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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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2 LEGAL DECISIONS ON POWERLINK ISSUED, CLOUDING FUTURE OF $1.9 BILLION PROJECT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – A pair of state and federal legal decisions further muddy the future of Sunrise Powerlink, the 150-mile-long high voltage line proposed by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), a Sempra Energy company. One cleared a hurdle for the utility company at the state level while also opening the
ANDERSON PROPOSES KEEPING ANZA-BORREGO OPEN IN SPRING MONTHS
Printer-friendly versionJuly 17, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—Over a thousand letters poured into the office of Assemblyman Joel Anderson in just three days. The letters came from concerned citizens, mostly in the Borrego Springs community, in response to a state budget proposal that would close almost all state parks, including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, as a cost-saving measure. A poll
REP. JOHN CONYERS, IN SAN DIEGO, ASKS PUBLIC’S HELP TO ATTAIN HEALTHCARE FOR ALL
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 15, 2009 (San Diego) – "We are on the right track–and we are not going to be turned back," Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) told health care reform advocates, doctors and members of community organizing groups in San Diego on Sunday. A leader in the Civil Rights movement who drew inspiration from his father, a labor leader, Conyers is considered the
AUG. 12 HEARING SET FOR CABLE SKI PARK IN SANTEE; NEIGHBORS FEAR NOISE, TRAFFIC, & IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE
Printer-friendly version July 15, 2009 (Santee)— A public hearing by the Santee City Council on a conditional use permit for a controversial proposed cable ski park for Santee Lakes is tentatively set for the evening of August 12, Allen Carlisle, director of park and recreation for Padre Dam Water District told East County Magazine. Supporters say the cable
GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE GAVIN NEWSOM TO HOLD TOWN HALL FORUM IN SAN DIEGO SATURDAY JULY 18
Printer-friendly version July 16, 2009 (San Diego)—San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, who has announced plans to run for Governor next year, will hold “Conversations About California’s Future” with voters in major California cities over the next few weeks, including this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Clairemont High School quad, 4150 Ute Dr. in San Diego. Newsom, a
CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN DAVIS MEETS WITH MEDICAL EXPERTS AT SAN DIEGO HOSPICE AND INSTITUTE FOR PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
Printer-friendly version Budget cuts threaten patient care, hospice leader warns; Pain treatments for military, quality of life programs and advanced palliative medicine education for clinicians also discussed July 15, 2009 (San Diego) – Threats to quality patient care services, as well as support for education and evidence-based research in palliative medicine were key issues discussed with Congresswoman Susan Davis during
OTAY WATER DISTRICT HOSTS COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE JULY 21
Printer-friendly version Residents and Businesses to learn details of Jamacha Pipeline Construction Project July 15, 2009 (El Cajon/ Rancho San Diego, CA) – On Tuesday, July 21, the Otay Water District will host an open house-style community meeting to address the Jamacha Pipeline Project, a 5 mile-long, $22 million pipeline construction project along a large portion of Jamacha Rd.
CLICK TO HELP LOCAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM QUALITY FOR FUNDING
Printer-friendly versionJuly 15, 2009 (San Diego)–Gael Streck and Casey Gwinn, of the Family Justice Center in San Diego, are attempting to win an All State Foundation Fundraiser/Grant for the Alliance to help domestic violence victims and their children. By clicking on this website you can help the Alliance win funding to assist domestic violence survivors in our community: www.clicktoempower.org. “We
YES, THERE IS A FREE LUNCH—FOR KIDS AT KROC CENTER THIS SUMMER
Printer-friendly version July 15, 2009 (San Diego)—Children under 18 can receive free sack lunches and milk at the Salvation Army Kroc Center from June 29th through July 31st (except July 3rd). Children under age 11 must be accompanied by an adult to receive the lunches, which are available Monday through Friday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. No paperwork or ID
A HEARTFELT DONATION: GROSSMONT FOUNDATION RECEIVES $30,000 GRANT FOR CARDIO-VASCULAR PROGRAM
Printer-friendly version July 15, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Foundation, a fund-raising organization that benefits Grossmont College students and educational programs, has announced that it has received a $30,000 grant from Abbott Vascular, one of the world’s leading vascular care businesses. The grant will benefit Grossmont students who are enrolled in the college’s cardio-vascular technology (CVT) program. According to
Recall effort dropped against Lemon Grove Mayor Snow
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman Dec. 10, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A recall effort against Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow, who was elected by voters in 2024, has failed. On Tuesday, Dec. 9, a group called the Lemon Grove Neighborhood Association shared a text message with East County Magazine that said, “Today marks the conclusion of the signature-gathering phase for
Lakeside firefighter/paramedic Jeff Reyes honored for heroism: saved fire captain who fell through floor in a burning building
Printer-friendly versionPhoto: Chief Don Butz, left, and Batallion Chief Eric Stamm commend firefighter/paramedic Jeff Reyes View video by Shiloh Ireland By Shiloh Ireland Miriam Raftery contributed to this report December 10, 2025 (Lakeside) – Lakeside firefighter/paramedic Jeff Reyes acted “without hesitation, drawing on instinct, training and sheer courage” to save the life of Captain Steven Russo, who fell through
Domestic violence suspect charged with attempted murder of victim and police officers in El Cajon
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service December 9, 2025 (El Cajon) – An El Cajon man, 38, is under arrest for allegedly trying to stab and kill a female victim in a domestic violence altercation, as well as attempted murder of a police officer after he rammed a police vehicle. El Cajon Police officers responded to a domestic violence call
La Mesa Police plans added holiday enforcement, urges drivers to celebrate responsibly
Printer-friendly versionNational “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign begins Source: City of La Mesa December 9, 2025 (La Mesa) – The holiday season can be dangerous for people on the roads. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The La Mesa Police Department wants
Loveland Reservoir water transfer at 21% but coming to an end, SWA says
Printer-friendly versionPhoto of Loveland Reservoir by Ostan Patton By Karen Pearlman Dec. 9, 2025 (Alpine) – Sweetwater Authority’s plan to leave Loveland Reservoir with at least 25 percent of its water capacity during the most recent transfer of water into the Sweetwater Reservoir has not gone as originally planned, as shared with East County Magazine on Dec. 5. Sweetwater Authority (SWA), the
FDA creates hurdles for Americans to get COVID-19 vaccine, puts infants at risk with changes to Hepatitis-B vaccine recommendations
Printer-friendly versionA dozen former FDA commissioners and other experts weigh in, also debunking false claims about vaccines By G. A. McNeeley December 8, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — In an internal memo obtained by CNN, Dr. Vinay Prasad, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) chief medical & scientific officer said on November 28 that the FDA will change its vaccine approval
Palantir is rewriting security and privacy, creating massive database shared by federal agencies including ICE and the military
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr Image: CC via Bing “Our Product is used to kill people.” — Palantir CEO Alex Karp, emphasizing the company’s role in enabling lethal military operations. December 8, 2025 (San Diego) — Palantir Technologies is building the U.S. Army’s next-generation ground station, TITAN, using artificial intelligence (AI) to process massive amounts of sensory data to improve targeting
As politics in San Diego has shifted blue over the last decades, local broadcast industry has turned MAGA red
Printer-friendly versionTrump Supporters Will Soon Control Most TV News Stations in San Diego By J.W. August December 7, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego County’s voter makeup has gone from red to blue over the decades, and there’s no better example in recent years than the evolving Democratic majority on the San Diego City Council and county Board of Supervisors.
East County AWP construction boosts cost, but officials say recycled water supply is worth the price
Printer-friendly versionBy Mike Allen Photo: Education Center at AWP plant December 5, 2025 (Santee) — Three years into construction, the massive East County Advanced Water Purification Program is approaching the finish line late next year when the region’s sewage now being treated at Point Loma will be pumped to a new Santee plant and converted to drinkable, purified water.
Loveland Reservoir draining underway brings pushback from East County residents
Printer-friendly version Loveland Reservoir showing what is left of the public fishing zone. Photo by Ostan Patton By Karen Pearlman Dec. 5, 2025 (Alpine) – It’s been three years since Loveland Reservoir was drained by Sweetwater Authority to “deadpool” level for the first time ever, leaving the area susceptible to environmental challenges, killing fish and increasing fire hazards. Now another extreme draining is underway by Sweetwater
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