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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…
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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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Damon Brown named new San Diego County Counsel
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 14, 2026 (San Diego County) — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved the appointment of Damon M. Brown as County Counsel. Brown was chosen after the county launched a national recruitment, bringing broad and diverse experience at the national, state and local levels. A trial attorney and policy executive with more than
Navy officials meet with Warner Springs community to address PFAS in water
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman with additional reporting by Miriam Raftery Jan. 14, 2026 (Warner Springs) — Dozens of local residents and business owners visited the CAL Fire Station in Warner Springs on Jan. 12 to glean information from the United States Navy and several other federal groups as well as state and county water agencies about PFAS and their impact
Democrats line up to unseat incumbent Rep. Darrell Issa in 48th Congressional District: several speak at candidate forum
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow Photo, left to right: Ammar Campa-Najjar, Marni Von Wilpert, Abel Chavez, Brandon Riker, Mark Iannarino, Ferguson Porter, Corinna Contreras, and Jerlilia Ryans January 13, 2026 (San Diego) – When the Primary Election is held June 2 for the 2026 midterms, more than a handful of Democrats will be on the ballot in an effort to
Free America Walkout January 20
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr January 11, 2026 (San Diego) — The “Free America Walkout” is a nationwide protest initiative scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. local time across the United States. Being organized by groups like The Women’s March and the 50501 movement, the event encourages people to walk out of work, school, and commence to protest fascism and the policies of the Trump administration. At least seven
Horse rescued in Alpine by San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Jan. 10, 2026 (Alpine) — A 38-year-old horse that went down and could not get back up in Alpine has been rescued by the San Diego Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team. The nonprofit’s ERT successfully completed a technical rescue today (Jan. 10) for the Palomino horse named Jasmine — also affectionately known as “Jazzy.”
New laws come to California in 2026
Printer-friendly versionBy Henri Migala Photo by Miriam Raftery: California state seal at capitol in Sacramento January 10, 2026 (Sacramento) — Nearly 800–900 bills were signed into law in 2025 in California spanning workers’ rights, consumer protections, public health, education, housing, tech/AI policy, immigration policy, environmental safety, and more. Below are major statutes that took effect on January 1, 2026, unless
GUHSD invites students, families, staff and community to participate in Portrait of a Graduate Survey
Printer-friendly versionSource: Grossmont Union High School District January 9, 2026 (El Cajon) – The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) is inviting East County students, families, educators, school staff, and community members to participate in shaping its Portrait of a Graduate (POG) – a long-term, community-created vision that defines the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and mindsets every student needs to thrive in
North Island Credit Union Foundation offering scholarships to San Diego County students
Printer-friendly versionFoundation invites college-bound students to apply for $1,000 scholarships by March 6 Source: North Island Credit Union Foundation January 9, 2026 (San Diego) – North Island Credit Union Foundation is encouraging college-bound students in San Diego county to apply for its 2026 Student Scholarship Program. Through the program, the Foundation awards $10,000 in scholarships annually to recognize local students who
El Cajon brings on Jennifer Lyon as new city attorney
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 9, 2026 (El Cajon) — Jennifer M. Lyon has started taking on the role of City Attorney for the City of El Cajon. Lyon, who is part of the La Mesa-headquartered attorney group McDougal Boehmer Foley Lyon Mitchell & Erickson, succeeds Morgan L. Foley, who has retired from his role as the City of El Cajon’s City Attorney,
Detra Williams named San Diego County’s Chief Deputy of Tax Collection
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 9, 2026 (San Diego County) — Detra Williams has been appointed as San Diego County’s next Chief Deputy of Tax Collection, succeeding Chief Deputy David Baker, who has retired. Williams was appointed to the position effective Jan. 6. County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen announced the appointment on Jan. 6. Williams has worked for the
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionMay 7, 2025 — 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. National Security DOGE employees gain accounts on classified networks holding nuclear secrets (NPR) Supreme Court allows Trump ban on transgender
GROSSMONT INVESTIGATED HIM, HE RESIGNED AND NOW HE’S CHIEF OF STAFF
Printer-friendly version After resigning from the Grossmont Union High School District in 2018, Jerry Hobbs found his way back seven years later. All it took was a law firm, a new investigation, a settlement and an entirely new position. Updated May 8, 2025 with comments from Hobbs sent to ECM. by Jakob McWhinney for Voice of San Diego Photo by
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionMay 6, 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 Man arrested in ICE raid near El Cajon is back with his family (KPBS) San Diego County Budget reserves proposal fails after Supervisors vote (KPBS)
COUNTY AHEAD OF SCHEDULE TO MEET STATE HOUSING GOALS
Printer-friendly version County of San Diego Communications Office May 6, 2025 (San Diego) — The County recently reported its 2024 housing totals through the General Plan & Housing Element Annual Progress Report. This information is required annually by the state of California to track housing production across various income levels, which shows how local governments are meeting the state-defined housing needs
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionMay 6, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH This Infectious Disease Has Increased 1,500% Nationwide: See CA Data (Patch.com) The Vietnam War ended 50 years ago, but the battle with Agent Orange continues (AP) US Justice Department unit for drug and
RECALL ORTIZ EFFORT PASSES FIRST VERIFICATION HURDLE; OPPONENTS CRITICIZE RECALL ORGANIZER FOR “DIE OFF” COMMENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery May 5, 2025 (El Cajon) – The initial round of 60 signatures to recall El Cajon Councilmember Phil Ortiz have been validated, City Clerk Angela Cortez confirms. The organizers, Latinos en Accion, now must publish their intent in a local newspaper and have 120 days to gather signatures from 20% of the 11,320 registered voters
BILLS TO MAKE “ CALIFORNIA SMOGGY AGAIN” PASS HOUSE, ISSA VOTES YES
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THREE HIDDEN CAMERAS FOUND AT TWO HEARTLAND FIRE STATIONS IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo,left: Heartland Fire Station 8 in El Cajon, where two of the three hidden cameras were discovered.Heartland Fire & Rescue also provides fire services for La Mesa and Lemon Grove. May 3, 2025 (El Cajon)—The city of El Cajon will hold an emergency closed-door meeting Monday over an anticipated lawsuit against the city over three hidden
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION WEAKENS FOOD AND DRUG SAFETY, DESPITE RISE IN FOOD-BOURNE ILLNESSES
Printer-friendly version Impacts include dismantling a DOJ unit, withdrawal of a Biden-era effort, and mass layoffs that were only partially reversed. By G. A. McNeeley Photo: FDA lab tests seafood; public domain image via FDA May 2, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) unit that oversees the criminal and civil enforcement of food and drug safety
PICKLEBALL COURTS COMING TO WELLS PARK IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version Source: City of El Cajon May 1, 2025 (El Cajon) — Calling all pickleball players! Five new pickle ball courts are coming to Wells Park this summer. The pickleball complex will feature LED court lighting, seating for spectators, shade sails, a drinking fountain with water bottle filler, new landscaping and more. A portion of the Wells Center will
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