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AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the Department of Animal Services, appointing…
News Issues
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
Boulevard residents battle proposed Starlight Solar battery storage facility; urge community to attend town hall meeting April 15
By Miriam Raftery Photo: proposed Starlight Solar site, via County of San Diego April 4, 2026 (Boulevard) – Should a 588-acre solar project with one…
Politics
Latest No Kings rallies draw 70,000 in San Diego County, 8 million nationwide
70,000 San Diego County residents join 8 million nationwide in No Kings demonstrations, the largest ever U.S. protest By Miriam Raftery March 31, 2026 (San…
El Cajon City Council denies Afghan Center’s appeal for prayer tent extension
East County News Service March 30, 2026 (El Cajon ) — The El Cajon City Council last week unanimously upheld a decision by the city’s…
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
Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona
East County News Service April 5, 2026 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the 2026 Cheers to the…
Destination East County: Festive events in mid-April and May 2026
By Miriam Raftery April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – As April continues, drifting into the merry month of May, there are many unique…
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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
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the
Features
Historic landmark to anchor new travel center in Jamul
Artist’s rendering of coming Barretts Travel Center in Jamul (Photo courtesy Kirvin Doak Communications ) East County News Service April
Photo of the week: Jacumba sunset
April 6, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Martin Eder sent in this photo, taken along Interstate 8 just west of
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Printer-friendly version HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASES REACH FIVE TOTAL SAN DIEGO August 18, 2008 — Another confirmed locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus (WNV) brings the year-to-date total to five—including one patient in East County, according to the County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA). FDA DECISION ON BPA OUTRAGES HEALTH ADVOCATES FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug 20, 2008
A Firestorm of Controversy – Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Printer-friendly versionBallot measure will ask voters to approve tax for fire services By E.A. Barrera Photos courtesy of La Mesa Fire Department “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully
DYING TO COME TO AMERICA – Immigrant Death Toll Soars; Water Stations Sabotaged
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 1, 2008 (Holtville)–“These people came here looking for opportunity. Not one of them expected to die,” said Enrique Morones, erecting a hand-made wooden cross at a gravesite marked only by a brick engraved with the name Jane Doe. A few years ago, there were twenty bricks in this pauper’s graveyard at Holtville in Imperial County,
Tough Medicine, Part I
Printer-friendly versionGrossmont Hospital Investigations Raise Oversight Concernts, Criticisms By Sara McInerney, staff writer, and editor Miriam Raftery September 14, 2008 (La Mesa)–Revelations of preventable patient deaths and alleged neglect at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have led some community leaders to demand increased oversight even as new complaints of patient care at Grossmont surface. Grossmont is one of four hospitals in San Diego
Tough Medicine, Part II
Printer-friendly versionCommunity Leaders Call for New Hospital in East County: Long Waits in Grossmont ER, Patient Deaths Heighten Urgent Need By Sara McInerney, Staff Writer September 18, 2008 (La Mesa)–Government investigations into at least three preventable patient deaths at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have raised serious questions about the facility’s capacity to service the needs of East County’s growing population. Closure of
Democratic Candidates Urge Voters to Unite for Change at East County Rally
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery "I’ve been a Republican for 35 years and I became a Democrat in January," La Mesa Councilmember David Allan told a crowd of approximately 350 people at the East County Uniting for Change picnic on Sunday at Harry Griffith Park in La Mesa. Sponsored by the La Mesa-Foothills, East County and Santee Democratic Clubs, the event
Budget Crisis Hits Home
Printer-friendly versionState workers in East County struggle to cope with prospect of huge pay cuts, lay-offs; Judge orders Sept. 12 hearing on Governor’s wage-slashing orders By Miriam RafteryPhotos by Aida Canonizado Mildred Scarber, a state employee who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in El Cajon, was shocked to learn that Governor Schwarzenegger has ordered all state employees’
Taxing Issues
Printer-friendly versionLa Mesa Council candidates address budget gap, public safety and future growth By Miriam Raftery State budget cuts have left La Mesa facing a potential budget shortfall of several million dollars. In exclusive interviews with East County Magazine, challenger Shannon O’Dunn as well as incumbents David Allan and Ruth Sterling shared their views on bridging the budget gap as
Green Houses – Jamul Home is Green and Fire-Safe
Printer-friendly versionEco-friendly EAST COUNTY homes By Miriam Raftery After twice having to evacuate during wildfires, Keith and Danya Jolley decided to build a new, fire-safe and energy efficient “green” home on their Jamul property. The home was featured on last year’s GreenBuilt Homes Tour. One year later, the Jolleys remain thrilled with their new home. “The house turned out
Sylvia’s Soapbox – Duncan the great white Hunter
Printer-friendly version Wildebeest hunt bags a Congressman By Sylvia Hampton Our congressman Duncan Hunter (R-52nd district) is leaving his congressional seat to his son. Sort of an inheritance or royalty passed on to the next generation like in England. Since Duncan D. Hunter, the son, has the same name his election should be like shooting fish in a barrel. But
April Capitol Report:How They Voted
Printer-friendly versionApril 2009 (Washington and Sacramento) — Do you know how your Congressional and State Legislative representatives voted? Find out here! For more information on these and other bills, visit www.vote-smart.org or www.govtrack.us FEDERAL BILLS & VOTES (CONGRESS) HR 1: ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE Status: Passed House 241-843; enacted into law Description: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
GOLDEN ARTISTRY DANGLES ‘KARAT’ IN HIGH SCHOOL DESIGN COMPETITION
Printer-friendly versionApril 30, 2009 (La Mesa)–A local Goldsmith has high school students competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze, looking for a diamond in the rough. More than 100 area teens have turned out for this unique design challenge, and the top prize of seeing their creation come to life. Terry Whyte, owner of Golden Artistry in La Mesa, launched the
SAN DIEGO AND IMPERIAL COUNTIES DECLARE LOCAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES OVER SWINE FLU
Printer-friendly versionApril 29, 2009 (San Diego)—San Diego and Iimperial Counties both declared local health emergencies today. The declarations are routine steps in preparations for addressing an outbreak of swine flu. There are eight confirmed cases in San Diego County and 5 confirmed cases in Imperial County. The three newest cases in San Diego County include a three-year-old boy and his
8 SWINE FLU CASES CONFIRMED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY; SDSU CASE SUSPECTED. COULD CAMPUS BE SHUT DOWN BEFORE FINAL EXAMS?
Printer-friendly versionWORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION DECLARES PHASE 5 EPIDEMIC April 29, 2009 (San Diego)—Eight cases of people infected with swine influenza have been confirmed in San Diego County, confirms Tom Christensen, Health & Human Services media spokesman. Details on new cases will be released later today. Several other local cases are suspected, including an SDSU student. President Barack Obama today said
CHARLEY’S AUNT: VICTORIAN COMEDY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionMay 1, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present “Charley’s Aunt,” the classic stage farce about a disguise that doesn’t turn out as planned, on May 7-9 and 13-16 at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, May 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. at the Stagehouse Theatre, located on the college campus, near Parking Lot #1 and
EL CAJON POLICE CHIEF JOINS GROSSMONT COLLEGE WALK OF FAME
Printer-friendly versionApril 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–On Friday, May 1, the Grossmont College Foundation will induct El Cajon Police Chief Pat Sprecco into their Walk of Fame for 2009. The public is cordially invited to attend the ceremonies honoring Chief Sprecco that will start at 9:00 a.m. at Grossmont College’s Main Quad area; this is following the conclusion of the San
PRIVACY 101: DATA POLLUTION–HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS
Printer-friendly versionBy Darity Wesley "Data is the pollution problem of the Information Age." -Bruce Schneier April 28, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Just about every person delivers some form of data into the cyber-world at least once daily. We leave digital footprints with every website we visit, every tweet we Twitter, and every purchase we make either online or on the
SCHWARZENEGGER DECLARES EMERGENCY, TRAVEL ADVISORY ISSUED OVER SWINE FLU
Printer-friendly versionHUNTER SEEKS CLOSURE OF BORDER UPDATED April 29, 2009 (San Diego)—Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in California to request federal funds for emergency services and supplies to combat the disease. To date, 91 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., including 11 in California and five in San Diego County. The first U.S. death, a
CHALLENGE IN CURBING SPREAD OF SWINE FLU: HALF OF WORKFORCE LACKS PAID SICK DAYS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 27, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – At least 50 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the U.S. with confirmed cases in many other countries today, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise its pandemic alert level to Phase 4 for the first time ever. Locally, Christian Cornerstone Academy in Mira Mesa has closed
WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN CELEBRATES 10th BIRTHDAY
Printer-friendly versionApril 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College celebrated its tenth birthday on Saturday, April 25. Garden Executive Director Marty Eberhardt commented on the remarkable timing of the event. “Just two days ago, the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors declared a Level 2 Drought Alert, which means that retail agencies will soon be
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