Stories from surrounding communities, closest first.
Valley Roadrunner · Valley Center, CA
Nearby: Valley Center, CAInterested in volunteering in the Valley Center community? Consider the VC History Museum. The VC History Museum is actively seeking docents to work shifts in the Museum. If you enjoy local history and meeting people, you may like to join their team of volunteers. As a volunteer docent, you would spend a 4 hour shift every other week, during the museum’s business hours of Tuesday-Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. You will learn the exhibits and discover the archival collections of Valley Center, Pauma Valley and the greater Valley Center area. As a bonus, you will greet visitors from throughout the San Diego region and all over the world. Docents help keep the museum’s doors open and learn about the history of the community along the way. No experience is necessary! Just an interest in helping your local community. Contact the museum at 760 749-2993 or [email protected]. The post History Museum seeks docent volunteers first appeared on Valley Roadrunner.
Valley Roadrunner · Valley Center, CA
Nearby: Valley Center, CAEditor, Roadrunner: While the criminal justice system prepares to face accused killers Cedric “Charles” von Ferdinand and accomplice Kimberley Anne Pifer in a Vista courtroom, a parallel crisis remains unresolved on the ground in Valley Center. Nadine Jett’s 20-acre ranch, the very site where the 65-year-old retired attorney was tragically found buried, continues to be occupied by unauthorized individuals. Despite a definitive legal breakthrough by the property’s new owners, severe civil court backlogs are forcing the surrounding neighborhood to endure the presence of these squatters. According to civil court records, the new owners recently filed an unlawful detainer lawsuit to evict the remaining occupants from the ranch. Among those refusing to vacate is Jill Portwood, an associate linked to the circle that overran the property following Jett’s disappearance.
Valley Roadrunner · San Marcos, CA
Nearby: San Marcos, CAValley Center Community Planning Group: seven seats are chosen in this election. On Monday night, with 53% counted and more than 185,000 votes left to tally countywide, planning veteran LaVonne Norwood is dominating at 4,561 (15.16%), followed by Lisa Adams 4,096 (13.61%), James Garritson 3,527 (11.72%), Matt Matthews 3,492 (11.61%), Vlad Ciupitu 3,180 (10.57%), Steve Hutchison 2,903 (9.65%) and Susan Fajardo 2,902 (9.64%) . Mordi Iheme 2,797 (9.30%) and Andrew Noll 2,631 (8.74%) are not making the cut. Board of Supervisors — District 5: Meanwhile, San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones is way ahead in the race to become the next 5th District supervisor. Rebecca Jones 114,103 votes (59.04%) led Kyle Krahel 79,158 (40.96%) in the race for District 5 county supervisor who are competing to succeed Supervisor Jim Desmond. The seat represents northern San Diego County on the five-member Board of Supervisors.
Valley Roadrunner · San Marcos, CA
Nearby: San Marcos, CAPeople ask me sometimes about the turning points in my life. There have been a few. But the one that changed everything was the day I raised my right hand and swore an oath to serve this country in the United States Navy. It was the best decision I ever made. The Navy taught me things you can’t learn anywhere else. Discipline. Accountability. What it really means to put the mission and the people next to you ahead of yourself. It taught me that leadership isn’t a title. It’s service. Those lessons followed me into the cockpit at Delta, into the Mayor’s office in San Marcos and onto the Board of Supervisors. They still guide me today. I’m not unusual in that. Most of the people I served with never asked for a parade. They came home and went to work. They became teachers, deputies, contractors, nurses. A few came home carrying things that didn’t show up on a medical chart for years. That’s who we’re honoring on Wednesday.
Lake and McHenry County Scanner · Vista, CA
Nearby: Vista, CAA U.S. congressman and Waukegan’s mayor are calling for the California company that owns Vista Medical Center East to sell the hospital to a “responsible operator” after payroll delays and the loss of its trauma designation. Congressman Brad Schneider, whose district includes Waukegan, said in a statement Wednesday that he joins Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham “and other local leaders in calling for AHS to step aside and allow a responsible operator to come in and improve quality of care and employee communication and support.” American Healthcare Systems (AHS), the California-based, for-profit hospital chain that owns Vista Medical Center East, bought the hospital in July 2023. “Vista Medical Center East has long been dogged by issues that have impacted patient care and overall stability,” Schneider said.
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
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.
