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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
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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
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
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Thousands of San Diegans join marches to support Minneapolis
Printer-friendly versionBy Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Hundreds marched on Sunday in an interfaith show of support for people on the ground in Minneapolis and elsewhere. Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego January 26, 2026 (San Diego) – San Diegans joined marches all over the county on Sunday, offering a show
ECM World Watch: national and global news
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 25, 2026 (San Diego) — 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. CNN video analysis sheds new light on killing of Alex Pretti (CNN) Sweeping US defense bill passes, with Ukraine,
‘Coalition of Lifesavers’ hits milestone of 750,000 trained in CPR
Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service Jan. 25, 2026 (San Diego County) — A local movement to turn bystanders into lifesavers is in the home stretch. Since its launch in January 2024, the Revive & Survive San Diego initiative has successfully trained more than 750,000 people in hands-only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, moving San Diego County closer to its goal of
Kratom, banned by California, is still for sale in East County stores including synthetic versions linked to numerous deaths
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Miriam Raftery January 24, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – An investigation by East County Magazine has found kratom and synthetic kratom (7-OH) products for sale locally in every East County city, despite the fact that it’s illegal in California to sell or manufacture kratom for consumption. The ban is due to risk of addiction,
El Cajon man arrested for rape, sexual assault with multiple underage teen girls
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — Detectives from the El Cajon Police Department Family Protection Unit have concluded an extensive multi-month investigation into allegations of sexual assault and rape, resulting in the arrest of a suspect for numerous serious offenses. On January 21, ECPD arrested Greyson Washborne, alias Thomas Menchaca, 21, of El Cajon.
County EBT theft drops more than 80% after chip card issued
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 23, 2026 (San Diego County) — More attention to security needs and new chips are making a difference in the safety of electronic benefits cards, also known as EBT cards. San Diego County officials report that enhanced security measures and new chips have led to an 84 percent reduction in EBT card thefts affecting the
2025 Stories of the year
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery January 22, 2026 (San Diego) – It’s been a turbulent year across our nation, around the world, and here in San Diego County. While national news largely dominated headlines with rollout of unprecedented actions by the Trump administration and protests in response, many local news stories and issues also shaped our lives for better or worse
Lemon Grove residents look to halt retail sales of commercially bred birds
Printer-friendly versionPhoto of petition-gathering outside of Sprouts in Lemon Grove courtesy Amit Dhuleshia By Karen Pearlman Jan. 22, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — A group of Lemon Grove residents and regional animal welfare advocates are launching a formal bid to update local pet sale regulations, aiming to make Lemon Grove the next California city to prohibit the retail sale of commercially
A sweet and Grand (Avenue) time in Escondido with the Chocolate Festival
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Escondido) – Wrappers will crinkle and corks will pop next month along Grand Avenue in Escondido. The Escondido Chocolate Festival is set for Feb 7, turning the city’s historic downtown into a literal moveable feast for those with a sweet tooth, a penchant for chocolate pairings and an appreciation for local flair. Hosted by
Fort Cross brings ‘Old Timey’ adventure to Julian region
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – A family farm in the Julian mountains is bringing back its popular guided tour that brings rustic adventure and recreation education to the outdoors. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures will host its popular Farm Tour Adventure on Jan. 31, a high-energy, two-hour guided circuit at its farm, nestled in the scenic landscape
STRUCTURES THREATENED IN TED WILLIAMS FIRE
Printer-friendly version Update 4 p.m.: Forward spread has been stopped and fixed-wing aircraft dismissed, though helicopters remain on scene. East County News Service January 20, 2025 (Poway) – Structures are immediately threatened by a brush fire in Poway. The #TedWilliamsFire is burning along Ted Williams Parkway and Pomerado Road. Evacuations are being conducted near Glen Oak Road, Watch Duty App
TRUMP LAYS OUT SHORT AND LONG TERM GOALS IN INAUGURAL SPEECH: FACT CHECK AND ANALYSIS
Printer-friendly versionRead full text of Donald Trump’s inauguration speech on January 20, 2025 View video of speech By Miriam Raftery January 20, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Donald J. Trump was sworn in for his second term of office today inside the Capitol rotunda, instead of outdoors, due to bitterly cold weather. In a 30-minute inaugural speech, Trump promised a “Golden
SDG&E URGES RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR MORE PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFFS
Printer-friendly version Source: SDG&E January 20, 2025 (San Diego) – Due to extreme fire weather conditions and forecasted Santa Ana winds, San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) has notified 83,609 customers that it may have to turn off power to reduce wildfire risk as early as late today. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are approved by state regulators as
IN FAREWELL ADDRESS, BIDEN WARNS THAT OLIGARCHS’ RISING POWER THREATENS AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Printer-friendly version President Biden also laid out proposed future reforms, including a Constistutional amendment to limit presidential immunity, tax reforms, and term limits for Supreme Court justices By Miriam Raftery Hear audio of President Biden’s farewell address; view video, read transcript January 19, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – In his farewell address to the nation delivered in the White House oval
NWS FORECAST: FIRE DANGER, FROST AND FOG
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery January 19, 2025 (San Diego) – January’s freakish weather continues with both fire danger and frost forecast for this week. The weather hazards line up for a potentially “worse case” scenario, the National Weather Service predicts. A red flag warning has been issued for San Diego County’s inland mountains and valleys Monday and Tuesday due
LA MESA CITY COUNCILMEMBER LAURA LOTHIAN CALLS FOR “15-STRIKES AND YOUR OUT” HOMELESSNESS POLICY
Printer-friendly version By Michael Howard Photo: La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian speaks during a January 14, 2025 City Council meeting. Screenshot from City of La Mesa meeting video. January 19, 2025 (La Mesa, CA) – La Mesa City Councilmember Laura Lothian is calling for a “15-Strikes And You’re Out” policy to address the rising cost and associated
GUHSD SUPERINTENDENT MIKE FOWLER TAKES LEAVE DUE TO BRAIN CANCER; BOARD APPOINTS SANDRA HUEZO AS ACTING SUPERINTENDENT
Printer-friendly versionSource: Grossmont Union High School District January 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — Superintendent Mike Fowler has announced plans to step aside from his duties until March 1, 2025, as he receives treatment for a malignant brain tumor. After his diagnosis, Fowler underwent a successful surgery in December. He has now begun a rigorous treatment schedule which will require him to remain
ASID INTERIOR DESIGNERS OFFER AFFORDABLE IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATIONS DURING ‘WINTER SPRUCE UP’ IN FEB. AND MARCH
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 17, 2025 (San Diego) – Does your home need a design refresh or a whole makeover? Are you curious about working with a professional interior designer but don’t know where to start? The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) San Diego Chapter offers affordable in-home design advice during Winter Spruce Up. The program runs from
LATINO LEADERS GIVE EARFUL TO EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL OVER PROPOSED IMMIGRATION RESOLUTION
Printer-friendly versionCouncil asks staff to revise resolution, which will be on the agenda January 28 By Miriam Raftery “I see this as disrespectful from you, the Council, the Mayor and the attorneys…This is going to create a lot of distrust in the community.” — Jose Cruz, photo, left “It’s about following the law. California is asking us to ignore federal law.”–Mayor Bill
TSA INTERCEPTS 6,678 FIREARMS AT AIRPORT SECURITY CHECKPOINTS IN 2024
Printer-friendly versionSource: TSA January 16, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — During 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted a total of 6,678 firearms at airport security checkpoints, preventing them from getting into the secure areas of the airport and onboard aircraft. Approximately 94% of these firearms were loaded. This total is a minor decrease from the 6,737 firearms stopped in 2023. Throughout 2024, TSA managed
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