Video by James Kecskes
February 20, 2025 (Spring Valley) - County officials and community members broke ground Wednesday on a project that will bring a new library branch to Casa de Oro to meet the growing needs of the community.
The new library will be located at 9610 Campo Road in Spring Valley near Spring Valley Academy.
The current facility is in a leased location and is 6,000 square feet. The new library will double in size to 12,000 square feet with an approximately 2,000 square foot Community Room. In 2022, nearly 30,000 customers visited the branch and checked out over 63,250 items.
Some of the features of the new library will include:
- Public computers plus laptops for checkout
- High speed internet access and Wi-Fi throughout the branch
- Community Room with after-hours access for community events
- Teen area with study rooms
- Children’s area with early literacy play equipment
- Patio space and a Friends of the Library Bookstore
- Designated parking lot
The library is being built on Zero Net Energy and LEED Gold standards. This means that the library’s solar panels will produce the electricity it needs to operate.
The County gathered community input and engaged residents, businesses and other stakeholders about their needs for the library. This feedback helped to shape the design and types of features planned for this location. County staff will continue to engage with the community about future design concepts as the project moves forward and revisions are made.
This project supports the library’s mission to celebrate our communities and help you create your own story. The project is funded by the County of San Diego.
The construction phase will begin winter 2025 with the branch set to open spring 2026. For more information about the project, visit sdcl.org.
East County News Service
Photo via 50501: thousands rallied against Trump in Washington D.C. outside Capitol
February 19, 2025 (San Diego) – Protesters held “Not My President” rallies at state capitols in all 50 states and other locations to oppose unprecedented attacks on our democratic system’s checks and balances by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
“We witness, with growing alarm, how our constitutional rights are trampled upon, how the authority of the President is being usurped by those who seek to consolidate power for Personal gain. Meanwhile, President Trump systematically dismantles the very guardrails designed to ensure accountability across the branches of government,” reads a statement from the events’ organizer, the 50501 Movement. The name stands for 50 protests in 50 statements, one movement and has been organized on social media.
Trump has asserted king-like power on his social media, posting this week, “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law,” an action CNN likened to channeling Napolean. He is asking the Supreme Court to give him absolute power to hire or fire agency officials that Congress established to operate with independence from political pressures.
Calling for justice, transparency, and an end to executive overreach, the group adds, “We stand firm at a critical moment in history, demanding that the American people be heard and that the White House be governed by the true will of the people—not by a tech billionaire who seeks to buy influence and control.” The latter statement refers to tech mogul Musk, owner of Space-X, Tesla and X (formerly Twitter).
Trump bypassed the Senate to appoint Musk to lead the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Musk’s workers have drawn criticism for accessing private data of millions of Americans and deleting massive amounts of critical data on everything from healthcare to school test results, eliminating entire departments such as USAid, and mass firing government workers, even firing people in charge of overseeing nuclear weapons, workers responsible for airline safety oversight, and preventing foreign intervention in U.S. elections. DOGE workers also locked Congressional members out of the Department of Education, when the legislators attempted to oversee actions of Musk’s team.
In Washington D.C., a massive protest included rallies outside the Capitol, White House, and Lincoln Memorial. Rallies in New York and Los Angeles reportedly drew more than 10,000 people each.
In San Diego, anti-Trump protesters rallied at Waterfront Park.
Photo by Genevieve Seaman: San Diego protester objects that DOGE is not one of the three branches of government.
“We need to stand up to stop the overrunning of the rule of law,” Genevieve Seaman, who participated in the San Diego rally, told ECM. Seaman, who formerly lived in East County and now resides in San Ysidro, added, “Failure of Congress Republicans to stop the overturning of the check and balance system is frightening. Unless we act, we could lose it all. Grass roots must show we care.”
A lone counter-protester turned up, 10 News reports. The man, who declined to provide his name, said Trump “needs support where other people go against him, even if it’s just one person at that moment.”
By Miriam Raftery
February 19, 2025 (Spring Valley) – David Ruiz, 22, was arrested by Sheriff’s deputies today for the murder of his newborn son.
Responding to a 1:20 p.m. report of battery at a home on Sacramento Avenue in Spring Valley, San Miguel Firefighters arrived at 1:26 p.m., followed closely by Sheriff’s deputies from the Rancho San Diego station. “Firefighters discovered a newborn male infant unconscious on the living room floor, suffering from apparent trauma to his head. Tragically, the baby was pronounced dead at the scene,” says Lieutenant Michael Krugh.
The biological father, 22-year-old David Ruiz, was taken into custody and will be charged with the murder of his newborn son.
The motivation and circumstances surrounding this tragic homicide are still unclear. Sheriff's Homicide investigators are working to gather more information to determine the facts of the case.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
View video of this incident, via Lemon Grove Media on Facebook
By Miriam Raftery
February 19, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – During last night’s Lemon Grove City Council meeting, former Councilmember Liana LeBaron urged members to agendize a discussion on 70 tiny homes for the homeless slated to be built on Troy Street. County Supervisors approved building the project in Lemon Grove before holding any public discussion, angering many residents.
For months, members of the public have clamored for Lemon Grove’s City Council to put the tiny homes on the agenda for discussion and a vote. Last night, during public comments, LeBaron stated, “Our community wants to be heard. They want you to take action on their behalf.”
City Manager Lydia Romero then announced that she was finally able to get a commitment from county staffers to come to a March 4 meeting and give a presentation, including staff involved in both design and operations of the tiny homes project. The meeting will be held at Alvarez Auditorium to accommodate a crowd.
Mayor Alysson Snow told the audience, ”We wanted it done much sooner,” adding that it took time to find a large enough space.
LeBaron then shouted from the audience, “Most important, we want to know what our city’s position is on it.”
The mayor warned LeBaron not to interrupt the meeting or she would have to leave the meeting.
“I’m not leaving the meeting,” Le Baron said.
A man in the audience also disrupted the meeting and both were told to leave.
Sheriff’s escorted LeBaron out of the room as she objected, ”Take your hands off of me.”
She was later arrested briefly and cited for disrupting the meeting, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The misdemeanor offense is punishable by a fine of up to $400, or up to 90 days in jail, or both.
LeBaron was arrested in 2022 when her husband accused her of domestic violence, and again in 2024 when he accused her of violating a restraining order.
After Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Snow told the Union-Tribune that it was not her intent to have LeBaron arrested, however, but merely to assure that she left the room.
By Mary England, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce
Photos courtesy of Carrie Smedley Photography
February 19, 2025 (La Mesa) -- The owner of Aromas of India Bar and Grill, Dinesh Shah, made history in La Mesa at the February 5 grand opening of his newly renovated restaurant, located at 5270 Baltimore Drive. Dinesh and his staff offered complimentary dinners to the public and La Mesa Chamber of Commerce guests for three hours from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., which has never been done in the Chamber’s history and possibly never in the La Mesa business community’s history. The robust marketing plan generated over a thousand reservations for the evening and brought hundreds and hundreds of people to La Mesa to savor this new restaurant.
Guests were advised when they RSVP’d that parking was non-existent and public transportation or another form of transportation would be needed to attend. The lines of eager guests began to form at 4 p.m. By 5 p.m., the line traversed all the way up Baltimore Drive. The wait did not dampen the mood of the guests, who were excited to serve themselves and choose from the eight different menu items that were offered: chicken tikka marsala, naan, vegetable samosas, basmati rice, vegetable egg rolls, mixed vegetable curry and dal makhani.
Chef Prakash and his team did a remarkable job of preparing the food for the evening, as well as refilling the serving dishes as needed. While guests waited outside to take their turn at the buffet tables, Indian dancers provided entertainment for their pleasure. Inside the restaurant while dining, guests were entertained by jazz musicians, making the entire evening a memorable experience and totally delightful.
“We are thrilled to have this new Indian restaurant in our city,” says Mary England, president of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. "Dinesh Shah and his staff produced a first-class evening that entertained hundreds of people and introduced them to his menu. He took a vacant building and totally remodeled it into a showpiece that includes a new bar and a tasteful inside and outside dining area. We are grateful for his investment in La Mesa and for providing jobs, a great menu for locals and visitors and for stimulating our local economy.”
Due to the crowd, the Chamber held several ribbon cutting activities and photo opportunities beginning at 6 p.m. that captured the family members, the management team of the restaurant, the elected officials, the La Mesa Chamber, Miss La Mesa Samantha Luevano and Miss La Mesa Teen, Jaeden Roy and other friends to celebrate this historic moment. Presentations were made to Dinesh and his family and team by Jason Wiecz representing Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, La Mesa City Council members Laura Lothian, Lauren Cazares and Genevieve Suzuki and the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce. We were thrilled to have the Honorary Consul General and Honorary Consulate of Nepal; Rishi P. Dhakal travel to join us for this momentous occasion.
This new addition to the dining landscape in La Mesa offers an additional opportunity for locals and guests to savor Indian spices and flavors while dining in a modern fine dining atmosphere. The motto of Aromas of India Bar & Grill is “Dine Like Royalty” and you certainly will. Stop in and enjoy a delicious meal, while supporting a new La Mesa business and welcome owner Dinesh Shah to La Mesa! For take-out orders or to contact the restaurant call 619 439-6072.
Dinesh also offers catering services for 100 to 2,000 people, so keep that in mind when you are planning your next business or family get-together.
You can visit their website to view the menu and other facts at aromaslamesa.com.
Update 4:30 p.m.: The victim has been identified as Cal Fire Captain Rebecca "Becky" Marodi, 10 News reports. On Facebook, Cal Fire confirms, "It is with great sadness that CAL FIRE reports the off-duty death of Fire Captain Rebecca “Becky” Marodi. Captain Marodi served over 30 years with CAL FIRE, primarily in Riverside County, but also serving time in San Bernardino and San Diego Counties. The tragic loss of Captain Marodi is mourned by her family, friends, and her CAL FIRE family."
By Miriam Raftery
February 18, 2025 (Ramona) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s department is seeking tips from the public to identify who brutally stabbed a woman in Ramona repeatedly last night. The victim died after the suspect fled the scene.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon shortly before 9 p.m. They found the victim, a 50-year-old Hispanic woman, with multiple stab wounds inside a home in the 20200 block of Rancho Villa Rd. Despite life-saving efforts by deputies and Cal Fire paramedics, the woman died at the scene.
“At this stage of the investigation, the motivation and circumstances of the homicide are still unclear. Currently there is no suspect information,” says Lieutenant Michael Krugh.
Sheriff's homicide investigators are working to gather more information to determine the facts of the case.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (858) 285-6330/after hours at (858) 868-3200. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time. We assure the public that we are using all available resources to thoroughly investigate and seek justice in this case,” Krugh concludes.
Ranch offers petting zoo, summer camp and Airbnb experiences
By Mimi Pollack
Photo: baby goats named Daisy Duke and Billy the Kid
February 18, 2025 (Jamul) -- With his friendly smile and warm blue eyes, Farmer Pat [as he likes to be called] welcomes you to Jamul Trails Ranch, a little oasis in Jamul. Pat and Kim Dillon have built a nice life for themselves and now want to share it with others.
They opened Jamul Trails Ranch, where both children and adults can enjoy a variety of events involving their farm animals, including baby chicks and silkies, bunnies, guinea pigs, goats, mini-donkeys, horses, ducks, a tortoise, and a noisy goose. As stated in their press release, they want to be “East County’s premier destination for petting zoo tours, educational field trips, kids’ aquarium workshops and as an event and party venue.
They want their ranch to be the place “for those seeking a rare combination of animal experiences, knowledge, hands on opportunities and natural beauty. This ranch provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the best of ranch living."
Photo, right: a female donkey named Noel
In 2015, Kim and Pat’s daughter bought the ranch in Jamul. Several people boarded their horses there, so it continued to be a horse ranch. In 2019, she moved out of state and sold the place to her parents. Kim and Pat continued boarding horses there and brought in other farm animals.
In Spring of last year, they opened as a petting zoo and event venue. Families have brought their children there to have parties, play games and enjoy the animals while learning about them.
According to their press release, Jamul Trails Ranch wants to be a place that provides the following key features.
- Seasonal Events: Experience your next party surrounded in a festive ranch setting with friendly animals at the Premier Petting Zoo in San Diego! The ranch offers a variety of event spaces ideal for weddings, corporate retreats, holiday parties and social gatherings, with breathtaking outdoor backdrops.
- Kids Birthday Parties: Enjoy time meeting our ranch animals. Our basic experience will expose you with intimate time spent with our animal friends. Feed, hold and pet them all on a guided tour by Pat. Great time to take pictures to document your guest’s visit.
- Educational Field Trips for Groups: A great experience for preschoolers, and young kids up to about fifth grade! Pat, your guide, will lead you through the Petting Zoo tour with his knowledge of living and growing up on a ranch! You will feed, hold and pet all our animals! Designed for larger groups.The ranch is safe and clean with restrooms and handwashing facilities.
- Private Family Petting Zoo Tour: The Premier Petting Zoo in San Diego! Enjoy time meeting the Ranch animals on a tour led by Pat.
- Kids Aquarium Workshop Party: Coming in February 2025, an educational aquatic experience. Tour Jamul Trails Ranch’s fish room and learn the basics of fish keeping and the science behind it. Everyone will build and decorate their own fully functioning fish tank, then catch their own fish to put in it. The tanks have a light, filter system, and water change system. All systems are USB driven so it is safe to put in the kids' bedroom. You also receive food and full instructions. In addition, Pat also raises some unusual fish originally from Venezuela, called Endlers. Endlers are known for their beautiful colors.
Photo, left: a baby colt named Ringo
This summer, they will have day camps for kids. During the camp, participants will work with donkeys, horses, rabbits, geese, ducks, chickens, tortoises and fish. They will participate in all aspects of keeping the ranch running.
Farmer Pat, who grew up on a working ranch, will lead the camps with an educational focus, teaching children the basics of ranch work, animal handling and feeding, horse care, basic horse-riding skills, egg collection and pancake and egg cooking. Fun activities and crafts will also be incorporated into each day. In addition, they will have the added experience of running a full fish room with over 200 tanks. Campers will arrive city slickers and go home asranchers!
City Slickers Day Camps are available from June 15 to August 15, from 9 to 3. They will offer early drop-off and late pick-up options.
On the day that I went to visit, I had a great time. Farmer Pat is wonderful with both people and animals and kept my interest with all his knowledge and interesting tidbits. I also got to pet and /or hold baby chicks, beautiful bunnies and guinea pigs, mini donkeys, a pair of goats, several horses and a baby colt whose coat felt like velvet. It is obvious that he and Kim take pride in what they do.
As Kim says, “Our goal is to become a haven for kids that don’t have access to animals and ranch life! We’d like to become a really great place for families to celebrate birthday parties or just a day on the farm at our petting zoo tour. It’s our way to give back to the community!”
Finally, they have also opened two Airbnb units for people to rent and enjoy time on the ranch. They say it has been a great experience, and they have met people from all over the world.
Their website is: Jamul Trails Ranch
Photo, left: Farmer Pat
By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association
Photo: a child at Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s refugee shelter. (File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego)
February 17, 2025 (San Diego) - Faced with a halt in federal funding and and the closing of the border to refugees, Jewish Family Service of San Diego is shutting down its shelter and shifting focus to legal support of asylum seekers.
CEO Michael Hopkins said in a statement received Saturday that following the Trump administration’s suspension of the CBP One smartphone asylum-filing application on Jan. 20, no refugee individuals or families have been released to the shelter.
In addition, $22 million in promised federal funding has not been received, leading to future layoffs of the shelter staff.
“As a result of this change in federal funding and policy, on Feb. 10, we provided shelter services staff with 60 days’ notice,” Hopkins said. “We are working to identify any potential opportunities for re-engagement with our valued shelter services staff in other departments in the future.”
Since October 2018, JFS has assisted more than 248,000 people seeking asylum — providing temporary shelter, food, case management, medical and legal services, and travel coordination to reunite people with their loved ones across the United States. The shelter and associated services were considered a national model.
“We are proud of our dedicated staff’s tremendous, round-the-clock work to welcome people with dignity every day and of what we accomplished — centering humanity, prioritizing public health and keeping hundreds of thousands of new people to our community from becoming homeless on the streets of San Diego,” Hopkins said.
He said JFS would pivot to providing legal services for refugees, the Dreamers brought to the U.S. as children, and other immigrants.
“While there are no longer individuals or families seeking asylum released from short term federal immigration custody to our shelter services, we are seeing increased needs for immigration legal assistance and other social service supports to vulnerable San Diegans,” he said.
The agency was founded in 1918 to help Jewish refugees stuck in Mexico after World War I migrate to the United Sates. It now assists individuals of all faiths with a variety of social services, in addition to helping immigrants.
By Miriam Raftery
Photo: Merle Wakefield and Alvin Quarles have been conditionally released into Campo and Borrego Springs.
February 16, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The Sheriff’s department has sent warning notices to residents in Borrego Springs and Campo, announcing that two sexually violent predators have been conditionally released into these communities. The court has ordered Liberty Healthcare, which runs the state’s conditional release program, to continue seeking permanent placement for the two men.
Alvin Quarles, 62, is now in Borrego Springs. Known as the “Bolder than most” rapist for making spouses or partners watch, he was convicted of a series of rapes in the 1980s. He served 25 years in state prison before being committed to Coalinga State Hospital. Quarles was initially to be placed in Campo, but the state has instead opted to place the other offender, Merle Wakefield, in the Campo home instead.
Wakefield, temporarily in Campo, was convicted of lewd acts on a child in 1981 and rape by means of force, violence or fear in 1990. Prior efforts to place Wakefield at homes in Mt. Helix, Borrego Springs, and Poway failed after massive community opposition, either by a judge rejecting the placements or the state rescinding the placement location.
While on conditional release, both men must abide by stringent conditions and will be monitored via GPS and security on a round-the-clock basis.
Another SVP, Alan Earl James, was placed in the Campo home last year, but state hospital officials have requested that his outpatient release be revoked. A hearing in James' case is set for Tuesday. If a judge rules against revoking James' release, Wakefield would have to move again.
By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office
Photo: Alexis & Deondre
February 15, 2025 (San Diego) - The day started with a few showers, but the sun came out for many couples saying “I do” on Valentine’s Day.
A flurry of bridal gowns, hearts and flowers took over wedding venues at Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s (ARCC) offices across the region Friday.
Feb. 14 is traditionally one of the ARCC’s busiest days for weddings.
Between the four ARCC locations, 153 marriage licenses were issued, and 108 wedding ceremonies took place.
The busiest Valentine’s Day on record for the County was a decade ago. In 2014, the office issued 266 licenses and performed 242 ceremonies.
Valentine’s Day wedding appointments this year were booked days in advance, but those who made last minute decisions to tie the knot could still get married. Walk-ins were welcome at the ARCC’s office downtown.
Twenty couples also found themselves the happy recipients of a free marriage license and ceremony package.
ARCC partnered with the Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation to cover the costs. Radio Channel 93.3 gave away ten of the donated wedding packages on their morning show that were good for 90-days. The neighborhood foundation treated the first ten wedding couples at the County Administration Center with free weddings, flowers and chocolates.
The ARCC’s current yearly average for marriage licenses comes to nearly 25,000. For ceremonies, the ARCC reports more than 12,000 ceremonies. Half of customers who request a marriage license also hold their wedding ceremonies at the ARCC’s office.
For more information on how to get a marriage license or reserve a date for a civil wedding ceremony, visit the Marriage License & Civil Ceremony website.
See some of the Valentine’s Day newlyweds or couples getting their marriage license at the County Administration Center below.