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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
ADVANTA HOME CARE OFFERS ELDER CARE COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES FOR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Printer-friendly versionMay 17, 2009 ()San Diego) — Advanta Home Care’s owner Rick McKee is now partnering with leaders of local organizations to present an exclusive and innovative Elder Care Community Education Series. Representatives from local faith based organizations, retirement communities, health care facilities, physician groups, HOA’s, civic organizations and employers are encouraged to contact Rick directly to schedule any or
SANTEE LAUNCHES SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN AGAINST COUNTY’S PROPOSED EXPANSION OF LAS COLINAS PRISON
Printer-friendly versionMay 13, 2009 (Santee)-– Taking a page from the Barack Obama for President Campaign playbook, the City of Santee has launched a web site, a Facebook page and a Twitter micro blog to rally support for the city’s position against an expansion of the Las Colinas Detention Facility in the heart of Santee’s town center. “Educating the public and
CONTROLLED BURN AT MIRAMAR TODAY
Printer-friendly versionMay 15, 2009 (9:15 a.m.)– If you see smoke today, don’t panic. A controlled burn is slated to begin at 10:30 a.m. today along the eastern side of Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. Smoke may be visible along I-15 and Highway 52 from the burn, which is part of the base’s annual effort to remove dry vegetation. Printer-friendly version
LA MESA REJECTS HATE-FREE RESOLUTION
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 14, 2009 (La Mesa)—La Mesa’s City Council voted unanimously to table a “Hate Free” resolution proposed by a coalition of 52 community groups countywide at a meeting Tuesday following heated and divisive public testimony. (For text of the resolution and details, see our previous article at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=node/1105.)Supporters said the measure was needed to reduce hate
CUYAMACA COLLEGE CAREER FAIR DRAWS RECORD CROWD
Printer-friendly versionEmployer representatives say sizable attendance a reflection of the times May 13, 2009 (EL CAJON) – Jobless figures topping 9 percent in San Diego County – 12 percent in El Cajon, according to the most recent state employment numbers – resulted in record attendance of about 500 people at this year’s career fair at Cuyamaca College, organizers say. In
POWERLINK FOES APPLAUD DEFEAT OF HAYES AS INTERIOR DEPUTY SECRETARY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 13, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—Senate Republicans blocked the nomination by President Barack Obama of David Hayes to serve as deputy secretary of the Interior Department. Hayes, who held the same position in the Clinton administration, has drawn opposition from some community leaders and environmentalists locally due to his recent role as lobbyist for Sempra
GROSSMONT CENTER HOSTS “LEARN AND CONSERVE” EVENT MAY 16
Printer-friendly versionMay 12, 2009 (La Mesa)– – With the water restriction use being enforced on June 1ST Grossmont Shopping Center is hosting a Learn To Conserve event on Saturday, May 16TH in Macy’s Courtyard. The event will run from 10a.m. – 2p.m. Event partners will provide tips for water and electricity conservation and host fun demonstrations. There is nothing like
EL CAJON CELEBRATES BIKE TO WORK WEEK
Printer-friendly versionThe term "wheels of government" takes on new meaning in El Cajon this week, as employees are encouraged to join in “Bike to Work Week” May 11 through 15. The nationwide endeavor aims to educate the public about benefits of bicycling and to increase awareness, safety and respect for bicyclists, as well as highlighting cycling as an important means
PASSAGES: SUZANNE DI MASCIO, R.N., MANAGER OF RYAN WHITE PROGRAM AND DIRECTOR OF AMERICHOICE, LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER
Printer-friendly versionWIFE OF EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S BUSINESS MANAGER WILL BE MISSED May 11, 2009 (Santee)—Suzanne (“Suzy”) Marie Di Mascio, a leading voice in San Diego’s healthcare community and wife of East County Magazine’s business manager Leon Thompson, passed away on May 7, 2009 at San Diego Hospice following a long battle against cancer. Her efforts helped improve access to healthcare
FILNER AMENDMENT PROTECTS RENTERS, REQUIRES NOTICE IF LANDLORD FACES FORECLOSURE RISK
Printer-friendly versionMay 12, 2009 (Washington, DC) – Congressman Filner has joined his colleagues in passing the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, H.R. 1728. This legislation aims to prevent the types of predatory and irresponsible mortgage loan practices that played a major role in the current financial and economic meltdown. Congressman Filner worked to include a provision in the final
MONTE FIRE SCORCHES 350 ACRES, 2 FIREFIGHTERS HOSPITALIZED
Printer-friendly versionUpdate: June 18, 2025 6:45 p.m. The fire has burned 858 acres and is 25% contained. Update: June 18, 2025 8 a.m.– The fire is now 400 acres and 20% contained. Story and photos by: Josh Stotler View video June 17, 2025 (Lakeside) – Cal Fire has ordered several firefighting aircraft to be ready to fly at 8:00 a.m. and
EVACUATIONS IN LAKESIDE FIRE
Printer-friendly version East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Photo: Red areas are under mandatory evacuation orders as of 5 p.m. Yellow areas have evacuation warnings. View interactive map here for latest evacuation updates. This is the county’s map which has more details than others. Find out what evacuation zone you are in by typing your address here: https://protect.genasys.com/search?z=14&latlon=32.794773%2C-116.962527 Update 6:44 p.m.– Fire
RENOVATED VFW POST TO OPEN SOON IN NEW CAMPO LOCATION
Printer-friendly version By Leorah Gavidor Photos by Irvin Gavidor June 19,2025 (Campo)– Veterans have a friend in Campo: his name is Kevin Martin, and he’s a Vietnam-era Marine veteran himself. Thanks to Martin and a group of volunteers, along with a grant from San Diego County, vets in Campo will soon have a new place to hang out.
FIRE ALONG BORDER IN CAMPO
Printer-friendly version Update 7:55 p.m.– Cal Fire reports the #Border6Fire in Campo is now 200 acres burning on the south side of the U.S./Mexico border. “We remain engaged on the northern edge of the fire as firefighters from Mexico support suppression efforts in Mexico,” Cal Fire posted on X. East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Photo via Cal Fire June 16,
EVACUATIONS IN BONSALL
Printer-friendly version Update 5:26 p.m.– Evacuation warnings have been lifted. The fire is now 20 acres and 10% contained, Cal Fire reports. Evacuation orders remain in place. Update 4:29 p.m.– Forward spread of the #MissionFire has been stopped, per Cal Fire. East County Wildfire & Emergency Alert Service June 16, 2025 (Bonsall) — The #MissionFire is burning near South Mission
SAN DIEGO BISHOP, A FORMER REFUGEE, CALLS ON CLERGY TO ACCOMPANY IMMIGRANTS TO HEARINGS AT COURTHOUSES
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery June 16, 2025 (San Diego) – Federal immigration officials have begun arresting immigrants and refugees at San Diego’s federal courthouse, denying them due process at hearings that could have granted them legal status in the U.S. Now, Bishop Michael Pham and two local auxiliary bishops have announced that on World Refugee Day June 20, they
60,000+ IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO “NO KINGS” RALLY, THOUSANDS MORE COUNTYWIDE PROTEST AUTHORITARIAN ACTIONS OF TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos,left: Aerial image of No Kings rally downtown, courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News, and protestor in El Cajon, photo by Miriam Raftery. June 15, 2025 (San Diego) – At least 60,000 people participated in “No Kings” protests in downtown San Diego, according to the San Diego Police department. Local organizers estimate even more,
U-T OWNERS BLOCKED EDITORIAL ON ICE PROTESTS, SAYS FIRED OPINION EDITOR
Printer-friendly versionLaura Castañeda (left) had been deputy opinion editor of The San Diego Union-Tribune until Thursday. (Times of San Diego photo illustration) By Ken Stone • Times of San Diego June 13, 2025 (San Diego) — A fired San Diego Union-Tribune opinion editor is accusing the paper’s owners of “censorship at its best” after she was let go at
COTTONWOOD SAND MINE HEARING POSTPONED DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES; PLANNERS RECOMMEND DENIAL OF PROJECT
Printer-friendly versionUpdate: The hearing has been postponed until July 9. By Karen Pearlman June 13, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Technical difficulties with audiovisual needs postponed the San Diego County Planning Commission meeting today, delaying for at least a month an agenda item about a controversial sand mine being planned for East County. The 9 a.m. meeting at the county’s
JUDGE BLOCKS USE OF NATIONAL GUARD IN LOS ANGELES, PENDING APPEAL
Printer-friendly versionUpdateJune 21: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Trump can retain control of the National Guard. ECM news partner 10 news reports. It remains to be seen whether California will appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Ninth Circuit ruling overturns the lower court ruling discussed in our June 12 article below. By Miriam
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