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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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Sponsorship Placement
CONGRESSMAN FILNER ANNOUNCES NEW SMALL BUSINESSES LENDING PROGRAM
Printer-friendly versionJune 15, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – Many local small businesses will soon be eligible for interest-free loans under a new program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) announced today. The newly launched “America’s Recovery Capital” (ARC) program allows small firms to take out loans of $35,000 to pay down existing
HEALTHY CROWD ATTTENDS HEALTHCARE FAIR IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kezirian June 16, 2009 (La Mesa) –“At last year’s fair, I found out that my blood pressure was off the charts, and it saved my life,” said Mike Cully, San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer. “This is truly an important event—and if we can help keep one more person alive and
A “LEARNING EXPERIENCE” FOR RAMONA SCHOOL DISTRICT: SCHOOL APOLOGIZES FOR BANNING 6TH GRADER’S HARVEY MILK REPORT
Printer-friendly versionMove Comes After ACLU Letter Alleged District Violated Student’s Constitutional Rights June 13, 2009 (Ramona) – A Ramona school district has apologized to sixth grader Natalie Jones for censoring her classroom presentation about Harvey Milk last month, and school officials promised they won’t engage in allegedly unconstitutional restriction of similar free speech in the future. Move Comes After ACLU
NEWBORN LEFT AT EL CAJON FIRE STATION IS ADOPTED BY LOCAL COUPLE
Printer-friendly versionSAFELY SURRENDERED BABY PROGRAM SAVED CHILD’S LIFE June 11, 2009 (El Cajon) – A baby girl left by her mother at an El Cajon Fire station has been adopted by a local family, the City of El Cajon announced today. The infant, just hours old, was left with firefighters at Station 6 on Lexington Avenue under the Safely
“OUR PLANET, OUR HOME” ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY CONTEST ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly versionJune 12, 2009 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Committee invites students in grades K-12 to submit a poem or work of art in which they reflect upon the environment. The new “Our Planet, Our Home” environmental literacy contest is open to youths living or attending schools within the La Mesa-Spring Valley or Grossmont Union High School
DOUBLE TROUBLE: MAN ARRESTED AFTER ROBBING SAME BANK SECOND TIME
Printer-friendly versionJune 12, 2009 (Escondido) – Police have arrested a 55-year-old Escondido man after he robbed the U.S. Bank on Broadway in Escondido Thursday—for the second time in a month. The alleged thief handed a teller a note demanding cash shortly after 4:30 p.m., then put the cash in a black messenger’s bag and left. Officers spotted the man walking
HIGH SCHOOL FOR ALPINE GETS UNANIMOUS APPROVAL OF GUHSD BOARD
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 11, 2009 (Alpine)—Cheers and tears of joy filled the room tonight as the Grossmont Union High School Board unanimously voted to approve construction of a new high school in Alpine. The decision drew a rousing ovation from parents and others who have fought for more than a decade to bring a high school to their
SLEEK AND GREEN: ECO-CAR SHOW POWERS UP DEMAND FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery San Diego (June 12, 2009)—If you thought driving an eco-friendly car meant settling for a small, boxy vehicle, think again. Vehicles powered by alternative fuels on display at last weekend’s Street Smart San Diego show included sleek, sporty new styles, race cars, and electric conversions of prestigious name brand models. “We’re doing conversions,” said Michael Kadie
HOW PREPARED IS EAST COUNTY FOR THE NEXT WILDFIRE? BUDGET CUTS BURN SOME LOCAL AGENCIES
Printer-friendly version ”It’s outrageous and it’s irresponsible. That’s cold, that’s hard, that’s the truth. There are many other areas where life is not at stake.” –Leonard Villareal, San Miguel Fire District spokesman, on state budget cuts’ impact on fire protection. An East County Magazine special report By Miriam Raftery June 11, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)
LOCAL LEADERS SHARE REACTIONS TO PREJEAN LOSING MISS CALIFORNIA CROWN
Printer-friendly versionJune 11, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Carrie Prejean, a senior at San Diego Christian College in El Cajon, has been dethroned as Miss California USA. Her turbulent reign, which weathered revelations of topless photos and a controversy over her statements opposing gay marriage, came to an end over the beauty queen’s alleged refusal to honor commitments for
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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