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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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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
GOLDEN ARTISTRY DANGLES ‘KARAT’ IN HIGH SCHOOL DESIGN COMPETITION
Printer-friendly versionApril 30, 2009 (La Mesa)–A local Goldsmith has high school students competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze, looking for a diamond in the rough. More than 100 area teens have turned out for this unique design challenge, and the top prize of seeing their creation come to life. Terry Whyte, owner of Golden Artistry in La Mesa, launched the
SAN DIEGO AND IMPERIAL COUNTIES DECLARE LOCAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES OVER SWINE FLU
Printer-friendly versionApril 29, 2009 (San Diego)—San Diego and Iimperial Counties both declared local health emergencies today. The declarations are routine steps in preparations for addressing an outbreak of swine flu. There are eight confirmed cases in San Diego County and 5 confirmed cases in Imperial County. The three newest cases in San Diego County include a three-year-old boy and his
8 SWINE FLU CASES CONFIRMED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY; SDSU CASE SUSPECTED. COULD CAMPUS BE SHUT DOWN BEFORE FINAL EXAMS?
Printer-friendly versionWORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION DECLARES PHASE 5 EPIDEMIC April 29, 2009 (San Diego)—Eight cases of people infected with swine influenza have been confirmed in San Diego County, confirms Tom Christensen, Health & Human Services media spokesman. Details on new cases will be released later today. Several other local cases are suspected, including an SDSU student. President Barack Obama today said
CHARLEY’S AUNT: VICTORIAN COMEDY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionMay 1, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present “Charley’s Aunt,” the classic stage farce about a disguise that doesn’t turn out as planned, on May 7-9 and 13-16 at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, May 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. at the Stagehouse Theatre, located on the college campus, near Parking Lot #1 and
EL CAJON POLICE CHIEF JOINS GROSSMONT COLLEGE WALK OF FAME
Printer-friendly versionApril 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–On Friday, May 1, the Grossmont College Foundation will induct El Cajon Police Chief Pat Sprecco into their Walk of Fame for 2009. The public is cordially invited to attend the ceremonies honoring Chief Sprecco that will start at 9:00 a.m. at Grossmont College’s Main Quad area; this is following the conclusion of the San
PRIVACY 101: DATA POLLUTION–HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS
Printer-friendly versionBy Darity Wesley "Data is the pollution problem of the Information Age." -Bruce Schneier April 28, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Just about every person delivers some form of data into the cyber-world at least once daily. We leave digital footprints with every website we visit, every tweet we Twitter, and every purchase we make either online or on the
SCHWARZENEGGER DECLARES EMERGENCY, TRAVEL ADVISORY ISSUED OVER SWINE FLU
Printer-friendly versionHUNTER SEEKS CLOSURE OF BORDER UPDATED April 29, 2009 (San Diego)—Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in California to request federal funds for emergency services and supplies to combat the disease. To date, 91 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., including 11 in California and five in San Diego County. The first U.S. death, a
CHALLENGE IN CURBING SPREAD OF SWINE FLU: HALF OF WORKFORCE LACKS PAID SICK DAYS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 27, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – At least 50 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the U.S. with confirmed cases in many other countries today, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise its pandemic alert level to Phase 4 for the first time ever. Locally, Christian Cornerstone Academy in Mira Mesa has closed
WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN CELEBRATES 10th BIRTHDAY
Printer-friendly versionApril 28, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College celebrated its tenth birthday on Saturday, April 25. Garden Executive Director Marty Eberhardt commented on the remarkable timing of the event. “Just two days ago, the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors declared a Level 2 Drought Alert, which means that retail agencies will soon be
TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT? LOCAL LEGISLATORS SQUARE OFF OVER TAX DAY “TEA PARTY” PROTESTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—California’s Republican legislators joined in a “tea party” tax protest in Sacramento earlier this month. In response, Democratic leaders staged a “reality check” to unveil a 150-foot long scroll listing $26 billion in budget cuts made since 2003–warning that more severe cuts to schools and other essential programs would be
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