Communities

Find some puppy love at Cupids & Canines event at Grossmont Center

East County News Service
 
Jan. 22, 2026 (La Mesa) -- Love is in the air, love is on a leash and love is going to be found at a La Mesa shopping mall next month.
 
A week before Valentine's Day, the San Diego Animal Support Foundation will again help play matchmaker as the nonprofit transforms Grossmont Center into companion animal central for the group's 14th annual Cupids & Canines MEGA Pet Adoption Event.
 
From 11 a.m until 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, much of the inner corridors of the shopping center will be filled with more than two dozen animal rescue agencies seeking to pair hundreds of adoptable animals -- from dogs and cats to rabbits, turtles, tortoises and exotic birds -- with people looking to increase the amount of love in their homes.
 
The event aims to turn a day of shopping into a lifetime of companionship.

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Fort Cross brings 'Old Timey' adventure to Julian region

East County News Service
 
Jan. 22, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – A family farm in the Julian mountains is bringing back its popular guided tour that brings rustic adventure and recreation education to the outdoors.
 
Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures will host its popular Farm Tour Adventure on Jan. 31, a high-energy, two-hour guided circuit at its farm, nestled in the scenic landscape of Northeast County.
 
Fort Cross, at 4425 Highway 78, has evolved from a living history site into a premier destination for agriculture workshops and team building. The end of January tour, running from 1 to 3 p.m., offers visitors a curated activity rotation designed to keep guests of all ages moving and learning.

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A sweet and Grand (Avenue) time in Escondido with the Chocolate Festival

East County News Service
 
Jan. 22, 2026 (Escondido) – Wrappers will crinkle and corks will pop next month along Grand Avenue in Escondido.
 
The Escondido Chocolate Festival is set for Feb 7, turning the city’s historic downtown into a literal moveable feast for those with a sweet tooth, a penchant for chocolate pairings and an appreciation for local flair.
 
Hosted by the Escondido Downtown Business Association, the event is a self-guided "chocolate crawl" designed to help visitors ages 21 and up shop, eat and play their way through the heart of the city.
 
The festival runs from noon to 5 p.m., but showing up early at the Maple Street Plaza check-in will help chocolate aficionados beat the rush.

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Spotlight on the Desert: ABF annual photo contest returns to Borrego Springs

East County News Service

Jan. 22, 2026 (Borrego Springs) -- The rugged beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert will take center stage as the Anza-Borrego Foundation kicks off the 20th anniversary edition of the Anza-Borrego Desert Photo Contest.

The event starts the afternoon of Jan. 31 with the judge's critique at Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center. Winners will have their photographs shown at the 2026 Photo Contest exhibit, where the community and visitors will get to enjoy the desert through the eyes of the region’s most talented photographers.

The month-long celebration of visual storytelling begins with a day of reveals and expert insights, culminating in a gallery show that supports the continued preservation of California’s largest state park.


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Borrego Springs Golf Classic set for Feb. 20, supports Boys & Girls Clubs

East County News Service
 
Jan. 22, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – Community members and golf enthusiasts are hitting the links at the de Anza Country Club next month for the 27th annual Borrego Springs Golf Classic.
 
Chaired by Martha Deichler and Kathryn White, the event is a vital fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, with every dollar raised going directly toward supporting the Borrego Springs Branch.
 
The event starts at 8:30 a.m. for signups and breakfast with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start on Friday, Feb. 20. The deAnza Country Club is at 509 Catarina Drive in Borrego Springs.

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Lemon Grove residents look to halt retail sales of commercially bred birds

 
Photo of petition-gathering outside of Sprouts in Lemon Grove courtesy Amit Dhuleshia
 
By Karen Pearlman
 
Jan. 22, 2026 (Lemon Grove) -- A group of Lemon Grove residents and regional animal welfare advocates are launching a formal bid to update local pet sale regulations, aiming to make Lemon Grove the next California city to prohibit the retail sale of commercially bred birds.
 
A proposed "Rescue-Only Pet Store Standards" initiative seeks to expand existing state protections that currently cover only dogs, cats and rabbits. Since signature gathering began on Jan. 10, petitioners report collecting hundreds of signatures from local voters as they move toward qualifying for the November 2026 municipal ballot.
 
Under the proposed Lemon Grove ordinance, Chapter 6.10, pet stores within city limits would be prohibited from selling any bird unless it was obtained from an animal shelter, humane society or nonprofit rescue organization.

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Wildlife Research Institute announces 2026 "HawkWatch" series at Ramona Grasslands

East County News Service
 
Jan. 21, 2026 (Ramona) — The Wildlife Research Institute (WRI) began its annual "HawkWatch" program on Jan. 3 and has had two more events since then, all offering the public a direct look at one of Southern California's most significant raptor populations. But don't fly the coop! More programming is coming.
 
The free weekly events, held at Begent Ranch in the Ramona Grasslands, combine educational presentations with guided field observations of local and migratory birds of prey.
 
The rest of the dates for 2026 are as follows: Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28. Each session begins at 10 a.m., with a suggested arrival time of 9:30 a.m. to secure parking.

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Poway seniors cap off holiday season with ‘Abominable Snow Ball’

East County News Service
 
Jan. 23, 2026 (Poway) -- The dance floor at the Mickey Cafagna Community Center is about to help people get their steps in.
 
The site is where the city of Poway will host its "Abominable Snow Ball" this upcoming week.
 
The high-energy dance that serves as the grand finale of the city's "Twelve Days of Festivities" is set for 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28. The dance gives residents ages 50 and older the opportunity to put on dancing shoes and boogie down (and up) to the sounds of the Cool Rush Band.
 
The event promises a musical journey across the decades, ranging from classic ballroom tangos to upbeat pop hits.
 
The Abominable Snow Ball is the 12th and final installment of a holiday series that began in December.
 
Designed to combat the social isolation that can often follow the peak of the holiday season, the "Twelve Days of Festivities" has provided a diverse calendar of events -- six in December and six in January -- focused on creating good memories and new friendships.

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To comply with new state laws, GUHSD board passes protections for immigrant students by 3-2 margin

By Alexander J. Schorr

File photo, left: Trustee Jim Kelly called the measure “anarchy” and voted against it, along with Trustee Gary Woods

January 21, 2026 (El Cajon) —  The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Board of Trustees on January 19 voted 3-2 to pass a resolution to establish new guidelines for responding to federal enforcement on campuses. This follows new state mandates and significant community pressure after the board majority previously refused to hear a similar but more stringent measure proposed by Trustee Chris Fite in late 2025.


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Man, 21, fatally struck while walking on freeway in El Cajon

East County News Service

January 20, 2026 (El Cajon) – A 21-year-old man from Kaibeto, Arizona walked onto Interstate 8 west from Mollison Avenue, amid low-lighting conditions on January 17 at 1:20 a.m.  He was struck by a 2021 Toyota Venza driven by an El Cajon man,49.


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Spring Valley Community Planning Group elects new officers amidst controversy over filling board vacancies

By Paul Levikow

January 19, 2026 (Spring Valley) – The Spring Valley Community Planning Group board elected executive officers for the 2026 term Tuesday, but not before some members expressed concerns about how they would fill vacancies. A few cited perceived interferences on behalf of District 1 County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre’s office.

Lora Lowes, board member and former chair, said she got a phone call from a representative of Aguirre before the meeting.


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New Woodspring Suites now Santee’s largest hotel

By Mike Allen

January 19, 2026 (Santee) -- Santee’s newest hotel came in handy for a few local families who needed a temporary home because their regular abode sustained serious damage.

“One guest stayed for two weeks because their house flooded, and another stayed three weeks because their house caught fire,” said Jesse Duenas, general manager of the Woodspring Suites on Mission Gorge Road near the confluence of SRs 52 and125 that officially opened before New Year’s Day.


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County looking for people to help with Point-in-Time count

Photo by Karen Pearlman
 
East County News Service
 
Jan. 17, 2026 (San Diego County) -- San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson is looking for residents to help in the county's annual Point-in-Time Count, the one-day evaluation and counting of the region's population of those experiencing homelessness.
 
Every year, Anderson joins hundreds of residents and county employees in waking before the sun rises to take part in the snapshot of the county’s homeless population.  
 
This year’s regional effort will take place from 4 to 8 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 29.

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Passages: Suzanne Chambers, ex-Otay Water CFO, Dream Dinners franchisee, community volunteer

 
East County News Service.
 
Jan. 17, 2026 (Spring Valley) – Spring Valley resident Suzanne “Suzie” Chambers passed away surrounded by family members at her home on Jan. 2 at age 78, after a five-year battle with cancer. 
 
Born Aug. 25, 1947 in Seattle, Wash., Chambers moved to San Diego in the 1970s with her first husband, Jim Garcia. She attended San Diego State University, then went on to build a life rooted in service, leadership and community.
 
She began her career with the Otay Water District in 1976 and later became the district’s first female executive and chief financial officer, retiring in 2000.
 
In 2013, Chambers and her daughters opened a Dream Dinners franchise in La Mesa, which they operated until 2025.
 
Her dedication to the community including volunteering at the Water Conservation Garden in Rancho San Diego, serving as a founding board member of the Rancho San Diego Friends of the Library and participating in the Over the Hill Gang Car Club. Her efforts helped build strong foundations for these organizations, enabling them to thrive.

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Santee bank robbery suspect arrested

East County News Service

January 16, 2026 (Santee) – Bruce Clark Furze, 31, was arrested last night while trying to cross the international border pedestrian port of entry at San Ysidro. He is being charged with robbing the Chase Bank on Town Center Parkway in Santee on Monday, January 12, according to Sergeant Justin Crews with the San Diego County Sheriff’s criminal intelligence unit.


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Navy officials meet with Warner Springs community to address PFAS in water

By Karen Pearlman with additional reporting by Miriam Raftery
 
Jan. 14, 2026 (Warner Springs) -- Dozens of local residents and business owners visited the CAL Fire Station in Warner Springs on Jan. 12 to glean information from the United States Navy and several other federal groups as well as state and county water agencies about PFAS and their impact on the waterways in the region.
 
The U.S. Navy announced late last year that PFAS were detected in groundwater in Warner Springs, with contamination believed to be linked to a former landfill, wastewater treatment site and spray aeration field at the Navy’s Remote Training Site in Warner Springs,at 34567 State Route 79. The Navy most recently sampled the groundwater in 2024 and is now offering testing of wells for residents in approximately a one-mile radius near the site.
 
The site reportedly was used by the Navy as a Survival Invasion Resistance Escape School, using what they learned from Vietnam era prisoners of war. There, pilots are taught thow to survive if you crash or must eject, how to navigate, not be found, or if found how to resist interrogation.
 
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are "forever chemicals" that have been found in water as far away as the Arctic Ocean and as near as the Sweetwater Reservoir locally, as well as in Warner Springs.

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Damon Brown named new San Diego County Counsel

East County News Service
 
Jan. 14, 2026 (San Diego County) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved the appointment of Damon M. Brown as County Counsel.
 
Brown was chosen after the county launched a national recruitment, bringing broad and diverse experience at the national, state and local levels.
 
A trial attorney and policy executive with more than two decades of experience leading high-stakes litigation, regulatory enforcement and legal strategies across government and private practice, Brown will lead the Office of County Counsel, the department that manages the County’s civil law needs.
 
The office provides advisory and litigation support to the Supervisors, County departments and County officers, boards and commissions. It also represents the County in juvenile dependency matters and administers public liability claims.
 
The previous County Counsel for San Diego County was Claudia Silva, who served from 2022 until an departure in July 2025. David J. Smith was appointed Acting County Counsel after Silva left the position.

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Fires damage two popular restaurants, Panda Machi in Alpine and The Junction in El Cajon

Fundraisers launched to help owners and employees at both restaurants

By Miriam Raftery

Photos courtesy of Lakeside Fire and Heartland Fire & Rescue

Updated January 17 with information on Panda Machi fundraiser

January 14, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – A pair of two-alarm fires in the past 24 hours have heavily damaged two local restaurant, Panda Machi Sushi Bar & Chinese Cuisine on Alpine Boulevard in Alpine and the Junction Bar & Grill on Jamacha Road in El Cajon. No one was injured, but it’s unclear how long the restaurants will remain closed.


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Lakeside motorcyclist dies after crashing into pole

East County News Service

January 12, 2026 (Lakeside) – A Lakeside man, 55, died at the scene of an accident at 5:50 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10. The man, who was not identified, was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle eastbound on El Monte Road at Omas Dirt Road in Lakeside when he veered off the roadway and struck a metal utility pole.

He was ejected off the motorcycle, striking a wooden fence post.


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Horse rescued in Alpine by San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team

East County News Service
 
Jan. 10, 2026 (Alpine) -- A 38-year-old horse that went down and could not get back up in Alpine has been rescued by the San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team.
 
The nonprofit's ERT successfully completed a technical rescue today (Jan. 10) for the Palomino horse named Jasmine -- also affectionately known as "Jazzy."
 
The SDHS ERT technical rescue team was dispatched around 8 a.m. after reports that Jasmine (see photo at left, courtesy San Diego Humane Society) had gone down sometime late last night or early this morning, and was unable to get back up on her own. Because of her advanced age along with the duration of time she had been down, specialized equipment and expertise were required to safely assist her back to her feet.

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Shane Harris leading backlash against parking fees in Balboa Park

East County News Service

Jan. 9, 2026 (San Diego County) --  San Diego public advocate Shane Harris has introduced a new ordinance to fully repeal paid parking in Balboa Park and restore free public parking.

To support this effort, Harris has launched this online petition to demonstrate broad public support for making Balboa Park parking free again.

Harris has also called a press conference for Monday, Jan. 12 at Balboa Park that will include supporters from around San Diego County, including El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones and Jim Kiddrick, president and CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum.

Starting this past Monday, Jan. 5, the park’s century-long tradition of free access for vehicles came to an end.

Harris argues that the system is not just a financial burden but "a logistical disaster that punishes the very people the park was built to serve."

The parking charges in Balboa Park were not approved by city voters in a general election. Instead, they were enacted through a series of votes by the San Diego City Council.

Because this was an administrative decision by the council rather than a ballot measure, Harris's petition is specifically designed to pressure the council to reverse its own vote.


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Detra Williams named San Diego County's Chief Deputy of Tax Collection

East County News Service
 
Jan. 9, 2026 (San Diego County) -- Detra Williams has been appointed as San Diego County's next Chief Deputy of Tax Collection, succeeding Chief Deputy David Baker, who has retired.
 
Williams was appointed to the position effective Jan. 6. County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen announced the appointment on Jan. 6.
 
Williams has worked for the County of San Diego for nearly 35 years. She spent more than 20 years in the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office and held leadership roles in the District Attorney’s Office and other County departments.
 
In October, the County Board of Supervisors had selected Williams and three other finalists, including Cohen and Baker, as candidates to fill the role of Treasurer-Tax Collector during a public hearing.
 

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Santana shooter granted resentencing hearing, may soon be freed

By Miriam Raftery

January 8, 2026 (Santee) – It’s been 25 years since 15-year-old Andrew “Andy” Williams shot and killed two students and injured 13 other people at Santana High School in Santee. He was sentence to 50 years to life in prison. But due to a new state law allowing juvenile offenders with life sentences to petition for resentencing, a Superior Court judge has granted a request from Williams’ attorney for a resentencing hearing that is expected to lead to his release, potentially with two years’ probation, over the objections of District Attorney Summer Stephan, who plans to appeal the ruling.


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Disco Fever hits San Diego: Bee Gees and ABBA tributes bump over to The Magnolia

Two legendary acts of the 1970s get the tribute treatment in back-to-back performances. Photo courtesy Stayin' Alive Tribute
 
Jan. 7, 2026 (El Cajon) -- Get ready to get up and boogie, San Diego.
 
Two of the most iconic musical acts of the disco era are being celebrated this winter at The Magnolia, with tribute shows honoring both the Bee Gees and ABBA taking the stage in late January and early February.
 
"STAYIN' ALIVE: One Night of the Bee Gees" will kick things off at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 30, followed by "MANIA: The ABBA Tribute" at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10. Both shows look to transport audiences back to the golden age of disco and pop music from the 1970s.
 

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San Diego Automotive Museum to hold "Garage Night" fundraiser

Evening event at new IGNITE Academy campus (see photo, left, showing students from the academy) will support automotive career training for local youth
 
East County News Service
 
Jan. 7, 2026 (Santee) -- The San Diego Automotive Museum will host its first Garage Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the recently opened IGNITE Academy campus, 8630 Argent St. in Santee.
 
The evening event will invite the community to experience an evening of food, drinks and vintage automobiles while supporting the Museum's workforce development initiative.
 
Attendees will have the chance to tour the academy campus, view vehicles owned and maintained by program participants, and learn about student achievements since the program's launch.

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Single mom dies three weeks after being hit by car in El Cajon

East County News Service

 

January 5, 2026 (El Cajon) — Susana Gascon, 39, was crossing Mollison Street in El Cajon on December 6 when she was struck by a sedan. Paramedics transported her to Sharp Memorial Hospital, where she died on December 28.

 

“This tragic incident resulted in a severe brain injury and multiple bone fractures,” her sister, Alicia Gascon, wrote on a GoFundMe page to help the family. “Susana was an incredibly dedicated single mother of three young children. She adored and lived for her children.”


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Unidentified man struck, killed by vehicle in La Mesa on January 1

East County News Service

 

January 5, 2026 (La Mesa) – An unidentified male pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 8 east in La Mesa, west of Jackson Drive.  California Highway Patrol Officers responding to a call found him lying in the roadway at 1:20 a.m. on New Year’s morning. 


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Dog training tips from the San Diego Humane Society

 

San Diego Humane Society shares how to start the new year on the right paw. Photo courtesy SDHS
 
East County News Service
 
Jan. 5, 2026 (San Diego County) — Behavior challenges left unaddressed can become the reason dog owners surrender their pet to a shelter like the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services.
 
With January being National Train Your Dog Month, the San Diego Humane Society is looking to help pet families and their dogs thrive with proper training methods.
 

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Photo of the Week: Great Blue Heron in flight

East County News Service

January 3, 2026 (Lakeside) - Scott Lagace Photography sent in in this beautiful image of a Great Blue Heron at Lake Jennings in Lakeside.

The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron native to North America, with height up to 54 inches and a wingspan of 66 to 79 inches—a maximum of more than seven and a half feet. 

 

While its primary diet is fish, this large heron also eats amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates and even small mammals.


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Laurel and Hardy Valentine-themed comedy night Feb. 7 in El Cajon

East County News Service 

January 1, 2026 (El Cajon) -- Saps at Sea, the San Diego Laurel and Hardy fan organization, will present February Valentine's Fun on Saturday, February 7 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 4:30) at First Lutheran Church, 867 South Lincoln Avenue in El Cajon.


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