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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
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
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 day of games, community and advocacy on Saturday, April 18 at the Rock House in Lakeside. The first-ever “Canine Carnival” is set for April 18 while a slumber party that starts
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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
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);
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
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‘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…
Thousands facing new eligibility rules for CalFresh and Medi-Cal starting in April
East County News Service March 16, 2026 (San Diego County) — Fe deral and state policy changes set to roll out over the next year…
Santee’s Bunny Trail March 28 includes dragon dancers and egg-citing activities
By Miriam Raftery March 17, 2026 (Santee) — Get ready for fire-breathing fun at Santee’s Bunny Trail, including dragon dancers performing from White Dragon Martial…
ON A ROLL: 2ND ANNUAL CASINO ROYALE NIGHT SET FOR MARCH 18
Printer-friendly version Tickets still available for La Mesa Chamber’s James Bond bash at Town & Country Resort March 11, 2010 (La Mesa) – Try your luck at Monte Carlo-style gaming tables amid a night of glitz, glamour and prizes galore at La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s Casino Royale Night on Thursday, March 18th . The event takes place in the
BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: LINCOLN UPSETS HOOVER, WINS DIV. II SECTIONAL TITLE WITH 58-51 WIN
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr (San Diego) March 11 – If you like to watch basketball played above the rim, you would have enjoyed the matchup between the Hornets of Lincoln High School and the Cardinals of Hoover High School for the Division II section championship at Jenny Craig Pavilion Friday night. This battle between schools named after past U.S.
CUYAMACA COLLEGE INSTRUCTOR 1 OF 4 IN STATE TO WIN COMMUNITY COLLEGES’ HIGHEST TEACHING AWARD
Printer-friendly version Music Professor Pat Setzer to receive Hayward Award for Excellence in Education EL CAJON – Cuyamaca College music instructor Pat Setzer, a key player in the planning and construction of a performing arts complex inside the campus’ sprawling $45 million communication arts center, is one of four community college faculty members statewide to win the 2010 Hayward
3 ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER FOLLOWING FIGHT AT NORTHMONT PARK IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version March 10, 2010 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police has arrested Anthony Long, 19, of El Cajon and two juvenile males from El Cajon and Santee for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The assault occurred on March 6 at Northmont Park in LA Mesa. The suspects were arrested after search warrants were obtained and
HELIX, GUHSD TRADE ACCUSATIONS OVER CHARTER REVOCATION EFFORT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 10, 2010 (La Mesa) – Last week, we reported that Helix Charter High School’s board has filed a lawsuit against the Grossmont Union High School District after the GUHSD announcing its intent to consider revocation of the Helix charter. Now GUHSD Superintendent Robert Collins has issued a public letter strongly defending the
BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: MATADORS WIN DIV. III SECTION TITLE AFTER BUZZER OVER VIKINGS 47-46
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr (San Diego) March 10 – Harry Brazelton sank a free throw after time expired to give the Matadors of Mt. Miguel High School a thrilling 47-46 comeback victory over the Vikings of La Jolla High School. The game was one of several CIF San Diego Section championships played over the weekend at Jenny Craig Pavilion on
GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: LADY WOLFPACK WIN SECOND CONSECUTIVE SECTIONAL TITLE WITH 40-25 WIN OVER WESTVIEW
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr (San Diego) March 5 – The Lady Wolfpack of West Hills High School captured their second straight girls Division II sectional basketball title Friday night with a 40-25 win over the Lady Wolverines from Westview High School (Rancho Penasquitos). The two teams faced off at the Jenny Craig Pavilion on the campus of USD,
SHERIFF SPECIAL BULLETIN: SUBJECT SOUGHT FOR QUESTIONING IN MURDER OF HIS MOTHER IN VALLEY CENTER
Printer-friendly version UPDATE March 11: Lucero is now in custody. March 10, 2010 (Valley Center) – The San Diego Sheriff’s Department seeks David Leroy Lucero for questioning regarding the murder of his mother yesterday in Valley Center. Though not yet named as a suspect, a Sheriff department special bulletin states that he "may be armed and possibly violent." Lucero,
COUNTY HOLDS PUBLIC HEARINGS ON REFUGEE EMPLOYMENT MARCH 11 & 12
Printer-friendly version March 9, 2010 (San Diego) — The County’s Health and Human Services Agency Strategic Planning & Operations Support Division will hold public hearings in central and east regions of San Diego County to give interested community members an opportunity to provide input on refugee employment services in San Diego County. Refugee Employment Services are funded by the
THE ENERGY THAT SAN DIEGO DRINKS
Printer-friendly version March 16 program to explore link between water use and demand By Anne Tolch March 9, 2010 (San Diego) — When we turn on our faucets we use not only water, but all the electricity and natural gas needed to transport, heat, and treat both water and the wastewater. With local supplies insufficient to meet demand,
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