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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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CRASH ON PINE VALLEY BRIDGE DELAYS MOTORISTS
Printer-friendly versionEast County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Image via CHP on X Dec. 30, 2025 (Pine Valley) — A motorhome accident on the Pine Valley bridge has shut down one lane of I-8 east and knocked down 80 feet of guardrail, per the California Highway Patrol. Westbound lanes remain open. Motorists traveling east are advised to take an alternative route
Cities can’t punish outreach workers for helping homeless Californians under new law
Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kendall, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: Physician assistant Brett Feldman checks Carla Bolen’s blood pressure at her encampment on the Figueroa Street Viaduct above Highway 110 in Elysian Valley Park in Los Angeles on Nov. 18, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local December 30, 2025 (Sacramento) – Senate Bill 634 would have made a
County warns residents about deadly wild mushrooms
Printer-friendly versionBy Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo courtesy California Department of Public Health December 30, 2025 (San Diego) – County public health officials are urging residents to avoid foraging for, or eating, wild mushrooms as some could contain a dangerous toxin called amatoxin that causes severe liver damage and can even lead to death. Winter rainfall creates
House Republicans pass healthcare bill without extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire December 31: costs set to double or triple for many Californians
Printer-friendly versionBy G.A. McNeeley and Miriam Raftery Image: CC via bing December 28, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – With both houses of Congress adjourned until January, 22 million Americans can expect to see large increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare premiums, since subsidies will expire on December 31. While Democrats fought to extend the subsidies, House Republicans passed their own
PFAS “forever chemicals” found in Warner Springs groundwater: Navy to host open house January 12 and provide testing of wells at nearby properties
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Updated Dec. 31 with comments from the Warner Spring Community Sponsor Group chair and a local winery representative, plus a statement from the Vista Irrigation District. December 27, 2025 (Warner Springs) — The U.S. Navy has announced that PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” have been detected in groundwater in Warner Springs. The contamination is believed to be linked to a
Federal cuts and reversals upend California health care in 2025
Printer-friendly versionPhoto: CC by NC-ND via Bing This story was originally published by Cal Matters. Sign up for their newsletters. By Ana B. Ibarra for CalMatters Dec. 27, 2025 (San Diego County) — After a decade of expanding health coverage and safety net programs, the Golden State took a sharp detour in 2025. As federal funding reductions and policy changes rippled through the
Ring in the new year safely with free transit rides New Year’s Eve after 6 p.m. throughout San Diego
Printer-friendly versionSource: MTS December 26, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) announced plans to offer free transit rides and extended late-night service on New Year’s Eve, giving the region a safe, convenient and affordable way to celebrate and get home. “We want everyone to enjoy New Year’s Eve and celebrate responsibly,”
Escaped felon in Lemon Grove
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Dec. 24, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — The Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Substation is looking to the public for help in locating a wanted felon who escaped from custody. Just after 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, Sheriff’s Deputies observed Hiram Sanchez, 36, in the 7100 block of Broadway in Lemon Grove. He was wanted on an
SDG&E urges caution around downed power lines
Printer-friendly versionSource: SDG&E December 24, 2025 (San Diego) – With the current rainstorm approaching our region, SDG&E is urging the public to exercise caution around downed power lines. During rainstorms, power lines may become damaged or fall, potentially posing a threat to those nearby. It is crucial for customers to stay safe, be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid potential
City Manager Lydia Romero to leave Lemon Grove
Printer-friendly versionCity Manager Lydia Romero (right) and City Council member Yadira Altamirano in 2019 Photo and story by Karen Pearlman Dec. 23, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove City Manager Lydia Romero, hired in 2015, is leaving the city at the end of this year. After 10 years of leading Lemon Grove, Romero has announced her departure effective Dec. 31,
STORM BATTERS COUNTY; SUNNY SKIES FORECAST BY SUNDAY
Printer-friendly versionMore rain, snow, and flooding possible tonight; free sandbags available throughout East County for residents January 21, 2010 (San Diego County) 5 p.m. — High winds and heavy rain ravaged San Diego County today, prompting disruptions in transit service, flights, and closure of numerous roads, schools and businesses in East County and throughout our region. In East County and
EL CAJON POSTPONES MEETING ON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER UNTIL WED. JAN. 27
Printer-friendly version January 21, 2009 (El Cajon) – A community meeting on the future of the East County Performing Arts Center has been postponed until Wed. Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. due to tonight’s stormy weather. For details, see our previous story at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2603. Printer-friendly version
SDG&E GEARS UP FOR NEXT WAVE OF STORM, OFFERS SAFETY TIPS
Printer-friendly version January 21, 2010– Heavy rain and high winds are expected to keep San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) crews busy as forecasters predict the worst of this week’s series of storms will sweep through the region today. Utility crews are being staged at operations centers for staffing around-the-clock to coordinate service restoration, communications and logistical support throughout
WINTER STORM WARNING: HEAVY SNOW IN MOUNTAINS, COASTAL FLOODING
Printer-friendly version January 21, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued an urgent alert for a winter storm warning in San Diego County mountains from 6 p.m. tonight through 6 p.m. Friday evening. Heavy snow measuring 8 to 16 inches is possible above 4,000 feet with greater amounts in some areas. Winds with gusts up
FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE 2 TRAPPED IN STREAM
Printer-friendly version January 21, 2010 (Valley Center) – Two people have been rescued from a Toyota four runner that became stuck after the driver attempted to cross a stream and water began flowing inside the vehicle. Cal Fire and the Valley Center Fire Department responded to the call at 9:21 p.. and found the vehicle partially submerged in a
MAN FOUND DEAD ON MT. WOODSON
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2010 (Poway) – Donald Allen Forbes, 60, of Oceanside was found dead on the Mt. Woodson hiking trail yesterday morning in Poway. A hiker discovered him lying unresponsive on the trail and notified authorities. Sheriff’s deputies and fire officials responded and confirmed death at the scene. The coroner’s office reports that death resulted from natural
NEW HAZARDS TONIGHT: BOULDERS BLOCK ROADWAYS, FREEWAY RAMPS FLOOD
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2010 (San Diego County) 9:10 p.m. – Shortly after we issued an earlier alert about hazardous traffic conditions, CHP posted updates of several new hazards. EAST COUNTY UPDATE: Boulders are reported in the roadway at the junction of Sunrise Highway and Interstate 8. There are also large rocks in the roadway on Highway 78 near Sentenac
FLOODED ROADS, SNOW, ROAD CLOSURES POSE HAZARDS FOR DRIVERS
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2010 (San Diego County, 7:45 p.m.) – Severe storms have left many roads flooded throughout the county, prompting road closures and rescue operations. CHP reports the following areas are flooded in East County: • RAMONA: junction of Ramona St. and H St. • EL CAJON: W. Bradley at N.. Magnolia • LAKESIDE: Willows Rd. and Bobcat
MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2010 – Jared Shelton has been arrested for assaulting a man who attempted to come to the aid of Shelton’s girlfriend during an altercation outside the 7/Eleven Store at 4610 Avocado Boulevard in the unincorporated area of the County aound 1:30 a.m. on January 19th. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s office, Shelton was arguing
CHARTER MEMBERSHIPS NOW ON SALE FOR NEW MCGRATH FAMILY YMCA
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – A grand opening is slated for April at the McGrath Family YMCA, 12012 Campo Road in Rancho San Diego, 9. The East County Family YMCA is offering special discounts to the first 1,000 people who sign up as charter members. Charter members will receive a $99 discount off the membership fee,
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