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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
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
News Issues
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
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
Politics
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
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
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 version Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News
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
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
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
Mountain Empire Art Show Debuts April 15 in Boulevard
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Boulevard) — The Backcountry Resource Center in Boulevard will be busy this Wednesday,
Features
Jamul Casino Resort gets two film awards
Printer-friendly version Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News
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
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
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Register to Vote!
Printer-friendly versionVoter registration drives are being held at several East County locations listed below. You must be registered by October 20th to vote in the November 4th presidential election. Registering in person means you don’t have to worry about forms getting lost in the mail or arriving too late. If you’re not yet registered, you can sign up at any
WATER SHORTAGE REVIVES RECYCLED WATER PROPOSALS
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Photos by Daisy Sharrock October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Water is the single biggest issue facing the future of San Diego County. Even the process for updating San Diego County’s land use general plan – the so-called General Plan 2020 process – depends on the availability and amount of water the area will sustain. "Water
Health Tips
Printer-friendly version HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASES REACH FIVE TOTAL SAN DIEGO August 18, 2008 — Another confirmed locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus (WNV) brings the year-to-date total to five—including one patient in East County, according to the County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA). FDA DECISION ON BPA OUTRAGES HEALTH ADVOCATES FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug 20, 2008
A Firestorm of Controversy – Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Printer-friendly versionBallot measure will ask voters to approve tax for fire services By E.A. Barrera Photos courtesy of La Mesa Fire Department “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully
DYING TO COME TO AMERICA – Immigrant Death Toll Soars; Water Stations Sabotaged
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 1, 2008 (Holtville)–“These people came here looking for opportunity. Not one of them expected to die,” said Enrique Morones, erecting a hand-made wooden cross at a gravesite marked only by a brick engraved with the name Jane Doe. A few years ago, there were twenty bricks in this pauper’s graveyard at Holtville in Imperial County,
Tough Medicine, Part I
Printer-friendly versionGrossmont Hospital Investigations Raise Oversight Concernts, Criticisms By Sara McInerney, staff writer, and editor Miriam Raftery September 14, 2008 (La Mesa)–Revelations of preventable patient deaths and alleged neglect at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have led some community leaders to demand increased oversight even as new complaints of patient care at Grossmont surface. Grossmont is one of four hospitals in San Diego
Tough Medicine, Part II
Printer-friendly versionCommunity Leaders Call for New Hospital in East County: Long Waits in Grossmont ER, Patient Deaths Heighten Urgent Need By Sara McInerney, Staff Writer September 18, 2008 (La Mesa)–Government investigations into at least three preventable patient deaths at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have raised serious questions about the facility’s capacity to service the needs of East County’s growing population. Closure of
Democratic Candidates Urge Voters to Unite for Change at East County Rally
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery "I’ve been a Republican for 35 years and I became a Democrat in January," La Mesa Councilmember David Allan told a crowd of approximately 350 people at the East County Uniting for Change picnic on Sunday at Harry Griffith Park in La Mesa. Sponsored by the La Mesa-Foothills, East County and Santee Democratic Clubs, the event
Budget Crisis Hits Home
Printer-friendly versionState workers in East County struggle to cope with prospect of huge pay cuts, lay-offs; Judge orders Sept. 12 hearing on Governor’s wage-slashing orders By Miriam RafteryPhotos by Aida Canonizado Mildred Scarber, a state employee who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in El Cajon, was shocked to learn that Governor Schwarzenegger has ordered all state employees’
Taxing Issues
Printer-friendly versionLa Mesa Council candidates address budget gap, public safety and future growth By Miriam Raftery State budget cuts have left La Mesa facing a potential budget shortfall of several million dollars. In exclusive interviews with East County Magazine, challenger Shannon O’Dunn as well as incumbents David Allan and Ruth Sterling shared their views on bridging the budget gap as
MOTORIST KILLED FRIDAY ON I-8 AT ALPINE IDENTIFIED
Printer-friendly version February 13, 2010 (Alpine) – The County Coroner’s office has identified Ruben Dario Fernandez, 35, of Chula Vista as the driver who was killed yesterday in Alpine. Fernandez was driving a Lancer eastbound of I-8 west of East Willows Road around 6:45 in the morning when he collided with a slow-moving truck, lost control and plummeted down
PROPERTY OWNERS INVITED TO WORKSHOP FEB. 16 & 17 ON IMPACTS OF COUNTY’S PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN UPDATES
Printer-friendly version MULTIPLE SPECIES CONSERVATION PROGRAM ALSO ON THE AGENDA By Lola Sherman February 16, 2010 (Escondido) – County Supervisor Bill Horn will host workshops Tuesday and Wednesday to help property owners in unincorporated areas understand the possible effects of a proposed update in the county’s General Plan. Also to be discussed are effects on properties within the proposed North County Multiple Species Conservation Program.
EL CAJON FIRE MARSHAL CLOSES DOWN OVERCROWDED EVENT
Printer-friendly version IRAQI IMMIGRANTS WAITING HOURS FOR SERVICES FORCED TO GO HOME EMPTY-HANDED February 12, 2010 (El Cajon) –Iraqi immigrants began lining up at 5 a.m. today to recertify documentation and quality for social service benefits at the Chaldean-Middle Eastern Services Office at 343 Main Street in El Cajon. But shortly after 9 a.m., Heartland Fire & Rescue crews responded
GOING TO THE SNOW? HAVE FUN—BUT FIRST, READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR WEEKEND SNOW PLAY ON LAGUNA & PALOMAR MOUNTAINS
Printer-friendly version February 12, 2010 (Cleveland National Forest)– Tuesday’s storm dropped 8 to 10 inches of snow on Laguna Mountain and Palomar Mountain–recreation areas that will draw many people seeking to enjoy snow play this weekend. Before you head out for some family fun, however, the Forest Service seeks to ensure that everyone is properly prepared for the trip.
SAN DIEGO SELF STORAGE DONATES BOXES FOR HAITI RELIEF EFFORTS
Printer-friendly version February 13, 2010 (San Diego)—-San Diego Self Storage’s Jamacha Point facility in Spring Valley donated 100 corrugated boxes for shipping supplies to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti. The boxes transported items collected at the Light of the World Church, including clothing, medical supplies, food and water. According to Area Manager David Osuna, "One of our employees, Zabdiel Zavaleta,
POLITICAL WRANGLING: A ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST NATIONAL, STATE AND SAN DIEGO COUNTY ELECTORAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionBy Buck Shott February 12, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Politics and rodeos have a lot in common. Both are tough and gritty—and unwary competitors are apt to wind up in the dirt. Here’s the rundown on the latest colorful political wrangling in races impacting our region. MUDSLING WATCH: It’s only February, but mud is already flying in
EDITORIAL: MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH BIODIESEL
Printer-friendly version "The year in which we were supposed to send U.S. and Russian astronauts to Jupiter began with two death blows to the biodiesel industry."–Tyson Gustus, broken-hearted Jezebel admirer/owner By Tyson Gustus I love my car. I even named her. Jezebel. Jezebel and I go back a long time. (In today’s disposable society, seven years is a
HELIX SUPPORTERS QUESTION MOTIVES AS DISTRICT MOVES FORWARD WITH CHARTER REVOCATION ATTEMPT
Printer-friendly version February 11, 2010 (La Mesa) – Tonight the Grossmont-Union High School District voted 4-0 to send a notice of intent to revoke the charter from Helix Charter High School. A public hearing will be held next month. (for background, see our previous story.) Now Helix supporters are firing back—contending that the district’s motives may be financial, not altruistic. Barry
SENATE RACE HEATS UP: FIORINA, SPEAKING IN SAN DIEGO, PLEDGES TO FOCUS ON BUSINESS & JOBS
Printer-friendly version ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR BALLOT INITIATIVE TO LIMIT LABOR SPENDING By Miriam Raftery February 11, 2010 (San Diego) – U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fioriona (www.carlyforcalifornia.com ), speaking at the Fairbanks Republican Women's luncheon on Tuesday, pledged to apply her business leadership skills to “grow the economy and cut spending.” She is battling two Republican challengers, former Congressman Tom Campbell (www.campbell.org) and Assemblyman Chuck DeVore
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE WIND FARM?
Printer-friendly version GONE WITH THE WIND: 25 wind turbines damaged; witness saw explosive blue light before Campo-area wind farm went dark “I saw a huge flash of blue out on the side of the hill where the windmills were. It started in the middle and spread out in all directions. It lit up the whole hillside the white-out of a snowstorm."–Ken Daubach,
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