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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
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
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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FIRE NEAR CAMPO 50% CONTAINED, HWYS 94 AND 8 CLOSED, 400 EVACUATED
Printer-friendly versionOctober 13 (Campo) 9:30 a.m. — Three hundred homes have been ordered to evacuate due to a 100-acre wildfire that began at Highway 94 near Shockey Truck Trail. The blaze has burned 100 areas on both sides of 94 and is 50% contained. No structures have been lost. Evacuation centers have been established at at the Potrero Library and
4,000 FLEE FIRES IN PENDLETON, OCEANSIDE, FALLBROOK
Printer-friendly version Fire in North County. Photo by Corina Squires October 14 (Camp Pendleton) 12:10 p.m. – The third blaze in there weeks to strike Camp Pendleton has charred over 1,500 acres, forcing evacution of over 4,000 people from Oceanside as well as base housing. Some schools in Oceanside may be closed tomorrow, ECM has learned. The Juliet fire forced
SDG&E THREAT TO CUT POWER DURING FIRE DANGER SPARKS HEATED OUTCRY AMONG EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS
Printer-friendly versionLarge crowd likely at CPUC meeting Tuesday in San Diego By Miriam Raftery October 13, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) – Backcountry residents are reacting with shock, praise and outrage to a notice sent by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) to 45,000 customers warning that power lines may be shut off when fire danger is high. With red
HIGH FIRE DANGER, SANTA ANA WINDS STARTING TONIGHT
Printer-friendly versionCAL Fire gears up with extra airpower, asks homeowners to take defensive steps; SDG&E may cut power in high-risk areas Story and photos by Miriam Raftery October 12, 2008 (El Cajon) – CAL Fire has issued a warning that the danger of wildfire is high due to forecasts of Santa Ana winds starting tonight combined with already hot, dry
Great Debates: Congressional Candidates Square Off
Printer-friendly version Duncan Hunter Mike Lumpkin 52nd Congressional district candidates face off in a series of five debates. Here’s your chance to learn first-hand where candidates stand–or even ask a question yourself! Former U.S. Navy Seal Commander Mike Lumpkin, a Democrat, battles ex-USMC Captain Duncan D. Hunter, Republican, and Libertarian Mike Benoit to replace retiring Congressman Duncan Hunter in debates
WATER, PACE OF DEVELOPMENT TOP CONCERNS IN CAMPO/LAKE MORENA PLANNING GROUP RACE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Lake Morena October 6, 2008 (Campo) – Concerns over the impacts of new and proposed major developments on water supplies and community character have divided community members in this rural region. Tensions ran high at a forum for Campo/Lake Morena Planning Group candidates held on September 29th, where community members posed tough questions for candidates on
CITY, COUNTY SEE SHIFTS TOWARD DEMOCRATIC COLUMN – OCT. 20 DEADLINE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION
Printer-friendly versionCountywide, new voter registrations have been running ten to one Democratic over Republican for the past several months, even in traditionally “red” conservative areas including Santee and El Cajon. According to an October 1, 2008 report issued by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, Democrats now outnumber Republicans by 249,338 to 189,012 in the City of San Diego,
A FIERY ARGUMENT
Printer-friendly versionFire Chief, City and County leaders debate pros and cons of fire tax By Miriam Raftery 2007 San Diego wildfires destroyed over 3,400 structures and killed 15 people (photo: La Mesa Fire Dept.) October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – “We have to stop turning to others to solve our problems,” said Ron Roberts, Chair of San Diego’s Board of
GREEN HOUSES
Printer-friendly versionASID Kitchen and Bath Tour Oct. 25 Features “Green” Kitchen on Mt. Helix By Miriam Raftery Recycled glass adds sparkle to natural slate backsplash October 11, 2008 (Mt. Helix) – A Mount Helix kitchen/great room featuring natural materials, solar screens and and energy-efficient features is among 11 kitchens featured on the 2008 Fall Kitchen Tour on October 25th. Sponsored
Editorial – SDG&E SHUT-DOWN THREAT FIRES UP BACKCOUNTRY OBJECTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Donna Tisdale La Mesa Fire Department In response to SDG&E’s announced plans to shut off-power to "remote areas" during high wind events: SDG&E and their urbanite supporters want to run the Sunrise Powerlink through the most HIGH RISK FIRE ZONES of our highly flammable backcountry. In addition to the 500-1000 estimated turbines already proposed in this area, SDG&E is also
AHEAD OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON, ATTORNEY GENERAL BONTA WARNS CONSUMERS OF SHOPPING SCAMS AND FRAUD
Printer-friendly versionSource: Office of the Attorney General November 30, 2024 (Oakland) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today urged shoppers to be on the lookout for common scams this holiday season and offered tips on how to shop safely. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly approach, Californians should stay alert and take action to protect themselves and their loved ones from purchases that can cause
PRESIDENTS BIDEN AND MACRON ANNOUNCE CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ISRAEL AND LEBANON
Printer-friendly versionBiden hopes to next achieve a cease-fire in Gaza before his term ends, with an agreement for a Palestinian state and security for Israel By Miriam Raftery Photo, left: Hezbollah fighters in Southern Lebanon in 2023, via Tasnim News Service November 28, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – In a historic accord, on Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden and President Emmanuel
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S ROARING ‘20s PARTY CELEBRATED JAZZ AGE IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 28, 2024 (La Mesa) – Thanks to all of you who turned out in style at our Roaring ‘20s party on November 17 at Wineworks in La Mesa. We appreciate your support, which is vital to sustain our independent news reporting as well as our wildfire and emergency alerts. The event recreated the era
SAN DIEGO’S JEWISH COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM GRADUATES AIM TO HELP HATE CRIME VICTIMS
Printer-friendly versionTeam Funded by Statewide “Stop the Hate” Program Supports Those Impacted by Antisemitism By Miriam Raftery November 28,2024 (San Diego) – The inaugural cohort of San Diego’s Jewish Community Emergency Response Team (JCERT) is now prepared to respond in the aftermath of a sharp rise in local antisemitic incidents. Team members aim to help strengthen individual recovery and community
LA MESA CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS 2024 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN UPDATE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC. November 27, 2024 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa City Council on Tuesday adopted the 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update, a roadmap for reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in La Mesa. The 2024 CAP Update introduces six comprehensive strategies, an expansion
ORGANIC CARROTS LINKED TO E. COLI OUTBREAK, INCLUDING SAN DIEGAN SICKENED
Printer-friendly versionBy East County News Service November 27, 2024 (San Diego)– County Public Health officials are asking people to throw away organic carrots tied to a nationwide E. coli outbreak. One person in San Diego who consumed the carrots became ill from the same strain of Shiga Toxin producing E. Coli (STEC) that is part of a multi-state outbreak. Thirty-nine people infected
SUNNY WEATHER FORECAST FOR THANKSGIVING DAY
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 27, 2024 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service in San Diego tweeted today, “We are thankful for sunny skies across Southern California this Thanksgiving!” High temperatures will generally be in the 50s for the mountains, 60s for the coastline, and 70s for inland valleys and deserts. That’s great news for all who
SEX OFFENDER MERLE WAKEFIELD RELEASED IN JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 27, 2024 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Yesterday, sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield was conditionally released from Coalinga State Hospital as a transient. He has been temporarily placed at a home at 42920 Desert Rose Ranch in Jacumba Hot Springs. He will have 24-hour supervision by Liberty Healthcare, a private company contracted by the
SHERIFF RELEASES VIDEO OF SUSPECT SHOT AND KILLED IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version View video (viewer discretion advised) By Miriam Raftery Photo courtesy of ECM news partner ABC 10 News November 27, 2024 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has released video from November 15, when seven deputies opened fire and killed Victor Rendon, Jr., 34. Rendon had fired shots inside his ex-girlfriend’s home on Leland Street in
LA MESA SENIOR MISSING SINCE OCT. 29 WAS LAST SEEN ON FREEWAY; POLICE ASK ANYONE WHO GAVE HER A RIDE TO NOTIFY AUTHORITIES
Printer-friendly version Newly released photo shows Vivian Crowder on day she went missing East County News Service November 27, 2024 (La Mesa) – Vivian Crowder, 71, who has dementia, has been missing for four weeks. La Mesa Police have released a photo of Crowder when shew as last seen on Oct. 29 at 12:14 p.m. walking along the shoulder of
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