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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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Hit-and-run driver causes major injuries to boy, 12
Printer-friendly versionEl Cajon Police seek help to find white or silver SUV with front-end damage East County News Service October 23, 2025 (El Cajon) – Around 8 p.m. last night, a 12-year-old boy was struck by an SUV in the 300 block of Ballantyne Street, suffering major head trauma. The vehicle, described by witnesses as a white or silver SUV
SNAP cuts in America and the future impacts on California
Printer-friendly versionOverall, this affects not only SNAP, but also WIC, federal workers, food banks, senior citizens, and grocery stores. By G. A. McNeeley October 22, 2025 (California) — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the critical food assistance program, being halted is one of the biggest impacts of the ongoing government shutdown, and it’s about to affect tens of
Inmate firefighters get pay raise under bill signed by Governor
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Image: Inmate firefighter; cc via Bing October 14, 2025 (Sacramento) – They risk their lives to battle wildfires. Yet California’s inmate firefighters are currently paid just $1 to $10 for an entire day’s work, plus $1 an hour during active duty. A bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom will raise the rate to $7.25 an hour (the federal minimum
Passages: Donuts to Dollars, Mary Hennessy had a sweet life
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Karen Pearlman Oct. 21, 2025 (Santee) – Making others happy was something Mary Hennessy did naturally, with no holds – or holes – barred. As founder and owner of the iconic Mary’s Donuts in Santee, Hennessy sprinkled joy to others – and not just by way of diverse donut toppings, fruity fritter fillings and cinnamon-dusted
County approves negotiations to buy land for Troy Street Sleeping Cabins in Lemon Grove
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow Image, left: Rendering of Troy Street Sleeping Cabins Project October 22, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve negotiations with Caltrans to purchase land for the Troy Street Sleeping Cabins Project in Lemon Grove, after hearing comments overwhelmingly in opposition from residents and two City Councilmembers. The project plan
ECM World Watch: National and global news
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Judge halts Trump’s planned layoffs of federal workers during government shutdown, calling them unlawful (CNN) Appeals
La Mesa Police officer killed while aiding motorists after collision on I-8
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery, with additional reporting by Karen Pearlman Photo: LMPD Officer Lauren Craven, courtesy of La Mesa Police Updated Oct. 21, 4 p.m. with comments from Chief Ray Sweeney, City Manager Greg Humora, and Governor Gavin Newsom October 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was struck and killed last night after
County approves purchase of firefighting helicopter with nighttime capabilities
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow October 21, 2025 (San Diego) — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved the purchase of a firefighting helicopter with nighttime capabilities, which will be upgraded to accommodate a full crew for fire and rescue missions. The Sikorsky S70 Firehawk, to be purchased from SDG&E, will add to a fleet of 12 firefighting helicopters
Full Moon Walk in Anza Borrego’s South Palm Wash Nov. 5
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 21, 2025 (Anza Borrego)—You’re invited to walk by the light of a full moon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park’s South Palm Canyon Wash on November 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. The hike will be led by Mike McElhatton, education director at the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA). “Experience the unique
East County Roundup: Local and statewide news
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2025, 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 Local Congressional members denied access to federal courthouse basement amid detention concerns (10 News) One dog dead, another ill following methamphetamine exposure at Ocean
Find your home’s hazard risks to prepare for an emergency
Printer-friendly versionBy Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office September 19, 2025 (San Diego) – September is Disaster Preparedness Month, and it is an ideal time to think about the critical preparedness steps could reduce risks and protect you and your family in an emergency. County Emergency Services has a free online Know Your Hazards Mapping Tool, where
East County Roundup: local and statewide news
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 18, 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 San Diego County Supervisors Vote to Expand Oversight of Jail Healthcare After In-Custody Deaths (Hoodline) Elected officials announce proposed ordinance aimed at fed enforcement actions
Incompetence and cruelty are expensive: Trump’s actions may bankrupt U.S. treasury
Printer-friendly version By Alexander Schorr September 18, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — President Donald Trump could render the US Treasury bankrupt. According to an op-ed by a businsess law educator published in Newsweek, everything hinges upon whether or not the Supreme Court will side with Trump’s declared tariffs that critics have called illegal — a decision that could force the Treasury to
Health and science highlights
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH West Coast states issue joint vaccine guidelines in shift away from CDC (ABC) CDC panel votes to push back MMRV vaccine recommendation to 4 years old (The Hill) A common nasal spray may
Exclusive: ECM obtains video showing start of Coches Fire
Printer-friendly version View video September 17, 2025 (Lakeside) — East County Magazine photographer Patrick Ward has obtained surveillance video from a Lakeside homeowner who lives next to the spot where the Coches Fire began. The video from the homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, shows vehicles on the roadway around 2:56 p.m. on September 8, 2025, followed by brush igniting
Pedestrian death in La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 16, 2025 (La Mesa) – Katherine Marie Pederson, 61, suffered fatal injuries when she was struck by a sedan while crossing the 5600 block of Baltimore Drive in La Mesa. The accident occurred on September 8 around 9:49 p.m. Witnesses called 911. Police, firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene. The victim was transported
Ramona church mourns murdered pastor
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 16, 2025 (Ramona) – Felipe Ascencio, the pastor at Templo Monte Horbe church in Ramona, was shot and killed Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7, inside his home on Eighth Street. Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Joel Martin Dukes III, 22. He is being charged with murder. The motive has not been disclosed and the investigation continues.
Bradley Avenue homicide
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 16, 2025 (El Cajon) – Sheriff’s deputies from the Lakeside substation responded to a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon at 1:35 a.m. They found a man suffering from traumatic injuries inside an apartment at 425 East Bradley Ave. in unincorporated El Cajon. “Deputies immediately began CPR until paramedics arrived and assumed
Missing woman last seen July 5 in San Diego; vehicle and trailer found in Potrero
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: Ganna Kovrizhynkh, aka Angel Volnaya September 16, 2025 (Potrero) — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office wants the public’s help in finding a missing person. Ganna Kovrizhynkh, 38, was reported missing to the Sheriff’s Office by a friend on July 12. Family members say they last heard from Kovrizhynkh on July 5 while she drove through
Mount Miguel 60th reunion coming on Oct. 4 at Town & Country
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 16, 2025 (Spring Valley) — Mount Miguel High School Class of 1965 is getting ready for its 60th class reunion. Leaders from the Matadors 1965 class have put out the word that they are looking for classmates from thier year to join them in the event set for 6 to 10 p.m.,
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