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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…
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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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TRUMP ADMNISTRATION VIOLATED COURT ORDER TO RESTORE FEMA FUNDING TO STATES: JUDGE DEMANDS COMPLIANCE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo, left, courtesy of Hawaii Dept. of Transportation: Maui wildfires are among the disasters for which recovery funds have been withheld by FEMA under the Trump administratioin April 7, 2025 – A federal judge has found that the Trump administration violated a court order to unfreeze FEMA funding to states to help victims recover from
JUDGE TEMPORARILY BLOCKS TRUMP CUTS TO PUBLIC HEALTH AFTER CA ATTORNEY GENERAL FILED LAWSUIT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 7, 2025 (Oakland, CA)—California Attorney General Rob Bonta has scored a keyvictory in federal court. Trump-appointed judge, Mary McElroy, issued a temporary restraining order to stop the Trump administration from clawing back over $11 billion in public health funding from state and local health departments. California stands to lose over $972 million, according to
SANTEE CITY COUNCIL TO VOTE ON 5 PERCENT RAISES
Printer-friendly versionBy Mike Allen April 7, 2025 (Santee) — Santee’s City Council and its mayor are looking at giving themselves a 5 percent pay hike at the Council’s next meeting on April 9, if they agree with the recommendations of the citizens salary setting advisory committee. The committee voted April 2 to boost the pay for the council’s part time
ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: STRESS AWARENESS: UNDERSTANDING THE LINK BETWEEN STRESS AND ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE
Printer-friendly versionBy Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County Stress images cc by SA April 7, 2025 (San Diego) — April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on one of modern life’s most pervasive issues. Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have
“HANDS OFF” PROTESTS AGAINST TRUMP AND MUSK DRAW MILLIONS NATIONWIDE, INCLUDING THOUSANDS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Karen, left and right: Protest in Borrego Springs Saturday drew about 300 residents April 6, 2025 (San Diego) – An estimated 12,000 protesters in downtown San Diego turned out yesterday, according to San Diego Police, with other estimates far higher. The peaceful demonstration was part of the nationwide “Hands Off” rallies which drew
TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO SEIZURE OF DRUGS AND WEAPONS
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 5, 2025 (Ramona) — A Ramona man is facing numerous charges after illicit drugs were found in his car and home. Shortly before noon yesterday, deputies from the Ramona Sheriff’s Substation stopped a gray Acura TSX for reckless driving on State Route 67. During the stop, deputies discovered the driver, Matthew Pitonyak, 31, had a
ASSAULT SUSPECT ARRESTED IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News April 4, 2025 (Spring Valley) – An assault suspect with a warrant for his arrest fled when a deputy approached him midmorning north of Sweetwater reservoir. He holed up in a home in the 900 block of Gillespie Drive in Spring Valley and refused orders to surrender,
FATAL ROLLOVER CRASH ON STATE ROUTE 94 IN LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 4, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A Spring Valley man, 77, has died of injuries sustained in a collision on State Route 94 in Lemon Grove near Massachusetts Ave. shortly after 5 a.m. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected onto the highway after the 1999 Ford Expedition SUV he was driving westbound
STATE DECLARES CITRUS QUARANTINE EXPANSION IN VALLEY CENTER
Printer-friendly versionBy County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office April 4, 2025 (San Diego) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) declared a citrus quarantine expansion in Valley Center on March 26, after detecting the fatal citrus tree disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in two citrus trees in residential neighborhoods in the Valley
PADRES WIN FIRST SEVEN GAMES TO SET TEAM RECORD
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman Photo: Slugging star Fernando Tatis Jr., courtesy of San Diego Padres April 4, 2025 (San Diego) — With seven consecutive wins to start the 2025 season, the San Diego Padres got off to their franchise-best start since they launched in 1969 as an expansion Major League Baseball club. Although the team lost to the Chicago
Editorial – SDG&E SHUT-DOWN THREAT FIRES UP BACKCOUNTRY OBJECTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Donna Tisdale La Mesa Fire Department In response to SDG&E’s announced plans to shut off-power to "remote areas" during high wind events: SDG&E and their urbanite supporters want to run the Sunrise Powerlink through the most HIGH RISK FIRE ZONES of our highly flammable backcountry. In addition to the 500-1000 estimated turbines already proposed in this area, SDG&E is also
BATTLE OF THE WATCHDOGS: WILL THE REAL CONSUMER CHAMPION PLEASE STAND UP?
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Anderson Lutz October 10, 2008 (Assemblyman Joel Anderson considers himself a watchdog for taxpayers. His opponent, Ray Lutz, founded a citizens’ watchdog group. Both claim to represent the public interest. The differences in their views reflect a core question being asked more and more amid today’s challenging economic times: just what is the proper role of
LOCAL RESIDENTS JOIN NATIONAL PROTEST OF WALL STREET BAIL-OUT BILL
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 26, 2008 (El Cajon) – East County residents angered by the Bush administration’s proposed $700 billion bail-out bill for Wall Street financial firms took to the streets yesterday as part of a national protest action organized by True Majority. Thousands protested across the nation (photo: New York protest, taken by Jeremy Scahill.) “Many people in
PENDLETON FIRE 100% CONTAINED
Printer-friendly versionOctober 9, 2008 (Camp Pendleton) 9:30 a.m. — A wildfire that began late yesterday afternoon at Camp Pendleton is now 100% contained, though firefighters continue to douse hotspots. “Between 900 and 1,000 acres have burned,” Major Kristen Lasica, Public affairs officer told East County Magazine last night. ECM activated our wildfire alert system last night after learning that aircraft
HUNTER OPENS DOOR FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTORS
Printer-friendly versionBorder Fence creates opportunities for some, but draws criticisms from others, with waivers of environmental reviews by Gayle Early Gayle Early. October 1, 2008 (El Cajon) – Congressman Duncan Hunter’s office hosted an informal briefing by the Army Corps of Engineers on September 18 on the status of the border fence construction and possible subcontracting opportunities for local businesses.
EDITORIAL – ARNOLD “SWEENEY TODD” Schwarzenegger:
Printer-friendly versionGovernor Vetoes Health Reforms, Terminates Consumer Protection Bills By Senator Sheila Kuehl On September 30, the Governor finished wielding his veto pen and, in one sweeping move, eliminated virtually every health reform measure that would have regulated the health insurance company monopoly. Health reform was not alone, bill after bill that would have benefited consumers, drivers, people who breathe,
EDITORIAL – PICKIN’ ON PICKENS’ PLAN
Printer-friendly versionBy Ken Sobel It’s impossible to turn on the TV or radio lately without being barraged by T. Boone Pickens presenting his ambitious plan to save the world from global warming and wean us off foreign oil. But the decision we need to make in the days and weeks to come is between creating the energy we need locally—or
“HISTORIC” AGREEMENT SIGNED: ALLOWS NIGHT-FLYING HELICOPTERS TO FIGHT WILDFIRES ON STATE LANDS IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery San Diego Fire Chief Tracy Jarmon shakes hands with CAL-FIRE Chief Howard Windsor as Mayor Jerry Sanders looks on October 1, 2008 (El Cajon) — “This is a historic occasion,” said Fire Chief Howard Windsor with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Speaking at the San Diego Sheriff’s facility at Gillespie Field
La Mesa City Council Candidate Forum Video
Printer-friendly versionCandidates for the La Mesa City Council answered questions from the public in a September forum hosted by the East County League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women. View the complete video, provided courtesy of Citizens Oversight Projects: www.copswiki.org/twiki/bin/view/Common/M646 Printer-friendly version
October Capitol Report – How They Voted
Printer-friendly versionHow did your elected officials vote on the most important bills in Congress and the California Legislature? Find out here! Congress weighed in on bills to fund the border fence, bring accountability to the commodities market, allocate money for the Defense budget including a pay raise for military personnel, protect consumers from credit card companies, allow offshore drilling and
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