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

Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow 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

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After Minneapolis killings by federal agents, El Cajon residents rally as Councilman Kendrick speaks out

Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J Schorr Councilmember Gary Kendrick addresses crowd in El Cajon February 8, 2026 (El Cajon) — An El Cajon Council meeting has once again set the stage for heightened tensions between the public and elected officials over the federal government’s crackdown on immigrants the violence committed by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). At a rally outside before last

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Plane lands on freeway in Lakeside

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo via CalTrans camera February 7,2026 (Lakeside) — A small plane has made an emergency landing on State Route 67 south in Lakeside at Winter Gardens Blvd., Cal Trans reports. Traffic is backed up to Mapleview, with the plane blocking the right lane and shoulder. A SIG alert has been issued.   No cause of

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With measles at Disneyland and LAX, San Diego County urges residents to update vaccines: some adults may need boosters

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: Child with measles, via CDC (public domain) February 7, 2026 (San Diego) – Measles, declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, has made a comeback, with 2,267 cases last year—nearly all in unvaccinated people. So far this year, 588 cases are confirmed so far—including Los Angeles County. An international traveler with measles visited crowded venues

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Sheriff’s deputies to conduct increased Super Bowl DUI Patrols on Sunday

Printer-friendly versionSource:  San Diego County Sheriff February 6, 2026 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will be keeping our roadways safe this Super Bowl Sunday by looking for impaired drivers. Look for increased impaired driving patrols beginning on Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 p.m. and lasting through 5:00 a.m. the following day.   In 2025, 7,394 people were arrested

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Christmas with the wild animals at Lions Tigers & Bears

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Nov. 18, 2025 (Alpine) — Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego County’s lone accredited animal sanctuary is getting ready for the winter holidays.   The nonprofit organization is holding Christmas with the Animals Fundraiser in December at its 142-acre site in Alpine.   The event will include gift-giving, holiday lights and music, and will support

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Caltrans reduces parking in front of Descanso Junction and nearby businesses despite community concerns

Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Photo:  new parking configuration in front of Descanso Junction eliminated two-thirds of spaces and left no disabled parking access.  Photos courtesy of Descanso Junction and Rett Lawrence, Mountain Views and News November 6, 2025 (Descanso) – The California Department of Transportation removed several parking spaces in front of Descanso Junction Restaurant and nearby businesses in late

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Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies: Republican leader changed history through a conservative lens but later criticized Trump, endorsing Harris

Printer-friendly versionRichard Bruce Cheney: January 30,1941— November 3, 2025 By Alexander J. Schorr Tuesday November 4, 2025— Former Vice President Dick Cheney died on November 3, 2025, at the age of 84. According to a statement from his family, the cause of death was the result of complications with pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney served two

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New affordable housing for veterans headed to Mission Gorge Road

Printer-friendly version By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office Video by José Eli Villanueva November 6, 2025 (San Diego) – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for The Grant at Mission Trails, a 48-unit affordable housing development dedicated to current and former military members and families. Located in the Grantville neighborhood on Mission Gorge Road, the seven-story project will

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CAL FIRE announces statewide transition to new national emergency reporting system

Printer-friendly versionSource:  CAL FIRE November 5, 2025 (Sacramento) –  Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today that fire departments across the state are beginning the transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), a secure, cloud-based platform built to modernize how emergency incidents are reported and analyzed. Departments across the country are onboarding to NERIS as part

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Larry Cohen named new County Treasurer-Tax Collector

Printer-friendly version    East County News Service   Nov. 5, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego County has a new Treasurer-Tax Collector to fill the void of Dan McAllister, who retired earlier this year.   The County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed Larry Cohen to fill the position of Treasurer-Tax Collector for McAllister who retired Aug. 2.  

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Voters overwhelmingly approve Prop 50 redistricting and recall of Poway Councilmember

Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 4, 2025 (San Diego) – Voters in California, including San Diego, have decisively approved Proposition 50, which will allow temporary redistricting of the state’s Congressional districts for the next five years. Poway voters also opted overwhelmingly to oust scandal-plagued District 2 Councilmember Tony Blain by an 81% to 19% margin. Blain is facing felony

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Community input sought for Lakeside’s transportation future

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Nov. 4, 2025 (Lakeside) – The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) is inviting all Lakeside residents and community stakeholders to a public meeting to discuss local transportation needs and potential solutions.   The meeting, set for 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Lakeside Community Center, is part

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