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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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DUI PATROLS RESULT IN 4 ARRESTS NEAR SDSU AND QUALCOUMM
Printer-friendly versionOctober 28, 2012 (San Diego)–On the weekend prior to Halloween, Deputy Sheriffs and Police Officers from local agencies participatingin the San Diego County Avoid 15 Task Force conducted DUI saturation patrols near San Diego State University and Qualcomm stadium. Halloween weekend parties and the SDSU Aztec football game traditionally brings to the area an increase in DUI drivers. The
GRANT AWARDED TO THE EL CAJON POLICE DEPARTMENT
Printer-friendly versionOctober 28, 2012 (El Cajon)– The El Cajon Police Department has been awarded a grant from the San Diego County Law Enforcement Foundation (SDCLEF,) which enabled the Police Department to purchase a night vision monocular. This tool will be used by the Patrol Division to assist in searching dark alleys, vacant buildings and open areas. The night vision will
HURRICANE SANDY TO IMPACT “MILLIONS” ON EAST COAST; NEW YORK COULD HAVE 11-FOOT STORM SURGE
Printer-friendly versionNew York may be hardest hit; damage could extend inland as far as the Great Lakes View live satellite video from NASA: October 28, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diegans with relatives and friends in the eastern United States will want to keep watch on the weather. One of the largest tropical cyclones ever in the Atlantic is expected
TEEN DRIVER CHARGED WITH DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE AFTER SERIOUSLY INJURING TWO PEDESTRIANS
Printer-friendly version October 28, 2012 (La Mesa) – A 19-year-old driver on his way home from a party this morning lost control of a Chevy Suburban as he accelerated pulling away from a curb at 700 Glencoe Drive in the Jamacha/Lomita area. He drove onto the wrong side of the street, striking two pedestrians and two parked. One pedestrian, 19,
TSUNAMI WARNING ISSUED FOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST AND HAWAII AFTER 7.7 QUAKE STRIKES BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Printer-friendly version Update: A revised warning now includes the Pacific Northwest and Canada, as well as Hawaii. The tsunami is not expected to reach San Diego. October 27, 2012 (San Diego)—A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck 25 miles south of Sandspit in British Columbia at 8:04 p.m. (The quake has been upgraded from an original estimate
BRUSH FIRE IN EL CAJON: STRUCTURES THREATENED
Printer-friendly versionUpdate: ECM news partner 10 News reports that this fire was started by El Cajon Police SWAT team conducting training exercises at a shooting range near Gillespie Field. Homes on Hacienda were threatened but did not burn, however one firefighter was transported to Grossmont Hospital in stable condition with a knee injury. Lt. M. Coit with El Cajon Police
SHERIFF’S SANTEE PANCAKE BREAKFAST NOV. 2 AND 3
Printer-friendly versionOctober 27, 2012 (Santee) — The Santee Sheriff’s Station and Santee Fire Station invite you to the 14th Annual Santee Pancake Breakfast. It’s a great way for people to get to know their local deputies, firefighters, neighbors, as well as help those in need. Money raised from the two-day breakfast will benefit two organizations. Proceeds will benefit the Sheriff’s
CHILI COOK-OFF HEATS UP: JUDGES IN THE HOT SEAT NOV. 3
Printer-friendly versionOctober 27, 2012 (Lemon Grove)–Get ready to rumble. Not content with just putting on the much-anticipated eighth annual Chili Cook-Off & Western Round-Up on November 3, Soroptimist of Lemon Grove has added — gasp! — judges! That’s right, pals, though you, your family and friends, will still deliver The People’s Choice Award — a coup de grace bestowed only on a gifted few — the Big Jalapeño will
SAN DIEGO WRITEWAY’S LITERARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Printer-friendly versionOctober 27, 2012 (San Diego) – News and calendar items for San Diego County Book Lovers starting next month and continuing through December. For Readers November 1 (Thursday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick’s will host Music Director and Conductor of the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, Steven Schick, who will lead a discussion on Wallace Stegner’s masterpiece Angle of Repose
PURSE ROBBERY NEAR GROSSMONT CENTER; SUSPECTS FLED IN SILVER VEHICLE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 27, 2012 (La Mesa) – Last night around 7:35 p.m., a male suspect robbed a female or her purse as she walked near Grossmont Center shopping mall in La Mesa. The suspect grabbed her purse from behind near the the intersection of Grossmont Center Drive and Healthcare Drive. The victim lost her balance in the struggle and fell
East County Roundup: local and statewide news
Printer-friendly versionNovember 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s round-up stories include: LOCAL More nurses, fewer drugs, no suicides: Sheriff touts jail reforms, upgrades before civilian review board (San Diego Union-Tribune) Community reacts to proposed façade changes at Goodwill
East County Eater: Fresheria, a new La Mesa eatery, offers delicious healthy foods
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: cauliflower ceviche November 16, 2026 (La Mesa) – If you’re looking to eat healthy and savor a wide array of delicious options, you’ll want to stop by and savor the many tasty offerings at Fresheria, located at 5575 Baltimore Drive, La Mesa. They’re open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9
Less water, more problems – California, six states miss key Colorado River deadline
Printer-friendly versionBy Rachel Becker, CalMatters Photo: Drought-stricken Lake Mead on the Colorado River in August 2022. (File photo by Christopher Clark/U.S. Bureau of Reclamation) This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. November 16, 2025 (San Diego) – After two fraught years of negotiations amid dire projections for the Colorado River’s reservoirs, California and six other states that rely on the
“Bolder Than Most” rapist back in state hospital for alleged parole violation
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: Alvin Ray Quarles. (File photo courtesy of California Department of Corrections) November 15, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — Alvin Ray Quarles, a sexually violent sex offender who had been temporarily placed in a Borrego Springs home, has been arrested on an alleged parole violation. In Superior Court on Friday, Quarles, 63, pleaded not guilty to
ECM World Watch: national and global news
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2025 (San Diego) — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Trump drops tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruit as pressure builds on consumer prices (KSBW) Epstein Alleged in
Long-awaited victory: Glorietta Canyon saved after two-decade quest
Printer-friendly version Some native plants have already begun to show up in Glorietta Canyon, like this chinchweed that’s growing on the pad where the previous owner of the property had his trailer. Photo courtesy Anza Borrego Foundation East County News Service Nov. 18, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — A nearly two-decade conservation effort has culminated in a major victory for the
Board of Supervisors to discuss land use on Nov. 19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 14, 2025 (San Diego County) — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is continuing a critical conversation about the future of housing and development in the unincorporated areas of the county, including Spring Valley, Lakeside and Casa de Oro. The Board of Supervisors will discuss land use legislations at its meeting
National aging summit calls on community leaders to present
Printer-friendly versionDec. 5 is deadline for proposals to inform local aging service agencies East County News Service Nov. 14, 2025 (San Diego County) — Regional input is being sought for a national conference happening in San Diego next July. Because the most critical insights and best practices in community-based care typically come from the local level, the
Completion of first inpatient psychiatric health facility funded in part by San Diego County opens
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 14, 2025 (Oceanside) — The first inpatient psychiatric health facility funded in part by San Diego County opened Nov. 13 in Oceanside. San Diego County Board of Supervisors leader Jim Desmond says, “When I came into office, I said we needed to stop leaving people on the streets and start getting them into treatment. Today,
They want to be California’s next governor. Here’s what they’d do about health care
Printer-friendly versionBy Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters Photo: from left, former U.S. Secretary of Health & Human Services Xavier Becerra, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa, and former Speaker of the California State Assembly and former California State Controller Betty T. Yee speak during the “Health Matters: A Conversation With Our Next Governor”
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