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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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Suspect arrested, victim identified in Ramona murder
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 11, 2025 (Ramona) – The victim of a fatal shooting in Ramona on Sept. 7 has been identified as Felipe Ascencio of Ramona. Deputies responding to a call reporting the shooting found him inside a home in the 700 block of Eighth St. and called for paramedics, but he died of a gunshot wound
Cottonwood sand mine in Rancho San Diego rejected by Board of Supervisors
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Karen Pearlman contributed to this report Sept. 10, 2025 (San Diego County) – The Cottonwood Sand Mine project in Rancho San Diego was rejected unanimously Wednesday by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. In a packed board room, the supervisors heard from more than 100 speakers in a span of over two hours,
Should more fire districts become part of Cal Fire/County Fire? The Grand Jury thinks so, but San Miguel and Alpine districts hotly contest that finding
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman September 11, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Miguel Fire Consolidated Protection District is taking the lead in challenging a San Diego County Civil Grand Jury report released earlier this year that recommends consolidation of fire protection districts around San Diego County, and recommending that “willing” districts become part of the San Diego County Fire
City of La Mesa gifting trees, hosting education series
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is hoping more trees will sprout up after it hosts a four-event educations series from September through November. As part of the series, thanks to partner Tree San Diego, 100 free trees will be distributed to La Mesa residents. La Mesa is partnering with Tree
Losses in Coches Fire show need for firewise upgrades to mobilehomes: County offers grants and loans to mobilehome owners
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photos and video by Josh Stotler View video Updated Sept. 10, 2025 with latest damage assessment based on a report from Lakeside’s Fire Marshal September 9, 2025 (Lakeside) – Swift action by firefighters including aerial attacks held yesterday’s Coches Fire to 5.3 acres, but the damage was substantial. Five homes were destroyed, including three mobilehomes at
CAL FIRE adds water truck to Shelter Valley station
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 9, 2025 (Shelter Valley) – The community of Shelter Valley, between Julian and Borrego Springs, is safer today thanks to a new 3,000-gallon water truck just added to Cal Fire’s Station 62 here. Cal Fire states on social media, “We couldn’t be more excited to have it alongside the engine and ambulance already looking after
Former San Diego City Attorney announces State Senate run to represent East County
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow September 9, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Former San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott on Thursday announced she’s running for the California State Senate District 40 seat, currently held by Republican Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, who will be leaving office due to term limits. The district encompasses much of East County, including Santee, Poway, Alpine, Pine Valley, and Ramona, as
STRUCTURE THREAT FROM COCHES FIRE IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly version Update: At least 3 mobile home parks are burning, per air attack, ECM has learned. Planes and helicopters are on scene. An addition 15 engines and 2 helicopters have been requested by incident command and air attack. Evacuees can go to Viejas Casino. September 8, 2025 (Lakeside) — There is an immediate structure threat from the #CochesFire that
Homicide investigation in Ramona
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 8, 2025 (Ramona) –The Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is investigating a deadly assault with a deadly weapon in Ramona yesterday afternoon. Around 2:35 p.m., deputies from the Ramona substation responded to a call reporting the assault in the 700 block of Eighth Street. They found a man suffering from traumatic injuries and requested paramedics, who
Frosted Faces Foundation opens Community Veterinary Center to care for senior dogs and cats
Printer-friendly versionAdopt a senior pet and receive free veterinary services East County News Service September 7, 2025 (Ramona) — Frosted Faces Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping senior animals and the people who love them, unveiled its new Community Veterinary Center next door to the organization’s rescue facility at 1448 Pine Street in Ramona. Realizing that senior animals face many
UNEMPLOYED SAN DIEGO MAN BASKS IN SAVINGS FROM LEASING ROOF FOR SOLAR PRODUCTION
Printer-friendly version November 12, 2009 – San Diego resident Michael Huff, who is unemployed, found a way to save 1,400 a year on his utility bills with just a $1,000 up front investment. “It all started when I read an article in the Union Trib about 1BOG (One Block Off Grid),” said Huff. He obtained a group discount through the
LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHALS IN EL CAJON’S MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOV. 22
Printer-friendly version November 12, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Mother Goose Parade Association has announced the Grand Marshals for the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 – the “Chula Vista Park View All-Stars.” The Chula Vista Park View All Stars became the first Little League World Series champions from San Diego County in 48 years, defeating Taoyuan,
GAME OF THE WEEK: NORSEMEN WIN LEAGUE TITLE FOR FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY WITH 14-7 WIN AT STEELE CANYON
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr (RANCHO SAN DIEGO) November 6th – High school football coaches often remind their players that the game is 48 minutes long and to achieve success, you must play hard for all 48 of those minutes. Friday night’s football game at Steele Canyon High School between the host Cougars and the visiting Norsemen of Valhalla High School was a
READY TO GO SOLAR? “ONE BLOCK OFF THE GRID” RETURNS TO SAN DIEGO , PARTNERS WITH HELIOPOWER TO OFFER GROUP DISCOUNTS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 10, 2009 (San Diego) – One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), the nation’s largest solar buying collective, today announced launch of its second solar community buying campaign to help San Diego County homeowners and small business owners purchase solar energy at group discount rates of $5.29 per watt from now through February 12,
ECM’S HEALTHCARE REFORM BILL ANALYSIS : WHO WILL BE COVERED–AND HOW WLL IT IMPACT YOU?
Printer-friendly versionCOSTS, DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KEY REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PLANS ALSO WEIGHED November 8, 2009 (Washington D.C.) –H.R. 3962, The Affordable Health Care for America Act approved Saturday by the House of Representatives is widely deemed the most significant social reform since the enactment of Social Security and Medicaid. The bill will next be considered by the Senate. While much media coverage has focused on a public option
OVER $27 MILLION FOR WITCH CREEK FIRE SURVIVORS RECOVERED BY CA DEPT. OF INSURANCE
Printer-friendly version November 10, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner yesterday announced that the Department of Insurance (CDI) has recovered more than $27 million from insurance companies for consumers. The recoveries were made through the department’s complaint process in the aftermath of the devastating Witch Creek fire in San Diego County that killed two people, destroyed 1,650 structures
NEW RULES ISSUED BY FDA TO PROTECT FOOD SAFETY
Printer-friendly version Updated code to serve as model for state, city, county, tribal, territorial agencies and food industry November 9, 2009 – Restaurant owners and others who serve food to the public will want to be aware of publication of a new FDA Food Code announced today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The document includes new rules for
GUHSD ACADEMIC LEAGUE COMPETITION KICKS OFF
Printer-friendly versionNovember 7, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Grossmont Union High School District’s Academic League competition kicked off on November 4th. The 11-round event will culminate in televised coverage next February. “Congratulations to first year coaches Brianne Jones (Grossmont) and Dena Rosenberger (El Capitan) for their very first wins. We are looking forward to another great season!” said Steve
COLLEGE-AREA BRUSH FIRE EXTINGUISHED; ARSON PROBE LAUNCHED
Printer-friendly version November 8, 2009 (San Diego) – A fire in an canyon on Adobe Falls Road near San Diego State University has been extinguished. Firefighters made repeated water drops last night to douse the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes. Authorities are investigating the blaze as possible arson, San Diego News Network reports. Printer-friendly version
BREAKING NEWS: HOUSE PASSES LANDMARK HEALTHCARE BILL; LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES DIVIDED
Printer-friendly version November 8, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Affordable Healthcare for All Act last night by a 220-215 margin. Local Democratic representatives Bob Filner and Susan Davis voted for the landmark measure, while local Republicans Duncan Hunter, Darrell Issa and Brian Bilbray voted no. In the House, only a single Republican (Joseph Cao of New Orleans)
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