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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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CONGRESSMAN FILNER ANNOUNCES NEW SMALL BUSINESSES LENDING PROGRAM
Printer-friendly versionJune 15, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – Many local small businesses will soon be eligible for interest-free loans under a new program created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) announced today. The newly launched “America’s Recovery Capital” (ARC) program allows small firms to take out loans of $35,000 to pay down existing
HEALTHY CROWD ATTTENDS HEALTHCARE FAIR IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kezirian June 16, 2009 (La Mesa) –“At last year’s fair, I found out that my blood pressure was off the charts, and it saved my life,” said Mike Cully, San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer. “This is truly an important event—and if we can help keep one more person alive and
A “LEARNING EXPERIENCE” FOR RAMONA SCHOOL DISTRICT: SCHOOL APOLOGIZES FOR BANNING 6TH GRADER’S HARVEY MILK REPORT
Printer-friendly versionMove Comes After ACLU Letter Alleged District Violated Student’s Constitutional Rights June 13, 2009 (Ramona) – A Ramona school district has apologized to sixth grader Natalie Jones for censoring her classroom presentation about Harvey Milk last month, and school officials promised they won’t engage in allegedly unconstitutional restriction of similar free speech in the future. Move Comes After ACLU
NEWBORN LEFT AT EL CAJON FIRE STATION IS ADOPTED BY LOCAL COUPLE
Printer-friendly versionSAFELY SURRENDERED BABY PROGRAM SAVED CHILD’S LIFE June 11, 2009 (El Cajon) – A baby girl left by her mother at an El Cajon Fire station has been adopted by a local family, the City of El Cajon announced today. The infant, just hours old, was left with firefighters at Station 6 on Lexington Avenue under the Safely
“OUR PLANET, OUR HOME” ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY CONTEST ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly versionJune 12, 2009 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Committee invites students in grades K-12 to submit a poem or work of art in which they reflect upon the environment. The new “Our Planet, Our Home” environmental literacy contest is open to youths living or attending schools within the La Mesa-Spring Valley or Grossmont Union High School
DOUBLE TROUBLE: MAN ARRESTED AFTER ROBBING SAME BANK SECOND TIME
Printer-friendly versionJune 12, 2009 (Escondido) – Police have arrested a 55-year-old Escondido man after he robbed the U.S. Bank on Broadway in Escondido Thursday—for the second time in a month. The alleged thief handed a teller a note demanding cash shortly after 4:30 p.m., then put the cash in a black messenger’s bag and left. Officers spotted the man walking
HIGH SCHOOL FOR ALPINE GETS UNANIMOUS APPROVAL OF GUHSD BOARD
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 11, 2009 (Alpine)—Cheers and tears of joy filled the room tonight as the Grossmont Union High School Board unanimously voted to approve construction of a new high school in Alpine. The decision drew a rousing ovation from parents and others who have fought for more than a decade to bring a high school to their
SLEEK AND GREEN: ECO-CAR SHOW POWERS UP DEMAND FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery San Diego (June 12, 2009)—If you thought driving an eco-friendly car meant settling for a small, boxy vehicle, think again. Vehicles powered by alternative fuels on display at last weekend’s Street Smart San Diego show included sleek, sporty new styles, race cars, and electric conversions of prestigious name brand models. “We’re doing conversions,” said Michael Kadie
HOW PREPARED IS EAST COUNTY FOR THE NEXT WILDFIRE? BUDGET CUTS BURN SOME LOCAL AGENCIES
Printer-friendly version ”It’s outrageous and it’s irresponsible. That’s cold, that’s hard, that’s the truth. There are many other areas where life is not at stake.” –Leonard Villareal, San Miguel Fire District spokesman, on state budget cuts’ impact on fire protection. An East County Magazine special report By Miriam Raftery June 11, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)
LOCAL LEADERS SHARE REACTIONS TO PREJEAN LOSING MISS CALIFORNIA CROWN
Printer-friendly versionJune 11, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Carrie Prejean, a senior at San Diego Christian College in El Cajon, has been dethroned as Miss California USA. Her turbulent reign, which weathered revelations of topless photos and a controversy over her statements opposing gay marriage, came to an end over the beauty queen’s alleged refusal to honor commitments for
The Vault, La Mesa’s new resale boutique, helps you dress well on a budget and go green
Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope November 13, 2025 (La Mesa) – If you’re looking for men’s and women’s vintage and contemporary fashions, you’ll find a treasure trove of resale clothing and accessories at The Vault. Run by Michelle La Bruno, The Vault is located at the corner of Lemon Avenue and Nebo Drive in La Mesa’s downtown village, tucked behind the
Governor Newsom attends COP30 Climate Summit that President Trump skips, after UN warns of highest C02 spikes in history
Printer-friendly versionCalifornia has reduced greenhouse gas emissions 20% since 2000, while state’s GDP rose 81% By G. A. McNeeley November 13, 2025 (Brazil) — Heat-trapping carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere jumped by the highest amount on record last year, soaring to levels never seen in human civilization. That’s “turbocharging” the earth’s climate and causing more extreme weather,
Shutdown ends as Trump signs spending bill, without extending healthcare subsidies
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo via White House: President Trump at signing ceremony November 13, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — President Donald Trump has signed a bill to reopen the federal government and end the longest-ever government shutdown that lasted 43 days, sidelined federal workers, delayed food aid, and snarled air travel. The deal has drawn criticism for failing to
In fiery debut after 50-day delay, Rep. Adelita Grijalva slams House speaker’s ‘abuse of power’
Printer-friendly versionBy Grace Berry and Nick Karmia, Cronkite News Photo: Rep. Adelita Grijalva, D-Tucson, delivers her first floor speech moments after Speaker Mike Johnson swore her in on Nov. 12, 2025 — 50 days after her landslide win in a special election to fill the vacancy left by the death of her father, Raúl Grijalva. (from U.S. House of Representatives video)
County crews are ready for storm, County offers tips to stay safe
Printer-friendly versionBy Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office November 12, 2025 (San Diego) – With the County’s first winter storm predicted to stretch through the weekend and into early next week, County of San Diego road crews are ready to respond if needed and the County is offering tips to help people stay safe. The County and CAL
County urges parents and stores to throw away formula linked to a national infant botulism outbreak
Printer-friendly versionBy Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office November 12, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego County is urging residents and retailers to throw out ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. This includes all lots, can sizes and single-serve “anywhere” sticks. As of November 10, the formula is linked to 15 nationwide cases of infant botulism. While California
Atmospheric river to bring heavy rains across region Friday through Sunday
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 13, 2025 (San Diego) – The County is urging residents to make preparations for a deluge forecast over the next three days. The National Weather Service predicts an atmospheric storm could dump 2 to 6 inches of rain in mountain areas, up to 4 inches in valleys and along the coast, and up
Sheriff searches for teen wanted on weapons violations after shooting in Poway field: body army and gun parts in home
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 13, 2025 (Poway) – San Diego County Sheriff seeks public help to locate Cameron Johnson, 18, on weapons violations. On Nov. 11, deputies from the Sheriff’s station in Poway responded to multiple calls reporting a man shooting a rifle in an open field near Hidden Valley Drive and Birch Lane in Poway. Johnson, who
In honor of Veterans Day, Attorney General Bonta issues alert on common scams targeting veterans
Printer-friendly versionSource: California Department of Justice November 11, 2025 (Oakland) – In honor of Veterans Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning veterans and their families to be aware of scams and fraud, including fraud perpetrated by predatory individuals or companies who exploit veterans seeking assistance accessing their benefits. Unaccredited claims representatives, sometimes referred to as
Senators advance potential deal to reopen federal government
Printer-friendly version Proposal would restore SNAP funding, but healthcare subsidies remain in limbo By G. A. McNeeley Updated Nov. 11 and 12 with comments from California’s Senators. November 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — On Sunday, November 9, The U.S. Senate moved forward on a measure aimed at reopening the federal government and ending the ongoing government shutdown that
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