trump, as well as a general dissatisfaction of life in the United States,


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El Cajon pushing for state to look deeper at SB 54

By Karen Pearlman

March 19, 2026 (El Cajon) — A deepening rift between local autonomy and state mandate is in the spotlight in El Cajon after Mayor Bill Wells sent a letter to the attorney general earlier this week.
 
The El Cajon City Council, already divided since a 2025 resolution giving support to cooperating with federal immigration authorities to remove undocumented immigrants convicted of major crimes, continues to stay fractured.
 
A letter dated March 17, 2026 from Wells to California Attorney General Rob Bonta marks the city’s latest challenge to Senate Bill 54 from 2017, the California Values Act, which the Mayor alleges has created a legal "Catch-22" that endangers vulnerable children.
 
The letter said that the city is "concerned that California's suite of sanctuary policies represent an intentional effort by California to encourage illegal aliens to reside in the state (unlawfully)."
 
The letter said that California laws "provide economic incentives for illegal aliens to reside in California without fear of deportation. It is in this regard that these policies run afoul of federal criminal law."

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A Look into Hell: What allegations and censorship in Epstein files reveal about President Trump and the justice system

By Alex J. Schorr
 
March 17, 2026 — Americans widely disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the Epstein files, with  a majority believing that Trump was involved with or committed crimes alongside the dead sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein. Nearly three quarters say that the government is covering up additional information connected to Epstein, alleging deeply systemic corruption within the federal government, and a similar number want more prosecutions.
 
President Donald Trump is mentioned 38,000 times in the Epstein files, including multiple graphic allegations of rape and sexual abuse involving underage girls. The Justice Department has drawn criticism for selective redactions and omissions in the Epstein files released to date.
 
Now, new evidence suggests a possible cover-up involving the death of convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein in prison, following revelations that a prison guard deposited thousands of dollars  into his bank account shortly before Epstein was found hanged in his cell.

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Supervisor Joel Anderson runs for Treasurer-Tax Collector

By Miriam Raftery

March 15, 2026 (San Diego) – East County Supervisor Joel Anderson is running for county Treasurer-Tax Collector. Anderson, who holds a degree in finance from Cal Poly Pomona, has extensive governing experience, having previously served in the California Senate and Assembly and on the Padre Dam Municipal Water District Board.


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Poll workers needed for June 2 gubernatorial primary election

By Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office

March 12, 2026 (San Diego) -- The Registrar of Voters is now hiring poll workers for the June 2 Gubernatorial Primary Election. Poll workers play an essential role in elections and can receive a daily stipend while serving their community.


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Two Lemon Grove City Councilmembers leave meeting in protest

The Lemon Grove City Council on March 3, following the exit of Councilmembers Seth Smith and Yadira Altamirano
 
Story and photos By Armando Rasing II 
 
March 11, 2026 (Lemon Grove) - Councilmembers Seth Smith and Yadira Altamirano exited the latest Lemon Grove City Council meeting early on Tuesday, March 3, in protest over conflicting views on a tenant protection ordinance enacted in February. 
 
Both council members left during a discussion on the selection of members for a potential stakeholder group for the new emergency ordinance. The council was also given the option to choose between a stakeholder committee or an ad hoc committee for public outreach.
 

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California Voter ID Initiative expected to qualify for November ballot

Battle lines already being drawn for what is expected to be a heated campaign
 
By Paul Levikow
 
March 10, 2026 (San Diego) --  The formal validation process is under way in the state’s 58 counties to determine if the California Voter ID Initiative will qualify for the November 2026 ballot, after supporters submitted more than 1.3 million signatures to election officials earlier this month in support of the measure. The secretary of state has until May 6 to determine if the required minimum 874,641 valid signatures has been met.
 
Reform California, an organization led by Assemblyman Carl Demaio (R-San Diego), is behind the effort. If passed by voters in November, it would amend the state constitution to require voter ID when casting a ballot, require election officials to verify the citizenship of registered voters, and maintain accurate voter rolls.

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Issa retires, shaking up political map while endorsing Desmond in his shift to 48th District

By Jennifer Vigil, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

March 7, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) - County Supervisor Jim Desmond entered the race for the 48th Congressional District Friday, while Rep. Darrell Issa announced his retirement, exiting one of the country’s most-watched races.\
 
Speculation swirled Friday over Issa’s status – in or out – as the incumbent in the race for the seat, which was redrawn due to Proposition 50. Then Issa, a long-time congressman, endorsed Desmond Friday evening in a statement issued by the supervisor’s campaign.

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Democrat Frances Motiwalla to Challenge Rep. Juan Vargas in CA-52 primary

By Paul Levikow 

March 7, 2026 (San Diego) – Saying “we have to win or we will die trying,” Democratic community organizer Frances Yasmeen Motiwalla yesterday announced her candidacy for Congress in California District 52, challenging incumbent Rep. Juan Vargas. Under Prop 50 redistrict, the new district spans the entire southern portion of San Diego County, from Chula Vista east to Jacumba.


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The true State of the Union

By Alexander J. Schorr

Screenshot: President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol during his State of the Union Speech

“It is indeed a turnround for the ages,” President Donald Trump, 2026

February 27, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — President Donald Trump gave his 2026 State of the Union address on Wednesday, touting the first year of his second term as “a turnaround for the ages.” However, his nearly two-hour speech contained many false and exaggerated depictions, including misleading claims of an economy that has many Americans struggling amid an affordability crisis, a soaring deficit, and tariffs that have sent costs of many goods skyrocketing. The speech also omitted mention of many key issues and glossed over a dubious record on some others.


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City of San Diego leaders moving toward safety overhaul on Jackson Drive, other streets

A memorial of bouquets of flowers, stuffed animals, notes and religious candles for the children who were hit by a car, with one killed, at the site of an October accident on Jackson Drive. The city of San Diego continues to make changes for safety. Photo by Karen Pearlman

By Karen Pearlman

Feb. 27, 2026 (San Carlos) -- The San Diego City Council is paving the way for safer streets in the city, including along heavily traveled Jackson Drive in San Carlos, where speeding vehicles, line of sight issues and pedestrian safety have been a growing concern.

The City Council in mid-March will consider passing a plan that will reduce vehicle traffic speeds along Jackson and in other high-priority areas where safety concerns are the most pressing.


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Postcards sent to registered voters for June gubernatorial primary

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office

February 26, 2026 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Registrar of Voters office has mailed more than two million postcards to the County’s registered voters, outlining voting options for the June 2 Gubernatorial Primary Election.


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Padilla secures over $32 million for seven projects across San Diego County

Padilla and Schiff secure $26 million in federal funding for San Luis Rey Flood Control Project to support Oceanside’s flood mitigation efforts and to protect residents, businesses, and infrastructure

East County News Service

February 26, 2026 (San Diego) -- U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that he secured over $32 million in federal funding for seven projects across San Diego through Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills, including the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College district in East County.


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After Supreme Court overturns some of Trump’s tariffs, Democrats push for refunds to U.S. businesses

By G. A. McNeeley 

Image created with ChatGPT

February 24, 2026 (Washington D.C.) -- Three Senate Democrats released legislation on Monday, February 23 that would mandate refunds of tariffs paid under President Donald Trump's higher duties that The Supreme Court struck down on Friday, February 20, according to CNBC. 

The legislation, led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), and Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) follows the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision that ruled against a majority of Trump's tariffs. 

"Trump's illegal tax scheme has already done lasting damage to American families, small businesses and manufacturers who have been hammered by wave after wave of new Trump tariffs," Wyden said in a statement, according to CNBC. 


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Escondido City Council looking at showdown over ICE training contract

Scrrenshot, left, of Escondido City Council meeting from Feb. 18 courtesy city of Escondido website video
 
By Karen Pearlman
 
Feb. 24, 2026 (Escondido) -- The city of Escondido is bracing for a charged City Council meeting tomorrow (Feb. 25), as elected officials prepare to publicly look at a quietly renewed agreement allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to train at a city-owned firing range — a contract some say they never knew existed.
 
The open session part of the meeting starts at 5 p.m. at  first item on the City Council agenda is a presentation by Escondido Chief of Police Ken Plunkett, which will center around the Escondido Police Department firing range and corresponding contracts.
 
Before the City Council meeting at Escondido City Council Chambers, 201 North Broadway in Escondido, a rally and press conference led by Escondido Indivisible is scheduled for outside City Hall asking the city to cancel the contract with ICE.

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Lemon Grove City Council appoints two new Planning Commission members

“I love Lemon Grove, and I always like to think the glass is half full, not half empty.” - David Eckler, newly appointed Lemon Grove planning commissioner.

Photo by Armando Rasing II:  The Lemon Grove City Council introducing the new planning commission candidates one-by-one on Tuesday night

By Armando Rasing II

February 23, 2026 (Lemon Grove) - David Eckler and Jennifer Morrisey were chosen by the Lemon Grove City Council on Tuesday to fill the two vacancies in the city’s Planning Commission. 

Eckler and Morrisey were unanimously both voted into the commission. Eckler was voted into the longer first term role, with his term beginning on Tuesday and ending June 30, 2027. Morrisey was voted into the shorter first term role, with her term also beginning on Tuesday and ending on June 30, 2026. 


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El Cajon Mayor Wells and city leaders outline achievements and goals during State of City address

By Kevin A. Green 

Miriam Raftery contributed to this report

Photos via elcajon.gov 

The mayor and city officials outline planned actions to benefit the community

February 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells addressed public safety, homelessness, the economy and more during his State of the City address February 3 at the Ronald Reagan Community Center.  The mayor recapped progress made in 2025, addressed challenges and outlined goals for 2026.


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U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariffs. Here’s how they’ve affected California

By Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters

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

Photo:  The cellar room of Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles on July 30, 2025. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

February 20, 2026 (Sacramento) - In a major blow against President Donald Trump, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that he does not have the authority to impose the wide-ranging tariffs that have caused economic uncertainty in the state, nation and beyond. 


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And the survey says... County Supervisors looking for input

East County News Service
 
Feb. 20, 2026 (San Diego County) — There's one week left to tell San Diego County officials what you want to see, including ways they can better pull back the proverbial curtain on local government.
 
With a comprehensive survey launched earlier this year, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors -- Paloma Aguirre (District 1), Joel Anderson (D2), Terra Lawson-Remer (D3), Monica Montgomery Steppe (D4) and Jim Desmond (D5) -- are looking at a public outreach initiative aimed at reimagining how the public interacts with the group tasked with governing the county's $8 billion-plus budget.
 
The survey can be accessed here, with a Feb. 27 deadline for input.

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Is a mileage tax coming to California? Stay tuned

By Paul Levikow 

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

 

February 13, 2026 (Sacramento) – A tax aimed at charging motorists per miles driven may be coming to California. Or not. The State Assembly last month voted to approve a bill and send it to the State Senate that calls for the continuation of a study on the feasibility of a so-called mileage tax that could charge drivers anywhere from 6 to 9 cents per mile.


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Supervisors OK updating ordinance for amplified music at boutique wineries

Grapes at Sierra Roble Winery in Warner Springs
 
Photo and story by Karen Pearlman
 
Feb. 11, 2026 (San Diego County) — The silence will at last be broken at some of East County’s smallest vineyards.
 
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday voted unanimously to amend the County Zoning Ordinance, allowing amplified live music at boutique wineries.
 
The decision marks a major shift for the region’s roughly 100 small-scale operations, which have been restricted from using speakers or mechanical music since the "by-right" winery tier was created in 2010.

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Long-time El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick denounces Republican Party, switches affiliation to Democrat

By Paul Levikow

View video of Gary Kendrick's announcement.

February 9, 2026 (El Cajon) – El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick, a life-long Republican, announced Monday that he is switching his party affiliation and joining the Democratic Party. Kendrick made the declaration at a news conference in front of El Cajon City Hall surrounded by supporters and Democratic Party officials.

He cited the city’s resolution passed last year announcing El Cajon’s intent to have local police officers collaborate with federal immigration officials in violation of state law as one of the reasons he made the switch.

“As the longest-serving Republican in municipal office in San Diego County, I cannot ignore the Republican Party’s betrayal of our immigrant community, nor its disastrous impacts on the people of El Cajon,” Kendrick said. “Forcing our police to break the law sends the wrong message to El Cajon residents and erodes the public’s trust in our law enforcement officers.  Victims and witnesses in our most vulnerable communities are scared to talk to the police, because they might have a friend or a relative with undocumented status—or they worry they’ll be targeted because of the way they look.”


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Lemon Grove City Council approves emergency ordinance to assist evicted tenants

“Every day we sit on our hands and pretend like there’s nothing we can do, is one day that one more person joins our homeless population.” -Mayor Alysson Snow
 
By Armando Rasing II
 
Photo by Armando Rasing II: The Lemon Grove City Council listening to a local resident during public comment on Tuesday night
 
February 9, 2026 (Lemon Grove) - The Lemon Grove City Council voted 4-1 last Tuesday to approve an emergency ordinance to help assist no-fault evicted tenants.
 
Tenants that were given no-fault eviction notices will be given 120 days to move out regardless of income, provided relocation assistance in the amount of one month of actual rent at fair market value, and if the tenant is over the age of 60, disabled or low-income - they will receive two months of fair market value rent for relocation assistance. 

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