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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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HIGH WIND WATCH ISSUED BY WEATHER SERVICE FOR OUR REGION; GALE FORCE GUSTS UP TO 65 MPH POSSIBLE MONDAY EVENING
Printer-friendly version December 6, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — The National Weather Service has issued an urgent high wind watch for Monday and Monday night due to a strong winter storm. Strong gusty winds in mountains, valleys, coastal and desert areas will have potential to cause damage to trees and power lines. Gusts of over 55 mph will
ACLU SUES CITY OF SAN DIEGO FOR DESTROYING HOMELESS PEOPLE’S BELONGINGS INCLUDING PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES, BLANKETS AND PHOTOS OF LOVED ONES
Printer-friendly version Class Action Suit Alleges Policies Intended to “Harass Homeless People Into Going Away” December 5, 2009 (San Diego)–SAN DIEGO – In a series of aggressive raids in September and October, city workers escorted by police seized and summarily destroyed the possessions of homeless men and women. In a lawsuit filed December 2nd, the Dreher Law Firm and the
WINTER WONDERLAND DAY CAMP AT HILLSIDE RECREATION CENTER IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version December 5, 2009 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon Recreation Department is offering a safe and fun camp to engage the kids during the winter break. Hillside Center will be hosting “Winter Wonderland” Day Camp for ages 6-12 on December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Each day
HEAVY SNOW FORECAST FOR EAST COUNTY MOUNTAINS
Printer-friendly version SNOW LEVEL COULD BLANKET AREAS DOWN TO 4,000 FEET By Miriam Raftery December 4, 2009 (San Diego) – A white Christmas appears likely for San Diego’s mountain communities. Wet weather is forecast for Southern California next week, with heavy snowfall possible in mountain areas from a series of storms, the National Weather Service predicts. The first storm system is predicted to bring
MAN ARRESTED FOR STABBING 2 IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly version December 4, 2009 (Lakeside) – Jacob Otto Hume, 22, has been arrested and will be booked on two counts of attempted murder, San Diego County Sheriff Department reports. Hume will be charged in the stabbing yesterday of David H. F Fleming, Jr., 29, and another young adult male victim. According to preliminary information from the Sheriff’s
HOLIDAY IN THE GARDEN TONIGHT, DEC. 4 AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version Low-energy holiday lights set garden aglow; children’s activities include cookie decorating December 4, 2009 (El Cajon) – The public is invited to attend this year’s Holiday in the Garden event at the Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, in El Cajon on Friday, December 4, 5-8pm. The Garden’s meandering paths and exhibits will glow with thousands
WIN A FREE COLLEGE PREP COURSE: WRITE YOUR WAY INTO COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version Sylvan Learning Center in La Mesa is sponsoring a “Write Your Way into College” essay contest. It is open to all students in grades 8-12 in the County of San Diego. Separate prizes will be awarded to the high school and middle school winners. The deadline is January 15, 2010. Winner receives a free college prep course.
HIGH RISES IN LA MESA VILLAGE?
Printer-friendly version City to hold public scoping meeting Wed. Dec. 9 on proposed 18-story project By Kristin Hobbs-Kjaero December 3, 2009 (La Mesa)—Should the City of La Mesa waive height restrictions and grant a density increase to allow a mixed-use hotel, retail, office and residential project soaring up to 18 stories high? The City has received an application to develop
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CLAIM LIVES OF 2 EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS; CHULA VISTA COUNCILMAN WAS DRIVER WHO STRUCK, KILLED DULZURA MAN
Printer-friendly version December 5, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Two traffic accidents on December 3rd killed Thomas Edwin Klopfstein, 58, of Dulzura and an El Cajon man whose name has not been release pending notification of kin. Klopfstein, a pedestrian, was struck by a Toyota pickup truck while trying to cross Highway 94 against traffic at the Community
COMMUNITY FORUMS SET FOR EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ART CENTER RENOVATIONS: DEC. 16 AND 21
Printer-friendly version December 4, 2009 (El Cajon) — The City of El Cajon has been working on a master plan for the Civic Center area that will include major renovations to the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC) including closure of the theater for up to two years. The City iwill be hosting two community forums to share goals of
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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