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City of San Diego secures $4 million in federal funds for stormwater infrastructure project along Chollas Creek
Photo by Genevieve Jones-Wright: flooding in Encanto in January 2024
To comply with new state laws, GUHSD board passes protections for immigrant students by 3-2 margin
File photo, left: Trustee Jim Kelly called the measure “anarchy” and voted against it, along with Trustee Gary Woods
News Issues
New Woodspring Suites now Santee’s largest hotel
One guest stayed for two weeks because their house flooded, and another stayed three weeks because their house caught fire
Santee bank robbery suspect arrested
January 16, 2026 (Santee) – Bruce Clark Furze, 31, was arrested last night while trying to cross the international border
Politics
Tony Winney to be interim City Manager in Lemon Grove
Jan. 17, 2026 (Lemon Grove) -- The Lemon Grove City Council will formally appoint former Coronado Assistant City Manager Tony Winney as interim City Manager, with a start date of Jan. 26.
County looking for people to help with Point-in-Time count
Jan. 17, 2026 (San Diego County) -- San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson is looking for residents to help in the county's annual Point-in-Time Count
Wildfires and Emergencies
Strengthening San Diego County fire preparedness while protecting taxpayer dollars
January 16, 2026 (San Diego) – San Diego County is facing increased budget challenges when it comes to providing fire
Passages: Sam DiGiovanna, fire chief and author of “From the Fire Chief’s Corner” column
January 5, 2026 (San Diego) — Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna, an expert on fire safety and author of East County Magazine’s “From the Chief’s Corner” column
Events & Arts
Wildlife Research Institute announces 2026 "HawkWatch" series at Ramona Grasslands
Jan. 21, 2026 (Ramona) — The Wildlife Research Institute (WRI) began its annual "HawkWatch" program on Jan. 3 and has had two more events since then
San Diego Automotive Museum to hold "Garage Night" fundraiser
Evening event at new IGNITE Academy campus (see photo, left, showing students from the academy) will support automotive career training for local youth
Visit East County
Our guide to Animal Sanctuaries and Wildlife Centers in San Diego’s inland region
From world-renowned conservation hubs to intimate, family-friendly rescues, San Diego's East County and inland region is a vibrant
Our guide to lodging in East County
odging opportunities in San Diego’s inland region have dramatically expanded in recent years. Several Native American tribes
People
Mas-Issge Deuseyo! New JJang Korean Barbecue in La Mesa provides yummy Korean dishes and culturally artful moments
December 21, 2025 (La Mesa) - JJang BBQ, a new all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue restaurant in La Mesa, delivers a traditional
Advancing Healthy Communities: Building resilience in the backcountry
December 17, 2025 (Campo) -- In the Mountain Empire, where long bus rides, rugged terrain, and rising temperatures shape daily life, a new effort is underway to protect community health and strengthen resilience against extreme heat.
Communities
https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/taxonomy/term/73
January 21, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Board of Trustees on January 19 voted 3-2
Man, 21, fatally struck while walking on freeway in El Cajon
January 20, 2026 (El Cajon) – A 21-year-old man from Kaibeto, Arizona walked onto Interstate 8 west from Mollison Avenue, a
Features
New leash on life for seven dogs rescued from dire conditions in La Mesa
There was a sendoff to a foster home for this lucky dog and several others rescued at the end of last year from an apartment in La Mesa. Photo courtesy San Diego Humane Society
La Mesa Chamber's Casino Royale coming to El Cajon in February
The night of gaming, with presenting sponsor Kirk Paving, Inc., is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Courtyard by Marriott in El Cajon.
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Budget Crisis Hits Home
State workers in East County struggle to cope with prospect of huge pay cuts, lay-offs; Judge orders Sept. 12 hearing on Governor’s wage-slashing orders By Miriam RafteryPhotos by Aida Canonizado Mildred Scarber, a state employee who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in El Cajon, was shocked to learn that Governor Schwarzenegger has ordered all state employees’ pay
Presidential Candidates Address La Raza in San Diego
By E. A. Barrera Photo by E.A. Barrera/Photo courtesy of NCLR Obama Talks Health, Education, and Announces Plan to Help Small Business McCain Emphasizes Tax Issues, Trade with Latin America
Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze By E.A. Barrera “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully unprepared.” — San Diego County Grand Jury, May
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