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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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STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS: “OMINOUS DAYS BEFORE US,” JACOB WARNS
Printer-friendly versionCounty to Sue State Over Funding Cuts By Miriam Raftery Supervisor Dianne Jacob February 12, 2009 (El Cajon) — Dianne Jacob, Chairwoman of the County Board of Supervisors, presented a bleak outlook in a State of the County address presented last night at Cuyamaca College. As a result of falling revenues and state budget cuts, lay-offs and deep cuts
HARBISON CANYON FIRE STATION REOPENS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 10, 2009 (Harbison Canyon) — Like a phoenix arisen from the ashes, a new fire station has opened to replace the Harbison Canyon station that burned down during the 2003 Cedar Fire. CAL FIRE-Rural Protection District held a grand opening to celebrate completion of the new station, which was funded by insurance, the Sycuan tribe, and Supervisor Dianne
EL CAJON MOURNS PASSING OF WAYNE STALKER, LONG-TIME EMPLOYEE AND ARTIST
Printer-friendly versionThe El Cajon Police Department and the City are saddened by the death of retired Animal Control Officer Wayne Stalker. Wayne passed away on Wednesday, February 4 after a long courageous battle against cancer. Wayne joined the El Cajon Police Department as a Volunteer Police Reserve Officer on September 9, 1981, and then held various positions at the police
FREE GYMNASTICS DAY FOR KIDS FEB. 21 AT CAMEROM FAMILY YMCA, SANTEE
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 12, 2009 (Santee) — The Cameron Family YMCA in Santee will host their annual Free Gymnastics Day on Sat., Feb. 21 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event is a special day of fun in the branch’s fully-equipped gymnastics center for boys and girls ages three to 13 years of age. The Cameron Family YMCA is located
FILNER JOINS 20 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO ESTABLISH POPULIST CAUCUS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ECONOMIC ISSUES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 12, 2009 (Washington, DC) Today, Rep. Bob Filner (D-San Diego) announced that he has joined with 20 other Democratic members of Congress to form the Populist Caucus, the only caucus in Congress devoted solely to addressing middle class economic issues. Printer-friendly version
LA MESA POLICE NAB 2 SUSPECTS FOR ROBBERY AND POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 10, 2009 (La Mesa)–The day after two pedestrians were robbed at gunpoint by a masked man, Antonio Rattler (photo), a 20 year old from La Mesa,was arrested for the robberies by the La Mesa Police Department. On February 9, 2009, in the late evening hours, a masked man armed with a gun robbed two pedestrians within thirty minutes
FILNER SEEKS TO AMEND CLEAN WATER ACT: REQUIRE DOD COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 9, 2009 (San Diego) — Congressman Bob Filner introduced the Military Environmental Responsibility Act, H.R. 672, which would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to fully comply with Federal and State environmental laws. “Military exemptions from environmental requirements harm human health by polluting our water, air, and soil. Communities around military bases should be protected equally from harmful
POLICE SEEK TWO WOMEN SUSPECTED OF PASSING STOLEN CHECKS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 9, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Authorities have released photos of two women suspected of passing stolen checks in La Mesa that were taken from a vehicle in La Mesa. On January 22, 2009, an unknown suspect broke into a vehicle at Grossmont Center Mall and stole the victim’s wallet and checkbook, La Mesa Police report. Later
LAKESIDE HEARING FEB 18 ON SUNRISE POWERLINK PATH THROUGH EL MONTE VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego Gas & Electric will be at the Lakeside Community Planning Group (LCGP) Mtg on February 18 at 7 PM at the Lakeside Community Center at 9841 Vine Street, Lakeside, CA to discuss the Sunrise Powerlink high-voltage power lines proposed for the El Monte Valley. A map and view of the proposed powerline path, which would include three
DON QUIXOTE FIGHTS THE WINDMILLS—AND SO DO THE FOLKS IN BOULEVARD
Printer-friendly versionby Gayle Early (photo by Miriam Raftery) February 10, 2009 (Campo)–Editor’s Note: Should wind turbines hundreds of feet tall –higher than the existing Kumeyaay wind farm turbines—be allowed in the rural McCain Valley/Boulevard region in East County? Does the nation’s critical need for “green” energy outweigh the concerns of residents seeking to preserve the rural character of their backcountry
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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