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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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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
GREEN BULIDING QUESTIONS ANSWERED AT ECO BUILD SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly versionBy Rachel Hutman (California Center for Sustainable Energy) April 9, 2009 (San Diego) – The Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) hosted the EcoBuild San Diego on Saturday, April 4. Over 350 people attended the free expo to get straight answers about green building. Lauri Walker, Program Manager of the event, observed, “People will visit exhibitors and get a better
GET THE JUMP ON GOING GREEN: FEDERAL INCENTIVES FOR RENEWABLES AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Printer-friendly versionApril 10, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – Looking for your own version of a bail-out? How about a federal incentive to make your home, business or community more energy efficient and/or powered by renewable energy such as wind, solar or biomass? Here are some handy links to tax credits and grants available for homeowners, businesses and local governments to apply
CAREER DAY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE TEAMS UP KIDS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES
Printer-friendly versionStory by Miriam Raftery, Photos by Andy Phemister SPAWAR Engineer meets with students April 8, 2009 (El Cajon) – Over 1,500 eighth grade students from Cajon Valley Union School District learned about careers first-hand from dozens of local companies during Career Day at Grossmont College last week. Sponsored by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, the event
TRADITION AND CONCEPT BRIDGED: ART EXHIBITION APRIL 13-30; ARTISTS RECEPTION APRIL 14 AT HYDE ART GALLERY
Printer-friendly versionApril 13, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Art Council presents “Traditon and Concept Bridged”, a ceramic exhibition by two very accomplished artists, Joanne Hayakawa and Kouta Shimazaki. “To term this exhibition a ceramics exhibition is to pare this collection of artwork down to it’s most minimal definition,” the gallery’s announcement states. “Even to use the title “Tradition and Concept
SDG&E PARTNERS WITH NISSAN TO GET SAN DIEGO ‘PLUG-IN’ READY
Printer-friendly versionNew, Zero-Emission Electric Vehicles to Reach San Diego Next Year April 1, 2009 (San Diego) – San Diego County will become one of the nation’s first “plug-in” ready green regions and start the transformation into a clean transportation community with San Diego Gas & Electric’s landmark partnership announced today with Nissan Motor Co. and the Renault-Nissan Alliance. As President
RENT YOUR HOME? DRIVE A CAR? OWN A CREDIT CARD? RENTER’S INSURANCE CAN COVER THEFT LOSSES ON MORE THAN JUST YOUR APARTMENT
Printer-friendly versionBy Dennis Volz Editor’s note: My daughter found out the hard way why having renter’s insurance would have been a good idea. When thieves stole her car, car insurance only covered damage to the vehicle—not replacing the IPOD, leather jacket, text books and other items that were taken,too. So we’ve asked insurance agent Dennis Volz to provide some tips
DO YOU OWN THESE DANGEROUS PRODUCTS? RECALLS ON LOG-SPLITTERS,HOME HEATING VENT PIPES, AND TOY BOXES ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly versionApril 1, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced recalls on the following items: 1. Brave Products Reannounces Recall of Log Splitters; Additional Incidents Prompt Urgent Warning of Amputation Hazard 2. May 1, 2009 Deadline Approaching for Remedy Change in Recall Program; Consumers Urged to Replace Dangerous Home Heating Vent Pipes 3. Lakeshore Learning Materials
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP — MARCH PART TWO
Printer-friendly version East County Roundup highlights the best stories about East County issues found in other publications. JAMUL’S PLAN TO BUILD CASINO MAY NOT STAND TEST OF HISTORY San Diego Union-Tribune (March 30, 2009)— OVERVIEW Background: The Jamul Indian Village partnered with Lakes Entertainment to build a casino in East County that faced significant local opposition. What’s changing: A U.S.
FREE FOOD! SPRING VALLEY LIBRARY TO HOST VEGETARIAN DAY
Printer-friendly versionApril 1, 2009 (Spring Valley)–The Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton Street, will host “Vegetarian Day @ Your Library” on Saturday, April 25 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. This one-day free event will offer a wide variety of presentations on the ethical, environmental, health and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. The public is invited to sample a variety
CA DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO CONSIDER RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE ON-SITE RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION AS ALTERNATIVE TO NEW TRANSMISSION LINES, MASSIVE WIND OR SOLAR FARMS
Printer-friendly versionMarch 20, 2009 (El Cajon)—The East County Democratic Club has adopted a resolution calling for local, on-site generation of solar and wind power as alternatives to massive wind and solar farms, which would require new transmission lines including Sunrise Powerlink. Advocates hope to persuade the State Party’s Resolutions Committee to allow the measure to be considered by delegates at
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