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- Lakeside Fire Protection District
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Photo: Chief Don Butz, left, and Batallion Chief Eric Stamm commend firefighter/paramedic Jeff Reyes
View video by Shiloh Ireland
By Shiloh Ireland
Miriam Raftery contributed to this report
December 10, 2025 (Lakeside) – Lakeside firefighter/paramedic Jeff Reyes acted “without hesitation, drawing on instinct, training and sheer courage” to save the life of Captain Steven Russo, who fell through the floor of a burning building, said Lakeside Fire Protection Chief Don Butz during a ceremony yesterday recognizing Reyes’ heroism.
Engineer Shawn McKenna was also recognized for his critical role in transmitting the emergency message and facilitating the rescue.
Crews were battling a two-alarm commercial building in March when Russo fell through a hole in the floor, not realizing the fire was directly underneath him, according to Battalion Chief Eric Stamm. He called the situation “perilous” adding, “Jeff grabbed Captain Russo and pulled him out of the floor.”
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- East County Advanced Water Purification Program
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By Mike Allen
Photo: Education Center at AWP plant
December 5, 2025 (Santee) -- Three years into construction, the massive East County Advanced Water Purification Program is approaching the finish line late next year when the region’s sewage now being treated at Point Loma will be pumped to a new Santee plant and converted to drinkable, purified water.
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- East County Rivers and Lakes
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- VISIT EAST COUNTY
- Our Regions
- Rivers and Lakes Region
By Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery
Overview: San Diego County's beautiful coastline often steals the spotlight, but the eastern side of the county offers a serene and varied landscape. Our Rivers and Lakes region encompasses eastern portions of the San Diego River, which flows from its headwaters in the mountains to the sea, along with reservoirs, many parks, rocky crags, and our county’s only natural lake.
This area also celebrates its wild west roots, offers many nature trails as well as contemporary comforts, providing a wealth of recreational opportunities here.
From the bird-laden banks of the San Diego River in Lakeside to the popular Lake Murray Reservoir, the waterways and places around them continue to draw visitors with their inviting features. The County also operates numerous parks in the Lakeside area, including some with rugged terrain and adventures awaiting visitors.
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- Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD)
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“They meant to hurt us, but they’re hurting our kids.” –Jason Balisteri, Mount Miguel history teacher and former teacher-librarian
By Armando Rasing II
Photos, left: protest signs at GUHSD board meeting when the majority voted to fire all teacher-librarians.
November 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) - The 2025-26 school year marks the first school year that the Grossmont Union High School District doesn’t have a teacher-librarian for any of its nine schools, following mass layoffs.
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- Lakeside
- Spirit of Christmas
- Lakeside Spirit of Christmas
- Lakeside Historical Society
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East County News Service
Nov. 25, 2025 (Lakeside) -- The heart of cozy Lakeside will transform into a hub of festive activity next month, anchored by two of its warmest community traditions: the annual "Spirit of Christmas" celebration and the return of the popular "Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Resale Shoppe."
Sponsored by the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, the Spirit of Christmas event will include two all-day events, lasting from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both., Saturday, Dec. 6 and Friday, Dec. 19.
From 3 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, Maine Avenue will be temporarily closed to traffic and transformed into an old-fashioned Christmas celebration, complete with the sights, sounds and scents of the season.
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- Joseph Veizaga
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East County News Service
November 20, 2025 (Santee) – Superior Court Judge Johnetta Anderson has sentenced Joseph "Joey" Carlos Veizaga to a term of seven years in state prison after he was found guilty of domestic violence causing great bodily injury to his wife. Veizaga is the owner of Mr. Joey’s Music Store in Santee and fo9under of Los Reyes del Ritmo, a Gypsy Kings-style band.
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East County News Service
November 19, 2025 (Santee) -- A reckless driving suspect struck multiple vehicles while leading Sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit from Santee to San Diego on November 18th.
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- San Diego County Board of Supervisors
- land use
- Spring Valley
- Casa de Oro
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East 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 at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. The meeting is in person at the County Administration Center and can be accessed as well online. County staff will be presenting information to set the stage for major decisions coming in the 2026-27 fiscal year that will affect where and how new homes and buildings are built. Error message
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- County of San Diego
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East County News Service Nov. 4, 2025 (Lakeside) – The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) is inviting all Lakeside residents and community stakeholders to a public meeting to discuss local transportation needs and potential solutions. The meeting, set for 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Lakeside Community Center, is part of the "Lakeside Mobility Options Via Efficient Solutions" (MOVES) program, a component of the County’s broader Community Based Transportation Program. Error message
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La Mesa officials say to expect major traffic delays East County News Service Oct. 25, 2025 (La Mesa) -- A funeral procession is planned for fallen La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven starting at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to the La Mesa Police Department. Craven, 25, was killed in the line of duty on October 20, 2025, after being struck by a drunk driver while assisting at another crash scene on Interstate 8. She was returning from the San Diego Central Jail when she came upon a collision involving several vehicles. Craven stopped to render aid to the drivers involved in the initial crash, but while assisting, a 38-year-old man, who has been arrested on suspicion of DUI, struck Craven with his car. She died at the scene, along with 19-year-old De'Veonte Morris, one of the drivers from the first crash. Error message
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- Mary's Donuts
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Story and photos by Karen Pearlman
Oct. 21, 2025 (Santee) – Making others happy was something Mary Hennessy did naturally, with no holds – or holes – barred.
As founder and owner of the iconic Mary’s Donuts in Santee, Hennessy sprinkled joy to others – and not just by way of diverse donut toppings, fruity fritter fillings and cinnamon-dusted donut holes, but also through her generous spirit, spreading positivity through acts of kindness and by virtue of making connections.
Mary Hennessy loved interacting with people. chatting with customers, helping behind the counter and especially seeing children come in.
“Handing out stickers to kids was one of her small joys,” said her granddaughter, Kelly Hennessy.
And she did it all for nearly 95 years.
Born Mary Churchill in the small farming town of Dexter, Minn., on May 3, 1931, Hennessy died at her La Mesa home on Oct. 19, 2025, surrounded by family members.
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- Circle TLC Ranch
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East County News Service
Oct. 12, 2025 (Lakeside) -- Circle TLC Ranch-Equine Therapy is holding its 14th annual chili cookoff in November.
Dubbing itself "the best chili cook off in East County," leaders of the group say they are currently seeking chili cookers for the event, which costs $25 as a donation to enter a chili to contend.
The cookoff costs $5 (as a donation) that includes tasting and judging chilis as well as a bottle of water to clean the palate and put out any fires from the hot dishes. Children under age 2 will be admitted at no cost.
The event is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11541 Moreno Ave. in Lakeside.
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East County News Service
Oct. 8, 2025 (Santee) -- There will be plenty of treats -- in the form of brews, boos and bites -- with no tricks in sight at this month's Santee Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser.
The annual Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser, a Halloween-themed night of live music, food and beverage samples for those ages 21 and up, plus opportunity drawings and costume contests, is set for 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, at the city of Santee's Town Center Community Park East.
Musical group BETAMAXX, an ultimate 80’s experience, will headline the event.
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- Santee
- Santee City Council
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By Mike Allen
October 5, 2025 (Santee) -- The vacant lot behind the Cameron YMCA will soon be vacant no longer.
The Santee City Council voted 3-0 to approve a 285-unit condominium project on the 22.17-acre site which had long been used by dog walkers, model car and plane users, and overspill parking during big events at the Town Center Community Park. Mayor John Minto and Councilman Ronn Hall were absent and on vacation for the Sept. 24 meeting.
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- El Capitan Reservoir
- Friends of San Diego Lakes
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San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve pilot program for El Capitan Reservoir. Photo courtesy Friends of San Diego Lakes via Instagram By Karen Pearlman Oct. 1, 2025 (San Diego County) -- In a move hailed by East County residents and recreation advocates, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a pilot program that could dramatically expand public access and recreational opportunities at El Capitan Reservoir in Lakeside. Championed by Supervisor Joel Anderson of District 2 and Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe of District 4, by a 5-0 vote, the Supervisors approved a recommendation to allocate up to $2.4 million over four years to allow the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation to oversee maintenance and operation of the reservoir's recreational activities. The goal is to establish a consistent, year-round operation model similar to the successful long-term partnership currently in place at Lake Morena. Error message
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East County News Service
September 28, 2025 (Santee) -- The ninth annual Ladies at the Lake Fall Market will be Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Lake 1 event area at Santee Lakes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers and craft fair goers throughout San Diego are expected to attend the event that celebrates women owned businesses, and a few men as well.
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East County News Service
Sept. 27, 2025 (Santee) – The San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC) will host an American Archives Month Celebration to highlight San Diego County history from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the ARCC’s East County office, 10144 Mission Gorge Road, Santee. Admission is free.
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- Coches Fire
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September 17, 2025 (Lakeside) -- East County Magazine photographer Patrick Ward has obtained surveillance video from a Lakeside homeowner who lives next to the spot where the Coches Fire began. The video from the homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, shows vehicles on the roadway around 2:56 p.m. on September 8, 2025, followed by brush igniting in several spots.
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- Santee
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East County News Service
September 15, 2025 (Santee) – A driver suspected of being intoxicated was arrested September 9 for a hit-and-run collision that caused injuries in Santee as well as for reportedly striking multiple vehicles in El Cajon and Santee.
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- The Wizard of Oz
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East County News Service Sept.15, 2025 (Santee) -- Lions, Tigers, and Bears… Oh My! The city of Santee is hosting a free outdoor screening of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz later this month. In a partnership with the County of San Diego’s Summer Movies in the Park series -- presented by San Diego Foundation -- the city is inviting the community to see The Wizard of Oz under the stars starting just after sunset on Sept. 20. Error message
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- Coches Fire
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By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office
September 14, 2025 (Lakeside) - An online guide is available to help people who lost their home or sustained damages in the Coches Fire. Resources include information for homeowners seeking property tax relief, permits for repairs or rebuilding, along with self-sufficiency resources.
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By Miria
m Raftery
Photos and video by Josh Stotler
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Updated Sept. 10, 2025 with latest damage assessment based on a report from Lakeside's Fire Marshal
September 9, 2025 (Lakeside) – Swift action by firefighters including aerial attacks held yesterday’s Coches Fire to 5.3 acres, but the damage was substantial. Five homes were destroyed, including three mobilehomes at the Monterey Mobile Lodge, according to Lakeside Fire Protection District's Fire Marshal Jeremy Davis, following a walkaround of the burned sites and perimeter areas Three other homes in the mobilehome park were damaged, and a detached garage also had damage.
Cal Fire Captain Mike Cornette told ECM photographer Josh Stotler that 10 to 15 vehicles wer eburned. There were also two reported civilian injuries, a burn victim and another person who suffered smoke inhalation, said Cornette.
The losses and close calls draw attention to the need to improve safety of mobile homes to protect against wildfires, since even the swiftest possible firefighting response to yesterday's fire could not prevent loss of property--and very nearly human life.
Resident Sharon Edwards has been lauded as an “angel” for rescuing her neighbor, 90-year-old Evelyn Buhl, who is blind and cannot walk. “I didn’t smell anything … until my neighbor came banging on my house and got me out of here, but that’s the only way,” Buhl said, Times of San DIego reports. “I would still have been in there.”
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Update: At least 3 mobile home parks are burning, per air attack, ECM has learned. Planes and helicopters are on scene. An addition 15 engines and 2 helicopters have been requested by incident command and air attack.
Evacuees can go to Viejas Casino.
September 8, 2025 (Lakeside) -- There is an immediate structure threat from the #CochesFire that started minutes ago on the I-8 business loop east of Las Coches Road, Watch Duty App reports.
An evacuation order has been issued for Zone SDC-1683 on the Genasys Evacuation Map. This zone is also viewable on the Watch Duty map.
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By Karen Pearlman Sept. 5, 2025 (Santee) -- The Santee City Council is set to hire a new City Manager at its next City Council meeting. Wendy Kaserman, who has been assistant city manager for the city of Poway since 2016, has been tapped to lead Santee. The City Council will consider appointing Kaserman on Sept. 10. Santee has been without a full-time city manager since Marlene Best stepped down in April. Gary Halbert has been serving as interim city manager since Best’s departure. Best was the fourth city manager for Santee, which incorporated as a city in 1980. The City Council launched a search for a new city manager in June, following a competitive nationwide recruitment. Her first day with the City of Santee is expected to be Oct. 23, pending City Council approval of her employment agreement. Error message
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- El Capitan Reservoir
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Updated Sept. 5, 2025 with additional seismic risk details. By Karen Pearlman Sept. 1, 2025 (Lakeside) – A lawsuit against the city of San Diego is highlighting safety and management concerns at the El Capitan Dam and Reservoir (photo, left, by Billy Ortiz). The suit is also dredging up residents’ longstanding fight against sand mining in Lakeside’s picturesque El Monte Valley. Even deeper, it shines a floodlight on failure to make the dam safe, which could not only protect public safety, but also prevent wasting billions of gallons of water that the city currently must release from this and other reservoirs to prevent disastrous dam breaks. The old earthen dam is considered one of the most dangerous in the region because of concerns about water overflow, major flooding and catastrophic loss of life. It sits near the site of a proposed sand mining area in the El Monte Valley. Error message
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- Santee
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East County News Service
August 31, 2025 (Santee) – A suspect accused of vandalizing the Santee Post Office on Mission Gorge Road last night was caught red-handed -- or rather, black-handed – early this morning.
Brandy Thomas, 52, was found in possession of black spray paint cans and had paint on her hands, legs and clothing when apprehended, according to Lieutenant Thomas Fletcher.
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East County News Service
August 29, 2025 (Santee) – The San Diego County Medical has completed an autopsy on Callen Lines, 31, who was found unresponsive in her cell at Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee on May 12 at 7:25 p.m. After emergency efforts by paramedics and Santee Fire Dept. personnel, she was pronounced dead at a local hospital a short time later.
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By Mike Allen
Image, left: Aerial rendering of planned new warehouse site
August 29, 2025 (Santee) -- Santee traded a defunct drive-in theater/swap meet for an industrial distribution center with 42 dock bays and the promise of 185 jobs following approvals from the City Council this week.
The fact that the 13.5 acre site at 10990 North Woodside Avenue has been vacant for more than a year made no difference to the dozens of people who showed up to City Hall to oppose the massive warehouse, which developers said will be a “state of the art facility with all the bells and whistles.”
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- Santee/Lakeside
By Miriam Raftery Aug. 28, 2025 (Santee) -- Joseph Carlos “Joey” Veizaga, CEO and owner of Mr. Joey's Music Store in Santee, was found guilty of domestic violence against his spouse on June 25, 2025 by a jury in Riverside County Superior Court. Veizaga is the founder of Los Reyes del Ritmo, a Gypsy Kings-style band that plays at local venues. His store also offers music lessons to local students. Veizaga pleaded not guilty. However the jury found him guilty of inflicting corporal injury on his spouse and an enhanced charge of great bodily injury/domestic violence was found “true.” Error message
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.- Read more about Local Musician/Music Store Owner/Student Teacher Found Guilty of Domestic Violence With Great Bodily Injury
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