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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
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
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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RESIDENTS HOPE TO BUY POWAY MOBILEHOME PARK FROM CITY
Printer-friendly version By D.R. Schwab February 3, 2010 (Poway) — It would be a first for Poway: Converting a city-owned mobile home park to resident ownership. For the second time in six years, it’s something that residents of Poway Royal Mobile Estates, the City’s largest mobile home park, are attempting to do. Residents of the 501-acre, nearly 400-space sprawling
YEE-HA! LAKESIDE COMMUNITY EXPO AT RODEO GROUNDS PROVES CROWD-PLEASER FOR YOUNG AND OLD
Printer-friendly version February 3, 2010 (Lakeside) – Gunshots rang out on Saturday at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, where historical re-enactors from the Hole in the Wall Gang staged a mock Western-style shootout. Members of the Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society looked on, clad in elegant period attire. It was all part of the Lakeside Community Expo sponsored by
BODY OF MAN, 23, FOUND ON HORSE TRAIL IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version February 3, 2010 (Alpine) – Riders on a horse trail about three-quarters of a mile northeast of 3589 Cougar Summit in Alpine found the body of a Hispanic man on January 31st shortly before 4 p.m. Authorities were not able to extricate the body until the next day, due to nightfall and difficult terrain. According to the
LAKESIDE CITIZENS PUT SDG&E OFFICIALS IN HOT SEAT OVER POWERLINK IMPACTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery “How can you sit there and say it’s safe to be there when that canyon has burned every year—and you’re going to put those towers up, leave us with no power, and we only have one way in and one way out?” — Myles Thurman, Lakeside February 3, 2010 (Lakeside) – San Diego Gas & Electric officials received
RAIN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
Printer-friendly version February 3, 2010 (San Diego) – Light rain is forecast for Friday and Saturday, possibly continuing into Sunday throughout San Diego County, the National Weather Service predicts. Rain is expected to be less severe than other recent storms, with major flooding unlikely, though streams may overflow. Mudslides and debris flows are possible in burned areas, however, and snow
NEW REPORT DETAILS IMMIGRANTS IN OUR REGION
Printer-friendly version February 2, 2010 (San Diego) – A statewide report on immigrants released this week reveals that 23% of residents in San Diego County are immigrants—and nearly half (45%) of those immigrants are citizens. Of all children in the region, 43% have at least one immigrant parent. These and other intriguing findings are based on data collected in the
MAYOR MADRID’S PERSPECTIVES: THE PAST YEAR, THE NEW YEAR, AND THE FUTURE OF LA MESA
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery February 2, 2010 (La Mesa)–In an exclusive interview, La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid offered his perspectives on the past year and the coming one. Despite challenging economic times for communities across America, La Mesa has weathered the storm in better shape than many. Mayor Madrid provides insights into the city’s successes, future challenges, and new
FIRE DESTROYS MOBILE HOME IN VALLEY CENTER
Printer-friendly version February 2, 2010 (Valley Center) Cal Fire responded to a structure fire in Valley Center today at approximately 3:21pm, finding a double wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames. The elderly resident told fire officials that when he returned home, he noticed the house was full of smoke when he opened the front door and a neighbor called
BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: EAGLES SOAR OVER HIGHLANDERS, 64-55
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr February 2, 2010 (La Mesa) – Last Friday’s basketball game at Helix High School between the host Highlanders and the visiting Eagles of Granite Hills High School had its share of scoring runs by both teams. The only problem for Helix was that Granite Hills’ scoring runs were longer in duration as the Eagles prevailed with
NEARLY 100 BIRDS, DOZENS OF MICE DIE AFTER EATING BIRD SEED SOLD AT LOCAL WAL-MART, EAST COUNTY LEADERS REPORT
Printer-friendly version UPDATE FEBRUARY 2, 2010 : The FDA has taken samples to test and launched an official investigation, also pulling seed bags from other local retailers, ECM has learned. In addition, samples have been sent to the manufacturer to test for toxins or contaminants. By Miriam Raftery January 31, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Milt and Laura
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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