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🌱 Who’s leading in El Cajon’s mayor and District 1 council races?

El Cajon, California Patch AM: a 4 min read

Good morning to you El Cajon! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Who’s leading in El Cajon’s mayor and District 1 council races?
  • La Mesa man sentenced for deadly 2025 stabbing in El Cajon
  • How an El Cajon man stole nearly $300,000 in benefits

Also on today's calendar: First Thursday at The Lakeside Farmers Market and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 77 and low of 50 degrees.
  • Thursday: Sun mixing with clouds, temps: high: 81, low: 52.
  • Friday: Abundant sunshine, with a high of 84 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 2026 Election Results: Incumbent Wells leading in mayoral race; Kaye ahead for District 1 council seat (sandiegouniontribune.com) — El Cajon voters appear poised to give Mayor Bill Wells a fourth term, with early results showing him ahead of challenger Alexander Kraft in today’s election. In District 1, newcomer Chuck Kaye leads a crowded council race shaped by sharp differences over homelessness policy, Flock surveillance cameras, and the city’s immigration resolution.
   

2. La Mesa Man Gets 31 Years to Life for El Cajon Killing (santeepulse.com) — A La Mesa man has been sentenced to 31 years to life for fatally stabbing Albert Johnson during a 2025 confrontation in an El Cajon apartment parking lot. Prosecutors say several children witnessed the attack, and El Cajon police arrested the suspect at the scene, with nearly 30 of Johnson’s relatives later attending the trial and sentencing.
   

3. El Cajon man pleads guilty to stealing $300,000 of government benefits (cbs8.com) — An El Cajon resident and former police officer has admitted to keeping nearly $300,000 in federal retirement and stimulus payments that should have stopped after a former coworker’s death. Prosecutors say he spent the funds for years before being charged with retaining stolen public money; he now faces up to ten years in prison at his February 2027 sentencing.
   

4. San Ysidro Health Opens $7M Center (sdbj.com) — A new $7 million urgent care center has opened in Southeastern San Diego, while El Cajon residents benefit from Blue Shield’s earlier $1 million investment in the city’s urgent and cardiac care center. San Ysidro Health leaders say these partnerships expand after-hours access for low-income and uninsured patients, even as new state and federal rules strain clinic finances countywide.
   

📸 Around El Cajon

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🗓 Upcoming Events in El Cajon

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📣 El Cajon Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Hemnii Rollator Walker $50.00
    Hemnii Rollator Walker $50.00 (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello neighbors!
    I hope everyone is doing well. I have a job interview coming up in a few days for the county of San Diego, for the human service specialist role. I… (Nextdoor Fletcher Hills)
  • I finally finished drawing & inking Day 26 - ZIP.
    I thought it was a pretty clever concept. Inktober has ended but I’m going to do one more. (Nextdoor Granite Hills South)
  • Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. posted a job opening for Venue Non-Union Stagehand in El Cajon. Apply here.
  • Outback Steakhouse - Out West Restaurant Group, Inc. posted a job opening for Dishwasher in El Cajon. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near El Cajon here.

Ok El Cajon! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly?" — Stationary! (Thank you Bee G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in El Cajon

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in El Cajon

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.