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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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Fatal hit-and-run crash in Lemon Grove
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 27, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — An early-morning, multi-vehicle crash Sunday, Oct. 26 on state Route 125 claimed the life of a San Diego man and left several others injured, the California Highway Patrol said. At about 4:28 a.m. on Sunday, a Nissan Sentra driven by an unidentified individual, was traveling northbound just
Passages: Danny Tucker, Sycuan Tribal leader, 73
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman, with additional reporting by Miriam Raftery Oct. 26, 2025 (East County) — One of the original champions for First Nation independence through gaming on Native American reservations in California, Daniel “Danny” Tucker, longtime leader and tribal member of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, has passed away. Tucker, born Feb. 5, 1952 at Mercy Hospital,
Nonprofit saves San Diego County’s tallest waterfall
Printer-friendly versionBy Taina Fonseca, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Mildred Falls. Photo by Alexander S. Kunz October 26, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego River Park Foundation has successfully purchased a 58-acre parcel from a private owner, the organization announced this week. Why is that important? Because
Reader’s Editorial: Why I support the recall or resignation of the GUHSD Board majority
Printer-friendly version By Chris Fite, Trustee, Grossmont Union High School District board October 26, 2025 (El Cajon) — When the dust settles after all of the lawsuits and media stories and packed and contentious board meetings, these facts will remain: the GUHSD board majority repeatedly if not exclusively tried to make vital decisions regarding hiring, firing and curriculum choices on the basis
Puppy recovering from severe collar injury; County seeks public’s help
Printer-friendly versionBy Sir Milo Loftin, County of San Diego Communications Office October 26, 2025 (San Diego) – County Animal Services is asking for the public’s help to learn more about a puppy found with a severe neck injury caused by a collar that had become embedded in his skin. The puppy was brought into the County’s Bonita shelter as a
Seven women honored at East County Chamber WILL event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (East County) — The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce awarded a group of top females from around the county last Friday at its 23rd annual Women in Leadership event. The Women in Leadership Luncheon, with more than 450 attendees at Sycuan Casino, honored seven women who excel professionally and
Funeral procession for fallen LMPD Officer Lauren Craven October 28
Printer-friendly versionLa Mesa officials say to expect major traffic delays East County News Service Oct. 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — A funeral procession is planned for fallen La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven starting at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to the La Mesa Police Department. Craven, 25, was killed in the line of duty on October 20,
From the Fire Chief’s Corner: Let’s “move it” this November
Printer-friendly versionGrowing Conversations, Saving Lives By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna October 24, 2025 (San Diego) – Each November, a global movement takes root, one mustache at a time. Movember isn’t just about facial hair; it’s about facing the facts. Men’s health is in crisis, and silence is no longer an option. A Movement with Muscle Founded in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia,
Police arrest person who hit juvenile with car in El Cajon
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 24, 2025 (El Cajon) — Local public safety officials have arrested the person who is believed to have been the driver of a car linked to a hit-and-run collision on Wednesday night, Oct. 22 in El Cajon that put a 12-year-old boy in the hospital. Dani Korkis, 35, of Lakeside was arrested
County launches new Alert San Diego app, replacing SD Emergency
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 24, 2025 (San Diego County) — The name and look of the emergency information app for the County of San Diego has changed, and now has new features to help keep residents safe. Known previously as SD Emergency, it is now called Alert San Diego. The updated app is part of the
BILBRAY AMENDMENT TO SUPPORT INNOVATION IN FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLES PASSES HOUSE
Printer-friendly versionPoway’s Aptera among companies that will benefit from measure October 18, 2009 (Washington D.C) .–The United States House of Representatives passed a bi-partisan measure led by North County Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) that will expand production of domestic fuel-efficient vehicles. The amendment, included in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act (H.R. 3183)
ASSEMBLY JOBS COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING IN SAN DIEGO MONDAY ON STATE EFFORTS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES
Printer-friendly version October 18, 2009 (San Diego) — On Monday, October 19, members of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy, including Chairperson V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella), Marty Block (D-San Diego) and Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista) will hold a hearing and press conference in San Diego. Both focus on small business development during the recession and state
GOVERNOR SIGNS FIVE KEHOE BILLS INTO LAW
Printer-friendly versionSACRAMENTO – Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) announced today that Gov. Schwarzenegger recently signed five of her bills into law, including ones dealing with redevelopment funds, solar energy, and hybrid vehicles. “I’m grateful for the governor’s support of these bills that will improve the quality of life for Californians,” Kehoe said. “Government can work for the people, and
XE (BLACKWATER) CONTRACT CANCELED BY SOUTHWESTERN COLLLEGE
Printer-friendly version College Board responds to Public Outcry October 18, 2009 (Chula Vista) – On October 14, Southwestern College District Governing Board approved cancellation of its agreement with Xe . The agreement allowed the college’s law enforcement students to use a training facility in Otay Mesa operated by Xe Systems LLC, the company formerly known as Blackwater. Blackwater, which
TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version October 17, 2009 – The City of El Cajon has issued a traffic advisory for October 17, 21 and 24 due to pouring a concrete foundation for the City’s new Public Safety Center downtown. Some streets around City Hall will be closed during the high volume concrete pour. View a time-lapse video of construction. There will be
THREE EAST COUNTY CITIES SIGN JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR SHARED FIRE PROTECTION
Printer-friendly version Photos by Monica Zech October 15, 2009 ) — In La Mesa today, city leaders, fire department chiefs and staff from El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, gathered for the official signing of a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA). This agreement will create a shared management team to coordinate fire and emergency medical services, firefighter training,
FIRE EXPOS DRAW HEATED INTEREST AMONG AREA RESIDENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Leon Thompson and Miriam Raftery October 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Fire safety expos were among the hottest attractions in East County recently, drawing thousands of visitors—all as part of National Fire Prevention Month. In our region, which was devastasted by two of our state’s worst wildfires in 2003 and 2007,
WILD RIDE: KIDNAPPED SHELL STATION OWNER ESCAPES ROBBER
Printer-friendly version POLICE CHASE NABS SUSPECT; PAROLEE MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OTHER AREA CRIMES October 15, 2009 (La Mesa) Crime didn’t pay for a lone gunman who robbed a Shell gas station clerk at gunpoint around 12:15 today. The suspect took money from the register and fled. The station manager arrived just before police and went looking for the
ASSEMBLYMAN BLOCK CONVENES OCT. 20 HEARING ON SDSU ADMISSION POLICY CHANGES
Printer-friendly versionOctober 15, 2009 (San Diego) – Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) will hold a hearing October 20 on SDSU President Stephen Weber’s recent announcement to suspend guaranteed enrollment for local students. “As chair of the Select Committee on K-16 Articulation, Access and Affordability, I have called a hearing to examine this issue in detail and to accept testimony on
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATES NEW RESTARANT IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO: SPINNERS FRESH MEDITERRANEAN SALADS & GRILL
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 15, 2009 – Business and community leaders congregated at Spinners last week for a celebration of the fast-food Mediterranean restaurant’s grand opening in Rancho San Diego. Guests sampled gyros, falafels, tabouleh and baklava, among other flavorful offerings. “We grew up on these flavors,” said owner David Barka, a Chaldean Christian whose family origins are
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