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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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CHEAP CHIC: SAVOR A RESALE FASHION SHOPPING SPREE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 22, 2008 (LA MESA) – If your budget is tight amid today’s rising prices, take heart! A fun way to shrink your clothing budget without sacrificing style is to treat yourself to a shopping spree in a delightful East County resale shop. My personal favorite resale outlet is Act II, which has two stores in
ALPINE BUSINESS NETWORKING ASSOCATION LAUNCHED
Printer-friendly version September 30, 2008 (ALPINE) – More than 50 business owners gathered at the Liar’s Club restaurant in Alpine Aug. 21 to celebrate the launch of the Alpine Business Networking Association ABNA). “`Fun in marketing’ is the key phrase to describe this organization,” said Greg Fox, president of ABNA. “What we are about is promoting the personal interaction of
A PURR-FECT PLACE
Printer-friendly versionAt new Tiger Trails haven in Alpine, rescued tigers run, swim for first time By Miriam Raftery September 17, 2008 (ALPINE) – Q: What happens when you take four captive-bred tigers and turn them loose in a facility large enough for them to run freely for the first time? A: A cat-aclysmic event complete with romping, frolicking and caterwauling,
HEROES HELPING HEROES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery What can be more heartwarming than a tale of heroes banding together to help victims of two devastating tragedies—East County wildfires and the 9/11 terrorist attacks? On September 11th, the City of La Mesa held a memorial service honoring rescue workers and victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The event, held at the City’s 9/11 memorial
THE GREENING OF LA MESA – MAYOR ART MADRID SHARES HIS VISION
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Mayor Madrid (R) with Shane Shaw of E-Village Beneath solar panel display at “Sustain La Mesa” festival Crowds flocked to view cooking demonstrations on solar ovens, visit with solar energy experts, get tips on water-saving landscaping and more at Sustain La Mesa, the City’s first annual Environmental Awareness Festival on September 13th in Harry Griffith Park.
CANDIDATE FORUMS & BALLOT INITIATIVE PRESENTATIONS
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THE CITY OF LA MESA’S FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly versionTHE CITY OF LA MESA’S FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL La Mesa will conduct its First Annual Environmental Awareness “Sustain La Mesa” Festival on: Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St. A total of 21 booths including education displays, light bulb exchange, recycling of non-hazardous materials, free shopping bags
Register to Vote!
Printer-friendly versionVoter registration drives are being held at several East County locations listed below. You must be registered by October 20th to vote in the November 4th presidential election. Registering in person means you don’t have to worry about forms getting lost in the mail or arriving too late. If you’re not yet registered, you can sign up at any
WATER SHORTAGE REVIVES RECYCLED WATER PROPOSALS
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Photos by Daisy Sharrock October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Water is the single biggest issue facing the future of San Diego County. Even the process for updating San Diego County’s land use general plan – the so-called General Plan 2020 process – depends on the availability and amount of water the area will sustain. "Water
Health Tips
Printer-friendly version HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASES REACH FIVE TOTAL SAN DIEGO August 18, 2008 — Another confirmed locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus (WNV) brings the year-to-date total to five—including one patient in East County, according to the County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA). FDA DECISION ON BPA OUTRAGES HEALTH ADVOCATES FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug 20, 2008
HOLIDAY GIFTS STOLEN FROM AGENT RAMOS’ FAMILY ON CHRISTMAS EVE
Printer-friendly version December 24, 2009 – Local groups are pitching in to help the family of a Border Patrol Agent involved in a shooting that made international news. Early this morning, holiday gifts for the Ramos family, including four children, were stolen out of their vehicle at a La Quinta Inn during a stopover en route to El Paso.
LEGISLATURE GRAPPLES TO QUALIFY FOR FEDERAL “RACE TO THE TOP” FUNDS FOR EDUCATION
Printer-friendly version State’s schools, once top in nation, now rank at bottom as budget cuts ravage K-12 and higher education By Miriam Raftery December 23, 2009 (Sacramento) – The Obama administration has challenged states to compete for federal “Race to the Top” (RTT) education funds aimed at improving under-performing K-12 schools. California is eligible for $300-$700 million of those funds—provided
SAN DIEGO COUNTY AWARDED $5.1 MILLION IN FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDS FOR ENERGY PROJECTS
Printer-friendly version El Cajon Library among county buildings slated for solar panel installation December 22, 2009 (San Diego)–The County of San Diego announced today that it has been awarded $5.1 million for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. “This grant will fund projects that will help save money and the environment by conserving energy at County facilities and
GREEN JOBS GRANTS FOR SAN DIEGO AREA ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly versionDecember 22, 2009 (San Diego) – “I am pleased to announce the first green jobs grants awards authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the U.S. Department of Labor,” said Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego). “Californians continue to benefit from additional funding for job creation and training through the Recovery Act. These Green Jobs programs will take
EAST COUNTY’S JIMMIE JOHNSON NAMED AP MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Printer-friendly version HOMETOWN HERO BECOMES FIRST RACE CAR DRIVER TO WIN PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Story and photo by Miriam Raftery December 22, 2009 (El Cajon) –Jimmie Johnson of El Cajon, the only driver ever to win four consecutive NASCAR championships, has been named Male Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press. The only race car driver ever to with the award since its inception 78
LEMON GROVE SHERIFF’S STATION JOINS EFFORT TO DEPLOY SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS OVER THE HOLIDAYS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 22, 2009 (Lemon Grove) — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department joins law enforcement across the state as part of California’s 18 Day Holiday DUI Crackdown Campaign with law enforcement agencies deploying 300 DUI/Drivers License Checkpoints statewide from December 18 through January 3. Funding for the special enforcement campaign is from a grant by the California Office of
BOY, 16, MISSING IN ANZA BORREGO DESERT SINCE LATE NOVEMBER
Printer-friendly version December 22, 2009 (Anza Borrego) – San Diego Sheriff reported on December 18 that Mickey Guidry, 16, has been missing since November 26th when he ran away from his parents’ home in San Marcos. Guidry reportedly took his parents’ 1995 Jeep Cherokee without permission. On November 30th, the Jeep was located unoccupied in an extremely remote area of
TWO TEENS ARRESTED FOR ROBBING VENDOR AT SPRING VALLEY SWAP MEET
Printer-friendly version December 22, 2009 (Spring Valley) – Two teenage girls were arrested for armed robbery at the Spring Valley Swap Meet on Saturday, December 19. Deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Substation responded at 1:21 to an armed robbery call at the Swap Meet at 6377 Quarry Road. Two suspects armed with handguns donned ski masks and attempted to
JACUMBA ACCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE OF MAN WITHOUT SEAT BELT
Printer-friendly version December 22, 2009 (Jacumba) – John Carl Bauld, 47, died from injuries sustained in an accident on eastbound I-8 west of Jacumba Road on December 20th. Bauld, a passenger, died after the driver lost control of the vehicle, which rolled down an embankment. Bystanders pulled Bauld from the vehicle and initiated CPR until medics arrived, who also tried
GROSSMONT WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM HOSTS HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT DEC. 28-30
Printer-friendly version December 22, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Lady Griffs women’s basketball team is hosting its 22nd annual Grossmont College Holiday Tournament, Dec. 28-30, at Grossmont College. The public is invited to attend. Eight teams will compete in the three-day tournament, including seven teams from California community colleges — Grossmont, San Diego Mesa, Bakersfield, Saddleback, Mount San Jacinto and
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