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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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EL CAJON ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PARAMEDICS/FIREFIGHTERS
Printer-friendly version July 25, 2009 (El Cajon)–The City of El Cajon is now accepting applications for the position of Paramedic/Firefighter. Deadline for the applications is August 7, 2009. Applications are being accepted for entry-level and lateral Paramedic/Firefighter. Click to view additional details: Paramedic/Firefighter Lateral/Entry Level Exam #09-09 Salary Range $58,269 – $71,024 (Depending on experience with Lateral
RAPE VICTIM TRAPS ATTACKER WITH JOB OFFER
Printer-friendly version Tips on How to Survive If You Are Attacked By Byron Walls This was the headline on a story in the Contra Costa Times on August 29, 2007. It got my attention, as a person who does crime safety talks and talks a lot about rape. The story went on to say, “Police say a quick-thinking rape
LA MESA LAUNCHES URBAN WALKING TRAILS
Printer-friendly version July 26, 2009 (La Mesa)—La Mesa invites the public to get up, get out, and get moving with the city’s Urban Walking Trails—a free program offering beginner, intermediate and advanced walking routes for all ages and fitness levels. Led by walking host Fit-X San Diego, Fitness Professionals, the walking explorations of La Mesa are held each Tuesday and
GOOD MONEY: WHAT IS A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER?
Printer-friendly version Your Guide to Socially Responsible Investing What Is a Certified Financial Planner™? By Judith L. Seid, CFP ® President, Blue Summit Financial Group July, 2009 (La Mesa)–The public is sometimes confused by the alphabet soup of credentials out there in the financial planning and investment industry. A Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) has the most highly regarded credentials
BUDGET BILLS PASSED BY LEGISLATURE; SCHWARZENEGGER TO WIELD BLUE PENCIL FOR MORE CUTS
Printer-friendly version PLAN INCLUDES DEEP CUTS IN EDUCATION, HEALTH & WELFARE PROGRAMS, ELIMINATION OF SOME AGENCIES & SALE OF PROPERTIES; MOST STATE PARKS SPARED CLOSURE By Miriam Raftery July 26, 2009 (Sacramento)—Both houses of the California Legislature have approved a package of bills to close the state’s $24 billion budget gap. Two provisions were removed by the Assembly: a
LOST SPRING VALLEY BOY IS EN ROUTE HOME, SHERIFF REPORTS
Printer-friendly version Update 4 p.m. – The Sheriff’s Department has notified us that the family reports the missing boy and his sister are now en route home. July 26, 2009 (Spring Valley)– San Diego County Sheriff William D. Gore has just announced deployment of the department’s Search and Rescue Unit for Leandre Othel Weir, 9 years of age, of Spring Valley.
PILOT SURVIVES PLANE CRASH IN VALLEY CENTER
Printer-friendly version July 24, 2009 (Valley Center) At 11:18 this morning, CAL FIRE-Valley Center Fire Department responded to a plane crash on Guejito Road (on the Guejito Ranch) in Valley Center, six miles north of the Ramona Airport. Copter 10 (Sheriff/CAL FIRE Helicopter) was in the area when the incident occurred as was able to quickly arrive on scene and
BLOCK’S BILLS ADVANCE IN LEGISLATURE
Printer-friendly version July 24, 2009 (Sacramento) – Keyl measures introduced by Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) have moved forward in the California Legislature. His bills include education measures aimed at preventing high school drop-outs, helping cash-strapped after-school programs, and establishing a feasibility study for a future California State University campus in the South Bay. Others address health issues, including safety of human egg
SAN DIEGO SENIOR WOMEN’S BASEKTBALL TEAMS GO FOR FIFTH GOLD MEDAL; ORGANIZERS HOPE TO START SENIOR LEAGUE IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version By Linda Cord, SWBA Player, NSWBA Chief Operations Officer July 24, 2009 (San Diego)–Have you ever heard of a basketball team with women players over 50 years old? How about over age 80? San Diego’s legendary “Splash” team has nine members—all over 80. These spry octogenarians will be going for their unprecedented record fifth gold medal at the
EMERALD ASKS SAN DIEGO COUNCIL TO HEAR EVIDENCE ON SDG&E SHUT-OFF PROPOSAL ON MONDAY; SDG&E PLANS TO PROCEED WITH SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WAITING FOR CPUC APPROVAL
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 24, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The San Diego City Council will consider Monday whether to take a stand for or against SDG&E’s controverisal proposed plan to shut off power to rural residents during high fire-risk conditions. The plan is supported by at least two Councilmembers. A July 23 San Diego Union-Tribune article
EAST COUNTY CITIES VIE TO LURE SHOPPERS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – A sales tax hike that takes effect today in La Mesa and El Cajon, has sparked competition among East County cities and Chambers of Commerce vying for shoppers’ business. A statewide sales tax increase boosts sales tax county-wide to 8.75%. In El Cajon and La Mesa, voters approved
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXTENDED AN EXTRA 20 WEEKS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 27, 2008 (Sacaramento) – With the state’s unemployment rate at 10.5%, jobless Californians will be eligible to receive unemployment benefits for an additional 20 week. Legislation signed by Governor Schwarzenegger will bring help to more than 400,000 California families, the California Labor Federation reports. California workers generated nearly 3,000 letters to legislators and the governor
ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STILL BLOOMING IN HIGHER ELEVATIONS
Printer-friendly versionWildflower Hike Planned April 16. April 1, 2009 (Borrego Springs) – It’s not too late to see Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in bloom. As we move past the peak flower time, the show is moving from the desert floor to canyons and higher elevations, where there are a wide variety of plants just beginning to bloom. Anza-Borrego Institute will
COURTS LIKELY TO OVERTURN SUNRISE POWERLINK APPROVAL, CONSUMER ATTORNEY PREDICTS TO CROWD OF 600 PROTESTORS IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Sign expresses residents’ outrage over fire dangers posed by Powerlink April 8, 2009 (Alpine)—A coalition of more than 600 people packed the community center in Alpine last night to protest Sunrise Powerlink, the high-voltage line that SDG&E plans to build through the heart of this mountain community. Attorney Michael Shames from the Utility Consumers Action Network
VIEJAS TRIBAL MEMBER RECEIVES HEALTH HERO AWARD
Printer-friendly version Charlie Brown is honored for his ongoing contribution to the Burn Institute. March 23, 2009 (San Diego, Calif.) – Charlie Brown, a Viejas Tribal Member and Director of Viejas Community Relations, was awarded the Health Hero Award by the Combined Health Agencies for his contributions to the local health industry and community activism. Brown, nominated on behalf
SEIU LOCAL 221 RATIFIES CONTRACTS WITH SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version March 20, 2009 (El Cajon)—Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 221 members have ratified their contract with the County of San Diego. Voting on the contract took place March 17-19, and of the members who voted, 89% voted to ratify the contract. The new contract will extend the currently existing contract by two years and will include
GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY: INTRODUCTION TO FARMING WORKSHOP SERIES AT LA MILPA FARM IN ESCONDIDO STARTS APRIL 4
Printer-friendly version April 1, 2009 (Escondido)—San Diego Roots and La Milpa Organica are pleased to announce a new educational program for our community. Whether you are a beginning gardener or experienced farmer, this program will take you full circle through a seasonal planting and harvest on a farm. If you are interested in learning more about food production but only
JESSE LAMONACA HEADLINES AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE COYOTE MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 1
Printer-friendly version Jesse LaMonaca April 1,2009 (El Cajon) — The Cuyamaca College Music Industry Studies program is proud to announce the Coyote Music Festival on May 1, 2009 on the grand lawn of Cuyamaca College. The event will feature 6 San Diego acts playing original music during the late afternoon concert: Jesse Lamonaca, Regina Leonard, Silent Lune, Goodnight Caulfield, Rhythm
NEW ASSEMBLYMAN MARTY BLOCK INTRODUCES BILL TO CREATE NEW COLLEGE IN CHULA VISTA
Printer-friendly version Vittorio Arata, Gabriella Quiroga (1), Katya Quiroga, Mariella Quiroga (Mark Raftery) April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — On his first day of work at the Capitol, Assemblyman Marty Block introduced AB 24, a bill which would require that the California State University trustees conduct a feasibility study for locating the 24th Campus of the CSU System in Chula
EDITORIAL: EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT IS VITAL TO REBUILD OUR ECONOMY
Printer-friendly versionBy Tracy Emblem (Democratic candidate, 50th Congressional District) March 27, 2009 (San Diego)–The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is vital to rebuild America’s economy. But the right-wing media is disseminating false information and scare tactics aimed at duping the public regarding EFCA. We are losing the middle class. Wages are spiraling downward, workers are losing healthcare, yet CEOs are
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