Almanac · Boulevard, CA
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Boulevard, California is a rural community of about 750 people set in brushy desert mountains an hour east of downtown San Diego. It may soon be home to two sexually violent predators: a state category used to describe sex offenders with a high […]
East County Californian · El Cajon, CA
Nearby: El Cajon, CAOn Tuesday, Oct. 20 shortly after 7 p.m., Vernon Leslie Harris IV, 40, became involved in a verbal dispute with another male regarding his driving behavior on Par Drive in unincorporated La Mesa. During the incident, Harris observed the victim photographing his pickup truck with a cellphone. Harris exited his vehicle, approached the victim, forcibly took the cellphone from the victim’s hand, and fled the scene. Deputies responded and used tracking information to locate the victim’s phone in the 400 block of El Cajon Boulevard in the city of El Cajon. Deputies observed Harris’ pickup truck and attempted a traffic stop. Harris failed to yield, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit lasted more than 1 hour and 40 minutes, during which Harris ran at least one stop sign and one red light and swerved across multiple traffic lanes. The pursuit covered approximately 50 miles and reached speeds up to 60 mph.
East County Californian · El Cajon, CA
Nearby: El Cajon, CANovember is the perfect time to start checking gifts off your holiday list while discovering what makes Downtown El Cajon special. From one-of-a-kind finds at local shops to a festive community celebration, Downtown El Cajon has plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit while supporting the businesses that make the neighborhood unique. Celebrate Small Business Season Skip the big-box stores and find something a little more personal this holiday season. Downtown El Cajon is home to a variety of local shops, with unique art, jewelry, formalwear, and fragrance to help you find a thoughtful gift for everyone on your list. For art-inspired gifts, explore Denise Rich Art, Olaf Wieghorst, Sophie’s Gallery and SC Fine Art & Framing. Looking for something for a special occasion? The Elegant Man and Tara’s Boutique offer formalwear options, while Karrada Jewelry and New Bride Jewelry offer jewelry worth browsing.
East County Californian · El Cajon, CA
Nearby: El Cajon, CAJoin the City of El Cajon, American Legion Post 303, and the City of El Cajon Veterans Coalition in honoring veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., at the El Cajon Centennial Plaza. This Veterans Day ceremony celebrates the service and sacrifices of veterans, highlighting the dedication of community members who continue to serve long after their time in uniform. This year, El Cajon proudly names Mr. Steven Santana as its 2026 Veteran of the Year. Santana served in the United States Marine Corps from 1991 to 2012, completing 21 years of service and attaining the rank of E-8, Gunnery Sergeant. His commitment to service has continued well beyond his military career through his extensive volunteer work with AYSO youth soccer. As an AYSO board member responsible for purchasing, coach, referee, and field volunteer, Santana dedicates countless hours to supporting local youth and ensuring they have opportunities to learn and grow through sports.
East County Californian · Santee, CA
Nearby: Santee, CAThe holiday season is just around the corner and the city of Santee is lighting the way. The festivities will be ushered in Nov. 20 at Santee Trolley Square beginning at 5:30 p.m. “You don’t have to travel far to find a little winter magic in Santee,” said Mayor John Minto. “From sledding and holiday music to the excitement of lighting the tree, this celebration has something for everyone. We’re looking forward to kicking off the holiday season with our residents and creating special memories together.” The annual event features sledding, live music, face painting, holiday photo opportunities, and, of course, photos with Santa. The night’s featured event is the tree lighting ceremony that takes place at 6:15 p.m. Santee Trolley Square is at 9884 Mission Gorge Road in Santee. Download QR
East County Californian · Santee, CA
Nearby: Santee, CAOpening on Nov. 13 in Santee is The Heritage Steakhouse. The restaurant is a classic American steakhouse, bringing an “elevated New York-style dining experience to East County.” The restaurant is poised to become the area’s premier destination for refined dining, special occasions, and corporate entertaining, said The Heritage Steakhouse representatives. Led by Executive Chef Meredith Manée, the restaurant’s design is inspired by the timeless elegance of America’s great mid-20th-century steakhouses, The Heritage Steakhouse blends old-world sophistication with modern craftsmanship, high-end cuisine, and anticipatory service. The Heritage Steakhouse is is at 200 Lantern Crest Way in Santee. Download QR
Calexico Chronicle · El Centro, CA
Nearby: El Centro, CAEL CENTRO — Comite Civico del Valle brought the Imperial Valley together on Nov. 4-5 for the 15th annual Environmental Health Leadership Summit at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse in El Centro. Community members, farmworkers, Tribal leaders, scientists, binational partners, local and state officials spent two days on the region’s most pressing health and environmental challenges, and on how to solve them together. CCV has built the Environmental Health Leadership Summits into a forum where those most affected by pollution sit at the same table as the people who make policy and do the science. This year’s program brought farmworkers and Tribal elders together with state agency leaders, university researchers from San Diego State University, University of California Davis, the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, California State Polytechnic University (Pomona), UCLA Department of Public Policy and binational partners from Mexicali and Baja California.
Calexico Chronicle · Calexico, CA
Nearby: Calexico, CACALEXICO — During its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4, the Calexico City Council did not approve a professional services agreement with David Volz Design Landscape Architecture, Inc. meant for Adrian C. Cordova Park’s redesign project. The council also discussed an item regarding a payment installment program, and a public hearing concerning a proposed EMS user fee schedule was rescheduled to a future date. Cordova Park Professional Services Agreement The city of Calexico previously issued a request for proposals (RFP) on Dec. 17, 2025 for a comprehensive redesign of Adrian C. Cordova Park, including land surveying, environmental studies and complete design documents. Five firms submitted cost proposals ranging from approximately $600,000 to $1.4 million, which were presented to the council on May 20, 2026. The council then directed staff to issue a new RFP with a more limited scope focused on community engagement efforts and conceptual design work to reduce costs.
Calexico Chronicle · Calexico, CA
Nearby: Calexico, CAIn January 2026 , Increment 1 of the long-awaited new five-building project officially began at Calexico High School. Led by Balfour Beatty Construction, this phase marks the first of two major steps in transforming a significant portion of the campus. What’s Happening in Increment 1? This initial phase focuses on preparing the site for the new facilities.
Imperial Valley Press Online · Brawley, CA
Nearby: Brawley, CABRAWLEYMan booked on battery and disorderly conduct allegationsA 28-year-old laborer was booked early Thursday morning following an incident in central Brawley, according to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office blotter report. Juan Jose Sosa was booked by Brawley Police Department officers, who found him near the intersection of South Plaza Street and South Fifth Street. According to the report, Sosa was booked at 12:27 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, on suspicion of battery on a person, obstructing or resisting an executive officer, resisting a peace officer and disorderly conduct involving alcohol. No bail amount was listed on the public booking log.Man booked in connection with battery incidentBrawley police booked a 27-year-old laborer early Thursday morning in connection with the same case number as an earlier downtown altercation, according to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office blotter report.
Calexico Chronicle · Brawley, CA
Nearby: Brawley, CABRAWLEY — Residents from all over the Imperial Valley enjoyed a cool November morning as they packed Main Street and Plaza Park in Brawley for the annual Chili Cook-off to start the 70th annual Cattle Call Week. A total of 11 cook-off contestants competed to have their bowl of chili take first place in the competition. Hungry community members sampled the various chili recipes and also enjoyed live music, a beer garden, and other local vendors. For many of the contestants, such as the Brawley Firefighters Association’s Kick Ash Chili, they were no strangers to the competition and were eager to throw their hats in the ring again. John Sandoval, captain with the Brawley Fire Department, explained that he and his team have been involved in the chili cook-off for multiple years now and have landed different spots on the leaderboard, from taking first place in their first competition to being awarded people’s choice their second time around. “My favorite part?
