By Miriam Raftery

September 17, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) -- According to a California Health Alert Network bulletin, San Diego County’s outbreak of hepatitis A now includes  cases in La Mesa, El Cajon and Santee as well as unincorporated areas of the County, though cases have now been confirmed “in all parts of the County,” the report states.

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Story and photos by Liz Alper

September 15, 2017 (Spring Valley) - ECM Friday Night Lights stuck around Spring Valley this week to see the Matadors of Mount Miguel square off against a school we don’t get to report on often:  the Wolf Pack of West Hills High.  The kids from Santee left their blue turf this week with a 2-1 record on the young season.  The Matadors are improving, but still in the loss column at 1-2.

East County News Service

August 24, 2017 (Santee) – A Sheriff’s sergeant from the Santee substation sustained minor injuries when his patrol vehicle was struck by a trolley Wednesday evening at 6:25 p.m.

The sergeant, traveling westbound on Buena Vista Avenue at Cuyamaca Street, entered the intersection and was broadsided by the southbound trolley. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

East County News Service

August 9, 2017 (Santee) – A woman walking her dog shortly after 9:30 p.m. Monday night in the 9700 block of Cottonwood in Santee was violently assaulted.

The Sheriff’s office reports that a man attacked the woman from behind and cut her shorts. The victim suffered scratches and was taken to a hospital, then released later that evening.

East County News Service

July 24, 2017 (Santee) – Deputies from the Santee Sheriff’s station responding to a vehicle fire this morning in Santee collided with a southbound trolley at Prospect Avenue and Cuyamaca Street.

The deputies entered the intersection with lights flashing and sirens on.  Twelve passengers were in the trolley, but fortunately no injuries were reported, the Sheriff’s Department reports.

Updated with more special Independence Day events.

East County News Service

June19, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – Julian’s Fourth of July Parade, El Cajon’ Independence Day picnic with fireworks and the  Santee Salutes patriot celebration are cherished annual traditions in East County.  Below are details. If you know of an East County Fourth of July activity we’ve missed, please email editor@eastcountymagazine.rog and post details in our comments section below.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Facebook

May 11, 2017 (Santee) — Santee resident Andrea Daves, 33, seemed to have everything to live for.  A married Navy sailor with children ages 2 and 3, she was on maternity leave when her body was found in a burning vehicle on Mast Boulevard in Santee back in February.   But now her death has been determined to be a suicide; cause of death was thermal burns, according to a press release issued by Lt. Kenneth Nelson with the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Jeff Holz at Equestrian Center in Santee

April 21, 2017 (Santee) — San Diego County Fire Chiefs, along with fire agencies across the region, held their annual wildland fire preparedness exercises April 19-21 in Santee and Tierrasanta to prepare for the upcoming fire season.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Screenshot, NBC 7

March 28, 2017 (Santee) – Several Santee residents have a sinking feeling – due to sinkholes that have undermined their properties, prompting threats of a lawsuit against the city  

Photo by Darin Sefcik:  First place winner in East County Magazine's 2013 photography competition

March 15,  2017 (Santee) -- Assemblyman Randy Voepel (R-Santee) and East County Magazine announced today that they are hosting a photography contest that features photographs taken in San Diego’s East County.  The winning photographs will be displayed in Assemblyman Randy Voepel’s Capitol Office and published in East County Magazine.  Categories include wildlife, landscapes, cities and towns, activities, and people. 

“Eastern San Diego County is full of beautiful scenery and iconic landmarks, and I can’t wait to showcase photos of our wonderful community in our State’s Capitol,” Voepel said.  

Miriam Raftery, Editor of East County Magazine said, “We’re pleased to partner with Assemblyman Voepel to showcase the best of East County’s beautiful scenery, unique communities, people, wildlife, and activities.” 

Click "read more" or scroll down for for details:

Source: California Highway Patrol

February 24, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) — A tow truck driver assisting a disabled vehicle on the right-hand shoulder of State Route 52 eastbound was hit by a Ford Explorer yesterday at 5:08 p.m.  and died at the scene.

East County News Service

February 20, 2017 (Santee) – A SWAT team stand-off in the 8500 block of Massery Lane in Santee has ended peacefully. 

By Miriam Raftery

February 11, 2017 (Santee) – Mountain Health celebrates the grand opening of Santee Family Medicine, the organization’s 5^th health center location, on February 11^th at 120 Town Center Parkway in Santee. There will be an open house and guided tours, free blood pressure screenings, help with Medi-Cal and Covered California, dental information, vendors, speakers and a blood drive.

By Mike Allen

Photo:  Eight finalists in Santee council appointment await questions from council.

January 26, 2017 (Santee) -- Brian Jones, a former state Assemblyman and ex-Santee Councilman, is returning to his old job again. He was appointed by the City Council after a five-hour interview process that began last night and stretched into the early morning hours

East County News Service

January 25, 2017 (Santee) – County Supervisors have unanimously approved plans to build new county offices on Mission Gorge Road in Santee, near the Edgemoor skilled nursing facility.