East County Magazine
To comply with new state laws, GUHSD board passes protections for immigrant students by 3-2 margin
By Alexander J. Schorr File photo, left: Trustee Jim Kelly called the measure “anarchy” and voted against it, along with Trustee Gary Woods January 21, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Board of Trustees on January 19 voted 3-2 to pass a resolution to establish new guidelines for responding to federal enforcement on campuses. This follows new
Cans of tuna recalled due to botulism sent to major retailers including California
East County News Service January 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Cans of Genova yellowfin tuna that were recalled due to potentially fatal botulism were inadvertently shipped to stores by a distributor, including Safeway, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions in California. An earlier recall included some sold under the Trader Joe’s label in California. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Fires damage two popular restaurants, Panda Machi in Alpine and The Junction in El Cajon
Fundraisers launched to help owners and employees at both restaurants By Miriam Raftery Photos courtesy of Lakeside Fire and Heartland Fire & Rescue Updated January 17 with information on Panda Machi fundraiser January 14, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – A pair of two-alarm fires in the past 24 hours have heavily damaged two local restaurant, Panda Machi Sushi Bar
Horse rescued in Alpine by San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team
East County News Service Jan. 10, 2026 (Alpine) — A 38-year-old horse that went down and could not get back up in Alpine has been rescued by the San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team. The nonprofit’s ERT successfully completed a technical rescue today (Jan. 10) for the Palomino horse named Jasmine — also affectionately known as “Jazzy.” The SDHS
‘Reign of terror’: ICE builds appalling record of killings, beatings, kidnappings, and more
By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams Photo: Renee Good, 37, U.S. citizen and mother of a-6-year-old, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minnnesota. January 9, 2026 (Minneapolis) – Federal immigration enforcement agents, unleashed and emboldened by President Donald Trump, have been rampaging through the streets of cities across the United States for months, racking up an appalling record of abuses and alleged crimes, including
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 East County News Service Jan. 7, 2026 (Santee) — The San Diego Automotive Museum will host its first Garage Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the recently opened IGNITE Academy campus, 8630 Argent St. in
The Water Conservation Garden gears up for a blooming 2026
Photo of a buttefly at the Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion at The Water Conservation Garden and story by Karen Pearlman Jan. 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — The Water Conservation Garden, the 6-acre botanical showcase of sustainable landscaping and water-wise gardening adjacent to Cuyamaca College, has rooted out its slate of events for Winter and Spring 2026. The schedule includes educational opportunities, community connection
New Moon fishing returns to Lake Jennings
East County News Service Jan. 3, 2025 (Lakeside) — San Diego County anglers should worm their way into their tackle boxes and grab their lanterns for one of the region’s most anticipated winter traditions. From 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Lake Jennings will host its first “New Moon Fishing” event of the year, offering a rare opportunity
Light does not need permission to shine: San Diego leaders unite against hate at Hanukkah ‘Rally for Light’
Photos and story by Karen Pearlman Dec. 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Across the street from the calm San Diego Bay but amid a rising tide of global concern, some of San Diego County’s top elected officials, law enforcement and multi-faith leaders gathered Monday at the County Administration Center to send a singular message: Hate has no sanctuary in San
How Southeast San Diego reduced gun violence
“We’re here to save lives.” – Cornelius Bowser, pastor at Charity Apostolic Church and the City of San Diego’s commissioner on gang prevention and intervention By Armando Rasing II Photo, left, by Armando Rasing II: Bishop Cornelius Bowser leading a service at Charity Apostolic Church December 17, 2025 (Southeast San Diego) – On a Friday night in early December, dozens
Search by Specific Date
Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
THE WILL POWER REPORT – Hawaii Blackout?
Nothing but the Truth! By Will Power January 11, 2009 (San Diego) — I imagine lot of people have had Hawaii Blackouts after a few too many Mai-Tais. But I’m alarmed that President-Elect Obama was out of touch for the better part of a day. The power went out in Oahau. Now I realize he is not President yet. But just
FESTIVAL OF THE MONTH — MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN LA MESA CELEBRATES OUR REGION’S DIVERSE HERITAGE
January 8, 2008 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa’s 13th annual Multicultural Festival on January 18th aspires to be an afternoon of civic pride and festivities for the family in a celebration honoring our community’s rich diversity of cultures and international traditions. The ceremony, held on Martin Luther King Day weekend, also honors the slain civil rights leader’s
SOCCER COMMUNITY KICKS OFF FUNDRAISING DRIVE TO HELP COACH HOWIE HAWVER, DIAGNOSED WITH LOU GEHRIG’S DISEASE
By Miriam Raftery January 5, 2008 (San Carlos) — More than 1,500 students, parents, coaches, referees and soccer players from throughout San Diego County teamed up to host a fundraiser December 29th for Howie Hawver, the popular Patrick Henry High School soccer coach recently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Friends of Howie Hawver raised over $15,000 to help pay his
SHOULD PRESIDENT BUSH PARDON BORDER PATROL AGENTS RAMOS AND COMPEAN?
Border agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean January 5, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — Assemblyman Joel Anderson has written a letter to President George W. Bush requesting a pardon for Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compeon. Both are currently in prison, serving 11 and 12 year sentences after being convicted by a jury of shooting the
SAN DIEGO YOUNG ARTISTS SYMPHONY POPS CONCERT: MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES
January 5, 2008 (San Diego) —The San Diego Young Artists Symphony (YAS), conducted by Mary Gerard and Hernan Constantino, performs at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre (6611 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115) on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. The concert will feature movie music from the Phantom of the Opera, Amadeus, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter,
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S 2008 NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR
By Miriam Raftery January 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–For better or worse, these are the East County people who made headlines in 2008. Some are famous–elected officials and sports stars. Others are unsung heroes and ordinary citizens who found themselves in extraordinary situations, battling foes ranging from cancer to large-scale developments in their communities. Some have aspired to amazing feats, such
2008 NEWSMAKERS OF THE YEAR: HONORABLE MENTIONS
By Miriam Raftery Each of these individuals has attained remarkable achievements. Some have sparked controversy for their views or actions. Many are working to make our community, our nation, or our world a better place. Our list includes people who triumphed over disabilities, animal protection advocates, artists and musicians, business leaders, citizen watchdogs, educators, fire heroes, healthcare reformers, humanitarians, social
PASSAGES: IN MEMORIUM
San Diego’s eastern region lost several prominent newsmakers in the past year, among them: Jack Hardebeck, M.D.: Former chief of staff for Grossmont Hospital and member of the Grossmont Healthcare District board, Hardebeck spent nearly half a century serving East County. A family physician and surgeon, he chaired the Grossmont Hospital Foundation’s philanthropy committee in 1998 and 1999. In recognition
OUR GUIDE TO EAST COUNTY’S HOTTEST NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES
December 28, 2008 — Looking to party hearty on December 31st? Here are our picks for the best places to ring in the New Year east of I-15. From a Chinese dragon parade to a cozy mountain inn, from an alcohol-free celebration to a lavish multi-band bash, you’ll find it all in East County and San Diego’s eastern region. Find
THE WILL POWER REPORT – Nursing Home Problems Classified?
Nothing but the Truth! By Will Power December 28, 2008 (San Diego) — Another “lame-duck” Federal rule concerning Nursing homes has been approved by the outgoing Bush Administration. The rule places State examiners who police Nursing Homes under a Federal Gag Order which prevents patients and relatives of elderly and infirm patients from finding out about lapses in patient care.
Search by Specific Date
Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues