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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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Damon Brown named new San Diego County Counsel
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 14, 2026 (San Diego County) — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved the appointment of Damon M. Brown as County Counsel. Brown was chosen after the county launched a national recruitment, bringing broad and diverse experience at the national, state and local levels. A trial attorney and policy executive with more than
Navy officials meet with Warner Springs community to address PFAS in water
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman with additional reporting by Miriam Raftery Jan. 14, 2026 (Warner Springs) — Dozens of local residents and business owners visited the CAL Fire Station in Warner Springs on Jan. 12 to glean information from the United States Navy and several other federal groups as well as state and county water agencies about PFAS and their impact
Democrats line up to unseat incumbent Rep. Darrell Issa in 48th Congressional District: several speak at candidate forum
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow Photo, left to right: Ammar Campa-Najjar, Marni Von Wilpert, Abel Chavez, Brandon Riker, Mark Iannarino, Ferguson Porter, Corinna Contreras, and Jerlilia Ryans January 13, 2026 (San Diego) – When the Primary Election is held June 2 for the 2026 midterms, more than a handful of Democrats will be on the ballot in an effort to
Free America Walkout January 20
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr January 11, 2026 (San Diego) — The “Free America Walkout” is a nationwide protest initiative scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. local time across the United States. Being organized by groups like The Women’s March and the 50501 movement, the event encourages people to walk out of work, school, and commence to protest fascism and the policies of the Trump administration. At least seven
Horse rescued in Alpine by San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Jan. 10, 2026 (Alpine) — A 38-year-old horse that went down and could not get back up in Alpine has been rescued by the San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team. The nonprofit’s ERT successfully completed a technical rescue today (Jan. 10) for the Palomino horse named Jasmine — also affectionately known as “Jazzy.”
New laws come to California in 2026
Printer-friendly versionBy Henri Migala Photo by Miriam Raftery: California state seal at capitol in Sacramento January 10, 2026 (Sacramento) — Nearly 800–900 bills were signed into law in 2025 in California spanning workers’ rights, consumer protections, public health, education, housing, tech/AI policy, immigration policy, environmental safety, and more. Below are major statutes that took effect on January 1, 2026, unless
GUHSD invites students, families, staff and community to participate in Portrait of a Graduate Survey
Printer-friendly versionSource: Grossmont Union High School District January 9, 2026 (El Cajon) – The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) is inviting East County students, families, educators, school staff, and community members to participate in shaping its Portrait of a Graduate (POG) – a long-term, community-created vision that defines the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and mindsets every student needs to thrive in
North Island Credit Union Foundation offering scholarships to San Diego County students
Printer-friendly versionFoundation invites college-bound students to apply for $1,000 scholarships by March 6 Source: North Island Credit Union Foundation January 9, 2026 (San Diego) – North Island Credit Union Foundation is encouraging college-bound students in San Diego county to apply for its 2026 Student Scholarship Program. Through the program, the Foundation awards $10,000 in scholarships annually to recognize local students who
El Cajon brings on Jennifer Lyon as new city attorney
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 9, 2026 (El Cajon) — Jennifer M. Lyon has started taking on the role of City Attorney for the City of El Cajon. Lyon, who is part of the La Mesa-headquartered attorney group McDougal Boehmer Foley Lyon Mitchell & Erickson, succeeds Morgan L. Foley, who has retired from his role as the City of El Cajon’s City Attorney,
Detra Williams named San Diego County’s Chief Deputy of Tax Collection
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 9, 2026 (San Diego County) — Detra Williams has been appointed as San Diego County’s next Chief Deputy of Tax Collection, succeeding Chief Deputy David Baker, who has retired. Williams was appointed to the position effective Jan. 6. County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen announced the appointment on Jan. 6. Williams has worked for the
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: OCTOBER 10
Printer-friendly version East County Roundup Includes the Most Important Stories About East County, or relevant to our readers, published by other media. Top stories from the past month include: MAKE THE VICTIM PAY (SDG&E wants ratepayers to pick up tab for soaring insurance costs from its negligence in wildfire prevention) THREE CITIES PROPOSE ONE FIRE DEPARTMENT (La
HOW TO LANDSCAPE WITH LESS WATER: WORKSHOP OCT. 13 WITH AUTHOR/GARDENING DESIGNER SCOTT CALHOUN IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version October 10, 2009 (El Cajon)–Do watering restrictions put a damper on your gardening enthusiasm? The City of El Cajon’s Community Development Department hosts a workshop Tuesday afternoon on how to landscape your home during this time of heightened water conservation. To author and gardening designer Scott Calhoun, working with drought conditions is exciting and can take gardens in new
BOXER SECURES FUNDING FOR KEY INVESTMENTS IN CA
Printer-friendly version Agriculture Spending Bill Includes $6 Million for California Sought by Boxer’ Projects Range From Food Safety to Water Efficiency October 8, 2009 (Washington D.C.) — The U.S. Senate today passed the Agriculture Appropriations conference report, which includes more than $6 million requested by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) for key investments throughout California. Senator Boxer said, “This crucial funding
LA MESA TO VOTE TUESDAY ON “HEALTHY EATING, ACTIVE LIVING” RESOLUTION FOR CITY
Printer-friendly version New measure follows city’s recent award for excellence in community health and wellness programs October 9, 2009 (La Mesa) – A whopping 60% of La Mesa 5th, 7th and 9th grade students sampled and over half of all adults in California are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for stroke, high blood pressure, or other serious
NEED WORK? FREE CAREER DAY OCT. 19 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version October 8, 2009 (El Cajon)–Grossmont College Career Center will present four free career workshops on campus at the Career Center office, Room 627, located adjacent to the Student Center, during its 2009 Career Week, Oct. 19 to 22. The public is invited to attend. The free workshops include: “Job Search Tips” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
DUI/DRUNK DRIVING CHECKPOINT IN LEMON GROVE THIS WEEKEND
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (Lemon Grove) –Sheriff William D. Gore today announced deputies from the Lemon Grove Station will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint this weekend. The message for the beginning of this fall season is that drunk driving will not be tolerated. "If you drive under the influence, we will be looking for you. If you
D.A. FILES MISDEMEANOR CHARGES IN DEERHORN VALLEY CASE: NO HATE CRIME OR ASSAULT CHARGES FILED DESPITE RACIAL SLURS & VIOLENT BEATING OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN TEEN
Printer-friendly version Victim’s Mother Accuses Sheriff of “Dropping the Ball” on Investigation, Considers Lawsuit By Miriam Raftery Update October 2013: Jerry Arnold has contacted ECM to advise that charges against him were reduced to distrubing the peace with loud music, for which he paid a fine. Arnold also shared his side of the story. “I was executor of
DONATE CELL PHONES & BATTERIES TO HELP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS: HOPELINE DRIVE ANNOUNCED TODAY
Printer-friendly version October 9, 2009 (San Diego) – In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the San Diego Family Justice Center is working with the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program to collect no-longer used wireless phones, batteries and equipment from any wireless provider in a month-long phone drive during October 2009. Verizon Wireless will donate the refurbished wireless phones and airtime
STATE LAUNCHES PROBE OF ANDERSON FINANCES; CASE PROMPTS CALL FOR CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 8, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has launched an investigation into allegations that Assemblyman Joel Anderson’s campaign may have received funds funneled illegally through the Fresno County Republican Central Committee. (Read details.) Anderson (R-Alpine) has announced plans to run for the State Senate. The news sparked heated
ANDERSON BILL TO PROTECT HOMEOWNERS FROM FORECLOSURE AWAITS GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 8, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—AB 1046, authored by Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) has passed both houses of the Legislature unanimously and is now on the Governor’s desk. If enacted, would protect homeowners from having their home seized by creditors as payment for debt that is unrelated to their mortgage. “Hard times can fall on anyone and
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