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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
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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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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CAL-FIRE: MAKE SURE YOUR ADDRESS IS VISIBLE
Printer-friendly version October 8, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — October is fire safety month. CAL FIRE reminds everyone who lives in the backcountry that State law requires that every building must have an address number posted. This number needs to be a minimum of four inches in height, contrasting in color to the background, and clearly visible from the street. Your fire
GAME OF THE WEEK BONUS COVERAGE – EAGLES SLOWED BUT NOT STOPPED BY HILLERS
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr (SOLANA BEACH) September 26 – One of the most common sports cliches is that some opponents can’t be stopped; they can only be contained. Anyone who defended Michael Jordan, pitched to Tony Gwynn or golfed against Tiger Woods knows the concept all too well. So do Santa Fe Christian’s first three opponents this season.
ADOPT A SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG: SHERIFF’S TEAM WORKS WITH CHILDREN
Printer-friendly version October 7, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego County Sheriff William D. Gore is announcing a unique educational program called “Adopt an SAR Dog.” In its third year, the San Diego Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Detail will participate in a program which offers a local elementary school class the unique opportunity to learn all about the various aspects of
KIDS EXPRESS THEIR HOPES FOR A CLEAN FUTURE AT THE SUSTAIN LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly version By Kristin Kjaero September 29, 2009 (La Mesa)– “Be an Eco-Hero! Each person can make a difference and you can too…. Let your voice be heard!” read a sign at the City of La Mesa’s second annual Sustain La Mesa Environmental Festival. A number of young people showed they are well on the way to being eco-heroes
COASTAL CLEANUP DAY A BIG SUCCESS : EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS PITCH IN AT LAKE MURRAY
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Kristin Kjaero October 7, 2009 (Lake Murray)—In honor of this year’s 25th California Cleanup Day on September 19, Coastal Cleanup Day in San Diego County was bigger than ever. 10,032 volunteers in the county (up from 7,800 last year) covered 163 miles of coast and inland waterways to collect 101,933 pounds of trash
H1N1 FLU VACCINE NOW AVAILABLE IN EAST COUNTY & SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2009 (San Diego) — The first allotment of H1N1 flu vaccine has arrived in San Diego County and will be administered starting today. (View video) According to state guidelines, the initial doses of H1N1 nasal spray vaccine are designated for children 2-18 years of age who are healthy and healthy household contacts of infants younger than
REPORT: FORECLOSURE MEDIATION PROGRAMS’ POTENTIAL TO HELP HOMEOWNERS NOW IN JEOPARDY DUE TO LACK OF INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABILITY
Printer-friendly version National Consumer Law Center Looks at 25 Programs in 14 States Including California: Mediation Programs Seen as Faltering October 7, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–A spate of new state and local programs that have emerged over the last year requiring mediations or conferences before foreclosures sales take place have great potential to help homeowners, but are suffering from the
EDITORIAL: BOLD NEXT STEPS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
Printer-friendly version By Congressman Bob Filner Democratic Representative from the 51st Congressional District The impacts of the climate crisis are already being seen around the world through increasing hurricane intensity, melting ice caps, and refugees fleeing extreme weather conditions. Here in Southern California, we are particularly vulnerable to a variety of threats posed by unchecked global warming – threats to
MAN ROBBED OF PANTS IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2009 (La Mesa) – Two men robbed a transient of his pants and wallet on October 4 at approximately 9:32 p.m. One suspect was located by La Mesa Police officers within minutes after the robbery and assault. The second suspect, a Hispanic man who goes by the name "Alexi," is still outstanding. He is described as approximately
2-STORY HOME LOST IN SECOND ALARM FIRE; OWNERS HAD BEEN FINED FOR DEBRIS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Leonard Villareal October 6, 2009 (El Cajon) — Dale Wojczynski, owner of a home destroyed by fire on September 30, had been fined $10,000 by the County for ignoring numerous orders to clean up the property. A criminal case has been filed and will be heard on October 29. San Miguel Fire
BURNING ISSUE: LA MESA COUNCIL VOTES TUESDAY ON SDG&E PLAN TO SHUT-OFF POWER
Printer-friendly version PLAN PITS URBAN VS. RURAL COMMUNITIES IN HIGH-STAKES, LIFE-OR-DEATH DECISIONS By Miriam Raftery August 9, 2009 (La Mesa) – On Tuesday, August 11th at 4 p.m. the La Mesa City Council will consider whether to approve a highly controversial proposal by SDG&E to shut off power to up to 60,000 homes for up to three days during high-risk conditions for wildfires. SDG&E contends pulling the
GOVERNOR SIGNS 2 BILLS BY HOLLINGSWORTH INTO LAW; PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT MORE RESOURCES TO MONITOR & PROSECUTE SEX OFFENDERS
Printer-friendly version August 9, 2009 (Sacramento) – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday announced the signing of two bills that will give law enforcement officials additional resources to more effectively monitor and prosecute registered sex offenders and sexually violent predators. Both were authored by Senator Dennis Holilngsworth (R-Murrieta) whose district includes East County, North County, and portions of San Diego.
ALPINE BUSINESSMAN’S CHAIN SAW CARVES OUT NEW CAREER
Printer-friendly version Photos by Miriam Raftery and Marilyn Lukinich August 8, 2009 (Alpine)–A little boredom turned into a roaring artistic success for ex-logger James Lukinich of Alpine. Using a chain saw, the owner of the White Wolf Tree Service now coaxes charming designs out of wood. Fanciful birds, appealing bears, clever alligators and other creations quickly take shape. Making the first cut
LAGUNA MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE BASE TO BE DECOMISSIONED, FOREST RESTORED AS ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROJECT
Printer-friendly version “This site has posed a serious hazard to national forest visitors for over 20 years, and we have struggled to find the financial means to restore the area to its natural ecosystem. The site has some of the largest pine trees that exist on Laguna Mountain and it will make for a very enjoyable site for visitors once
DO YOU OWN THE TOP DOG? FIND OUT AUG. 16!
Printer-friendly version August 5, 2009 (El Cajon) — Want to teach an old dog some new tricks? Enter your canine companion in a fun-filled dog competition on Sunday, August 16 at 3 p.m. at the Challenge Ranch, 5973 Stallion Oaks Road in El Cajon. Games, classes and contests are all part of the fun. Entry categories include:
2 COUNCIL CANDIDATES ADDRESS WATER ISSUES IN PUBLIC FORUM
Printer-friendly version By Ryan Lescure Emerald defends vote for power-shut-off; tells opponents in backcountry to “bellayche to the County Supervisors” and urge use of Prop 172 funds for firefighting August 6, 2009 (San Diego)–Water issues were the main topic of discussion at the San Diego chapter of Democracy for America’s meeting last night. The event featured Marti Emerald,
HEALTHCARE DEBATE HEATS UP
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 6, 2009 (San Diego) – Violence, arrests and racial slurs have disrupted town hall meetings on healthcare reform in Florida, Pennsylvania and other states, where mobs opposed to healthcare reform attempted to shout down and drown out supporters. MSNBC TV’s Rachel Maddow reported that many “protesters” at these meetings were in fact
EX E-BAY CEO MEG WHITMAN, GOP CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR, LAYS OUT PRIORITIES IN VISIT TO CUYAMACA COLLEGE: JOBS, EDUCATION & SPENDING CUTS FOR CALIFORNIA
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 6, 2009 (El Cajon) – Can the woman who led e-Bay to become one of the world’s most successful business models turn around California’s troubled economy? Meg Whitman, former Chief Executive Officer of the online auction site, pledged to run California “more like a business” if she wins the Republican primary
BORDER PATROL OFFERS QUARTER MILLION DOLLAR REWARD FOR INFO ON AGENT’S DEATH; FBI ASKS PUBLIC HELP TO SOLVE MURDER CASE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Deborah Craig August 6, 2009 (San Diego) –The U.S. Border Patrol has added a $250,000 reward to the growing pool of reward money offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for killing agent Robert Rosas July 23 at the border near Campo. “As a result
FIRE AUTHORITIES MOP UP TWO SMALL BRUSH FIRES IN POWAY & LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly version August 6, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)1:45 p.m. – Two brush fires in Lakeside and Poway have been quickly contained. In Poway, a vegetation fire started at approximately noon today next to 15281 Hilltop Circle. “With assistance of the San Diego Fire Department, helicopters and us, we were qable to keep it at three acres,” Poway Fire
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