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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
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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
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 THREATENS LAWSUIT AFTER RAMONA SCHOOL BANS SIXTH GRADER’S PRESENTATION ON HARVEY MILK
Printer-friendly versionMay 27, 2009 (Ramona) – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has sent a demand letter to the Ramona Unified School District alleging that a school policy on sex education was used to illegally censored a sixth grader’s classroom presentation about Harvey Milk earlier this month. The ACLU contends that the District violated Natalie Jones’ free speech rights when
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES! VALEDICTORIANS NAMED, GRADUATION TIMES LISTED FOR GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (El Cajon) – On Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5, 2009, approximately 5,224 senior students from nine comprehensive high schools, two charter high schools and three alternative high schools in the Grossmont Union High School District will be donning caps and gowns for commencement exercises. Below is the schedule of graduation dates, times, and locations,
HAYES CONFIRMED AS DEPUTY SECRETARY OF INTERIOR AFTER GOP SENATORS LIFT BLOCK ON NOMINATION; POWERLINK BATTLE NOW ELEVATED TO NATIONAL LEVEL WITH EX-SEMPRA LOBBYIST OVERSEEING KEY DECISIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 27, 2009 (Washington D.C.) –David J. Hayes, a former lobbyist for Sempra Energy/SDG&E, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. His nomination proceeded after an earlier block by Republican Senators from Alaska over oil and gas leases was lifted. Both California Senators, Barbara Boxer and
SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHT: WARGODS V AT VIEJAS
Printer-friendly versionMay 27, 2009 (Alpine)–MMA Veteran Vernon “Tiger” White will face one of Temecula Team Quest’s stand out Lew Polley at Wargods “Five” at the Viejas Casino in Alpine, California on Saturday, May 30th. Doors open at 5:30 for the event, which starts at 6:30 p.m. The main card will begin with a four man elimination tournament that will
LABOR VICTORY: SD SCHOOL BOARD VOTES TO KEEP 10,000 CONTRACTING JOBS LOCAL UNDER PROP S, REQUIRE CONTRACTORS TO PROVIDE HEALTH BENEFITS TO WORKERS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery ”We cannot survive as a city if 75% of our children are coming out of families living in poverty…This is saying that our city is not going to live in poverty.”—Shelia Jackson, President, San Diego School Board May 27, 2009 (San Diego) – “Today, the School Board affirmed the vision of the future—that when tax dollars
EQUALITY TORCH RELAY SET IN EAST COUNTY JUNE 6
Printer-friendly versionMay 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—“This is a time where we need equality,” says Eve Parker, lead organizer of the East County Equality Torch Relay slated for June 6th in Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove. The relay is part of a county-wide event for supporters of equal rights for gay and lesbian people. “I am
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER STEVE POIZNER ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR ANDERSON FIRE-RELIEF LEGISLATION; URGES SAN DIEGO RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED FOR WILDFIRES
Printer-friendly versionMay 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced support of AB 157, authored by Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon). Poizner also offered disaster preparation tips for all San Diego residents, including advice for preparing a home inventory for insurance purposes. “Wildfire survivors face so many hurdles as they try to rebuild their homes and lives,
HOT TOPICS: FIRE CHIEFS DISCUSS FIRE SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS AT RANCHO SAN DIEGO-JAMUL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BREAKFAST
Printer-friendly versionStory by Kyle Serzen Photo by Leon Thompson May 27, 2009 (Cuyamaca College)—Despite the friendly conversation and satisfying meal at last Friday’s Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting at Cuyamaca College, the focus was a serious issue—fire safety and preparedness for East County residents as fire season approaches. Cal Fire Battalion Chief Dave Allen and San Miguel
FIRE ON MOUNT LAGUNA
Printer-friendly versionMay 27, 2009 (6:55 a.m.)–A five-acre fire is burning in Laguna Meadows, one mile west of the Laguna Campground on Mount Laguna. No structures are threatened and all roads remain open. “It’s in a fairly inaccessible area, so our engine crews have hiked in. We have two hotshot crews as well, and a potential to have some air tankers
HELIX WATER DISTRICT CANCELS MAY 27 HEARING, AGREES TO REVAMP RATE HIKE PROPOSAL
Printer-friendly version By Dennis Moore May 24, 2009 (La Mesa) –Following a joint investigation by East County Magazine and Channel 10 news into allegations that Helix Water Board violated open government laws, the Board has voted to cancel a May 27 hearing and revise its rate hike proposal. "We won this round. They’re starting from scratch with a
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.
20% DROP IN GAS HEATING BILLS THIS WINTER; FUNDS INCREASED TO HELP LOW-INCOME CUSTOMERS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary. 17, 2009 (San Diego) — Due to a decline in commodity costs, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) natural gas customers can expect their heating bills to be 20-percent lower this winter than last year, the utility company has announced. The average monthly residential winter heating bill (for 50 therms of natural gas) is expected to be about
NEARLY 20% OF ELIGIBLE CA FAMILIES MISSING OUT ON VALUABLE TAX CREDIT
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 2, 2009 (Public News Service) — Too many Californians struggling to put food on the table are also leaving money on the table; almost 20 percent of eligible California families – tens of thousands of people – are failing to claim their federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It’s a special federal program to supplement the earnings of
EAST OF THE LINE: LOCAL ECONOMY GETS SHOT IN THE ARM FROM BORDER OPERATIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Billie Jo Jannen Victor Leon of Potrero and Rudolfo Reyes of Campo put a raked finish on the drying concrete at the base of the border fence in the far western portion of Campo. They are working on the south side of the fence, which is constructed a short distance north of the border inside the border “buffer
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