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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
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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
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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“Border 24” Fire
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2008 – A Vegetation Fire broke out this morning East of the Tecate Border crossing. Fire officials say 35-40 acres have burned but the fire’s advance has been stopped. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT SHARES VIEWS ON ELECTION OUTCOMES AND IMPACT ON BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery East County Chamber of Commerce President Mike Cully (left) and membership director Regina Williamson (right) present new member plaque to ECM Editor Miriam Raftery and Marketing Director Leon Thompson. Mike Cully, president of the East County Chamber of Commerce, was at Election Central in Golden Hall downtown as the announcement was made that Barack Obama had
FIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER SET FOR SAT. NOV 8
Printer-friendly version"Do you think the victims of the fires of 2003 & 2007 be allowed to go homeless?" asks Randy Seol of the musical group Strawberry Alarm Clock. This Saturday, November 8 from 3 to 8 p.m., Seol is organizing a benefit fundraiser to meet and hear musical groups slated to perform at a benefit concert next March.(The concert was
SDG&E PLAN TO CUT POWER GETS FROSTY RECEPTION AT PUC HEARING; BACK COUNTRY RESIDENTS, PUBLIC OFFICIALS VOICE OBJECTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 2008 (San Diego) — Public officials and backcountry residents leveled harsh criticism at SG&E during a public meeting of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) convened in San Diego on October 14 to discuss causes of the 2007 wildfires and how to prevent future conflagrations. Speaker after speaker blasted SDG&E’s proposal to cut power to
HOPE PREVAILS: OBAMA VICTORY HAS LONG COATTAILS LOCALLY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Democrats gathered at House of Blues await word on Presidential race On the night when most of America turned blue, Democrats gathered to celebrate at the aptly-named House of Blues in San Diego. Cheers greeted the historic announcement that Barack Obama had just been declared the winner, becoming the first African-American president in U.S. history. Kristy
Budget Crisis Hits Home
Printer-friendly versionState workers in East County struggle to cope with prospect of huge pay cuts, lay-offs; Judge orders Sept. 12 hearing on Governor’s wage-slashing orders By Miriam Raftery Photos by Aida Canonizado November 4, 2008 (El Cajon)–Mildred Scarber, a state employee who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in El Cajon, was shocked to learn that Governor Schwarzenegger
SAN DIEGO COUNTY TURNS BLUE: MORE REGISTERED DEMOCRATS THAN REPUBLICANS, REGISTRAR REPORTS
Printer-friendly version Democratic voter registration volunteers cheer as Party Chair Jess Durfee announces San Diego County now has more registered Democrats than Republicans. NOVEMBER 2, 2008 (San Diego) — “We have, after 24 years, returned San Diego County to the blue column,” San Diego County Democratic Party Chairman Jess Durfee announced at a press conference today. According to the latest
DANGERS OF LIVING NEAR CELL PHONE TOWERS RAISED
Printer-friendly versionLa Mesa Council holds hearing Nov. 5 on proposal to erect cell phone tower in Lake Murray area By Miriam Raftery When Mom asked me to look into possible health hazards posed by cell phone panel antennas that a church in her neighborhood wants to put up, I expected to find reassuring facts to allay Mom’s concerns. Instead, I
REMEMBER TO VOTE! ELECTION DAY TUESDAY NOV. 4TH
Printer-friendly versionTIPS FOR VOTERS: Forgot to mail your absentee ballot? Do NOT put it in the mail! Ballots received late will NOT be counted. Instead, take it to any polling place or to the Registrar of Voters office. Have to work on Election Day? California law requires that your employer let you take time off from work to vote. Disabled
EARLY VOTING LINES
Printer-friendly versionWhy does a County with 4,261 square miles have only 1 early voting place? Two San Diego Assemblymembers call for changes after ECM inquiry By Miriam Raftery Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña vowed to take action in Sacramento to require that San Diego have more early voting locations to avoid long lines in the future. November 2, 2008 (San Diego) —
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 21, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Millions of pounds of meat, poultry recalled over listeria concerns (NPR) First US case of severe mpox strain reported in California (UK Independent) Is it the flu or is it COVID? One at-home
CAL FIRE IS CONDUCTING PRESCRIBED BURNS
Printer-friendly version Source: CalFire November 21, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – – The CAL FIRE San Diego Unit is preparing to conduct prescribed burns across San Diego and Imperial Counties as part of an ongoing effort to reduce wildfire risk, enhance ecosystem health, and protect community safety. These projects are planned during carefully selected weather conditions that meet specific
CA UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT GROUPS WORRY ABOUT INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
Printer-friendly version By Suzanne Potter, California News Service November 20, 2024 (Sacramento)– As President-elect Donald Trump announces immigration hard-liners as his deputy chief of staff and border czar this week, groups supporting undocumented college students in California are vowing to stand up for people’s rights. Golden State colleges serve 83,000 undocumented students, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. Jessie
EVACUATIONS IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO NEAR SPRING VALLEY DUE TO BRUSH FIRE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 20, 2024 (Rancho San Diego and Spring Valley) – The #MillarFire has burned 20 acres near State Route 94/Campo Road and Millar Ranch Road in Spring Valley, near the Steele Canyon bridge. Evacuation orders have been issued for nearby areas including Rancho San Diego, plus evacuation warnings for surrounding areas. View evacuation map from
GOING TO THE DOGS: EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL LEGALIZES DOG WALKING DOWNTOWN
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery JulieAnn Chaet with dog, Chloe, in downtown El Cajon November 20, 2024 (El Cajon) – Members of the El Cajon City Council voiced surprise at Tuesday’s meeting to learn that a 1997 ordinance prohibited dogs in the downtown superblock area where popular events are held. So councilmembers voted unanimously to repeal the ban and legalize
DEGOURVILLE NAMED MOUNTAIN WEST FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Printer-friendly versionTaj DeGourville is one of three true freshmen this year to record at least 10 points, six rebounds and five assists without a turnover in a game this year. Source: goaztecs.com Photo courtesy goaztecs.com November 20, 2024 (San Diego) – San Diego State guard Taj Degourville has been named the Mountain West Freshman of the Week for the week
TRUMP CABINET APPOINTEES RAISE CONCERNS OVER NATIONAL SECURITY, ETHICS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Printer-friendly versionTrump says he won’t require FBI vetting of nominees and wants Congress to adjourn so that he can appoint Cabinet chairs without Senate approval By Miriam Raftery Update November 22, 2024: Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Attorney General appointment. Photo: Rep. Matt Gaetz, Attorney General nominee, would oversee the Justice Department. He is accused of
STATE WANTS TO RELEASE SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR WAKEFIELD AS TRANSIENT; SUP. ANDERSON LAUNCHES PETITION TO OPPOSE RELEASE
Printer-friendly versionUpdate November 21, 2024 — Today Judge Campos approved releasing Wakefield as a transient, despite 800 signatures on a petition opposing this release. By Miriam Raftery November 18, 2024 (San Diego) —After three failed attempts to place sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield at homes run by Liberty Healthcare in Borrego Springs, Mt. Helix and Poway, the California Department of
THE JEWISH CITIZEN: SEVERAL NATIONAL JEWISH GROUPS OPPOSE MATT GAETZ AS ATTORNEY GENERAL
Printer-friendly versionUpdate November 22, 2024: Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Attorney General appointment. By Donald H. Harrison, San Diego Jewish World, a member of the San Diego Online News Association November 17, 2024 (San Diego) – Several national Jewish organizations are opposing President-elect Donald J. Trump’s nomination of recently resigned Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida for
DEPUTIES KILL GUNMAN IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery File photo: San Diego Sheriff’s Department November 17, 2024 (Spring Valley) – Seven sheriff’s deputies opened fire on an armed man who fired shots in the backyard of a home on Leland Street in Spring Valley on Friday evening, ECM news partner 10 News reports. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, law enforcement indicated that a
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