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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
RECORD NUMBER OF GUHSD SCHOOLS RECEIVE CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS AWARD
Printer-friendly versionGrossmont High School, Helix Charter High School and Grossmont Middle College High School Receive Prestigious Honor April 2, 2009 (El Cajon)—On April 1, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced that 125 California high schools were awarded the prestigious 2009 California Distinguished Schools Award. This marks the first year that a record three GUHSD schools have been recognized
DESERT DREAMS: LOOK WHAT’S NEW UNDER THE SUN AT ANZA-BORREGO
Printer-friendly version Wild horse sculptures By Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (Borrego)—Visitors to Anza-Borrego may be startled by the vision of life-sized metal sculptures of dinosaurs, mastodons and other prehistoric creatures rising from the desert floor like sentinels of a forgotten era. Other sculptures portray wild horses, birds of prey, tortoises, a saber-tooth tiger and Native American themes. The creations
MAKING THE GRADE: GUHSD’S 2009 TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Printer-friendly versionMike Love and David Bradford Selected to Represent GUHSD in Prestigious San Diego County Teacher of the Year Competition April 3, 2009 (El Cajon)–At its Governing Board Meeting on Thursday, April 2, the Grossmont Union High School District honored Teacher of the Year nominees from its represented school sites. These nominees are selected by their peers. A panel comprised
DRY TIMES: WATER-SAVING LANDSCAPE ADVICE
Printer-friendly versionApril 4, 2009 (San Diego)—With water districts urging consumers to cut outdoor water usage by 40% amid the drought, homeowners are left wondering how to maintain an attractive yard without being water hogs—and paying hefty prices to be levied against heavy water users. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) offers some recommendations for consumers to make smart choices and
HOP TO GROSSMONT CENTER SATURDAY: EASTER BUNNY TO HIDE OVER 1500 EGGS AT LA MESA MALL
Printer-friendly versionApril 2, 2009 (La Mesa)—Grossmont Center is hosting an Easter egg hunt with treats for all visitors on april 11th from 9-10 a.m. in Macy’s Courtyard. The festivities include meeting the Easter bunny, prizes, giveaways and refreshments. Bring your own basket to hunt for over 1,500 colorfully decorated eggs. The event is free. The Easter bunny’s hut located in
EDITORIAL: AN OPEN LETTER TO JANET NAPOLITANO, SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY, REGARDING ALAN BERSIN–A TOP CANDIDATE FOR U.S. CUSTOMS & BORDER PATROL TOP SLOT
Printer-friendly versionBy Ernie McRay Editor’s Note: Alan Bersin has served as Superintendent of Public Education in San Diego City Schools and was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as California Secretary of Education. He is now in the running to head up the U.S. Customs & Border Patrol. Dear Secretary Napolitano: April 1, 2009(San Diego)–I write this letter because Alan Bersin
PUMPED UP: CHAPARRAL HIGH STUDENTS TAKE ON POLICE IN SHOW OF STRENGTH
Printer-friendly version Campus Supervisor Tim Wargo (left), Resource Officer Steve Paz, and Officer Joe Crawford spot student Brandon Lawtum-Grindle Annual bench-press competition fosters trust between El Cajon Police Officers and at-risk teens. By Gayle Early March 25, 2009 (El Cajon)—Twenty-three Chaparral Continuation High School students flexed their muscles last week during a weight-lifting competition with members of the El Cajon
GROW THE GREAT PUMPKIN: VALLEY CENTER FARMERS’ MARKET HOSTS PUMPKIN GROWING CONTEST—FREE SEEDS IN APRIL!
Printer-friendly versionApril 8, 2009 (Valley Center) – Remember Charlie Brown’s quest to grow the Great Pumpkin? Now you can grow your own jumbo-sized jack-o-lantern. The San Diego County Farm Bureau is putting on the first Valley Center Pumpkin Growing Contest at the Valley Center Certified Farmers’ Market. Anyone interested in participating can pick up free pumpkin seeds from the farmers’
COMPOSTING IS EASIER AND MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU THINK
Printer-friendly versionBy Rachel Hutman April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Sure, you recycle, but do you compost? You probably know a little about composting and have heard it’s important for the environment. However you have always pushed it into the back of your brain saying “maybe someday” or “I don’t know how to start.” However composting is much
TAKING ROOT: VICTORY GARDENS SPROUT IN SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly versionApril 2, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego Roots, in coordination with several grassroots food and gardening groups, announces the formation of Victory Gardens San Diego. The group’s mission is to encourage and assist in the development of sustainable, healthy, Earth-friendly home, community and school food gardens throughout the San Diego area. The movement aims to foster appreciation for the taste
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