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Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber warns of ongoing threats to voting rights at East County Democratic Club meeting
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Paul Levikow April 22, 2026 (Alpine) — California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber recently delivered an assessment of the challenges facing the state’s electoral system, while urging vigilance and civic participation ahead of the 2026 elections. About 30 attendees gathered at The Alpine Club for the East
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
News Issues
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
San Diego Padres nearing record $3.9B sale
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo courtesy San Diego Padres Facebook page April 20, 2026 (San Diego) — The current owners of the San Diego Padres, the Seidler family, are reportedly in the final stages of an agreement to sell the team to a group led by private equity billionaire José
Politics
Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber warns of ongoing threats to voting rights at East County Democratic Club meeting
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Paul Levikow April 22, 2026 (Alpine) — California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber recently delivered an assessment of the challenges facing the state’s electoral system, while urging vigilance and civic participation ahead of the 2026 elections. About 30 attendees gathered at The Alpine Club for the East
With Eric Swalwell’s scandalous implosion, Xavier Becerra surges in race for California governor
Printer-friendly versionBy Dan Walters This story was originally printed in CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering statewide issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WeeklyMatters for a Saturday morning digest of the latest news and commentary from the Golden State. This story is part of California Voices, a commentary
Wildfires and Emergencies
Crest residents urged to take action against wildfire risks with free Home Assessment Program
Printer-friendly versionBy 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
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…
Events & Arts
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
Book review:The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum
Printer-friendly version Book by Jaime B. & Elizabeth Tracy Parent Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Local authors Jaime and Elizabeth Parent have written a major reference for persons who have disabilities, with particular focus on those who have autism. While the book specifically addresses the
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 an early wildflower bloom in Borrego, now is a perfect time for a day trip through San Diego County’s beautiful backcountry, including mountain and desert destinations. Making the pilgrimage to
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 stories. This year, we’ve had requests from readers to cover lots of important local issues, but costs have soared with inflation. We need your help to report on local news
People
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist 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);
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
East County-based physician Charles Hamori honored by American College of Physicians
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman April 21, 2026 (La Mesa) — When he was a teenager growing up in Muncie, Indiana, Charles Hamori performed his first successful medical diagnosis — on himself. Hamori was 14 when he correctly identified his own appendicitis, and it was at that moment (or soon
Crest residents urged to take action against wildfire risks with free Home Assessment Program
Printer-friendly versionBy 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
Features
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
Book review:The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum
Printer-friendly version Book by Jaime B. & Elizabeth Tracy Parent Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Local authors Jaime and Elizabeth Parent have written a major reference for persons who have disabilities, with particular focus on those who have autism. While the book specifically addresses the
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Reader’s Editorial: Politicians don’t do prevention/How reactive leadership fuels our public health crises
Printer-friendly versionBy Aaron J. Byzak, MBA, Chief Strategist & Lead Consultant for Galvanized Strategies, Healthcare and Non-Profit Leader Nov. 17, 2025 (San Diego County) — We like to tell ourselves we value prevention. It sounds responsible, forward-thinking, even noble. But the truth is far less flattering: we do not do prevention well in this country. Real prevention requires foresight, long-term investment, discipline,
East County Eater: Fresheria, a new La Mesa eatery, offers delicious healthy foods
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: cauliflower ceviche November 16, 2026 (La Mesa) – If you’re looking to eat healthy and savor a wide array of delicious options, you’ll want to stop by and savor the many tasty offerings at Fresheria, located at 5575 Baltimore Drive, La Mesa. They’re open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9
Less water, more problems – California, six states miss key Colorado River deadline
Printer-friendly versionBy Rachel Becker, CalMatters Photo: Drought-stricken Lake Mead on the Colorado River in August 2022. (File photo by Christopher Clark/U.S. Bureau of Reclamation) This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. November 16, 2025 (San Diego) – After two fraught years of negotiations amid dire projections for the Colorado River’s reservoirs, California and six other states that rely on the
“Bolder Than Most” rapist back in state hospital for alleged parole violation
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: Alvin Ray Quarles. (File photo courtesy of California Department of Corrections) November 15, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — Alvin Ray Quarles, a sexually violent sex offender who had been temporarily placed in a Borrego Springs home, has been arrested on an alleged parole violation. In Superior Court on Friday, Quarles, 63, pleaded not guilty to
Our Guide to San Diego’s Rural and Railways Region
Printer-friendly version A journey through history, nature and hidden gems By Karen Pearlman Overview “Rural and railways” is a phrase that captures the essence of San Diego’s county’s southeast region. It is in these parts that the rustic charm of open landscapes coexists with the enduring legacy of railroads — a dual identity that defines the area’s character and appeal.
Saps at Sea present ‘End of Year Film Fun’
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 15, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel and Hardy fan organization, invite you to close out their 47th year with some End of Year Film Fun in El Cajon on Saturday, December 6. This month’s guest comedian is Charlie Chase
ECM World Watch: national and global news
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2025 (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 drops tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruit as pressure builds on consumer prices (KSBW) Epstein Alleged in
Long-awaited victory: Glorietta Canyon saved after two-decade quest
Printer-friendly version Some native plants have already begun to show up in Glorietta Canyon, like this chinchweed that’s growing on the pad where the previous owner of the property had his trailer. Photo courtesy Anza Borrego Foundation East County News Service Nov. 18, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — A nearly two-decade conservation effort has culminated in a major victory for the
Board of Supervisors to discuss land use on Nov. 19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 14, 2025 (San Diego County) — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is continuing a critical conversation about the future of housing and development in the unincorporated areas of the county, including Spring Valley, Lakeside and Casa de Oro. The Board of Supervisors will discuss land use legislations at its meeting
National aging summit calls on community leaders to present
Printer-friendly versionDec. 5 is deadline for proposals to inform local aging service agencies East County News Service Nov. 14, 2025 (San Diego County) — Regional input is being sought for a national conference happening in San Diego next July. Because the most critical insights and best practices in community-based care typically come from the local level, the
JUDGE TEMPORARILY BLOCKS TRUMP CUTS TO PUBLIC HEALTH AFTER CA ATTORNEY GENERAL FILED LAWSUIT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 7, 2025 (Oakland, CA)—California Attorney General Rob Bonta has scored a keyvictory in federal court. Trump-appointed judge, Mary McElroy, issued a temporary restraining order to stop the Trump administration from clawing back over $11 billion in public health funding from state and local health departments. California stands to lose over $972 million, according to
SANTEE CITY COUNCIL TO VOTE ON 5 PERCENT RAISES
Printer-friendly versionBy Mike Allen April 7, 2025 (Santee) — Santee’s City Council and its mayor are looking at giving themselves a 5 percent pay hike at the Council’s next meeting on April 9, if they agree with the recommendations of the citizens salary setting advisory committee. The committee voted April 2 to boost the pay for the council’s part time
ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: STRESS AWARENESS: UNDERSTANDING THE LINK BETWEEN STRESS AND ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE
Printer-friendly versionBy Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County Stress images cc by SA April 7, 2025 (San Diego) — April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on one of modern life’s most pervasive issues. Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have
“HANDS OFF” PROTESTS AGAINST TRUMP AND MUSK DRAW MILLIONS NATIONWIDE, INCLUDING THOUSANDS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Karen, left and right: Protest in Borrego Springs Saturday drew about 300 residents April 6, 2025 (San Diego) – An estimated 12,000 protesters in downtown San Diego turned out yesterday, according to San Diego Police, with other estimates far higher. The peaceful demonstration was part of the nationwide “Hands Off” rallies which drew
TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO SEIZURE OF DRUGS AND WEAPONS
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 5, 2025 (Ramona) — A Ramona man is facing numerous charges after illicit drugs were found in his car and home. Shortly before noon yesterday, deputies from the Ramona Sheriff’s Substation stopped a gray Acura TSX for reckless driving on State Route 67. During the stop, deputies discovered the driver, Matthew Pitonyak, 31, had a
ASSAULT SUSPECT ARRESTED IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News April 4, 2025 (Spring Valley) – An assault suspect with a warrant for his arrest fled when a deputy approached him midmorning north of Sweetwater reservoir. He holed up in a home in the 900 block of Gillespie Drive in Spring Valley and refused orders to surrender,
FATAL ROLLOVER CRASH ON STATE ROUTE 94 IN LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 4, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A Spring Valley man, 77, has died of injuries sustained in a collision on State Route 94 in Lemon Grove near Massachusetts Ave. shortly after 5 a.m. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected onto the highway after the 1999 Ford Expedition SUV he was driving westbound
STATE DECLARES CITRUS QUARANTINE EXPANSION IN VALLEY CENTER
Printer-friendly versionBy County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office April 4, 2025 (San Diego) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) declared a citrus quarantine expansion in Valley Center on March 26, after detecting the fatal citrus tree disease known as Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in two citrus trees in residential neighborhoods in the Valley
PADRES WIN FIRST SEVEN GAMES TO SET TEAM RECORD
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman Photo: Slugging star Fernando Tatis Jr., courtesy of San Diego Padres April 4, 2025 (San Diego) — With seven consecutive wins to start the 2025 season, the San Diego Padres got off to their franchise-best start since they launched in 1969 as an expansion Major League Baseball club. Although the team lost to the Chicago
CIVIL RIGHTS ICON DOLORES HUERTA SPEAKS IN SAN DIEGO, ACCEPTS CHECK FOR HER FOUNDATION
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr April 4, 2025 (San Diego) – “We don’t have a democracy if we don’t participate,” said Dolores Huerta, 95, a historic leader of the farmworkers’ movement along with the late Cesar Chavez. Huerta, who has since founded her own foundation for social advocacy, made the remarks in a speech at Gomez Trial Lawyers in downtown
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