Thursday, April 9, 2026
Events, milestones, and stories from the heart of Santee.
San Diego County has appointed new leaders for Animal Services after months of scrutiny over department operations. The change matters across East County, where residents rely on the county for animal control, shelter and welfare services.
Via East County Magazine
From festivals and pow wows to garden events and rodeo weekend, East County has a busy stretch ahead. Here are some of the standout dates Santee-area families may want on the calendar.
Via East County Magazine
The organization says its El Cajon campus and main San Diego shelter are operating under critical over-capacity conditions this weekend. Officials said 20 dogs arrived from the Humane Society of Imperial County, with four taken to the East County campus.
Via East County Magazine
Community members gathered to honor the 95th anniversary of the 1931 Lemon Grove Incident, a landmark desegregation case in which Mexican-American families successfully challenged school segregation.
Via East County Magazine
The Helix Water District has launched an $11 million electrification project at its El Cajon operations center, designed to power its vehicle fleet for the next 50-60 years and serve as a model for the region's transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Via East County Magazine
The City of Santee has kicked off its Stars, Stripes and Sights Adventure Pass for April, inviting families to explore the city by scanning hidden QR codes at locations and events across Santee to earn entries into prize drawings.
Via City of Santee
After breaking ground in January, the city has launched Phase 1 construction of the $26.8 million Santee Community Center. The parking lot phase runs through June, with the two-story building itself starting construction in summer 2026.
Via City of Santee
Contemporary artist Jerome Gastaldi lost his primary studio in Fallbrook on March 20, including more than 50 years of his own art and collected works in a sudden fire. Despite the staggering loss, the nearly 81-year-old says he’s focused on what’s ahead: “I am still here. And that means there’s still something to share.”
Via East County Magazine
The March 26 No Kings rallies drew more than 8 million participants nationwide — which organizers say made it the largest demonstration in United States history. In San Diego County alone, over 70,000 people turned out, with East County cities including La Mesa, El Cajon, Ramona, and even Borrego Springs hosting their own events.
Via East County Magazine
A unanimous city council vote ends the Afghan Community Culture Center's use of a temporary prayer tent on East Main Street. The ACCC, which serves a community of more than 3,000 people, must now find interim space while raising $2.1 million more to complete its permanent mosque.
Via East County Magazine
A new farmers market is coming to Santee, with the official ribbon cutting set for Wednesday, April 1. The Santee Chamber of Commerce is hosting the celebration and Chamber members get free vendor booths for the day.
Via Santee Chamber of Commerce
Helix Water District cut the ribbon Friday on an $11 million electrification project at its El Cajon operations center — a charging depot with 87 high-speed ports designed to power the district's fleet for the next 50 to 60 years and serve as a regional hub for neighboring agencies.
Via East County Magazine
East County trolley riders are set for major improvements as California awards $48.3 million of a $60.4 million state grant to modernize the Orange Line from San Diego to the El Cajon Transit Center. Construction on Phase 2 is expected to begin in July 2026.
Via KPBS
Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan is celebrating its 70th anniversary this month, marking seven decades in the scenic Dehesa Valley east of San Diego. The club has survived a devastating flood, a complete redesign, and a Kumeyaay Nation purchase — and now shares land with San Diego's newest pro soccer team.
Via Times of San Diego
Tens of thousands of demonstrators are marching across San Diego County Saturday, with East County rallies underway in La Mesa and El Cajon. Downtown San Diego drew the largest crowd at Waterfront Park — part of a nationwide day of nonviolent action against the Trump administration.
Via KPBS
U.S. Women's National Team forward Catarina Macario is coming home. The San Diego Wave signed the Chelsea FC star to a five-year, $8 million deal — the largest total contract in NWSL history.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
For the first time since 1972, humans are going to the Moon — and they'll splash down right off the San Diego coast. NASA's Artemis II mission launches April 1, with recovery operations deploying from Naval Base San Diego.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
Tens of thousands are expected across San Diego County for Saturday's No Kings 3 march. Here's the full updated list of 22 local events — including East County locations in El Cajon, La Mesa, and Ramona — with times and addresses.
Via OB Rag
San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe is offering a free mobile expungement service to help East County residents in District 4 clear adult criminal records — but spots are limited to the first 250 applicants.
Via East County Magazine
The field of buyers vying for the San Diego Padres now includes Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, who also holds a minority stake in the Los Angeles Chargers. According to The Athletic, final bids are expected next month and the franchise could sell for a record $3.5 billion.
Via NBC San Diego
The San Diego Padres kick off the 2026 season Thursday at Petco Park, and with sellout crowds expected all weekend, the MTS is urging East County fans in Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove to skip the freeway and take the Green or Orange Line — now wrapped in Padres brown and gold.
Via East County Magazine
Santee School District has been awarded a $215,000 grant through California's Strong Workforce Program to launch a new Career Technical Education program for 7th and 8th graders. The first elective — Digital Media — is set to launch in fall 2026.
Via East County Magazine
Jeffery Edward Brady, 51, who was born and raised in El Cajon, will be posthumously honored with the Carnegie Medal — one of the nation's highest civilian honors — for sacrificing his life to save his girlfriend's two young nephews from the Colorado River on July 4th weekend 2025.
Via Times of San Diego
The Karnival of the Arts West festival is returning to DeAnza Springs Resort in Jacumba Hot Springs this spring, running April 30 through May 3. The multi-day event features live music, flow arts, and live painting on a unique triple-decked stage, and is free for attendees to explore.
Via East County Magazine
The San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center is now caring for two orphaned black bear cubs from the Monrovia area, whose mother was euthanized after being linked to multiple public safety incidents. The brothers, estimated to be 2 to 3 months old, arrived at the facility on March 15.
Via Patch / San Diego Humane Society
Thousands across San Diego County are expected to participate in the nationwide No Kings 3 protests on March 28, with local events in La Mesa, El Cajon, and Ramona. Here's what you need to know before heading out this weekend.
Via East County Magazine
The Mt. Miguel High School Foundation is bringing handcrafted goods, unique gifts, and community spirit to Spring Valley on April 11. All proceeds benefit student scholarships and school programs.
Via East County Magazine
Spring is in full swing across East County with a packed calendar of family events, cultural celebrations, and one-of-a-kind experiences — from a Bunny Train ride in Campo to wolf tours in Julian and a world-class piano performance at Cuyamaca College.
Via East County Magazine
If your nose won't stop running and your eyes are perpetually itchy, there's a reason: San Diego has been ranked the second-worst city in the United States for pollen allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. East County residents who spend time outdoors are especially exposed.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
One of East County's most popular spring traditions is back — Santee Lakes' annual Egg-stravaganza on April 4 features age-specific egg scrambles, pony rides, food trucks, and free admission to the event.
Via East County Magazine
Jamul Indian Village Chairwoman Erica Pinto has spent over a decade transforming the Kumeyaay Nation's economic future while strengthening community ties across East County. East County Magazine highlighted her remarkable career this month as part of Women's History Month.
Via East County Magazine
From Santee Bunny Trail to Santee Lakes Egg-stravaganza, here is everything happening in East County this Easter season and through April.
Via East County Magazine
A newly formed nonprofit youth theater company in Julian will make its stage debut next month with a production of Annie Jr., giving backcountry kids a creative outlet and a community a reason to gather. Tickets are just $10 and performances are set for April 24-26 at Julian High School.
Via East County Magazine
At nearly 96 years old, United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta issued a public statement saying she was pressured and later forced into sexual encounters with Cesar Chavez decades ago. Huerta says she stayed silent to protect the farmworker movement, but can no longer keep the secret.
Via East County Magazine
After 17 years as a hub for East County community life and live music, Hooley's Public House at Grossmont Center in La Mesa will close on March 29. But first — one last show. The Evans Academy Extravaganza takes the stage Friday, March 20.
Via East County Magazine
The Grossmont College Library in El Cajon is one of just 50 libraries nationwide chosen to host a powerful traveling exhibition on American responses to the Holocaust. The free exhibit opens April 14 and runs through May 21, with survivor testimony, lectures, and film screenings planned.
Via East County Magazine / GCCCD
The Boys & Girls Club of Kumeyaay Nation Wellness is hosting its first fundraising 5K on March 29 to expand services for Native youth ages 6-19 in rural East County. The event is open to all ages and fitness levels.
Via East County Magazine
Local leaders, a school board trustee, and faith community members will gather Monday evening to discuss how East County families, schools, and businesses can respond to immigration enforcement. The event is free and open to the public.
Via East County Magazine
Santee is swapping the traditional egg hunt for something a little different this spring: a free family Bunny Trail event at Town Center Community Park East on March 28, complete with dragon dancers, face painting, food vendors, and goodie bags for kids.
Via East County Magazine
Santee drivers are paying the highest prices at the pump since October 2022, with San Diego County's average gas price climbing to $5.808 per gallon Tuesday — the 28th consecutive day of increases since the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran sent oil markets surging.
Via KPBS
The Ira Aldridge Repertory Players bring an evening of jazz, blues, R&B, and original storytelling to La Mesa on Saturday, March 28, with proceeds benefiting the newly formed Lemon Grove Arts Collective. Tickets are $40.
Via East County Magazine
LA28 announced its full soccer schedule Monday, and San Diego is a major part of it: Snapdragon Stadium will host 11 matches, including both the men's and women's bronze medal matches in July 2028.
Via NBC San Diego / LA Times
The San Diego Wave FC dropped their 2026 NWSL home opener 1-0 to the Houston Dash on March 14 at Snapdragon Stadium. Despite the loss, fans packed the venue to celebrate the return of professional women's soccer to San Diego.
Via ABC 10News / San Diego Wave FC
San Diego State University was passed over for the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament after Selection Sunday on March 15, ending a five-year streak of March Madness appearances. The Aztecs were named among the last four out by the selection committee.
Via Sports Illustrated / Fox Sports
The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bracket was revealed on Selection Sunday, and San Diego is in the thick of it. Viejas Arena at SDSU will host first and second round games March 19-22 — making this the closest the tournament has come to East County in years.
Via SDSU Aztecs / NCAA
Lake Jennings is inviting photographers of all ages and skill levels to capture the beauty of the lake this April. The 2026 contest theme is "Sunrise to Sunset," with prizes in youth and adult categories.
Via East County Magazine
The Viejas Pop-Up Market is hosting a pet food and supply drive in Alpine on April 4, accepting donations of food, toys, bedding, and gear for animals in need. Residents who need donated pet supplies for their own animals can also reach out to connect with available resources.
Via East County Magazine
San Diego State edged New Mexico 64-62 on Friday night in the Mountain West Conference semifinal on a buzzer-beating layup by BJ Davis. The No. 2-seeded Aztecs face top-seed Utah State in Saturday's championship — with an automatic NCAA Tournament berth on the line.
Via Times of San Diego / Associated Press
A Santee homeowner installed trail cameras expecting coyotes — instead, he captured a mountain lion prowling in the darkness near his property, just steps from West Sycamore Canyon. Residents with small pets are being reminded to take precautions.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park — a beloved East County backyard destination — is among the nominees in the California State Parks Foundation's annual "Best of California's State Parks" poll. The park is on the ballot for best camping, best hiking, and best wildflowers, with voting open through April 11.
Via KPBS
Hundreds of San Diegans — including veterans and local activists — have taken to the streets calling for de-escalation of the U.S.-Iran conflict. With major military installations in the region, protesters say the war hits close to home.
Via East County Magazine
State officials have placed Santee and several neighboring cities under a 77-square-mile agricultural quarantine after Mexican fruit flies were found during a routine inspection in La Mesa. Home gardeners are advised not to move produce off their property.
Via Times of San Diego
San Diego FC shut out Sporting Kansas City 1-0 on Saturday to stay unbeaten to start the 2026 MLS season. Next up: a massive Concacaf Champions Cup clash against Mexican powerhouse Toluca FC at Snapdragon Stadium on Tuesday night.
Via San Diego FC
The USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. was christened Saturday at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, completing the Navy's six-ship Expeditionary Sea Base program. The 784-foot vessel honors a Marine who single-handedly held off an enemy regiment at Chosin Reservoir in 1950.
Via WorkBoat
PFAS contamination has been detected in Sweetwater Authority's main reservoir, raising concerns for roughly 200,000 customers in National City, Bonita, Spring Valley, and parts of Chula Vista. Officials say the water is currently safe to drink, but fixing the problem could cost $40 million.
Via inewsource
Community members and families of victims gathered at Santee Lakes on Saturday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Santana High School shooting, the deadliest school shooting in San Diego County history. The vigil also spotlighted a new push to keep the shooter behind bars.
Via CBS8
Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m. — clocks jump forward one hour, which means one less hour of sleep but longer evenings ahead. Here's what Santee residents should know.
Via AP News
SDG&E has scheduled two planned overnight power outages in Borrego Springs on March 18 and March 24 for infrastructure maintenance and system improvements.
Via SDG&E via East County Magazine
San Diego State University will host its 54th annual pow wow on Saturday, April 11, starting at 11 a.m. The free cultural celebration is open to the public and is one of the longest-running university pow wows in California.
Via East County Magazine
Mark your calendar — Mt. Helix Park comes alive next Saturday with butterfly releases, a native plant sale, live animals, and booths from over 30 nonprofit nature groups. The free event is open to all East County residents.
Via East County Magazine
More than 600 tax-defaulted properties across San Diego County — including single-family homes, commercial buildings, and vacant lots — go to online auction next week. Prospective bidders must register and submit a $1,000 deposit by 5 p.m. today, March 5.
Via CBS 8 San Diego
Borrego Springs residents should plan for two scheduled overnight power outages on March 18 and March 24 as SDG&E performs infrastructure maintenance and reliability upgrades.
Via East County Magazine / SDG&E
The Grossmont Union High School District hosts its annual Film Festival on Friday, March 6 at El Cajon Valley High School. The free event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is open to the entire community.
Via East County Magazine
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park opens its new Elephant Valley exhibit Thursday, March 5 — the largest expansion in the organization's 109-year history. East County families can walk alongside the resident elephant herd in a sprawling, habitat-style enclosure near Escondido.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
Horses of Tir Na Nog in Descanso — San Diego County's longest-operating equine sanctuary — took in six horses in a single day last week after a local rescue facility shut its doors. The intake is the largest in the nonprofit's history.
Via East County Magazine
California health officials have declared a new citrus quarantine in Ramona after two residential trees tested positive for Huanglongbing — a fatal bacterial disease with no cure. More than 100 local businesses and growers are affected, and East County residents with citrus trees are urged to take precautions.
Via East County Magazine
KNSJ 89.1 FM, the only broadcast radio station in East County focused on local public affairs and independent journalism, lost its transmission tower at Monument Peak after the February storms caused the steel structure to collapse under ice and wind. The station is still streaming online but faces a potentially year-long silence on the FM dial.
Via East County Magazine
Volunteer observers who had spent months accompanying immigrants through San Diego's federal immigration court were detained and fined $280 each after being told they were loitering — despite no prior warnings or incidents.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
While conflict in the Middle East escalates, members of San Diego's Iranian diaspora say they are celebrating — with reports that Iranians inside the country are taking to the streets despite communication blackouts.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
The Lemon Grove Historical Society is bringing history to life through the eyes of one of its longest-tenured residents. Dona Clabby, 91, will share six decades of memories at a free public event March 5.
Via East County Magazine
A new 23,000-square-foot county animal shelter is under construction at Magnolia Avenue and Riverview Parkway in Santee, expected to open by summer 2026. The facility will serve East and South County residents and replace the aging 60-year-old Bonita shelter.
Via Patch / City of Santee
The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce holds its 114th annual East County Honors Awards gala Saturday evening at Sycuan Casino Resort, drawing more than 400 business leaders and community members for an evening of awards, networking, and celebration.
Via East County Magazine
Advocacy groups plan a Saturday morning rally at the Town Center Parkway Home Depot, joining more than a dozen similar demonstrations across San Diego County calling on the retailer to condemn immigration enforcement on its properties.
Via East County Magazine
The American Red Cross is offering a $15 Amazon gift card and a free A1C blood sugar test to donors throughout March. With national blood supplies critically low and 1 in 5 donors showing elevated sugar levels, this month's drive carries extra stakes.
Via East County Magazine
A local planning group is seeking public input on safety improvements for La Cresta Road following a fatal head-on collision in February. Residents and daily commuters are invited to weigh in before the group makes formal recommendations to San Diego County.
Via East County Magazine
The San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition is offering free and low-cost spay and neuter surgeries Wednesday morning at the San Diego Humane Society — including 50 free spots for households earning less than $100,000 a year.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
A female bobcat kitten that arrived at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center last October unresponsive and near death — requiring CPR and a blood transfusion — has made a full recovery and been released back to the wild.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
Thousands of unionized nurses and health care professionals at Kaiser Permanente facilities — including those serving East County — are heading back to work after a roughly four-week strike, bringing relief to patients at local Kaiser locations.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System is studying whether to raise fares or cut weekend service to close a projected $528 million budget shortfall — and the City of Santee is urging residents to weigh in before decisions are made. Monthly passes could rise from $72 to as high as $100.
Via Times of San Diego
Granite Hills swept the Division I title with nine individual champions and 14 Masters qualifiers, while Valhalla and Mountain Empire also put up big numbers. East County sent a total of 50 wrestlers to the San Diego Masters state-qualifying tournament.
Via East County Californian
The San Diego Rescue Mission is planning its next emergency shelter in East County, with El Cajon the likely site. The move could shift how homeless services are delivered across the region — including in Santee, which counted 53 unsheltered residents in the 2025 census.
Via San Diego Union-Tribune
San Diego County wineries, including those in Ramona's wine country, can now host live music performances after the County Board of Supervisors approved a new ordinance — welcome news for an industry that has faced several challenging years.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
San Diego FC opened its 2026 MLS season Saturday night with a commanding 5-0 victory over CF Montréal before 25,412 fans at Snapdragon Stadium, with five different players finding the net in a showcase of depth and talent.
Via East County Magazine
Several San Diego County beaches remain closed Sunday due to elevated bacteria levels from last week's storms. Closures stretch from Imperial Beach through the Silver Strand and into Coronado, with a county advisory in effect through Monday.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
A community-funded archway that local residents have envisioned for decades has finally broken ground at the heart of La Mesa Village — and it is built from the painted tiles of over a thousand neighbors. The landmark is expected to become a new focal point for East County's most walkable downtown.
Via East County Magazine
A state law requiring homeowners in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to clear a five-foot ember-resistant perimeter around their structures takes effect for existing properties in February 2027. Santee and East County homes in canyon-adjacent areas could be among those affected.
Via Times of San Diego
East County is marking the 2026 Lunar New Year — the rare Year of the Fire Horse — with casino celebrations at Sycuan, Barona and Viejas, a charitable matching campaign at an Alpine horse sanctuary, and cultural events happening today.
Via East County Magazine
State Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson is hosting a free tax preparation event for qualifying San Diego County residents next month. East County families with incomes under $69,000 may be eligible for hundreds of dollars in credits they’re currently leaving on the table.
Via East County Magazine
Delanie Craighead of Descanso has been named the 2026 American Honey Queen — the first winner from California in the program’s 60-plus-year history. Her selection ties directly to East County’s deep beekeeping heritage.
Via East County Magazine
San Diego FC kicks off its second MLS season Saturday night against CF Montréal at Snapdragon Stadium. The defending Western Conference champions have unfinished business — and Anders Dreyer is chasing history again.
Via San Diego FC
San Diego FC kicks off its second MLS season Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium, carrying the title of defending Western Conference regular season champions and high hopes after the best expansion-year debut in league history.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
After a wet winter that has already sparked early wildflower blooms in the Borrego area, plant experts say a full super bloom remains possible — but conditions have to be just right. Here's what scientists are watching.
Via NBC San Diego
Thousands of nurses and health care workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities across San Diego County remain on the picket line as a strike over staffing and wages enters its fourth week. East County residents who rely on Kaiser for care are urged to plan ahead.
Via NBC 7 San Diego
San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson has asked that county flags be flown at half-staff following the death of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away Feb. 17 after a long battle with Parkinsons disease. Local civil rights leaders are remembering the activist, two-time presidential candidate, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient as a giant whose advocacy shaped generations.
Via East County Magazine
A four-day labor strike at San Diego State University is causing traffic delays on I-8 near campus as 1,100 skilled trades workers walk off the job over unfair labor practices.
Via East County Magazine
A San Diego Superior Court judge issued a landmark ruling against the San Diego Padres and C5 Rodeo Company, determining specific practices constituted unnecessary cruelty to animals.
Via East County Magazine
California is experiencing high flu activity, especially among children, as health officials report widespread transmission and a strain capable of reinfections.
Via Patch
Poway ranked #7 on a new list of California's safest communities, highlighting low crime rates in East County compared to state averages.
Via Patch
El Cajon Valley High School honored the late Randy Robinson with a halftime ceremony on Feb. 13, naming the court after the coach who shaped three decades of East County basketball.
Via East County Magazine
Santee residents planning a weekend escape can catch an early wildflower show in nearby Borrego Springs, where heavy winter rains have triggered blooms weeks ahead of schedule — and experts say a super bloom could be coming.
Via East County Magazine
The Spring Valley Community Alliance is bringing together local organizations, businesses and residents for a networking event featuring community resources, appetizers and an improv comedy show. The goal: connect people and inspire collaboration.
Via East County Magazine
The city's beloved dog festival returns Feb. 28 with adoption events, agility courses, and costume contests. Free admission for two- and four-legged guests.
Via East County Magazine
Local artisans and small businesses gather Saturday and Sunday for a free indoor vendor market featuring handmade gifts, art, and more.
Via Patch Santee
From Santee's Bunny Trail to the Lakeside Rodeo, East County's spring calendar is packed with festivals, concerts and community events. The lineup includes everything from Tomatomania at Cuyamaca College to Charlie Puth at SDSU's Viejas Arena.
Via East County Magazine
Roberto Sanchez lost his father to a heart attack, then just 12 days later his mother was killed in a suspected DUI crash on La Cresta Road. A GoFundMe has been started to help the family.
Via East County Magazine
Someone in East County is holding a winning SuperLotto Plus ticket worth $35,279 — purchased at the ARCO on La Presa Avenue in Spring Valley.
Via Patch
The 'Every 15 Minutes' program brought a simulated DUI crash scene to Helix Charter High School in La Mesa, complete with emergency responders, a medical helicopter, and a mock funeral.
Via Patch
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