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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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Gloria Chadwick Resigns from Grossmont Healthcare District Board
Printer-friendly versionBoard will consider how to fill vacancy at its July 17 meeting By Miriam Raftery July 3, 2025 (La Mesa) – After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Grossmont Healthcare District Board Member Gloria Chadwick, RN has submitted her resignation from the Board of Directors, effective June 30, 2025. Director Chadwick has been a steadfast advocate for healthcare
El Cajon Man Dies After Motorcycle Crash on I-8
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – A motorcyclist killed in a solo vehicle collision on June 23 has been identified as Kevin Kim Webb, 46, of El Cajon. According to the California Highway Patrol, his motorcycle struck a center median on I-8 westbound, east of Greenfield Drive in El Cajon. Paramedics transported him to
A Call for Recall at Aztec Park
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J Schorr Photo: Mount Miguel High School teacher/librarian Jason Balistreri, Lauren Cazares, GEA Vice President Stephanie Macecca, Colin Parent, GEA President James Messina, and teacher Jay Steiger July 3, 2025 (La Mesa) – On June 29, supporters of efforts to recall trustees of the Grossmont Union High School District gathered at Aztec Park. The mobilization effort focused
Jamul Casino Resort Pulls Out of San Diego Pride Parade Amid Antisemitism Concerns
Printer-friendly version Resort donates $10,000 to JPride Festival promoting Jewish LGBTQ pride By Miriam Raftery Photo via JPride July 3,2025 (Jamul, CA) – After Jewish groups withdrew from the San Diego Pride Parade over objections to participation by headliner Kehlani over antisemitism, the Jamul Casino and Resort announced today that it will not be participating in the event. “Given
Tesla Driver Charged With Murder of Motorcyclist, Injuring Others Including El Cajon Man
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – The driver of a red Tesla has been charged with multiple felonies including murder. He is accused of “intentionally” rear-ending a motorcycle, killing its driver who was from Chula Vista. The Tesla then struck a 2012 black Ram 1500 driven by an El Cajon man, 24. Six occupants
County Budget Includes Many East County Projects
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Image: County Administration Building July 2, 2025 (San Diego) – The $8.63 billion balanced budget passed by San Diego County Supervisors last week prioritizes housing, homelessness, public safety, infrastructure, health, environmental sustainability and support for vulnerable populations. It also includes projects benefitting or impacting East County communities. These include: Buying two ambulances for unincorporated areas
McCann Concedes; Aguirre Wins Supervisor Seat
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 2, 2025 (San Diego) – Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre has declared victory in the 1st Supervisorial district special election, after her opponent, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, conceded the race. Aguirre issued this statement, “Whether you voted for me or not, I’m ready to work my heart out to bring down costs, protect
New Name for Sanctuary in Alpine
Printer-friendly version Horses relax at Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm (Courtesy photo) By Hoa Quach, Times of San Diego July 2, 2025 (Alpine) — San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm, a 20-acre animal sanctuary in Alpine with nearly 200 rescued animals, this week announced a new name and brand identity: Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm. The new name
Aguirre Takes Strong Lead in District 1 Supervisorial Race
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo, left, via candidates’ websites: John McCann, left, and Paloma Aguirre, right July 1, 2025 (San Diego) – In a special election that will determine the balance of power on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre leads with 53.22% of the vote over Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, who
Issa Bill Will Incentivize Wildfire Prevention Through Targeted Tax Relief
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 1, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has introduced the Wildfire Infrastructure and Landowner Tax Relief Act of 2025 (WILTR Act) to make wildfire mitigation and resilience attainable for homeowners who know it provides essential protection from future fires. The bill text can be found here. “It’s not enough to say we
A Firestorm of Controversy – Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Printer-friendly versionBallot measure will ask voters to approve tax for fire services By E.A. Barrera Photos courtesy of La Mesa Fire Department “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully
DYING TO COME TO AMERICA – Immigrant Death Toll Soars; Water Stations Sabotaged
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 1, 2008 (Holtville)–“These people came here looking for opportunity. Not one of them expected to die,” said Enrique Morones, erecting a hand-made wooden cross at a gravesite marked only by a brick engraved with the name Jane Doe. A few years ago, there were twenty bricks in this pauper’s graveyard at Holtville in Imperial County,
Tough Medicine, Part I
Printer-friendly versionGrossmont Hospital Investigations Raise Oversight Concernts, Criticisms By Sara McInerney, staff writer, and editor Miriam Raftery September 14, 2008 (La Mesa)–Revelations of preventable patient deaths and alleged neglect at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have led some community leaders to demand increased oversight even as new complaints of patient care at Grossmont surface. Grossmont is one of four hospitals in San Diego
Tough Medicine, Part II
Printer-friendly versionCommunity Leaders Call for New Hospital in East County: Long Waits in Grossmont ER, Patient Deaths Heighten Urgent Need By Sara McInerney, Staff Writer September 18, 2008 (La Mesa)–Government investigations into at least three preventable patient deaths at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have raised serious questions about the facility’s capacity to service the needs of East County’s growing population. Closure of
Democratic Candidates Urge Voters to Unite for Change at East County Rally
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery "I’ve been a Republican for 35 years and I became a Democrat in January," La Mesa Councilmember David Allan told a crowd of approximately 350 people at the East County Uniting for Change picnic on Sunday at Harry Griffith Park in La Mesa. Sponsored by the La Mesa-Foothills, East County and Santee Democratic Clubs, the event
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 RafteryPhotos by Aida Canonizado Mildred Scarber, a state employee who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in El Cajon, was shocked to learn that Governor Schwarzenegger has ordered all state employees’
Taxing Issues
Printer-friendly versionLa Mesa Council candidates address budget gap, public safety and future growth By Miriam Raftery State budget cuts have left La Mesa facing a potential budget shortfall of several million dollars. In exclusive interviews with East County Magazine, challenger Shannon O’Dunn as well as incumbents David Allan and Ruth Sterling shared their views on bridging the budget gap as
Green Houses – Jamul Home is Green and Fire-Safe
Printer-friendly versionEco-friendly EAST COUNTY homes By Miriam Raftery After twice having to evacuate during wildfires, Keith and Danya Jolley decided to build a new, fire-safe and energy efficient “green” home on their Jamul property. The home was featured on last year’s GreenBuilt Homes Tour. One year later, the Jolleys remain thrilled with their new home. “The house turned out
Sylvia’s Soapbox – Duncan the great white Hunter
Printer-friendly version Wildebeest hunt bags a Congressman By Sylvia Hampton Our congressman Duncan Hunter (R-52nd district) is leaving his congressional seat to his son. Sort of an inheritance or royalty passed on to the next generation like in England. Since Duncan D. Hunter, the son, has the same name his election should be like shooting fish in a barrel. But
Presidential Candidates Address La Raza in San Diego
Printer-friendly versionBy E. A. Barrera Photo by E.A. Barrera/Photo courtesy of NCLR Obama Talks Health, Education, and Announces Plan to Help Small Business McCain Emphasizes Tax Issues, Trade with Latin America Printer-friendly version
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