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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…
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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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GREEN BUILDING PRODUCTS MANUFACTURER DONATES MATERIALS TO BUILD HOME FOR EL CAJON FAMILY IN NEED
Printer-friendly version October 8, 2009 (El Cajon)– Cali Bamboo, a premier manufacturer of green building materials made entirely from bamboo for residential and commercial projects, has announced its partnership with the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. The company will provide $15,000 worth of flooring and fencing materials as well as volunteer employees to help build the final Jimmie Johnson Foundation
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CAL-FIRE: MAKE SURE YOUR ADDRESS IS VISIBLE
Printer-friendly version October 8, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — October is fire safety month. CAL FIRE reminds everyone who lives in the backcountry that State law requires that every building must have an address number posted. This number needs to be a minimum of four inches in height, contrasting in color to the background, and clearly visible from the street. Your fire
GAME OF THE WEEK BONUS COVERAGE – EAGLES SLOWED BUT NOT STOPPED BY HILLERS
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr (SOLANA BEACH) September 26 – One of the most common sports cliches is that some opponents can’t be stopped; they can only be contained. Anyone who defended Michael Jordan, pitched to Tony Gwynn or golfed against Tiger Woods knows the concept all too well. So do Santa Fe Christian’s first three opponents this season.
ADOPT A SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG: SHERIFF’S TEAM WORKS WITH CHILDREN
Printer-friendly version October 7, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego County Sheriff William D. Gore is announcing a unique educational program called “Adopt an SAR Dog.” In its third year, the San Diego Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Detail will participate in a program which offers a local elementary school class the unique opportunity to learn all about the various aspects of
KIDS EXPRESS THEIR HOPES FOR A CLEAN FUTURE AT THE SUSTAIN LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly version By Kristin Kjaero September 29, 2009 (La Mesa)– “Be an Eco-Hero! Each person can make a difference and you can too…. Let your voice be heard!” read a sign at the City of La Mesa’s second annual Sustain La Mesa Environmental Festival. A number of young people showed they are well on the way to being eco-heroes
COASTAL CLEANUP DAY A BIG SUCCESS : EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS PITCH IN AT LAKE MURRAY
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Kristin Kjaero October 7, 2009 (Lake Murray)—In honor of this year’s 25th California Cleanup Day on September 19, Coastal Cleanup Day in San Diego County was bigger than ever. 10,032 volunteers in the county (up from 7,800 last year) covered 163 miles of coast and inland waterways to collect 101,933 pounds of trash
H1N1 FLU VACCINE NOW AVAILABLE IN EAST COUNTY & SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2009 (San Diego) — The first allotment of H1N1 flu vaccine has arrived in San Diego County and will be administered starting today. (View video) According to state guidelines, the initial doses of H1N1 nasal spray vaccine are designated for children 2-18 years of age who are healthy and healthy household contacts of infants younger than
REPORT: FORECLOSURE MEDIATION PROGRAMS’ POTENTIAL TO HELP HOMEOWNERS NOW IN JEOPARDY DUE TO LACK OF INDUSTRY ACCOUNTABILITY
Printer-friendly version National Consumer Law Center Looks at 25 Programs in 14 States Including California: Mediation Programs Seen as Faltering October 7, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–A spate of new state and local programs that have emerged over the last year requiring mediations or conferences before foreclosures sales take place have great potential to help homeowners, but are suffering from the
EDITORIAL: BOLD NEXT STEPS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
Printer-friendly version By Congressman Bob Filner Democratic Representative from the 51st Congressional District The impacts of the climate crisis are already being seen around the world through increasing hurricane intensity, melting ice caps, and refugees fleeing extreme weather conditions. Here in Southern California, we are particularly vulnerable to a variety of threats posed by unchecked global warming – threats to
MAN ROBBED OF PANTS IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2009 (La Mesa) – Two men robbed a transient of his pants and wallet on October 4 at approximately 9:32 p.m. One suspect was located by La Mesa Police officers within minutes after the robbery and assault. The second suspect, a Hispanic man who goes by the name "Alexi," is still outstanding. He is described as approximately
VIEJAS ENTERPRISES RECEIVES BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
Printer-friendly versionMarch 3, 2009 (San Diego)–At an inaugural celebration, Viejas Enterprises was awarded the East County Regional Business of the Year by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce. The first "Bet on the Chamber" celebration, held at Viejas’ DreamCatcher Lounge, recognized over 20 outstanding East County businesses.The Chamber annually recognizes businesses throughout East County that have made a
CONGRESS ENACTS NEW FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–A tax credit of up to $8,000 is now available for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid. Learn how you can take advantage of this $8,000
NO SPAIN, NO BULL–ITS THE “RUNNING OF THE GOATS” IN CREST SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Printer-friendly versionMarch 3, 2009 (Crest)–It may be un-"herd" of, but it is happening in Crest and it’s not a baaad idea. The first ever "Running of the Goats" will take place on March 7, 2009 at the South Lane Park in Crest. This "running" will not reflect the danger as experienced in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain,
RESIDENTS STAGE PROTEST IN LAKESIDE OVER POWERLINK; SUPERIVSOR JACOB LEADS FIGHT TO HALT SEMPRA/SDG&E PROJECT
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery "This line is really about bringing fossil fuels up from the plant owned by SDG&E in Mexico," said Dianne Jacob, chair of the County Board of Supervisors. "We do not need this line to meet San Diego County’s energy needs now or in the future…Follow the money to see who supports Sunrise Powerlink." February 28, 2009
BANK ROBBER CAUGHT ON TAPE: UP TO $1,000 REWARD OFFERED FOR FALLBROOK, ESCONDIDO SUSPECT
Printer-friendly versionMarch 3, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego County Crime Stoppers is joining forces with San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Fallbrook detectives to help identify and apprehend the suspect responsible for robbing the Washington Mutual Bank in Fallbrook. This same suspect may also be responsible for another bank robbery that occurred on January 30, 2009 at about 5:46 p.m. at
BURNED UP: LAKESIDE PLANNERS, FIRE OFFICIALS AND RESIDENTS VENT ANGER OVER STATE’S APPROVAL OF POWERLINK WITH NO NOTICE TO THEIR COMMUNITY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Before and After images of El Monte Valley February 18, 2009 (Lakeside) — Lakeside planners, fire officials and residents expressed shock and outrage that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved construction of Sunrise Powerlink through the El Monte Valley, a designated scenic area, without ever notifying officials or the public in Lakeside. Sempra Energy/SDG&E added
WILDFIRE AT SAN DIEGO/TEMECULA COUNTY LINE NOW 50% CONTAINED
Printer-friendly versionUPDATE MARCH 3, 7 a.m.: Fire officials have reduced the acreage estimate to 77. The fire is now 80% contained with full containment expected by 6 p.m. this evening. March 2, 2009 (Temecula)–A fire urning in the Deluz area of Temecula north of Fallbrook in Riverside County, just one mile from the San Diego County line, has engulfed 100
LEARN TO GO GREEN AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE ON MARCH 7
Printer-friendly versionBy Pari Sanati Before & After March 1, 2009 (San Diego)— For many of us, recycling and watching energy and water consumption are now regular practices, far from the days when all these were new and perhaps daunting concepts. As the world makes the inevitable "greening" shift, environmentally conscious home and business owners are looking for new and interesting
PHOTOGRAPHERS FOCUS ON BORDER WALL’S IMPACT ON WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENT
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery © Krista Schlyer © Roy Toft March 1, 2009 (San Diego) — A team of 10 international nature photographers has just completed a three-week trip from San Diego to Texas, photographing and documenting impacts that the U.S.-Mexican border wall and immigration are having on wildlife, ecology, and landscape across the Southwest. To expedite construction of a
CONGRESSMAN FILNER REINTRODUCES THE VISITORS INTERESTED IN STRENGTHENING AMERICA ACT
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (Washington, DC — Congressman Bob Filner has re-introduced H.R. 937, the Visitors Interested in Strengthening America (VISA) Act. The bill gives Port Directors the discretion to issue humanitarian visa waivers to Mexican children making brief, pre-scheduled visits to the United States for medical, educational or recreational purposes. This legislation does not affect the number of legal
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