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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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GROSSMONT COLLEGE FOUNDATION GALA SAT. OCT. 24: FUNDS HELP STUDENTS & EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Printer-friendly version October 22, 2009 (El Cajon) – In this era of budget cutbacks, community colleges are struggling to accommodate more students on less money. You can help by attending the Grosssmont College Foundation’s eight annual gala this Saturday, October 24th, at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. The Foundation raises funds to support Grossmont College students and educational
HEROIN DEALER BUSTED IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version October 21 (La Mesa) — On October 20, La Mesa Police Department’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED) arrested a man for possessing heroin for sale, growing marijuana, and possession of guns relating to narcotics. Mathew McKinney, 25 years old, was arrested after police received several tips from concerned citizens that there were possible narcotics sales occurring from the apartment complex at
CONTROLLING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS OR LAND USE AUTHORITY…WHAT IS THE REAL POWER OF SB 375?
Printer-friendly version By E.A. Barrera "This legislation constitutes the most sweeping revision of land use policies since Governor Ronald Reagan signed the California Environmental Quality Act." –Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, September 30, 2008. "This fundamentally changes the way we think about growth…It does not reduce growth. I think growth is inevitable and a good thing. But it will allow California to
HATE GROUP’S PROTESTS BACKFIRE IN SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version October 21, 2009 (San Diego) – Members of the Westboro Baptist Church picketed outside local schools during the past week, bearing messages of hate directed towards Jews, gays, and the military. Designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, Westboro has gained notoriety for indoctrinating children into a cult-like web of hate (photo, left, child displays
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE NAMED BEST GENERAL INTEREST WEBSITE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, SWEEPS SAN DIEGO PRESS CLUB WITH 18 AWARDS
Printer-friendly version October 20, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine took home 18 awards at tonight’s San Diego Press Club dinner, including some of the top honors in the region. Our publication was named best general interest website in San Diego County and second best news site (after the San Diego Union-Tribune). Five of our writers (E.A.
APARTMENT FIRE DISPLACES 3 FAMILIES IN EL CAJON; FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE 2 TRAPPED ON BALCONY
Printer-friendly version October 20, 2009 (El Cajon)—Just before 9:00 p.m. this evening, El Cajon firefighters responded to reports of an apartment fire at 1077 E. Lexington Avenue. When the first crews arrived, flames and heavy smoke were seen coming from a second floor apartment of the 12-unit complex. About twenty firefighters fought the blaze, knocking it down in 15 minutes.
MILITARY PERSONNEL TEE OFF AT “IT’S IN THE HOLE”
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 22, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) – Spending a sunny autumn day golfing was a welcome change of pace for U.S. Marine Corporal Andrew Johnson, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. “It’s nice and relaxing to get away,” Johnson said. Johnson was among the military personnel and veterans who participated in the “It’s in
BOMB SQUAD AT ZION & MISSION GORGE ROAD
Printer-friendly version October 20, 2009 – San Diego Police have evacuated the Postal Annex at 6549 Mission Gorge Road after discovery of a suspicious device. “We have secured the Annex . Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) is on site and evaluating,” Detective Gary Hassen told East County Magazine at 2:45 p.m. today. The Postal Annex opened a package and found
WHERE DOES YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE STAND ON HEALTHCARE REFORM?
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 18, 2009 – The House and Senate are grappling with several versions of major healthcare reform measures that could dramatically transform our nation’s healthcare system. Four of the five measures would include a public option, which give Americans a choice between private health insurance or opting for coverage under a government-run system similar to
I-5 CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS DUE TO POTENTIAL SUICIDE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 20, 2009 – California Highway Patrol has issued a SigAlert and closed down all lanes of Interstate 5 in both directions at the Pershing Drive S-curve in Golden Hill. Commuters are advised to take alternative routes. Police are trying to talk down a woman spotted on a pedestrian bridge who is considering throwing herself off the freeway overpass.
EAST SAN DIEGO COUNTY RESIDENTS FLOCK TO BE PART OF HISTORY AT LOCAL INAUGURAL EVENTS; SHARE REACTIONS TO OBAMA SPEECH
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Antoinette Curry and Dupreesha Jones have hope for their futures.(Leon Thompson) Sunny Farrand, San Diego Heroes To Hometown, clasps hands with fellow onlooker as Obama is sworn in. Crowd at Malcolm X shows emotion as Barack Obama is sworn in as America’s first African-American President. January 21, 2009 (San Diegoâ’s East County) — Cheers and tears
Congressman Hunter Bill Would Prevent Transfer of Guantanamo Prisoners to Camp Pendleton
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 21, 2009 (Washington D.C.)– On his first day in office, President Barack Obama ordered that the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay be closed down within a year. Closure of the now-infamous detention facility could result in some of the 245 prisoners held there being transferred to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, according to a Pentagon study. Newly elected
POLICE SEEK ROBBER WHO ATTACKED CLERK WITH HAMMER AT LA MESA SHELL STATION
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 21, 2009 (La Mesa) — A man attempted to rob the Shell Gas Station at 5302 Lake Murray Boulevard, La Mesa at 6:32 this morning by threatening the clerk there with a hammer. The suspect entered the business and demanded money. The suspect threatened to hit the clerk, 28, with a ten-inch-long sheet rock hammer. A struggle ensued
SAN DIEGO CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER SHARES SENTIMENTS ON OBAMA VICTORY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Carrol W. Waymon, PhD January 20, 2009 (San Diego) — Watching the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama holds special meaning for Carrol W. Waymon, PhD, San Diego’s most prominent living civil rights leader. ”It’s incredible to me,” said Waymon, who led efforts to desegregate schools and housing in San Diego as head of San Diego’s Human
DEMOCRATIC OFFICIALS & INSIDERS REFLECT ON WHAT OBAMA WIN MAY MEAN FOR STATE, CITY GOVERNMENT
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Miriam Raftery and Leon Thompson Marty Block January 20, 2009 — At the Malcolm X Library inauguration viewing, East County Magazine asked elected officials and legislative insiders whether state and local governments are likely to see change as a result of the Barack Obama presidency. Newly elected Assemblyman Marty Block, who represents the 78th district,
FREE “MVP” HAIRCUTS AT SPORTS CLIPS IN SANTEE; STORE CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING JAN 24-25: DONATE $5 TO SANTEE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB AND GET A HAIRCUT FREE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 19, 2009 (Santee) — Sport Clips, providers of “championship haircuts” for men and boys in a sports-themed environment, announced today a Cut-A-Thon at their new Santee-area store to benefit the local Boys & Girls Club. Customers that donate $5 to the organization on either Saturday, January 24 from 9 to 6 p.m. or Sunday, January 25 from 10
125 PRODUCTS RECALLED FOR SALMONELLA; FDA PUBLISHES LIST OF TAINTED PEANUT BUTTER PRODUCTS; WAL-MART BAKERY PRODUCTS, MAJOR SNACK FOOD BRANDS & DOG BISCUITS ON LIST
Printer-friendly versionCALIFORNIA HAS MOST CASES IN NATION, CDC REPORTS January 19, 2009 (Washington D.C.) — The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has created a searchable list of products and brands associated with the expanded recall of products containing peanut butter made by Peanut Corporation of America(PCA). This list is available on the FDA website at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm and will be
STABBING SUSPECT AT LARGE IN RAMONA
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 9, 2009 (Ramona) — An eighteen year-old woman was attacked by an unknown male suspect while walking home from a bus stop in the 27200 block of Sawday Truck Trail in Ramona at 3:20 p.m. today. The victim was cut with a sharp instrument and sustained a 2 1/2 inch laceration on the back of her head. The
THE CITY THAT WORKS: POWER, POLITICS AND CORRUPTION IN CHICAGO
Printer-friendly versionEXCLUSIVE TO EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE By Dennis Moore Steve Breen The opinions expressed are the views and beliefs of the author only, and do not necessarily reflect the views or beliefs of East County Magazine, its publisher or editor. Author Dennis Moore has offered East County Magazine an exclusive preview of his upcoming book, The City That Works: Power,
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY’S 5TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY (SANDEE) AWARDS
Printer-friendly versionNominations are due February 2nd, 2009 December 9, 2008 (San Diego)–Those in search of recognition for their energy efficiency, energy conservation or renewable energy projects should look no further: the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is seeking nominations for the fifth annual SANDEE Awards. Nominations for the prestigious event are due by February 2nd. CCSE’s signature SANDEE Awards
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