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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
SANDAG SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP PLAN REGION’S FUTURE
Printer-friendly versionJune 5, 2009 (San Diego)—The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking public volunteers for its Regional Planning Stakeholders Working Group to serve in an advisory capacity to both the SANDAG Regional Planning and Transportation Committees on the development of the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and its components, and laying the foundation for the next Regional Comprehensive
BE GREEN! EL CAJON OFFERS FREE RECYCLING OF E-WASTE JUNE 27
Printer-friendly versionEl Cajon (June 5, 2009) – Drop off your old computers and electronic gear on Saturday, June 27 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot at the 100 block of East Douglas Avenue. (Watch for signs.) All electronic waste will be safely disposed of by electronic recyclers. Drop off is free for: Computers, monitors, laptops, TVs,
GOVERNOR’S PLAN TO CLOSE EAST COUNTY PARKS IRES RESIDENTS; ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER CALLS FOR INCLUSION INTO NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kezirian June 3, 2009 (San Diego)— Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed closing down 80 percent of California’s state parks due to the budget shortfall, including two of East County’s historic parks: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. As many as 279 parks may be closed statewide. Schwarzenegger anticipates cutting universal funding for state parks in
WANTED: $12,116 BY JUNE 17th TO SAVE LAKE MURRAY FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW
Printer-friendly versionJune 4, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–“If I knew, I would have given,” some Lake Murray area residents lamented after the fireworks show was cancelled in 2004 due to a funding shortage. This year, organizers are asking the public’s help to save the Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks. The committee must raise an additional $12,116 by June 17th
HELIX WATER UNVEILS A NEW RATE HIKE PLAN, MOVES CLOSER TO MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 4, 2009 (La Mesa)—Deluged by protests from ratepayers, the Helix Water District Board unveiled a new rate hike plan at its meeting yesterday. The new proposal differs dramatically from earlier plans, which had proposed hikes of up to 90% on some residential users. The new proposal would assess a 24% rate increase on all residential
EAST COUNTY ROUND-UP — LATE-MAY
Printer-friendly version East County Roundup highlights the best stories about East County issues found in other publications. June 2009 (San Diego’s East County) Sycuan Wants Land Added to Reservation Pillars of Fire? Poway’s Twin Peaks Haven’t Burned since 1967 Officials Warn Against Wimpy Solar Goal; SANDAG Rewriting Regional Energy Strategy “It’s a Nightmare” (SD Unified School District Cuts) Proposed Santee
CAL FIRE RESPONDS TO SEVERAL SMALL FIRES, ALL DOUSED QUICKLY
Printer-friendly versionJune 3, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)4 p.m. – Lightning started several small fires this afternoon in San Diego’s eastern region, including multiple blazes in the Deer Springs area, all extinguished at less than an acre apiece. “A couple of them actually hit power lines,” said Captain Nick Schuler of CAL-FIRE. Another lightning-sparked fire also burned approximately one acre
WHAT’S GROWN IN EAST COUNTY STAYS IN EAST COUNTY! A GUIDE TO EAST COUNTY NURSERIES
Printer-friendly versionBy Pamela Homfelt, pH Exterior Design June 1, 2009–If you’re landscaping or gardening in East County, why go anywhere but locally for everything plants? With the great variety and quality of plant nurseries plus economical, environmental and horticultural reasons, there is no reason to travel any further than right around the corner. Most of our East County nurseries are
DESERT PROTECTIVE COUNCIL ISSUES “SOLAR DONE RIGHT” GUIDELINES
Printer-friendly versionJune 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–The Desert Protective Council has established guidelines for solar energy installations. Policy makers and solar developers are encouraged to follow five principles for developing renewable energy to protect the environment from potential damage by massive solar farms. The DPC also suggests contacting Congressional officials to ask them to embrace the following “Solar Done
NEED HELP TO MEET DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS? WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN HAS ANSWERS
Printer-friendly versionJune 2, 2009 (El Cajon)–On June 1, the City of San Diego’s mandatory water restrictions go into effect. http://www.sandiego.gov/water/conservation/drought/droughtlevels2.shtml. By July 1, most other water districts in San Diego County will also be implementing restrictions. http://www.sdcwa.org/manage/droughtordinance_agencies.phtml. Fortunately, the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College has plenty of tools to help you deal with impending water restrictions. Printer-friendly version
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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