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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…
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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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TWO-ALARM FIRE AT PRECISION METAL IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionMarch 17, 2009 (El Cajon)–Just after 12:30 p.m. today El Cajon Fire crews responded to a structure fire reported at 850 West Bradley Avenue in El Cajon. Upon arrival,flames and heavy black smoke were seen coming from the roof area of the business, Precision Metal Products, and a second alarm was issued. It took about 30 firefighters 30 minutes
SDSU AND VIEJAS BAND OF KUMEYAAY INDIANS AGREE ON NAMING RIGHTS TO SDSU ARENA: ON CAMPUS VENUE TO BE CALLED VIEJAS ARENA STARTING JULY 1, 2009
Printer-friendly versionMarch 17, 2009 (San Diego)–The on campus sports and entertainment venue at San Diego State University will be renamed Viejas Arena, under a new agreement between the university and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, the two announced today. "We’re very pleased that the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, who are such an important member of the San Diego
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP — MID-MARCH
Printer-friendly version East County Roundup highlights the best stories about East County issues found in other publications. SDG&E SAYS ITS EQUIPMENT STARTED 167 FIRES IN 5½ YEARS Union-Tribune (March 14, 2009) — Nearly 170 fires have been started by San Diego Gas & Electric Co. power lines or transformers in the past 5½ years, according to a report the utility
BE INVENTIVE: SCIENCE FESTIVAL AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE MARCH 20-21
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (El Cajon) — The public is invited to experience hands-on scientific demonstrations and view exhibits that celebrate science in our everyday lives at the 2009 Grossmont College Science Festival on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, to be held on the college campus. Admission and parking are free. Families with students of all ages are
MORE THAN PLANTS AT WATER-WISE PLANT FAIR
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Flowering perennials from Daylily hill Maic Palmiere of Crest displays baskets and jewelry made from pine needles March 14, 2009 (El Cajon) — Birdhouses, eco-friendly jewelry, and water-saving wizardry awaited visitors at the Water-Wise Plant Fair, held today at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. If you thought low-water landscaping means gravel and cacti, think
IT’S NO LONGER SANTEE, BUT MORE LIKE SANTREE
Printer-friendly versionBy Karla Moran (Karla Moran) March 14, 2009 (Santee) —The working power of a city makes a difference–as evidenced at the 8th annual SanTree Fest and Earth Day Celebration. Sponsored by the City of Santee, this year’s event had its best turn out yet. The community worked together to improve the environment and create a cleaner tomorrow. Parents and
MEDIA REFORM, INITIATIVE PROCESS & CLEAN ELECTIONS TOP COMMON CAUSE AGENDA
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 16, 2009 (San Diego)–At a San Diego fundraising dinner for Common Cause last week, speakers addressed the latest priorities taken on by the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting the public interest and holding government accountable to the voters. Media reform (including a conference this weekend in Southern California), clean elections and revising the California
SAN DIEGO HOME DIALYSIS PROVIDER LAUNCHES COUNTYWIDE KIDNEY DISEASE AWARENESS PROGRAM DURING NATIONAL KIDNEY MONTH
Printer-friendly versionHome Dialysis Therapies of San Diego offers free seminars and private consultations in March to help educate San Diegans about advanced kidney disease and available treatment options March 5, 2009 (San Diego) — Home Dialysis Therapies of San Diego, San Diego’s largest home dialysis provider, announces its countywide educational series throughout the month of March to help inform advanced
NEW LA MESA BUSINESS HELPS SENIORS STAY INDEPENDENT IN THEIR HOMES
Printer-friendly versionMarch 13, 2009 (La Mesa) — It is estimated that 7 million women are unpaid caregivers to the elderly. They struggle to cope with the exhaustion, loneliness, mental and physical demands, and heartbreak of watching their loved one grow weaker. Advanta Home Care provides an affordable solution for older individuals or couples capable of managing their physical needs, but
PARENTS OF MISSING ESCONDIDO TEEN ASK PUBLIC’S HELP, ORGANIZE SEARCHES: $60,000 REWARD OFFERED
Printer-friendly versionMarch 14, 2009 (Escondido)–One month after the disappearance of Amber Leeanne Duboise, 14, Escondido police have received new tips and family members are organizing searches in the community. To volunteer, visit http://www.bringamberhome.com/. Donations are also requested to help with costs of the search, which has drawn national attention. You can download flyers to post or distribute here: http://eastcountymagazine.org/?q=bringamberhome. A
APPLICATIONS STILL OPEN FOR CAMP ERIN
Printer-friendly version Free weekend camp Sept. 25–27 in Julian helps kids who suffered death of a loved one July 21, 2009 (San Diego) – Camp Erin San Diego, a free weekend camp open to kids ages 6-17 who have recently experienced the death of a loved one, has a limited number of openings available for the program September 25
THUNDERSTORMS FORECAST TONIGHT COUNTYWIDE, FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS SOUTHEAST OF MT. LAGUNA
Printer-friendly version July 20, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm and flash flood warning for most of San Diego County including inland valleys, mountains, deserts and coastal areas. Orange, Riverside and San Bernadino Counties are also affected. Isolated thunderstorms and hail are forecast in the deserts for tonightl, followed by
NEWSOM, FILNER ANNOUNCE INITIATIVES TO HELP HOMELESS VETERANS
Printer-friendly version HALF OF ALL HOMELESS IN SAN DIEGO ARE VETS By Miriam Raftery Photos by Joel Ryerson and Leon Thompson July 18, 2009 (San Diego)—“No mayor in America has done more for homeless veterans than Gavin Newsom,” Congressman Bob Filner (D-Chula Vista), chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, told veterans and media during a press conference yesterday at Stand Down, a three-day event
20 GRADUATE FROM CHAMBER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Printer-friendly version July 20, 2009 (El Cajon) – San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce recently graduated 20 students from its Leadership program. The intensive nine-month program features a full day each month of seminars. “We cover all facets of the community,” Drum Macomber told East County Magazine during last month’s final project presentations at Grossmont College, followed by
FIRE NEAR IN-KO-PAH AT IMPERIAL-SAN DIEGO COUNTY LINE
Printer-friendly version July 20, 2009 (In-Ko-Pah) – CAL-FIRE is battling a five-acre brush fire approximately one and a half miles north of I-8, just west of the Imperial-San Diego County line near In-Ko-Pah. “The area is inaccessible by engine, so helicopters and air tankers are currently flying in air support,” CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Nick Schuler informed East County Magazine.
GOOD SHOTS: BASKETBALL CAMP FOR YOUTHS OFFERED BY GROSSMONT COLLEGE COACH
Printer-friendly version July 20, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Athletics Dept. and Grossmont College men’s basketball coach Doug Weber is inviting all boys and girls entering the 3rd through 8th grades to Grossmont College’s first annual youth basketball camp, from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, Aug. 10-14. The camp will feature instruction on fundamental skills, group and individual contests
NEWSOM, CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR, SHARES VIEWS ON KEY ISSUES WITH ECM
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Miriam Raftery July 18, 2009 (San Diego) – San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Democratic candidate for Governor, spoke briefly with East County Magazine after his address at the Stand Down event to help homeless veterans yesterday. We asked his views on three pressing issues impacting residents in our region. How concerned is
THERAPY DOGS NEEDED: TRAINING OFFERED IN BLOSSOM VALLEY
Printer-friendly version July 19, 2009 (Blossom Valley)—Therapy dogs are needed to visit hospitals, schools, and homes of elderly people, bringing smiles to the faces of patients, students and seniors. Training is now available for dog owners who wish to have their animals take a Therapy Dog International (TDI) test on August 9th. “I am a dog trainer who trains
FRUITS OF THEIR LABORS: RAMONA FORUM MEMBERS REAP REWARDS OF COMMUNITY GARDEN
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 19, 2009 (Ramona)—“We started looking at the economy and saying hey, people are going to need to start doing community gardening,” Dave Patterson, founder of the Ramona Forum, told East County Magazine. Most members of the forum, which was founded as a political discussion group, had little experience in farming. But they did some
RESCUE IN PINE VALLEY
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo: CAL-FIRE Battalion Chief Nick Schuler July 17, 2009 (Pine Valley) – A car plunged off eastbound I-8 one mile west of the Pine Valley bridge, rolling 200 feet over the side late this afternoon. The accident trapped inside the four-door, champagne-colored vehicle. “An off duty CAL FIRE firefighter happened to be driving by just after the
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