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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
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

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
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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HENDERSON FIRE: 300 ACRES NEAR SAN DIEGO-RIVERSIDE COUNTY LINE
Printer-friendly version East County Wildfire & Alerts May 31, 2025 (San Diego) – The #HendersonFire has burned 300 acres and is 15% contained, Cal Fire reports. The fire began last night along Henderson Road in the Pala area, burning in both San Diego and Riverside Counties. Visit AlertSanDiego.org for the latest updates. For an interactive map with updated emergency evacuation information visit: OES Emergency

SAN DIEGO COUNTY AND FOUR LOCAL CITIES LISTED AS “SANCTUARY JURISDICTIONS” AT RISK OF LOSING FEDERAL FUNDS
Printer-friendly versionUpdate June 3, 2025 — Homeland Security has taken down its list of sanctuary jurisdictions amid controversy nationwide. By Miriam Raftery Image via Immigration and Customs Enforcement: ICE stop in Florida May 30, 2025 (San Diego) –A list of over 500 “sanctuary jurisdictions” published by the Dept. of Homeland Security yesterday includes San Diego County and four local cities:

CAL FIRE SUSPENDS BURN PERMITS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version Source: Cal Fire May 30, 2025 (El Cajon) — El Cajon, CA – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will suspend residential outdoor burning within the State Responsibility Areas (SRA) of San Diego County, effective Monday, June 2, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. This suspension includes burning landscape debris, such as branches and leaves. This

MAGIC OF DISNEYLAND INSPIRED MT. HELIX GARDEN WITH MANY LANDS
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 24, 2025 (Mount Helix) – There are no rides or parades in its magical atmosphere, but a local garden in Mount Helix area has been influenced by a famous amusement park in Anaheim. Bob Caparas and his childhood sweetheart, Carole, have channeled the magic of Disneyland to help them create

SAN DIEGO SPORT INNOVATORS ANNOUNCES WALTON INNOVATION NETWORK
Printer-friendly versionTo commemorate the one-year anniversary of basketball legend Bill Walton’s passing, SDSI annonces phase one of a “Bill Walton Legacy Project” By Scott Yoffe May 27, 2025 (Solana Beach) — To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragic passing of basketball legend Bill Walton, San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) announced that it will pay homage to its

40 MILITARY HOMES UNINHABITABLE AFTER MURPHY CANYON PLANE CRASH: NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY PROVIDES SUPPORT
Printer-friendly versionNonprofit immediately provided $77,000 in direct emergency assistance and continues to provide long-term support to 40 families displaced East County News Service May 29, 2025 (San Diego) – Dozens of military families evacuated their homes when a private Cessna aircraft crashed into military housing in the Murphy Canyon area at 3:45 a.m. on May 22. The families had

GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT AWARDS OVER $319,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL STUDENTS PURSUING HEALTHCARE CAREERS
Printer-friendly versionSource: Grossmont Healthcare District Group photo of all scholarship recipients and GHD board members. May 28, 2025 (La Mesa) — In an affirmation of its commitment to building the healthcare workforce of tomorrow, Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) has awarded a total of $319,850 in scholarships to 63 local students for the 2024–2025 academic year. The awards were presented at

SANTEE HOMELESS COURT POP-UP EVENT
Printer-friendly versionCommunity resource pop-up events, like this one in Santee which meet people where they are, have become an important part of the County’s homeless outreach strategy By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office May 28, 2025 (Santee) — Community resources pop-up events bring essential services directly to people experiencing homelessness and have become an important part of

COUNTY ACQUIRES 540 ACRES TO EXPAND SANTA YSABEL PRESERVE AND PROTECT SENSITIVE SPECIES
Printer-friendly versionBy County News Center County of San Diego Communications Office May 28, 2025 (Santa Ysabel) — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors recently approved the purchase of about 540 acres of property in North County for $5.1 million to expand its conservation efforts. Located within a designated conservation area in Santa Ysabel, the land will expand an existing

TB EXPOSURES REPORTED AT TWO LOCAL HOMELESS SHELTERS
Printer-friendly version By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office Image Credit: CDC.gov May 28, 2025 (San Diego) –County Public Health is working in close collaboration with Father Joe’s Villages and the San Diego Rescue Mission to notify residents, employees and volunteers who may have potentially been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) at the Father Joe’s Villages Paul Mirabile Center
GOVERNOR VOWS TO VETO TAX INCREASE PROPOSAL THAT MAY KEEP STATE PARKS OPEN, STAVE OFF CUTS IN STATE SERVICES
Printer-friendly version By Ryan Lescure July 1, 2009 (San Diego)–Faced with the prospect of closing 220 state parks, including two in East County (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park), the California Legislature passed a bundle of tax and fee increases by a simple majority, though a two-thirds majority is required to raise taxes. Governor Arnold
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP, JULY 1, 2009
Printer-friendly version Top Stories About East County in other publications, including: • FIRE SERVICES PARTNERSHIP EMERGING • LAKESIDE YOUTH IS COUNTY’S 44th WITH WHOOPING COUGH • OFFICIALS’ SUPPORT SCRIPTED BY SDG&E • WIND FARM SET FOR CAMPO RESERVATION • DESCANSO AREA TARGET OF USFS GRANT TO GREATER SAN DIEGO RCD • GOVERNMENT AGENCIES’ OPENNESS ON WEB VARIES • NEW
M*A*S*H BASH! ACTOR/AUTHOR MIKE FARRELL IN LA MESA JULY 1
Printer-friendly versionJune 30, 2009 (La Mesa) – Actor Mike Farrell, who played Dr. B.J. Hunnicutt on the T.V. series M*A*S*H, will present his new book at the La Mesa Community Center on Wednesday, July 1st. "We will have a ‘swamp’ set up for an ice-cream social, and Mike will be available to sign his books; Of Mule and Man
THREE-ACRE FIRE DOUSED IN PAUMA VALLEY
Printer-friendly version June 30, 2009 (Pauma Valley) – Cal Fire has extinguished a three-acre vegetation fire in the 32000 block of Pauma View Drive, Pauma Valley. The fire was started by a tractor and burned portions of a grove, but did not threaten or damage any structures, Cal Fire Captain Nick Schuler reports. The fire was reported at 4:06
BILL TO CLEAN UP TOXIC WASTES, AIR & WATER POLLUTION & PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES PASSES HOUSE; LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES SPLIT VOTES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 27, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–H.R. 2996, landmark legislation that aims to protect air, clean up waterways and restore our public lands, has passed the House of Representatives by a 254-173 vote. Among San Diego’s Congressional representatives, Bob Filner and Susan Davis voted in favor of the measure, while Brian Bilbray, Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa
REGISTER TO VOTE
Printer-friendly versionJune 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Voter registration will be held at several La Mesa locations this summer. If you’ve moved, never registered, been dropped off the Registrar’s rolls for failing to vote in several elections, or wish to change your political party, visit any of the following voter registration drives: Saturday, June 27th: Noon to 4:00pm
LEAVE FIREWORKS TO EXPERTS, BURN INSTITUE WARNS
Printer-friendly versionAll fireworks illegal in County, from sparklers to bottle rockets July 1, 2009 (San Diego) — The Fourth of July is almost upon us – a time for family picnics and fireworks displays. Yet all too often, the public fails to consider the harsh consequences when amateurs play with fireworks. In the wrong hands, fireworks can lead to property damage,
COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TAKES THE HIGH ROAD ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA ISSUES
Printer-friendly versionBy Kyle Serzen June 26, 2009 (San Diego)–The San Diego County Board of Supervisors lit up some controversy during its meeting on Tuesday, which included two medical marijuana issues. The first was a resolution passed unanimously 5-0 to allow patients to apply for a medical marijuana ID card beginning July 6th. The Board also passed a measure asking
LANDMARK CLIMATE CHANGE BILL PASSES HOUSE BY SLIM MARGIN WITH HELP FROM 2 LOCAL DEMOCRATS; SD REPUBLICANS VOTE NO
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 27, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – By a scant seven votes (219-212), the U.S. House of Representatives last night passed the landmark American Clean Energy and Security Act. The bill has been hailed by the Environmental Defense Action Fund as “the most important environmental and energy legislation in our nation’s history.” Supporters say the
4TH OF JULY EAST COUNTY “TEA” PARTY TAX PROTEST PLANNED
Printer-friendly versionJune 23, 2009 (El Cajon) –San Diego Republican Party chair Tony Krvaric has invited the public to a “TEA Party” tax protest on July 4th. Despite the most severe budget cuts and fiscal shortfall in the state’s history, The California Republican Party has held firm against raising taxes and refused to fund reelections for legislators who vote for any increases
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