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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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County warns residents about deadly wild mushrooms
Printer-friendly versionBy Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo courtesy California Department of Public Health December 30, 2025 (San Diego) – County public health officials are urging residents to avoid foraging for, or eating, wild mushrooms as some could contain a dangerous toxin called amatoxin that causes severe liver damage and can even lead to death. Winter rainfall creates
House Republicans pass healthcare bill without extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that expire December 31: costs set to double or triple for many Californians
Printer-friendly versionBy G.A. McNeeley and Miriam Raftery Image: CC via bing December 28, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – With both houses of Congress adjourned until January, 22 million Americans can expect to see large increases in Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare premiums, since subsidies will expire on December 31. While Democrats fought to extend the subsidies, House Republicans passed their own
PFAS “forever chemicals” found in Warner Springs groundwater: Navy to host open house January 12 and provide testing of wells at nearby properties
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Updated Dec. 31 with comments from the Warner Spring Community Sponsor Group chair and a local winery representative, plus a statement from the Vista Irrigation District. December 27, 2025 (Warner Springs) — The U.S. Navy has announced that PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” have been detected in groundwater in Warner Springs. The contamination is believed to be linked to a
Federal cuts and reversals upend California health care in 2025
Printer-friendly versionPhoto: CC by NC-ND via Bing This story was originally published by Cal Matters. Sign up for their newsletters. By Ana B. Ibarra for CalMatters Dec. 27, 2025 (San Diego County) — After a decade of expanding health coverage and safety net programs, the Golden State took a sharp detour in 2025. As federal funding reductions and policy changes rippled through the
Ring in the new year safely with free transit rides New Year’s Eve after 6 p.m. throughout San Diego
Printer-friendly versionSource: MTS December 26, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) announced plans to offer free transit rides and extended late-night service on New Year’s Eve, giving the region a safe, convenient and affordable way to celebrate and get home. “We want everyone to enjoy New Year’s Eve and celebrate responsibly,”
Escaped felon in Lemon Grove
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Dec. 24, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — The Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Substation is looking to the public for help in locating a wanted felon who escaped from custody. Just after 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, Sheriff’s Deputies observed Hiram Sanchez, 36, in the 7100 block of Broadway in Lemon Grove. He was wanted on an
SDG&E urges caution around downed power lines
Printer-friendly versionSource: SDG&E December 24, 2025 (San Diego) – With the current rainstorm approaching our region, SDG&E is urging the public to exercise caution around downed power lines. During rainstorms, power lines may become damaged or fall, potentially posing a threat to those nearby. It is crucial for customers to stay safe, be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid potential
City Manager Lydia Romero to leave Lemon Grove
Printer-friendly versionCity Manager Lydia Romero (right) and City Council member Yadira Altamirano in 2019 Photo and story by Karen Pearlman Dec. 23, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove City Manager Lydia Romero, hired in 2015, is leaving the city at the end of this year. After 10 years of leading Lemon Grove, Romero has announced her departure effective Dec. 31,
Light does not need permission to shine: San Diego leaders unite against hate at Hanukkah ‘Rally for Light’
Printer-friendly versionPhotos and story by Karen Pearlman Dec. 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Across the street from the calm San Diego Bay but amid a rising tide of global concern, some of San Diego County’s top elected officials, law enforcement and multi-faith leaders gathered Monday at the County Administration Center to send a singular message: Hate has no sanctuary in
Atmospheric River bringing heavy rains, gusty winds through Christmas:flooding is possible in low-lying areas
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service December 22, 2025 (San Diego) – Be prepared for potentially heavy rains this week and take precautions if traveling due to rain-slicked highways and possible flooding in low-lying areas across southern California. Heaviest rainfall is expected Christmas Eve, with scattered showers on Christmas Day. San Diego’s mountains could get 3 to 6 inches of rain,
GAME OF THE WEEK: VALHALLA HOLDS ON TO BEAT MT. MIGUEL IN THRILLER, 36-29
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr (RANCHO SAN DIEGO) October 16 – Friday night’s game between Valhalla High School’s Norsemen and the Mt. Miguel Matadors had nearly everything a fan could want: a closely contested match between two competitive, talented teams that would not be decided until almost the last minute. It was a game that truly lived up to all
BILBRAY AMENDMENT TO SUPPORT INNOVATION IN FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLES PASSES HOUSE
Printer-friendly versionPoway’s Aptera among companies that will benefit from measure October 18, 2009 (Washington D.C) .–The United States House of Representatives passed a bi-partisan measure led by North County Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) that will expand production of domestic fuel-efficient vehicles. The amendment, included in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act (H.R. 3183)
ASSEMBLY JOBS COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING IN SAN DIEGO MONDAY ON STATE EFFORTS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES
Printer-friendly version October 18, 2009 (San Diego) — On Monday, October 19, members of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy, including Chairperson V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella), Marty Block (D-San Diego) and Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista) will hold a hearing and press conference in San Diego. Both focus on small business development during the recession and state
GOVERNOR SIGNS FIVE KEHOE BILLS INTO LAW
Printer-friendly versionSACRAMENTO – Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) announced today that Gov. Schwarzenegger recently signed five of her bills into law, including ones dealing with redevelopment funds, solar energy, and hybrid vehicles. “I’m grateful for the governor’s support of these bills that will improve the quality of life for Californians,” Kehoe said. “Government can work for the people, and
XE (BLACKWATER) CONTRACT CANCELED BY SOUTHWESTERN COLLLEGE
Printer-friendly version College Board responds to Public Outcry October 18, 2009 (Chula Vista) – On October 14, Southwestern College District Governing Board approved cancellation of its agreement with Xe . The agreement allowed the college’s law enforcement students to use a training facility in Otay Mesa operated by Xe Systems LLC, the company formerly known as Blackwater. Blackwater, which
TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version October 17, 2009 – The City of El Cajon has issued a traffic advisory for October 17, 21 and 24 due to pouring a concrete foundation for the City’s new Public Safety Center downtown. Some streets around City Hall will be closed during the high volume concrete pour. View a time-lapse video of construction. There will be
THREE EAST COUNTY CITIES SIGN JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR SHARED FIRE PROTECTION
Printer-friendly version Photos by Monica Zech October 15, 2009 ) — In La Mesa today, city leaders, fire department chiefs and staff from El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, gathered for the official signing of a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA). This agreement will create a shared management team to coordinate fire and emergency medical services, firefighter training,
FIRE EXPOS DRAW HEATED INTEREST AMONG AREA RESIDENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Leon Thompson and Miriam Raftery October 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Fire safety expos were among the hottest attractions in East County recently, drawing thousands of visitors—all as part of National Fire Prevention Month. In our region, which was devastasted by two of our state’s worst wildfires in 2003 and 2007,
WILD RIDE: KIDNAPPED SHELL STATION OWNER ESCAPES ROBBER
Printer-friendly version POLICE CHASE NABS SUSPECT; PAROLEE MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OTHER AREA CRIMES October 15, 2009 (La Mesa) Crime didn’t pay for a lone gunman who robbed a Shell gas station clerk at gunpoint around 12:15 today. The suspect took money from the register and fled. The station manager arrived just before police and went looking for the
ASSEMBLYMAN BLOCK CONVENES OCT. 20 HEARING ON SDSU ADMISSION POLICY CHANGES
Printer-friendly versionOctober 15, 2009 (San Diego) – Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) will hold a hearing October 20 on SDSU President Stephen Weber’s recent announcement to suspend guaranteed enrollment for local students. “As chair of the Select Committee on K-16 Articulation, Access and Affordability, I have called a hearing to examine this issue in detail and to accept testimony on
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