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AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the Department of Animal Services, appointing…
News Issues
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
Boulevard residents battle proposed Starlight Solar battery storage facility; urge community to attend town hall meeting April 15
By Miriam Raftery Photo: proposed Starlight Solar site, via County of San Diego April 4, 2026 (Boulevard) – Should a 588-acre solar project with one…
Politics
Latest No Kings rallies draw 70,000 in San Diego County, 8 million nationwide
70,000 San Diego County residents join 8 million nationwide in No Kings demonstrations, the largest ever U.S. protest By Miriam Raftery March 31, 2026 (San…
El Cajon City Council denies Afghan Center’s appeal for prayer tent extension
East County News Service March 30, 2026 (El Cajon ) — The El Cajon City Council last week unanimously upheld a decision by the city’s…
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
Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona
East County News Service April 5, 2026 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the 2026 Cheers to the…
Destination East County: Festive events in mid-April and May 2026
By Miriam Raftery April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – As April continues, drifting into the merry month of May, there are many unique…
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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
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the
Features
Historic landmark to anchor new travel center in Jamul
Artist’s rendering of coming Barretts Travel Center in Jamul (Photo courtesy Kirvin Doak Communications ) East County News Service April
Photo of the week: Jacumba sunset
April 6, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Martin Eder sent in this photo, taken along Interstate 8 just west of
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LOOK WHO’S BACK – RECALLED PLANNER GORDON HAMMERS WINS ELECTION, RECLAIMS SEAT ON POTRERO PLANNING GROUP
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 4, 2008 — Less than a year after being recalled by a two-to-one margin, former Potrero Planning Group Chairman Gordon Hammers has been re-elected to the board. Hammers’ victory, though surprising to many, appears to signify a healing in this small rural community split first by controversy over Blackwater and later by the Harris Wildfire
LOOKING FOR JOB TRAINING? FREE “GET YOUR LIFE ON TRACK” MEETING AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE DEC. 9
Printer-friendly versionThe Grossmont College Adult Reentry Program will host “Get Your Life on Track,” a free informational meeting for adults interested in retraining for new jobs and careers, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the college’s Griffin Gate at the Student Center near Parking Lot #7. Reservations are not required. Speakers will include former students
BOXER ANNOUNCES NEW BORDER CROSSING
Printer-friendly versionBy Gayle Early December 2, 2008 (Otay Mesa) — Senator Barbara Boxer announced today that a new port of entry will be developed two miles east of the current Otay Mesa border crossing, a project she and Senator Diane Feinstein pushed through the Administration. In the announcement, she wrote that the new port should alleviate congestion and accommodate future
Two finalists named for chancellorship of Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College
Printer-friendly versionDecember 2, 2008 (EL CAJON) Public forums are scheduled for Dec. 10 and 11 for two finalists seeking the position of GCCCD chancellor. The finalists are Dr. Cindy Miles, president of the Hialeah Campus of Miami Dade College in Florida, and Dr. Mark Zacovic, interim vice president of administrative services for the Pasadena Area Community College District. The district
POWERLINK PROTEST SONG DEBUTS AT LAKESIDE FUNDRAISER: HEAR IT HERE FIRST!
Printer-friendly versionCoalition to stop Sunrise Powerlink has 78,000 members, organizers report; protest song implores Cleveland National Forest supervisor to save forest, block Powerlink By Miriam Raftery May 31, 2009 (Lakeside) – Mountain Echo gave a debut performance of their new Powerlink protest song during a fundraiser at the Hazy Meadow ranch yesterday. East County Magazine has the exclusive videotape of
Christmas in the Village
Printer-friendly versionQuintessential hometown fun By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero La Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies, carriage, and fire truck. ENTERTAINMENT
EDITORIAL – A PROPOSAL FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA
Printer-friendly versionPut Americans to work providing fire protection infrastructure and energy independence for San Diego’s fire-ravaged East County region By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine December 7, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) —President-Elect Barack Obama is expected to propose the largest infrastructure-rebuilding program since Franklin Delano Roosevelt initiated the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. The goal
Save Water to Win Free Admission to the Natural History Museum–and Get Discounts for Legoland
Printer-friendly versionDecember 1, 2008 (Natural History Museum) — San Diego County faces water rationing in 2009 as a result of drought. Water districts locally are asking all users to cut back on water usage. Now you can earn some fun rewards for your family by conserving water. Residential customers who have saved water could win a family membership at the
FORMER GUHSD SUPERINTENDENT TERRY RYAN DIES OF BRAIN TUMOR
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 1, 2008 (East San Diego County) — Terry Ryan, former superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District, died November 24 at his home in Rancho Bernardo. Battling brain cancer, Ryan resigned from his position at the GUHSD 18 months ago. “He worked hard to improve relations with the teachers after what had been an
SOLAR HOLIDAY LIGHTS– SAFE, CHEAP & GREEN!
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 2008 (San Diego) — Here’s a bright idea–save money on your holiday electric bills by going green! Solar holiday lights are now available in white or colored strings, twinkling lights, tree nets, wreaths, illuminated stars and even poinsettia lights for a variety of outdoor applications. Solar lights are also much safer than electric holiday lights.
Chaldean Bishop arrested while trying to leave the U.S.
By Miriam Raftery Photo by Miriam Raftery: Bishop Shaleta in May 2024 at opening of incubator business center for refugees and immigrants in El Cajon…
Chaldean Bishop arrested while trying to leave the U.S.
By Miriam Raftery Photo by Miriam Raftery: Bishop Shaleta in May 2024 at opening of incubator business center for refugees and immigrants in El Cajon…
U.S. issues worldwide caution, urges Americans in Middle East to depart immediately—but cancelled flights, closed airports make evacuation difficult
By Miriam Raftery March 4, 2026 (Washington D.C.) – Following the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory bombings in cities across…
U.S. issues worldwide caution, urges Americans in Middle East to depart immediately—but cancelled flights, closed airports make evacuation difficult
By Miriam Raftery March 4, 2026 (Washington D.C.) – Following the U.S. and Israeli military attacks on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory bombings in cities across…
Teamsters strike at SDSU impacts traffic on I-8
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 17, 2026 (San Diego) – Teamsters Local 2010 is holding a four-day unfair labor practice strike at 22 California State University campuses starting today, including San Diego State University and Cal State San Marcos. Campuses remain open, however an alert sent by SDSU cautions that traffic along I-8 near campus is backed up; students
City Of San Diego abruptly ends longstanding media ID and parking placard program, raising new questions about access, accountability, and press rights
Printer-friendly version Source: Sandiegoville February 26, 2026 (San Diego) – The City of San Diego has abruptly discontinued its Media Identification Card (Press Pass) Program and the blue parking placards that for decades helped local journalists cover breaking news safely and in real time. The change, effective February 13, is being framed by San Diego Police Department as an administrative modernization
The true State of the Union
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr Screenshot: President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol during his State of the Union Speech “It is indeed a turnround for the ages,” President Donald Trump, 2026 February 27, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — President Donald Trump gave his 2026 State of the Union address on Wednesday, touting the first year of his
U.S. and Israel attack Iran, reportedly kill Ayatollah Khamenei
Printer-friendly versionIran retaliates with strikes targeting U.S. military bases, Israel and civilian targets By Miriam Raftery Photo via U.S. Navy: USS Abraham Lincon aircraft based in San Diego has been dispatched to the region February 28, 2026 (Tehran) – The U.S. and Israel today launched massive air strikes in Iran. President Donald Trump has said the operation aims to overturn
East County Chamber honors leaders, organizations at 114th annual soiree
Printer-friendly versionSycuan Casino Resort hosted the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce’s 114th annual East County Honors Awards Gala over the weekend. Photos and story by Karen Pearlman March 2, 2026 (El Cajon) — More than 400 business and nonprofit leaders, community advocates and public officials gathered at Sycuan Casino Resort last Saturday for the 114th Annual East County
Casualties mount across Middle East; Trump says military conflict could last months, won’t rule out ground troops
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in press conference today March 2, 2026 (San Diego) – The U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in Operation “Epic Fury” which began Saturday are believed to have killed 49 senior Iranian officials, including the Ayatollah Khomeini, according to the White House. The USS Abraham Lincoln and stealth bombers based
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