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Anza-Borrego Foundation leads opposition to new Golden Pacific Powerlink through heart of Anza Borrego Desert State Park
By Miriam Raftery April 28, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – “California’s largest state park — and one of the last true wild places in Southern California — could face one of the biggest industrial threats in its history,” states a website set up by the Anza-Borrego Foundation at https://theabf.org/park-threat/ .
Hungary’s ousted leader, a Putin ally, accused of funding Conservative Political Action Committee in U.S.
Photo: Viktor Orbán, public domain image via Wikipedia By Alexander J Schorr April 23, 2026— After a victory in April by Hungary’s Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar which ended authoritarian Viktor Orbán’s16-year rule, the outgoing government has been accused of illegally using state funds to finance the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, in the United States. CPAC
News Issues
Anza-Borrego Foundation leads opposition to new Golden Pacific Powerlink through heart of Anza Borrego Desert State Park
By Miriam Raftery April 28, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – “California’s largest state park — and one of the last true wild places in Southern California — could face one of the biggest industrial threats in its history,” states a website set up by the Anza-Borrego Foundation at https://theabf.org/park-threat/ .
Lemon Grove man charged with murder
East County News Service April 25, 2026 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove resident Eric Nunez, 33, has been arrested on April 23 and charged with murder. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, died of injuries after being shot in the 2100 block of Eldora Street in
Politics
Hungary’s ousted leader, a Putin ally, accused of funding Conservative Political Action Committee in U.S.
Photo: Viktor Orbán, public domain image via Wikipedia By Alexander J Schorr April 23, 2026— After a victory in April by Hungary’s Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar which ended authoritarian Viktor Orbán’s16-year rule, the outgoing government has been accused of illegally using state funds to finance the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, in the United States. CPAC
Millions in “Inflation Relief” need to be collected by April 30
East County News Service April 23, 2026 (San Diego County) — The office of Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson of District 39 in the state of California has sent out a reminder to San Diego County residents about their Middle Class Tax Refund, and an April 30 deadline for the spending
Wildfires and Emergencies
Cal Fire suspends burn permits
Source: Cal Fire Following another wet winter that produced significant vegetation growth across the region, rising temperatures, low humidity, and seasonal winds are rapidly curing grasses and light fuels. These conditions are increasing wildfire risk across San Diego County, prompting Cal Fire to suspend all residential outdoor burn permits within
Crest residents urged to take action against wildfire risks with free Home Assessment Program
By Morgan Dioli and Diana Griffin April 21, 2026 (Crest) – The Crest community is stepping up wildfire preparedness efforts by participating in the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County’s 2026 Home Assessment Program. It’s a free, voluntary service designed to help residents reduce wildfire risks and improve defensible
Events & Arts
Destination East County: Festive Events from mid-May through mid-June
By Miriam Raftery April 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Car shows, farm tours, Mother’s Day teas, a music festival, a country dance, and concerts including the famed rock band Three Dog Night are all coming to East County from mid-May to mid-June. Scroll down for all the
The Magnolia presents: a tribute to Gloria Estefan
East County News Service April 27, 2026 (El Cajon) – Celebrate the iconic sound of Gloria Estefan at The Magnolia one night only, Saturday, May 23. This high‑energy tribute performance brings her greatest hits to life. Located in the heart of downtown El Cajon, The Magnolia is one of San
Best of East County
Don’t miss Santa Ysabel and Wynola on your way to visit Julian
Tiny mountain towns often overlooked by travelers in East County’s back country By Paul Levikow Photos by Miriam Raftery and Paul Levikow April 10, 2026 (Santa Ysabel/Wynola) – Visitors travelling to Julian north from Ramona can oftentimes overlook two equally charming communities along the way. Some might even think Santa
Photo of the Week: Jacumba Sunset
April 6, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Martin Eder sent in this photo, taken along Interstate 8 just west of Jacumba near the San Diego-Imperial County line, after he attended the Magical Mystery Beatles tribute music festival at De Anza Springs Resort. The setting sun illuminated a plume in the sky,
People
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Soroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member); Nancy
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 bowls, beds, blankets, crates/carriers, leashes,…
Communities
Anza-Borrego Foundation leads opposition to new Golden Pacific Powerlink through heart of Anza Borrego Desert State Park
By Miriam Raftery April 28, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – “California’s largest state park — and one of the last true wild places in Southern California — could face one of the biggest industrial threats in its history,” states a website set up by the Anza-Borrego Foundation at https://theabf.org/park-threat/ .
The Magnolia presents: a tribute to Gloria Estefan
East County News Service April 27, 2026 (El Cajon) – Celebrate the iconic sound of Gloria Estefan at The Magnolia one night only, Saturday, May 23. This high‑energy tribute performance brings her greatest hits to life. Located in the heart of downtown El Cajon, The Magnolia is one of San
Features
Destination East County: Festive Events from mid-May through mid-June
By Miriam Raftery April 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Car shows, farm tours, Mother’s Day teas, a music festival, a country dance, and concerts including the famed rock band Three Dog Night are all coming to East County from mid-May to mid-June. Scroll down for all the
The Magnolia presents: a tribute to Gloria Estefan
East County News Service April 27, 2026 (El Cajon) – Celebrate the iconic sound of Gloria Estefan at The Magnolia one night only, Saturday, May 23. This high‑energy tribute performance brings her greatest hits to life. Located in the heart of downtown El Cajon, The Magnolia is one of San
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Historic landmark to anchor new travel center in Jamul
Artist’s rendering of coming Barretts Travel Center in Jamul (Photo courtesy Kirvin Doak Communications ) East County News Service April 7, 2026 (Jamul) — The…
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the Department of Animal Services, appointing…
Photo of the Week: Jacumba Sunset
April 6, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Martin Eder sent in this photo, taken along Interstate 8 just west of Jacumba near the San Diego-Imperial County line, after he attended the Magical Mystery Beatles tribute music festival at De Anza Springs Resort. The setting sun illuminated a plume in the sky, creating a magical effect. Printer-friendly version
Two dead from Shelter Valley collision
East County News Service April 6, 2026 (San Diego County) – A head-on collision Saturday, April 4 on State Route 78 south of S-2 in…
Health and Science Highlights
April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future….
Boulevard residents battle proposed Starlight Solar battery storage facility; urge community to attend town hall meeting April 15
By Miriam Raftery Photo: proposed Starlight Solar site, via County of San Diego April 4, 2026 (Boulevard) – Should a 588-acre solar project with one…
Iranian government threatens to set American troops on fire, while casualties and threats mount
By G. A. McNeeley Photo: fighter jets aboard USS Abraham Lincoln Feb. 27; via Dept. of War April 4, 2026 (Iran) — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf,…
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…
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…
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…
POWERLINK PROTEST SONG DEBUTS AT LAKESIDE FUNDRAISER: HEAR IT HERE FIRST!
Coalition to stop Sunrise Powerlink has 78,000 members, organizers report; protest song implores Cleveland National Forest supervisor to save forest, block Powerlink By Miriam Raftery May 31, 2009 (Lakeside) – Mountain Echo gave a debut performance of their new Powerlink protest song during a fundraiser at the Hazy Meadow ranch yesterday. East County Magazine has the exclusive videotape of the
Christmas in the Village
Quintessential hometown fun By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero La Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies, carriage, and fire truck. ENTERTAINMENT Christmas
EDITORIAL – A PROPOSAL FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA
Put Americans to work providing fire protection infrastructure and energy independence for San Diego’s fire-ravaged East County region By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine December 7, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) —President-Elect Barack Obama is expected to propose the largest infrastructure-rebuilding program since Franklin Delano Roosevelt initiated the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. The goal is
Save Water to Win Free Admission to the Natural History Museum–and Get Discounts for Legoland
December 1, 2008 (Natural History Museum) — San Diego County faces water rationing in 2009 as a result of drought. Water districts locally are asking all users to cut back on water usage. Now you can earn some fun rewards for your family by conserving water. Residential customers who have saved water could win a family membership at the San
FORMER GUHSD SUPERINTENDENT TERRY RYAN DIES OF BRAIN TUMOR
By Miriam Raftery December 1, 2008 (East San Diego County) — Terry Ryan, former superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District, died November 24 at his home in Rancho Bernardo. Battling brain cancer, Ryan resigned from his position at the GUHSD 18 months ago. “He worked hard to improve relations with the teachers after what had been an extremely
SOLAR HOLIDAY LIGHTS– SAFE, CHEAP & GREEN!
By Miriam Raftery December 2008 (San Diego) — Here’s a bright idea–save money on your holiday electric bills by going green! Solar holiday lights are now available in white or colored strings, twinkling lights, tree nets, wreaths, illuminated stars and even poinsettia lights for a variety of outdoor applications. Solar lights are also much safer than electric holiday lights. Our
The San Diego Science Festival presents Small Wonders: a day of exploration into the world of nanotechnology and advanced materials for high school students
December 12 deadline for schools to apply You have heard about the Stone Age, the Iron Age and the Bronze Age. Now we are in the midst of a new technological revolution driven by nanotechnology and other material sciences, which will usher in a new age of Advanced Materials. On April 1, 175 high school students from all over San
GIFTS FROM THE EAST
Our holiday guide to gifts unique to East County By Miriam Raftery Buckskin baby booties are available at Mountain Oaks Trading Post, Julian December 1, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — This holiday season, why not choose gifts that benefit our community and provide recipients with gifts that are unique to East County and San Diego’s eastern region? In today’s
LA MESA TO VOTE TUES. NOV. 25 ON WHETHER TO SELL CIVIC CENTER LAND FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
By Miriam Raftery Kristin Hobbs-Kjaero November 23, 2008 (La Mesa) — Should the site of La Mesa’s Police Station be sold to the La Mesa Community Redevelopment Agency and turned into a housing project? La Mesa’s City Council will consider this issue on Tuesday, November 25th. The hearing begins at 7:00 p.m. The property is zoned “Civic Center” in both
IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS NEWS…
ECM has searched high and low to find the most under-reported important national and state news stories that may impact you or your family. Here are our picks: AARP order investigation concerning its marketing (of deceptive healthcare plans sold to seniors) UC Could Cut Enrollment UC may cut some admission requirements Arraignments set for Cheney, Gonzales in Texas Health insurers
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