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City awaits Council’s next motionBy Rachel WilliamsJuly 14.2024 (El Cajon) -- With online sales taking a bite out of retail traffic, shopping malls across the U.S. are struggling and some have closed down. Seeking to avoid that scenario, the City of El Cajon commissioned a market analysis envisioning redevelopment options for Parkway Plaza, East County’s largest regional shopping mall.Council members unanimously favored a motion to move beyond proposed aspirational measures and begin the next step toward transforming Parkway Plaza into a mix of residential, retail, offices, entertainment and community space.These “Eatertainment” facilities would combine compelling, traditional dining options and immersive sport-centered bars with unique, dynamic lifestyle retail shops, all oriented around a linear park.The biggest takeaway from this market analysis is that the community wants…
East County News ServiceJanuary 8, 2025 (La Mesa) -- Forty-seven years after Wait Until Dark premiered on Broadway, Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted Frederick Knott's 1966 original, giving it a new setting. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller's chilling conclusion.Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa will present this updated twist on the classic thriller starting January 10 through February 2. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., except on Saturday, January 18, there will bea 2 p.m. matinee only.For tickets, visit https://www.lamplighterslamesa.com/
Photo: Viejas will host a party at The Park on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy Viejas Resort December 29, 2024 (San Diego) - San Diego County residents have myriad opportunities to ring in 2025 with New Year's Eve celebrations across the region.First Nation casinos across the county will be part of the variety of New Year's Eve events welcoming 2025: Jamul Casino guests can immerse themselves in shimmering lights and disco beats with "Shimmer & Shake." Festivities include a "Noon Year's Eve," with $20 free play for active players at noon, a Champagne Toast Mystery Game from 6 a.m. until midnight, Surf & Turf endless dining from noon to midnight at Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub, a VIP dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. for invited guests at Prime Cut, a VIP Countdown featuring B.I.G. from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. New Year's Day and live entertainment across multiple venues. For more…
By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office Image Credit: Shutterstock January 13, 2025 (Julian) - A deer mouse collected on Jan. 3, 2025, in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus.Finding hantavirus in wild rodents is not uncommon in San Diego County, there were a total of 25 cases in 2024. However, people rarely come into direct contact with infected animals because wild rodents naturally avoid humans.While exposure to hantavirus is rare, people should be careful around wild rodents as there is no cure or vaccine for hantavirus. Symptoms of hantavirus usually develop between 1 to 8 weeks after exposure and include: Severe muscle achesChills, fever or fatigueHeadache or dizzinessNausea, vomiting or stomach painDifficulty breathing If you think that you may have been exposed to hantavirus, seek…
Source: Santee School DistrictDecember 26, 2024 (Santee) - At the Organizational Meeting on December 17, 2024, Tracie Thill was sworn in to Seat No. 4 on the Santee School District Board of Education, with her term expiring in December 2028."On behalf of the Board of Education, I welcome Tracie Thill to our team," said President Barbara Ryan. "We all share a common commitment to serving the best interests of our district, and I look forward to working together as we continue to provide meaningful opportunities and support for the success of our students." Mrs. Thill is a 23-year resident of Santee, where she has built strong connections in the community. A product of Santee schools, she attended Hill Creek Elementary and graduated from Santana High School. She is the wife of a Navy Diver Veteran and the mother of three children. As a dedicated community advocate, Mrs.…
East County News ServiceJanuary 13, 2025 (El Cajon) — Grossmont Union High School District’s governing board has approved a major bond refinancing plan which will save East County taxpayers nearly $19 million by reducing long-term interest costs on its existing school construction bonds.Dr. Gary Woods, board president, says, “These savings are exceptional. East County taxpayers’ investment in our bond program has completely transformed the educational opportunities that we will be able to provide students for years to come. Our Board is committed to saving taxpayers their hard-earned money whenever possible. We are truly grateful for the community’s trust and proud to offer these savings back to our taxpayers.”East County voters launched GUHSD's bond construction program with Proposition U, a $417 million bond approved in 2008, followed by Measure BB, a $128 million…
By Mike AllenPhoto: Workers at GKN opening ceremonyDecember 18, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The site that was once planned as an Amazon warehouse is taking shape to house some of the most sophisticated machinery in the world, as well as the skilled workers to run it.Just across the street from Gillespie Field at the confluence of Cuyamaca Street and Weld Avenue is the new home for GKN Aerospace, a top tier aircraft components supplier and refurbisher of engines for such customers as Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, General Electric and Boeing.GKN has been operating in El Cajon for more than 70 years, but its two segments, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and Repair Solutions, have been growing at such a nice clip, soit needed added room.“We’ve outgrown that campus and needed a little more space so we decided to move the repair solutions here,” said Eric Viklund, vice president of strategic…
By Miriam Raftery December 30, 2023 (San Diego’s East County)—It’s been a turbulent year, from the resignation of a supervisor to a tropical storm slamming our region, from environmental impacts of a drained reservoir to a migrant crisis at the border, from homelessness challenges facing local cities to financial challenges shutting down a popular parade, to name just a few of the top local stories. National and international news stories also sent shock waves across our region, from a former president and current candidate indicted on criminal charges to the Israeli-Hamas war igniting anguish and protests.Our reporting team has worked hard to bring you in-depth coverage on the most important stories of the year affecting residents across East County.Here are the top news stories and issues that we covered in 2023.NEW SUPERVISOR IN DISTRICT 4FLETCHER RESIGNS, STEPPE ELECTED AS…
January 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – 2024 has been a turbulent year, from devastating floods in January to controversies over homelessness and immigration, contentious elections, land use and fire issues, expansion of Jamul tribal lands, officials grappling with hate speech, resignation of the County Supervisors' Chairwoman Nora Vargas, and at year’s end, Syrian-Americans rallying in El Cajon to celebrate the fall of the Assad regime.Below are the top stories of the year which had an impact in East County communities.FLOOD INNUNDATES REGIONThe year opened with extreme flooding in January, resulting in county, state and federal emergency declarations. As ECM reported, thousands sought help at a flood assistance center in Spring Valley. A woman drowned in a flooded Santee creek. In East County, floodwaters caused severe damage to homes in areas such as Rolando and destroyed relief…