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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
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
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
Supporters flee Swalwell’s governor campaign amid allegations of sexual assault
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeanne Kuang and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: U.S. Rep. Eric
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
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
Mountain Empire Art Show Debuts April 15 in Boulevard
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Boulevard) — The Backcountry Resource Center in Boulevard will be busy this Wednesday,
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
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
Mountain Empire Art Show Debuts April 15 in Boulevard
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Boulevard) — The Backcountry Resource Center in Boulevard will be busy this Wednesday,
Features
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
Mountain Empire Art Show Debuts April 15 in Boulevard
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Boulevard) — The Backcountry Resource Center in Boulevard will be busy this Wednesday,
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Dia De Los Muertos Open House at Horses of Tir Na Nog
Printer-friendly version Nonprofit rescue organization Horses of Tir Na Nog cares for more than 100 animals, including Buttermilk the horse. The rescue group is having an Open House at its site in Guatay on Nov. 1. Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Oct. 11, 2025 (Guatay) — Horses of Tir Na Nog, the equine-focused rescue in
Gov. Newsom signs bills to stop the ‘Puppy Mill Pipeline’ in California
Printer-friendly version At a recent companion animal adoption event at Grossmont Center, a dog waits for a chance to find a new home. California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed hree bills in the “Stop The Puppy Mill Pipeline” legislative package. Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Oct. 11, 2025 (Sacramento) — Unscrupulous, exploitative and abusive “puppy mill”
ICE Out of San Diego rally addresses federal government shutdown
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow October 10, 2025 (San Diego) – The weekly ICE Out of San Diego rally at the San Diego Federal Building downtown yesterday focused on the government shutdown, while also including messages about ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ detention efforts. Dave Lagstein of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 221 was one of the event organizers.
Governor Newsom signs groundbreaking bills expanding access to veterinary care in California
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 10, 2025 (San Diego) – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a package of bills expanding access to veterinary care and strengthening California’s commitment to animal welfare. The new legislation will address the state’s critical shortage of veterinary professionals, improve care for pets in need and ensure animals receive timely, affordable treatment. San Diego
California State Parks photo contest deadline extended through Oct. 23
Printer-friendly versionAnza-Borrego Desert State Park photo (left) by Karen Pearlman East County News Service July 15, 2025 (San Diego County) — California State Parks Foundation(link is external)has extended its invitation to park visitors and photography enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels to capture the natural beauty, recreational activities and unique landscapes of California’s state parks. The California
Evacuations lifted in Rancho Fire
Printer-friendly version East County Wildfire & Emergency Alert Service Photo, right: Rancho Fire viewed from Julian, by Nancy Kramer October 9, 2025 (Ramona) – Evacuations have been lifted in the fast-moving #RanchoFire in Ramona, which has burned 105 acres and earlier threatened homes. The blaze, which started from a vehicle accident igniting brush, is 15% contained and forward spread is
GUHSD agenda tonight includes restricting protests outside school board meetings, allowing prayers and other controversial measures
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Image: On Facebook, a group seeking to recall GUHSD trustees posted a flyer calling tonight’s agenda items “frightful”, stating, “Here’s the tricks and not a treat in sight.” October 9, 2025 (El Cajon, CA) – At its 6 p.m. meeting tonight, the Grossmont Union High School District board of trustees will consider adopting a policy
San Diego Humane Society urging adoptions during overcrowding crisis
Printer-friendly version Honeycomb is one of hundreds of animals at the San Diego Humane Society looking for a new home. Photo courtesy SDHS East County News Service Oct. 9, 2025 (San Diego County) — The San Diego Humane Society is asking the community to step up for animals in urgent need of homes. To make adoption easier,
Judge denies Grecia Figueroa’s civil harassment restraining order request against Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service File photo: Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher Updated October 9 with statement from Grecia Figueroa October 8, 2025 (San Diego) – Superior Court Judge Blair Soper yesterday denied a request by Grecia Figueroa for a civil harassment restraining order against Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, wife of former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. This marks the second time Figueroa’s request has been rejected, following the initial
Crest achieves Firewise USA® recognition, a communitywide commitment to wildfire preparedness
Printer-friendly versionBy Diana Griffin October 8, 2025 (Crest) — Every year, devastating wildfires sweep across the United States, threatening homes, landscapes, and lives. As more people live in wildfire-prone areas, communities like Crest are stepping up to reduce risk and strengthen resilience. While wildfires are an unavoidable part of living in fire-adapted regions, there are proven ways to make homes
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
GAME OF THE WEEK: PATRIOTS WIN UGLY BATTLE OVER BRAVES
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Christopher Mohr (EL CAJON) October 9 – Minutes after Christian’s 36-22 win at El Cajon Valley Friday night, the Patriots’ coaching staff brought up the topic of winning ugly in the team’s post-game meeting on the field. The gist of the discussion was that it did not matter that the team won by
POLITICAL PORK? COMMON CAUSE CALLS FOR FPPC TO INVESTIGATE LOBBYIST SEX SCANDALS; NOTES SEMPRA CONTRIBUTIONS TO BASS & BROWN
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 15, 2009 (Sacramento) – A lobbyist scandal in Sacramento has given new meaning to the term “pork” in politics. Ever since former Assemblyman Mike Duvall squealed on tape about bedding two lobbyists, critics have called for an investigation. Now the non-partisan citizens watchdog group Common Cause has called on the Fair Political Practices Commission to open an
WARNER SPRINGS RESIDENTS: BOIL WATER ORDER ISSUED
Printer-friendly version October 14, 2009 (Warner Springs) – A boil water order has been issued by the County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health for customers of the Los Tules Mutual Water Company drinking water system inWarner Springs, CA, effective immediately. The water system has tested positive for contamination by Total Coliform bacteria. The bacteria can come from
AUTHORITIES SEEK ABUSER WHO SHOT DUCK 5 TIMES WITH CROSSBOW
Printer-friendly versionOctober 14, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)– Animal Control Officers rescued a Muscovy duck that had been shot five times with a crossbow this morning at Chollas Lake in East San Diego, near Highway 94. The duck, with the arrows still in its body, was transported to the County’s Animal Shelter on Gaines Street. One of the arrows penetrated the
SAN DIEGO MEAT COMPANY RECALLS GROUND BEEF AFTER USDA FINDS E-COLI CONTAMINATION
Printer-friendly version MEAT SOLD TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS & CATERERS, USDA WARNS—BUT COMPANY REFUSES TO RELEASE NAMES October 14, 2009 (San Diego) – San Diego Meat Company is recalling approximately 925 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E-coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced yesterday. According to the USDA, the meat
GROWING GREEN CAREERS: CUYAMACA COLLEGE HOSTS FORUM OCT. 16
Printer-friendly version All-day forum joins industry with education in ‘greening’ the classroom EL CAJON – With all the buzz surrounding the burgeoning green industry and the promise it holds for a flagging jobs market, Cuyamaca College is hosting a forum this week aimed at helping local high school and community college educators ride the wave of the green economy.
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