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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
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,
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
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,
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GOLFERS PLAY TO PROTECT SCRIPPS RANCH COMMUNITY
Printer-friendly version September 3, 2009 (Scripps Ranch)–On Saturday, September 26th 2009 at 8:00 am, the Scripps Ranch Fire Safe Council will host its third annual “PLAY TO PROTECT” Charity Golf Tournament at the Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course. Proceeds help the nonprofit Council fulfill its mission to protect 12,000 Scripps Ranch homes by establishing firebreaks, clearing overgrown trails, cutting
MAN DIES IN FALL FROM ALPINE VIEWPOINT
Printer-friendly version September 3, 2009 (Alpine) – A man plunged 200 feet to his death from a viewpoint off Eastbound I-8 east of Willows Road in Alpine this afternoon. U.S. Forest Service and Border Patrol officials responded at 12:30 p.m., when a technical rescue was attempted. However the patient was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Further
HORTICULTURAL HELP LINE NOW ACCESSIBLE 24-HOURS A DAY
Printer-friendly version Water Smart Pipeline has new message option RANCHO SAN DIEGO, CA—The Water Conservation Garden’s Water Smart Pipeline is now accessible to the public 24 hours a day. Callers may record their questions day or night on the “Pipeline’s” voicemail, and will get a return phone call during Pipeline hours from local gardening expert, Nan Sterman, author of the
2 ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS GET KIDS INVOLVED IN KEEPING AREA CLEAN & GREEN
Printer-friendly version “Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival – Sept. 12 Coastal Cleanup Day at Lake Murray – Sept. 19 By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero If young people are our future, then the environment will ultimately be in their hands. Two events in East County this month provide perfect opportunities for families to spend quality time together, and for community
DON’T MOVE OAK WOOD IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY! AUTHORITIES SEEK TO STEM SPREAD OF GOLD-SPOTTED OAK BORER
Printer-friendly version Dead, Dying, and Diseased Oaks May Be Infested San Diego, CA- August 31, 2009…The gold-spotted oak borer is a newly detected insect pest that affects California black oaks, coast live oaks, and canyon live oaks in southern California. This pest is believed to be responsible for significant tree mortality in San Diego County. Over 17 thousand trees have been
GAME OF THE WEEK: VALHALLA NORSEMEN TAKE AIM AT FALCONS FROM OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL (OLNEY, MD)
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr Editor’s Note: Starting this week, East County Magazine will have a Game of the Week article covering a football game featuring at least one high school team from the area. September 2, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Our first Game of the Week takes place this Friday, when the Norsemen of Valhalla High School take on the
WATER WARS: LEGISLATURE TO VOTE NEXT WEEK ON BILLS TO REVAMP STATE WATER SYSTEM
Printer-friendly version PERIPHERAL CANAL & DELTA PUMPING AMONG KEY POINTS OF CONTENTION By Miriam Raftery It’s being billed as fish vs. farmers—or, in San Diego, where water supplies have been slashed while prices soar—people vs. the Delta smelt. Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta), who represents East County, has even asked the Governor to convene a “God Squad” to ease environmental
ANDERSON IOU BILL CLEARS COMMITTEE
Printer-friendly version September 1, 2009 (Sacramento) – Residents, business owners, charities and other organizations from around the state flooded the office of Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) with over 1,500 letters in support of AB 1506. The bill, authored by Anderson, would require California to accept its own IOUs as payment for taxes or fees owed to the state. Thursday,
21% WATER RATE HIKE TAKES EFFECT TODAY FOR HELIX WATER DISTRICT CUSTOMERS
Printer-friendly version CONSERVATION IS WORKING AS CUSTOMERS CUT WATER USE COUNTYWIDE By Miriam Raftery September 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) –If you’re going to be a water hog, it’s going to cost you. But even those who have already conserved will see a water rise on their next bills. Homeowners and businesses in the Helix Water Distirct will
BOOK REVIEW: FIRE, CHAPARRAL, AND SURVIVAL IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Printer-friendly version by Richard W. Halsey Second Edition, Revised and Updated Sunbelt Publications, San Diego. 2008. 232 pages, illustrated, color plates. Reviewed by Walter Hall “The Viejas fire in ’01, the Galivan fire in ’02, and then again during the Cedar fire in ’03. It’s always the same damn thing.” — A weary incident commander back on
Firefighters rescue workers trapped on roof of burning T.J. Maxx building under construction in La Mesa
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Josh Stotler August 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — Just before 3:30 p.m. , a structure fire broke out in the under-construction building slated to house T. J. Maxx and an Ulta beauty store on the former site of the Toys “R” Us at 8800 Grossmont Center Drive in La Mesa. As the first
Staying the course: Our guide to golf in San Diego’s inland region
Printer-friendly versionThere are plenty of greens to tee off from in San Diego County’s eastern areas By Karen Pearlman With more than two dozen golf courses scattered across the foothills and valleys of inland San Diego County, players of all skill levels will find affordable and diverse landscapes away from the coast for putting and driving amid scenic mountain, valley,
270 firearms turned in at La Mesa gun safety event
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego County Sheriff August 24, 2025 (La Mesa) — Last weekend, the San Diego County Sheriff’s department teamed up with local law enforcement agencies to help get unwanted weapons off our streets through a Gun Safety Event in La Mesa. A total of 270 unwanted firearms were turned in by the public during Saturday’s event at the
Does the San Diego region have adequate aerial firefighting capability for the coming fire season?
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery August 24, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — As we approach peak fire season, Cal Fire/County Fire has a press conference set for Tuesday to discuss the many preparations the agencies have made. But questions have been raised over air power readiness, due to temporary closure of the Ramona airport due to expansion and SDG&E losing
Photo of the week: Santee Fire Department’s new brush rig
Printer-friendly versionPhoto and story by Patrick Ward August 24, 2025 (Santee) – The Santee Fire Department this week held a push-in ceremony with its new home-type 3 brush engine, a symbol of the department’s commitment to safety and efficiency. The brush rig is designed to handle any emergency with precision and speed. The cost of the apparatus was
Amid remap push, Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar files to run against Rep. Issa
Printer-friendly versionBy Chris Jennewein and Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Ammar Campa-Najjar (left) and Darrell Issa. (Times of San Diego file photos) August 24, 2025 (San Diego) – With his prospects enhanced by potential redistricting, Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar on Friday filed papers for a rematch against Rep. Darrell Issa in the 48th
Maggie T. Watkins is newest GHD board member
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman Aug. 22, 2025 (La Mesa) – Maggie T. Watkins is a familiar name in the San Diego County healthcare world, and now she is the Grossmont Healthcare District’s newest board member. The GHD Board voted 4-0 on Thursday, Aug. 21 to appoint Watkins to fill the seat of Gloria Chadwick, a registered nurse who
Reichert’s Restore San Diego newsletter spreads misleading claims about AB 495
Printer-friendly version By Jesse Kendrick Image: Restore San Diego founder Amy Reichert August 23, 2025 (El Cajon) – “State-sponsored kidnapping loophole” is the epithet lobbed at Assembly Bill 495 by local “Restore San Diego” newsletter. The bill, officially entitled AB 495: Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, outlines a series of revisions to existing laws surrounding parental
Supervisors to weigh reducing County reserve funds in wake of federal cuts to Food and Health programs for those in need
Printer-friendly version Update: Supervisors approved dipping into reserve funds by a 3-2 vote, with Supervisors Anderson and Desmond opposed. By Miriam Raftery August 22, 2025 (San Diego) – On Tuesday, Aug. 26, San Diego Supervisors will consider a proposal to revise the county’s reserve policy to allow use of some reserve funds to cover critical services being cut by the
Calif. Congressional district maps favoring Democrats approved by state legislators, signed by Governor, heads to special election in November
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow August 21. 2025 (Sacramento) — The California Senate and Assembly voted in favor of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s state congressional redistricting plan Thursday, in an effort to counter balance the Texas legislature’s efforts to turn five Democratic leaning districts to favor Republicans. The vote went mostly along party lines. Among East County legislators, State Senator Brian
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