Sunday, May 24, 2026
We translate the biggest stories in America into what they actually mean for Santee residents — your wallet, your commute, your home.
KPBS reports that El Cajon’s long-established refugee and immigrant community remains active but increasingly vulnerable amid federal refugee and immigration policy changes. The story centers on local support networks, including License to Freedom, and the families relying on them.
Read the breakdown →California regulators say State Farm violated state law while handling claims from the 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires. For Santee and East County homeowners, the case is another sign that wildfire risk, insurance availability and claim handling remain tightly connected across the state.
Read the breakdown →Iran says it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its blockade and the war ends, according to AP reporting. For Santee drivers, the immediate local marker is still fuel prices: AAA lists San Diego regular at $5.989 a gallon as of Monday.
Read the breakdown →County health officials say two San Diego County residents became infected in a statewide E. coli outbreak linked to The Kebab Shop. Anyone who ate the chain's beef kofta between March 27 and April 30 and later developed stomach symptoms is being urged to seek medical care.
By Santee Pulse Staff
SANDAG is studying the future of the SR-94 corridor, and East County residents are pressing the agency to account for wildfire evacuations, rural travel patterns and cross-border traffic. The plan matters for Santee drivers who use East County routes to reach Spring Valley, Jamul and the backcountry.
By Santee Pulse Staff
A head-on crash on Interstate 8 near Lake Jennings Park Road killed both drivers Thursday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision happened just east of Santee, on a route many East County commuters use to cross the region.
By Santee Pulse Staff
Santee residents and storefronts can decorate in red, white and blue for the city's America 250 celebration starting May 22. The winning entry gets a reserved canopy for Santee Salutes on July 4.
By Santee Pulse Staff
Santee's 2026 citywide slurry seal and roadway maintenance project carries an engineer's estimate of $963,000. The city says the work is expected to take 50 working days once a contract is awarded.
By Santee Pulse Staff
County Budget Meetings Give Santee Residents a Say on $9.1B Plan
View all →Public SafetyLa Mesa Approves E-Bike Age Rule as East County Cities Tighten Safety Laws
View all →BusinessSantee Pet Shop Owner Named California Small Business Person of the Year
View all →CommunitySantee Opens America 250 Porch Contest for Residents and Businesses
View all →DevelopmentEast County Residents Push SANDAG on SR-94 Safety and Evacuation Concerns
View all →Local ImpactEl Cajon Refugee Community Faces New Pressure as Federal Policy Shifts
View all →El Cajon City Council Approves New Downtown Parking Structure
East County Magazine · 99d ago
La Mesa Village Association Plans Spring Wine Walk for March
Patch · 99d ago
Lakeside Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase on I-8
San Diego Union-Tribune · 100d ago
Alpine Fire District Seeks Volunteers for Wildfire Preparedness Program
East County Magazine · 100d ago
Ramona Unified School District Budget Shortfall Prompts Emergency Meeting
Ramona Sentinel · 100d ago
New Urgent Care Clinic Opens in Spring Valley Plaza
Patch · 101d ago
El Cajon Police Investigate String of Catalytic Converter Thefts
San Diego Union-Tribune · 101d ago
La Mesa Considers Rent Stabilization Ordinance for Older Apartments
East County Magazine · 101d ago
Lakeside Rodeo Grounds to Host Vintage Car Show in April
Patch · 102d ago
Alpine Creek Town Center Adds Three New Retail Tenants
East County Magazine · 102d ago
Spring Valley Residents Push Back on Proposed Warehouse Project
San Diego Union-Tribune · 102d ago
Ramona Grasslands Preserve Trail Reopens After Storm Damage Repairs
Ramona Sentinel · 103d ago
El Cajon Transit Center to Get $6M Accessibility Upgrade
East County Magazine · 103d ago
Lakeside Planning Group Reviews 48-Unit Housing Proposal on Maine Ave
Patch · 103d ago
La Mesa Craft Beer Festival Returns to Downtown May 3rd
San Diego Union-Tribune · 104d ago
Two Injured in Multi-Vehicle Collision on Jamacha Road in Spring Valley
East County Magazine · 104d ago
Ramona Community Planning Group Debates Solar Farm Proposal
Ramona Sentinel · 105d ago
Alpine Library to Expand Hours Starting March 1
San Diego Union-Tribune · 105d ago
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