By Miriam Raftery

November 13, 2014(Borrego Springs) -- You just never know what you'll see along the highways in East County. Our editor snapped these images at Butterfield Ranch Resort, an RV park and horse camp named for the historic stage coach line that once ran through the area.

The roadside stop has an eclectic collection of statues featuring Western wildlife, as well as an old horse and buggy and other Western memorability, a store and more.

East County News Service

October 29, 2014 (Borrego Springs)--The state is proposing to release convicted child molester Gary Snavely, a sexually violent predator, in Borrego Springs.  A hearing will be held on December 5^th in San Diego Superior Court and the public can provide with comments.

September 8, 2014 (Borrego Springs) – The 49^th annual Borrego Days Desert Festival will take place October 24-26.  Admission is free to this one-of-a-kind event, which welcomes snowbirds to the desert warmth at the start of the fall season.

Update 2:45 p.m.: Viejas Grade in Alpine is closed at Willows due to an ATV accident with injuries.

Photo by Brett Staubaum: Smoke from Borrego tree farm fire and thunderheads overhead

August 21, 2014 (San Diego's East County)--The National Weather Service has issued two separate flash flood alerts due to thunderstorms in the East County.  This is the second day in a row of stormy weather; yesterday over 200 lightning strikes occurred countywide, including 95 on land and 129 over coastal waters.

The first storm cell today was reported about 23 miles south of Borrrego Springs, and the cell is nearly stations. It is producing flooding on sections of the S-1, (Sunrise Highway), as well as Pine Valley. Some of these areas were burned during the Chariot Fire, so there is a danger of mudslides as well. 

There is a second cell that is affecting I-8 and it is slowly moving towards the Mexican border. Both alerts are to remain in place until three this afternoon.

In addition, CHP reports a lightning fire in Borrego at the Borrego tree farm; a road closure in the area has been lifted now.

June 8, 2014(San Diego)--Sheriff's Deputies went door to door today in Borrego Springs to inform the community about a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) now living in their neighborhood. Terry Allan Stone was released from Coalinga State Mental Hospital on Tuesday, June 3rd and has registered as an SVP with the Sheriff's Department.

By Miriam Raftery

By Miriam Raftery

January 9, 2014 (Anza Borrego) -- Late winter and early spring are the prime seasons to visit Anza-Borrego Desert State park, when the weather is mild enough for savoing outdoor hikes through rugged and  beautiful terrain.  There are also many activities coming up from hikes to cultural events -- and several organizations offering activities besides the Park itself.  

Winter is a good time to try and spot elusive and endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep and other wildlife.  Soon, spring blooms will cover the desert floor and mountain passes, adding brilliant splashes of color to the landscape.

By Miriam Raftery

September 11, 2013 (San Diego) – Today, Supervisors approved the acquisition of over 14 acres of vacant land adjacent to Borrego Valley airport. The purchase aims to create a buffer zone between the airport and private properties to protect approach and departure routes. The property is listed for sale at $20,000.

No one spoke in favor of the measure.  One speaker, Robert Germann of Lakeside, spoke against, calling it a “waste of taxpayer money.”

September 3, 2013 (Borrego) – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning in effect through 5:30 p.m. for central San Diego County.  At 3:54 p.m., Doppler radar estimated that heavy rainfall of up to two and a half inches had fallen northwest of Hot Springs Mountain in Cleveland National Forest. This area is drained by Coyote Creek, which empties just north of Borrego Springs.

Rapid rises in the creek are possible. In addition residents in and below recently burned areas and those living along streams and creeks should move to high ground. Do not attempt to cross swiftly flowing waters by foot or in your vehicle.

April 2, 2013 (Borrego Springs) – The Colorado Desert Archaeology Society (CDAS) will be holding its 10th Annual Archaeology Weekend on April 6-7, 2013 from 9:00 to 5:00 at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center in Borrego Springs, California.  CDAS is a volunteer group that works with the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to document, preserve and protect its cultural resources.

The theme of this year's event is Stewardship . . . Caring for our Cultural Heritage. There will be displays, lectures, field trips, silent auction, activities for kids, archaeology lab tours, hands-on pottery making, and Native American crafts for sale.

For a schedule of events, click here.

January 23, 2013 (Borrego Springs) – Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a body found inside a burned truck in Vallecito County Regional Park. 

A County park ranger made the grisly discovery yesterday around 10 a.m. in the park, located at 37349 County Route S-2 (Great Southern Overland State Route) in Borrego Springs, Lt. Glenn Giannantonio said.

Cause and manner of death, as well as identification of the deceased will be determined by the County Medical Examiner.

If you have information on this death, call the Homicide Detail at (858)974-2321/after hours at  (858) 565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS (8477).

June 27, 2011 (Borrego Springs) – A motorcyclist traveling eastbound on State Route 78 this morning in Borrego Springs crossed the center lane after entering a curve. He struck the driver’s side of a BMW traveling westward, then skidded across the roadway.

March 24, 2011 (Borrego) – 9:37 p.m. – A residential fire at 5965 Split Mountain Road in Borrego Springs is causing a heavy glow from a distance, Incident Page reports. Currently a one alarm fire, the blaze is a long drive time away from emergency responders, according to IPN.

January 24, 2011 (Borrego Springs) –Bambi Lynn Woodson, 53, was killed Saturday, January 22 at 8:45 a.m. in a rollover accident on Highway 78 in Borrego Springs, the San Diego Medical Examiner reports.

May 23, 2010 (Borrego Springs) – A 24-year-old San Diego man was killed Friday night while riding off-road motorcycles with a friend in the Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area. The victim lost control of his motorcycle and was ejected at Shell Reef Expressway at Fault Wash in Borrego Springs.