In Episode 20 of Discover East County, we sit down with Andrew Hayes—an East County native who’s been deeply involved in local leadership, from serving on the Lakeside Union School District Board to working as a District Director representing the region at the state level.

Born and raised in East County, Andrew shares his journey through public service, his passion for the community, and what it really means to advocate for the people who live here.

From education and local leadership to the bigger picture of shaping the future of East County—this episode gives you a real look at the people working behind the scenes to make an impact.

🎙️ Real conversations. Local voices. East County stories.

#DiscoverEastCounty #EastCountySD #SanDiego #LocalLeaders #CommunitySpotlight #RealTalkMedia

In Episode 19 of Discover East County, we sit down with Jill Fleming and Nikki Arias to learn about the powerful mission behind the 678 Scholarship Program. Jill, the Executive Director, shares how this long-running program—home to the Miss Lakeside, Miss Ramona, and Miss Julian pageants—has been shaping confident, capable young women for decades. With Miss Lakeside now in its 65th year, Jill’s leadership spans 23 years with Miss Julian and 10 years with Miss Ramona, all rooted in community impact rather than traditional pageantry. This program goes far beyond crowns and titles. Jill explains how participants are coached in public speaking, professional presentation, résumé building, interview skills, and personal confidence, preparing them for scholarships, college, and future careers. These young women serve as true youth ambassadors for their communities, learning how to find and use their voices while becoming the best versions of themselves. As a retired San Diego police officer, Jill also emphasizes safety, structure, and mentorship throughout the program. Joining the conversation is Nikki Arias, a former Miss Julian and current Assistant Director of the program. Nikki is a living example of the program’s impact, now a UC Davis graduate working on her master’s degree. Together, Jill and Nikki talk about the upcoming Miss Lakeside Pageant on February 14–15 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds and share details about current applications for the Miss, Teen, and Preteen divisions. Don’t miss this inspiring episode of Discover East County as we highlight a program dedicated to empowerment, education, and community pride—where the success of each young woman truly reflects the success of the program itself.

In Episode 18 of Discover East County, we meet Ray Neder, owner of R Neder Construction! 🏗️ With decades of experience and a reputation for quality craftsmanship, Ray has built more than just homes—he’s built trust throughout East County. From custom projects to community development, his commitment to integrity and excellence shines through in every build. 🛠️

Ray shares insights into what it takes to run a successful construction company, the importance of supporting local trades, and his passion for creating spaces that stand the test of time. Don’t miss Episode 18 of Discover East County to hear Ray’s story and learn more about the legacy of R Neder Construction! 🏡