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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
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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
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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
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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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 and cornerstone of the San Diego backcountry, passed away after having a heart attack on Feb. 1, 2026. He was 69. A man defined by what friends describe as a “servant’s heart,” Ostrander left a deep mark in the region
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 federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal immigration agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in the day. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local April 18,
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 — the first located in East County — on Monday in El Cajon. The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues. The unit will be open 24 hours a day, seven
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 fruit fly quarantine has reduced donations of fresh produce to local food pantries, since organizations such as Produce Good mainly rely on backyard harvests to help community members in need. Home growers are not allowed to move their backyard products
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 Service April 1, 2026 (Jamul) – Jamul Casino Resort has been recognized with two prestigious ADDY Awards from AAF Reno, earning a Gold ADDY and Best of Show in the Corporate Social Responsibility category for “Water Sweet – The Story
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 seeking to codify strict regulations on electric bicycles, specifically looking to protect riders under 12. On Tuesday, the La Mesa City Council unanimously voted to establish a new e-bike safety pilot program as part of Assembly Bill 2234, which passed
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 East County Advanced Water Purification Program Story and photos by Paul Levikow April 13, 2026 (Santee) — After more than a half-century of water reuse in East County, the Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility has been decommissioned, marking the end
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 is holding a public event aimed at bridging the gap between life behind bars and life as a productive neighbor. From 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 14 at the Lemon Grove Library, the community is being invited to meet
Man arrested for threatening deputies, firing shots in Santee
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 13, 2026 (Santee) — With help from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SWAT) team, an armed man who threatened deputies was arrested April 11 at his security systems business in Santee. Deputies responded to reports of possible gunshots near North Magnolia Avenue around 12:33 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies checked the area
Hearing May 15 on proposed release of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely in Borrego Springs: public comments sought
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 11, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – The San Diego Superior Court has ordered the conditional release of Sexually Violent Predator Gary Snavely. The California Department of State Hospitals has recommended the placement of Snavely at 3406 Running M Road in Borrego Springs He was convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with two girls ages 8 and
COUNTY PROVIDES $11.5 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND VETERANS
Printer-friendly versionSource: County News Service Proposals from developers due by Dec. 20 November 11, 2024 (San Diego) – Just in time for Veterans’ Day,the County of San Diego has made $11.5 million available to finance the creation of affordable housing to benefit low-income people and unsheltered veterans. The notice of funding availability (NOFA) was created from a combination of funds:
LA MESA POLICE SEEKS PUBLIC HELP TO FIND WOMAN WITH DEMENTIA MISSING FOR A WEEK: VIVIAN CROWDER, 71, USES TRANSIT AND MAY HAVE TRAVELED ELSEWHERE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 8, 2024 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 71-year-old Vivian Crowder, who has been missing for more than a week. Mrs. Crowder was last seen outside a salon in La Mesa around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 though there are unconfirmed
REMODELING OUR FAMILY’S MIDCENTURY HOME: A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
Printer-friendly version View a 3-D video tour by Wow Media By Miriam Raftery Photos by Wow Media and Miriam Raftery November 8, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) — The home that I grew up in is filled with warm memories—and now, a fully remodeled interior and exterior with open floorplan and a wealth of amenities — ready for new homeowners to
SHERIFF RELEASES DETAILS ON PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AUTOMATED LICENSE-PLATE READING CAMERAS ACROSS REGION
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego County Sheriff November 8, 2024 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled its plan to install more ALPR cameras in unincorporated areas of San Diego County during a presentation Oct. 22 to the Board of Supervisors. The presentation outlined the proposal to potentially install about 60 new ALPR cameras in key communities, including
THREE FIRES BURNING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version November 8, 2024 San Diego) –Firefighters are battling three brush fires locally. The largest is the Garden Fire at 47.9 acres, which has sparked evacuations in Fallbrook. The blaze started east of Gird Rd. and Pala Mesa Drive; it is 10% contained. View the evacuation map. The Resort Fire has burned 2 acres along highway 79 west west
WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FREE CELEBRATION NOV. 9
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 7, 2024 (Rancho San Diego, CA) – The Water Conservation Garden is hosting a free 25th anniversary celebration this Saturday, November 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrating 25 years of educating the public about water conservation, this event features animal encounters, garden talks, food, live music, activities and fun for all
LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL RACE FLIPS OVERNIGHT:FAIA EDGES AHEAD OF GASTIL
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 6, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Sitivi “Steve” Faia has pulled ahead of Councilman George Gastil in the Lemon Grove City Council race, where four candidates are vying for two seats. Jessyka Heredia remains in the lead with 28.86% of the votes counted, followed by Faia, a youth sports coach, with 25.40% and 2,410 votes.
RETURN OF THE RESISTANCE STATE: WHAT ANOTHER TRUMP PRESIDENCY WILL MEAN FOR CALIFORNIA
Printer-friendly version By Alexei Koseff • CalMatters Photo by Gage Skidmore (CC via Wikipedia): Donald Trump at a June rally in Surprise, Arizona November 6, 2024 (Sacramento) — Former President Donald Trump won a second term after four years out of the White House, likely thrusting California back into leading the resistance against him. The Associated Press made its call at 3
SCHIFF WINS CALIFORNIA’S U.S. SENATE SEAT
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 6, 2024 (Sacramento) – Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff, who led impeachment efforts against Donald Trump, is poised to defeat former baseball player Steve Garvey, a Republican, to represent California in the U.S. Senate. Shiff has nearly 60% of the votes, with over half of all votes counted statewide, according to the California Secretary of
REPUBLICANS TAKE CONTROL OF U.S. SENATE; TRUMP WINS PRESIDENTIAL RACE
Printer-friendly version Update: Kamala Harris has congratulated Trump on his win. Republicans have also taken control of the House. By Miriam Raftery November 5, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – Former President Donald Trump has won two major battleground states, CNN and AP predict, and is edging closer to victory in the hotly contested presidential race. Currently Trump is projected to have
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