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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
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 —
News Issues
‘Bill Walton Way’ coming to a street near you in La Mesa
Printer-friendly version The Boys & Girls Club of East County La Mesa Clubhouse honored local basketball star Bill Walton by naming
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
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 seeking
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 versionWater Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News Service
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 a
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
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 —
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
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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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
BATTLE OF THE WATCHDOGS: WILL THE REAL CONSUMER CHAMPION PLEASE STAND UP?
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Anderson Lutz October 10, 2008 (Assemblyman Joel Anderson considers himself a watchdog for taxpayers. His opponent, Ray Lutz, founded a citizens’ watchdog group. Both claim to represent the public interest. The differences in their views reflect a core question being asked more and more amid today’s challenging economic times: just what is the proper role of
LOCAL RESIDENTS JOIN NATIONAL PROTEST OF WALL STREET BAIL-OUT BILL
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 26, 2008 (El Cajon) – East County residents angered by the Bush administration’s proposed $700 billion bail-out bill for Wall Street financial firms took to the streets yesterday as part of a national protest action organized by True Majority. Thousands protested across the nation (photo: New York protest, taken by Jeremy Scahill.) “Many people in
PENDLETON FIRE 100% CONTAINED
Printer-friendly versionOctober 9, 2008 (Camp Pendleton) 9:30 a.m. — A wildfire that began late yesterday afternoon at Camp Pendleton is now 100% contained, though firefighters continue to douse hotspots. “Between 900 and 1,000 acres have burned,” Major Kristen Lasica, Public affairs officer told East County Magazine last night. ECM activated our wildfire alert system last night after learning that aircraft
HUNTER OPENS DOOR FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTORS
Printer-friendly versionBorder Fence creates opportunities for some, but draws criticisms from others, with waivers of environmental reviews by Gayle Early Gayle Early. October 1, 2008 (El Cajon) – Congressman Duncan Hunter’s office hosted an informal briefing by the Army Corps of Engineers on September 18 on the status of the border fence construction and possible subcontracting opportunities for local businesses.
EDITORIAL – ARNOLD “SWEENEY TODD” Schwarzenegger:
Printer-friendly versionGovernor Vetoes Health Reforms, Terminates Consumer Protection Bills By Senator Sheila Kuehl On September 30, the Governor finished wielding his veto pen and, in one sweeping move, eliminated virtually every health reform measure that would have regulated the health insurance company monopoly. Health reform was not alone, bill after bill that would have benefited consumers, drivers, people who breathe,
EDITORIAL – PICKIN’ ON PICKENS’ PLAN
Printer-friendly versionBy Ken Sobel It’s impossible to turn on the TV or radio lately without being barraged by T. Boone Pickens presenting his ambitious plan to save the world from global warming and wean us off foreign oil. But the decision we need to make in the days and weeks to come is between creating the energy we need locally—or
“HISTORIC” AGREEMENT SIGNED: ALLOWS NIGHT-FLYING HELICOPTERS TO FIGHT WILDFIRES ON STATE LANDS IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery San Diego Fire Chief Tracy Jarmon shakes hands with CAL-FIRE Chief Howard Windsor as Mayor Jerry Sanders looks on October 1, 2008 (El Cajon) — “This is a historic occasion,” said Fire Chief Howard Windsor with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Speaking at the San Diego Sheriff’s facility at Gillespie Field
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT’S HEALTH & WELLNESS LIBRARY RECEIVES BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Printer-friendly versionThe donation from the San Diego Division of the American Heart Association gives residents the opportunity to improve their blood pressure. Source: American Heart Association October 31, 2024 (La Mesa) – East County residents who live in the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) can now check out blood pressure monitors from the Health & Wellness Library in La Mesa. The
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT’S HEALTH & WELLNESS LIBRARY RECEIVES BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Printer-friendly versionThe donation from the San Diego Division of the American Heart Association gives residents the opportunity to improve their blood pressure. Source: American Heart Association October 31, 2024 (La Mesa) – East County residents who live in the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) can now check out blood pressure monitors from the Health & Wellness Library in La Mesa. The
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT’S HEALTH & WELLNESS LIBRARY RECEIVES BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORS FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Printer-friendly versionThe donation from the San Diego Division of the American Heart Association gives residents the opportunity to improve their blood pressure. Source: American Heart Association October 31, 2024 (La Mesa) – East County residents who live in the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) can now check out blood pressure monitors from the Health & Wellness Library in La Mesa. The
GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT AND LEADERS HONORED WITH TOP EAST COUNTY AWARDS
Printer-friendly versionDistrict earns Partnership of the Decade Award; leaders honored Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District October 31, 2024 (El Cajon) – On Friday, October 25, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District was honored with a Partnership of the Decade Award from the East County Economic Development Council at their 40th Anniversary Gala. The event celebrated the accomplishments of the East County EDC,
GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT AND LEADERS HONORED WITH TOP EAST COUNTY AWARDS
Printer-friendly versionDistrict earns Partnership of the Decade Award; leaders honored Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District October 31, 2024 (El Cajon) – On Friday, October 25, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District was honored with a Partnership of the Decade Award from the East County Economic Development Council at their 40th Anniversary Gala. The event celebrated the accomplishments of the East County EDC,
GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT AND LEADERS HONORED WITH TOP EAST COUNTY AWARDS
Printer-friendly versionDistrict earns Partnership of the Decade Award; leaders honored Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District October 31, 2024 (El Cajon) – On Friday, October 25, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District was honored with a Partnership of the Decade Award from the East County Economic Development Council at their 40th Anniversary Gala. The event celebrated the accomplishments of the East County EDC,
LOCAL LEADERS ACROSS POLITICAL SPECTRUM ENDORSE GOP OPPONENT OF REPUBLICAN CARL DEMAIO
Printer-friendly versionBy Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Foundation, AFL-CIO, speaks while flanked by Democratic and Republican local leaders. October 31, 2024 (San Diego) – Saying he lacks ethics and integrity, local elected officials and community leaders gathered in Scripps Ranch Wednesday to offer an
LOCAL LEADERS ACROSS POLITICAL SPECTRUM ENDORSE GOP OPPONENT OF REPUBLICAN CARL DEMAIO
Printer-friendly versionBy Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Foundation, AFL-CIO, speaks while flanked by Democratic and Republican local leaders. October 31, 2024 (San Diego) – Saying he lacks ethics and integrity, local elected officials and community leaders gathered in Scripps Ranch Wednesday to offer an
LOCAL LEADERS ACROSS POLITICAL SPECTRUM ENDORSE GOP OPPONENT OF REPUBLICAN CARL DEMAIO
Printer-friendly versionBy Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Foundation, AFL-CIO, speaks while flanked by Democratic and Republican local leaders. October 31, 2024 (San Diego) – Saying he lacks ethics and integrity, local elected officials and community leaders gathered in Scripps Ranch Wednesday to offer an
HELP NEEDED TO IDENTIFY MAN KILLED BY CAR IN LAKESIDE ON AUGUST 30
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 28, 2024 (Lakeside) — San Diego County Medical Examiner’s investigators are asking for the public’s help to identify a man hit by a car on Mapleview Street in Lakeside back on August 30. They want to notify his family of his death. The decedent appears to be a Caucasian or Hispanic male approximately 55
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