East County Magazine

15/07/2026

https://eastcountymagazine.org/despite-risks-county-planners-approve-modified-starlight-solar-project-including-massive-battery-storage-facility-in-back-country/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTDrkBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeF7yCb73Ev3fg0y8_Z_SZtdXxnJkzpPpIauXZAfdXH2Umfd7ZsPPQrOEjWcM_aem_Lds5Y0R6DK66NouLGY3ddw

By Miriam Raftery July 14, 2026 (Boulevard, CA) – San Diego County’s Planning Commission unanimously approved a major use permit for Starlight Solar, the largest industrial-scale renewable energy project ever proposed in the County’s unincorporated area. Commissioners did agree to some modific...

30/06/2026

We're thankful for this grant to support our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts. Thanks to the San Diego Regional Fire Foundation and San Diego River Conservancy!

June 29, 2026 – The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation has presented funding ti 30 Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) and East County Magazine (ECM) with grants totaling $276,000 to aid in wildfire prevention and preparedness, including community education to make their neighborhoods safer. “We deeply ap...

30/06/2026

https://eastcountymagazine.org/guhsd-boosts-funds-for-athletics-as-community-scrutinizes-trustees-motives-due-to-a-history-of-bad-faith/

“The point here is, how do we really want to attract students?” — Chris Fite, GUHSD Governing Board Trustee Above photo: Former teacher-librarian Jason Balistreri voices frustration over governing board’s priorities By Alexander J Schorr June 28, 2026 — Despite significant debate among tru...

30/06/2026

https://eastcountymagazine.org/junction-fire-in-santa-ysabel-shuts-down-state-route-79/

June 29, 2026 (Santa Ysabel ) -- The in Santa Ysabel has burned 10-12 acres along Hwy 79, per Cal Fire. Highway 79 is closed between Morretis Junction and Mesa Grande. One structure is immediately threatened. Cal Fire urges the public to “stay out of the area.” Air attack is unde

04/04/2026

Boulevard residents battle proposed Starlight Solar battery storage facility
https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/boulevard-residents-battle-proposed-starlight-solar-battery-storage-facility-urge-community-attend

12/03/2026

82-sq.-mile quarantine after Mexican fruit flies found in La Mesa:
https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/82-square-mile-quarantine-area-declared-after-mexican-fruit-flies-found-la-mesa-all-4-east-county
All 4 East County cities, part of San Diego, plus Bonita and Spring Valley are quarantined after bugs found in La Mesa. Do not move backyard produce off your property; help prevent spread. Read more in our story.

12/03/2026

Brain-eating rat lungworm found in wildlife across region, including East County: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/brain-eating-rat-lungworms-found-wildlife-across-region-including-east-county

Find out how to protect yourself in our story.

12/03/2026

Vatican accepts resignation of Bishop following embezzlement arrest, Cardinal Sako also steps down.
https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/vatican-removes-san-diego-chaldean-bishop-following-embezzlement-arrest-cardinal-also-steps-down

This is a major shakeup in the Chaldean church. The Bishop has pleaded not guilty but was arrested with $9,000 in cash at the airport. He also faced personal scandals including allegations that a regularly visited an infamous brothel and strip club in Tijuana.

18/01/2026

County needs people to help with point-in-time count of homeless. Please consider signing up; there are never enough volunteers!
https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/county-looking-people-help-point-time-count

01/01/2026

Local Leaders Lost in 2025
https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/local-leaders-lost-2025