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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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YMCA RISES IN EAST COUNTY; PUBLIC INVITED TO “TILT UP” RISING MONDAY AUG. 17
Printer-friendly version McGRATH FAMILY YMCA GETS ONE STEP CLOSER TO OPENING DOORS TO THE COMMUNITY Rancho San Diego (Aug. 13). –After much anticipation, the McGrath Family YMCA’s expansive concrete walls will be lifted towards the sky, giving the community a visual of what’s to come; A 35,000 sq. ft. full-service YMCA facility in Rancho San Diego. A Tilt-Up event that
UCAN TAKES SUNRISE TO HIGH COURT FOR SUNSETTING
Printer-friendly version August 14, 2009 — The Utility Consumers Action Network has filed two petitions with appellate courts seeking to halt construction of Sunrise Powerlink, Sempra Energy’s high-voltage power line project slated for East County. The first was an appeal to the 4th District Court of Appeal. In it, UCAN urges the court to remand the case back
WHAT’S NEW — & OLD! HISTORIC WALKING TOUR STARTS IN LA MESA THIS WEEKEND
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 13, 2009 (La Mesa) – This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, join a historical free walking tour through downtown La Mesa and learn about our region’s colorful past. The tour will include a professional impersonator portraying Mary Porter, a famous La Mesa resident of the era, as well as music and costumed tour guides.
ARMED ROBBERY AT WELLS FARGO BANK KIOSK IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version August 13, 2009 (La Mesa) — At 3:20 p.m., a lone suspect entered the Ralph’s Grocery Store, located at 8800 Grossmont Boulevard in La Mesa, and approached a teller at the Wells Fargo Bank kiosk. The suspect drew a large frame, semi-automatic pistol from his front waistband, slammed the gun on the counter, and demanded cash from the teller.
LA MESA VOTES FOR CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF SDG&E POWER SHUT-OFF PLAN; MAYOR, COUNCILMEMBERS BLAST COUNTY ON FIRE PROTECTION
Printer-friendly version 2 CONFLICTING RECOMMENDATIONS MADE TO CPUC by Miriam Raftery August 13, 2009 (La Mesa)—“We are here because the County has not done a damn thing to protect the people in the backcountry,” La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid said at a La Mesa City Council meeting on Tuesday. Council voted 4 to 1 to draft a letter supporting its Fire Chief in calling for
SANTEE TOWN HALL MEETING ON CABLE SKI PARK SPARKS HEATED DEBATE
Printer-friendly version August 13, 2009 (Santee) — The Santee City Council held a town hall meeting on Wednesday, August 12th to discuss a proposed cable ski park at Santee Lakes. During the four-and-a-half hour session, Padre Dam officials said after six years of study, they have concluded that environmental impacts such as noise and traffic would be minimal. The
FOUR FIRES ALONG I-8 NEAR TAVERN ROAD, ALPINE
Printer-friendly version August 12, 2009 (Alpine) – Four small fires are burining along Eastbound Interstate 8 between Old Highway 80 and Tavern Road, near the community of Alpine (TB Map 1233) between the Dunbar and Tavern Road exits. “The spread of all four fires has been stopped,” CAL FIRE spokesperson Roxanne Provaznik reported at 4:45 p.m. “Two of the
SEMPRA ENERGY FOUNDATION SETS $1 MILLION ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Printer-friendly version SAN DIEGO, Aug. 10, 2009 – If you had $100,000 what would you do to “green” Southern California? That is the challenge that the Sempra Energy Foundation has posed to non-profit organizations with an environmental focus. Those chosen will receive between $25,000 and $100,000, as part of a new $1 million Environmental Champions Awards program created to recognize
PICTURE YOURSELF CRUISIN’ IN THIS COOL CONVERTIBLE!
Printer-friendly version BUY THIS CAR–AND BENEFIT EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE This is the perfect East County cruiser. Whether you’re top-down cruising historic Highway 80, taking a favorite friend to the Santee Drive-in, or traveling to the coast and beyond, this is a car built for fun. The only other full-sized convertible on the planet is a Bentley! It’s priced
IS THE GOOSE COOKED? CHERISHED MOTHER GOOSE PARADE FACES CANCELLATION IF FUNDS NOT RAISED BY MID-SEPTEMBER
Printer-friendly version August 10, 2009 (El Cajon) The historic Mother Goose Parade is in jeopardy of going dark this year–unless organizers can plump up their nest egg fast. “We need to get the word out that we need to raise at least $150K minimum to put on this parade,” a letter from parade organizers revealed. “With the economic times
CHEAP CHIC: SAVOR A RESALE FASHION SHOPPING SPREE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 22, 2008 (LA MESA) – If your budget is tight amid today’s rising prices, take heart! A fun way to shrink your clothing budget without sacrificing style is to treat yourself to a shopping spree in a delightful East County resale shop. My personal favorite resale outlet is Act II, which has two stores in
ALPINE BUSINESS NETWORKING ASSOCATION LAUNCHED
Printer-friendly version September 30, 2008 (ALPINE) – More than 50 business owners gathered at the Liar’s Club restaurant in Alpine Aug. 21 to celebrate the launch of the Alpine Business Networking Association ABNA). “`Fun in marketing’ is the key phrase to describe this organization,” said Greg Fox, president of ABNA. “What we are about is promoting the personal interaction of
A PURR-FECT PLACE
Printer-friendly versionAt new Tiger Trails haven in Alpine, rescued tigers run, swim for first time By Miriam Raftery September 17, 2008 (ALPINE) – Q: What happens when you take four captive-bred tigers and turn them loose in a facility large enough for them to run freely for the first time? A: A cat-aclysmic event complete with romping, frolicking and caterwauling,
HEROES HELPING HEROES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery What can be more heartwarming than a tale of heroes banding together to help victims of two devastating tragedies—East County wildfires and the 9/11 terrorist attacks? On September 11th, the City of La Mesa held a memorial service honoring rescue workers and victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The event, held at the City’s 9/11 memorial
THE GREENING OF LA MESA – MAYOR ART MADRID SHARES HIS VISION
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Mayor Madrid (R) with Shane Shaw of E-Village Beneath solar panel display at “Sustain La Mesa” festival Crowds flocked to view cooking demonstrations on solar ovens, visit with solar energy experts, get tips on water-saving landscaping and more at Sustain La Mesa, the City’s first annual Environmental Awareness Festival on September 13th in Harry Griffith Park.
CANDIDATE FORUMS & BALLOT INITIATIVE PRESENTATIONS
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THE CITY OF LA MESA’S FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly versionTHE CITY OF LA MESA’S FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL La Mesa will conduct its First Annual Environmental Awareness “Sustain La Mesa” Festival on: Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St. A total of 21 booths including education displays, light bulb exchange, recycling of non-hazardous materials, free shopping bags
Register to Vote!
Printer-friendly versionVoter registration drives are being held at several East County locations listed below. You must be registered by October 20th to vote in the November 4th presidential election. Registering in person means you don’t have to worry about forms getting lost in the mail or arriving too late. If you’re not yet registered, you can sign up at any
WATER SHORTAGE REVIVES RECYCLED WATER PROPOSALS
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Photos by Daisy Sharrock October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Water is the single biggest issue facing the future of San Diego County. Even the process for updating San Diego County’s land use general plan – the so-called General Plan 2020 process – depends on the availability and amount of water the area will sustain. "Water
Health Tips
Printer-friendly version HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASES REACH FIVE TOTAL SAN DIEGO August 18, 2008 — Another confirmed locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus (WNV) brings the year-to-date total to five—including one patient in East County, according to the County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA). FDA DECISION ON BPA OUTRAGES HEALTH ADVOCATES FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug 20, 2008
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