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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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EAST COUNTY HOMEOWNERSHIP FAIR JAN. 16
Printer-friendly version December 29, 2009 (El Cajon) — If you are a current homeowner, or have questions on becoming a first time homebuyer, plan to attend the 5th Annual East County Homeownership Fair on Saturday, January 16, 2010 in El Cajon. The free event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center located at
LEFT HOOK: SYMBIOTIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Printer-friendly version By Walter Davis January 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — It is unlikely that many in this country would intentionally choose to deposit waste material in their water and then drink it. That is the prevailing choice with fossil fuel burning vehicles that spew toxic gases in the air at baby stroller level, as they travel down our neighborhood avenues.
WHAT’S NEW IN KNEE REPLACEMENTS? FIND OUT AT FEB. 1 SEMINAR
Printer-friendly version Feb. 1 – People who suffer with knee arthritis, stiffness and pain have new options for knee surgery that result in less pain and faster recovery than traditional knee replacement. At this seminar, learn about new, less-invasive procedures. Also learn about Sharp’s nationally and internationally recognized Joint Endeavor Program®, a patient-centered approach to quality care, the program aims
MURDER-SUICIDE AT BARONA
Printer-friendly version4:27 p.m., December 29 2009 (Lakeside, CA) — Two are confirmed dead at the Barona Gaming Commission office, Sheriff William Gore confirmed minutes ago. "It appears to be a murder-suicide," said Gore, adding that homicide is investigating. The gunman, Donnell Roberts, 38, killed himself and another man whose name is being withheld, pending notification of next of kin. The
GUNMAN AT BARONA; SHOTS FIRED, SWAT TEAM DISPATCHED
Printer-friendly version Update 12:45 p.m. A Sheriff’s spokeperson informed ECM that the sniper took seven hostages but has since released them. She was unable to confirm whether there are any additional hostages. The suspect has barricaded himself in an office and SWAT team negotiators are on hand. Channel 10 News reports the gunman is Donnell Roberts, a former gaming commission
MAN ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO LURE SPRING VALLEY GIRLS INTO VAN IS FREE ON BAIL
Printer-friendly version December 29, 2009 (Spring Valley) – Francisco Daniel, 40, has been arrested on two counts of annoying or molesting a child. He is currently out on bail and will have a hearing in January in connection with approaching middle school aged-girls near La Presa Middle School in Spring Valley. According to the Sheriff’s Department, a Hispanic male
SHERIFF ANNOUNCES ZERO TOLERANCE FOR TEEN DRINKING & DRIVING
Printer-friendly version Sheriff William D. Gore is announcing a new program designed to keep teen drivers safer when on the roadways. “Lose your license, lose your car, lose your life,” is the message behind re-enforced patrols, curfew checks, teens driving with unauthorized persons in their cars, texting, cell-phone usage, and all other unsafe driving practices. “The recent
FREE SENIORS SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES OFFERED IN EAST COUNTY & SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version County offers courses with funds from Barona and Sycuan December 28, 2009 (San Diego) — Crimes against older adults are a sad reality. The horrific kidnapping and beating of 76-year-old Natalie “Sandy” Herbst-Vinge from her Mount Helix home raised awareness of this issue after she recently testified against her attackers. Just this month, three men were arrested in
MAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE, THROWN 100 FEET IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionDecember 27, 2009 (El Cajon) – A vehicle struck a pedestrian on Greenfield Drive near Camillo Way in El Cajon around 5:40 this evening, California Highway Patrol reports. The victim, a 21-year-old man, was thrown 100 feet, Incident Protection Network reported at 6 p.m. According to IPN, the man is in acute condition and has been transported to
SHERIFF OPENS STOREFRONT IN CASA DE ORO
Printer-friendly version December 27, 2009 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s office has opened up a new storefront at 9736 Campo Road in the Casa de Oro neighborhood in Spring Valley. The purpose of the storefront is to “enhance the partnership between the community and the Sheriff’s Department,” according to a release issued by Sheriff Bill Gore (photo, left).
January Capitol Report: How They Voted
Printer-friendly versionCongress approved several major bills in January, including measures to improve healthcare for low-income children, provide oversight of bail-out funds, delay conversion to direct TV, set aside public lands and ocean areas as environmental preserves, protect fair pay for women, and improve remedies for victims of discrimination. The Senate also approved nomination of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Do you
SAN DIEGO ASSEMBLYMEMBER LORI SALDAÑA NAMED SPEAKER PRO TEM OF STATE ASSEMBLY
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 27, 2009 (San Diego) — Assembly Member Lori Saldaña was sworn into her new role as Assembly Speaker pro Tempore in a ceremony in the Capitol on December 1st. The Assemblywoman’s district encompasses most of the City of San Diego, including neighborhoods east of I-15 between Highways 94 and 52. Printer-friendly version
OUR INAUGURATION PHOTO LIBRARY AND LOCAL INAUGURAL BALL VIDEO ARE NOW ONLINE!
Printer-friendly versionView our full library of photos from local presidential inauguration events in East County and East San Diego at eastcountymagazine.org/?q=414_inauguration_photo_library. Watch our video of the inaugural community ball in City Heights at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U9e-XN7bXs. Read our inauguration stories at eastcountymagazine.org/?q=403_inauguration, eastcountymagazine.org/?q=404_waymon, and eastcountymagazine.org/?q=405_inauguration_elected. Printer-friendly version
INAUGURATION PHOTO LIBRARY
Printer-friendly version Marine Sgt. Shaka Greene and his son, Shaka, Jr. Artist. (Leon Thompson) Hosts of MoveOn party in La Mesa.. Beat Poet. Nancy Goettler of La Mesa at Move-On party. Saxophonist jazzes up party at MoveOn inauguration event in La Mesa. Beat poet. City Heights ball. Obama campaign volunteers. Dancing in celebration. (Leon Thompson) Printer-friendly version
INAUGURATION POEM
Printer-friendly versionAt the Community Inaugural Ball hosted by City Heights Library Performing Arts Annex, Poet Sylvia Cameron Telafaro read a poem she composed especially for the occasion. Below is the text, along with her photo. View our full library of photos from local presidential inauguration events in East County and East San Diego at eastcountymagazine.org/?q=414_inauguration_photo_library. Watch our video of the
CONGRESSMAN HUNTER OPPOSES SENDING GUANTANAMO PRISONERS TO CAMP PENDLETON
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery January 21, 2009 (Washington D.C.) — On his first day in office, President Barack Obama ordered that the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay be closed down within a year. Closure of the now-infamous detention facility could result in some of the 245 prisoners held there being transferred to Camp Pendleton, according to a Pentagon study. Newly
LAKESIDE POLICE SEEK MAN IN SILVER CAR WHO TRIED TO LURE 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL INTO VEHICLE
Printer-friendly version Mitsubishi Eclipse with spoiler, vehicle possibly driven by suspect. January 15, 2009 (Lakeside) — Lakeside deputies responded to a radio call of a possible kidnapping at 10133 Maine Avenue in Lakeside shortly before 7 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the victim, a 15-year-old ninth grade female who attends El Capitan High School. The victim reported an unknown male
MARCH 17 HEARING SET IN SAN DIEGO ON SDG&E PLAN TO SHUT OFF POWER ON DRY, WINDY DAYS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery January 23, 2009 (San Diego) — An administrative law judge has issued orders requiring the California Public Utilities commission to hold three public hearings on SDG&E’s proposed shut-off of power to back country communities during high-wind events with low humidity. “Many Santa Ana events will qualify, some of which last 7-10 days in a row,” said
2 FEDERAL AGENCIES APPROVE POWERLINK; SCHWARZENEGGER ASKS U.S. FOREST SERVICE TO EXPEDITE OK TO BUILD POWERLINK THROUGH CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery January 24, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–In the last days of the Bush administration, two federal agencies gave a parting gift to Sempra Energy. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission designated a vast swath of San Diego’s East County as a federal energy corridor, paving the way for the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to approve
EAST SAN DIEGO COUNTY RESIDENTS FLOCK TO BE PART OF HISTORY AT LOCAL INAUGURAL EVENTS; SHARE REACTIONS TO OBAMA SPEECH
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Antoinette Curry and Dupreesha Jones have hope for their futures.(Leon Thompson) Sunny Farrand, San Diego Heroes To Hometown, clasps hands with fellow onlooker as Obama is sworn in. Crowd at Malcolm X shows emotion as Barack Obama is sworn in as America’s first African-American President. January 21, 2009 (San Diegoâ’s East County) — Cheers and tears
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