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Federal judge: Continued Border Patrol sweeps in California violated court order
Printer-friendly version By Wendy Fry and Sergio Olmos, CalMatters. This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: a line of
New Crisis Stabilization Unit opening in El Cajon
Printer-friendly versionApril 18, 2026 (El Cajon) — The County of San Diego will open its newest Crisis Stabilization Unit —
News Issues
‘Bill Walton Way’ coming to a street near you in La Mesa
Printer-friendly version The Boys & Girls Club of East County La Mesa Clubhouse honored local basketball star Bill Walton by naming
Padre Dam’s Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility decommissioned after more than a half-century of use
Printer-friendly versionRay Stoyer Water Recycling Facility at Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Santee Lakes Community event makes way for the
Politics
La Mesa City Council votes 5-0 approving e-bike safety pilot program
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 16, 2026 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is the latest city in San Diego County seeking
Padre Dam’s Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility decommissioned after more than a half-century of use
Printer-friendly versionRay Stoyer Water Recycling Facility at Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Santee Lakes Community event makes way for the
Wildfires and Emergencies
Cal State University San Marcos and nearby homes evacuated due to brush fire
East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts April 5, 2026 (San Marcos) – The #MoreeFire in San Marcos has led to evacuations, including the California State…
Help shape fire priorities in San Diego County
East County News Service April 4, 2026 (San Diego County) — With “fire season” now a year-round threat, public input is growing in importance as…
Events & Arts
Jamul Casino Resort gets two film awards
Printer-friendly versionWater Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News Service
Lionel’s Legacy hosting sleepover party and more in Lakeside April 18-19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Lakeside) — East County-based senior dog rescue group Lionel’s Legacy is holding a
Visit East County
DESTINATIONS: Borrego and beyond — a beautiful backcountry day
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman, with photos by Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery Feb. 22, 2026 (San Diego County) — With
We need your help! We have more news tips for East County issues than our budget can cover
Printer-friendly versionLast year tapped our resources at East County Magazine more than any on record, with so many major news
People
Donate to help pets in need at Alpine Pet Food and Supply Drive April 4
East County News Service March 14, 2026 (Alpine) – Dog and cat food, treats, grooming supplies, new pet toys, feeding
Descanso resident named American Honey Queen
By Miriam Raftery February 18, 2026 (Descanso) — You could call it sweet success. The American Beekeeping Federation has chosen
Communities
New Crisis Stabilization Unit opening in El Cajon
Printer-friendly versionApril 18, 2026 (El Cajon) — The County of San Diego will open its newest Crisis Stabilization Unit —
La Mesa City Council votes 5-0 approving e-bike safety pilot program
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 16, 2026 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is the latest city in San Diego County seeking
Features
Federal judge: Continued Border Patrol sweeps in California violated court order
Printer-friendly version By Wendy Fry and Sergio Olmos, CalMatters. This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: a line of
How the fruit fly quarantine has impacted food donations — and how you can help
Printer-friendly version By Philicia Tonangoye Image: Tangerines, via Bing (cc) April 18, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The Mexican
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PICTURE YOURSELF CRUISIN’ IN THIS COOL CONVERTIBLE!
Printer-friendly version BUY THIS CAR–AND BENEFIT EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE This is the perfect East County cruiser. Whether you’re top-down cruising historic Highway 80, taking a favorite friend to the Santee Drive-in, or traveling to the coast and beyond, this is a car built for fun. The only other full-sized convertible on the planet is a Bentley! It’s priced
IS THE GOOSE COOKED? CHERISHED MOTHER GOOSE PARADE FACES CANCELLATION IF FUNDS NOT RAISED BY MID-SEPTEMBER
Printer-friendly version August 10, 2009 (El Cajon) The historic Mother Goose Parade is in jeopardy of going dark this year–unless organizers can plump up their nest egg fast. “We need to get the word out that we need to raise at least $150K minimum to put on this parade,” a letter from parade organizers revealed. “With the economic times
NEWS BULLETIN: FIRE IN MEXICO
Printer-friendly versionAugust 10, 2009 (Campo) – If you see smoke over East County, don’t panic. A large fire is burning in Mexico, just south of Campo. However it poses no threat to Americans on this side of the border since the wind is blowing in the opposite direction, CAL-FIRE Battalion Chief Nick Schuler assures us. Should a threat arise that impacts
BURNING ISSUE: LA MESA COUNCIL VOTES TUESDAY ON SDG&E PLAN TO SHUT-OFF POWER
Printer-friendly version PLAN PITS URBAN VS. RURAL COMMUNITIES IN HIGH-STAKES, LIFE-OR-DEATH DECISIONS By Miriam Raftery August 9, 2009 (La Mesa) – On Tuesday, August 11th at 4 p.m. the La Mesa City Council will consider whether to approve a highly controversial proposal by SDG&E to shut off power to up to 60,000 homes for up to three days during high-risk conditions for wildfires. SDG&E contends pulling the
GOVERNOR SIGNS 2 BILLS BY HOLLINGSWORTH INTO LAW; PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT MORE RESOURCES TO MONITOR & PROSECUTE SEX OFFENDERS
Printer-friendly version August 9, 2009 (Sacramento) – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday announced the signing of two bills that will give law enforcement officials additional resources to more effectively monitor and prosecute registered sex offenders and sexually violent predators. Both were authored by Senator Dennis Holilngsworth (R-Murrieta) whose district includes East County, North County, and portions of San Diego.
ALPINE BUSINESSMAN’S CHAIN SAW CARVES OUT NEW CAREER
Printer-friendly version Photos by Miriam Raftery and Marilyn Lukinich August 8, 2009 (Alpine)–A little boredom turned into a roaring artistic success for ex-logger James Lukinich of Alpine. Using a chain saw, the owner of the White Wolf Tree Service now coaxes charming designs out of wood. Fanciful birds, appealing bears, clever alligators and other creations quickly take shape. Making the first cut
LAGUNA MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE BASE TO BE DECOMISSIONED, FOREST RESTORED AS ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROJECT
Printer-friendly version “This site has posed a serious hazard to national forest visitors for over 20 years, and we have struggled to find the financial means to restore the area to its natural ecosystem. The site has some of the largest pine trees that exist on Laguna Mountain and it will make for a very enjoyable site for visitors once
DO YOU OWN THE TOP DOG? FIND OUT AUG. 16!
Printer-friendly version August 5, 2009 (El Cajon) — Want to teach an old dog some new tricks? Enter your canine companion in a fun-filled dog competition on Sunday, August 16 at 3 p.m. at the Challenge Ranch, 5973 Stallion Oaks Road in El Cajon. Games, classes and contests are all part of the fun. Entry categories include:
2 COUNCIL CANDIDATES ADDRESS WATER ISSUES IN PUBLIC FORUM
Printer-friendly version By Ryan Lescure Emerald defends vote for power-shut-off; tells opponents in backcountry to “bellayche to the County Supervisors” and urge use of Prop 172 funds for firefighting August 6, 2009 (San Diego)–Water issues were the main topic of discussion at the San Diego chapter of Democracy for America’s meeting last night. The event featured Marti Emerald,
HEALTHCARE DEBATE HEATS UP
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 6, 2009 (San Diego) – Violence, arrests and racial slurs have disrupted town hall meetings on healthcare reform in Florida, Pennsylvania and other states, where mobs opposed to healthcare reform attempted to shout down and drown out supporters. MSNBC TV’s Rachel Maddow reported that many “protesters” at these meetings were in fact
EARTHQUAKE EXPERT WARNS ELSINORE FAULT IN EAST COUNTY IS CAPABLE OF MUCH STRONGER QUAKE
Printer-friendly versionBy G. A. McNeeley Map via Miracosta College April 16, 2025 (Julian) — While the 5.2 earthquake centered in Julian Monday was minor, the Elsinore Fault that produced it is capable of an 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Another thing to consider is that each point on the Richter scale is exponential, which means it’s 10 times stronger than
CA SENATOR SCHIFF INTRODUCES FIREWALL ACT
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: Getty Fire, courtesy of LA Fire April 14, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) — U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) has introduced his first bill. The Firewall Act aims to help homeowners hit by climate-fueled disasters such as recent Southern California fires. It would provide a tax credit for upgrades to make houses more resilient. “By getting
WINDY AND WET WEATHER FORECAST; SNOW POSSIBLE IN MOUNTAINS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 14, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – As a cooling trend continues, the National Weather Service predicts strong winds, rain, and snow for our mountain areas later this week. There is a chance of rain countywide and mountain snow on Thursday, increasing on Friday, with possible rain in the mountains as late as Saturday morning.
MAN SHOT AFTER ALTERCATION IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 14, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting. Officers responded to call reporting the shooting in the 1100 block of East Madison Ave. at 9:47 p.m. last night. “Officers arrived on the scene within minutes and located an adult male in a parking lot suffering from
TRUMP PAUSES MOST TARIFFS FOR 90 DAYS AFTER BACKLASH, BUT STIFF TARIFFS ON CHINESE GOODS REMAIN
Printer-friendly versionEast County business leaders speak out on impacts of tariffs By G. A. McNeeley April 14, 2025 (San Diego) – On Wednesday, April 9, President Donald Trump temporarily dropped tariff rates on imports from most of the United States’ trade partners to 10% (for 90 days), to allow trade negotiations with those countries. Trump announced the pause hours
EARTHQUAKE NEAR RAMONA SHUTS DOWN HIGHWAY 76
Printer-friendly versionLast updated April 14, 2025 8 p.m including reports from readers, local authorities, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. April 14, 2025 (Ramona) — A 5.2 earthquake struck at 10:08 a.m about 2 miles south of Julian. The jolt was felt across the county, knocking pictures off walls and bottles off shelves at homes in La Mesa. California
SAN DIEGO SLAMS SHUTOUT, IMPROVES TO 13-3 IN RED-HOT START
Printer-friendly versionPadres lead NL west division in team’s best season start By Karen Pearlman Photo courtesy of San Diego Padres: Winning pitcher Michael King gets Gatorade ice bath after complete-game shutout of Colorado Rockies Sunday at Petco Park April 13, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Padres are all alone in first place in the National League West, above
RESIDENTS CHARGED UP OVER PROSPECT OF BATTERY STORAGE SITE IN LA MESA NEIGHBORHOOD
Printer-friendly versionStory and Photos By Karen Pearlman April 11, 2025 (La Mesa) — “No matter how it’s sugarcoated, battery storage facilities are dystopian looking, loud, detrimental to real estate values and potentially deadly,” La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian says. For several years, Lothian (pictured above, with Heartland Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Bent Koch) has been a
SANTEE SELF FUNDS $23.5M COMMUNITY CENTER; DELAYS VOTE ON PAY HIKE
Printer-friendly version By Mike Allen Image: Rendering of planned community center April 10, 2025 (Santee) — The Santee City Council did a bit of creative financing to fund a planned community center at its April 9 meeting. The project, behind the Cameron YMCA that has been planned for some 20 years, could go out to bid by this
HIMALAYAN RESTAURANT CELEBRATES 18TH ANNIVERSARY
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 10, 2025 (La Mesa) – Khem Kharel, owner of Himalayan Cuisine in La Mesa, pulled out all the stops to celebrate the popular restaurant’s 18th anniversary with a lavish party on March 26. The restaurant that first opened in 2007 and expanded in 2012 specializes in Nepalese, Indian and Tibetan dishes.
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