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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 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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
Book review:The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum
Printer-friendly version Book by Jaime B. & Elizabeth Tracy Parent Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Local authors Jaime and Elizabeth Parent have written a major reference for persons who have disabilities, with particular focus on those who have autism. While the book specifically addresses the
Review of Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo, by Nico Waters
Printer-friendly version Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Nico Waters has written a series of books for children. In Ethan Talks to Animals, second grader Ethan can talk to animals. Together with his dog, Chewie, Ethan helps their next-door neighbor’s cat eat his
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 an early wildflower bloom in Borrego, now is a perfect time for a day trip through San Diego County’s beautiful backcountry, including mountain and desert destinations. Making the pilgrimage to
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 stories. This year, we’ve had requests from readers to cover lots of important local issues, but costs have soared with inflation. We need your help to report on local news
People
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);
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 bowls, beds, blankets, crates/carriers, leashes,…
Communities
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);
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
Features
Book review:The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum
Printer-friendly version Book by Jaime B. & Elizabeth Tracy Parent Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Local authors Jaime and Elizabeth Parent have written a major reference for persons who have disabilities, with particular focus on those who have autism. While the book specifically addresses the
Review of Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo, by Nico Waters
Printer-friendly version Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Nico Waters has written a series of books for children. In Ethan Talks to Animals, second grader Ethan can talk to animals. Together with his dog, Chewie, Ethan helps their next-door neighbor’s cat eat his
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County warns of measles exposure at Sharp Memorial Hospital’s emergency room
Photo courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service March 18, 2026 (San Diego) — Local p ublic health officials have issued an urgent…
Dolores Huerta issues statement on Cesar Chavez abuse
East County News Service Photo via Dolores Huerta’s press office March 19, 2026 (San Diego) – Dolores Huerto, cofounder of the United Farm Workers Union,…
‘Americans and the Holocaust’ exhibition coming to Grossmont College
East County News Service March 19, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont College Library was selected as one of only 50 libraries across the United…
Final chord at Hooley’s with Evans Academy Extravaganza March 20
Photo courtesy Facebook By Karen Pearlman March 19, 2026 (La Mesa) — For nearly two decades, the dark wood and stone hearth of Hooley’s Public…
Women’s History Month: Honoring Erica Pinto
By Miriam Raftery March 19, 2026 (Jamul) — This Women’s History Month, we recognize Erica Pinto, a transformative tribal leader whose work has strengthened tribal…
Julian Junior Theater makes debut with ‘Annie Jr.’ April 24-26
East County News Service March 19, 2026 (Julian) — In another month, the sun will be coming out for youths in the San Diego County’s…
Record-breaking March heat wave gripping San Diego County
Photo of Lake Murray on March 17 by Karen Pearlman East County News Service March 17, 2026 (San Diego County) — Baby, it’s hot outside!…
Irish Secrets and Lies by Debbie Wastling
Book by Debbie Wastling Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 18, 2026 (San Diego) – Irish Secrets and Lies by Southern California author Debbie Wastling is…
Jamul shooting victim dies after traveling to Alpine
By Miriam Raftery March 18, 2026 (San Diego East County) – Deputies from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of an…
La Mesa Conversations to host panel on immigration enforcement and local response
East County News Service March 18, 2026 (La Mesa) — As the national conversation surrounding immigration enforcement continues to intensify, local community leaders are working…
COPS FIND “KEYS” TO BUNGLED BURGLARY
Printer-friendly version March 14, 2010 (La Mesa) – Two brothers who robbed a car rental business, then dropped their own car keys as they fled, have been arrested by La Mesa Police. Officials are now invetigating to determine whether the pair may have been responsible for other commercial break-ins. Around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, La Mesa Police responded to
OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLIST RESCUED ON TECATE PEAK
Printer-friendly version March 14, 2010 (Tecate) – Two Sheriff’s helicopters helped rescue a downed off-road motorcyclist early this afternoon half way up the northwest face of Tecate Peak. The 46-year-old crash victim suffered a shoulder injury at the 2,600 foot elevation level on a remote fire road. Sheriff’s Patrol Helicopter ASTREA 1 arrived on scene first and landed a
TRANSIENT ARRESTED FOR ANNOYING MINOR ON WAY TO MIDDLE SCHOOL IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2010 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police have arrested Gustavo Lugo, 54, a transient living along Highway 125. He was booked Friday for one count of annoying/molesting a child, a misdemeanor, and has not yet been charged by the District Attorney’s office, Lt. David Bond told East County Magazine. The suspect was walking in the same
REMEMBER! DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Printer-friendly version Saturday, March 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)- Be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour, since Daylight Savings Time starts at midnight. Printer-friendly version
14 INFANT DEATHS PROMPT CONSUMER WARNING ABUT SLING CARRIERS FOR BABIES
Printer-friendly version TWINS, PREEMIES, YOUNG BABIES & INFANTS WITH COLDS MOST AT RISK WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three
SHERIFF WARNS PUBLIC OF MAN FOLLOWING 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL TO & FROM SCHOOL IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2010 (Spring Valley) – San Diego Sheriff has issued a warning to the public about a man who has been following a 10-year-old girl to and from Kempton Elementary School in Spring Valley. The most recent incident occurred March 10 in the area of Piedmont Street and Grand Avenue. The first incident occurred on February
FALLBROOK MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORN & DOMESTIC THREAT
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2010 (Fallbrook) – Todd Norton, 43, of Fallbrook has been arrested for threatening to harm his wife and shoot up her house after she reported him to authorities for possession of child pornography, according to the San Diego Sheriff’s office. On March 8, Norton’s wife told authorities she left to initiate divorce proceedings after she
FIRST LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH FOUND IN COUNTY
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2010 (Bonsall) — Residents are being asked to report any sightings of the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM), which was discovered in a trap located in a lemon grove in Bonsall. The find prompted California Department of Food and Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to place additional traps in the area. A
FREEBIE ALERT: WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN
Printer-friendly version March 11, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – One of East County’s treasures is The Water Conservation Garden. Sunset Magazine calls it one of the “Top 10 Gardens of the West.” This is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend a leisurely afternoon. However, it’s also a learning experience! We all know our water rates have gone
FDA RECALLS 153 PRODUCTS FOR HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN SALMONELLA CONTAMINATION
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2010 (Washington D.C.) — Yesterday the U.S. Food & Drug administration listed 153 food items subject to recall for hydrolyzed vegetable protein believed contaminated with salmonella. The list includes boullion, dressing and dressing mixes, flavoring base and seasoning products, frozen foods, gravy mixes, prepared salads, ready-to-eat products,sauce and marinade mixes, snack foods, soups and soup mixes, dips
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