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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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SLOW SMOKED TURKEY TIME AT CALI COMFORT THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 22
Printer-friendly versionNovember 16, 2012 (Spring Valley) – Cali Comfort BBQ Restaurant will be open to celebrate Thanksgiving the Cali Comfort Way from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A catering package is available for dine in or take-out. The package feeds up to 6 people and includes slow smoked whole turkey, country stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, wedding beans, mac-n-cheese and
ZEEK REWARDS: DID YOU “LIKE” IT?
Printer-friendly versionRegulators liken penny auction site to Ponzi scheme By Rebecca J. Williamson November 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) — What has 3,493 “likes” on one participant’s Facebook page that may turn into “hates” and lawsuits? The answer? ZEEK REWARDS — an online penny auction house that is under investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for financial fraud.
HOLIDAYS SERVE AS WAKE-UP CALL THAT LOCAL ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS NEED HELP
Printer-friendly version“10 Holiday Warning Signs” Your Senior Is In Trouble By Stacey Hilton November 16, 2012 (San Diego) — The holiday season may be one of the few times local families get together and realize their elderly loved ones are in deep trouble and need immediate help. Adult children who don’t live nearby often come home to holiday heartbreak with
ON THE SILVER SCREEN: STAND TALL AND DELIVER (LINCOLN)
Printer-friendly versionBy Brian Lafferty November 16, 2012 (San Diego) – Earlier this year I interviewed for a volunteer position. The interviewer looked at my resume and asked, “What’s your least favorite part of being a film critic?” I was stumped. My work at East County Magazine unites two of my biggest passions – movies and writing – and I love
WOOD’N’ LIPS HOSTS OPEN MIC THURSDAYS AT KAFFEE MEISTER IN SANTEE
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (Santee) – Kaffee Meister a5 9225 Carlton Oaks Blvd., Santee is hosting Open Mic nights every Thursday evening. The nights are hosted by the group Wood’n’ Lips, whose musicians, Gregory Gross, Bari Zwirn and Tim Woods, handle the lottery drawings for spaces and provide the guidelines for performers. It’s an opportunity to perform in front of
THANKSGIVING DINNER AT BLEU BOHEME NOVEMBER 22
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Bleu Boheme, 4090 Adams Avenue, San Diego, will be serving dinner on Thanksgiving from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The special prix fixe menu is $48.95 per person and $16.95 for the children’s menu. Menu items include: Soupe de Citrouille – pumpkin-hominy soup with crispy parsnips and chive crème fraiche Dindon a Prepare
CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL WARNS OF PHONY CALLS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (San Diego) — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has received calls from San Diego residents stating that they have been contacted by individuals claiming to be a law enforcement employee. The callers will identify themselves as members of the California Highway Patrol, will provide false information regarding a loved one or relative and make various demands.
FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER: FIRE PREVENTION AND FLU PREVENTION
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Fire prevention and flu prevention stages? We just changed our smoke detector batteries with daylight savings this weekend for fire preventive measures. Flu season is among us and like fire prevention, it’s important to take cold/flu preventive measures. Emergency rooms become saturated this time of year due to those with the flu. Unfortunately
BIRD TALK: RARE BIRDS IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionBy Greg Dunne November 15, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–We have our share of rare bird sightings now and then in our East County. The three I am going to talk about are the Greater White-Fronted Goose, the Nutmeg Mannikin, and the Vermilion Flycatcher. The Vermilion Flycatcher and the Nutmeg Mannikin are going to be the hardest to spot
SPORTSPLEX USA DONATES $1410 TO SANTEE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUNDATION
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (Santee) – On October 29, Sportsplex USA will made a donation to the Santee School District Foundation in the amount of $1410.00. Sportsplex USA and the Santee School District Foundation (SSDF) have partnered with the goal of offering affordable recreational youth indoor soccer programs to all parents and children in Santee. Since the partnership with the
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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