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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
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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 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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37TH ANNUAL EAST COUNTY TOY AND FOOD DRIVE DEC. 5
Printer-friendly versionNovember 27, 2012 (Alpine) – The 37th Annual East County Toy and Food Drive is December 5 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Viejas DreamCatcher Lounge, Viejas Casino, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine. Drop by anytime during the event and sample heavy hors d’oeuvres, participate in opportunity drawings and silent & live auctions. The suggested donation is $20 per person.
SANTA BREAKFAST & VIEJAS TOY DRIVE DEC. 1
Printer-friendly versionNovember 27, 2012 (Alpine) – The Alpine Community Center, with Viejas Enterprises, presents Breakfast with Santa on December 1 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the community center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., Alpine. A buffet style breakfast of pancakes, sausages and eggs will be served. The event will also feature arts and crafts, decorate your own cookie, door prizes,
ARBOR DAY 2012 AT MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK DECEMBER 1
Printer-friendly versionNovember 27, 2012 (San Diego) – Arbor Day in Mission Trails is being celebrated at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground day use parking lot on December 1. Everyone is invited to take part in the planting of oak trees. Volunteers may help with the planting, or as act as cheerleaders for those that are. Volunteers are also need to pull
MILLILONS OF CALIFORNIA SENIORS, CHILDREN AND DISABLED COULD BE HARMED BY LAME DUCK CONGRESSIONAL DEAL TO CUT SOCIAL SECURITY, MEDICARE AND MEDICAID
Printer-friendly versionOpponents to deliver photos of loved ones to be harmed by cuts at Rep. Hunter’s office Wed. November 27, 2012 (Oakland)–Nearly 5 million Californians could be negatively impacted if Congress cuts Social Security, including 662,232 people with disabilities and 364,365 children, according to a new AFL-CIO report. Of 11 million Californians who get health care coverage from Medicaid, 4.4 million children and nearly a
BOXER ANNOUNCES MEASURE TO INCREASE MILITARY WOMEN’S ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND ABORTIONS WHEN RAPED
Printer-friendly versionNovember 27, 2012 (San Diego)— A startling 28% of all women serving in the military report being victims of sexual assault. Now the Senate Armed Services Committee approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 that would give women serving in our military the same access to affordable reproductive health care as federal civilian
ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 28, 2012 — (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflecti all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S.
ALPINE’S 17TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS & SNOW SLEDDING DEC. 7
Printer-friendly versionNovember 25, 2012 (Alpine) – Santa will be riding his sled down Alpine Blvd. on Dec 7 at 6:30 p.m. for the 17th annual Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights. Following the parade Santa and his helpers will light the Alpine Community Christmas Tree at the Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Road accompanied by a holiday sing-a-long. After
SPACE STATION TO BE VISIBLE OVER EAST COUNTY SATURDAY
Printer-friendly versionNovember 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Thanks to reader Tom Lemon for letting us know that the International Space Station will be visible over East County this week. You can check this NASA site to learn about viewing opportunities in your community: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html. Best viewing will be on Saturday, December 1 around 5:40 a.m., Lemon advises. “Astronomers like the
READER’S EDITORIAL: TELL CONGRESS– DON’T RENEW TAX CREDITS FOR INDUSTRIAL WIND PROJECTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Terry Weiner, Desert Protective Council November 23, 2012 (San Diego)—There is a real danger that Production Tax Credits (PTCs) for industrial wind projects will be extended. They are due to expire at year’s end, but Congress may vote soon on a proposal to extend those credits. Extension of PTCs could be surreptitiously attached as a rider to the upcoming
2 CPUC OFFICIALS RECOMMEND DENIAL OF QUAIL BRUSH AND PIO PICO POWER PLANT APPLICATIONS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 26, 2012 (San Diego) – California Public Utilities Commissioner Mark Ferron has issued a draft decision finding no current need for the Quail Brush and Pio Pico gas-fired power plants proposed by SDG&E at Mission Trails and Otay Mesa. He concludes the plants would not be needed until at least 2018—and then only if a Carlsbad power plant
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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