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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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BB GUN SEIZED FROM LEMON GROVE STUDENT
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service December 17, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Students at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School saw a student with what appeared to be a firearm in his backpack on Friday, December 13, but didn’t report it to school staff until Monday, December 16. School administrators immediately contacted the Lemon Grove substation. Deputies questioned the 14-year-old student and
ECM WORLD WATCH
Printer-friendly versionDecember 17, 2024 — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Trump vows new Canada, Mexico, China tariffs that threaten global trade (Reuters) China bans exports to US of gallium, germanium,
TRAVELING TO THE UNITED KINGDOM? A UK ETA (ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION) VISA IS NEEDED STARTING JANUARY 8, 2025
Printer-friendly versionVisas required for other European countries as well By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson December 17, 2024 (San Diego) – The new year brings in new travel visa requirements for travel, even in transit, for the United Kingdom. Starting January 8, 2025, an ETA (electronic travel authorization) is required for American citizens and have it approved, and in place, if you
BUSINESS JOURNAL HONORS SAN DIEGO REGIONAL FIRE FOUNDATION LEADER JOAN JONES AS NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 17, 2024 (San Diego) – Joan Jones, Vice Chair and Executive Director of the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation, has been named Mid-Size Nonprofit Executive of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal. According to the Journal, Jones has raised $10 million for the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation, with a grant success
CALIFORNIANS PAY BILLIONS FOR POWER COMPANIES’ WILDFIRE PREVENTION EFFORTS. ARE THEY COST-EFFECTIVE?
Printer-friendly versionBy Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters Photo: contractors with PG&E work in a trench to lay underground electric cables in Placer County on Oct. 17, 2024. Burying lines and other wildfire prevention projects have raised the price of electricity in California. Photo by
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 16, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s round-up stories include: LOCAL Mysterious car-sized drones spotted in night sky above San Diego County (CBS 8) Desert sculptor who created iconic Borrego Springs creatures hospitalized (NBC 7) San
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 16, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH A twice-yearly shot could help end AIDS. But will it get to everyone who needs it? (AP) Hospitals gave patients meds during childbirth, then reported them for illicit drug use (USA Today) Brian
SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS MADE SIMPLE: HOW AND WHERE TO RECYCLE REAL CHRISTMAS TREES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionDrop-off locations and curbside pickup info for all San Diego County residents Source: I Love a Clean San Diego Image: CC via Bing December 14, 2024 (San Diego) — Did you know a Christmas tree can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill due to lack of oxygen? San Diego residents can help prevent waste and save
LESSONS FROM THE MAGIC HORSE
Printer-friendly version By Olivia Barnard December 10, 2024 (Lakeside) — I first met Robin Pawl and her horses Shelby, Indy, Ka Lio, and Phoenix on a Saturday afternoon. The faded Lakeside hills framed the riding center as hawks called out and the pepper trees swayed. I loved horses growing up, but I had never been on a ranch. I didn’t
CITIES, COUNTY IN CROSSHAIRS BETWEEN FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS OVER AIDING MASS DEPORTATION OF IMMIGRANTS
Printer-friendly version County approves tough migrant protections, but Sheriff says state laws should prevail; El Cajon Council weighs city’s legal and moral obligations Update: The letter sent by Mayor Wells to the Attorney General is now available here.The letter states that the City Council is considering a resolution declaring the city’s intent to “comply with federal immigration laws and assist
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
NEW EAST COUNTY FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER OPENS; HELPS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
Printer-friendly versionThe East County Family Justice Center , opened in mid-December, will offer a broad cross-section of services in one location for victims of domestic violence and their children. Assemblyman Joel Anderson, a supporter of efforts to assist victims of domestic violence, announced the opening in a newsletter to constituents. ”Over 3,000 domestic violence incidents are reported in San Diego
SANDBAGS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS
Printer-friendly version With wet weather expected throughout the week, CAL FIRE-San Diego County Fire Authority has sandbags available throughout the County. The sand and sand bags were graciously provided by the County of San Diego-Flood Control Engineering Group. Julian Station #501587 Highway 78 Julian, CA. 92036 Flinn Springs Station #21 9711 Flinn Springs Road EL Cajon, CA 92021 Rincon Station
COUNTY ANNOUNCES PLAN TO KEEP FIRE STATIONS OPEN
Printer-friendly versionState Budget Cuts Threaten Fire Stations; County Offers to Shift Staff to Protect Region December 23, 2008 (San Diego) —Acting swiftly to counteract California’s latest budget crisis, the County of San Diego has proposed to temporarily shift some firefighters from County-contracted stations to ensure that all 18 CAL FIRE stations remain open this year, according to a press release
RECESSION IN CALIFORNIA: SENATOR BOXER RELEASES REPORT
Printer-friendly version1 in 18 San Diego households face foreclosure; food bank demand up 50% December 23, 2008 (Washington, D.C.) — California Senator Barbara Boxer has prepared a report detailing impacts of the nation’s recession on California counties and cities. The report, based on interviews conducted with officials in 20 cities and all 58 counties, paints a stark picture of the
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