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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
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
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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ACLU SUES CITY OF SAN DIEGO FOR DESTROYING HOMELESS PEOPLE’S BELONGINGS INCLUDING PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES, BLANKETS AND PHOTOS OF LOVED ONES
Printer-friendly version Class Action Suit Alleges Policies Intended to “Harass Homeless People Into Going Away” December 5, 2009 (San Diego)–SAN DIEGO – In a series of aggressive raids in September and October, city workers escorted by police seized and summarily destroyed the possessions of homeless men and women. In a lawsuit filed December 2nd, the Dreher Law Firm and the
WINTER WONDERLAND DAY CAMP AT HILLSIDE RECREATION CENTER IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version December 5, 2009 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon Recreation Department is offering a safe and fun camp to engage the kids during the winter break. Hillside Center will be hosting “Winter Wonderland” Day Camp for ages 6-12 on December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Each day
HEAVY SNOW FORECAST FOR EAST COUNTY MOUNTAINS
Printer-friendly version SNOW LEVEL COULD BLANKET AREAS DOWN TO 4,000 FEET By Miriam Raftery December 4, 2009 (San Diego) – A white Christmas appears likely for San Diego’s mountain communities. Wet weather is forecast for Southern California next week, with heavy snowfall possible in mountain areas from a series of storms, the National Weather Service predicts. The first storm system is predicted to bring
MAN ARRESTED FOR STABBING 2 IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly version December 4, 2009 (Lakeside) – Jacob Otto Hume, 22, has been arrested and will be booked on two counts of attempted murder, San Diego County Sheriff Department reports. Hume will be charged in the stabbing yesterday of David H. F Fleming, Jr., 29, and another young adult male victim. According to preliminary information from the Sheriff’s
HOLIDAY IN THE GARDEN TONIGHT, DEC. 4 AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version Low-energy holiday lights set garden aglow; children’s activities include cookie decorating December 4, 2009 (El Cajon) – The public is invited to attend this year’s Holiday in the Garden event at the Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, in El Cajon on Friday, December 4, 5-8pm. The Garden’s meandering paths and exhibits will glow with thousands
WIN A FREE COLLEGE PREP COURSE: WRITE YOUR WAY INTO COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version Sylvan Learning Center in La Mesa is sponsoring a “Write Your Way into College” essay contest. It is open to all students in grades 8-12 in the County of San Diego. Separate prizes will be awarded to the high school and middle school winners. The deadline is January 15, 2010. Winner receives a free college prep course.
HIGH RISES IN LA MESA VILLAGE?
Printer-friendly version City to hold public scoping meeting Wed. Dec. 9 on proposed 18-story project By Kristin Hobbs-Kjaero December 3, 2009 (La Mesa)—Should the City of La Mesa waive height restrictions and grant a density increase to allow a mixed-use hotel, retail, office and residential project soaring up to 18 stories high? The City has received an application to develop
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CLAIM LIVES OF 2 EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS; CHULA VISTA COUNCILMAN WAS DRIVER WHO STRUCK, KILLED DULZURA MAN
Printer-friendly version December 5, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Two traffic accidents on December 3rd killed Thomas Edwin Klopfstein, 58, of Dulzura and an El Cajon man whose name has not been release pending notification of kin. Klopfstein, a pedestrian, was struck by a Toyota pickup truck while trying to cross Highway 94 against traffic at the Community
COMMUNITY FORUMS SET FOR EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ART CENTER RENOVATIONS: DEC. 16 AND 21
Printer-friendly version December 4, 2009 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon has been working on a master plan for the Civic Center area that will include major renovations to the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) including closure of the theater for up to two years. The City iwill be hosting two community forums to share goals of
ANDERSON TO OWE $20,000 FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE VIOLATIONS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 3, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – California’s Fair Political Practices commission staff has recommended that Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) pay a $20,000 fine for collecting campaign donations that violated state law. Anderson has already refunded around $150,000 in donations made by non-local Republican Central Committees that funneled money received from major donors
CUYAMACA COLLEGE EAST COUNTY CAREER FAIR SET FOR MAY 5
Printer-friendly versionCommunity interest likely to be high as more people look for jobs April 30, 2009 (El Cajon)– With unemployment figures topping a record 9 percent in San Diego County, Cuyamaca College’s 15th annual Career Fair set for Tuesday, May 5 is expected to draw strong interest among job and career-seekers. Nearly 60 companies and organizations will be represented at
NEW FLU’S ORIGIN TRACED TO SAN DIEGO BOY; 15 LOCAL CASES NOW CONFIRMED, 3 AREA SCHOOLS CLOSE
Printer-friendly versionMay 3, 2009 (San Diego)—Health authorities have traced origins of the H1N1 swine flu outbreak to a 10-year old son of a military family in San Diego, UPI reports today. The Centers for Disease Control conducted tests on samples from the boy, revealing the never-before-seen strain of flu virus on April 15, though his brother had symptoms two weeks
GROSSMONT COLLEGE HONORS EL CAJON POLICE CHIEF IN WALK OF FAME
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 2, 2009 (El Cajon)—El Cajon Police Chief Pat Sprecco was inducted into the Grossmont College “Walk of Fame” yesterday at a ceremony in which he was honored by Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (photo) and other local leaders. Sprecco, a 1976 graduate of Grossmont, praised his fellow police officers, then revealed that he drew inspiration from
FREE PROM DRESSES! OPERATION FAIRY GODMOTHER TODAY, MAY 2
Printer-friendly versionMay 2, 2009 (San Diego)—It sounds too good to be true—but it’s real! Operation Fairy Godmother, a program offered by the Soroptomists International of Valle de Oro, will be giving away free prom dresses to all girls who present a valid high school I.D. card today. Now you can be like Cinderella. (Sorry, Prince Charming is not included.) The
SOAR LIKE A CONDOR AT SAN DIEGO ZOO’S WILD ANIMAL PARK—AND HELP SAVE THE ENDANGERED BIRDS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 1, 2009 (San Pasqual)—Ever wonder what it’s like to soar above wildlife for a birds-eye view? Now you can find out firsthand. Flightline, the new zip-line adventure at San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, is now open. Flightline takes guests on a ride for 2/3 of a mile starting at 400 feet above Asian and
WEIGHT-LOSS SUPPLEMENT HYDROXYCUT RECALLED DUE TO LIVER DAMAGE; FDA WARNS CONSUMERS TO HALT USE
Printer-friendly versionMay 1, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., of Oakville, Ontario and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell, N.Y. Some Hydroxycut products are associated with a number of serious liver injuries and at least one death. The manufacturer has agreed
BEWARE OF PHONY SWINE FLU PRODUCTS, FDA & FTC WARN CONSUMERS
Printer-friendly versionMay 1, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are alerting the public to be wary of Internet sites and other promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The agencies are also advising operators of offending web sites that they must take prompt
SAN DIEGO AREA POISED TO BE A LEADER IN BUILDING GREEN ECONOMY, SAYS NATIONAL EXPERT: AREA APT TO GET $100 MILLION IN FUNDS FOR GOING GREEN
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 1, 2009 (San Diego)—“We are in a moment of historic change,” Phoebe Ellis-Lamkins, chief executive officer of Green for All, said in a program yesterday in San Diego titled “Green Jobs: Fighting Poverty and Pollution.” Sponsored by the Center for Policy Initiatives, the event drew a full house of community leaders, environmentalists and labor union
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
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