Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
Explore What Matters
News Center
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
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
2 LEGAL DECISIONS ON POWERLINK ISSUED, CLOUDING FUTURE OF $1.9 BILLION PROJECT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – A pair of state and federal legal decisions further muddy the future of Sunrise Powerlink, the 150-mile-long high voltage line proposed by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), a Sempra Energy company. One cleared a hurdle for the utility company at the state level while also opening the
ANDERSON PROPOSES KEEPING ANZA-BORREGO OPEN IN SPRING MONTHS
Printer-friendly versionJuly 17, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—Over a thousand letters poured into the office of Assemblyman Joel Anderson in just three days. The letters came from concerned citizens, mostly in the Borrego Springs community, in response to a state budget proposal that would close almost all state parks, including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, as a cost-saving measure. A poll
REP. JOHN CONYERS, IN SAN DIEGO, ASKS PUBLIC’S HELP TO ATTAIN HEALTHCARE FOR ALL
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 15, 2009 (San Diego) – "We are on the right track–and we are not going to be turned back," Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) told health care reform advocates, doctors and members of community organizing groups in San Diego on Sunday. A leader in the Civil Rights movement who drew inspiration from his father, a labor leader, Conyers is considered the
AUG. 12 HEARING SET FOR CABLE SKI PARK IN SANTEE; NEIGHBORS FEAR NOISE, TRAFFIC, & IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE
Printer-friendly version July 15, 2009 (Santee)— A public hearing by the Santee City Council on a conditional use permit for a controversial proposed cable ski park for Santee Lakes is tentatively set for the evening of August 12, Allen Carlisle, director of park and recreation for Padre Dam Water District told East County Magazine. Supporters say the cable
GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE GAVIN NEWSOM TO HOLD TOWN HALL FORUM IN SAN DIEGO SATURDAY JULY 18
Printer-friendly version July 16, 2009 (San Diego)—San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who has announced plans to run for Governor next year, will hold “Conversations About California’s Future” with voters in major California cities over the next few weeks, including this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Clairemont High School quad, 4150 Ute Dr. in San Diego. Newsom, a
CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN DAVIS MEETS WITH MEDICAL EXPERTS AT SAN DIEGO HOSPICE AND INSTITUTE FOR PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
Printer-friendly version Budget cuts threaten patient care, hospice leader warns; Pain treatments for military, quality of life programs and advanced palliative medicine education for clinicians also discussed July 15, 2009 (San Diego) – Threats to quality patient care services, as well as support for education and evidence-based research in palliative medicine were key issues discussed with Congresswoman Susan Davis during
OTAY WATER DISTRICT HOSTS COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE JULY 21
Printer-friendly version Residents and Businesses to learn details of Jamacha Pipeline Construction Project July 15, 2009 (El Cajon/ Rancho San Diego, CA) – On Tuesday, July 21, the Otay Water District will host an open house-style community meeting to address the Jamacha Pipeline Project, a 5 mile-long, $22 million pipeline construction project along a large portion of Jamacha Rd.
CLICK TO HELP LOCAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM QUALITY FOR FUNDING
Printer-friendly versionJuly 15, 2009 (San Diego)–Gael Streck and Casey Gwinn, of the Family Justice Center in San Diego, are attempting to win an All State Foundation Fundraiser/Grant for the Alliance to help domestic violence victims and their children. By clicking on this website you can help the Alliance win funding to assist domestic violence survivors in our community: www.clicktoempower.org. “We
YES, THERE IS A FREE LUNCH—FOR KIDS AT KROC CENTER THIS SUMMER
Printer-friendly version July 15, 2009 (San Diego)—Children under 18 can receive free sack lunches and milk at the Salvation Army Kroc Center from June 29th through July 31st (except July 3rd). Children under age 11 must be accompanied by an adult to receive the lunches, which are available Monday through Friday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. No paperwork or ID
A HEARTFELT DONATION: GROSSMONT FOUNDATION RECEIVES $30,000 GRANT FOR CARDIO-VASCULAR PROGRAM
Printer-friendly version July 15, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Foundation, a fund-raising organization that benefits Grossmont College students and educational programs, has announced that it has received a $30,000 grant from Abbott Vascular, one of the world’s leading vascular care businesses. The grant will benefit Grossmont students who are enrolled in the college’s cardio-vascular technology (CVT) program. According to
JEFF OLSON TO RUN FOR COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR/RECORDER/CLERK
Printer-friendly version July 3, 2009 (San Diego)—Jeff Olson, who currently serves as Chief of Assessment Services for the County, has announced plans to run for the County Tax Assessor/Recorder/Clerk position in June 2010. If elected he pledges, “I will always be an advocate for the taxpayer and will ensure that no taxpayer is paying more in property tax than they
ACLU ASSERTS SHERIFF’S OFFICERS VIOLATED 4TH AMENDMENT PROTECTIONS IN TREATMENT OF BUSBY PARTY HOST, PEPPER SPRAYING OF GUESTS
Printer-friendly version D.A. and Sheriff’s Dept. Open Investigations into Incident By Miriam Raftery July 3, 2009 (San Diego) – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has issued a statement accusing the San Diego Sheriff’s Department of excessive use of force and violations of civil rights against the hostess and guests at a fundraising party for Francine Busby, Democratic candidate
ANDERSON BLL WOULD ALLOW IOUs TO BE USED AS PAYMENTS FOR OBLIGATIONS TO STATE
Printer-friendly version Lawmaker voted "No" on budget that included tax increases aimed at preventing deep cuts in services and closure of state parks By Miriam Raftery July 2, 2009 (Sacramento) – Assembly Bill 1506 by Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon), would let people and businesses receiving state IOUs use them as payments to the state for DMV fees, payroll
BUDGET CUTS BRING FEARS OF LOCKED HOSPITAL WARDS & HOMELESSNESS FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version July 2, 2009 (San Diego)–Local nonprofit organizations serving people with autism, cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities will drastically cut back on services, or be forced to close their doors if the state follows through on plans to further cut funding, according to a new survey. The survey of 300 San Diego County providers conducted by the
NEW TECHNOLOGY MAKES WOMEN’S OPERATIONS EASIER: FREE SEMINAR JULY 15 ON GYNECOLOGIC ROBOTIC SURGERY
Printer-friendly version July 2, 2009 (La Mesa) – Sharp Grossmont Hospital will host a free seminar for women facing hysterectomy, surgery for uterine fibroids, fertility or reproductive cancer. A Sharp Grossmont-affiliated physician will discuss advanced, minimally invasive robotic surgery that results in smaller incisions, fewer side effects and a quicker return to activities. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
HEADS UP: CHILD TRAPPED IN LAKESIDE STORM DRAIN IS RESCUED
Printer-friendly version July 2, 2009 (Lakeside) – A child whose head became trapped in a storm drain has been freed following a dramatic rescue. The seven-year-old boy tried to retrieve a toy that had fallen into a storm drain near 10252 Big Cone Court, when his head got stuck. Lakeside Fire crews, with assistance from El Cajon Fire
REWARD UP TO $1,000 FOR SUSPECT WHO SERIOUSLY INJURED MAN IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version July 1, 2009 (Lemon Grove) – Yesterday the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department announced that it is joining forces with Crime Stoppers to help identify and apprehend a group of men responsible for assaulting and severely beating Russell Hinton in Spring Valley on June 13th shortly after midnight. Earlier that evening Russell Hinton and a female
GOVERNOR VOWS TO VETO TAX INCREASE PROPOSAL THAT MAY KEEP STATE PARKS OPEN, STAVE OFF CUTS IN STATE SERVICES
Printer-friendly version By Ryan Lescure July 1, 2009 (San Diego)–Faced with the prospect of closing 220 state parks, including two in East County (Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park), the California Legislature passed a bundle of tax and fee increases by a simple majority, though a two-thirds majority is required to raise taxes. Governor Arnold
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP, JULY 1, 2009
Printer-friendly version Top Stories About East County in other publications, including: • FIRE SERVICES PARTNERSHIP EMERGING • LAKESIDE YOUTH IS COUNTY’S 44th WITH WHOOPING COUGH • OFFICIALS’ SUPPORT SCRIPTED BY SDG&E • WIND FARM SET FOR CAMPO RESERVATION • DESCANSO AREA TARGET OF USFS GRANT TO GREATER SAN DIEGO RCD • GOVERNMENT AGENCIES’ OPENNESS ON WEB VARIES • NEW
M*A*S*H BASH! ACTOR/AUTHOR MIKE FARRELL IN LA MESA JULY 1
Printer-friendly versionJune 30, 2009 (La Mesa) – Actor Mike Farrell, who played Dr. B.J. Hunnicutt on the T.V. series M*A*S*H, will present his new book at the La Mesa Community Center on Wednesday, July 1st. "We will have a ‘swamp’ set up for an ice-cream social, and Mike will be available to sign his books; Of Mule and Man
Get Wildfire Alerts & Wildfire Emergency News
Partner To ECM
Our Engaged Audience
5 to 10 million hits
per month!
5 to 10 million hits
per month!
A quarter million visits
each month
Most widely read news site dedicated to
San Diego’s East County
Winner of over 150
journalism awards
“Sponsoring East County Magazine is a great way to reach our loyal and engaged readers, who value organizations and businesses that support nonprofit, independent news in the public interest and wildfire/emergency alerts that keep people safe and informed. Sponsors can choose to underwrite our community news site, support a favorite section or a new special section, underwrite an event, or sponsor our wildfire and emergency alerts.”
— Miriam Raftery, Founder of East County Magazine
Community Links
Thanks To Our Major Sponsors
📬 Subscribe to ECM – 100% Free, Trusted by East County Since 2008
- Emergency alerts
- Breaking news
- No spam ever