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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
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

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

Supporters flee Swalwell’s governor campaign amid allegations of sexual assault
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeanne Kuang and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: U.S. Rep. Eric
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
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

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

Mountain Empire Art Show Debuts April 15 in Boulevard
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Boulevard) — The Backcountry Resource Center in Boulevard will be busy this Wednesday,
Features
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
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
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HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 16, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH A twice-yearly shot could help end AIDS. But will it get to everyone who needs it? (AP) Hospitals gave patients meds during childbirth, then reported them for illicit drug use (USA Today) Brian

SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS MADE SIMPLE: HOW AND WHERE TO RECYCLE REAL CHRISTMAS TREES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionDrop-off locations and curbside pickup info for all San Diego County residents Source: I Love a Clean San Diego Image: CC via Bing December 14, 2024 (San Diego) — Did you know a Christmas tree can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill due to lack of oxygen? San Diego residents can help prevent waste and save

LESSONS FROM THE MAGIC HORSE
Printer-friendly version By Olivia Barnard December 10, 2024 (Lakeside) — I first met Robin Pawl and her horses Shelby, Indy, Ka Lio, and Phoenix on a Saturday afternoon. The faded Lakeside hills framed the riding center as hawks called out and the pepper trees swayed. I loved horses growing up, but I had never been on a ranch. I didn’t

CITIES, COUNTY IN CROSSHAIRS BETWEEN FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS OVER AIDING MASS DEPORTATION OF IMMIGRANTS
Printer-friendly version County approves tough migrant protections, but Sheriff says state laws should prevail; El Cajon Council weighs city’s legal and moral obligations Update: The letter sent by Mayor Wells to the Attorney General is now available here.The letter states that the City Council is considering a resolution declaring the city’s intent to “comply with federal immigration laws and assist

PASSAGES: SAN CARLOS RESIDENT AND WHEELCHAIR DANCER ISAAC WHITING DIES OF LONG COVID (1981-2024)
Printer-friendly versionBy Jonathan Goetz December 12, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) — Isaac Paul Whiting (January 27, 1981 – December 8, 2024), a San Carlos resident, died Sunday, from oxygen related issues following chronic asthma complications after contracting COVID in 2020. Whiting grew up in East County. He started High School in Clairemont as a middle schooler and graduated from

EL CAJON POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES $70,000 GRANT TO FIGHT ALCOHOL-RELATED HARM
Printer-friendly versionEl Cajon Police Department receives $70,000 grant to fight alcohol-related harm from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Source: City of El Cajon December 11, 2024 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Police Department announces they have been awarded $70,000 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to reduce alcohol-related harm in their community. “This grant

EL CAJON POLICE SHOOT SUSPECT WHO RAMMED VEHICLE, INJURING OFFICER
Printer-friendly versionUpdate December 12, 2024 — The suspect has died, San Diego Police have confirmed to ECM news partner 10 News. Per protocol in officer-related shootings, SDPD is in charge of the investigation. East County News Service Photo via ECM news partner 10 News: officers beside suspect’s vehicle, a black 4-door pickup truck December 11, 2024 (El Cajon) – During

CHP CLOSES I-8 EAST TO HIGH-PROFILE VEHICLES AMID HIGH WINDS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 10, 2024 (Alpine) — California Highway Patrol has closed Interstate 8 eastbound, east of East Willows Road in Alpine is currently closed due to multiple overturned big rigs caused by high winds. There is no estimated time for re-opening. Expect significant delays and avoid the area if possible. View video: https://x.com/i/status/1866556789279559868 Santa Ana winds are forecast to continue

WIND-DRIVE FIRE IN BARRETT JUNCTION
Printer-friendly versionEast County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Update December 11, 2024 — The fire is 70% contained at 38 acres. All evacuation notices have been lifted, per Cal Fire. Update 12:57 p.m.- All evacuation orders have been lifted, per Genasys. The fire is 10% contained. Update 12:15 p.m. An Evacuation Order has been issued for Zone SDC-2605 and an Evacuation Warning

BOMB THREAT AT HARRAH’S IN VALLEY CENTER PROVES HOAX
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service File photo by Miriam Raftery December 10, 2024 (Valley Center) — A bomb threat from an anonymous caller yesterday morning prompted a safety sweep at Harrah’s Resort Southern California on the Rincon tribe’s reservation in Valley Center. Resort staff found a backpack in an unauthorized area. After clearing that portion of the facility, a joint

Nature Day on Mt. Helix March 14: Butterflies, plants galore and more
East County News Service March 6, 2026 (Mt. Helix) – You’re invited to celebrate Nature Day at the Mt. Helix Park, where Earth Day is…

Spring Into El Cajon on April 18 celebrates Arbor Day and arrival of spring
East County New Service Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay March 6, 2026 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon invites community members and…

Nature Day on Mt. Helix March 14: Butterflies, plants galore and more
East County News Service March 6, 2026 (Mt. Helix) – You’re invited to celebrate Nature Day at the Mt. Helix Park, where Earth Day is…

Health and Science Highlights
March 4, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future….

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
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