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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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Sponsorship Placement
La Mesa Rotary Gives Donation to CHIP’s Organization
Printer-friendly version (left to right) Lynn Hamilton, current La Mesa Rotary President, Joel Tzinberg and Glenn Kellogg. December 10, 2008 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Rotary Club donated $500.00 to the Community Health and Improvements Partners (CHIP’s) organization. CHIP is a collaboration of San Diego health care systems, hospitals, community clinics, insurers, physicians, universities, community benefit organizations and the
U.S. CRANBERRY MARKETING COMMITTEE PARTNERS WITH SAN DIEGO-BASED SOUPLANTATION
Printer-friendly versionPartnership promotes benefits of cranberries During the Month of December December 3, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) — San Diego-based Souplantation, voted one of “America’s Healthiest Restaurants” by Health magazine, has formed a partnership with the Cranberry Marketing Committee (CMC), a committee established by the federal government that works to promote and inform the public about the benefits of U.S. cranberries.
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP – DECEMBER
Printer-friendly versionLinks to top stories in other publications on East County issues AUDITOR: CITY BOTCHED DEBRIS REMOVAL, At least $775,000 at issue after ’07 fires, report says San Diego Union-Tribune (December 20, 2008) — San Diego’s auditor has concluded that the city was not equipped to manage the large debris removal program it developed after the wildfires of 2007, and
SUPERVISORS VOTE TO ALLOW HOMEOWNERS TO SELL SURPLUS SOLAR POWER BACK TO UTILITY COMPANIES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 7, 2008 (San Diego) — A unanimous vote by the San Diego Board of Supervisors in November requires the County’s Chief Administrative Officer to provide county-sponsored legislation making it easier for residential power customers the ability to sell surplus solar energy back to utility companies. Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who represents East County, introduced the resolution
SAN DIEGO COUNTY’S INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS ADDRESSED AT NCA CONVENTION
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Thea Skinner Rev. Canon Mary Moreno-Richardson, coordinator for Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of San Diego speaks as other panelists are attentive during the National Communication Association’s 94th Annual Convention, "unCONVENTIONal" at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego Nov. 22. Dec 1, 2008 (San Diego) — Spirits ran high in higher education during
CALIFORNIA LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS 2008 SCORECARD: A TO F FOR SAN DIEGO’S LEGISLATORS
Printer-friendly versionEnvironmental voting records for east San Diego County state legislators and Governor Schwarzenegger By Sylvia Hampton December 9, 2008 San Diego) — Environmental protection is very important to San Diego County voters. Every year the League of Conservation Voters publishes a "scorecard" on the voting records of all state level representatives: www.ecovote.org/scorecard_2008.pdf. Among Assembly members representing East County and
Tecate, our Neighbors South of the Border
Printer-friendly versionBy Dennis Moore December 7, 2008 (Tecate) — Between the desert and the sea beats the heart of Baja California: Tecate, Mexico (not to be confused with the American city by the same name just across the border). Located in the northern central part of the state, Tecate is the ideal starting destination to every other city or point
POVERTY RISING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY; EL CAJON HAS HIGHEST POVERTY RATE
Printer-friendly versionBy Walter Davis December 7, 2008 (San Diego) — Poverty is fueled by scarcity. In San Diego County, scarcity of affordable housing and high paying jobs are causing hardship for many citizens, with some East County communities among the hardest hit. The Center On Policy Initiatives report released on August 26, 2008 reveals incomes stagnated in San Diego County
TOXIC TOYS STILL ON STORE SHELVES – HOW TO AVOID BANNED PRODUCTS FOR YOUR CHILDREN
Printer-friendly versionDecember 6, 2008 (San Diego) — Before you buy children’s toys this holiday season, be aware that many toxic toys have NOT been removed from store shelves. Here’s what you need to know to avoid these toys harmful products. According to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, toys containing toxic phthalates are supposed to be banned starting on February
LOOK WHO’S BACK – RECALLED PLANNER GORDON HAMMERS WINS ELECTION, RECLAIMS SEAT ON POTRERO PLANNING GROUP
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 4, 2008 — Less than a year after being recalled by a two-to-one margin, former Potrero Planning Group Chairman Gordon Hammers has been re-elected to the board. Hammers’ victory, though surprising to many, appears to signify a healing in this small rural community split first by controversy over Blackwater and later by the Harris Wildfire
TWO VIOLENT SEX OFFENDERS RELEASED IN CAMPO AND BORREGO SPRINGS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: Merle Wakefield and Alvin Quarles have been conditionally released into Campo and Borrego Springs. February 16, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The Sheriff’s department has sent warning notices to residents in Borrego Springs and Campo, announcing that two sexually violent predators have been conditionally released into these communities. The court has ordered Liberty Healthcare, which
STORMS CLEAR OUT FOR VALENTINE’S DAY WEDDINGS
Printer-friendly versionBy Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: Alexis & Deondre February 15, 2025 (San Diego) – The day started with a few showers, but the sun came out for many couples saying “I do” on Valentine’s Day. A flurry of bridal gowns, hearts and flowers took over wedding venues at Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s (ARCC) offices across the
CASA DE ORO ALLIANCE HOSTS COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON FLOOD ISSUES FEB. 25 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 15, 2025 (Spring Valley) — The Casa de Oro Alliance invites members of the community who have been affected by flooding to a community dialogue to help bring the community together and build resilience. The event is Tuesday, February 25 at San Diego Youth Services’ auditorium, 3845 Spring Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977, starting
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL APPROVES ALLOWING POLICE TO COOPERATE WITH ICE, REVERSING PREVIOUS ACTION
Printer-friendly version Issue prompts drive to recall Councilman Phil Ortiz By Alex Schorr and Miriam Raftery View video Photo, left: Resolution opponents hold up sign denouncing hate and likening ICE roundups to “Gestapo” tactics February 14, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s City Council on Tuesday passed a controversial resolution allowing the city’s police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 14, 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. DOGE controversy Trump and Musk’s dismantling of government is shaking the foundations of US democracy (AP) As Musk cuts federal
READER’S EDITORIAL: MUSK POSES THREAT TO CRITICAL CLIMATE DATA
Printer-friendly version By Roger Coppock Image: measurements in Hawaii from 1960 to present show exponential rise in CO2 levels fueling climate change. February 13, 2025 (La Mesa) — NOAA staffers report that Musk’s minions have arrived with orders to wreck everything. This apparently includes climate data gathering. Should they succeed in shutting data collection down, attempts to fix the climate
WHITE HOUSE FIRES SAN DIEGO’S TOP FEDERAL PROSECUTOR, TARA MCGRATH
Printer-friendly versionBy Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Tara McGrath. Courtesy Southern District of California February 13, 2025 (San Diego) – After 16 months as the chief federal law enforcement official in San Diego, Tara McGrath has been given her walking papers by the White House. U.S. Attorney McGrath’s tenure
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 13, 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 After D.C jet crash, a closer look at San Diego air traffic controller numbers (10 News) Investigation continues into military fighter jet crash in San
READER’S EDITORIAL: GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT’S PLAN TO CUT 22 COUNSELORS PUTS STUDENTS’ LIVES AT RISK
Printer-friendly version By a school counselor, who asked to remain anonymous Photo:CC by SA via Bing February 13, 2025 (El Cajon, CA) — The Grossmont Union High School District is set to eliminate 22 school counseling positions next year. This is not just a number—these are people who are on the frontlines, working day in and day out to support
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 13, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH How close are we to another pandemic? (New York Times) USDA detects second type of bird flu in dairy cows (NBC) Senate confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary (CNN) Pro-RFK
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