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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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Sponsorship Placement
THRIVING IN HARD TIMES SERIES: El Cajon Mom Finds Her Calling, Builds Recession-Proof Business Selling Phone Services From Home
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Just a few months after starting a home-based business in fall 2008, Karie Schmidt of El Cajon has a team of entrepreneurs working for her. She is earning a comfortable income, has flexible hours to spend with her family, and enjoys perks such as free phone service and free travel–including a trip to a pre-Kentucky Derby
STUDENT NOMINEES SOUGHT BY ASSEMBLYMAN ANDERSON FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Assemblyman Joel Anderson seeks student nominations for his “Outstanding Achievement Award” program, available to students in all schools in the 77th Assembly District. “It is important for all of us to recognize those students who strive for excellence in everything they do. Rewarding the great work of East County students is perhaps the
GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY OVER DROUGHT; URGES 20% WATER USE REDUCTION. STEEP PRICE INCREASES LOOM, LOCAL WATER OFFICIAL WARNS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–“This drought is having a devastating impact on our people, our communities, our economy and our environment, making today’s action absolutely necessary,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who declared a state of emergency following three years of drought. The Governor’s action aims to have water agencies reduce water usage by 20
WATER SAVING REBATES AND CONSERVATION TIPS TO WEATHER THE CRISIS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Area residents must cut water consumption by at least 20% or face stiff financial penalties, local water authorities warn following a state declaration of emergency today due to the drought. Fortunately, there is help for consumers seeking ways to reduce their water usage. “Sixty to 70 percent of water use
WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN LAUNCHES WATER-WISE GARDENING PHONE HELP LINE STARTING MARCH 3: “THE WATER SMART PIPELINE”
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (Rancho San Diego)–"How can I get rid of my grass?" "What low water groundcover withstands foot traffic?" Can I have color in my garden without using much water?" These questions and more are frequently asked by San Diegans looking to install water smart landscapes. To help answer people’s concerns about how to garden in these
LEARN HOW TO SELL AT A CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (Escondido)–The San Diego County Farm Bureau is hosting a free class to teach any interested grower how to sell produce and nursery crops at a certified farmers’ market. The class will be on Thursday, March 12 and will go from 3:00 to 5:00. Attendees will get comprehensive information on the rules and history of California certified
EL CAJON SEEKS YOUTH OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 27, 2009 (El Cajon)–The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition presents a “Youth of the Year” Award to recognize those who go above and beyond in serving their community either through their leadership abilities and/or their quality or level of community service in El Cajon. Leadership can be defined as those individuals who consistently facilitate a team vision
GOSPEL FESTIVAL FRIDAY FEB. 27 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionAs part of its Black History Month celebration, Grossmont College will present a free Gospel Festival, featuring five local gospel choirs and one dance troupe, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, in Room #220 on the college campus. The public is invited to attend. Parking is free. Performing artists will include the House of Metamorphosis Choir, Martin
ECUMENICAL GATHERING AT FRIENDSHIP PARK DISRUPTED BY TAUNTING; MINISTER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Gayle Early Rev. John Fanestil apprehended by California Border Patrol agents in full riot gear. February 21, 2009 (Imperial Beach) On Saturday, about 200 people and 40 civic organizations gathered to protest the Custom and Border Protection (CBP) closure of Friendship Park on Monument Mesa in Border Field State Park. The media also had a
DON QUIXOTE BATTLES WINDMILLS – AND SO DO THE FOLKS IN BOULEVARD
Printer-friendly version (photo courtesy of AWEA) Part III of a three-part series: HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF WIND FARMS February 22, 2009 (Boulevard) — Our country has jumped on a high-speed wind-energy bandwagon, as if the costs of developing and producing wind energy are as invisible as the wind itself. Are benefits commensurate with the costs? Can developers mitigate
ON MLK DAY, TRUMP WIPES OUT DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION PROTECTIONS FOR MINORITIES
Printer-friendly version “A society is always eager to cover misdeeds with a cloak of forgetfulness, but no society can fully repress an ugly past when the ravages persist to the public. America owes a debt of justice which it has only begun to pay.” – Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. By Miriam Raftery Photo: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during
U.S. WITHDRAWS FROM PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT AND REMOVES ALL CLIMATE CHANGE REFERENCES FROM FEDERAL WEBSITES
Printer-friendly version By Henri Migala Photo: cc via Bing January 22, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — On Monday, January 20, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time, once again placing the world’s top historic emitter of greenhouse gases outside the global pact aimed at pushing nations to tackle climate change. The
LEMON GROVE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS HOST FUNDRAISER FOR LA FIRE DISASTER RELIEF
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 22, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — In the wake of the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles, Lemon Grove non-profit service clubs such as the Lemon Grove Lions, Lemon Grove Forward Club, Thrive, Soroptimists International of Lemon Grove, Mt. Miguel High School Alumni and the Lemon Grove Fire Department to name a
TRUMP PARDONS, FREES, AND DROPS CHARGES AGAINST ALL JANUARY 6 INSURRECTIONISTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery January 21, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Hours after being sworn into office in the Capitol Rotunda, President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order protecting all of the nearly 1,600 people accused or convicted of crimes stemming from the Capitol attack four years earlier. On January 6, 2021, the violent mob assaulted and injured 140
FEDERAL WORKERS SUE TRUMP OVER ATTEMPT TO CREATE ‘ARMY OF SYCOPHANTS’
Printer-friendly version“This order is about administering political loyalty tests to everyday employees in the federal workforce,” said the president of the National Treasury Employees Union By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams Photo: Trump official portrait, 2025 January 21, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – A union representing workers across dozens of federal agencies sued the Trump administration late Monday over an executive order stripping many
TRUMP DEFIES CONSTITUTION, ORDERS BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP TO END: LAWSUITS FILED TO BLOCK IMPLEMENTATION
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Image: Wong Kim Ark, whose landmark 1898 lawsuit led to a Supreme Court ruling affirming citizenship for all children born in the U.S., regardless of parents’ immigration status. Born in the U.S.,Kim had been denied reentry after traveling abroad. Photo via 1904 immigration document. January 21, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Multiple lawsuits have been filed
TRUMP ORDERS U.S. TO WITHDRAW FROM WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery January 21, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Among the dozens of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump yesterday after his inauguration is a notice to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). Under a 1948 law, withdrawal requires one-year notification and Congressional approval, Associated Press (AP) reports. If completed, withdrawal by the
LILAC FIRE IN BONSALL SPARKS EVACUATIONS, HOMES BURNED
Printer-friendly version Update 4 p.m.: Evacuations have been listed and forward spread has been stopped. Update 11 a.m. — The evacuation center at Castle Creek Golf Course has closed. Evacutees should go to Riverview Church,4980 Sweetgrass Lane in Bonsall. January 21, 2025 (Bonsall) — The #LilacFire in Bonsall has burned 80 acres and destroyed two homes, with 10% containment. Mandatory evacuations
LOST FOOD IN A POWER OUTAGE OR FIRE? CAL FRESH OFFERS BENEFITS FOR REPLACEMENT COSTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery January 20, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Cal Fresh is offering up to one month of benefits to replce food lost due to a power outage or natural disaster—but you must apply within 10 days of food loss. That news comes as welcome relief for residents in rural East County, where some have lost
NEW, ONE-STOP SHOP FOR COUNTY SERVICES IN RAMONA
Printer-friendly version By Cassie N. Saunders, County of San Diego Communications Office Video by Suzanne Bartole, Anita Lightfoot January 20, 2025 (Ramona) – The new Ramona Community Resource Center is open, providing those in the area with a one-stop place with access to many County services like mental health, nutrition, and healthcare. The $15 million facility replaces one that
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