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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 federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal immigration agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in
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 — the first located in East County — on Monday in El Cajon. The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues. The 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 the gym after Walton in 2018. Walton died of colon cancer at age 71 in 2024. Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 14, 2026 (La Mesa) — Bill Walton, who preferred
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 East County Advanced Water Purification Program Story and photos by Paul Levikow April 13, 2026 (Santee) — After more than a half-century of water reuse in East County, the Ray
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 to codify strict regulations on electric bicycles, specifically looking to protect riders under 12. On Tuesday, the La Mesa City Council unanimously voted to establish a new e-bike safety pilot program
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 East County Advanced Water Purification Program Story and photos by Paul Levikow April 13, 2026 (Santee) — After more than a half-century of water reuse in East County, the Ray
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 April 1, 2026 (Jamul) – Jamul Casino Resort has been recognized with two prestigious ADDY Awards from AAF Reno, earning a Gold ADDY and Best of Show in the
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 day of games, community and advocacy on Saturday, April 18 at the Rock House in Lakeside. The first-ever “Canine Carnival” is set for April 18 while a slumber party that starts
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 an early wildflower bloom in Borrego, now is a perfect time for a day trip through San Diego County’s beautiful backcountry, including mountain and desert destinations. Making the pilgrimage to
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 stories. This year, we’ve had requests from readers to cover lots of important local issues, but costs have soared with inflation. We need your help to report on local news
People
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);
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 bowls, beds, blankets, crates/carriers, leashes,…
Communities
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);
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 — the first located in East County — on Monday in El Cajon. The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues. The unit
Features
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);
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 federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal immigration agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in
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SOAPMAKING STUDIO IN LEMON GROVE OFFERS CLASSES, SUPPLIES AND EXPERT INSTRUCTION
Printer-friendly version“It is empowering to create a useful commodity appreciated by family, friends and customers.” – Kerri Mixon By Caprice Harrison, Editorial Assistant for East County Magazine October 27, 2012 (Lemon Grove) — Ask Kerri Mixon about making soap. You will be met with a smile and 16th-generation soapmaking expertise. Mixon is the owner, administrator, lead instructor and artisan of
FROM THE CHIEFS CORNER: CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS—AND CHANGE YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR BATTERIES
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna October 29, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–It’s time to change our clocks this coming Sunday November 4th “back” for daylight savings and when we do that it’s a good time to change our smoke detector batteries and check their condition says Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths occurred in homes without
USC DORNSIFE/LOS ANGELES TIMES POLL: CALIFORNIANS SUPPORT STRONG LAW/BORDER ENFORCEMENT ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, BUT HAVE A SOFT SPOT FOR DREAM-ERS
Printer-friendly version2 out of 3 Californians support work permits for children who were brought to U.S. illegally and have since completed high school or military service; Majority also support content of Arizona’s S.B. 1070. October 29, 2012 — California voters support tough law enforcement policies on illegal immigration in large numbers, but more than two-thirds of Californians are willing to
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NON-CITIZENS, CITIZENS AND AB540 STUDENTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Bill Weaver October 29, 2012 (San Diego) –San Diego is home to immigrants and refugees from around the world. The Mano A Mano Foundation has provided the following list of scholarships available to non-citizens as well as citizens and AB 540 students. AB540 is a California bill passed on October 12, 2001 that allows undocumented students who meet certain
LOOKING FOR FOREVER HOMES- SHELTER DOGS TO DREAM DOGS
Printer-friendly versionOctober 30, 2012 (Alpine) — Peanut is a mini-poodle; only 7 pounds at 7 months old and loves all people and dogs. His favorite thing to do is to be cradled in your arms like a baby, but is also game to play if you are. He bonds very closely and loves to follow me around outside or lie
SDG&E ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER HEATING SEASON
Printer-friendly versionOctober 29, 2012 (San Diego) – With the holidays and cooler weather right around the corner, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is helping customers prepare for the winter season by offering easy tips on how to stay safe and keep warm while also saving money. “With most home heating systems operated by gas, now is a good time
POLITICAL REFLECTIONS: THE MEDIA DEBATE
Printer-friendly versionBy Mark Gabrish Conlan I’m writing this article — both a review of the latest Presidential debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney at Hofstra University in New York State October 16 and an overview of how all three of the debates so far have been covered by the media — starting 10 minutes after the October 16 debate
NEARLY 1 MILLION ATTENDED TIJUANA INNOVADORA
Printer-friendly version October 21, 2012 (Tijuana)–Tijuana Innovadora ended with a joyous celebration Sunday night that had thousands dancing in the city’s streets. “This conference showed, particularly to our young people, that they can do it!,” exclaimed the event´s co-founder and president, José Galicot hours before the event ended. “Sí se puede!” A total of 918,446 attended the 11-day conference, according
VIEJAS CASINO HONORED FOR COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYING ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
Printer-friendly versionOctober 29, 2012 (Alpine) – Viejas Casino, Southern California’s premier gaming, dining and entertainment destination, has been named Business Partner of the Year by Partnerships with Industry (PWI). The honor was announced at PWI’s annual awards event held on Saturday, October 20. “For seven years Viejas Casino has been providing adults with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities the opportunity
EAGLE EXPERT WARNS OF POPULATION COLLAPSE
Printer-friendly versionTule Wind project’s turbines on ridgelines will be “deadly” for Golden eagles in San Diego County, wildlife biologist predicts October 29, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Wildlife biologist Jim Wiegand, vice president of Save the Eagles International, has sent a letter to Bureau of Indian Affairs’ regional director Amy Dutsche warning that the Tule Wind project will be
EL CAJON HUMAN RIGHTS LEADER JOINS NEW NATIONAL COALITION FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM; LEADERS TO MEET WITH OBAMA IN WASHINGTON THIS WEEKEND
Printer-friendly versionJune 2, 2009 (San Diego) – “This economy is built off immigrants, and immigration reform will benefit the economy,” El Cajon resident and Center for Social Advocacy spokesperson Estela De Los Rios said at a press conference Friday in San Diego, where community leaders announced launch of the Reform Immigration For America Campaign (www.immigrationforum.org). De Los Rios has traveled
LABOR COUNCIL ANNOUNCES FREE JOB TRAINING FOR VETERANS
Printer-friendly versionJune 5, 2009 (San Diego) – The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council is offering free job training for returning service men and women. The program is funded by the State of California Employment Development Department. Printer-friendly version
SANDAG SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP PLAN REGION’S FUTURE
Printer-friendly versionJune 5, 2009 (San Diego)—The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking public volunteers for its Regional Planning Stakeholders Working Group to serve in an advisory capacity to both the SANDAG Regional Planning and Transportation Committees on the development of the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and its components, and laying the foundation for the next Regional Comprehensive
BE GREEN! EL CAJON OFFERS FREE RECYCLING OF E-WASTE JUNE 27
Printer-friendly versionEl Cajon (June 5, 2009) – Drop off your old computers and electronic gear on Saturday, June 27 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot at the 100 block of East Douglas Avenue. (Watch for signs.) All electronic waste will be safely disposed of by electronic recyclers. Drop off is free for: Computers, monitors, laptops, TVs,
GOVERNOR’S PLAN TO CLOSE EAST COUNTY PARKS IRES RESIDENTS; ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER CALLS FOR INCLUSION INTO NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kezirian June 3, 2009 (San Diego)— Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed closing down 80 percent of California’s state parks due to the budget shortfall, including two of East County’s historic parks: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. As many as 279 parks may be closed statewide. Schwarzenegger anticipates cutting universal funding for state parks in
WANTED: $12,116 BY JUNE 17th TO SAVE LAKE MURRAY FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW
Printer-friendly versionJune 4, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–“If I knew, I would have given,” some Lake Murray area residents lamented after the fireworks show was cancelled in 2004 due to a funding shortage. This year, organizers are asking the public’s help to save the Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks. The committee must raise an additional $12,116 by June 17th
HELIX WATER UNVEILS A NEW RATE HIKE PLAN, MOVES CLOSER TO MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 4, 2009 (La Mesa)—Deluged by protests from ratepayers, the Helix Water District Board unveiled a new rate hike plan at its meeting yesterday. The new proposal differs dramatically from earlier plans, which had proposed hikes of up to 90% on some residential users. The new proposal would assess a 24% rate increase on all residential
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP — LATE-MAY
Printer-friendly version East County Roundup highlights the best stories about East County issues found in other publications. June 2009 (San Diego’s East County) Sycuan Wants Land Added to Reservation Pillars of Fire? Poway’s Twin Peaks Haven’t Burned since 1967 Officials Warn Against Wimpy Solar Goal; SANDAG Rewriting Regional Energy Strategy “It’s a Nightmare” (SD Unified School District Cuts) Proposed Santee
CAL FIRE RESPONDS TO SEVERAL SMALL FIRES, ALL DOUSED QUICKLY
Printer-friendly versionJune 3, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)4 p.m. – Lightning started several small fires this afternoon in San Diego’s eastern region, including multiple blazes in the Deer Springs area, all extinguished at less than an acre apiece. “A couple of them actually hit power lines,” said Captain Nick Schuler of CAL-FIRE. Another lightning-sparked fire also burned approximately one acre
WHAT’S GROWN IN EAST COUNTY STAYS IN EAST COUNTY! A GUIDE TO EAST COUNTY NURSERIES
Printer-friendly versionBy Pamela Homfelt, pH Exterior Design June 1, 2009–If you’re landscaping or gardening in East County, why go anywhere but locally for everything plants? With the great variety and quality of plant nurseries plus economical, environmental and horticultural reasons, there is no reason to travel any further than right around the corner. Most of our East County nurseries are
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