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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
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,
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
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
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,
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GOP SUPERVISOR ANNOUNCES 49TH CONGRESSIONAL RUN
Printer-friendly versionBy Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: County Supervisor Jim Desmond delivering his State of North County speech in June. (File photo courtesy of Desmond’s office) January 16, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond announced that he will run for Congress. The District 5 Republican said
TRUMP MASS DEPORTATIONS COULD INCLUDE SPECIAL PROTECTED STATUS IMMIGRANTS FROM AFGHANISTAN, HAITI, UKRAINE, IRAQ AND MORE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miram Raftery January 15, 2025 (San Diego) – President-elect Donald Trump has pledged “mass deportations” of 11 million undocumented immigrants, most of whom do not have criminal backgrounds. But many people are unaware that he has also threatened to revoke temporary protected status (TPS) from some immigrants who are here legally. San Diego’s East County is home to
BIDEN ANNOUNCES CEASE FIRE DEAL AND HOSTAGE EXCHANGE TO END WAR IN GAZA
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo, left: Gaza bombing by Israel, WAFA for news agency APA, creative commons via WIkiPalestine January 15, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden today announced, “After many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.” The deal is slated
BE A WEATHER-WATCHING GARDENER
Printer-friendly versionBy Melinda Myers Photo: rain barrels can help manage the water on your property and provide water to use in your gardens. Photo courtesy melindamyers.com January 14, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Each gardening season seems to offer new growing challenges. Our gardens are exposed to more drastic and variable weather with changing weather patterns. Floods, droughts, wind,
SCHOOL BOND REFINANCING SAVES GUHSD TAXPAYERS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 13, 2025 (El Cajon) — Grossmont Union High School District’s governing board has approved a major bond refinancing plan which will save East County taxpayers nearly $19 million by reducing long-term interest costs on its existing school construction bonds. Dr. Gary Woods, board president, says, “These savings are exceptional. East County taxpayers’ investment in
FIRST LOCAL DETECTION OF HANTAVIRUS IN 2025
Printer-friendly versionBy Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office Image Credit: Shutterstock January 13, 2025 (Julian) – A deer mouse collected on Jan. 3, 2025, in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, has tested positive for the potentially deadly hantavirus. Finding hantavirus in wild rodents is not uncommon in San Diego County, there were a total of 25 cases
SANTEE RACE WALKERS BLOW AWAY RECORDS
Printer-friendly versionBy Mike Allen Photo: Winners of 10K race: 1) Celina Lepe-Corvera 2) Mina Shull 3) Johanna Flipsen. All photos by Mike Allen January 13, 2025 (Santee) — Under sun drenched skies, some of the best race walkers in the world shattered several records as they traversed the Santee Trolley Square course on Jan. 12. The USA Track & Field National
POWER RESTORED TO ALL SDG&E CUSTOMERS, THOUGH MORE OUTAGES ARE POSSIBLE
Printer-friendly version Source: SDG&E January 12, 2025 (San Diego) –On Friday, San Diego Gas & Electric reported that it had restored power to all customers affected by Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Despite the restorations, unprecedented and prolonged dry conditions continue. SDG&E encourages customers to remain prepared with the potential for future shutoffs in the coming days. SDG&E began de-energizing
VIDEO RELEASED OF DRIVER RAMMING ECPD SERGEANT, OFFICERS FATALLY SHOOTING DRIVER
Printer-friendly version Suicidal suspect had doused self in gasoline before intentionally ramming officer, ECPD reports By Miriam Raftery Photo, left: Two officers train guns on driver after Sergeant Maxwell was struck. January 11, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police Department has released surveillance and body cam video from the officer-involved shooting outside ECPD headquarters on December 11 during preparations
13 DEAD, 12,000 STRUCTURES BURNED IN L.A. WILDFIRES; CREWS FROM SAN DIEGO, MEXICO AND CANADA AMONG THOSE BATTLING BLAZES
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Lakeside Fire Department, which has sent firefighters to battle the Palisades wildfire January 11, 2025 (Los Angeles) – After days of massive destruction and widespread evacuations, firefighters are finally making progress on four remaining wildfires in the Los Angeles area. At least 13 people have died in the fires, which have destroyed an
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S 2008 NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery January 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–For better or worse, these are the East County people who made headlines in 2008. Some are famous–elected officials and sports stars. Others are unsung heroes and ordinary citizens who found themselves in extraordinary situations, battling foes ranging from cancer to large-scale developments in their communities. Some have aspired to amazing feats,
2008 NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR: HONORABLE MENTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Each of these individuals has attained remarkable achievements. Some have sparked controversy for their views or actions. Many are working to make our community, our nation, or our world a better place. Our list includes people who triumphed over disabilities, animal protection advocates, artists and musicians, business leaders, citizen watchdogs, educators, fire heroes, healthcare reformers, humanitarians,
EIGHT YEAR OLD BOY KIDNAPPED BY STRANGER IN LA MESA ;CHILD ESCAPED, POLICE SEEK SUSPECT
Printer-friendly versionUPDATE: Police have determined that this reported kidnapping was a hoax. La Mesa Police Officers responded to an attempted kidnapping that occurred at 4827 Parks Avenue in the city of La Mesa on January 1st at 6:55 p.m.. Officers met with the eight-year-old male victim and his aunt at the Parks Avenue address. The victim told officers he was
THREE TIPS FOR MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS STICK
Printer-friendly versionBy Carole Carson January 1, 2009 (San Diego) — Who hasn’t sat down on New Year’s Day and come up with changes–such as losing weight and exercising more–they’d like to make? Our good intentions, though, can pass as quickly as the weeks on the calendar. Before we know it, we’re facing yet another New Year with the same old
JUMPSTART YOUR RESOLUTION TO GET IN-SHAPE: EAST COUNTY FAMILY YMCA OFFERS FREE 12-WEEK PERSONAL FITNESS PROGRAM FOR MEMBERS
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2009 (Santee) — The East County Family YMCA wants to help kick start your exercise program in the New Year with their 12-Week Personal Fitness Program. The program is designed for the beginning exerciser or anyone who has been away from exercise for awhile as well as those individuals who are looking for guidance and structure
FEMALE CARJACKING SUSPECT ARRESTED BY LA MESA POLICE—THANKS TO TIP RECEIVED THROUGH CRIMESTOPPERS
Printer-friendly version December 30, 2008 — (La Mesa) On December 29, a woman was arrested for charges stemming from a carjacking that occurred at Grossmont Center a week ago. La Mesa Police Detectives and members of the Department’s Special Enforcement Detail arrested Crystal Buckingham, a 28 year old female, without incident at an apartment in the 1000 block of Peach
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT BOARD OFFICERS NAMED FOR ’09
Printer-friendly versionDecember 26, 2008 (La Mesa) — The five-member board of directors for the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD), a public agency that supports health-related community programs and services in San Diego’s East County, has elected its board officers for 2009. Elected unanimously were Jim Stieringer as president, Gloria Chadwick as vice president and Deborah McElravy as secretary. Stieringer appointed board
ARMED ROBBERY AT SUPER OSCAR’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN LA MESA; REWARD OFFERED
Printer-friendly versionDecember 27, 2008 (La Mesa) — Three armed men robbed the Super Oscar’s Restaurant located at 7102 University Avenue in La Mesa on Saturday, December 27th at 7:52 p.m. A customer in the drive-thru reported that armed subjects entered the front doors of the restaurant with handguns. Suspects pointed the weapons at three employees, jumped over the counter and
TOP 25 EAST COUNTY STORIES OF 2008
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 31, 2008–It’s been a tumultuous year for East County and the nation. Here are our choices for the most important news stories of 2008 that had broad impacts on San Diego’s eastern region–from heartwarming to heart-wrenching. (Note: watch for a separate "East County Newsmakers" feature next week on individuals making a difference in our region,
CALIFORNIA BUDGET IMPASSE CAUSES PARTISAN DIVIDE:
Printer-friendly version Governor refuses to sign measure with tax/fee increases to avoid deep cuts in education Republicans, Democrats trade sharp criticisms Senate leader seeks help from federal government to fund public works projects and jump start California economy By Miriam Raftery December 23, 2008 (San Diego’s East County)–Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez (D-Shafter) has written to Henry Paulson, Secretary of
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