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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
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 —
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
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
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
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 versionWater Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News Service
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
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
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 —
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
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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BRIDGING THE WORLD: LOCAL WOMAN BRINGS HELP TO CHILDREN IN GHANA
Printer-friendly version GHANA TRIBAL CHIEF TO SPEAK AT FEB. 25 FUNDRAISER IN SAN DIEGO January 12, 2010 (San Diego)–While living in Encinitas in 2008, Jacqueline Prairie decided to act upon a life-long dream of helping children in Africa. At 21, long before mobile phones or internet connective, shetraveled to numerous African countries. She later found a career in
100,000 OR MORE FEARED DEAD IN HAITI QUAKE; LOCAL GROUPS, SAN DIEGO-BASED NAVY SHIP JOIN RELIEF EFFORTS
Printer-friendly version Looking for a missing family member? Search hotline, online database set up By Miriam Raftery January 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Over 100,000 people have been killed in a 7.0 earthquake that struck the island of Haiti in the Caribbean, CNN reports. The quake is the strongest to rock the region in two centuries.
NEW! LOOK UP STATE LEGISLATORS’ VOTING RECORDS ONLINE
Printer-friendly version January 13, 2010 (Sacramento) – The Sacramento Bee has launched a new database where you can look up the voting record of every state legislator in California. Wondering how often your legislator broke party ranks, missed a vote or voted to support your interests instead of special interests? Look up your State Senator or State Assemblymember’s voting record by
5 WILD MICE TEST POSITIVE FOR HANTAVIRUS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version January 13, 2010 (San Diego) — County Vector Control officials confirmed today that five wild mice trapped during routine monitoring tested positive for Hantavirus. “As the weather cools, rodents will begin to seek shelter indoors. It is important to keep mice out of houses, garages and sheds to prevent infection.” said Jack Miller, Director of the
HOW MUCH CRIME IS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? FIND OUT AT CRIMEMAPPING.COM
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego Sheriff Announces New E-Tool January 13, 2010 (San Diego) — Sheriff Bill Gore today announces the initiation of a new Internet tool for the residents of San Diego County. Crimemapping.com, a creation of San Diego-based Omega Group, retrieves crime data, maps it by address, and positions it in crime categories for web users to view. Sensitive
BOOK REVIEW: POLICE AND PUBLIC SECURITY IN MEXICO
Printer-friendly version Edited by Robert A. Donnelly and David A. Shirk Book Review by: Dennis Moore January 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)–Yajaira Mota Orozco,a San Diego mother of two children, lost her life while eating at a restaurant in Tijuana. During December, she became the 88th victim of alleged gang and drug violence in a single month, underscoring
GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: WOLFPACK GANGS UP ON LADY SULTANS
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr January 12, 2010 (Santee) – What started out as a competitive game between two rival schools from Santee soon became a rout as the host Wolfpack of West Hills High School surged past the Lady Sultans of Santana High School with a comfortable 54-31 win. In a contrast of strategies, both teams played a tight game
$1,000 REWARD FOR INFO ON DECEMBER THEFT OF TRAILER FROM GROUP HELPING WILDFIRE VICTIMS REBUILD
Printer-friendly version Mennonite Disaster Services trailer has Pennsylvania plates January 12, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego County Crime Stoppers is joining forces with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Ramona detectives to help identify and apprehend the suspect(s) responsible for a theft of a gray tow trailer and about $10,000 worth of tools belonging to a volunteer group that was
“ACTIVE SHOOTER” EXERCISE AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE TODAY
Printer-friendly version January 12, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) is conducting a practice exercise with local public safety agencies on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cuyamaca College. The GCCCD Police, San Diego County Sheriffs’ Department, San Miguel Fire Department, El Cajon Police Department, El Cajon Fire Department, and other East County
KROC CENTER HOSTS OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY JAN. 9
Printer-friendly version The Salvation Army Kroc Center is opening its doors to the community for FREE on Saturday, January 9. Guests can take guided tours, and enjoy special membership savings as well as a free all-venue pass for the day. Visitors can also experience skateboarding, ice skating, rock climbing, swimming, fitness classes, weight lifting, arts and crafts, an acting workshop
POWERLINK MEETINGS PLANNED IN LAKESIDE, CAMPO, SCRIPPS RANCH, ALPINE & JACUMBA
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego Gas & Electric Co. will hold a series of open houses throughout the county to respond to residents’ questions about the controversial Sunrise Powerlink project. In December, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a 123-mile route to run high-voltage power lines and 150-foot-tall towers through East County from Imperial Valley to San Diego. SDG&E maintains the line
HOLLINGSWORTH SEEKS REPEAL OF WATER RESTRICTIONS THAT PROTECT DELTA SMELT–BUT ACTION WOULD THREATEN MARINE LIFE INCLUDING KILLER WHALES, A NEW REPORT FINDS
Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Miriam Raftery February 24, 2009 (San Diego)–State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth, who represents East County, has joined 27 other Republicans in signing a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, urging him to call upon the President and the Secretary of the Interior to convene the Endangered Species Committee, which the GOP has dubbed the “God Squad.” The
BUDGET PASSED – ”BUT CALIFORNIA’S FINANCIAL SITUATION REMAINS “PRECARIOUS”; STATE REPUBLICANS BLOCK REELECTION FUNDS FOR GOP MEMBERS WHO VOTED FOR TAX HIKES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 23, 2009 (Sacramento)–Ending months of deadlock, the California Legislature has approved a compromise budget which Governor Schwarzenegger has signed. The budget includes $12.8 billion in tax increases and $15.1 billion in spending cuts, including deep cuts to education funding and social services. But the Los Angeles Times reported, “California remains in a precarious financial situation.
WOW- IT’S A POW-WOW! SAT. FEB. 28 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 23, 2009 (El Cajon)–The 21st annual Grossmont College Pow-Wow, a celebration of American Indian culture, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the college’s Student Center. Admission is free. The day-long event, which begins at noon with gourd dancing and giveaways, features American Indian dancers and drummers. Vendors will sell American Indian cuisine, clothing, art and jewelry.
BANK AMERICA OPENS BRANCH OFFICE IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version Branch manager Mimi Esshaki cuts ribbon at new Bank America in Rancho San Diego February 21, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) — Champagne, refreshments and visits with firefighters welcomed visitors at the grand opening of Bank America’s new branch office at 2930 Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego today. “We started in a little tiny storefront in Albertsons,” recalled
MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL)
Printer-friendly versionReview By Kathy Carpenter Now Playing: Feb. 20–27 at 8 p.m., Feb..28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m,, and March 1 at 2p.m. Experimental Theatre SDSU: Tickets $18-$20; ticket info:(619) 594-6884 or theatre.sdsu.edu Musical of Musicals, with music by Eric Rockwell and lyrics by Joanne Bogart, is a delight for all fans of musical theatre. This Musical, or I
ACADEMIC LEAGUE ALL-STAR MATCH SET FOR FEB. 25 AT GRANITE HILLS; EARLIER MATCHES TO BE TELEVISED ON ITV
Printer-friendly version February 22, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–The traditional Academic League All-Star match will be held on Wednesday, February 25th at 3:30 p.m. in the Granite Hills Library. The All-Star match will feature the best of ten high school teams versus the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Academic League 2009 Champions, Granite Hills High School. The All-Star Team
SD SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT DR. TERRY GRIER SPEAKS AT FEBRUARY LUNCH WITH LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Printer-friendly version February 20, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier will answer questions in an open discussion with the League of Women voters of San Diego (LWVSD) and with members of the community, during “Lunch With League,” a give and take forum moderated by LWVSD member Dr. Richard Schere, psychologist. Printer-friendly version
SCHOOL BOARD GRILLS HELIX OFFICIALS, SEEKS DOCUMENTS IN SEXUAL ABUSE, MISCONDUCT CASES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 16, 2009 (El Cajon)– Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) trustees voted unanimously to send a cure and correct letter to Helix Charter High School administrators, asking for documentation thus far withheld regarding handling of four cases of sexual abuse and misconduct. “To have a cluster of four incidents in such a short period of
TV M*A*S*H DOCTOR OFFERS HEALING WORDS FOR HUMANITY IN NEW BOOK; VISIT TO BONITA LIBRARY DRAWS FULL HOUSE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Mike Farrell with officers of Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club. February 17, 2009 (Bonita) — Mike Farrell and his co-stars on the popular M*A*S*H TV show raised public awareness about the human costs of war. But what many fans don’t realize is that in his private life, Farrell has much in common with the character he portrayed, Dr.
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