News

Harmony Grove Village South development approved by Board of Supervisors

By Paul Levikow

October 2, 2025 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Wednesday unanimously approved a housing development in the North County community of Harmony Grove, despite objections by several residents who expressed concerns about the lack of a second evacuation route during wildfires.  


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Trump threatens to fire workers amid shutdown; Newsom says shutdown has halted critical wildfire programs in peak fire season

Healthcare premiums will double for millions of Americans if Republicans don’t renew subsidies

By Alexander J. Schorr

Photo: Cedar Fire in October, 2003 burned over 276,000 acres, destroyed 2,232 homes and killed 15 people.  October is peak wildfire season in our region, yet the shutdown threatens wildfire preparedness and disaster relief.

Wednesday October 1, 2025— The US federal government has shut down after Republican and Democratic lawmakers failed to resolve a budget stand-still. The political impasse is expected to put 40% of the federal workforce— about 750,000 people— on unpaid leave. Please follow live updates as to the status of the governmental closure at this time.

President Donald Trump has threatened to fire federal workers amid the latest government shutdown after a failure to resolve and pass short-term funding bills. Despite holding a Republican Majority throughout the branches of government, Trump blasted Democrats, saying that “We can do things during a shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them and irreversible.” He went on to say that would entail “cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like.

There is no requirement to fire any federal workers due the shutdown, NPR reports. The last time the government shut down, during Trump’s first term as president, workers were temporarily furloughed.


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Why has the federal government been shut down and what is affected?

 


Democrats take stand to protect healthcare coverage as Republicans adjourn with negotiating


By G. A. McNeeley 


October 1, 2025 -- The Democratic and Republican proposals that would’ve funded the government beyond Tuesday, September 30, failed within The Senate during the eleventh hour, which effectively shut the government down at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1. 


The federal government ran out of money after a Democratic-backed spending bill that would’ve extended health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and reversed cuts to Medicaid failed. The Republican-backed stopgap funding measure that would’ve funded the government for seven weeks also failed. 


Democrats have refused to back a Republican bill that will make it harder for Americans to afford healthcare. They’re calling for an extension of the tax credits (which are set to expire) that have made health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans, and for a reversal of cuts to Medicaid that were made by President Donald Trump. Republicans have acccused Democrats of trying to provide healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants, which the Washington Post reports is a false claim. Illegal immigrants have never been eligible for the healthcare tax credits.


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Labor Council hosts protest today over ICE raids, shutdown impacts and "escalating attacks on the working class"

East County News Service

October 2, 2025 (San Diego) – With the Trump administration shutting down the federal government and thus critical services for the working class, the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO will host its weekly “ICE Out of San Diego” rally—this time, bringing together workers, immigrants, and allies to condemn the Trump administration’s escalating attacks on the working class.

The rally at 10 a.m. today will be at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 880 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92101 

From hotel workers arrested in parking lots after their shifts to restaurant employees targeted in militarized South Park raids”, ICE is terrorizing San Diegans while the Supreme Court greenlights racial profiling. These actions are part of a broader strategy to divide the working class, silence dissent, and dismantle unions while billionaires pocket trillions in tax cuts,” a press release from the Labor Council states.


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Supervisors greenlight pilot program for El Capitan Reservoir, promising expanded access

San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve pilot program for El Capitan Reservoir. Photo courtesy Friends of San Diego Lakes via Instagram
 
By Karen Pearlman
 
Oct. 1, 2025 (San Diego County) -- In a move hailed by East County residents and recreation advocates, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a pilot program that could dramatically expand public access and recreational opportunities at El Capitan Reservoir in Lakeside.
 
Championed by Supervisor Joel Anderson of District 2 and Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe of District 4, by a 5-0 vote, the Supervisors approved a recommendation to allocate up to $2.4 million over four years to allow the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation to oversee maintenance and operation of the reservoir's recreational activities.
 
The goal is to establish a consistent, year-round operation model similar to the successful long-term partnership currently in place at Lake Morena.
 

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Bonta files lawsuit to restore FEMA disaster funds cut by Trump

East County News Service

October 1, 2025 (Sacramento) -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a multistate coalition, yesterday sought emergency relief from the U.S. District Court for the District Court of Rhode Island to stop the unlawful reallocation of hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Homeland Security Grant Program funding away from states like California.


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Democrat Toni Atkins drops out of crowded race to replace Gavin Newsom

By Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign upfor their newsletters

October 1, 2025 (Sacramento) - Democrat Toni Atkins is dropping out of the crowded 2026 race to succeed Gavin Newsom as California governor, she announced Monday. 


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SD Democrats in Congress urge GOP to negotiate to avoid shutdown

by Chris Jennewein • Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

 Sept. 30, 2025 (San Diego) -- Three Democratic members of Congress from San Diego called on their Republican colleagues to negotiate but acknowledged that a government shutdown is likely at midnight.

Earlier this month Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through Nov. 21. If not passed by the Senate on Tuesday evening, the government will shut down.

At issue is whether to extend tax credits that make Obamacare cheaper for an estimated 22 million Americans — including more than 100,000 in the San Diego area.


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Lawsuit led by Calif. Attorney General seeks to restore FEMA disaster funds cut by Trump

East County News Service

Photo:  2007 Harris Fire in Potrero, one of many wildfires for which FEMA provided disaster relief funds in our region

September 30, 2025 (Sacramento) -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a multistate coalition, yesterday sought emergency relief from the U.S. District Court for the District Court of Rhode Island to stop the unlawful reallocation of hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Homeland Security Grant Program funding away from states like California.

President Donald Trump has said he plans to eliminate FEMA completely as early as December and return responsibility for disaster prevention, response and relief for survivors entirely to states. “"We want to wean off of FEMA, and we want to bring it back to the state level," the president said in JUNE, NPR reported, adding that the agency would immediately "give out less money" to states recovering from disasters.


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A DEADLY MONTH FOR ROADWAY ACCIDENTS

By Miriam Raftery

September 29, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – September has been a deadly month for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, with vehicle accidents claiming numerous lives across our inland region. Here are details, per the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office. All died of blunt force injuries, with one driver also suffering multiple strokes. 

These tragic deaths, listed below, are reminders to always use caution when driving, bicycling or walking, especially after dark.


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SDG&E to conduct notification tests Sept. 30

East County News Service

September 29, 2025 (San Diego) – SDG&E will conduct a test of its customer notification systems on Tuesday, September 30.  According to SDG&E’s press release, “ This test is part of SDG&E’s commitment to public safety, ensuring our customers have the information they need when emergencies arise. Regular testing ensures our notification systems are fully operational and reliable when needed. “   

Residential and business customers (account holders) will receive test notifications via text message, phone or email asking them to update their contact information.  The tests will be conducted across SDG&E’s service area in San Diego and Orange counties.

Text messages will come from the number 73434 (also known as a short code). The phone call will come from 1-858-868-4586. Email messages will be sent from notices@sdge.com.     


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Orphaned Mountain Lion Cubs Return to Wild

 

 San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife program helps young big cats reclaim their place in nature

Source:  San Diego Humane Society

September 29, 2025 (Ramona)  — Two mountain lion cubs who arrived at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center as orphans in March have been returned to the wild.

The young carnivores were released into suitable habitat in San Diego County on Sept. 18, 2025, after undergoing more than five months of rehabilitation designed to limit human interaction and prepare them for life on their own.

The cubs were originally found alone and malnourished before being safely trapped by the UC Davis California Carnivores Program team in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They were transferred to San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center on March 26, 2025.


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“We are immigrants” rally in Escondido celebrated immigrants’ contributions to America

East County News Service

Photo via Indivisible North County San Diego and 50501 North County San Diego

September 29, 2025 (Escondido) - Approximately 100 residents from Ramona, Temecula, Escondido, San Diego, and other locations joined in a 'We are All Immigrants' rally on September 27th in Escondido.  The rally was organized by the North County chapters of Indivisible and 50501.


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Building Hopes in the Golden State: How the New Federal Program Can Tackle Homelessness Among California Veterans

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS New Hampshire returns to port at Naval Station Norfolk on May 7,2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Alfred A. Coffield)
 
By Cristina Johnson
 
The noble sacrifices made by United States veterans have always been woven into the fabric of the nation.
 
Unfortunately, far too many of them continue to deal now with the profound challenge of homelessness or living without stable homes. Rising housing costs combined with various medical and mental health conditions have left thousands of people vulnerable to life on the streets.

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Border Patrol agents rescue cyclist after harrowing fall off cliff

East County News Service

September 28, 2025 (Otay Lakes) -- San Diego sector Border Patrol agents rescued an injured cyclist, Keith Leyva, after he fell over 40 feet from a cliff into a remote canyon.


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Trump’s claims on autism disputed by medical experts and autism patient advocates

By Alexander J. Schorr

Miriam Raftery contributed to this report

September 28, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved a version of Leucovorin for autism treatment of children. This action comes after President Donald Trump claimed that Tylenol taken during pregnancy can cause autism, despite the fact that numerous studies have found Tylenol safe to take during pregnancy to reduce pain and fever—conditions that left untreated can damage an unborn child.


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County public safety leader recognized with national justice award

By Sir Milo Loftin, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 28, 2025 (San Diego) - San Diego County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Andrew Strong has been honored with the inaugural Partners for Justice Champion Award for his leadership and innovative support of public defense.


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Dental to mental, affordable health insurance coverage is available with Covered California

East County News Service

Sept. 27, 2025 (San Diego County) -- Health insurance can feel confusing and daunting, and typically is expensive.

But Covered California, the state’s Affordable Care Act Marketplace, offers a less stressful way to shop for and compare plans, and works with all the major health insurance companies to negotiate the lowest possible prices for coverage, helping reduce costs and increase options for consumers throughout California.

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies, and is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs.


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Post-Thanksgiving fun with big cats and bears at LTB

East County News Service
Photo by Karen Pearlman
 
Sept. 27, 2025 (Alpine) -- While most San Diego County residents are planning their Thanksgiving feasts, a much wilder kind of holiday celebration is in the works for a special group of residents in Alpine.
 
Lions Tigers & Bears, the county’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bash in the days after Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 27) at the venue at 24402 Martin Way in Alpine.

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Chance for showers, thunderstorms expected in East County; mountains and deserts under Flash Flood Watch

East County News Service
 
Sept. 27, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The latest National Weather Service forecast for the San Diego area shows below-seasonal temperatures and a chance of thunderstorms, especially over the mountains and deserts, with a Beach Hazard Statement for coastal areas due to elevated surf.
 
A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the San Diego County mountain and desert areas until 7 p.m. Saturday.
 
The NWS reports that an unanticipated weather pattern continues to affect the county, particularly the East County's mountains and deserts, bringing chances of showers and thunderstorms and unseasonably cool temperatures.
 

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Lemon Grove teen reports suspicious person following them

East County News Service
 
Sept. 26, 2025 (Lemon Grove) -- A teenager in Lemon Grove reportedly was being followed by a suspicious person in a car earlier this week and the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation is now investigating the matter.
 
Just after 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, a 13-year-old student was walking to Lemon Grove Middle School when the student said they noticed an older man driving a gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, spotted at a stop sign near the intersection of Cypress Avenue and Lemon Grove Avenue.

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FBI offering reward for information about assault and robbery in Jacumba

East County News Service
 
Sept. 26, 2025 (Jacumba) -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information on the individual or individuals who shot at and robbed four hikers, injuring one, earlier this year in Jacumba.
 
The FBI's San Diego Field Office, Imperial County Resident Agency, in coordination with federal law enforcement partners, is offering the reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individual(s) who in January committed assault and armed robbery on four hikers near the United States/Mexico International Border.
 
On Wednesday, Jan. 22, at about 10:37 a.m., four hikers were shot at and robbed at gunpoint by two unknown Hispanic male subjects approximately 1,000 feet from the U.S./Mexico international border.
 
At that time, the unknown subjects began shooting in the direction of the hikers, hitting one of the hikers. The unknown subjects then approached the hikers and stole their valuables while holding them at gunpoint. The injured hiker suffered non-lethal injuries.

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Prebys Foundation, others 'Unite for San Diego' to help protect families

East County News Service
 
Sept. 26, 2025 (San Diego County) – Three of San Diego County's largest foundations -- Prebys Foundation, Price Philanthropies and San Diego Foundation -- along with members of the Robert Price family, have formed a group to help local families during a time of challenging cuts in services.
 
The group -- United for San Diego -- is increasing their annual giving by $70 million for safety net needs, leaders shared at a Thursday press conference at Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank headquarters.
 
The funders are coordinating efforts during a current urgent need, when historic cuts are imminent, to make the biggest impact -- helping safeguard access to food, housing and healthcare.
 
Robert Price, President and CEO, Price Philanthropies, explained the mission by usinga thought from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), a collection of Jewish ethical teachings and aphorisms from the Mishnah, the first text of the Jewish oral law.
 
“To paraphrase a wise teaching from Jewish ethics, we are not commanded to complete the task of making our world better, but neither are we free to do nothing,” Price said. Many of our fellow San Diegans will soon be facing major challenges in meeting their basic needs for food, shelter and medical care. We have made the decision to increase our charitable giving to help as many of our neighbors as possible. We hope many of you will join in this effort.”

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USDA secures new long-term fire-retardant contract, saving taxpayers millions

East County News Service

Sept. 24, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has signed a new five-year contract for American-made fire retardant with Perimeter Solutions, supporting the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior’s aerial wildland fire suppression programs.

The agreement secures significant savings, putting the American taxpayer first, while strengthening our manufacturing base by keeping fire-retardant production made in America.

“At USDA we are negotiating contracts that respect the American taxpayer and align with President Trump’s common sense business mindset that ensures we are not being taken advantage of anymore." Rollins said. "This contract is a tremendous win for America’s taxpayers, our rural communities, and the brave men and women who fight wildfires every day.

“By locking in historic cost savings and bringing every step of the fire-retardant supply chain back to American soil, we are protecting lives, saving communities from destruction, and keeping America safe, strong, and resilient. This agreement proves that when we put America first, we get the best results for our people and our land.”


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California releasess its own vaccine recommendations as RFK shifts federal policy

By Ana B. Ibarra and Kristen Hwang, CalMatters 

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

Photo:  Amaya Palestino, 6, receives a COVID-19 vaccine at one of St. John’s Well Child and Family Center mobile health clinics in Los Angeles on March 16, 2022. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

September 23, 2025 (Sacramento) - In anticipation of restrictive federal immunization rules, state health officials issued their own vaccination guidelines on Wednesday, recommending that all Californians 6 months and older who want protection from the COVID-19 virus get this season’s updated vaccine.


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Woman who sued Nathan Fletcher now seeks restraining order against his wife, Lorena Gonzalez

By Miriam Raftery

Photos: left, Grecia Figueroa, right, Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher

September 17, 2025 (San Diego)  -- Grecia Figueroa, the woman who filed an unsuccessful harassment  lawsuit against former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, has now filed a request seeking a restraining order against Fletcher’s wife, labor leader Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher.

“It is vile and oppressive to use your position of power to attack and lie about people who can’t publicly defend themselves,” Figueroa states.

In her filing, Figueroa claims that Gonzalez-Fletcher engaged in a  “smear campaign” against her. Gonzalez-Fletcher calls the charges "false."


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Trump ramps up bullying and censorship efforts against media

By G. A. McNeeley 
 
September 20, 2025 (Washington D.C.) -- Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has been waging an aggressive campaign against the media, unlike any in modern U.S. history, according to PBS News. Those efforts have included lawsuits against major media outlets, threats to yank broadcast licenses of networks that cover him unfavorably, calling for removal of late-night comedians who criticize MAGA, and ending funding of public broadcasting including PBS and NPR. 

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Newsom signs laws to resist Trump's immigration crackdown; including ban on masks for ICE agents

By Cayla Mihalovich and Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters

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

September 20, 2025 (Sacramento) - Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed a set of bills meant to check the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown in California, including a first-in-the nation measure to prohibit officers from wearing masks and others that limit their access to schools and hospitals.


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Bill to protect Native American children passes Legislature unanimously, heads to Governor

By Miriam Raftery

September 19, 2025 (Sacramento, CA) – After passing both the Assembly and State Senate unanimously (with one abstention), a bill aimed at preventing placement of Native American children in foster care away from their tribes and providing supportive services is now awaiting action by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Assembly Bill 1378 would amend state law to let tribes and tribal organizations partner with the California Department of Social Services to provide services to help keep Native American children safely at home and out of foster care.

According to the bill’s author, Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rose),  Native American children in California are placed in foster care at about four times the rate of other children.


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Find your home's hazard risks to prepare for an emergency

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

September 19, 2025 (San Diego) - September is Disaster Preparedness Month, and it is an ideal time to think about the critical preparedness steps could reduce risks and protect you and your family in an emergency.


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