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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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EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL’S FIRE DEPARTMENT COVERAGE WORKSHOP
Printer-friendly version By G. A. McNeeley February 15, 2025 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon City Council, city staff, Heartland Fire Department and labor representatives came together on Wednesday to discuss possible short-term options, to staff a newly purchased fire engine, after a grant failed to fund. Last year, the City Council explored options to augment fire and medical
FEDERAL FUNDING HALT PROMPTS JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE TO CLOSE REFUGEE SHELTER
Printer-friendly versionBy Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: a child at Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s refugee shelter. (File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego) February 17, 2025 (San Diego) – Faced with a halt in federal funding and and the closing of the border to refugees, Jewish
ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: SOBER CURIOUS? SOME STARTED WITH DRY JANUARY
Printer-friendly versionBy Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County February 17, 2025 (San Diego) — The start of a new year often brings the promise of new beginnings. For many, that includes resolutions focused on personal health and well-being, from hitting the gym to adopting healthier eating habits. In recent years, however, more and more of us
TWO VIOLENT SEX OFFENDERS RELEASED IN CAMPO AND BORREGO SPRINGS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: Merle Wakefield and Alvin Quarles have been conditionally released into Campo and Borrego Springs. February 16, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The Sheriff’s department has sent warning notices to residents in Borrego Springs and Campo, announcing that two sexually violent predators have been conditionally released into these communities. The court has ordered Liberty Healthcare, which
STORMS CLEAR OUT FOR VALENTINE’S DAY WEDDINGS
Printer-friendly versionBy Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: Alexis & Deondre February 15, 2025 (San Diego) – The day started with a few showers, but the sun came out for many couples saying “I do” on Valentine’s Day. A flurry of bridal gowns, hearts and flowers took over wedding venues at Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s (ARCC) offices across the
CASA DE ORO ALLIANCE HOSTS COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON FLOOD ISSUES FEB. 25 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 15, 2025 (Spring Valley) — The Casa de Oro Alliance invites members of the community who have been affected by flooding to a community dialogue to help bring the community together and build resilience. The event is Tuesday, February 25 at San Diego Youth Services’ auditorium, 3845 Spring Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977, starting
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL APPROVES ALLOWING POLICE TO COOPERATE WITH ICE, REVERSING PREVIOUS ACTION
Printer-friendly version Issue prompts drive to recall Councilman Phil Ortiz By Alex Schorr and Miriam Raftery View video Photo, left: Resolution opponents hold up sign denouncing hate and likening ICE roundups to “Gestapo” tactics February 14, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s City Council on Tuesday passed a controversial resolution allowing the city’s police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 14, 2025 — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. DOGE controversy Trump and Musk’s dismantling of government is shaking the foundations of US democracy (AP) As Musk cuts federal
READER’S EDITORIAL: MUSK POSES THREAT TO CRITICAL CLIMATE DATA
Printer-friendly version By Roger Coppock Image: measurements in Hawaii from 1960 to present show exponential rise in CO2 levels fueling climate change. February 13, 2025 (La Mesa) — NOAA staffers report that Musk’s minions have arrived with orders to wreck everything. This apparently includes climate data gathering. Should they succeed in shutting data collection down, attempts to fix the climate
WHITE HOUSE FIRES SAN DIEGO’S TOP FEDERAL PROSECUTOR, TARA MCGRATH
Printer-friendly versionBy Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Tara McGrath. Courtesy Southern District of California February 13, 2025 (San Diego) – After 16 months as the chief federal law enforcement official in San Diego, Tara McGrath has been given her walking papers by the White House. U.S. Attorney McGrath’s tenure
SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM ADVANCES TO NCAA POST-SEASON FOR 1ST TIME IN 12 YEARS
Printer-friendly versionMarch 19, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego State University’s women’s basketball team, the Aztecs, will play in the NCAA Basketball Championships for the first time since 1997 and the seventh time in the team’s history. The team will face off against DePaul University’s Blue Demons at 5 p.m. at Cox Arena on Saturday. "To be able to play at
ANDERSON BILL TO BLUR GOOGLE EARTH IMAGES SPARKS NATIONAL CONTROVERSY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 18, 2009 (San Diego)–Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) has introduced AB 255, a bill that seeks to prevent terrorist acts by blurring online images of schools, government buildings, churches and medical facilities through Google Earth and other online aerial mapping technologies. The measure has drawn the attention of CNN News and sparked a debate among high-tech
FILNER BLOCKS OBAMA PLAN TO CHARGE INSURERS FOR TREATMENT OF WOUNDED VETS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 18, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–East County Magazine contacted Congressman Bob Filner’s office after receiving an e-mail from the American Legion which stated that President Obama intended to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for treatment of military veterans who suffered service-related injuries or disabilities. Filner (D-San Diego), is Chairman of
TWO-ALARM FIRE AT PRECISION METAL IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionMarch 17, 2009 (El Cajon)–Just after 12:30 p.m. today El Cajon Fire crews responded to a structure fire reported at 850 West Bradley Avenue in El Cajon. Upon arrival,flames and heavy black smoke were seen coming from the roof area of the business, Precision Metal Products, and a second alarm was issued. It took about 30 firefighters 30 minutes
SDSU AND VIEJAS BAND OF KUMEYAAY INDIANS AGREE ON NAMING RIGHTS TO SDSU ARENA: ON CAMPUS VENUE TO BE CALLED VIEJAS ARENA STARTING JULY 1, 2009
Printer-friendly versionMarch 17, 2009 (San Diego)–The on campus sports and entertainment venue at San Diego State University will be renamed Viejas Arena, under a new agreement between the university and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the two announced today. "We’re very pleased that the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, who are such an important member of the San Diego
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP — MID-MARCH
Printer-friendly version East County Roundup highlights the best stories about East County issues found in other publications. SDG&E SAYS ITS EQUIPMENT STARTED 167 FIRES IN 5½ YEARS Union-Tribune (March 14, 2009) — Nearly 170 fires have been started by San Diego Gas & Electric Co. power lines or transformers in the past 5½ years, according to a report the utility
BE INVENTIVE: SCIENCE FESTIVAL AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE MARCH 20-21
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (El Cajon) — The public is invited to experience hands-on scientific demonstrations and view exhibits that celebrate science in our everyday lives at the 2009 Grossmont College Science Festival on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, to be held on the college campus. Admission and parking are free. Families with students of all ages are
MORE THAN PLANTS AT WATER-WISE PLANT FAIR
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Flowering perennials from Daylily hill Maic Palmiere of Crest displays baskets and jewelry made from pine needles March 14, 2009 (El Cajon) — Birdhouses, eco-friendly jewelry, and water-saving wizardry awaited visitors at the Water-Wise Plant Fair, held today at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. If you thought low-water landscaping means gravel and cacti, think
IT’S NO LONGER SANTEE, BUT MORE LIKE SANTREE
Printer-friendly versionBy Karla Moran (Karla Moran) March 14, 2009 (Santee) —The working power of a city makes a difference–as evidenced at the 8th annual SanTree Fest and Earth Day Celebration. Sponsored by the City of Santee, this year’s event had its best turn out yet. The community worked together to improve the environment and create a cleaner tomorrow. Parents and
MEDIA REFORM, INITIATIVE PROCESS & CLEAN ELECTIONS TOP COMMON CAUSE AGENDA
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 16, 2009 (San Diego)–At a San Diego fundraising dinner for Common Cause last week, speakers addressed the latest priorities taken on by the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting the public interest and holding government accountable to the voters. Media reform (including a conference this weekend in Southern California), clean elections and revising the California
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