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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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ECM World Watch: national and global news
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 25, 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. CNN video analysis sheds new light on killing of Alex Pretti (CNN) Sweeping US defense bill passes, with Ukraine,
‘Coalition of Lifesavers’ hits milestone of 750,000 trained in CPR
Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service Jan. 25, 2026 (San Diego County) — A local movement to turn bystanders into lifesavers is in the home stretch. Since its launch in January 2024, the Revive & Survive San Diego initiative has successfully trained more than 750,000 people in hands-only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, moving San Diego County closer to its goal of
Kratom, banned by California, is still for sale in East County stores including synthetic versions linked to numerous deaths
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Miriam Raftery January 24, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – An investigation by East County Magazine has found kratom and synthetic kratom (7-OH) products for sale locally in every East County city, despite the fact that it’s illegal in California to sell or manufacture kratom for consumption. The ban is due to risk of addiction,
El Cajon man arrested for rape, sexual assault with multiple underage teen girls
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — Detectives from the El Cajon Police Department Family Protection Unit have concluded an extensive multi-month investigation into allegations of sexual assault and rape, resulting in the arrest of a suspect for numerous serious offenses. On January 21, ECPD arrested Greyson Washborne, alias Thomas Menchaca, 21, of El Cajon.
County EBT theft drops more than 80% after chip card issued
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 23, 2026 (San Diego County) — More attention to security needs and new chips are making a difference in the safety of electronic benefits cards, also known as EBT cards. San Diego County officials report that enhanced security measures and new chips have led to an 84 percent reduction in EBT card thefts affecting the
2025 Stories of the year
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery January 22, 2026 (San Diego) – It’s been a turbulent year across our nation, around the world, and here in San Diego County. While national news largely dominated headlines with rollout of unprecedented actions by the Trump administration and protests in response, many local news stories and issues also shaped our lives for better or worse
Lemon Grove residents look to halt retail sales of commercially bred birds
Printer-friendly versionPhoto of petition-gathering outside of Sprouts in Lemon Grove courtesy Amit Dhuleshia By Karen Pearlman Jan. 22, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — A group of Lemon Grove residents and regional animal welfare advocates are launching a formal bid to update local pet sale regulations, aiming to make Lemon Grove the next California city to prohibit the retail sale of commercially
A sweet and Grand (Avenue) time in Escondido with the Chocolate Festival
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Escondido) – Wrappers will crinkle and corks will pop next month along Grand Avenue in Escondido. The Escondido Chocolate Festival is set for Feb 7, turning the city’s historic downtown into a literal moveable feast for those with a sweet tooth, a penchant for chocolate pairings and an appreciation for local flair. Hosted by
Fort Cross brings ‘Old Timey’ adventure to Julian region
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – A family farm in the Julian mountains is bringing back its popular guided tour that brings rustic adventure and recreation education to the outdoors. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures will host its popular Farm Tour Adventure on Jan. 31, a high-energy, two-hour guided circuit at its farm, nestled in the scenic landscape
Health and science highlights
Printer-friendly versionanuary 22, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Pediatricians group sues federal government over cuts to child health funding (10 News) Health insurance CEOs to appear before House committees as premiums soar (NBC) County Public Health Lab Starts Testing Local Wastewater for Diseases (County News Center) SCIENCE
GUHSD MAY SEEK WAIVERS TO STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR HEARING TESTS, SUMMER SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
Printer-friendly version February 5, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Faced with a budget crisis due to state funding cuts and declining revenues, Grossmont Union High School District’s governing board will consider seeking waivers from state requirements for hearing screenings and minimum attendance requirements for special education students in summer school programs. The district projects that if current trends continue,
HELIX CHARTER ON CHOPPING BLOCK—AGAIN
Printer-friendly version February 5, 2010 (El Cajon) – On February 11, Grossmont Union High School District’s board will consider whether Helix Charter High School’s charter should be revoked, citing “continuing concerns by the GUHSD Board regarding the safety of Helix students,” board president Robert Shields wrote in an e-mail to media. The meeting will be held at the
LEASH YOUR FITNESS EXPANDS TO EAST COUNTY: BOOT CAMP CLASSES FOR PEOPLE & DOGS
Printer-friendly version February 5, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)–People with dogs often struggle to find the time to exercise themselves and their dogs.However, at the newly expanded Leash Your Fitness (LYF) boot camp classes for humans and dogs, pet owners can accomplish exercise for both–all at one time. The classes, which are currently taught in Carmel Valley, Coronado and Mission
PURSE SNATCHERS NABBED
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (La Mesa) — La Mesa Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the robbery of a woman at Grossmont Center on January 21st. The victim suffered a cut on her hand when a suspect attempted to slice the strap of her purse to steal it. On February 2, La Mesa Police Detectives arrested the
NEED WORK? HUNTER HOSTS JOB FAIR FEB. 19
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (El Cajon) – Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) will host a community job fair in conjunction with the East County Career Center on February 19, 2010, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Avenue in El Cajon next to the El Cajon Library). Job applicants are urged to
A REGIONAL VISION: EAST COUNTY LEADERS CONVENE TO PLAN FOR FUTURE; PUBLIC IDEAS WELCOME
Printer-friendly version “This is a major initiative about the future of East County,” — G. Cole Davis, El Cajon Community Development Corporation By Miriam Raftery February 4, 2010 (El Cajon) – On Saturday, community leaders from throughout East County convened in El Cajon for “The Challenges and Opportunities of Imaging the Future of the Greater San Diego Region.” The
2 CHAMBERS SPONSOR CELEBRATION OF HOOLEY’S 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (La Mesa) — Mix it up with fun and networking at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill, 5500 Grossmont Blvd. at Grossmont Center in La Mesa. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce joins with the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce to help celebrate the popular pub’s one-year anniversary at the La Mesa location on
MARTIN ATKINS’ TOUR:SMART SEMINAR AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE FEB. 10
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (El Cajon)– Martin Atkins could be the definition of entrepreneurial activity in cultural arts endeavors spanning genres, borders and industries. For over three decades, the producer, drummer, and documentary filmmaker has been at the cutting edge of the entertainment industry, says Pat Seltzer, chair of the performing arts college at Cuyamaca College. Atkins will
WANT TO RUN FOR OFFICE? DEMOCRATS SEEK CANDIDATES AS FILING DEADLINES LOOM–WITH MANY TOP SEATS UNFILLED
Printer-friendly version February 3, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The filing deadline for some November races is just days away. Four Republicans have announced intentions to run for the 77th Assembly District currently held by Joel Anderson, but thus far no Democrat has thrown a hat in the ring. Likewise, Congressman Hunter faces an easy coast to victory for reelection
RESIDENTS HOPE TO BUY POWAY MOBILEHOME PARK FROM CITY
Printer-friendly version By D.R. Schwab February 3, 2010 (Poway) — It would be a first for Poway: Converting a city-owned mobile home park to resident ownership. For the second time in six years, it’s something that residents of Poway Royal Mobile Estates, the City’s largest mobile home park, are attempting to do. Residents of the 501-acre, nearly 400-space sprawling
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