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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 federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal immigration agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in
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 — the first located in East County — on Monday in El Cajon. The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues. The 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 the gym after Walton in 2018. Walton died of colon cancer at age 71 in 2024. Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 14, 2026 (La Mesa) — Bill Walton, who preferred
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 East County Advanced Water Purification Program Story and photos by Paul Levikow April 13, 2026 (Santee) — After more than a half-century of water reuse in East County, the Ray
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 to codify strict regulations on electric bicycles, specifically looking to protect riders under 12. On Tuesday, the La Mesa City Council unanimously voted to establish a new e-bike safety pilot program
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 East County Advanced Water Purification Program Story and photos by Paul Levikow April 13, 2026 (Santee) — After more than a half-century of water reuse in East County, the Ray
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
Book review:The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum
Printer-friendly version Book by Jaime B. & Elizabeth Tracy Parent Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Local authors Jaime and Elizabeth Parent have written a major reference for persons who have disabilities, with particular focus on those who have autism. While the book specifically addresses the
Review of Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo, by Nico Waters
Printer-friendly version Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Nico Waters has written a series of books for children. In Ethan Talks to Animals, second grader Ethan can talk to animals. Together with his dog, Chewie, Ethan helps their next-door neighbor’s cat eat his
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 an early wildflower bloom in Borrego, now is a perfect time for a day trip through San Diego County’s beautiful backcountry, including mountain and desert destinations. Making the pilgrimage to
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 stories. This year, we’ve had requests from readers to cover lots of important local issues, but costs have soared with inflation. We need your help to report on local news
People
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);
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 bowls, beds, blankets, crates/carriers, leashes,…
Communities
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);
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 — the first located in East County — on Monday in El Cajon. The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues. The unit
Features
Book review:The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum
Printer-friendly version Book by Jaime B. & Elizabeth Tracy Parent Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Local authors Jaime and Elizabeth Parent have written a major reference for persons who have disabilities, with particular focus on those who have autism. While the book specifically addresses the
Review of Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo, by Nico Waters
Printer-friendly version Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Nico Waters has written a series of books for children. In Ethan Talks to Animals, second grader Ethan can talk to animals. Together with his dog, Chewie, Ethan helps their next-door neighbor’s cat eat his
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SDG&E ANNOUNCES NEW POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS, INCLUDING SOLAR PROJECTS IN POTRERO AND VALLEY CENTER
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 18, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) yesterday announced it has signed five new renewable power purchase agreements including two in San Diego County. But oddly, a local planner and a news editor in these rural communities have told ECM they were unaware of these projects. SDG&E’s
FUNDRAISER APRIL 19 TO HELP CANCER PATIENT JULIE ATHERTON
Printer-friendly version March 19, 2013 (Lake Morena) – Community members are pitching in to help Lake Morena resident Julie Atherton, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is having surgery on March 28. Atherton works for the Mountain Empire Health at the Campo Community Center. A spaghetti dinner fundraiser to help defray her medical expenses will be held
FBI ANNOUNCES ARREST IN RICIN-TAINTED LETTERS SENT TO WHITE HOUSE AND OTHER OFFICIALS
Printer-friendly version No link seen to Boston bombings; suspect had history of arrests By Miriam Raftery April 17, 2013 (Washington D.C.) Today at 5:15 p.m., FBI special agents arrested Paul Kevin Curtis, the suspect believed to be responsible for mailings of the three letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service to top officialswhich contained a granular substance that
EARTH DAY APRIL 20 AT SAN DIEGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Printer-friendly version San Diego National Wildlife Refuge would like to invite you to Earth Day on Saturday, April 20. Enjoy hiking with a Ranger between the hours of 9:00-11:00 a.m. There will also be educational displays and kids’ activities. The celebration will begin at the old steel bridge trailhead in Rancho San Diego (on Highway 94 just across
CHEFS FIRE UP THE IRON HORSE AT PACIFIC SOUTHWEST RAILWAY MUSEUM IN CAMPO APRIL 20
Printer-friendly version April 13, 2013 (Campo) – On April 20 from 12-5 p.m., Chefs de Cuisine and The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum will team up with the Southern California Vintner’s Alliance for a gala gala gourmet food and wine tasting event at the Museum’s Campo facility. The event will be staged in the Museum’s Display Building , where
MARKETING MATTERS: WHY ARE WE FOLLOWERS WHEN IT COMES TO MARKETING?
Printer-friendly versionTips and tricks for business success and growth By Rama Beerfas April 18, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Good marketing is all about making you stand out from the others – building a brand that is recognizable, unique and compelling. Why, then do so many business owners insist on doing what someone or everyone else is doing? For
READER’S EDITORIAL: FATAL VALLEY CENTER ACCIDENT CRASH SHOWS NEED FOR SAFER ROADS
Printer-friendly version By Dorothea Boughdadly, Director, Hoofs and Woofs Animal Rescue, Valley Center April 18, 2013 (Valley Center) – It’s so sad that people die and it’s so preventable. Valley Center Road looks like it goes straight ahead, but it does not. Vesper Road goes straight and Valley Center Road curves to the right. Very confusing to those new to
EXECUTIVE WOMEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION’S SAN DIEGO CHAPTER HOSTS MEMBERSHIP KICKOFF EVENT APRIL 21 AT RANCHO BERNARDO INN
Printer-friendly versionApril 18, 2013 (San Diego) – The San Diego Chapter of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) will hold its spring membership kickoff on Sunday, April 21 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Rd. in San Diego, beginning with registration, a buffet breakfast and sponsor showcase at 9 a.m. followed by nine holes of golf. The cost
CSU CHANCELLOR TO VISIT SDSU
Printer-friendly versionStory credit: SDSU News Center April 18, 2013 (San Diego) – California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White will visit the San Diego State University campus April 24 and 25. In addition to touring the campus and meeting with university representatives, Chancellor White will host an open forum for all members of the university community. The forum will take
LOCAL PROPERTY VALUES UP 10%; ASSESSMENT REVIEW DEADLINE APRIL 30
Printer-friendly versionApril 18, 2013 (San Diego) – Residential property values have been rising in San Diego County. Depending upon the source of the real estate information, values have risen 10 percent or more in the past year. However, if a property owner believes their property’s market value as of January 1, 2013 is below their current assessed value, they may
San Diegans protest against Iran war, call for peace
By Kevin A. Green March 9 , 2026 (San Diego) — Jonathan Chavez, a Marine Corps veteran and senior member of the Party for Socialism…
Traffic stop leads to drug arrests in Spring Valley, including convicted felon
East County News Service March 9, 2026 (Spring Valley) – Two people have been arrested for possession of methamphetamines following a traffic stop for an…
County begins construction on Edgemoor Acute Psychiatric Unit
By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson , County of San Diego Communications Office Video by Alex Aguirre March 9, 2026 (San Diego) – Construction is underway to…
Traffic stop leads to drug arrests in Spring Valley, including convicted felon
East County News Service March 9, 2026 (Spring Valley) – Two people have been arrested for possession of methamphetamines following a traffic stop for an…
County begins construction on Edgemoor Acute Psychiatric Unit
By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson , County of San Diego Communications Office Video by Alex Aguirre March 9, 2026 (San Diego) – Construction is underway to…
Brain-eating Rat Lungworms found in wildlife across region, including East County
Residents, gardeners should take precautions to protect against deadly disease transmitted by snails, slugs, and animals that ingest them By Miriam Raftery March 9, 2026…
Brain-eating Rat Lungworms found in wildlife across region, including East County
Residents, gardeners should take precautions to protect against deadly disease transmitted by snails, slugs, and animals that ingest them By Miriam Raftery March 9, 2026…
Issa retires, shaking up political map while endorsing Desmond in his shift to 48th District
By Jennifer Vigil, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association March 7, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) – County Supervisor Jim…
Issa retires, shaking up political map while endorsing Desmond in his shift to 48th District
By Jennifer Vigil, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association March 7, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) – County Supervisor Jim…
Advancing Healthy Communities: Building resilience in the backcountry
Printer-friendly versionCommunity Unites to Reimagine Campo’s School Field By David Shorey, Institute for Public Strategies Photo: Campo Elementary field (photo courtesy of Estrada Land Planning) December 17, 2025 (Campo) — In the Mountain Empire, where long bus rides, rugged terrain, and rising temperatures shape daily life, a new effort is underway to protect community health and strengthen resilience against extreme heat. A partnership
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