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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
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,
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
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,
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EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S 2008 NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery January 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–For better or worse, these are the East County people who made headlines in 2008. Some are famous–elected officials and sports stars. Others are unsung heroes and ordinary citizens who found themselves in extraordinary situations, battling foes ranging from cancer to large-scale developments in their communities. Some have aspired to amazing feats,
2008 NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR: HONORABLE MENTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Each of these individuals has attained remarkable achievements. Some have sparked controversy for their views or actions. Many are working to make our community, our nation, or our world a better place. Our list includes people who triumphed over disabilities, animal protection advocates, artists and musicians, business leaders, citizen watchdogs, educators, fire heroes, healthcare reformers, humanitarians,
EIGHT YEAR OLD BOY KIDNAPPED BY STRANGER IN LA MESA ;CHILD ESCAPED, POLICE SEEK SUSPECT
Printer-friendly versionUPDATE: Police have determined that this reported kidnapping was a hoax. La Mesa Police Officers responded to an attempted kidnapping that occurred at 4827 Parks Avenue in the city of La Mesa on January 1st at 6:55 p.m.. Officers met with the eight-year-old male victim and his aunt at the Parks Avenue address. The victim told officers he was
THREE TIPS FOR MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS STICK
Printer-friendly versionBy Carole Carson January 1, 2009 (San Diego) — Who hasn’t sat down on New Year’s Day and come up with changes–such as losing weight and exercising more–they’d like to make? Our good intentions, though, can pass as quickly as the weeks on the calendar. Before we know it, we’re facing yet another New Year with the same old
JUMPSTART YOUR RESOLUTION TO GET IN-SHAPE: EAST COUNTY FAMILY YMCA OFFERS FREE 12-WEEK PERSONAL FITNESS PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2009 (Santee) — The East County Family YMCA wants to help kick start your exercise program in the New Year with their 12-Week Personal Fitness Program. The program is designed for the beginning exerciser or anyone who has been away from exercise for awhile as well as those individuals who are looking for guidance and structure
FEMALE CARJACKING SUSPECT ARRESTED BY LA MESA POLICE—THANKS TO TIP RECEIVED THROUGH CRIMESTOPPERS
Printer-friendly version December 30, 2008 — (La Mesa) On December 29, a woman was arrested for charges stemming from a carjacking that occurred at Grossmont Center a week ago. La Mesa Police Detectives and members of the Department’s Special Enforcement Detail arrested Crystal Buckingham, a 28 year old female, without incident at an apartment in the 1000 block of Peach
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT BOARD OFFICERS NAMED FOR ’09
Printer-friendly versionDecember 26, 2008 (La Mesa) — The five-member board of directors for the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), a public agency that supports health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County, has elected its board officers for 2009. Elected unanimously were Jim Stieringer as president, Gloria Chadwick as vice president and Deborah McElravy as secretary. Stieringer appointed board
ARMED ROBBERY AT SUPER OSCAR’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN LA MESA; REWARD OFFERED
Printer-friendly versionDecember 27, 2008 (La Mesa) — Three armed men robbed the Super Oscar’s Restaurant located at 7102 University Avenue in La Mesa on Saturday, December 27th at 7:52 p.m. A customer in the drive-thru reported that armed subjects entered the front doors of the restaurant with handguns. Suspects pointed the weapons at three employees, jumped over the counter and
TOP 25 EAST COUNTY STORIES OF 2008
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 31, 2008–It’s been a tumultuous year for East County and the nation. Here are our choices for the most important news stories of 2008 that had broad impacts on San Diego’s eastern region–from heartwarming to heart-wrenching. (Note: watch for a separate "East County Newsmakers" feature next week on individuals making a difference in our region,
CALIFORNIA BUDGET IMPASSE CAUSES PARTISAN DIVIDE:
Printer-friendly version Governor refuses to sign measure with tax/fee increases to avoid deep cuts in education Republicans, Democrats trade sharp criticisms Senate leader seeks help from federal government to fund public works projects and jump start California economy By Miriam Raftery December 23, 2008 (San Diego’s East County)–Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter) has written to Henry Paulson, Secretary of
TWO DEAD AFTER THREE-VEHICLE CRASH IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 11, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – A head-on collision in Rancho San Diego has left two people dead and three others injured. The deadly crash occurred on February 7 around 8:25 p.m. An El Cajon man, 26, was driving a 2022 BMW M3 eastbound on Willow Glen Drive east of Murfield Drive when for
CANNED TUNA RECALLED DUE TO BOTULISM RISK: PRODUCTS SOLD AT MAJOR RETAILERS
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 10, 2025 (El Segundo) – Tri-Union Seafoods has recalled canned tuna products sold under the Trader Joe’s, Van Camp’s, Genova and H-E-B brands due to defective pull-top resulting in leakage and potential contamination with botulism, a deadly toxin. The products were sold in many states, including Genova 5 oz. cans sold in California at
FIRST BIG RAINS ON THE WAY, SANDBAGS AVAILABLE
Printer-friendly versionBy Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office February 10, 2025 (San Diego) – With the National Weather Service predicting the first heavy rains across San Diego County this week, the County and CAL FIRE are offering advice and free sandbags to residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas. To date, San Diego County’s winter has been relatively
LEMON GROVE NONPROFITS UNITE FOR LOS ANGELES FIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 10, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – On Saturday, February 1, the spirit of community and compassion was on full display as Lemon Grove nonprofit organizations joined forces at Treganza Park for a heartfelt fundraiser supporting fire relief efforts in Los Angeles. Over $2,100 was raised, according to a press release from organizers. With little time to
TRUMP AIMS TO DISMANTLE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Printer-friendly version Major funding for schools nationwide is at stake By G.A. McNeeley February 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – The Trump administration has begun drafting an executive order that would begin the process of eliminating the Department of Education, CNN reports. This order would instruct the Secretary of Education to create a plan to diminish the department through executive
MAYOR WELLS BRINGS IMMIGRATION MEASURE BACK FOR NEW VOTE TUESDAY
Printer-friendly versionPhoto: Councilman Steve Goble is the likely swing vote when the El Cajon City Council reconsiders an amended version of a controversial immigration measure on Feb. 11. By Miriam Raftery February 10, 2025 (El Cajon) – A controversial measure to allow El Cajon Police officers to cooperate with federal immigration authorities is back on tomorrow’s agenda. The newly revised
PLACEMENT OF SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR IN JULIAN HALTED BY HOMEOWNER
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 9, 2025 (Julian) – The proposed supervised placement of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely at a home on Wynola Road in Julian has been cancelled, CBS 8 reports, after the homeowner withdrew the property from consideration. The homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, told CBS 8 that she never gave approval to Liberty Healthcare,
COMMUNITY INPUT SOUGHT ON PROPOSED PARK IN JAMUL
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 9, 2025 (Jamul) — The Jamul-Dulzura Planning Group is seeking funds from San Diego County’s Department of Public Works to develop a community park in Jamul. While exploring potential locations for the park, the Planning Group has launched a survey asking community members what features they would like to see in the new community
JAMUL-DULZURA COMMUNITY PLANNING GROUP SEEKS CREATIVE MINDS TO DESIGN NEW LOGO
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: one of the ideas for the new logo February 9, 2025 (Jamul) – The Jamul-Dulzura Community Planning Group (JDCPG) is seeking creative minds to design its new logo, offering local artists and designers a chance to leave their mark on this vital East County organization. The planning group, which serves as a
ATTORNEY GENERAL BONTA FILING SAYS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS NOT COMPLYING WITH COURT ORDER TO UNFREEZE CERTAIN FEDERAL FUNDING
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 9, 2025 (Oakland, CA) – Last week, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Trump administration from carrying out a spending freeze. “Each day that the pause continues to ripple across the country is an additional day that Americans are being denied access to programs that heal them, house them, and
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