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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

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

Wildfires and Emergencies

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

People

Communities

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

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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HOLIDAY COUPONS ARE HERE!

Printer-friendly versionWant your company’s coupon added?  Just $100 if you provide the artwork, or add $35 if you need lay-out. Email ads@eastcountymagazine.org to reserve your space.  We also have very affordable display ads available to brighten your retail business this holiday season! To view our holiday coupons, click here. Printer-friendly version

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BOULEVARD RESIDENTS AND MANZANITA TRIBAL MEMBERS SPEAK OUT ON WIND TURBINE HEALTH CONCERNS

Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 12, 2012 (Boulevard)—At the latest Boulevard Planning Group meeting, community members including Native Americans shared heart-wrenching stories of how the nation’s quest for renewable energy is upending their lives, dividing their communities,imperiling their health, and threatening their futures. As in Ocotillo, where a wind project has anguished tribal members and residents with destruction of cultural

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VIEJAS OUTLETS KICK OFF HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON NOV. 16

Printer-friendly version Special late-night hours plus opening of Southern California’s largest outdoor ice rink November 13, 2012 (Alpine) – The Viejas Outlets will officially kick off the holiday season Friday, November 16 with the Grand Opening of Southern California’s largest outdoor ice rink, as well as special late-night store hours and promotions. The Viejas Outlets’  ice rink has quickly grown

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WRAP-UP ON LOCAL PROPOSITIONS: POT SALES, TAX HIKES, CHARTER CITY STATUS AND MORE

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 13, 2012 (San Diego) – In Colorado and Washington, voters decided it’s high time to legalize recreational marijuana use. But locally, voters in Lemon Grove, Imperial Beach and Solana Beach defeated initiatives that would have allowed medical marijuana dispensaries. Labor scored a win in Escondido, where a charter city ballot proposition was defeated by a

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AS COUNT CONTINUES, SOME RACES NARROW WHILE OTHERS WIDEN; JUST 7 VOTES SEPARATE CANDIDATES IN ONE EAST COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Printer-friendly version By Bill Weaver November 13, 2012 (San Diego)—On Election Night, several important races in San Diego and East County were too close to call.  Counting is underway of mail-in and provisional ballots at the County Registrar of Voters, where about 210,000 ballots countywide remain to be counted.  Scott Peters appears to have ousted Congressman Brian Bilbray, with a

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SUPPORT LOCAL MERCHANTS ON SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY NOV. 24

Printer-friendly versionNovember 13, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Small Business Saturday aims to help support local merchants in communities across America.  This year, Saturday November 24 is Small Business Saturday-sandwiched between “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.” The Small Business Association and American Express urge consumers to support participating businesses in your community. Qualified small businesses can get free online advertising and

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MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOV. 18 TO DEPICT A CENTENNIAL OF HISTORY IN EL CAJON

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 12, 2012 (El Cajon) – In honor of El Cajon’s centennial celebration, each chapter of this year’s 66th annual Mother Goose Parade will be dedicated to a 10-year period of the city’s history. Mayor Mark Lewis will be the grand marshall of the parade, which features elaborate floats, equestrians, marching bands, and Santa Claus to

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ATTENTION HOLIDAY SHOPPERS: DESCANSO ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR ON NOVEMBER 17

Printer-friendly versionNovember 13, 2012 (Descanso) – Looking for some hand-crafted, locally made gifts this holiday season? Visit the Descanso Town Hall at 24536 Viejas Grade on November 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Arts & Crafts Fair.  Many local artists and craftspeople will be displaying their wares for sale.  Items include paintings, photography, jewelry, decorative gourds, custom

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A VARIETY OF CONCERTS AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE IN NOVEMBER

Printer-friendly versionNovember 13, 2012 (El Cajon) – No matter what music you prefer, you’ll find a concert to suit your tastes at Cuyamaca College this month.  All performances are held in the Performing Arts Theatre, 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $8 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors. November 15

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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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