In January Joel Anderson was sworn in for a second term on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, after being re-elected in November 2024.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to represent my district and I love my job,” Anderson said. “They’ve trusted me for 22 years to represent them and it’s an incredible privilege, and I’m so delighted to do it for another four years.”
Anderson represents District 2 which includes East County.
Also in January the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce announced that Tim McDougal was selected as the 2024 El Cajon Citizen of the Year for his outstanding volunteer service to the El Cajon community.
McDougal has been a volunteer with the Boys & Girls Clubs of East County and its Foundation, the El Cajon Rotary Club and its Foundation, the East County Posse and Covenant Church, altogether 6 non-profit boards of directors. He is an active member of the La Mesa and East County Regional Chambers of Commerce and was nominated by the Boys & Girls Clubs as well as El Cajon Rotary.
Brianne Svacina of El Cajon Valley High School was named the District’s 2025 Counselor of the Year in February as the Grossmont Union High School District joined school districts nationwide in honoring school counselors during National School Counseling Week.
Svacina is an eight-year employee of GUHSD and has spent the past four years at ECVHS. Before becoming a school counselor, Svacina spent four years at West Hills High School as a guidance information specialist.
“Ms. Svacina is someone both students and staff turn to when they have questions or need advice,” said El Cajon Valley High School Principal Rob Stirling in a statement. “She builds strong, lasting relationships with all students and encourages them to be the best versions of themselves.”
Natalie Camou had her short film “#1 Bad Dad” as a part of a special screening for Film Independent Project Involve Films at the Slamdance Film Festival held in March. A native of Santee, Camou graduated from West Hills High School.
Camou said the film is a father-daughter redemption story.
“An ex-supervillain just got out of a detention facility, is kind-of on the low, and his daughter, who he did not know who existed shows up on his doorstep asking for help with her powers,” she said. “He is kind of a curmudgeon, so he has to decide if he is going to be a bitter old man or if he is going to help her. Then you see what unfolds.”
“It just felt like just a delight to, for the first time, take on a project with comedic elements, special effects, and even a puppet. I have always wanted to work with a puppet, so I was really excited to do that with this film”
In April La Mesa-based musician Gayle Skidmore released her neoclassical album, “The Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster”, a deeply personal and historically rich exploration of one of America’s most tragic events: the collapse of a railroad bridge in Ashtabula, Ohio in December 1876. The disaster claimed the lives of 92 people, including Skidmore’s relative, renowned hymn writer Philip P. Bliss.
“The theme of the album is how beauty and tragedy are intertwined in horrific events.
There are elements in disaster that point us to the preciousness of life,” said Skidmore.
In June a grassroots community group in Lemon Grove was awarded a $15,000 grant to launch a beautification project in Promenade Park, located in the city’s historic business corridor.
Revitalize Broadway, formed in 2024, received the funding to support the Promenade Park Beautification Project, which will feature a native plant and pollinator conversation garden.
The effort is part of a broader initiative to transform the neglected area into a safe and welcoming space for residents and visitors.
“This is a fantastic project,” said Cecile Carson, executive team leader at Keep California Beautiful, who praised the group’s innovative and environmentally conscious approach.
Dr. Kirsten Vital Brulte in July officially started her tenure as superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District, following her appointment by the district’s governing board in June.
Vital Brulte previously served as superintendent of Capistrano Unified School District for eight years.
During her time at Capistrano Unified, the district reopened classrooms earlier than many in the state and implemented math and literacy initiatives aimed at addressing learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The district received Golden Bell Awards from the California School Boards Association in 2021 and 2022 for “promoting academic excellence.” It also launched a dual enrollment partnership with Saddleback College, allowing 5,000 high school students each year to earn college credit. Enrollment in Career Technical Education programs tripled, and facilities were modernized while student wellness and academic achievement programs were strengthened.
Former Lemon Grove Councilmember Sitivi “Steve” Faiai died July 8.
Faiai, who served a brief term on the City Council, was recognized for his integrity, collaboration and dedication to the community, according to a city news release.
During his time in office, Faiai focused on public safety, homelessness, and support for youth and families. City officials said he brought a spirit of unity and pride to his work, aiming to build “a cleaner, safer, and more united Lemon Grove.”
Described as a “bridge-builder,” Faiai was known for his humility and commitment to service over politics.
City leaders credited him with fostering cooperation and trust within the council and the broader community.
“Council member Faiai’s presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy of kindness, integrity, and leadership will continue to shape Lemon Grove for years to come,” the statement read.
The city extended its condolences to Faiai’s family, friends, and colleagues.
His seat on the council remains vacant.
An August reunion brought together a 44-year-old husband and father who suffered a major heart attack in 2025 with the medical team that helped save his life.
David Worsham received CPR from first responders and bystanders while en route to Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Once at the hospital, surgeons placed a temporary mini-heart pump to circulate oxygenated blood, allowing his heart to rest and recover.
The Otay Water District, which serves parts of East County, in October named Catherine and David Spence “Best in District” in the Otay Water District’s annual WaterSmart Landscape contest.
According to the district, Catherine and David replaced the grass in their side yard with a “low-maintenance, drought-tolerant garden that suits their busy and active lifestyle.”
And finally, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church unofficially kicked on the holiday season with the annual craft fair which attracts more than 90 vendors from across the county, selling items that could be given as holiday presents.
