Our Rural section covers most San Diego County's inland communities south of I-8 to the border including Alpine, Barrett Junction, Boulevard, Campo, Deerhorn Valley, Dehesa, Dulzura, Jamul, Japatul, Lake Morena, Otay, Potrero, and Spring Valley.
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Photo of striking nurses by Lauren Cazares Facebook page
East County News Service
Nov. 26, 2025 (San Diego County) -- Thousands of nurses at Sharp HealthCare in San Diego began a strike today that is expected to last through Thanksgiving weekend.
The strike is likely to impact hospital operations during one of the busiest times of the year. The hospital group says it has been making arrangements to maintain patient care.
More than 5,000 nurses and healthcare professionals are participating to negotiate for better pay, improved sick leave and safer staffing levels. The healthcare workers are part of the Sharp Professional Nurses Network (SPNN) and other unions at Sharp HealthCare locations across San Diego County. They are seeking a new contract addressing concerns that include current conditions they say are unsafe and that their compensation isn't competitive with other hospitals in the region.
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“They meant to hurt us, but they’re hurting our kids.” –Jason Balisteri, Mount Miguel history teacher and former teacher-librarian
By Armando Rasing II
Photos, left: protest signs at GUHSD board meeting when the majority voted to fire all teacher-librarians.
November 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) - The 2025-26 school year marks the first school year that the Grossmont Union High School District doesn’t have a teacher-librarian for any of its nine schools, following mass layoffs.
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November 21, 2025 (Alpine, CA) – A concerned neighbor called 911 to request a wellness check on her neighbor on November 5, after she found his door partially open and he did not answer. The incident ended tragically. Sheriff’s deputies fatally shot the resident, 72-year-old Robert Edmund Liddell, after they saw him holding what appeared to be a gun, but was later determined to be a replica weapon.
The Sheriff’s Department has released video of the shooting. Viewer discretion is advised.
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“Rural and railways” is a phrase that captures the essence of San Diego’s county’s southeast region. It is in these parts that the rustic charm of open landscapes coexists with the enduring legacy of railroads -- a dual identity that defines the area’s character and appeal.
The Rural and Railways region extends from the Interstate 8 corridor south to the Mexican border, from the San Diego-Imperial County line in the east to the communities of Spring Valley, Dulzura, and Jamul at the western boundary.
Taking the roads less traveled, you can enjoy leisurely drives through rolling hills and small towns. Visitors can ride aboard a historic railway, savor local wines, stop by museums filled with railway and Western memorabilia, try their luck at Native American casinos, or take a hike through scenic parks, wilderness areas, and wildlife preserves.
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Nov. 14, 2025 (San Diego County) -- The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is continuing a critical conversation about the future of housing and development in the unincorporated areas of the county, including Spring Valley, Lakeside and Casa de Oro.
The Board of Supervisors will discuss land use legislations at its meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. The meeting is in person at the County Administration Center and can be accessed as well online.
County staff will be presenting information to set the stage for major decisions coming in the 2026-27 fiscal year that will affect where and how new homes and buildings are built.
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Nov. 11, 2025 (Alpine) -- Pet lovers have the chance to help local animals in need next month at the Alpine Pet Food & Supply Drive, hosted by the Viejas Community Market.
The Alpine Pet Food & Supply Drive is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Viejas Community Market, located at the Viejas Pit Stop.
The drive aims to gather a wide range of supplies to benefit local pets and organizers are seeking both food and various essential items to assist animals and the organizations that care for them.
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November 8, 2025 (San Diego County) -- CalFire is on scene at a fire being called Border 18 Fire. The fire was reported today at 2:10 p.m. 1/3 mile east of Marron Valley Truck Trail & Lupe Springs Spur Truck Trail, south of Dulzura.
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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 ongoing care for the more than 60 animals that live at Lions Tigers & Bears.
The Dec. 13 event is set for 2:30 to 7:30 p.m, with a special feeding of the animals to happen between 3 and 4 p.m.
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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 October, amounting to approximately a two-thirds reduction.
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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.
Cohen will serve until the current San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector term ends Jan. 4, 2027. An election will determine a successor for the following four-year term.
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Local students join I Love A Clean San Diego to divert organic waste from landfills
Story and photo via I Love a Clean San Diego
November 4, 2025 (Spring Valley) — On Monday, November 3, students at Sweetwater Springs Elementary School participated in a unique post-Halloween event aimed at reducing organic waste and promoting environmental education. Hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) in partnership with the County of San Diego and WM, the Pumpkin Smash event gave students the opportunity to responsibly dispose of their Halloween pumpkins while learning about composting and sustainability.
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Nov. 1, 2025 (East County) -- Santee resident and San Diego East County Economic Development Council leader James Sly could be named the new CEO of the Grossmont Healthcare District this week.
The GHD board meeting agenda for Nov. 4 lists a Chief Executive Officer employment agreement for Sly.
Aaron Byzak has been the interim CEO for the Grossmont Healthcare District since March 2025 following the GHD board's decision to not renew the contract of Christian Wallis. Byzak has also been the communication strategy consultant for the GHD.
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Oct. 30, 2025 (Spring Valley) -- A woman has been sentenced in an animal cruelty case after San Diego County Department of Animal Services officers responded to a case involving a Chihuahua in Spring Valley.
Animal Services met with the dog’s owner in August after receiving a recording from a member of the public showing disturbing treatment of the dog.
The dog was taken into county care, where Animal Services, veterinary staff provided treatment, conducted a cruelty exam and ensured the animal had a safe environment.
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Oct. 29, 2025 (San Diego County) -- Need international document authentication? Now's your chance.
San Diego County residents needing international document authentication will have an opportunity to have a one-stop-shop for it on Wednesday, Nov. 5, as the California Secretary of State’s Apostille pop-up shop returns for a fifth and final 2025 appearance.
Hosted at the San Diego Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s Office inside the County Administration Center, this one-day event brings this vital Sacramento-based service directly to locals.
The envent will go from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the center at 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 273, in downtown San Diego.
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October 17, 2025 (Jamul) - San Diego’s premier new luxury destination, Jamul Casino Resort, recently welcomed guests to the official grand opening of its state-of-the-art boutique hotel tower, marking a new era in Southern California hospitality. The stunning 16-story property features a premium spa with a full-service salon, a rooftop pool with sweeping mountain views, and a signature dining venue. With 200 spacious, Alexa-enabled rooms including multiple high-tech luxury suites, a speakeasy and invite-only gaming spaces, it creates an unparalleled stay and play experience.
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Oct. 15, 2025 (Ramona) -- The 13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival is heading to the Begent Ranch in Ramona on Saturday, Nov. 1.
The popular event, set from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the ranch at 18528 Highland Valley Road, will include wines and craft beverage tastings, all-day live local music, a live auction at 2 p.m. featuring comedian Josh Lawson as auctioneer, and the opportunity to view and buy handcrafted art from local fine artists.
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East County's Casa de Oro, which was going to benefit from a demonstration project for Campo Road road improvements, saw a grant from the federal government rescinded. ECM photo
Local residents and officials voice disappointment in decision
By Karen Pearlman
Oct. 14, 2025 (Casa de Oro) -- Campo Road, one of San Diego County’s historic thoroughfares, was the unfortunate recipient last month of a federal snub and a $1 million-plus grant being taken back.
In Sept. 9 email to the county, a United States Department of Transportation official explained its rescinding of the $1.1653 million grant, calling a Casa de Oro community group-backed plan that dared to add bike lanes to the area “hostile to motor vehicles.”
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Oct. 14, 2025 (San Diego) -- Jewish Family Service of San Diego has found another way to help those impacted by the United States federal government shutdown.
The nonprofit that helps the entire community, along with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, is hosting a drive-thru food distribution on Oct. 15 at Jewish Family Service of San Diego,Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus in Kearny Mesa for families impacted by the shutdown.
Nearly 200 families of federal workers and those in the military will each receive about 40 pounds of food, including fresh produce, non-perishable and shelf-stable pantry food.
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Oct. 12, 2025 (Lakeside) -- Circle TLC Ranch-Equine Therapy is holding its 14th annual chili cookoff in November.
Dubbing itself "the best chili cook off in East County," leaders of the group say they are currently seeking chili cookers for the event, which costs $25 as a donation to enter a chili to contend.
The cookoff costs $5 (as a donation) that includes tasting and judging chilis as well as a bottle of water to clean the palate and put out any fires from the hot dishes. Children under age 2 will be admitted at no cost.
The event is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11541 Moreno Ave. in Lakeside.
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Nonprofit rescue organization Horses of Tir Na Nog cares for more than 100 animals, including Buttermilk the horse. The rescue group is having an Open House at its site in Guatay on Nov. 1. Photo by Karen Pearlman
East County News Service
Oct. 11, 2025 (Guatay) -- Horses of Tir Na Nog, the equine-focused rescue in rural East County, is holding it Dia De Los Muertos Open House in November.
Celebrating ranch residents who have passed, Horses of Tir Na Nog's annual open house will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1 at its site at 26930 Old Highway 80 in Guatay near Descanso.
Horses of Tir Na Nog co-founder Amy Pat Rigney said the event will honor the lives of horses and other ranch residents who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge over the years.
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park photo (left) by Karen Pearlman
East County News Service
July 15, 2025 (San Diego County) -- California State Parks Foundation(link is external)has extended its invitation to park visitors and photography enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels to capture the natural beauty, recreational activities and unique landscapes of California’s state parks.
The California State Parks Foundation Photo Contest, originally open for submissions through Sept. 30, is now extended through Oct. 23.
"Due to the popularity of the contest and to give Californians more time to capture the magic of fall, State Parks is extending the contest by two weeks," an email from the CSPF said. "Be sure to submit your photos from one of 280 state parks in up to five categories for a chance to win special prizes."
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October 8, 2025 (Crest) -- Every year, devastating wildfires sweep across the United States, threatening homes, landscapes, and lives. As more people live in wildfire-prone areas, communities like Crest are stepping up to reduce risk and strengthen resilience.
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October 7, 2025 (Spring Valley) – Public help is sought to local Angel Mauricio Reyes Mejicanos, 15, who vanished after walking his sister to school on September 29. He was reportedly sighted in the Encanto area on October 1. His family is pleading for public help to find him according to the RAD Movement, which helps families of missing children.
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October 6, 2025 (Descanso) – A goat trapped between boulders on Mizpah Lane in Descanso has been freed, thanks to the efforts of Cal Fire/San Diego Fire crews.
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October 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Ready to savor German beers and foods, kick up your heels to traditional German music as well as contemporary bands, enjoy games, carnival rides and vie for prizes? All of these opportunities and more can be found at Oktoberfest celebrations across East County include large festivals in La Mesa and El Cajon this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as smaller Oktoberfest gatherings in Alpine and Julian on October 4.
Scroll down for details on Oktoberfest events across San Diego's inland region.
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Oct. 3, 2025 (Alpine) -- For a unique, once-a-year experience, Lions Tigers & Bears sanctuary in San Diego County is inviting the public to its annual Spooky Campover event on Friday, Oct. 24.
The overnight campout offers the rare chance to sleep under the stars -- surrounded by the sounds of rescued big cats and other sanctuary animals.
The "spooky celebration" packs in a night of Halloween-themed fun.
Attendees will enjoy campfire songs, pumpkin carving and a Halloween costume contest.
For those who dare, an all-ages haunted house will also be part of the evening's entertainment.
Visitors can also test their knowledge in an animal trivia challenge (with clues available on the LTB website), make s'mores, and sip on hot cocoa by the campfire.
The fun doesn't end when the sun comes up the next day. The following morning features the "Pumpkin Bash."
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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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October 1, 2025 (Boulevard) – Border Patrol agents thwarted a drug smuggling attempt Sunday afternoon, seizing over 52 pounds of methamphetamine concealed within the spare tire of a side-by-side utility terrain vehicle in San Diego’s East County.
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Photo: sign posted by East County residents when two sexually violent predators were proposed for release in their neighborhood
September 27, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) - Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) announced the passage of his Senate Bill 380, which directs the Department of State Hospitals to examine placing sexually violent predators in state-run transitional housing facilities upon release. Current law allows for their conditional release into the community where they pose a significant risk to the public safety.
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“They meant to hurt us, but they’re hurting our kids.” –Jason Balisteri, Mount Miguel history teacher and former teacher-librarian
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Paul Levikow
Local students join I Love A Clean San Diego to divert organic waste from landfills
By Karen Pearlman
East County News Service
East County News Service
San Diego’s newest boutique hotel now open
East County News Service
East County's Casa de Oro, which was going to benefit from a demonstration project for Campo Road road improvements, saw a grant from the federal government rescinded. ECM photo
Photo courtesy Jewish Family Service
East County News Service
By Diana Griffin
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
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
Source: Border Patrol
East County News Service
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