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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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WATER SHORTAGE REVIVES RECYCLED WATER PROPOSALS
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Photos by Daisy Sharrock October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Water is the single biggest issue facing the future of San Diego County. Even the process for updating San Diego County’s land use general plan – the so-called General Plan 2020 process – depends on the availability and amount of water the area will sustain. "Water
Health Tips
Printer-friendly version HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASES REACH FIVE TOTAL SAN DIEGO August 18, 2008 — Another confirmed locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus (WNV) brings the year-to-date total to five—including one patient in East County, according to the County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA). FDA DECISION ON BPA OUTRAGES HEALTH ADVOCATES FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug 20, 2008
A Firestorm of Controversy – Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Printer-friendly versionBallot measure will ask voters to approve tax for fire services By E.A. Barrera Photos courtesy of La Mesa Fire Department “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully
DYING TO COME TO AMERICA – Immigrant Death Toll Soars; Water Stations Sabotaged
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 1, 2008 (Holtville)–“These people came here looking for opportunity. Not one of them expected to die,” said Enrique Morones, erecting a hand-made wooden cross at a gravesite marked only by a brick engraved with the name Jane Doe. A few years ago, there were twenty bricks in this pauper’s graveyard at Holtville in Imperial County,
Tough Medicine, Part I
Printer-friendly versionGrossmont Hospital Investigations Raise Oversight Concernts, Criticisms By Sara McInerney, staff writer, and editor Miriam Raftery September 14, 2008 (La Mesa)–Revelations of preventable patient deaths and alleged neglect at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have led some community leaders to demand increased oversight even as new complaints of patient care at Grossmont surface. Grossmont is one of four hospitals in San Diego
Tough Medicine, Part II
Printer-friendly versionCommunity Leaders Call for New Hospital in East County: Long Waits in Grossmont ER, Patient Deaths Heighten Urgent Need By Sara McInerney, Staff Writer September 18, 2008 (La Mesa)–Government investigations into at least three preventable patient deaths at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have raised serious questions about the facility’s capacity to service the needs of East County’s growing population. Closure of
Democratic Candidates Urge Voters to Unite for Change at East County Rally
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery "I’ve been a Republican for 35 years and I became a Democrat in January," La Mesa Councilmember David Allan told a crowd of approximately 350 people at the East County Uniting for Change picnic on Sunday at Harry Griffith Park in La Mesa. Sponsored by the La Mesa-Foothills, East County and Santee Democratic Clubs, the event
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 RafteryPhotos by Aida Canonizado Mildred Scarber, a state employee who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in El Cajon, was shocked to learn that Governor Schwarzenegger has ordered all state employees’
Taxing Issues
Printer-friendly versionLa Mesa Council candidates address budget gap, public safety and future growth By Miriam Raftery State budget cuts have left La Mesa facing a potential budget shortfall of several million dollars. In exclusive interviews with East County Magazine, challenger Shannon O’Dunn as well as incumbents David Allan and Ruth Sterling shared their views on bridging the budget gap as
Green Houses – Jamul Home is Green and Fire-Safe
Printer-friendly versionEco-friendly EAST COUNTY homes By Miriam Raftery After twice having to evacuate during wildfires, Keith and Danya Jolley decided to build a new, fire-safe and energy efficient “green” home on their Jamul property. The home was featured on last year’s GreenBuilt Homes Tour. One year later, the Jolleys remain thrilled with their new home. “The house turned out
SUPERMARKET RECALLS CHICKEN READYMEALS AND STORE-MADE DELI MEATS DUE TO LISTERIA
Printer-friendly versionRecalled products distributed at Albertsons, Carrs-Safeway, Eagle, Jewel-Osco, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Shaw’s and Star Market, Tom Thumb, and Vons stores East County News Service October 23, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announces a recall by Albertson’s supermarkets of a dozen ReadyMeals and store-made deli item. These foods contain a chicken ingredient by Fresh
STUDENT ARRESTED AFTER BRINGING BB REPLICA FIREARM TO SCHOOL IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 22, 2024 (Spring Valley) — A juvenile has been arrested on suspicion of threatening another student and bringing a replica firearm (BB gun) to an East County magnet school yesterday. On Monday, October 21, just before 2:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Communications Center received a call about a school threat at STEAM Academy, located in
STUDENT ARRESTED AFTER BRINGING BB REPLICA FIREARM TO SCHOOL IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 22, 2024 (Spring Valley) — A juvenile has been arrested on suspicion of threatening another student and bringing a replica firearm (BB gun) to an East County magnet school yesterday. On Monday, October 21, just before 2:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Communications Center received a call about a school threat at STEAM Academy, located in
ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: ADDRESSING THE SOCIAL COSTS OF ALCOHOL MISUSE: WHY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS MATTER
Printer-friendly versionBy Seraphina Eberhardt, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies October 22. 2024 (San Diego) — Alcohol consumption is embedded in our social fabric, often marking celebrations, casual gatherings and daily routines. While moderate drinking is generally accepted, alcohol misuse brings significant social costs that affect our communities at large. Understanding and addressing these impacts helps build a healthier and safer
ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: ADDRESSING THE SOCIAL COSTS OF ALCOHOL MISUSE: WHY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS MATTER
Printer-friendly versionBy Seraphina Eberhardt, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies October 22. 2024 (San Diego) — Alcohol consumption is embedded in our social fabric, often marking celebrations, casual gatherings and daily routines. While moderate drinking is generally accepted, alcohol misuse brings significant social costs that affect our communities at large. Understanding and addressing these impacts helps build a healthier and safer
MOTORCYCLIST DIES AFTER COLLISION WITH TRUCK IN RAMONA
Printer-friendly version October 22, 2024 (Ramona) — A Ramona man, 36, died at the scene of a collision on State Route 78 near the Old Julian highway on October 18 shortly before 5 p.m. The victim was riding a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound when he crossed over the double yellow lines and crashed into a Ford F-250 pickup
MOTORCYCLIST DIES AFTER COLLISION WITH TRUCK IN RAMONA
Printer-friendly version October 22, 2024 (Ramona) — A Ramona man, 36, died at the scene of a collision on State Route 78 near the Old Julian highway on October 18 shortly before 5 p.m. The victim was riding a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound when he crossed over the double yellow lines and crashed into a Ford F-250 pickup
COUNTY BREAKS GROUND ON NEW ANIMAL SHELTER
Printer-friendly version By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office Video by Alex Aguirre October 21, 2024 (Santee) – County officials all stepped aside for Howard the dog to take the first dig at the groundbreaking for the new 23,000-square-foot County animal shelter. When completed in early 2026, it will provide a new standard of care in animal housing
COUNTY BREAKS GROUND ON NEW ANIMAL SHELTER
Printer-friendly version By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office Video by Alex Aguirre October 21, 2024 (Santee) – County officials all stepped aside for Howard the dog to take the first dig at the groundbreaking for the new 23,000-square-foot County animal shelter. When completed in early 2026, it will provide a new standard of care in animal housing
WHAT IS PROJECT 2025—AND HOW COULD IT IMPACT YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR COMMUNITY?
Printer-friendly versionSlashing federal disaster relief, privatizing public education, politicizing federal agencies, gutting intelligence bureaus, stripping away rights of protected groups, and ending climate change actions are among the proposals detailed in Project 2025 By Miriam Raftery October 7, 2024 (Washington D.C.) — Project 2025 is an 887-page blueprint for a second Trump administration, according to its authors. Trump has alternately
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