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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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Sponsorship Placement
Tight budget? Check out clothing options at Goodwill
Printer-friendly version“Thrifting is a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find.” – Darlene Cossio, Goodwill Director of Marketing and Communications in La Mesa By Heidi Hope November 20, 2025 (La Mesa) – In today’s tight economy, with many people struggling financially, one of the best ways to stretch your dollars is by shopping at thrift stores. At Goodwill, you
Sara’s Selections: Mother-daughter duo strives for sustainability and women’s empowerment through fashion
Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope November 20, 2025 (La Mesa) — The front window at Sara’s Selections in La Mesa proclaims ,”There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” The clothing boutique is filled with floral motifs, feminine touches and empowering quotes for women. The store sells chic Bohemian- styled fashions with a modern touch on classic pieces.
Reckless driver crashes into vehicles during pursuit from Santee to San Diego
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 19, 2025 (Santee) — A reckless driving suspect struck multiple vehicles while leading Sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit from Santee to San Diego on November 18th. According to Lieutenant Elizabeth Montoya, shortly after 4:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Communications Center received several calls about a man recklessly driving a Chevy Silverado in Santee. Deputies from the
Passages: Randy Jones, Padres legend and Cy Young winner, dies at 75
Printer-friendly version Story and photo, left, by Karen Pearlman Nov. 19, 2025 (Poway) — Beloved San Diego Padres southpaw Randy Jones has passed away. The Padres’ first Cy Young Award winner in 1976, Randall “Randy” Leo Jones, a devoted community figure and the face of East County-based nonprofit Home of Guiding Hands, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Why hospital policies matter in states that ban abortion
Printer-friendly versionBy Kavitha Surana, Lizzie Presser and Andrea Suozzo, ProPublica Photo: Dr. Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, a retired maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Dallas. Photo by Lexi Parra for ProPublica This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published. November 18, 2025 (Dallas/Houston) – Nearly
ACT II provides budget-friendly and stylish women’s fashions
Printer-friendly version By Heidi Hope November 18, 2025 (La Mesa)– For 43 years, Act II has been a thriving and successful boutique offering women’s resale fashion in La Mesa’s downtown village. It is a trendy store started from a family business in 1982 by Dolores Buller and her daughter Deanne Ross, who still owns the store. Act II focuses on
Trump does damage control after newly released Epstein emails say Trump spent hours with sex trafficking victim at Epstein’s home
Printer-friendly versionNPR/PBS poll finds just 20% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of Epstein matter Update November 18, 2025: The House of Representatives voted to release the Epstein files by a 427 to 1 margin. It now goes to the Senate. The measure passed overwhelming after Pres. Trump withdrew his opposition once enough members had pledged support to assure passage.
From the Fire Chief’s Corner: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna November 17, 2025 (San Diego) — November is the time to spotlight early detection, community support, and lifesaving education. Local leaders and national organizations are rallying to raise awareness and reduce stigma about Lung Cancer. Why Lung Cancer Awareness Matters in November Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in
East County Roundup: local and statewide news
Printer-friendly versionNovember 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s round-up stories include: LOCAL More nurses, fewer drugs, no suicides: Sheriff touts jail reforms, upgrades before civilian review board (San Diego Union-Tribune) Community reacts to proposed façade changes at Goodwill
East County Eater: Fresheria, a new La Mesa eatery, offers delicious healthy foods
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: cauliflower ceviche November 16, 2026 (La Mesa) – If you’re looking to eat healthy and savor a wide array of delicious options, you’ll want to stop by and savor the many tasty offerings at Fresheria, located at 5575 Baltimore Drive, La Mesa. They’re open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9
Mount Miguel High School to become “Mount Miguel Early College High School,” expanding college opportunities
Printer-friendly versionBoard approval marks a major milestone for Spring Valley school, enhancing college readiness programs and building on past successes Source: Grossmont Union High School District November 26, 2025 (Spring Valley) – Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Governing Board President Dr. Gary C. Woods announced the Board’s official approval to rename Mount Miguel High School as Mount Miguel Early College
Sharp HealthCare nurses begin strike
Printer-friendly version Photo of striking nurses by Lauren Cazares Facebook page East County News Service Nov. 26, 2025 (San Diego County) — Thousands of nurses at Sharp HealthCare in San Diego began a strike today that is expected to last through Thanksgiving weekend. The strike is likely to impact hospital operations during one of the busiest times of the year.
Grossmont District’s high schools experience first semester without teacher librarians
Printer-friendly version“They meant to hurt us, but they’re hurting our kids.” –Jason Balisteri, Mount Miguel history teacher and former teacher-librarian By Armando Rasing II Photos, left: protest signs at GUHSD board meeting when the majority voted to fire all teacher-librarians. November 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The 2025-26 school year marks the first school year that the Grossmont
San Diego plans 322% housing boom for College Area amid SDSU’s continued growth
Printer-friendly versionBy Calista Stocker, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: an aerial view of the College Area. Photo courtesy of the city. November 25, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego is set to update the College Area’s blueprint for future development, and San Diego State University’s enrollment forecasts are driving city planners’ push
Warner Springs opens historic adobe doors for inaugural Holiday Tour
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 25, 2025 (Warner Springs) — The community of Warner Springs will open its proverbial doors next month and offer the public an unprecedented look inside its architectural soul. Six private historic adobe homes — some dating back to the 1890s — will be part of the community’s inaugural Holiday Adobe Home Tour
New City Sinfonia and Downbeat Big Band swing into the holidays with Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 25, 2025 (El Cajon) — The sounds of the holiday season will get a swinging upgrade next month, as the New City Sinfonia and the Downbeat Big Band team up for a special performance featuring Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker Suite. Organizers of the Dec. 10 event at
San Diego FC wins, faces Vancouver Whitecaps with MLS Cup dream on the line
Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy San Diego FC Instagram East County News Service Nov. 24, 2025 (San Diego) — In their first Major League Soccer season, San Diego FC is headed to the Western Conference Final this weekend at Snapdragon Stadium. San Diego FC has consistently played like a veteran club this season, surpassing any and all expectations. After
Escaped inmate sought after leaving Cal Fire work camp in Julian
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 24, 2025 (Julian) — California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are searching for an incarcerated man who walked away today from La Cima Conservation Camp run by Cal Fire in Julian. Joseph Lee Randall, 28, was last seen wearing an orange T-shirt, gray sweatpants and could be in white tennis shoes or
Recall Eckert effort falls short: Where GUHSD moves from here
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr November 24, 2025 (El Cajon) — The recall effort against trustee Scott Eckert on the Grossmont Union High School District Governing Board failed to meet the required amount of 9,600 signatures on Monday November 17, 2025. The grassroots effort needed signatures from 15% of registered voters in La Mesa to spur a recall action: volunteers
La Mesa Chamber bringing cheer to homebound seniors
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Servie Nov. 23, 2025 (La Mesa) – The spirit of giving is starting already in East County with the launch of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s Homebound Seniors Holiday Project 2025. The community initiative aims to bring comfort and joy to some of the region’s most isolated residents, providing festive gift baskets filled with
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