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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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SAN DIEGO SELF STORAGE DONATES BOXES FOR HAITI RELIEF EFFORTS
Printer-friendly version February 13, 2010 (San Diego)—-San Diego Self Storage’s Jamacha Point facility in Spring Valley donated 100 corrugated boxes for shipping supplies to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti. The boxes transported items collected at the Light of the World Church, including clothing, medical supplies, food and water. According to Area Manager David Osuna, "One of our employees, Zabdiel Zavaleta,
POLITICAL WRANGLING: A ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST NATIONAL, STATE AND SAN DIEGO COUNTY ELECTORAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionBy Buck Shott February 12, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Politics and rodeos have a lot in common. Both are tough and gritty—and unwary competitors are apt to wind up in the dirt. Here’s the rundown on the latest colorful political wrangling in races impacting our region. MUDSLING WATCH: It’s only February, but mud is already flying in
EDITORIAL: MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH BIODIESEL
Printer-friendly version "The year in which we were supposed to send U.S. and Russian astronauts to Jupiter began with two death blows to the biodiesel industry."–Tyson Gustus, broken-hearted Jezebel admirer/owner By Tyson Gustus I love my car. I even named her. Jezebel. Jezebel and I go back a long time. (In today’s disposable society, seven years is a
HELIX SUPPORTERS QUESTION MOTIVES AS DISTRICT MOVES FORWARD WITH CHARTER REVOCATION ATTEMPT
Printer-friendly version February 11, 2010 (La Mesa) – Tonight the Grossmont-Union High School District voted 4-0 to send a notice of intent to revoke the charter from Helix Charter High School. A public hearing will be held next month. (for background, see our previous story.) Now Helix supporters are firing back—contending that the district’s motives may be financial, not altruistic. Barry
SENATE RACE HEATS UP: FIORINA, SPEAKING IN SAN DIEGO, PLEDGES TO FOCUS ON BUSINESS & JOBS
Printer-friendly version ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR BALLOT INITIATIVE TO LIMIT LABOR SPENDING By Miriam Raftery February 11, 2010 (San Diego) – U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fioriona (www.carlyforcalifornia.com ), speaking at the Fairbanks Republican Women's luncheon on Tuesday, pledged to apply her business leadership skills to “grow the economy and cut spending.” She is battling two Republican challengers, former Congressman Tom Campbell (www.campbell.org) and Assemblyman Chuck DeVore
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE WIND FARM?
Printer-friendly version GONE WITH THE WIND: 25 wind turbines damaged; witness saw explosive blue light before Campo-area wind farm went dark “I saw a huge flash of blue out on the side of the hill where the windmills were. It started in the middle and spread out in all directions. It lit up the whole hillside the white-out of a snowstorm."–Ken Daubach,
CYCLIST KILLED IN COLLEGE AREA
Printer-friendly version February 11, 2010 (San Diego) – Juan Carlos Navarro, 38, was struck and killed February 8th by a dump truck while riding on his bicycle. Navarro was riding on a sidewalk on 54th Street at College Grove Drive when he attempted to pass a dump truck that was parked in a crosswalk, according to the Medical Examiner’s report
MARKETING MATTERS: FEATURES VS. BENEFITS – WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
Printer-friendly version TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS AND GROWTH By Rama Beerfas February 10, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – If you’ve ever taken a sales training class, you have probably heard the features vs. benefits marketing approach. I call this technique the WIIFM Factor – What’s in It for Me. When it comes right down to it, when
WOLFPACK, SULTANS TRIUMPH AFTER ACADEMIC LEAGUE’S WEEK 10
Printer-friendly version By Steve Haiman, Academic League Coordinator February 9, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — Never mind about the Super Bowl last Sunday–the Grossmont Union High School District had its version of the the Super Bowl last week at West Hills High School. In Junior Varsity Academic League action, two previously undefeated titans took each other on: the Granite
WANTED: MISS SANTEE AND MISS SANTEE TEEN CONTESTANTS
Printer-friendly version February 10, 2010 (Santee)—If you’re a Santee resident who would like to represent your city as a community ambassador and be eligible for scholarships, the Miss Santee Contest wants to hear from you. The competition is open to women ages 13-26. (Girls ages 6-12 should contact pageant officials for information on the Santee Princess Program.) Entry is free!
East County Roundup – September
Printer-friendly versionLinks to top stories in other publications on East County issues WATER RATIONING GROWS INCREASINGLY LIKELY San Diego Union-Tribune (Sept. 26, 2008) —| For the first time since 1992, San Diego is facing the possibility of water rationing, a step that could happen as soon as January. The threat is expected to loom for years as Southern California readjusts
Book It: New Library Opens in La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery La Mesa’s new library is a bookworm’s delight. A soaring wall of windows fills the library with sunlight, creating an inviting place for reading, studying, or browsing. Banks of computers, including some at child-sized desks, make the library an inviting place for people of all ages. Live music, face painting and a magic show for kids
New Border Patrol Facility Opens
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery New Campo Border Patrol facility (photo credit: Leon Thompson) Public reactions varied to a new Border Patrol/Homeland Security facility in East County varied sharply. One local conservative blogger thought it was a casino under construction, adding that it resembled “a palace.” But an immigrant rights supporter observed, “It looks like a prison.” Beauty, it appears, is
Green Beat – Green Citizenship: First Step to a Sustainable World
Printer-friendly versionBy Chuck Brands OK, I’m ticked off. This is going to be a bit of a rant that will touch on hot-button issues facing all of us. Just in case that prospect deters you from reading the rest, I’ll share this month’s green treat with you up front. Wanna be a “green” know-it-all? Visit www.green.alltop.com daily for the single
“Delana’s Dirty Pizza” Wins Charity Cook-Off at New Sammy’s in La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionIf you’re a fan of Sammy’s Wood-fired Pizza, check out "Delana’s Dirty Pizza" featured on the menu through mid-September. The creation concocted by Delana Bennett of Star 94.1 radio’s “Jeff and Jer Showgram” was judged the winner during a charity cook-off held August 13th to kick off the grand opening of Sammy’s newest location in the La Mesa Trolley
The Will Power Report – Solar Roofs
Printer-friendly version Nothing but the Truth! By Will Power The real unemployment rate in the U.S. is over 7%. Many people have stopped looking for jobs. Particularly hard hit is the construction business, due to the mortgage meltdown. The thin-film solar panel business needs a government subsidy and tax breaks for homeowners who install prefab solar panels. The new laser-deposited
Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Printer-friendly version Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze By E.A. Barrera “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully unprepared.” — San Diego County Grand
Faith, Science and Anti-Catholicism: “THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE”
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Courtesy of 20th Century Fox. “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2 King James Bible “THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE” is a solid, if not often campy thriller involving the nightmares and paranoia many science-fiction fans crave. The
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