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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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From the Fire Chief’s Corner: August is national immunization month
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna This is no shot in the dark August 16, 2025 (San Diego) — Viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to those who are not properly vaccinated reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. The Center for Disease Control recognizes August as national immunization month. Infants and
Find out if your vote could be affected by Newsom’s redistricting plans
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeremiah Kimelman and Alexei Koseff, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. August 16, 2025 (San Diego) – Gov. Gavin Newsom will ask California voters this November to approve new congressional lines that favor Democrats, part of a national redistricting battle launched by President Donald Trump. The map released Friday by the Legislature adds
Lemon Grove Mayor sues organizer of recall effort
Printer-friendly version Updated Aug. 21 with a statement from King. By Karen Pearlman August 14, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – After several months of rebuffs from the city of Lemon Grove, proponents of a recall effort to remove Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow from office have finally received the city’s OK to move forward on their petition. Snow, meanwhile, has filed
ECM World Watch: national and global news
Printer-friendly versionAugust 15, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — 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. Multiple Men Have Impersonated ICE Agents To Kidnap And Assault Women (Huffington Post) Supreme Court formally
Migrant children sites in El Cajon and Lemon Grove shut down: Trump admin. drops lawsuit that accused operator of sexual abuse
Printer-friendly version Actions raise concerns over children’s wellbeing; their locations are undisclosed By Karen Pearlman Miriam Raftery contributed to this story; photos by East County Magazine staff Updated Aug. 15 with responses from federal officials Aug. 14, 2025 (El Cajon) – Nonprofit Southwest Key Programs Inc. (photo, left) is no longer operating its site in El Cajon
East County Roundup: local and statewide news
Printer-friendly versionAugust 15, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s round-up stories include: LOCAL Justice Department releases new list of so-called ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’, includes San Diego County (Times of San Diego/AP) San Diego veterans volunteer to stand with Afghan
The Palms, downtown El Cajon restaurant and banquet hall, loses permit
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow August 13, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Palms Restaurant and Banquet Hall on Main Street was determined to be in violation of its Conditional Use Permit Tuesday by the El Cajon City Council and ordered to close by Oct. 1, unless it is granted a new CUP at next week’s Planning Commission meeting. The Planning
EL CAJON POLICE OFFICERS ARE STILL RESPONDING TO MENTAL HEALTH CALLS DESPITE NEWS AND CONCERNS TO THE CONTRARY
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow August 14, 2025 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon City Council was reassured Tuesday about police responses to mental health calls for service after recent news coverage and concerns expressed by County officials. Some changes have been made in the wake of a ruling by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that was handed down
Health and Science Highlights
Printer-friendly versionAugust 14, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH RFK Jr. pulls $500 million in funding for vaccine development (AP) Rabbits with horns in Colorado are being called “Frankenstein bunnies.” Here’s why. What to know about chikungunya virus amid new outbreak in
Padres cruise to 11-1 win, move into first place in NL West
Printer-friendly versionScreenshot from official MLB video of a Ramón Laureano home run during Wednesday’s 11-1 Padres win in San Francisco By Karen Pearlman Aug. 13, 2025 (San Diego) – Don’t look now but the San Diego Padres are back in first place in the National League West. After a mid-season slump, the Padres (69-52) have rediscovered their winning form and are
LEFT IN THE WAKE: SANTEE COUNCIL APPROVES CABLE SKI, WAKEBOARDING & RESTAURANT FACILITIES AT SANTEE LAKES OVER OBJECTIONS OF NEIGHBORS
Printer-friendly version Mayor Randy Voepel, Vice Mayor Brian Jones and Councilman Hal Ryan voted in favor, Council members Jack Dale and John Minto voted against controversial project By Miriam Raftery October 29, 2009 (Santee) – By a 3-2 vote, the Santee City Council voted last night to approve a major use permit for Sudweeks Development to construct a cable ski
NEW SPORTS BOOK SCORES WINNING LOCATION FOR LAUNCH PARTY
Printer-friendly versionSAN DIEGO, CA October 20, 2009 Join author Joey Seymour in celebrating the launch of his new book San Diego’s Finest Athletes: Five Exceptional Lives on Thursday, November 5th. The launch party for the book, published by Sunbelt Publications of El Cajon, will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the San Diego Hall of Champions. The San Diego
MEETING SET FOR NOV. 9 ON SDSU AXING GUARANTEED ADMISSION FOR LOCAL STUDENTS
Printer-friendly version San Diego Unified School Board invites parents, high school students and SDSU students impacted by changes to a special district-wide meeting October 29, 2009 (San Diego) – San Diego Unified School Board wants to hear from parents and students impacted by San Diego State University changing its admission policies to eliminate guaranteed admissions for students who
LA MESA BANS ALCOHOL IN ALL PUBLIC PLACES WITHOUT A PERMIT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 28, 2009 (La Mesa) – At last night’s La Mesa City Council meeting, it came as a surprise to many in the audience to learn that alcohol consumption has been prohibited in City parks since 1991. Last night Council voted 5-0 to extend that ban to all public places including City streets, curbs, and
ALERT: HIGHWAY 94 CLOSED IN LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly versionUpdate: The woman, who has not been identified, fell from the bridge at 3:30 p.m. while law officers tried to talk her down. Following CPR, she was transported to a hospital. Her condition has not been released. October 28, 2009 (1:30 p.m.) – California Highway Patrol has issued a traffic alert and shut down Highway 94 in both directions in
SMOKIN’ HOT CHANGES AT PINNACLE PEAK
Printer-friendly version Famed Local Restaurant Serves Up Fare for a Crowd at Santee Chamber Mixer By Miriam Raftery October 28, 2009 (Santee) – Pinnacle Peak, East County’s Western-themed steakhouse best-known for adorning its walls with ties cut from the necks of guests who violate the casual dress code, hosted a recent mixer for the Santee Chamber of Commerce that attracted a
EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON METH TREATMENT SAVES $7 IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM COSTS, EAST COUNTY PILOT PROGRAM REVEALS
Printer-friendly version October 28, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Operation Tip the Scale was a six month multi-jurisdictional effort in East County that sought to increase public contact with law enforcement and to provide information about how to get help with drug problems. In San Diego County, methamphetamine continues to be the drug of choice for many adults, although this operation focused on
LIFE WALK DRAWS HUNDREDS IN LA MESA & ESCONDIDO TO FUND PRO-LIFE CURRICULUM
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 28, 2009 (La Mesa) — Linda Noble believes strongly that abortion is wrong. But she has taken a different approach to the controversial issue from most pro-life organizations. On Saturday, 200-300 walkers turned out in La Mesa, with more in Escondido to raise funds for an education program authored by Noble. “The political aspect
EL CAJON ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING COMMISSION & PLANNING COMMISSION
Printer-friendly version October 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–If you live in the City of El Cajon and would like to be more involved in your community, consider applying for one of two City Commissions. The El Cajon City Council is accepting applications for the Personnel and Planning Commissions. The filing period is October 14, 2009 through November 6, 2009, at 5:00
CREATIONIST BILLBOARD, CABLE SKI PARK, & BIKE PLAN TO BE CONSIDERED BY SANTEE COUNCIL WED. OCT. 28
Printer-friendly version October 27, 2009 (Santee) – Santee City Council will hold public hearings on Wednesday Oct. 28 for three hot topics. First, Council will hear public testimony on a cable ski park and restaurant at Santee Lakes, proposed by Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Second, Council will weigh whether to issue a conditional use permit for a freeway-oriented sign
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