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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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THREE-ACRE FIRE DOUSED IN PAUMA VALLEY
Printer-friendly version June 30, 2009 (Pauma Valley) – Cal Fire has extinguished a three-acre vegetation fire in the 32000 block of Pauma View Drive, Pauma Valley. The fire was started by a tractor and burned portions of a grove, but did not threaten or damage any structures, Cal Fire Captain Nick Schuler reports. The fire was reported at 4:06
BILL TO CLEAN UP TOXIC WASTES, AIR & WATER POLLUTION & PROTECT NATURAL RESOURCES PASSES HOUSE; LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES SPLIT VOTES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 27, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–H.R. 2996, landmark legislation that aims to protect air, clean up waterways and restore our public lands, has passed the House of Representatives by a 254-173 vote. Among San Diego’s Congressional representatives, Bob Filner and Susan Davis voted in favor of the measure, while Brian Bilbray, Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa
REGISTER TO VOTE
Printer-friendly versionJune 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Voter registration will be held at several La Mesa locations this summer. If you’ve moved, never registered, been dropped off the Registrar’s rolls for failing to vote in several elections, or wish to change your political party, visit any of the following voter registration drives: Saturday, June 27th: Noon to 4:00pm
LEAVE FIREWORKS TO EXPERTS, BURN INSTITUE WARNS
Printer-friendly versionAll fireworks illegal in County, from sparklers to bottle rockets July 1, 2009 (San Diego) — The Fourth of July is almost upon us – a time for family picnics and fireworks displays. Yet all too often, the public fails to consider the harsh consequences when amateurs play with fireworks. In the wrong hands, fireworks can lead to property damage,
COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS TAKES THE HIGH ROAD ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA ISSUES
Printer-friendly versionBy Kyle Serzen June 26, 2009 (San Diego)–The San Diego County Board of Supervisors lit up some controversy during its meeting on Tuesday, which included two medical marijuana issues. The first was a resolution passed unanimously 5-0 to allow patients to apply for a medical marijuana ID card beginning July 6th. The Board also passed a measure asking
LANDMARK CLIMATE CHANGE BILL PASSES HOUSE BY SLIM MARGIN WITH HELP FROM 2 LOCAL DEMOCRATS; SD REPUBLICANS VOTE NO
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 27, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – By a scant seven votes (219-212), the U.S. House of Representatives last night passed the landmark American Clean Energy and Security Act. The bill has been hailed by the Environmental Defense Action Fund as “the most important environmental and energy legislation in our nation’s history.” Supporters say the
4TH OF JULY EAST COUNTY “TEA” PARTY TAX PROTEST PLANNED
Printer-friendly versionJune 23, 2009 (El Cajon) –San Diego Republican Party chair Tony Krvaric has invited the public to a “TEA Party” tax protest on July 4th. Despite the most severe budget cuts and fiscal shortfall in the state’s history, The California Republican Party has held firm against raising taxes and refused to fund reelections for legislators who vote for any increases
GETTING READY TO RUN? : COUNTY DEMOCRATS OFFER CANDIDATE TRAINING JULY 11
Printer-friendly versionThe County Democratic Party seeks community-minded Democrats to serve on city councils, school boards, water boards and other local boards and commissions. In its efforts to recruit candidates for 2010, the Party is holding a training event for local Democrats planning or considering running for office. The event will be held Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 3
FOOTSORE NO MORE: CUSTOMERS & CHAMBER MEMBERS JOIN IN 5-YEAR CELEBRATION WITH Z-COIL PAIN RELIEF FOOTWEAR
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 27, 2009 (La Mesa)—“We’re changing many people’s lives. Our customers are getting off of canes, back on their feet, and back to work,” Linda Telge, a registered nurse and owner of Z-Coil Pain Relief Footwear in La Mesa, told me at the store’s five year anniversary party hosted by the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce
SANTEE WOMAN FIGHTS OFF RAPIST, NEIGHBOR ARRESTED
Printer-friendly versionSantee (June 26, 2009)–A woman who was attacked as she slept in her apartment in Santee on Wednesday afternoon, June 24 successfully fought off an assailant who attempted to rape her, according to the San Diego County Sheriff. The victim,42, identified her attacker as a neighbor, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. He was arrested shortly afterward in his apartment
SDG&E HOSTS “FIRE PREPAREDNESS” COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Printer-friendly versionSDG&E will host a series of fire preparedness community meetings on November 17, 18 and 19 in Valley Center, Alpine and Pine Valley to discuss its proposal to shut-off power during high fire-risk periods. “The "power shut-off" portion of our Emergency Fire Plan has been suspended until next year’s fire season (at least),” Don Parent, SDG&E public affairs manager,
“Border 24” Fire
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2008 – A Vegetation Fire broke out this morning East of the Tecate Border crossing. Fire officials say 35-40 acres have burned but the fire’s advance has been stopped. Printer-friendly version
EAST COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT SHARES VIEWS ON ELECTION OUTCOMES AND IMPACT ON BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery East County Chamber of Commerce President Mike Cully (left) and membership director Regina Williamson (right) present new member plaque to ECM Editor Miriam Raftery and Marketing Director Leon Thompson. Mike Cully, president of the East County Chamber of Commerce, was at Election Central in Golden Hall downtown as the announcement was made that Barack Obama had
FIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER SET FOR SAT. NOV 8
Printer-friendly version"Do you think the victims of the fires of 2003 & 2007 be allowed to go homeless?" asks Randy Seol of the musical group Strawberry Alarm Clock. This Saturday, November 8 from 3 to 8 p.m., Seol is organizing a benefit fundraiser to meet and hear musical groups slated to perform at a benefit concert next March.(The concert was
SDG&E PLAN TO CUT POWER GETS FROSTY RECEPTION AT PUC HEARING; BACK COUNTRY RESIDENTS, PUBLIC OFFICIALS VOICE OBJECTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 2008 (San Diego) — Public officials and backcountry residents leveled harsh criticism at SG&E during a public meeting of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) convened in San Diego on October 14 to discuss causes of the 2007 wildfires and how to prevent future conflagrations. Speaker after speaker blasted SDG&E’s proposal to cut power to
HOPE PREVAILS: OBAMA VICTORY HAS LONG COATTAILS LOCALLY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Democrats gathered at House of Blues await word on Presidential race On the night when most of America turned blue, Democrats gathered to celebrate at the aptly-named House of Blues in San Diego. Cheers greeted the historic announcement that Barack Obama had just been declared the winner, becoming the first African-American president in U.S. history. Kristy
Budget Crisis Hits Home
Printer-friendly versionState workers in East County struggle to cope with prospect of huge pay cuts, lay-offs; Judge orders Sept. 12 hearing on Governor’s wage-slashing orders By Miriam Raftery Photos by Aida Canonizado November 4, 2008 (El Cajon)–Mildred Scarber, a state employee who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in El Cajon, was shocked to learn that Governor Schwarzenegger
SAN DIEGO COUNTY TURNS BLUE: MORE REGISTERED DEMOCRATS THAN REPUBLICANS, REGISTRAR REPORTS
Printer-friendly version Democratic voter registration volunteers cheer as Party Chair Jess Durfee announces San Diego County now has more registered Democrats than Republicans. NOVEMBER 2, 2008 (San Diego) — “We have, after 24 years, returned San Diego County to the blue column,” San Diego County Democratic Party Chairman Jess Durfee announced at a press conference today. According to the latest
DANGERS OF LIVING NEAR CELL PHONE TOWERS RAISED
Printer-friendly versionLa Mesa Council holds hearing Nov. 5 on proposal to erect cell phone tower in Lake Murray area By Miriam Raftery When Mom asked me to look into possible health hazards posed by cell phone panel antennas that a church in her neighborhood wants to put up, I expected to find reassuring facts to allay Mom’s concerns. Instead, I
REMEMBER TO VOTE! ELECTION DAY TUESDAY NOV. 4TH
Printer-friendly versionTIPS FOR VOTERS: Forgot to mail your absentee ballot? Do NOT put it in the mail! Ballots received late will NOT be counted. Instead, take it to any polling place or to the Registrar of Voters office. Have to work on Election Day? California law requires that your employer let you take time off from work to vote. Disabled
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