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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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SAN DIEGO SENIOR OLYMPICS WANTS YOU! COMPETE IN 20+ EVENTS
Printer-friendly version TORCH RUN & OPENING CEREMONIES AUGUST 20 August 24, 2009 (San Diego) – You’re never too old to be a champion in the San Diego Senior Olympics, which kick off August 30th with a torch run and opening ceremonies co-sponsored by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce and San Diego Track Club. Aspiring senior athletes
FIREFIGHTER INJURED, 41 RESIDENTS DISPLACED IN FALLBROOK FIRE
Printer-friendly version August 24, 2009 (Fallbrook) updated 5:30 p.m. – Fire has engulfed 24 units in a two-building apartment complex at 11556 S. Vine in Fallbrook, at the intersection of Clemmens St. “Ten units were damaged, with four severely damaged,” John Buchanan, North County Fire and Rescue public information officer told East County Magazine. “Forty-one people have been displaced.
ANDERSON ASKS PUBLIC HELP AS IOU BILL STALLS IN COMMITTEE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 24, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) is asking constituents help to win passage of his Assembly Bill 1506. The measure would require the state to accept its own IOUs as payment from individuals and businesses who owe the state money for taxes, vehicle licensing fees or other matters.
ARE YOU IN THE MARKET TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME?
Printer-friendly version August 24, 2009 (El Cajon)– Looking to buy? San Diego Habitat for Humanity (SDHFH) will be constructing four single-family homes at 801 Avocado Avenue in El Cajon, in partnership with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency. The El Cajon Redevelopment Agency will be providing the four qualified households a silent second mortgage of approximately
MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL HOSTS GRAND OPENING AUG. 29 — PUBLIC INVITED TO FREE DEMONSTRATIONS
Printer-friendly version August 24, 2009 (La Mesa)–United States Tang Soo will be celebrating the grand opening of a new school on Saturday, August 29 from Noon until 3PM. After outgrowing its previous location, the school has moved into a 3000 sq/ft building at 5200 Jackson Drive, La Mesa (across Jackson Drive from Toys R Us). Classes are offered for
POLICE SEEK SUSPECT IN LA MESA MOTEL SHOOTING
Printer-friendly version August 23, 2009 (La Mesa)—Shortly after midnight, at around 12:43 a.m., a man was shot at the Heritage Inn, 7851 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa. When police arrived they found a twenty-two year old Hispanic male, who had been shot three times, in his vehicle in the parking lot. The man was taken to Sharp Hospital, where he underwent
REP. FILNER: NEW CONGRESSIONAL REPORT UNDERSCORES WHAT’S AT STAKE FOR WOMEN IN HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM DEBATE
Printer-friendly version August 21, 2009 (Washington, DC) – The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) of the House and Senate has just released a new report detailing how our current health care system isn’t working for women and the drastic number of women who have lost their health care coverage in the current economic crisis. “This report underscores the urgent need
CPUC PULLS PLUG ON SDG&E PLAN TO SHUT OFF POWER BEFORE SEPT. 10
Printer-friendly version August 21, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted 3-2 to issue a restraining order temporarily halting SDG&E from shutting off power to thousands of East County residents. The CPUC is slated to rule on September 10th whether to grant SDG&E’s request to shut-off power when fire risk is high due
GROSSMONT COLLEGE CELEBRATES PARKING STRUCTURE OPENING WITH A ROOFTOP PARTY
Printer-friendly version Students hail long-awaited project August 21, 2009 (El Cajon)– –Hundreds of students, faculty and community members turned out Monday, August 17 at a party atop a new $24.5 million parking garage at Grossmont College, celebrating the grand opening of the long-awaited facility, which includes a 3,200 square foot structure to house campus police. A collection of vintage cars
SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL HOLDS BLOOD DRIVE SEPT. 3
Printer-friendly version One Donation Can Save Up to Three Lives Sept. 3 – Did you know that 60 percent of the general population is eligible to give blood, but only five percent of people actually donate on a yearly basis? Donating blood is safe, easy and it saves lives. Give the gift of life at Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s blood
“CASH FOR CLUNKERS” VOUCHER BILL PASSES HOUSE; MEASURE AIMS TO REDUCE POLLUTION, SAVE JOBS AND FUEL
Printer-friendly versionLocal Representatives Split Votes By Miriam Raftery June 10, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–Three local representatives have voted in favor of a “cash for clunkers” program that will allow consumers to trade in their old, gas-guzzling cars for vouchers worth up to $4,500 to help people buy new, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act (HR 2751)
EAST COUNTY’S LARGEST FREE HEALTHCARE FAIR SATURDAY JUNE 13
Printer-friendly versionJune 11, 2009 (La Mesa)–The public is invited to attend the 9th annual Summer Healthcare Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at the Grossmont Center shopping mall, 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa. Free health screenings will include diabetes, blood pressure and stroke prevention. Free information will be available on such topics as nutrition, body
CALIFORNIA-FRIENDLY® LANDSCAPES WIN BIG PRIZES
Printer-friendly versionJune 1, 2009 (El Cajon) – Winners of the sixth annual California-Friendly® Landscape Contest gathered to collect their prizes at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on May 16th. Twenty homeowners from across the county received honors for outstanding examples of beautiful, drought-tolerant landscapes. Photographs of the winning landscapes adorned a display in The Garden’s Plaza, and garden
EQUALITY TORCH RELAY SPARKS ARREST IN LEMON GROVE; GAY RIGHTS ADVOCATES CARRY TORCH TO RALLIES AT 4 EAST COUNTY CITY HALLS
Printer-friendly version June 9, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—A protester was arrested in Lemon Grove Saturday for assaulting San Diego Pride director Ron DeHarte during an equality relay for gay rights. (View a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E91X_cD-tqk&feature=related). Overall, however, the relay through four East County cities was peaceful, organizer Eve Parker reported. “We had such a wonderful and supportive day in East
SWEET SUCCESS: GROVE PASTRY SHOP
Printer-friendly versionJune 7, 2009 (Lemon Grove)—“What is special about this place is that we make the most challenging cakes—cakes that nobody else around town will take,” said Luis Francisco Montero, baker at the Grove Pastry Shop in Lemon Grove. Montero spoke with East County Magazine during an East County Chamber of Commerce reception earlier this week at the bakery, which
SKINCARE & WOUND CARE PRODUCTS INFECTED BY BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION, FDA WARNS
Printer-friendly versionConsumers advised not to use any skin products by Clarcon, marketed under several other brand names listed here June 8, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory Inc. of Roy, Utah, is voluntarily recalling some skin sanitizers and skin protectants marketed under several different brand names because of high levels of
DUI CHECKPOINT IN FALLBROOK NETS ARRESTS & CITATIONS; MORE CHECKPOINTS PLANNED
Printer-friendly versionJune 8, 2009 (Fallbrook)—Law enforcement officials issued 19 citations at a driving under the influence (DUI)/driver’s license checkpoint Friday in Fallbrook, also towing 16 vehicles. Additional DUI checkpoints are planned for the Fallbrook area, the San Diego Sheriff’s office confirms. Law enforcement agencies from throughout San Diego County joined forces to conduct an AVOID – DUI Campaign Task Force
FREE LEGAL WORKSHOP FOR PROPERTY OWNERS & BUSINESS OWNERS IMPACTED BY POWERLINK
Printer-friendly versionJune 8, 2009 (Alpine)–The East County Community Action Coalition (ECCAC), in partnership with The Protect Our Communities Foundation and Backcountry Against Dumps is sponsoring a free legal rights workshop for individuals and businesses directly impacted by the Sunrise Powerlink. The workshop will be held on Thursday, June 11th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830
EL CAJON HUMAN RIGHTS LEADER JOINS NEW NATIONAL COALITION FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM; LEADERS TO MEET WITH OBAMA IN WASHINGTON THIS WEEKEND
Printer-friendly versionJune 2, 2009 (San Diego) – “This economy is built off immigrants, and immigration reform will benefit the economy,” El Cajon resident and Center for Social Advocacy spokesperson Estela De Los Rios said at a press conference Friday in San Diego, where community leaders announced launch of the Reform Immigration For America Campaign (www.immigrationforum.org). De Los Rios has traveled
LABOR COUNCIL ANNOUNCES FREE JOB TRAINING FOR VETERANS
Printer-friendly versionJune 5, 2009 (San Diego) – The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council is offering free job training for returning service men and women. The program is funded by the State of California Employment Development Department. Printer-friendly version
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