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Passages: Mark Ostrander, firefighter, backcountry leader, 69
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 15, 2026 (Boulevard) — Mark Ostrander, a dedicated public servant, retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief
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
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
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
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 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
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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
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
Passages: Mark Ostrander, firefighter, backcountry leader, 69
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 15, 2026 (Boulevard) — Mark Ostrander, a dedicated public servant, retired Cal Fire Battalion Chief
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 —
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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GREEN HOUSES: DEL CERRO DESIGNER COOKS UP A GREEN KITCHEN
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 1, 2008 (Del Cerro) — “Clients will ask, `How can we go green and still make it beautiful? That’s really the trick,” observes designer Rick Fahmie of Kitchen Expo. Fahmie designed a green kitchen in his own Del Cerro home, using utilizing natural and eco-friendly materials as well as maximizing energy efficiency. “Granite is as
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP – NOVEMBER
Printer-friendly versionLinks to top stories in other publications on East County issues POWERLINK GETS PUMMELED ECM Editor’s note: The CPUC decision leaves the door open for a southern route to be built, which would impact East County communities near the border, so stay tuned. Voice of San Diego (November 1, 2008) — San Diego Gas & Electric’s proposed $1.2 billion
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE, CITIES & BOARDS TAKE STANDS ON PROP 8
Printer-friendly versionEvents planned this weekend by supporters and opponents of initiative to overturn same-sex marriage By Miriam Raftery Art Madrid, La Mesa Mayor November 1, 2008 (La Mesa) – La Mesa’s City Council voted unanimously to take a neutral stance on Proposition 8, drawing applause from most of the crowd assembled at council chambers last week. “The city of La
A CONSERVATIVE AGAINST PROP. 8!
Printer-friendly versionBy the Rev. Michael C. Boblett Editor’s Note: Proposition 8 seeks to overturn the legality of same-sex marriages in California. I believe that Proposition 8 is a perfect example of an important fault line dividing the conservative movement in America today. On one side of this line are people like me, fiscal conservatives who prefer a government that does
HUNGRY IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Gayle Early November 1, 2008 (La Mesa/Spring Valley) – It’s 7:00 a.m., third Saturday of the month. The line behind Crosspointe Life Church in La Mesa snakes through the parking lot and all the way down the alley. Feeding America, a nonprofit agency formerly known as Second Harvest, has dropped off its monthly food distribution
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S EDITORS AND WRITERS SWEEP SAN DIEGO PRESS CLUB AWARDS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 22, 2008 (San Diego) – Q: Who are those grinning people posing with San Diego State University icon Monty Montezuma at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park? A: East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery and consulting editor Jamie Reno, who collectively received 14 awards in San Diego Press Club’s 2008 Excellence in Journalism competition.
GET HIGH ON GREEN ROOFS AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE ON NOV 8
Printer-friendly versionBy Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR November 1, 2008 – A roof may seem like just a roof to you. But to Jim Mumford of Good Earth Plant Company, a roof is one big pot for plants. His imagination and vision have made him San Diego’s “green roof guru.” Mumford will share his expertise on green roofs in an upcoming
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES ADDRESS ECONOMY, WAR, WILDFIRE AND OTHER ISSUES IMPACTING EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionBy Joseph Rocha Duncan Hunter Mike Lumpkin October 28, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) – For better or for worse, come November 4th, the 27-year stronghold on the 52nd Congressional seat will be released. Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter is retiring. Now, East County finds itself under siege in one of the hottest Congressional races of the season as
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON? LEGACY OF DUNCAN HUNTER, SR. AT ISSUE IN CONGRESSIONAL RACE — AND THE RECORD MAY SURPRISE YOU
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 28, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) – Duncan Duane Hunter seeks to capture the 52nd Congressional seat being vacated by his father, 27-year Congressman Duncan Hunter. He has voiced support for his father’s voting record yet chided his principal opponent, Michael Lumpkin, for claiming that the Hunter family seeks a monarchy-like transfer of power. The
CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE VIDEO — VIEW THE BATTLING VETS!
Printer-friendly versionOctober 28, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) – Two dueling veterans–Navy Seal Mike Lumpkin, Democrat and Marine Captain Duncan D. Hunter, Republican (son of the retiring Congressman)–plus Libertarian Michael Benoit share views on key issues in a 52nd Congressional District debate held at Cuyamaca College on October 22. View the full debate, sponsored by the East County Chamber of
FUTURE OF EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ART CENTER AT STAKE IN THURSDAY MEETING; CITIZENS PLAN PROTEST OVER CLOSURE
Printer-friendly version Update Jan. 21: Tonight’s outdoor rally has been cancelled due to rain, however those who wish to protest closure of the theater will instead gather inside the Ronald Reagan Community Center at 6:30. January 20, 2010 (El Cajon) The City of El Cajon hosts its second of two community meetings on the future of the East County Performing Arts
POWERLINK MEETINGS CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) SDG&E has just announced cancellation of this week’s community council meetings in Campo and Lakeside due to stormy weather. Those meetings were set for tonight and tomorrow night, respectively. SDG&E plans to reschedule and will announce new dates soon, Jennifer Briscoe, spokesperson for the utility company, informed East County Magazine today. A meeting in Alpine
TORNADO WARNING ISSUED FOR ALL OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version January 19, 2010 (San Diego)- The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for North West San Diego County and then extended the tornado warning for all of San Diego County until 3:15 pm. Check for further updates to come later. For additional weather updates check the NWS website http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=San+Diego&state=CA&site=SGX&textField1=32.7153&textField2=-117.156&e=1 Printer-friendly version
CAUSE AN ACCIDENT? SAN MIGUEL FIRE WANTS YOU TO PAY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery January 19, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – San Miguel Fire Protection District voted Thursday to charge drivers who cause accidents for the costs of emergency services. Proposed fees range from $390 to $2,100. The plan has sparked heated debate among community members. Chief August Ghio says similar measures have been imposed in other
A,G. ENCOURAGES DONATIONS TO HAITIAN RELIEF & OFFERS TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS
Printer-friendly version A.G. Office Has Searchable Database of Registered Charities January 14, 2010 (Oakland) – Attorney General Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown Jr. today is encouraging Californians to make charitable donations for victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, but warns citizens to avoid "scam artists" who may prey on the goodwill of California donors. "After every tragedy, a wave
BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: PATRIOTS DOWN POINTERS, 64-53
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr (SAN DIEGO) – When you see the Christian High School Patriots’ boys basketball team at its best, you see a team that runs like a well-oiled machine. In the opening minutes of their January 15th game at Point Loma High School, that’s exactly how they looked against the host Pointers. The game
POWERLINK REVELATIONS SPARK HEATED DEBATE IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version By Diana Barreto and Miriam Raftery “Who is going to move to Alpine and put their kids in a school 40 or 50 feet from a high-voltage line?” – Michelle Steinbuck, mother and Alpine resident “We have done everything we can to make sure everyone here, and everyone else who is not here, gets to know exactly
WANT TO GET PUBLISHED? 2010 SDSU WRITER’S CONFERENCE JAN. 29-31 SHOWS YOU HOW
Printer-friendly version Sharpen your pencils, grab your manuscripts and laptops for the 26th annual San Diego State University Writer’s Conference January 29-31 at the SDSU campus. The conference provides a rare opportunity for writers to have their works read by editors from some of the nation’s major publishing houses—and meet in person with editors and agents handling fiction, nonfiction,
SCAM ARTIST TARGETS DONORS AT SAN DIEGO HOSPICE AND GROSSMONT HOSPITAL
Printer-friendly version A woman posing as a nurse or medical employee has been approaching people outside Grossmont Hospital, San Diego Hospice and other locations to request donations or money for a ride, according to Hospice representatives. Numerous area residents have been burned by the scam. Victims describe the woman as medium to heavy build, 5’4 to 5’6 inches,
LA MESA GAS STATION ROBBED AT GUNPOINT; REWARD OFFERED
Printer-friendly version January 18, 2009 (La Mesa) At approximately 1:31 this morning, La Mesa Police received a report of a robbery at the Arco Station at 9600 Murray Drive. A white male suspect entered the store and displayed a black semi-automatic handgun, demanding money and cigarettes. The clerk handed the suspect an undetermined amount of money from the register and
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