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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
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
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…
JOGGER ID’S GARDNER AS MAN WHO ATTACKED HER IN SAME PARK WHERE CHELSEA KING VANISHED
Printer-friendly version Self-defense tactics helped first victim escape; learn how you can fight back if assaulted March 1, 2010 (Rancho Bernardo) – Fighting back may have saved the life of a woman attacked by John Gardner, the convicted sex offender now under arrest for suspected rape and murder in the case of missing Poway High School teen Chelsea King.
COURT RULES COUNTY VIOLATED LAW BY EXEMPTING VEGETATION CLEARING PLAN IN BACK COUNTRY FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS
Printer-friendly version County argues timely removal of dead trees is needed to prevent devastating wildfires; opponents say plan destroys wildlife habitat with no public review March 2, 2010 (San Diego) – A Superior Court judge last week issued a preliminary ruling in favor of the California Chaparral Institute, indicating the County of San Diego violated state law by
NUTRITION ON A RECESSION BUDGET
Printer-friendly version By Dr. Kristina L Sargent, D.C. February 27, 2010–In this economy, finances are a stressor, and the food budget is one place you may be able to cut expenses. But what is the wisest way to accomplish that goal? Making poor food choices actually increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure; so when
BODY FOUND AT LAKE HODGES BELIEVED TO BE CHELSEA KING
Printer-friendly version Suspect may also be linked to Amber Dubois disappearance March 2, 2010 (Rancho Bernardo) – A body has been found by authorities in a shallow grave near the water’s edge at Lake Hodges. In a press conference at 4 p.m. today, Sheriff Bill Gore said, “There is a strong likelihood that we have found Chelsea.” Poway High School
LMSV BOARD TO WEIGH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH TEACHERS , PROGRAM CUTS AT TONIGHT’S MEETING
Printer-friendly version March 2, 2010 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Spring Valley School Board’s agenda this evening includes a public hearing on a tentative agreement between the LMSV Teachers Association and the Board of Education. The proposal includes early retirement incentives and pontentially, layoffs if 43 certified staffers opt for the early retirement. Other agenda items include a
FOUR SEXUAL ASSAULTS, ROBBERIES IN SDSU AREA
Printer-friendly version March 2, 2010 (SDSU) – Four reported sexual assaults have occurred in the San Diego State University area in the past two weeks, including one case where the suspect reportedly broke in to the victim’s home. In addition, a man was robbed at gunpoint and another was beaten during a robbery on campus. “We don’t think
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT AS SEARCH FOR CHELSEA KING CONTINUES
Printer-friendly version March 2, 2010 (Rancho Bernardo) – The search for Chelsea King continues, despite the arrest of John Gardner, a registered sex offender booked on suspicion of rape and murder. Sheriff Bill Gore has said he holds out hope that Chelsea may yet be found alive – and volunteers are needed for daily searches starting at 9 a.m.
MARKETING MATTERS: DEFINING THE BENEFITS IN YOUR PRODUCT
Printer-friendly version TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS AND GROWTH By Rama Beerfas March 1, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – We’ve talked about the concept of selling benefits instead of features in order to give your audience the inducement to make the purchase. Now, we need to solidly define the term "benefit." First of all, when
MEMORIAL SET FOR MARCH 13 FOR ROBERT DALE HAMANN, FOUNDER OF HAMANN COMPANIES
Printer-friendly version March 1, 2010 (El Cajon) – A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on March 13th for Robert Dale Hamann founder of the Hamann Companies construction dynasty in El Cajon. Hamann, 86, passed away on February 11th. Born in Canada on December 9, 123, he moved to San Diego with his family at age 12
ALUMNI NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR GROSSMONT COLLEGE WALK OF FAME
Printer-friendly version March 1, 2010 (El Cajon)–Grossmont College Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for educational programs benefiting students at Grossmont College in El Cajon, is seeking nominations for its 2010 Walk of Fame Alumni Award. The Walk of Fame, located on campus in the Main Quad area, is a display of several bronze plaques embedded in concrete
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