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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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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
Supporters flee Swalwell’s governor campaign amid allegations of sexual assault
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeanne Kuang and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell speaks to a crowd during a town hall he hosted at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center in downtown Fresno on Dec. 15, 2025. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local April 10, 2026 (Fresno) – Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, one
Attacked by AI-cyberbots: Please help us fund critical security upgrades
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 10, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Our East County Magazine website is being attacked by AI-cyberbots that have repeatedly crashed it. Our new website designed in WordPress is ready to launch with great new features for readers – but we can’t launch without critical security upgrade programs that cost thousands of dollars. Please help!
San Diego County has free parking perks for seniors
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson holds up his senior parking pass at Mt. Woodson Gateway County Preserve in Ramona. (Photo courtesy Joel Anderson Facebook page) East County News Service April 10, 2026 (San Diego County) — While parking prices across the region seem to be climbing faster than a fit hiker scaling Iron Mountain, local seniors can count
CHP urges drivers to follow hands-free cell phone law; officers report more violations as distracted driving causes hundreds of crashes annually
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 10, 2026 (San Diego County) — Distracted driving causes hundreds of crashes across California each year, and violations of the state’s hands-free cellphone law remain an ongoing concern. As part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the California Highway Patrol is urging drivers to put down their phones and stay attentive to help make roads safer
Padres still celebrating big Thursday night victory over Rockies
Printer-friendly versionThe Padres will sport their new “City Connect 2.0” uniforms with a special patch on the arm tonight at home against the Colorado Rockes. Photo courtesy San Diego Padres East County News Service April 10, 2026 (San Diego) — The San Diego Padres might just be starting to pick up some steam. In a finish that felt more like
Learn how to use the county’s ‘Tell Us Now!’ app on April 13
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 10, 2026 (Rancho San Diego) — We’ve all been there: you’re driving through somewhere in San Diego County and run over a jagged pothole, spot a flooded culvert or keep seeing the same abandoned vehicle on a street corner…. but the thought of trying to find the right County department to call and report
ECM World Watch: national and global news
Printer-friendly versionApril 9, 2026 (San Diego) — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Trump’s VA killed a home loan program. Vets are now losing their homes because of it (NPR) Eligible young
Three arrested in child abuse investigation, drugs also uncovered
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 9, 2026 (Spring Valley) — Three Spring Valley residents are in custody following an investigation into child abuse that uncovered a stash of narcotics inside a local residence. Detectives from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday assisted Child Welfare Services in executing a search warrant at a home on the 9000 block
Temporary cease fire reached in Iran after Trump threatened “a whole civilization will die;” conflict takes toll on U.S. economy
Printer-friendly versionBy Alex J. Schorr April 9, 2026 — As of yesterday, the United States and Iran have agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, with the agreement aiming to pause hostilities that began on February 28. Pakistan-mediated talks are scheduled to begin in Islamabad on Friday April 10, to seek a permanent settlement. The fragile cease-fire comes after Trump posted a threat
79TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT FORUM SEPT. 30 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 23, 2024 (Spring Valley, CA) – Ther Spring Valley Community Alliance (SVCA) and New Seasons Church are sponsoring a forum for candidates running in November for the 79th State Assembly District. The forum will take place on Monday, September 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the New Seasons Church,2300 Brancroft Drive in
79TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT FORUM SEPT. 30 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 23, 2024 (Spring Valley, CA) – Ther Spring Valley Community Alliance (SVCA) and New Seasons Church are sponsoring a forum for candidates running in November for the 79th State Assembly District. The forum will take place on Monday, September 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the New Seasons Church,2300 Brancroft Drive in
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 29, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future HEALTH New COVID variant XEC now in half the states. Here’s what to know. (CBS) Utilities must comply with limits on PFAS chemicals by 2029 (NPR) A dramatic rise in pregnant women dying in
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 29, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future HEALTH New COVID variant XEC now in half the states. Here’s what to know. (CBS) Utilities must comply with limits on PFAS chemicals by 2029 (NPR) A dramatic rise in pregnant women dying in
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 29, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future HEALTH New COVID variant XEC now in half the states. Here’s what to know. (CBS) Utilities must comply with limits on PFAS chemicals by 2029 (NPR) A dramatic rise in pregnant women dying in
ECM HOSTS LA MESA CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 ONLINE
Printer-friendly version Photos, top left to lower right: Kristine Alessio, Genevieve Suzuki, Lauren Cazares, and Shawn Townsend. September 29, 2024 (La Mesa) – East County Magazine will host a forum for La Mesa City Council candidates on Thursday, October 3 at 7 p.m., moderated by ECM editor Miriam Raftery. You can watch the forum livestreamed on Facebook at this link.
ECM HOSTS LA MESA CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 ONLINE
Printer-friendly version Photos, top left to lower right: Kristine Alessio, Genevieve Suzuki, Lauren Cazares, and Shawn Townsend. September 29, 2024 (La Mesa) – East County Magazine will host a forum for La Mesa City Council candidates on Thursday, October 3 at 7 p.m., moderated by ECM editor Miriam Raftery. You can watch the forum livestreamed on Facebook at this link.
ECM HOSTS LA MESA CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 ONLINE
Printer-friendly version Photos, top left to lower right: Kristine Alessio, Genevieve Suzuki, Lauren Cazares, and Shawn Townsend. September 29, 2024 (La Mesa) – East County Magazine will host a forum for La Mesa City Council candidates on Thursday, October 3 at 7 p.m., moderated by ECM editor Miriam Raftery. You can watch the forum livestreamed on Facebook at this link.
STEP INTO THE PAST AT LA MESA HISTORIC HOMES TOUR NOV. 2
Printer-friendly version By Lindsay Elias September 27, 2024 (La Mesa) — On Saturday, November 2, the La Mesa History Center will hold its 18th annual Home Tour: “Peaks of Preservation”. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour will showcase homes in Grossmont/ Mt Helix. During the pre-sale, La Mesa History Center
STEP INTO THE PAST AT LA MESA HISTORIC HOMES TOUR NOV. 2
Printer-friendly version By Lindsay Elias September 27, 2024 (La Mesa) — On Saturday, November 2, the La Mesa History Center will hold its 18th annual Home Tour: “Peaks of Preservation”. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour will showcase homes in Grossmont/ Mt Helix. During the pre-sale, La Mesa History Center
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