Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
Explore What Matters
News Center

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
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement

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 days a

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 versionWater 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 in 2024

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 and the

‘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 the gym after Walton in 2018. Walton died of colon cancer at age 71 in 2024. Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 14, 2026 (La Mesa) — Bill Walton, who preferred being known as “Billy from La Mesa,” will be memorialized with an

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
PADRES TIE PLAYOFF SERIES AGAINST DODGERS IN WILD 10-2 WIN WITH SIX HOMERUNS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 8, 2024 (San Diego) – After winning the wildcard playoffs, the Padres have tied up the National League Division West series, trouncing the Dodgers in a 10-2 victory last night at Dodger Stadium. The Padres became the first team in Major League history to slam six home runs in a post-season playoff game. Game
PADRES TIE PLAYOFF SERIES AGAINST DODGERS IN WILD 10-2 WIN WITH SIX HOMERUNS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 8, 2024 (San Diego) – After winning the wildcard playoffs, the Padres have tied up the National League Division West series, trouncing the Dodgers in a 10-2 victory last night at Dodger Stadium. The Padres became the first team in Major League history to slam six home runs in a post-season playoff game. Game
PADRES TIE PLAYOFF SERIES AGAINST DODGERS IN WILD 10-2 WIN WITH SIX HOMERUNS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 8, 2024 (San Diego) – After winning the wildcard playoffs, the Padres have tied up the National League Division West series, trouncing the Dodgers in a 10-2 victory last night at Dodger Stadium. The Padres became the first team in Major League history to slam six home runs in a post-season playoff game. Game

EVACUATIONS IN POSTA 3 FIRE AT CAMPO
Printer-friendly version Update Oct. 8, 2024 9:15 p.m. — All evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted. Update 10 p.m.: The following roads are closed: Old Highway 80 from Kitchen Creek Road to Crestwood Road, and tate Route 94 from La Posta Road to Old Highway 80. Families can drop off large animals at the San Diego County Animal Shelter located

EVACUATIONS IN POSTA 3 FIRE AT CAMPO
Printer-friendly version Update Oct. 8, 2024 9:15 p.m. — All evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted. Update 10 p.m.: The following roads are closed: Old Highway 80 from Kitchen Creek Road to Crestwood Road, and tate Route 94 from La Posta Road to Old Highway 80. Families can drop off large animals at the San Diego County Animal Shelter located

EVACUATIONS IN POSTA 3 FIRE AT CAMPO
Printer-friendly version Update Oct. 8, 2024 9:15 p.m. — All evacuation orders and road closures have been lifted. Update 10 p.m.: The following roads are closed: Old Highway 80 from Kitchen Creek Road to Crestwood Road, and tate Route 94 from La Posta Road to Old Highway 80. Families can drop off large animals at the San Diego County Animal Shelter located

PASSAGES: ROBERT “BOB” SCHULZE, RETIRED BORDER PATROL AGENT AND COFOUNDER OF OFF BROADWAY LIVE IN SANTEE
Printer-friendly version Celebration of Life set for October 26 October 7, 2024 (Santee) — Bob Schulze, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, passed away peacefully in his sleep from a heart attack on August 30, 2024. Born June 23, 1966 in Huntington, Long Island, New York, Bob moved to California at the age of three, living in Garden Grove

PASSAGES: ROBERT “BOB” SCHULZE, RETIRED BORDER PATROL AGENT AND COFOUNDER OF OFF BROADWAY LIVE IN SANTEE
Printer-friendly version Celebration of Life set for October 26 October 7, 2024 (Santee) — Bob Schulze, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, passed away peacefully in his sleep from a heart attack on August 30, 2024. Born June 23, 1966 in Huntington, Long Island, New York, Bob moved to California at the age of three, living in Garden Grove
LA MESA CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES SHARE DIVERSITY OF VIEWS
Printer-friendly version View forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7V44cS5UCY A version of this forum, edited slightly for length,also aired on the East County Radio Show on KNSJ. Hear audio. By Miriam Raftery October 7, 2024 (La Mesa) – All four candidates vying for two open seats on the La Mesa City Council spoke out on their goals and priorities if elected during an Oct.
LA MESA CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES SHARE DIVERSITY OF VIEWS
Printer-friendly version View forum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7V44cS5UCY A version of this forum, edited slightly for length,also aired on the East County Radio Show on KNSJ. Hear audio. By Miriam Raftery October 7, 2024 (La Mesa) – All four candidates vying for two open seats on the La Mesa City Council spoke out on their goals and priorities if elected during an Oct.
Get Wildfire Alerts & Wildfire Emergency News
Partner To ECM
Our Engaged Audience
5 to 10 million hits
per month!
5 to 10 million hits
per month!
A quarter million visits
each month
Most widely read news site dedicated to
San Diego’s East County
Winner of over 150
journalism awards
“Sponsoring East County Magazine is a great way to reach our loyal and engaged readers, who value organizations and businesses that support nonprofit, independent news in the public interest and wildfire/emergency alerts that keep people safe and informed. Sponsors can choose to underwrite our community news site, support a favorite section or a new special section, underwrite an event, or sponsor our wildfire and emergency alerts.”
— Miriam Raftery, Founder of East County Magazine
Community Links
📬 Subscribe to ECM – 100% Free, Trusted by East County Since 2008
- Emergency alerts
- Breaking news
- No spam ever