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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
EL CAJON ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PARAMEDICS/FIREFIGHTERS
Printer-friendly version July 25, 2009 (El Cajon)–The City of El Cajon is now accepting applications for the position of Paramedic/Firefighter. Deadline for the applications is August 7, 2009. Applications are being accepted for entry-level and lateral Paramedic/Firefighter. Click to view additional details: Paramedic/Firefighter Lateral/Entry Level Exam #09-09 Salary Range $58,269 – $71,024 (Depending on experience with Lateral
RAPE VICTIM TRAPS ATTACKER WITH JOB OFFER
Printer-friendly version Tips on How to Survive If You Are Attacked By Byron Walls This was the headline on a story in the Contra Costa Times on August 29, 2007. It got my attention, as a person who does crime safety talks and talks a lot about rape. The story went on to say, “Police say a quick-thinking rape
LA MESA LAUNCHES URBAN WALKING TRAILS
Printer-friendly version July 26, 2009 (La Mesa)—La Mesa invites the public to get up, get out, and get moving with the city’s Urban Walking Trails—a free program offering beginner, intermediate and advanced walking routes for all ages and fitness levels. Led by walking host Fit-X San Diego, Fitness Professionals, the walking explorations of La Mesa are held each Tuesday and
GOOD MONEY: WHAT IS A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER?
Printer-friendly version Your Guide to Socially Responsible Investing What Is a Certified Financial Planner™? By Judith L. Seid, CFP ® President, Blue Summit Financial Group July, 2009 (La Mesa)–The public is sometimes confused by the alphabet soup of credentials out there in the financial planning and investment industry. A Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) has the most highly regarded credentials
BUDGET BILLS PASSED BY LEGISLATURE; SCHWARZENEGGER TO WIELD BLUE PENCIL FOR MORE CUTS
Printer-friendly version PLAN INCLUDES DEEP CUTS IN EDUCATION, HEALTH & WELFARE PROGRAMS, ELIMINATION OF SOME AGENCIES & SALE OF PROPERTIES; MOST STATE PARKS SPARED CLOSURE By Miriam Raftery July 26, 2009 (Sacramento)—Both houses of the California Legislature have approved a package of bills to close the state’s $24 billion budget gap. Two provisions were removed by the Assembly: a
LOST SPRING VALLEY BOY IS EN ROUTE HOME, SHERIFF REPORTS
Printer-friendly version Update 4 p.m. – The Sheriff’s Department has notified us that the family reports the missing boy and his sister are now en route home. July 26, 2009 (Spring Valley)– San Diego County Sheriff William D. Gore has just announced deployment of the department’s Search and Rescue Unit for Leandre Othel Weir, 9 years of age, of Spring Valley.
PILOT SURVIVES PLANE CRASH IN VALLEY CENTER
Printer-friendly version July 24, 2009 (Valley Center) At 11:18 this morning, CAL FIRE-Valley Center Fire Department responded to a plane crash on Guejito Road (on the Guejito Ranch) in Valley Center, six miles north of the Ramona Airport. Copter 10 (Sheriff/CAL FIRE Helicopter) was in the area when the incident occurred as was able to quickly arrive on scene and
BLOCK’S BILLS ADVANCE IN LEGISLATURE
Printer-friendly version July 24, 2009 (Sacramento) – Keyl measures introduced by Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) have moved forward in the California Legislature. His bills include education measures aimed at preventing high school drop-outs, helping cash-strapped after-school programs, and establishing a feasibility study for a future California State University campus in the South Bay. Others address health issues, including safety of human egg
SAN DIEGO SENIOR WOMEN’S BASEKTBALL TEAMS GO FOR FIFTH GOLD MEDAL; ORGANIZERS HOPE TO START SENIOR LEAGUE IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version By Linda Cord, SWBA Player, NSWBA Chief Operations Officer July 24, 2009 (San Diego)–Have you ever heard of a basketball team with women players over 50 years old? How about over age 80? San Diego’s legendary “Splash” team has nine members—all over 80. These spry octogenarians will be going for their unprecedented record fifth gold medal at the
EMERALD ASKS SAN DIEGO COUNCIL TO HEAR EVIDENCE ON SDG&E SHUT-OFF PROPOSAL ON MONDAY; SDG&E PLANS TO PROCEED WITH SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WAITING FOR CPUC APPROVAL
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 24, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The San Diego City Council will consider Monday whether to take a stand for or against SDG&E’s controverisal proposed plan to shut off power to rural residents during high fire-risk conditions. The plan is supported by at least two Councilmembers. A July 23 San Diego Union-Tribune article
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 of Sexually Violent Predator Gary Snavely. The California Department of State Hospitals has recommended the placement of Snavely at 3406 Running M Road in Borrego Springs He was convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with two girls ages 8 and
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 Swalwell speaks to a crowd during a town hall he hosted at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center in downtown Fresno on Dec. 15, 2025. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local April 10, 2026 (Fresno) – Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, one
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 by AI-cyberbots that have repeatedly crashed it. Our new website designed in WordPress is ready to launch with great new features for readers – but we can’t launch without critical security upgrade programs that cost thousands of dollars. Please help!
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 Ramona. (Photo courtesy Joel Anderson Facebook page) East County News Service April 10, 2026 (San Diego County) — While parking prices across the region seem to be climbing faster than a fit hiker scaling Iron Mountain, local seniors can count
CHP urges drivers to follow hands-free cell phone law; officers report more violations as distracted driving causes hundreds of crashes annually
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 10, 2026 (San Diego County) — Distracted driving causes hundreds of crashes across California each year, and violations of the state’s hands-free cellphone law remain an ongoing concern. As part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the California Highway Patrol is urging drivers to put down their phones and stay attentive to help make roads safer
Learn how to use the county’s ‘Tell Us Now!’ app on April 13
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 10, 2026 (Rancho San Diego) — We’ve all been there: you’re driving through somewhere in San Diego County and run over a jagged pothole, spot a flooded culvert or keep seeing the same abandoned vehicle on a street corner…. but the thought of trying to find the right County department to call and report
ECM World Watch: national and global news
Printer-friendly versionApril 9, 2026 (San Diego) — 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. Trump’s VA killed a home loan program. Vets are now losing their homes because of it (NPR) Eligible young
Three arrested in child abuse investigation, drugs also uncovered
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 9, 2026 (Spring Valley) — Three Spring Valley residents are in custody following an investigation into child abuse that uncovered a stash of narcotics inside a local residence. Detectives from the Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday assisted Child Welfare Services in executing a search warrant at a home on the 9000 block
Temporary cease fire reached in Iran after Trump threatened “a whole civilization will die;” conflict takes toll on U.S. economy
Printer-friendly versionBy Alex J. Schorr April 9, 2026 — As of yesterday, the United States and Iran have agreed to a fragile two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, with the agreement aiming to pause hostilities that began on February 28. Pakistan-mediated talks are scheduled to begin in Islamabad on Friday April 10, to seek a permanent settlement. The fragile cease-fire comes after Trump posted a threat
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with a gun opened fire at Santana High School, survivors and prosecutors are closer to closing a legal loophole they say allows the state’s most violent juvenile offenders to exploit the justice system for early release. On Tuesday in Sacramento, the Assembly
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