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Hearing May 15 on proposed release of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely in Borrego Springs: public comments sought
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 11, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – The San Diego Superior Court has ordered the conditional release
Supporters flee Swalwell’s governor campaign amid allegations of sexual assault
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeanne Kuang and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: U.S. Rep. Eric
News Issues
Hearing May 15 on proposed release of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely in Borrego Springs: public comments sought
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 11, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – The San Diego Superior Court has ordered the conditional release
Attacked by AI-cyberbots: Please help us fund critical security upgrades
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 10, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Our East County Magazine website is being attacked
Politics
Supporters flee Swalwell’s governor campaign amid allegations of sexual assault
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeanne Kuang and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: U.S. Rep. Eric
Latest No Kings rallies draw 70,000 in San Diego County, 8 million nationwide
70,000 San Diego County residents join 8 million nationwide in No Kings demonstrations, the largest ever U.S. protest By Miriam Raftery March 31, 2026 (San…
Wildfires and Emergencies
Cal State University San Marcos and nearby homes evacuated due to brush fire
East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts April 5, 2026 (San Marcos) – The #MoreeFire in San Marcos has led to evacuations, including the California State…
Help shape fire priorities in San Diego County
East County News Service April 4, 2026 (San Diego County) — With “fire season” now a year-round threat, public input is growing in importance as…
Events & Arts
Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona
East County News Service April 5, 2026 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the 2026 Cheers to the…
Destination East County: Festive events in mid-April and May 2026
By Miriam Raftery April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – As April continues, drifting into the merry month of May, there are many unique…
Visit East County
DESTINATIONS: Borrego and beyond — a beautiful backcountry day
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman, with photos by Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery Feb. 22, 2026 (San Diego County) — With
We need your help! We have more news tips for East County issues than our budget can cover
Printer-friendly versionLast year tapped our resources at East County Magazine more than any on record, with so many major news
People
Donate to help pets in need at Alpine Pet Food and Supply Drive April 4
East County News Service March 14, 2026 (Alpine) – Dog and cat food, treats, grooming supplies, new pet toys, feeding
Descanso resident named American Honey Queen
By Miriam Raftery February 18, 2026 (Descanso) — You could call it sweet success. The American Beekeeping Federation has chosen
Communities
Hearing May 15 on proposed release of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely in Borrego Springs: public comments sought
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 11, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – The San Diego Superior Court has ordered the conditional release
San Diego County has free parking perks for seniors
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson holds up his senior parking pass at Mt. Woodson Gateway County Preserve in
Features
San Diego County has free parking perks for seniors
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson holds up his senior parking pass at Mt. Woodson Gateway County Preserve in
Don’t miss Santa Ysabel and Wynola on your way to visit Julian
Printer-friendly versionTiny mountain towns often overlooked by travelers in East County’s back country By Paul Levikow Photos by Miriam Raftery
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WATER SAVING REBATES AND CONSERVATION TIPS TO WEATHER THE CRISIS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Area residents must cut water consumption by at least 20% or face stiff financial penalties, local water authorities warn following a state declaration of emergency today due to the drought. Fortunately, there is help for consumers seeking ways to reduce their water usage. “Sixty to 70 percent of water use
WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN LAUNCHES WATER-WISE GARDENING PHONE HELP LINE STARTING MARCH 3: “THE WATER SMART PIPELINE”
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (Rancho San Diego)–"How can I get rid of my grass?" "What low water groundcover withstands foot traffic?" Can I have color in my garden without using much water?" These questions and more are frequently asked by San Diegans looking to install water smart landscapes. To help answer people’s concerns about how to garden in these
LEARN HOW TO SELL AT A CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (Escondido)–The San Diego County Farm Bureau is hosting a free class to teach any interested grower how to sell produce and nursery crops at a certified farmers’ market. The class will be on Thursday, March 12 and will go from 3:00 to 5:00. Attendees will get comprehensive information on the rules and history of California certified
EL CAJON SEEKS YOUTH OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 27, 2009 (El Cajon)–The City of El Cajon Teen Coalition presents a “Youth of the Year” Award to recognize those who go above and beyond in serving their community either through their leadership abilities and/or their quality or level of community service in El Cajon. Leadership can be defined as those individuals who consistently facilitate a team vision
GOSPEL FESTIVAL FRIDAY FEB. 27 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionAs part of its Black History Month celebration, Grossmont College will present a free Gospel Festival, featuring five local gospel choirs and one dance troupe, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, in Room #220 on the college campus. The public is invited to attend. Parking is free. Performing artists will include the House of Metamorphosis Choir, Martin
ECUMENICAL GATHERING AT FRIENDSHIP PARK DISRUPTED BY TAUNTING; MINISTER TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Gayle Early Rev. John Fanestil apprehended by California Border Patrol agents in full riot gear. February 21, 2009 (Imperial Beach) On Saturday, about 200 people and 40 civic organizations gathered to protest the Custom and Border Protection (CBP) closure of Friendship Park on Monument Mesa in Border Field State Park. The media also had a
DON QUIXOTE BATTLES WINDMILLS – AND SO DO THE FOLKS IN BOULEVARD
Printer-friendly version (photo courtesy of AWEA) Part III of a three-part series: HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF WIND FARMS February 22, 2009 (Boulevard) — Our country has jumped on a high-speed wind-energy bandwagon, as if the costs of developing and producing wind energy are as invisible as the wind itself. Are benefits commensurate with the costs? Can developers mitigate
PUBLIC FORUM ON ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT TO BE HELD MARCH 1 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionA documentary film and a panel of experts to represent Palestinian and Israeli points of view, including Dr. Shlomo Dubnov and Dr. Nasser Barghouti. February 24, 2009 (El Cajon) — “The East County Democratic Club is sponsoring a public forum on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the El Cajon Library Community Room on Sunday, March 1. The event will screen
POWERLINK MEETINGS PLANNED IN LAKESIDE, CAMPO, SCRIPPS RANCH, ALPINE & JACUMBA
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego Gas & Electric Co. will hold a series of open houses throughout the county to respond to residents’ questions about the controversial Sunrise Powerlink project. In December, the California Public Utilities Commission approved a 123-mile route to run high-voltage power lines and 150-foot-tall towers through East County from Imperial Valley to San Diego. SDG&E maintains the line
HOLLINGSWORTH SEEKS REPEAL OF WATER RESTRICTIONS THAT PROTECT DELTA SMELT–BUT ACTION WOULD THREATEN MARINE LIFE INCLUDING KILLER WHALES, A NEW REPORT FINDS
Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Miriam Raftery February 24, 2009 (San Diego)–State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth, who represents East County, has joined 27 other Republicans in signing a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, urging him to call upon the President and the Secretary of the Interior to convene the Endangered Species Committee, which the GOP has dubbed the “God Squad.” The
CIVIL RIGHTS ICON DOLORES HUERTA SPEAKS IN SAN DIEGO, ACCEPTS CHECK FOR HER FOUNDATION
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr April 4, 2025 (San Diego) – “We don’t have a democracy if we don’t participate,” said Dolores Huerta, 95, a historic leader of the farmworkers’ movement along with the late Cesar Chavez. Huerta, who has since founded her own foundation for social advocacy, made the remarks in a speech at Gomez Trial Lawyers in downtown
COUNTY IS WARNING THE PUBLIC NOT TO EAT LOCALLY HARVESTED SHELLFISH
Printer-friendly versionBy Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office April 4, 2025 (San Diego) – The County of San Diego is advising people not to eat locally harvested mussels, clams, scallops or oysters that were not purchased from a state-certified commercial shellfish harvester or dealer. Shellfish safety notifications also have been issued in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionApril 4, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s round-up stories include: LOCAL Updated state maps show San Diego County’s areas at ‘very high’ risk for fires (10 News) CalTrans to invest $24 million in San Diego area
PADRE DAM WATER RATES LIKELY RISING AGAIN
Printer-friendly versionBy Mike Allen Photo: Dan Denham, CEO, San Diego County Water Authority April 4, 2025 (Santee) — There’s no doubt that customers of Padre Dam Water District, already paying among the highest rates in the nation, will pay even more for the coming year. It’s just a matter of how much. At its April 2 meeting, PDWD’s board of
SUPERVISOR CANDIDATES URGE DELAYED COUNTY BUDGET VOTE
Printer-friendly versionTwo Democratic candidates vying for the District 1 seat want the county to delay its budget approval until after the seat is filled. By Lisa Halverstadt and Jim Hinch, Voice of San Diego April 4, 2025 (San Diego) – Two Democratic candidates for supervisor are urging the county to delay its annual budget vote until after a now-vacant District 1
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionApril 4, 2025 — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Noem said she plans to eliminate FEMA (The Hill) Trump’s first 50 days mark one of the worst starts for
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT INTRODUCES ‘MOLLY,’ A MOBILE OUTREACH LIBRARY BRINGING HEALTH RESOURCES DIRECTLY TO EAST COUNTY COMMUNITIES
Printer-friendly versionSource: Grossmont Healthcare District April 3, 2025 (La Mesa) — A new chapter in health education access will begin in East County on April 7 as the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) unveils its new Mobile Outreach Library (MOL) during a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony at District headquarters at 9001 Wakarusa Street in La Mesa at 9:00 a.m. The launch coincides with the beginning of National
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionApril 4, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Tuberculosis cases in the US rose to their highest levels in more than a dozen years (AP) The CDC Buried a Measles Forecast That Stressed the Need for Vaccinations(ProPublica) Vaccine critic’s apparent selection
CA ADVOCACY GROUPS DECRY NEW IMMIGRANT REGISTRATION POLICY
Printer-friendly versionBy Suzanne Potter, California News Service April 2, 2025 (San Diego) — Immigrants’ rights groups are speaking out against the Trump administration’s decision to start requiring people who did not enter with a visa to register with the federal government – a first step toward deportation. Immigrants would have to carry proof of their registration at all times,
GUHSD BOARD HOLDS SPECIAL MEETING ON PROCESS FOR HIRING A NEW SUPERINTENDENT
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr Photos: Left: GEA President James Messina, Kristen LoPrell.and Noah Green. Right: Leadership associates Rich Thome and William Banning April 2, 2025 (El Cajon) — On March 31 at 4:00 p.m., the GUHSD Governing Board convened a special meeting to discuss the hiring process of a new superintendent to replace the retiring Mike Fowler. The meeting
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