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Passages: Mark Ostrander, firefighter, backcountry leader, 69
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 15, 2026 (Boulevard) — Mark Ostrander, a dedicated public servant, retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief
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
News Issues
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
Lemon Grove Library hosting Sheriff’s reentry event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 13, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Reentry Services Division
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
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 version Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News
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
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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
Passages: Mark Ostrander, firefighter, backcountry leader, 69
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 15, 2026 (Boulevard) — Mark Ostrander, a dedicated public servant, retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief
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 —
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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SANTEE LAUNCHES SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN AGAINST COUNTY’S PROPOSED EXPANSION OF LAS COLINAS PRISON
Printer-friendly versionMay 13, 2009 (Santee)-– Taking a page from the Barack Obama for President Campaign playbook, the City of Santee has launched a web site, a Facebook page and a Twitter micro blog to rally support for the city’s position against an expansion of the Las Colinas Detention Facility in the heart of Santee’s town center. “Educating the public and
CONTROLLED BURN AT MIRAMAR TODAY
Printer-friendly versionMay 15, 2009 (9:15 a.m.)– If you see smoke today, don’t panic. A controlled burn is slated to begin at 10:30 a.m. today along the eastern side of Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. Smoke may be visible along I-15 and Highway 52 from the burn, which is part of the base’s annual effort to remove dry vegetation. Printer-friendly version
LA MESA REJECTS HATE-FREE RESOLUTION
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 14, 2009 (La Mesa)—La Mesa’s City Council voted unanimously to table a “Hate Free” resolution proposed by a coalition of 52 community groups countywide at a meeting Tuesday following heated and divisive public testimony. (For text of the resolution and details, see our previous article at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=node/1105.)Supporters said the measure was needed to reduce hate
CUYAMACA COLLEGE CAREER FAIR DRAWS RECORD CROWD
Printer-friendly versionEmployer representatives say sizable attendance a reflection of the times May 13, 2009 (EL CAJON) – Jobless figures topping 9 percent in San Diego County – 12 percent in El Cajon, according to the most recent state employment numbers – resulted in record attendance of about 500 people at this year’s career fair at Cuyamaca College, organizers say. In
POWERLINK FOES APPLAUD DEFEAT OF HAYES AS INTERIOR DEPUTY SECRETARY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 13, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—Senate Republicans blocked the nomination by President Barack Obama of David Hayes to serve as deputy secretary of the Interior Department. Hayes, who held the same position in the Clinton administration, has drawn opposition from some community leaders and environmentalists locally due to his recent role as lobbyist for Sempra
GROSSMONT CENTER HOSTS “LEARN AND CONSERVE” EVENT MAY 16
Printer-friendly versionMay 12, 2009 (La Mesa)– – With the water restriction use being enforced on June 1ST Grossmont Shopping Center is hosting a Learn To Conserve event on Saturday, May 16TH in Macy’s Courtyard. The event will run from 10a.m. – 2p.m. Event partners will provide tips for water and electricity conservation and host fun demonstrations. There is nothing like
EL CAJON CELEBRATES BIKE TO WORK WEEK
Printer-friendly versionThe term "wheels of government" takes on new meaning in El Cajon this week, as employees are encouraged to join in “Bike to Work Week” May 11 through 15. The nationwide endeavor aims to educate the public about benefits of bicycling and to increase awareness, safety and respect for bicyclists, as well as highlighting cycling as an important means
PASSAGES: SUZANNE DI MASCIO, R.N., MANAGER OF RYAN WHITE PROGRAM AND DIRECTOR OF AMERICHOICE, LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER
Printer-friendly versionWIFE OF EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S BUSINESS MANAGER WILL BE MISSED May 11, 2009 (Santee)—Suzanne (“Suzy”) Marie Di Mascio, a leading voice in San Diego’s healthcare community and wife of East County Magazine’s business manager Leon Thompson, passed away on May 7, 2009 at San Diego Hospice following a long battle against cancer. Her efforts helped improve access to healthcare
FILNER AMENDMENT PROTECTS RENTERS, REQUIRES NOTICE IF LANDLORD FACES FORECLOSURE RISK
Printer-friendly versionMay 12, 2009 (Washington, DC) – Congressman Filner has joined his colleagues in passing the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, H.R. 1728. This legislation aims to prevent the types of predatory and irresponsible mortgage loan practices that played a major role in the current financial and economic meltdown. Congressman Filner worked to include a provision in the final
MAY 12 SCREENING OF “RUNNING DRY” TO BENEFIT ARCHI’S ACRES ORGANIC FARM AND VETERANS’ TRAINING
Printer-friendly versionMay 8, 2009 San Diego, CA – Lestat’s West, the showroom next to the eclectic San Diego coffee house in Normal Heights, will screen “Running Dry”, a powerful documentary on the growing global water crisis on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 pm. “Running Dry” is a comprehensive public information/education project, established to raise awareness about the worsening global humanitarian
MAN ARRESTED FOR KIDNAPPING LYFT DRIVER, WHO TEXTED 911 FOR HELP
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 10, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Shane Capezio, 22, has been arrested after allegedly kidnapping a ride-share driver in East County. The Lyft driver texted 9-1-1 and told the dispatcher that she was being held against her will by a passenger she picked up in Spring Valley, who told the driver that he
READER’S EDITORIAL: THE ELIMINATION OF LIBRARIANS IN GUHSD IS A DISSERVICE TO STUDENTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Abagail Wojnowski Photo by Miriam Raftery: protesters at Grossmont High School this morning oppose the district sending lay-off notices to librarians, teachers, and other employees. March 10, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — I am writing to express my deep frustration and disappointment over the Grossmont Union High School District’s recent decision to eliminate all credentialed teacher librarian
GREATER SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS HONORS GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE TONI ATKINS WITH `PROPERTY CHAMPION’ AWARD
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 10, 2025 (San Diego) – The Greater San Diego Association of Realtors (SDAR), San Diego County’s largest trade association for San Diego-area real estate professionals, recently honored California Senator Pro Tem Emeritus Toni Atkins with the “Golden State Private Property Champion Award” for her dedication and significant contributions to protect California’s private property rights for homeowners and
82 square mile quarantine area declared after Mexican fruit flies found in La Mesa: all 4 East County cities, some unincorporated areas and San Diego neighborhoods are included
Source: Donna Durckel , County of San Diego Communications Office March 10, 2025 (San Diego) — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has…
82 square mile quarantine area declared after Mexican fruit flies found in La Mesa: all 4 East County cities, some unincorporated areas and San Diego neighborhoods are included
Source: Donna Durckel , County of San Diego Communications Office March 10, 2025 (San Diego) — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has…
EDUCATORS SUE TO BLOCK TRUMP ANTI-DEI POLICY
Printer-friendly versionBy Suzanne Potter, California News Service March 9, 2025 (Los Angeles) — The American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association are suing the Trump administration over a threat of funding cuts and investigations of schools that integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into their policies or lessons. The letter schools received purports to reinforce anti-discrimination laws – but
WALKIOUT AND PICKETING PLANNED MONDAY AT ALL GUHSD SCHOOLS TO PROTEST FIRINGS OF LIBRARIANS AND TEACHERS; DISTRICT TO HOLD MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 9, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) –A student walkout is slated for 12 p.m. Monday at all Grossmont Union HIgh School District schools during the lunch hour, though the district has sent a memo warning students that leaving school is considered truancy. In addition, picketing by parents and teachers is planned before school starting
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT OUSTS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman March 6, 2025 (La Mesa) — The five-member Grossmont Healthcare District Board of Directors has decided not to renew the contract of CEO Christian Wallis. Wallis, who was hired by the district in 2021 for a two-year contract at $215,000 per year, was given a two-year extension and a cost of living raise in 2023 to $247,424
LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL HOLDS CONTENTIOUS HEARING OVER TINY HOMES PROJECT FOR HOMELESS
Printer-friendly versionCouncil fields questions and concerns regarding County’s project planned on Caltrans property Story and photos by Karen Pearlman March 6, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The controversy and concerns surrounding a planned interim housing project at Troy Street and Sweetwater Road continues to drive a wedge between residents and members of the Lemon Grove City Council — and looks to be headed
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionMarch 6, 2025 — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Military cuts Trump fires chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and two other military officers (AP) Hegseth orders major
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