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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
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

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

Supporters flee Swalwell’s governor campaign amid allegations of sexual assault
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeanne Kuang and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: U.S. Rep. Eric
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
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

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

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

Mountain Empire Art Show Debuts April 15 in Boulevard
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Boulevard) — The Backcountry Resource Center in Boulevard will be busy this Wednesday,
Features
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
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
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“NICE” NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
Printer-friendly version Which East County residents have been good citizens in 2009, striving to make our commuity or our world a better place? Please send us your nomination –along wih a one-paragraph description of why you believe your nominee is deserving of praise. We’re looking for nominees in all categories –including education, business and labor, politics, philanthropy, healthcare,
DO YOU OWN ANY OF THESE DANGEROUS PRODUCTS?
Printer-friendly version December 31, 2009 (Washington D.C.) — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports recalls on the following products, including wooden toys, dehumidifiers, play yards, bassinets, diving equipment, water heater valves, knives, and high chairs. Get details: Wooden Toys Recalled by Kendamaspot Due to Violation of Lead Paint Ban http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10095.html Dehumidifiers Recalled by LG Electronics
TOYOTA OF EL CAJON HONORED BY BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
Printer-friendly version December 30, 2009 (El Cajon)–Toyota of El Cajon has been honored for ethical business practices by the San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB), San Diego’s largest county wide business organization. The local auto dealership managed by brothers Gary and Greg Kaminsky was selected as a winner of a 2009 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in the 100-to-249
POWAY WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ROBBING BANKS
Printer-friendly version December 30, 2009 (Poway) – Roxanne Pennock, 37, was arrested near her Poway resident today for suspected armed robbery of two local banks. The first occurred at the San Diego National Bank (Community Road & Poway Road) on September 30th. The second robbery occurred at the US Bank (Scripps Poway Parkway & Pomerado Road) on October 13th.
EAST COUNTY HOMEOWNERSHIP FAIR JAN. 16
Printer-friendly version December 29, 2009 (El Cajon) — If you are a current homeowner, or have questions on becoming a first time homebuyer, plan to attend the 5th Annual East County Homeownership Fair on Saturday, January 16, 2010 in El Cajon. The free event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center located at
LEFT HOOK: SYMBIOTIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Printer-friendly version By Walter Davis January 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — It is unlikely that many in this country would intentionally choose to deposit waste material in their water and then drink it. That is the prevailing choice with fossil fuel burning vehicles that spew toxic gases in the air at baby stroller level, as they travel down our neighborhood avenues.
WHAT’S NEW IN KNEE REPLACEMENTS? FIND OUT AT FEB. 1 SEMINAR
Printer-friendly version Feb. 1 – People who suffer with knee arthritis, stiffness and pain have new options for knee surgery that result in less pain and faster recovery than traditional knee replacement. At this seminar, learn about new, less-invasive procedures. Also learn about Sharp’s nationally and internationally recognized Joint Endeavor Program®, a patient-centered approach to quality care, the program aims
MURDER-SUICIDE AT BARONA
Printer-friendly version4:27 p.m., December 29 2009 (Lakeside, CA) — Two are confirmed dead at the Barona Gaming Commission office, Sheriff William Gore confirmed minutes ago. "It appears to be a murder-suicide," said Gore, adding that homicide is investigating. The gunman, Donnell Roberts, 38, killed himself and another man whose name is being withheld, pending notification of next of kin. The
GUNMAN AT BARONA; SHOTS FIRED, SWAT TEAM DISPATCHED
Printer-friendly version Update 12:45 p.m. A Sheriff’s spokeperson informed ECM that the sniper took seven hostages but has since released them. She was unable to confirm whether there are any additional hostages. The suspect has barricaded himself in an office and SWAT team negotiators are on hand. Channel 10 News reports the gunman is Donnell Roberts, a former gaming commission
MAN ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO LURE SPRING VALLEY GIRLS INTO VAN IS FREE ON BAIL
Printer-friendly version December 29, 2009 (Spring Valley) – Francisco Daniel, 40, has been arrested on two counts of annoying or molesting a child. He is currently out on bail and will have a hearing in January in connection with approaching middle school aged-girls near La Presa Middle School in Spring Valley. According to the Sheriff’s Department, a Hispanic male

As politics in San Diego has shifted blue over the last decades, local broadcast industry has turned MAGA red
Printer-friendly versionTrump Supporters Will Soon Control Most TV News Stations in San Diego By J.W. August December 7, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego County’s voter makeup has gone from red to blue over the decades, and there’s no better example in recent years than the evolving Democratic majority on the San Diego City Council and county Board of Supervisors.

East County AWP construction boosts cost, but officials say recycled water supply is worth the price
Printer-friendly versionBy Mike Allen Photo: Education Center at AWP plant December 5, 2025 (Santee) — Three years into construction, the massive East County Advanced Water Purification Program is approaching the finish line late next year when the region’s sewage now being treated at Point Loma will be pumped to a new Santee plant and converted to drinkable, purified water.

Loveland Reservoir draining underway brings pushback from East County residents
Printer-friendly version Loveland Reservoir showing what is left of the public fishing zone. Photo by Ostan Patton By Karen Pearlman Dec. 5, 2025 (Alpine) – It’s been three years since Loveland Reservoir was drained by Sweetwater Authority to “deadpool” level for the first time ever, leaving the area susceptible to environmental challenges, killing fish and increasing fire hazards. Now another extreme draining is underway by Sweetwater

Fiery crash in Ranchita kills girl, 8, injures seven others
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service December 4, 2025 (Ranchita) – An 8-year-old girl has died and seven other people injured, including children, in a multi-vehicle collision Sunday afternoon, November 30 on San Felipe Road south of Montezuma Valley Road. Alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol. “Dozens of first responders worked

County officials respond to November coyote attack at UTC
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service A coyote peers out from near Cowles Mountain in 2023. Photo by Karen Pearlman Dec. 4, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego County officials are sharing information in response to a recent coyote attack that took place in the Westview UTC mall parking lot on Nov. 25. The coyote attack injured two children and

Grossmont Healthcare District Awards Nearly $4 Million to Strengthen Health and Wellness Services Across East County
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Dec. 3, 2025 (La Mesa) — The Grossmont Healthcare District has approved nearly $4 million in community grants and sponsorships for fiscal year 2025–26. GHD officials say that the grant shares mark the largest single-year investment in its history to support the health and well-being of East County residents. The awards were finalized at the GHD governing

Shredded cheeses recalled in 31 states due to possible metal fragments: Cheese were sold at major retailers under several brand names
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service December 3, 2025 (San Diego) – Great Lakes Cheese Co. has recalled shredded cheeses sold in 31 states due to possible metal fragments in the products. The cheese was sold under multiple brand names, including Borden, Good & Gather, Great Value, Publix, Food Lion and Food Club, and at stores such as Walmart, Target, Aldi,

Trump administration allows PFAS “forever chemicals” in pesticides used on food and eliminates asbestos testing in cosmetics
Printer-friendly version By Alexander J Schorr Image: Harmful health effects of PFAS, via European Enviornmental Agency November 30, 2025— The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently approved new pesticide products containing “forever chemicals” (PFAS) for use on major food crops, sparking significant controversy. The approvals, announced this month, have been met with criticism from scientists and environmental advocates due

Holiday season safety tips & reminders from the California Fire Foundation and PSA program
Printer-friendly versionSource: California Fire Foundation November 29, 2025 (San Diego) – The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. As families across California prepare for festive celebrations, it’s essential to prioritize safety—especially in a state prone to wildfires. Here are some key holiday safety tips from the California Fire Foundation: 1. Kitchen Safety The kitchen

Automated license plate reader technology helps ECPD arrest burglary suspects
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 28, 2025 (El Cajon) – Officers from El Cajon Police Department responded to reports of a home burglary in progress, with the family inside on November 23 around 9:14 a.m. Whey they arrived, officers learned that two suspects—a woman who fled on foot and a man who stole the victims’ SUV—had already left the
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