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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 launches new Alert San Diego app, replacing SD Emergency
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 24, 2025 (San Diego County) — The name and look of the emergency information app for the County of San Diego has changed, and now has new features to help keep residents safe. Known previously as SD Emergency, it is now called Alert San Diego. The updated app is part of the
Passages: Grossmont Union High School District mourns the passing of former superintendent Mike Fowler
Printer-friendly versionSource: Grossmont Union High School District October 24, 2025 (El Cajon) – With deep sadness, the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) announces the passing of former Superintendent Mike Fowler, who devoted nearly three decades of extraordinary service to East County students and families. He passed away following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Statement from GUHSD Governing Board President
Events planned to support family of La Mesa Police officer killed in car crash
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (La Mesa) — At least three events are planned to honor fallen La Mesa Police officer Lauren Craven, one tomorrow night at Pink Rose Cafe in La Mesa and another Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Casa Gabriela in La Mesa. The La Mesa Police Department is also having a candlelight vigil
Safely dispose of prescription medications this Saturday, Oct. 25
Printer-friendly versionBy Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office October 23, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is urging people to check their homes and collect unused or expired prescription medications and turn them in on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. People can anonymously drop medication off at one of nine Sheriff’s locations,
Climate Action Plan and Green Building Incentive Program: County hosts virtual meeting Oct. 28
Printer-friendly versionSource: County of San Diego October 23, 2025 (San Diego) – The County of San Diego County Planning & Development Services (PDS) invites you to attend a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to learn about and share your input on the County’s implementation of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and the development of the Green Building
Shawn Dixon named president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (San Diego) — Shawn Dixon has been named the new president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The SDZWA announced his appointment on Thursday, Oct. 23, which came following an extensive global search. Dixon served as interim president and CEO of the SDZWA for the past
San Diego FC playoff-bound this weekend at Snapdragon Stadium
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman Oct. 23, 2025 (San Diego) — It’s been quite a start for the San Diego Football Club. In its inaugural Major League Soccer season, the team is headed to the playoffs. San Diego FC will host its first playoff match Sunday, Oct. 26, at Snapdragon Stadium when the team faces the Portland Timbers in Game 1
Sharp HealthCare extends Sharp Mary Birch brand to East County with renaming of the Grossmont Women’s Hospital
Printer-friendly versionSource: Sharp HealthCare October 23, 2025 (La Mesa) – Sharp HealthCare is expanding the trusted Sharp Mary Birch brand across San Diego County—starting with the rebranding of Sharp Grossmont Hospital for Women & Newborns, now renamed Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns Grossmont. Sharp Mary Birch is one of the most recognized names in women’s health in
Feeding San Diego expands emergency food assistance to federal workers and Cal Fresh recipients during ongoing government shutdown
Printer-friendly versionAs the shutdown continues, the hunger relief non-profit is preparing for a massive surge in need with the delay of November CalFresh benefits Source: Feeding San Diego October 23, 2025 (San Diego) – As the government shutdown enters the fourth week, Feeding San Diego has expanded food assistance services to federal workers impacted by the loss in pay, including the over 110,000
County rejects supporting statewide ban on foreign investment in homes
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Photo, left: Supervisor Jim Desmond sought to restrict foreign investors from buying homes and driving up prices. October 23, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors this week rejected a proposal by Supervisor Jim Desmond to support statewide bans or restrictions on foreign investment in entry-level and single-family housing, particularly when located
100-ACRE FIRE AT PENDLETON; NO THREATS TO STRUCTURES AT THIS TIME
Printer-friendly version August 27, 2009 (Camp Pendleton) –If you’re driving north and see smoke, don’t panic. A slow moving brush fire in the Whiskey Impact Area is currently burning on Camp Pendleton. The brush fire started at approximately 1 p.m., Aug. 26 and has burned approximately 100 acres. The Whiskey Impact Area is located in the Northeastern portion of the
VIEJAS ADDS A “STRIKING” NEW DEVELOPMENT
Printer-friendly version VIEJAS BOWL continues Viejas Outlet Center’s transformation into “lifestyle center” August 27, 2009 (Alpine) – Viejas announced plans today for a new, boutique bowling center, to be called Viejas Bowl, at the Viejas Outlet Center, across from the award winning Viejas Casino. The new development boasts 15,667 square feet of space and will include 12 United
GARAMENDI OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO ATTAIN A SUSTAINABLE CALIFORNIA
Printer-friendly version GARAMENDI OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO ATTAIN A SUSTAINABLE CALIFORNIA By Jackie Hanson August 26, 2009 (San Diego) – What would it take for California to become energy self-sustaining? As surfers caught waves just a few yards away, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi spoke at the new Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla on August 5th, offering ideas to
MISSING GIRLS RETURN HOME
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Two girls missing since Friday have returned home, police now report. The teens left home voluntarily and no charges have been filed, according to police. "Unfortunately, it is with sad and scary news that I am contacting you,” Michael Bailey, regional golf course superintendent at Warner
YO-HO! A PIRATE’S LIFE: EAST COUNTY RESIDENT SAM SPARROW FINDS LUCRATIVE CAREER AS “CAPTAIN JACK” CELEBRITY IMPERSONATOR
Printer-friendly version “Stay the course to your dreams.” – Sam Mejia Sparrow Editor’s Note: Want a pirate for your next corporate event, motivational meeting or private party? We’ll be auctioning off swashbuckling Sam Sparrow at our “Celebrate East County” event Saturday! Register here. Story and inside photos by Miriam Raftery August 25, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) –
PHOTOS OF MOTEL SHOOTING SUSPECT & VEHICLE RELEASED BY LA MESA POLICE
Printer-friendly versionATTEMPTED MURDER BELIEVED TO BE GANG-RELATED August 25, 2009 (La Mesa) — Surveillance photos and video of a shooting suspect and his vehicle have been released today by the La Mesa Police. The suspect is wanted for alleged attempted murder at the Heritage Inn, 7851 Fletcher Parkway that occurred on August 23, 2009. A photo shows the suspect, who wore a horizontal striped
DEMOLITION OF DEPRESSION-ERA BUILDING AT GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL MAKES WAY FOR STATE-OF-THE-ART SCIENCE CLASSROOMS
Printer-friendly version Project Funded by Prop H School Bond El Cajon, Calif. – It was out with the old and in with the new at Grossmont High School as a 70-year-old relic came down. The aging Building 900, which was a concrete structure constructed on the La Mesa campus in the mid-1930s, was recently cleared to make way for
POLITICS IN PARADISE: FILNER, HUNTER CLASH ON HEALTHCARE, BUDGET, CLIMATE CHANGE & MORE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 25, 2009 (Rancho San Diego/El Cajon)—The setting was serene, but the political exchanges were rocky at “Politics in Paradise,” a community legislative forum sponsored by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce Friday evening at Cuyamaca College’s Water Conservation Garden. “Welcome to East County’s first town hall yelling match on healthcare reform,”
NEED WORK? HUNTER TO HOST JOB FAIR SEPT. 2 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version August 25, 2009 (El Cajon) Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-Alpine) will host a Community job Fair on September 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas in El Cajon. "This community job fair offers a great opportunity for County residents, veterans and local businesses to come together and explore
TO YOUR HEALTH! FREE & LOW-COST HEALTHCARE CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER
Printer-friendly version Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s Senior Resource Center offers free or low-cost educational programs and health screenings each month. The Senior Resource Center also provides information and assistance for health information and community resources. For more information, call 619-740-4214. For other programs, call 1-800-827-4277 or visit our web site at www.sharp.com. HOW TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR DURING DIFFICULT
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