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AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the Department of Animal Services, appointing…
News Issues
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
Boulevard residents battle proposed Starlight Solar battery storage facility; urge community to attend town hall meeting April 15
By Miriam Raftery Photo: proposed Starlight Solar site, via County of San Diego April 4, 2026 (Boulevard) – Should a 588-acre solar project with one…
Politics
Latest No Kings rallies draw 70,000 in San Diego County, 8 million nationwide
70,000 San Diego County residents join 8 million nationwide in No Kings demonstrations, the largest ever U.S. protest By Miriam Raftery March 31, 2026 (San…
El Cajon City Council denies Afghan Center’s appeal for prayer tent extension
East County News Service March 30, 2026 (El Cajon ) — The El Cajon City Council last week unanimously upheld a decision by the city’s…
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
Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona
East County News Service April 5, 2026 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the 2026 Cheers to the…
Destination East County: Festive events in mid-April and May 2026
By Miriam Raftery April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – As April continues, drifting into the merry month of May, there are many unique…
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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
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the
Features
Historic landmark to anchor new travel center in Jamul
Artist’s rendering of coming Barretts Travel Center in Jamul (Photo courtesy Kirvin Doak Communications ) East County News Service April
Photo of the week: Jacumba sunset
April 6, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Martin Eder sent in this photo, taken along Interstate 8 just west of
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SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL APRIL 25: CONSERVATION IN BLOOM
Printer-friendly versionMarch 26, 2009 (El Cajon) – If you haven’t yet experienced the Spring Garden Festival, be sure to mark your calendars for April 25th. The annual event drew more than 7,000 people last year and is quickly becoming one of East County’s premier attractions. Live music, Native American dancing, arts and crafts, food, plant sales, water-wise gardening, tree-care advice
POLICE SEEK MAN WHO APPROACHED GIRL AT LA MESA BIG LOTS STORE
Printer-friendly versionMarch 22, 2009 (La Mesa)–La Mesa Police ask the public’s help in identifying a man who solicited a phone number from a young teen outside the Big Lots store on Lake Murray Boulevard last night. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward. Printer-friendly version
SPRING BREAK! WHERE TO HAVE FUN IF YOU’RE STAYING IN TOWN
Printer-friendly versionMarch 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — With the economy in the tank, many college students are staying in San Diego over spring break. So after you get sunburned at the beach, what’s there to do for the rest of the week? Check out our guide to the coolest spots to have fun in San Diego’s eastern region.
THE RENO REPORT: SDSU BASKETBALL RE-ENTERS THE ARENA
Printer-friendly versionViejas invests in a gem By Jamie Reno Exclusive for East County Magazine March 23, 2009 (San Diego)–As a wide-eyed young journalism student making my way across the San Diego State University campus for the first time in the Fall of 1984, I was energized by the thought that I was about to attend a top-notch J school and
ATTORNEY TRACY EMBLEM ENTERS 50TH CONGRESSIONAL RACE: DEMOCRAT PLEDGES TO REBUILD THE ECONOMY; JOBS, HOUSING AND HEALTHCARE ARE TOP PRIORITIES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 23, 2009 (San Diego)–Honored as outstanding advocate by Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, Tracy Emblem now wants to fight for the rights of people in the 50th Congressional District who need help with healthcare, housing, and jobs. "Brian Bilbray has not been an effective leader. He hasn’t brought back any jobs to our community," Emblem
BILBRAY COAUTHORS BILL TO EXEMPT SOLAR FARMS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; FEINSTEIN SEEKS TO BLOCK DESERT SOLAR FARM DUE TO SEVERE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 23, 2009 (San Diego)–Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-San Diego) has coauthored H.R. 964, a measure that would exempt any solar energy project on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands from Environmental Impact Report requirements. Sempra Energy, Bilbray’s third largest campaign contributor, seeks to import power from desert solar farms on BLM lands. On Friday, California’s
VIEJAS HOSTS INTER-TRIBAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Printer-friendly version 1st place Barona team March 17, 2009 (San Diego) — The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians hosted the Inter-Tribal Sports (ITS) Basketball Championships on the Viejas Reservation on Sunday, March 15. The sports league, consisting of teams from 16 different tribes or tribal organizations in the Southern California area, provides athletic opportunities along with native cultural and spiritual
POWERLINK BATTLE MOVES TO FEDERAL FRONT AMID GROWING CONTROVERSIES OVER SDG&E
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 19, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–The next phase in the battle over Sunrise Powerlink, which was approved in December by the California Public Utilities Commission, now moves to the federal level. In the past week, several key developments have occurred under the Obama administration that could impact whether or not Sempra’s Powerlink Project will win
SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM ADVANCES TO NCAA POST-SEASON FOR 1ST TIME IN 12 YEARS
Printer-friendly versionMarch 19, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego State University’s women’s basketball team, the Aztecs, will play in the NCAA Basketball Championships for the first time since 1997 and the seventh time in the team’s history. The team will face off against DePaul University’s Blue Demons at 5 p.m. at Cox Arena on Saturday. "To be able to play at
ANDERSON BILL TO BLUR GOOGLE EARTH IMAGES SPARKS NATIONAL CONTROVERSY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 18, 2009 (San Diego)–Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) has introduced AB 255, a bill that seeks to prevent terrorist acts by blurring online images of schools, government buildings, churches and medical facilities through Google Earth and other online aerial mapping technologies. The measure has drawn the attention of CNN News and sparked a debate among high-tech
7 BANDS HOLD CONCERT TO HELP FIRE VICTIMS OCT 4
Printer-friendly versionROC For Fire Relief Concert and Fire Expo Helps Neighbors, Celebrates Heroes Saturday, October 4th, 2008 12:00pm to 10:00pm Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, Lakeside www.rocsd.net Listen to music from the bands. October 1, 2008 (Lakeside) – “Relief is still needed in a serious way,” said Randy Seol of the band Strawberry Alarm Clock, a longtime San Diego resident who
CHEAP CHIC: SAVOR A RESALE FASHION SHOPPING SPREE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 22, 2008 (LA MESA) – If your budget is tight amid today’s rising prices, take heart! A fun way to shrink your clothing budget without sacrificing style is to treat yourself to a shopping spree in a delightful East County resale shop. My personal favorite resale outlet is Act II, which has two stores in
ALPINE BUSINESS NETWORKING ASSOCATION LAUNCHED
Printer-friendly version September 30, 2008 (ALPINE) – More than 50 business owners gathered at the Liar’s Club restaurant in Alpine Aug. 21 to celebrate the launch of the Alpine Business Networking Association ABNA). “`Fun in marketing’ is the key phrase to describe this organization,” said Greg Fox, president of ABNA. “What we are about is promoting the personal interaction of
A PURR-FECT PLACE
Printer-friendly versionAt new Tiger Trails haven in Alpine, rescued tigers run, swim for first time By Miriam Raftery September 17, 2008 (ALPINE) – Q: What happens when you take four captive-bred tigers and turn them loose in a facility large enough for them to run freely for the first time? A: A cat-aclysmic event complete with romping, frolicking and caterwauling,
HEROES HELPING HEROES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery What can be more heartwarming than a tale of heroes banding together to help victims of two devastating tragedies—East County wildfires and the 9/11 terrorist attacks? On September 11th, the City of La Mesa held a memorial service honoring rescue workers and victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The event, held at the City’s 9/11 memorial
THE GREENING OF LA MESA – MAYOR ART MADRID SHARES HIS VISION
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Mayor Madrid (R) with Shane Shaw of E-Village Beneath solar panel display at “Sustain La Mesa” festival Crowds flocked to view cooking demonstrations on solar ovens, visit with solar energy experts, get tips on water-saving landscaping and more at Sustain La Mesa, the City’s first annual Environmental Awareness Festival on September 13th in Harry Griffith Park.
CANDIDATE FORUMS & BALLOT INITIATIVE PRESENTATIONS
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THE CITY OF LA MESA’S FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly versionTHE CITY OF LA MESA’S FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL La Mesa will conduct its First Annual Environmental Awareness “Sustain La Mesa” Festival on: Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St. A total of 21 booths including education displays, light bulb exchange, recycling of non-hazardous materials, free shopping bags
Register to Vote!
Printer-friendly versionVoter registration drives are being held at several East County locations listed below. You must be registered by October 20th to vote in the November 4th presidential election. Registering in person means you don’t have to worry about forms getting lost in the mail or arriving too late. If you’re not yet registered, you can sign up at any
WATER SHORTAGE REVIVES RECYCLED WATER PROPOSALS
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Photos by Daisy Sharrock October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Water is the single biggest issue facing the future of San Diego County. Even the process for updating San Diego County’s land use general plan – the so-called General Plan 2020 process – depends on the availability and amount of water the area will sustain. "Water
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