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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 federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal immigration agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in
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 — the first located in East County — on Monday in El Cajon. The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues. The unit
News Issues
‘Bill Walton Way’ coming to a street near you in La Mesa
Printer-friendly version The Boys & Girls Club of East County La Mesa Clubhouse honored local basketball star Bill Walton by naming the gym after Walton in 2018. Walton died of colon cancer at age 71 in 2024. Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 14, 2026 (La Mesa) — Bill Walton, who preferred
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 East County Advanced Water Purification Program Story and photos by Paul Levikow April 13, 2026 (Santee) — After more than a half-century of water reuse in East County, the Ray
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 seeking to codify strict regulations on electric bicycles, specifically looking to protect riders under 12. On Tuesday, the La Mesa City Council unanimously voted to establish a new e-bike safety pilot program
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 East County Advanced Water Purification Program Story and photos by Paul Levikow April 13, 2026 (Santee) — After more than a half-century of water reuse in East County, the Ray
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 versionWater Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News Service April 1, 2026 (Jamul) – Jamul Casino Resort has been recognized with two prestigious ADDY Awards from AAF Reno, earning a Gold ADDY and Best of Show in the
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 a day of games, community and advocacy on Saturday, April 18 at the Rock House in Lakeside. The first-ever “Canine Carnival” is set for April 18 while a slumber party that starts
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 an early wildflower bloom in Borrego, now is a perfect time for a day trip through San Diego County’s beautiful backcountry, including mountain and desert destinations. Making the pilgrimage to
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 stories. This year, we’ve had requests from readers to cover lots of important local issues, but costs have soared with inflation. We need your help to report on local news
People
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);
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 bowls, beds, blankets, crates/carriers, leashes,…
Communities
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);
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 — the first located in East County — on Monday in El Cajon. The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues. The unit
Features
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);
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 federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal immigration agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in
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CHP SHOOTS, KILLS MOTORIST AFTER HIGH-SPEED PURSUIT IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version December 2, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—A driver observed driving a Chevrolet Tahoe erratically at a high speed on I-8 early this morning refused to pull over, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit. The driver ultimately exited the freeway in the Granite Hills neighobrhood, lost control and rolled over. “The driver, who was the sole occupant of the
SABOTAGE SUSPECTED AT SAN ONOFRE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
Printer-friendly versionDespite disturbing finding, Edison seeks to restart trouble-prone nuclear facility Hearing Nov. 30 in Laguna Hills as nine cities voice concerns over safety issues By Miriam Raftery November 30, 2012 (San Diego)—Southern California Edison has notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of possible sabotage at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating facility, after finding coolant poured in the oil reservoir of
PASSAGES: FORMER GUHSD BOARD PRESIDENT LARRY URDAHL, RESPECTED PUBLIC EDUCATION ADVOCATE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 1, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Larry Urdahl, a former Alpine resident who served as President of the Grossmont Union High School District Board and as a Trustee from 2004-2008, has died of liver cancer on November 28 at a hospital in Sedona, Arizona. Urdahl also served as president of the Alpine High School
READER’S EDITORIAL: MAYOR FILNER’S BINATIONAL OFFICE IN TIJUANA IS LONG OVERDUE
Printer-friendly versionBy Patrick Osio December 1, 2012 (San Diego)–The election of Bob Filner as Mayor of San Diego can have positive trans-border economic growth with his plan of San Diego’s opening an office in Tijuana for direct and timely communications with that city’s mayor, other city and state officials and business and community leaders. It’s long overdue. To be sure, the idea of
WATER AUTHORITY BOARD APPROVES LANDMARK SEAWATER DESALINATION PROJECT
Printer-friendly versionCarlsbad plant expected to produce first water in 2016 December 1, 2012 (San Diego) — , 2012 (San Diego)–The San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors on Thursday voted to approve a landmark agreement to purchase up to 56,000 acre-feet of water annually from what will be the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant in Carlsbad, Calif. The plant
AVOID THESE HOLIDAY HAZARDS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 1, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–Heartland Fire & Rescue and Rady Children’s Hospital offer the following advice to keep you and your family safe this holiday season. Burns: The typical burn injury seen during the holidays is a scald. When adults enjoy hot liquids during colder weather, a small child may reach up for your cup and spill
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: SILENT BEAUTY
Printer-friendly version December 1, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Melody Ponchot has provided us with a dazzling set of photographs that are a study in contrasts, some shot in the snow-covered rural landscape around her home in Boulevard, others taken at Valley of the Moon, a boulder-strewn terrain east of Jacumba. In both places, there is tranquility in the
LAWYERS CLUB TO HONOR JUDICIARY IN EAST AND NORTH COUNTIES
Printer-friendly versionDecember 1, 2012 (San Diego) — Lawyers Club of San Diego will host two special events to honor the judiciary of East and North Counties. Lawyers Club, a bar association founded in 1972 with the mission “to advance the status of women in the law and society,” now has more than 1000 members and celebrated its 40th anniversary this
EDITORIAL: FAR EAST PROJECT PRESENTS SKEWED VIEW OF EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery, Editor December 1, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–I looked forward to a debut last night of the Far East Project, which promised to showcase photos, art, poetry and essays telling the stories of East County. Sadly, the resulting book, The Far East Project: Everything Just as it is, fails to live up to its promises to
CHAMBER HOLIDAY MIXER TO HELP TOYS FOR TOTS DECEMBER 6
Printer-friendly versionDecember 1, 2012 (Poway)—This year’s Holiday Mixer, hosted by the Poway Chamber of Commerce, will be at The Brigantine Seafood Restaurant on December 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Chamber invites all members of the Poway business community to mingle and build business at this festive event. The Brigantine Seafood is located at 13445 Poway Road, Poway, CA 92064. Holiday
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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