By Miriam Raftery

January 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – 2024 has been a turbulent year, from devastating floods in January to controversies over homelessness and immigration, contentious elections, land use and fire issues, expansion of Jamul tribal lands, officials grappling with hate speech, resignation of the County Supervisors' Chairwoman Nora Vargas, and at year’s end, Syrian-Americans rallying in El Cajon to celebrate the fall of the Assad regime.

Below are the top stories of the year which had an impact in East County communities.

By Miriam Raftery

January 7, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – 2017 was a tumultuous year by any standard – from storms and wildfires that impacted our region to political turmoil at the national, state and local levels.

There have also been positive and inspiring stories, lawmakers embroiled in controversies, and important community actions.

Here are the top stories, arranged alphabetically by category, that impacted people in our region.