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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
WHY WON’T REP. ANDERSON DISCLOSE CORRESPONDENCE WITH MAJOR DONORS?
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 23, 2009 – After learning of the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) investigation into Assemblyman Joel Anderson ‘s finances and hearing that Anderson (R-Alpine) returned some $100,000 in donations of questionable legality, East County Magazine submitted a public records request to his office. We asked to see correspondence between Anderson, his staff, and major
VAQUEROS HAVE BIG SECOND HALF, CORRAL WILDCATS 35-10 IN FIRST ROUND OF PLAYOFFS
Printer-friendly version November 23, 2009 (Lakeside) – After an evenly played first half Friday night, the Vaqueros of El Capitan High School dominated the visiting Wildcats of Brawley High School in the second half en route to a 35-10 win. This was the first round of the CIF San Diego Section Division III playoffs. El Capitan entered the
EL CAJON DRUNK DRIVING VICTIM IDENTIFIED
Printer-friendly version November 23, 2009 (El Cajon) – The County Coroner’s office has identified Cydil Deann Kohlmeyer, 35, as the young mother who died from injuries sustained when she was hit by a Dodge pickup truck. Kohlmeyer was walking along Pepper Drive in El Cajon November 21 at 11:20 a.m. when she was struck by an allegedly drunk driver who fled
COUNTY RUNS OUT OF H1N1 FLU VACCINE
Printer-friendly version November 23, 2009 (San Diego) San Diego County Public Health Centers and Immunization Clinic have run out of flu vaccines. When a new shipment is received, details will be announced at the County’s H1N1 update page at: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/Portal/flu/H1N1vaccine.html. Some private clinics, hospitals and medical offices have received their own shipments of vaccines; check with your medical provider on availability. Printer-friendly version
A PURR-FECT PAIR: INJURED CAT & KITTEN NEED NEW HOME–TOGETHER
Printer-friendly version Nov. 23, 2009 (El Cajon) – The County animal shelter seeks a good home for Juliet and Sweet Pea, a cat and kitten that have formed an inseparable bond while being nursed back to health from injuries. In late spring, a Good Samaritan rescued a severely injured cat lying in the roadway in Mission Valley and brought the
WITNESS DOUBTS STORY OF TEEN WHO CONFESSED TO KILLING BORDER PATROL AGENT ROSAS
Printer-friendly version November 22, 2009 (Campo) – Christopher Daniel Castro-Alvarez, 17, pled guilty in federal court Friday to charges of murdering Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas during a robbery. In court, he testified that he and others lured Rosas from his vehicle to rob him. But Britt Craig, who heard the fatal shots and spoke with Rosas shortly before the
FORUM REVEALS PLIGHT OF IMMIGRANTS FACING HOMELESSNESS IN REGION
Printer-friendly version By John Falchi November 22, 2009 (San Diego) — The Center for Social Advocacy (CSA), an El Cajon-based organization, held its “Homeless in Our Community, Homeless at Our Border” awareness event at the San Diego Woman’s Club on November 6th. The program focused on a long-overlooked and growing epidemic of homelessness prevalent in the County, also recounting the
JULIAN MAN DIES IN CRASH ON 78
Printer-friendly version Rees Boynton Skinner, 53, of Julian died November 20th from injuries sustained in a collision between two pickup trucks. According to the County Coroner’s office, Skinner was the driver and sole occupant of a pickup truck that was struck by another, out-of-control truck on Highway 78 near Ramona. Numerous witnesses stopped to render aid but were unable to
WOMAN ARRESTED IN LA MESA FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER; ALLEGEDLY STABBED BOYFRIEND WHILE CHILDREN OVERHEARD
Printer-friendly version November 21, 2009 (La Mesa) – Tomika Carey has been arrested and charged with the attempted murder of her boyfriend, Sergeant Hanson at the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Station has confirmed. On November 20th around 1:52 a.m., deputies responded to a call of a stabbing at an apartment complex in an unincorporated area of La Mesa. Parties at the
SHERIFF’S OFFICERS SHUT DOWN TRANSIENTS ENCAMPMENT IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly version CRITICS ASK WHY HOMELESS ARE TREATED LIKE CRIMINALS INSTEAD OF RECEIVING HELP November 21, 2009 (Lakeside) The Santee COPPS Unit, Santee Sheriff Crime Prevention and 50 community service workers provided through Cal-Trans started a large scale clean up of transient encampments in open space southeast of Old Highway 80 and Pecan Park Drive in Lakeside on November 12th.
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