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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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School threat in Spring Valley
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego County Sheriff September 23, 2025 (Spring Valley) – Two juveniles have been arrested on suspicion of bringing a replica firearm (BB gun) to an East County magnet school. On Tuesday, September 23, just after 11:30 a.m., deputies from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station responded to STEAM Academy, located in the 1000 block of Leland Street
California releasess its own vaccine recommendations as RFK shifts federal policy
Printer-friendly versionBy Ana B. Ibarra and Kristen Hwang, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters Photo: Amaya Palestino, 6, receives a COVID-19 vaccine at one of St. John’s Well Child and Family Center mobile health clinics in Los Angeles on March 16, 2022. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters September 23, 2025 (Sacramento) – In
Woman who sued Nathan Fletcher now seeks restraining order against his wife, Lorena Gonzalez
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photos: left, Grecia Figueroa, right, Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher September 17, 2025 (San Diego) — Grecia Figueroa, the woman who filed an unsuccessful harassment lawsuit against former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, has now filed a request seeking a restraining order against Fletcher’s wife, labor leader Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher. “It is vile and oppressive to use your position of power to
School trustee Bazzo to run for 40th District state Senate seat in 2026
Printer-friendly versionBy Chris Jennewein and Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: SDUSD Trustee Sabrina Bazzo. (File photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego) September 22, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego Unified School District Trustee Sabrina Bazzo has announced that she will run for state Senate in the
Trump ramps up bullying and censorship efforts against media
Printer-friendly versionBy G. A. McNeeley September 20, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has been waging an aggressive campaign against the media, unlike any in modern U.S. history, according to PBS News. Those efforts have included lawsuits against major media outlets, threats to yank broadcast licenses of networks that cover him unfavorably, calling
Newsom signs laws to resist Trump’s immigration crackdown; including ban on masks for ICE agents
Printer-friendly versionBy Cayla Mihalovich and Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. September 20, 2025 (Sacramento) – Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed a set of bills meant to check the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown in California, including a first-in-the nation measure to prohibit officers from wearing masks and others that limit
Need money for college? Here are scholarship opportunities.
Printer-friendly version East County News Service. September 19, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Each year, Supervisor Joel Anderson sends out a scholarship and grant list which is updated annually. “I am aware of the financial barriers that many students and parents face when applying for colleges and other training programs,” says Anderson. “Having three children who went through this
Top hat and tails is theme of La Mesa Chamber’s Salute to Local Heroes Oct. 8
Printer-friendly version September 19, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announces its 15th annual Salute to Local Heroes, which will incorporate the theme “Top Hat & Tails” This night celebrates local heroes, recognizes the incoming Chamber Board of Directors, includes a silent auction, raffles and more. This event will be held on October 8 from 5:30
Bill to protect Native American children passes Legislature unanimously, heads to Governor
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 19, 2025 (Sacramento, CA) – After passing both the Assembly and State Senate unanimously (with one abstention), a bill aimed at preventing placement of Native American children in foster care away from their tribes and providing supportive services is now awaiting action by Governor Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 1378 would amend state law to let
ECM World Watch: National and global news
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 19, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Economy Fed cuts interest rates for first time this year amid weakening labor market (Fox Business)
RECESSION IN CALIFORNIA: SENATOR BOXER RELEASES REPORT
Printer-friendly version1 in 18 San Diego households face foreclosure; food bank demand up 50% December 23, 2008 (Washington, D.C.) — California Senator Barbara Boxer has prepared a report detailing impacts of the nation’s recession on California counties and cities. The report, based on interviews conducted with officials in 20 cities and all 58 counties, paints a stark picture of the
$1,000 REWARD FOR FEMALE SUSPECT IN CARJACKING AT GROSSMONT CENTER
Printer-friendly versionDecember 23, 2008 (La Mesa) — On December 22, 2008, at about 5:30 PM, a woman was carjacked, robbed and driven into El Cajon by a female suspect as the woman was parking at Grossmont Center. The victim, a 20 year old female from La Mesa, told police that she had just parked at Grossmont Center near Wal-Mart when
December Capitol Report
Printer-friendly version(Note: Since Congress and the Legislature were in recess and took no major actions in November, there is no November Capitol Report) How did your elected officials vote on the most important bills in Congress and the California Legislature? Find out here! Editor’s Note: Congress and the Legislature have been in recess in most of November and December. In
GENERAL CONTRACTOR RON ASBURY APPOINTED TO PROP R OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Printer-friendly versionDecember 20, 2008 (El Cajon) — La Mesa resident Ron Asbury, a general contractor and active volunteer for East County schools, is the newest appointee to the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. The CBOC is charged with ensuring that revenues from Proposition R, the $207 million local bond measure passed in 2002, will be spent solely
2 Grossmont High School Teachers Named Winners in Inaugural “I’m Thankful For My Teacher” Award
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego County teachers recognized with thousands of “thank yous” from grateful parents, schoolchildren in contest sponsored by Mission Federal Credit Union, Junior Achievement, Cox Communications and Channel 4 December 18,2008 (San Diego, CA) Campaign organizers are proud to announce the winners of the first-ever “I’m Thankful For My Teacher” Contest, hosted by Mission Federal Credit Union, Junior Achievement
COMMUNITY LEADERS REACT TO CPUC’S APPROVAL OF SUNRISE POWERLINK SOUTHERN ROUTE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Click photo for larger image. December 19, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has ruled to allow construction of Sunrise Powerlink across the southern portion of East County. The decision drew a mixture of praise and criticism from local community leaders. “Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has revealed his true colors when
LA MESA POLICE SERVE SEARCH WARRANT AT CHOP SHOP IN LA MESA; ARREST MADE ON DRUG, WEAPON AND STOLEN VEHICLE CHARGES
Printer-friendly versionDecember 19, 2008 (La Mesa) — Officers from the La Mesa Police Department’s Special Enforcement Detail, and detectives from the Regional Auto Theft Task Force (R.A.T.T.), served a search warrant at a home in the 6000 block of Amaya Dr. in La Mesa. The search warrant stemmed from an investigation into stolen vehicles in the area. Detectives found approximately
EL CAJON MAN ARRESTED FOR ROBBING HOLIDAY SHOPPER IN TOYS R US PARKING LOT
Printer-friendly versionDecember 18, 2008 (La Mesa) — La Mesa Police Officers responded to a robbery that occurred at 11:47 a.m. in the parking lot of Toys R Us on Grossmont Boulevard in La Mesa. When officers arrived, they found that security officers had chased the suspect on foot northbound on Jackson Drive. The security officers lost the suspect under the I-8
Armed Subject at Helix High School Determined to be a Hoax
Printer-friendly versionDecember 17, 2008 (La Mesa) — A report of an armed man on the Helix High School campus yesterday has now been determined to be a hoax. Further investigation by Helix staff and the La Mesa Police Department confirmed that the student who reported seeing a man with a gun had fabricated the incident. It is not known why
GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT PASSES AUDITS; BUDGET FOCUSES ON COST-CUTTING STRATEGIES
Printer-friendly versionDecember 17, 2008 (El Cajon ) — Grossmont Cuyamca Community College District today announced it has passed five separate 2007-2008 audits. The audits presented to the governing board cover the district’s general audit, its part-time employees’ pension plan, Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges foundations, and the district’s auxiliary. Two more audits relating to the district’s Prop. R facilities bond program
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