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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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STAPLES ROBBED IN LA MESA; THEIF MAY BE SERIAL ROBBER
Printer-friendly version On December 13, 2009, at about 5:43 PM, a lone suspect robbed the clerk at the Staples store at 8805 Murray Drive, La Mesa. The suspect selected a display item, and waited in line. Once at the register, he simulated a handgun and threatened the clerk, demanding cash. The clerk complied and gave the suspect an unknown amount
BIG RIG SMASHES WALL ON I-8 RAMP, KNOCKS CONCRETE ONTO SR-125
Printer-friendly version 2ND ACCIDENT IN 2 DAYS TO DROP HEAVY OBJECTS OFF ELEVATED RAMPS IN LA MESA By Miriam Raftery December 12, 2009 (La Mesa) – A big rig smashed into a wall on an elevated I-8 connector in La Mesa around 10:20 a.m., knocking chunks of concrete onto southbound SR-125 below. The truck cab teetered precariously as a portion
EL CAJON MAN ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING
Printer-friendly version December 11, 2009 (El Cajon) – Kareem Colum, 32, of El Cajon has been arrested for attempted murder following an altercation in which he reportedly tried to take Sheriff deputy’s gun. According to preliminary information posted at the Sheriff’s website, a deputy patrolling Persimmon Avenue in the unincorporated area of El Cajon last night saw a suspicious vehicle
RESIDENTS VOICE NUMEROUS CONCERNS ON LA MESA HIGH-RISE PROPOSAL
Printer-friendly version By Kristin Kjaero December 10, 2009 (La Mesa) – It was a standing room only crowd December 9, as residents gave their input at the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Public Scoping Meeting for Park Stations at the Crossroads of La Mesa, a six-acre, 18-story multiple use project proposed for the Village. The City will continue to take public
JACOB WARNS OF POWERLINK IMPACTS ON ALPINE; SAYS SDG&E REFUSED COUNTY ACCESS TO KEY DOCUMENTS
Printer-friendly version Supervisor discusses other concerns in exlusive interview with East County Magazine “I don’t think anybody in Alpine really understands the magnitude of this.” – Supervisor Dianne Jacob December 10, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – In an exclusive interview with Supervisor Dianne Jacob, East County Magazine obtained new information about the impacts of Sunrise Powerlink on Alpine.
MUSIC TEACHER ARRESTED IN SANTA YSABEL FOR CHILD MOLESTATION & PORNOGRAPHY; SHERIFFS SEEK ADDITIONAL VICTIMS
Printer-friendly version December 10, 2009 (Santa Ysabel) — Yesterday U.S. Marshal’s agents in coordination with the San Diego County Fugitive Task Force arrested Mark Kinney, 47, his residence in Santa Ysabel. Kinney’s arrest came after an extensive investigation by detectives from the Sheriff’s Child Abuse Unit with the assistanceof the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the San Diego
MEMORIAL SET FOR SYCUAN EMPLOYEE DEREK DREIS
Printer-friendly version December 10, 2009 (Lakeside) — Derek C. Dreis, age 45, of Lakeside died suddenly of a blood clot that stopped his heart on Saturday, December 5th. For the last 10 years, he has worked for Sycuan Casino and Resort as an assistant shift supervisor on the security department. He spent his free time enjoying the outdoors,
SANTANA VARSITY TEAM LEADS AFTER 5TH WEEK OF ACADEMIC LEAGUE MATCHES
Printer-friendly version December 10, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – With a 5-0 record, Santa High School ‘s varsity team is in first place after the fifth week of the Grossmont Union High School District’s Academic League matches, besting Helix 85-24. “There were a couple of close matches as well as some strong performances by several teams,” said Steve
ACADEMIC LEAGUE # 4 FEATURED MATCH: GROSSMONT AT SANTANA
Printer-friendly version By Steve Haiman Co-coordinator, GUHSD Academic League December 9, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — The layoff for Thanksgiving did not slow up the four teams in week four’s featured match with the Santana “Sultans” hosting the Grossmont “Foothillers”. In, fact all of the teams got right down to turkey…pardon the pun…from the very opening question right down
COUNTY TO PROVIDE FREE CAR SEATS TO LOW INCOME FAMILIES
Printer-friendly version December 9, 2009 (San Diego)–Thanks to a $207,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) will improve child safety by offering vehicle protection education and providing 2,000 child car seats to low-income families. Funding for “Keep ‘Em Safe” comes from a grant from the California
GIFTS FROM THE EAST
Printer-friendly versionOur holiday guide to gifts unique to East County By Miriam Raftery Buckskin baby booties are available at Mountain Oaks Trading Post, Julian December 1, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — This holiday season, why not choose gifts that benefit our community and provide recipients with gifts that are unique to East County and San Diego’s eastern region? In
LA MESA TO VOTE TUES. NOV. 25 ON WHETHER TO SELL CIVIC CENTER LAND FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Kristin Hobbs-Kjaero November 23, 2008 (La Mesa) — Should the site of La Mesa’s Police Station be sold to the La Mesa Community Redevelopment Agency and turned into a housing project? La Mesa’s City Council will consider this issue on Tuesday, November 25th. The hearing begins at 7:00 p.m. The property is zoned “Civic Center” in
IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS NEWS…
Printer-friendly versionECM has searched high and low to find the most under-reported important national and state news stories that may impact you or your family. Here are our picks: AARP order investigation concerning its marketing (of deceptive healthcare plans sold to seniors) UC Could Cut Enrollment UC may cut some admission requirements Arraignments set for Cheney, Gonzales in Texas Health
COOL! OUTDOOR ICE RINK OPENS AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: ICE SHOW, TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY NOV. 22
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (Alpine) — Looking for the coolest place in East County? The largest outdoor ice rink in Southern California is now open for the holiday season at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine. Skating costs $12 for 90 minutes, including skates. (Watch skating live via the Viejas webcam) An ice show extravaganza will be held
Video Documents American War Heroes Sleeping On San Diego Streets
Printer-friendly version homeless sleeping next to the U.S.S. Midway aircraft carrier museum, Downtown San Diego With all the vehicles on the streets of America sporting those little yellow “Support Our Troops,” ribbons, it is truly ironic that we have more than 200,000 veterans who are homeless. But not many Americans realize it. Mark Schulze and Patty Mooney, of Crystal Pyramid
WINGS & SNOW ART RECEPTION NOV. 20 – GREEN ANGELS & ORNAMENTS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 17, 2008 (El Cajon) — This holiday season, Sophie’s Art Gallery is going green with a collection of art made form recycled materials. Green angels are made from recycled wood, blue jean jackets saved from the landfill, and ornaments made from found objects. The public is invited to a reception on November 20th from 5:30 to 8:30 to
HOPE BEGINS IN THE DARK
Printer-friendly versionBook Review by Dennis Moore Jamie Reno, an award-winning journalist and an 11-year survivor of stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, has written a book about the resilience of the human spirit. Hope Begins in the Dark chronicles the lives of 50 lymphoma survivors, revealing their exclusive stories. The book speaks of the frailty of our existence as human beings and
Eco-Job Faire at SDSU Works Toward Green Economy
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Gayle Early Amanda Costa and Erin Lannon of SDSUÕs Enviro-Business Society November 12, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) — “Hey, you’re going the wrong way!” Amanda Costa, former co-president of SDSU’s Enviro-Business Society called out to students streaming down Aztec Center steps. A “green-career forum” was about to start, where the Society, also known as “Club e3,”
O CHRISTMAS TREE–CERTIFIED GREEN!
Printer-friendly versionThe Coalition of Environmentally Conscious Growers™ is asking consumers to purchase a real “certified green” Christmas tree this holiday season for the following reasons: Artificial Christmas Trees were recently added to the Center for Health, Environment & Justice’s list of household products containing polyvinyl chloride, or PVC Real Christmas trees are natural products of the U.S., contributing to the
SYCUAN DONATES $300,000 TO SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL AT FUNDRAISING GALA
Printer-friendly versionEvent Raises More Than $600,000 for New Robotic Surgery Program November 15, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) — Grossmont Hospital Foundation hosted its Carnevale di Venezia Annual Gala on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina to help raise money for Sharp Grossmont Hospital. The event netted more than $600,000 dollars, which will support the hospital’s new
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