Karen Pearlman • July 19, 2026
Remaining horses rescued from Julian sanctuary relocated to El Cajon
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Photo courtesy County of San Diego
By Karen Pearlman, East County Magazine
(Julian) — Animal rescue efforts from the Villa Chardonnay Sanctuary in Julian are starting to wind down.
The San Diego Humane Society, continuing its response to one of the largest animal rescues in its history, most recently relocated 54 horses seized from the Villa Chardonnay sanctuary to the Willow Glen Equestrian Centre in El Cajon. Four additional horses were transported to SDHS’s Escondido campus, where they will continue receiving specialized behavioral and medical care.
The latest move unfolded over three days — from July 13-15 — and was carefully coordinated to protect the safety and well-being of every horse involved, SDHS officials say.
The new locations offer a more secure, efficient setting for the animals as well as easier access for the staff, volunteers and prospective adopters supporting their recovery. Local nonprofit H.E.R.O. Grounds (Hoofed and Emergency Response Operations) played a key role in helping secure the space, SDHS reports.
“Moving these horses is an important step forward in their recovery,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the SDHS. “This new location allows us to continue providing the individualized care they need in a safer, more efficient setting while also making it easier for our teams to support them, and potential adopters to give them the new lives they deserve.
“We’re grateful to H.E.R.O. Grounds for helping us secure this space as well as Willow Glen’s desire to support these animals in need.”
The horses are among 728 animals removed from the 40-acre Villa Chardonnay Horses With Wings, Inc. property at 4554 Boulder Creek Road in Julian, where San Diego Humane Law Enforcement officers, supported by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, served a search warrant on the morning of May 1.
What began as a case under San Diego County Animal Services‘ jurisdiction was transferred to SDHS on April 24 due to the scope of the neglect uncovered and legal complications tied to Villa Chardonnay’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. The Humane Farming Association had raised concerns about conditions at the property since October 2025, working through federal bankruptcy court to gain access before the warrant was ultimately served.
Investigators found animals suffering from severe malnutrition, untreated wounds, and outbreaks of illnesses including ringworm and giardia; some cases were serious enough to require humane euthanasia.
In total, the property yielded one of the largest and most logistically complex animal welfare interventions in county history: 446 cats, 175 horses, 30 dogs, 30 chickens, 12 goats, eight ducks, eight geese, six mini ponies, four donkeys, four turkeys, three pigs, three roosters, three red-eared slider turtles, two ravens, one sheep, one bull and one crow.
In the weeks following the initial rescue, SDHS mobilized daily teams of 15 to 20 staff and volunteers on-site, along with veterinarians and, later, specialized farriers and equine dental teams who treated dozens of horses for dental and hoof issues.
Some farm animals were transported to a long-term sanctuary in Northern California, while cats were largely relocated to SDHS’s El Cajon campus for care. Reunions between rescued animals and their original owners began emerging within the first two weeks, including horses separated from their owners for as long as nine years.
SDHS says it has already received substantial public interest in adopting the rescued horses now settling into Willow Glen. The horses are not currently available for public viewing, but those interested in the adoption process are asked to email horses@sdhumane.org for more information.
Background on the rescue and the ongoing investigation is available at sdhumane.org/JulianRescue
Original Article:
East County News Services • June 13, 2026
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The Ascent to Freedom celebration is OpiCure Foundation's inaugural cycling event, uniting riders and community in Borrego Springs, California. It will be held on November 21, to honor recovery and the power of the bicycle to heal. The event is a significant milestone in the Foundation’s journey, as brothers and founders Cullen and Griffin Easter welcome members of the community to La Casa del Zorro for a day of riding, reflection and conviviality, and to strengthen the message and work of OpiCure. A community spirit will be at the forefront of an event dedicated to raising awareness through on-site information and advice around recovery, activities including a pickleball tournament, and a ride for those who wish to participate. The ride will be led by the Easter brothers and will take in the stunning scenery of Borrego Springs – it will cater to all levels of ability, with the aim to highlight the empowering joy that riding can bring to anyone willing to jump on a bicycle. Cullen Easter: “Please join us for the inaugural Ascent to Freedom Celebration. This day has been a long time in the making, and we’re incredibly excited to begin what we hope becomes a yearly tradition. It’s a day for community, a day for adventure on the bicycle, and a day to celebrate recovery and the freedom that can come from simply moving forward. “Borrego Springs and the desert feel like the perfect place to begin this journey—open roads, big skies, and a landscape that invites you to get outside, connect, and experience something together. Whether you come to ride, learn, support someone you love, or simply spend the day with us, you are welcome. We can’t wait to see you out there.” Griffin Easter: “OpiCure Foundation’s Ascent to Freedom Ride will be a day in the desert with friends and family you won’t want to miss. A beautifully curated ride with desert vistas, unique lifesize art metalwork, post ride lunch and even a pickleball tournament, there’s something for everyone. We’re so proud to host this inaugural event and celebrate both recovery as well as the freedom a bicycle provides. Mark this ride on your calendar, November 21st. I can’t wait to see everyone there.” Further details will be announced in due course, with a full program confirmed closer to the event date of November 21. The official ride website can be found at opicureride.com OpiCure Foundation was established by the Easter brothers to utilize the bicycle as a tool to assist those struggling with opioid addiction in their recovery process. Through bringing awareness to opioid abuse, redefining best practices for addiction recovery and devoting resources to affect positive change, it is in partnership with the cycling community that we can make a difference. Cullen Easter is an Emergency Department-registered nurse with a Bachelors in Nursing, who has first-hand professional experience in addiction recovery. He is also a proud father, professional cyclist, and leads the mission. Griffin Easter is Director of the team's elite competitive racing program, and competes at the world’s top gravel events across four continents, bringing the OpiCure name to recognition on an international stage.
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Two amazing movies are coming to BSPAC in September! On September 9 th , we have the winner of last year’s Cannes Film Festival’s Grand Prix, Sentimental Value. And on September 23 rd , it’s John Huston’s finest – The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, for which he won the Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay Oscars, starring Humphrey Bogart and Huston’s father, Walter Huston (who also won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor). It was the only time a father and son both won Academy Awards during the same ceremony! All screenings are held on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center, 590 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. Our full schedule for 2026 is posted on the BSFI website: www.borregospringsfilminstitute.org . Please check the website for the most up to date information. 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