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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
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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 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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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: WILD TURKEYS IN CUYAMACA
Printer-friendly version Decenber 26, 2012 (Cuyamaca) — Turkeys for Christmas may conjure up images of a holiday dinner. But photographer Tom Lemon spotted this flock on Christmas Day while driving through Rancho Cuyamaca State Park. He suggests these turkeys should be grateful that they’re living in a protected area where hunting is not allowed–or, perhaps, hoping more folks will choose
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 26, 2012 — (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 top “Roundup” headlines include: LOCAL East County redevelopment funding announced (U-T San Diego) San Diego’s Biggest Park Gets Even Bigger (KPBS) San Diego Kaiser Hospital Fined For Removing Wrong Kidney (KPBS) El Cajon PIO stayed at
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: CHRISTMAS MAGIC AT COWLES ISLAND
Printer-friendly version December 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) — No, this isn’t a preview of what East County might look like after a few decades of rising tides and global climate change. This image of Cowles “island” is in fact Cowles Mountain, surrounded not by water, but a sea of clouds. Scroll down for a second image depicting the
KICKING SENSATION’S YOUTUBE VIDEO EARNS NFL TRY-OUT
Printer-friendly version Norwegian kicker Havard Rugland trains in San Diego with coach Michael Husted December 26, 2012 (San Diego) – More than a million people have viewed Norwegian Havard Rugland’s YouTube video showing off his amazing kicking skills, says kicking coach Michael Husted, a former NFL kicker working wtih Rugland in San Diego. It’s also earned him the attention
DRIVE-BY SHOOTING IN LEMON GROVE TARGETS MOM AND YOUNG SON
Printer-friendly version December 26, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – On Christmas night at 7:12 pm., a La Mesa woman was driving south in the 1600 block of Glencoe Drive in Lemon Grove with her 10-year-old son. As she passed a white two-door coupe, she heard a loud pop, followed by her passenger side window shattering. Fearing for the safety of her
VIGILANT CITIZEN HELPS SAVE NEIGHBORS’ LIVES
Printer-friendly versionDecember 25, 2012 (Spring Valley)–A woman working on her computer looked out her window to see smoke pouring out a window of her neighbor’s home across the street yesterday afternoon. She sought help of another neighbor and tried to alert the couple inside unit 206 at the Sweetwater Lodge Mobile Home Park, 10707 Jamacha Road, but there was no
WIND ADVISORY ISSUED: FOG, FROST , SNOW ALSO POSSIBLE IN MUCH OF REGION
Printer-friendly versionDecember 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – A wind advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for mountains and deserts in East County from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 26. Gusts up to 50 mph may occur near ridge tops. Winds may make driving difficult, also producing blowing sand in desert areas. A hazardous
LAWYERS CLUB OF SAN DIEGO AWARDS $16,000 IN GRANTS, 3 SCHOLARSHIPS AT ANNUAL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
Printer-friendly versionDecember 27, 2012 (San Diego)–Lawyers Club of San Diego presented grants totaling $16,000 to three local nonprofit organizations and awarded three law student scholarships at its annual holiday luncheon December 13, 2012. Lawyers Club, through its Fund for Justice, awarded grants to Voices for Children in support of its Infant and Toddler program, to Casa Cornelia Law Center in
HOUSE PASSES REP. SUSAN DAVIS’ BILL TO NAME NEW COURTHOUSE
Printer-friendly versionDecember 27, 2012 (San Diego) – Congresswoman Susan Davis moved to put the finishing touches on the new federal courthouse downtown when her bill to name the building passed the House of Representatives. After extensive input from the San Diego legal community, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) introduced legislation to have Judges James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep
TAKE TROLLEY EARLY IF YOU’RE GOING TO HOLIDAY BOWL PARADE AND GAME DEC. 27
Printer-friendly versionMTS urges fans to be on board the Trolley at least 3 hours before game and 2 hours before Parade December 26, 2012 (San Diego) –The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will expand Trolley service on December 27 to accommodate the increased ridership to the Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade and Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl game at Qualcomm
COUNTY IS WARNING THE PUBLIC NOT TO EAT LOCALLY HARVESTED SHELLFISH
Printer-friendly versionBy Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office April 4, 2025 (San Diego) – The County of San Diego is advising people not to eat locally harvested mussels, clams, scallops or oysters that were not purchased from a state-certified commercial shellfish harvester or dealer. Shellfish safety notifications also have been issued in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionApril 4, 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 Updated state maps show San Diego County’s areas at ‘very high’ risk for fires (10 News) CalTrans to invest $24 million in San Diego area
PADRE DAM WATER RATES LIKELY RISING AGAIN
Printer-friendly versionBy Mike Allen Photo: Dan Denham, CEO, San Diego County Water Authority April 4, 2025 (Santee) — There’s no doubt that customers of Padre Dam Water District, already paying among the highest rates in the nation, will pay even more for the coming year. It’s just a matter of how much. At its April 2 meeting, PDWD’s board of
SUPERVISOR CANDIDATES URGE DELAYED COUNTY BUDGET VOTE
Printer-friendly versionTwo Democratic candidates vying for the District 1 seat want the county to delay its budget approval until after the seat is filled. By Lisa Halverstadt and Jim Hinch, Voice of San Diego April 4, 2025 (San Diego) – Two Democratic candidates for supervisor are urging the county to delay its annual budget vote until after a now-vacant District 1
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionApril 4, 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. Noem said she plans to eliminate FEMA (The Hill) Trump’s first 50 days mark one of the worst starts for
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT INTRODUCES ‘MOLLY,’ A MOBILE OUTREACH LIBRARY BRINGING HEALTH RESOURCES DIRECTLY TO EAST COUNTY COMMUNITIES
Printer-friendly versionSource: Grossmont Healthcare District April 3, 2025 (La Mesa) — A new chapter in health education access will begin in East County on April 7 as the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) unveils its new Mobile Outreach Library (MOL) during a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony at District headquarters at 9001 Wakarusa Street in La Mesa at 9:00 a.m. The launch coincides with the beginning of National
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionApril 4, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Tuberculosis cases in the US rose to their highest levels in more than a dozen years (AP) The CDC Buried a Measles Forecast That Stressed the Need for Vaccinations(ProPublica) Vaccine critic’s apparent selection
CA ADVOCACY GROUPS DECRY NEW IMMIGRANT REGISTRATION POLICY
Printer-friendly versionBy Suzanne Potter, California News Service April 2, 2025 (San Diego) — Immigrants’ rights groups are speaking out against the Trump administration’s decision to start requiring people who did not enter with a visa to register with the federal government – a first step toward deportation. Immigrants would have to carry proof of their registration at all times,
GUHSD BOARD HOLDS SPECIAL MEETING ON PROCESS FOR HIRING A NEW SUPERINTENDENT
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr Photos: Left: GEA President James Messina, Kristen LoPrell.and Noah Green. Right: Leadership associates Rich Thome and William Banning April 2, 2025 (El Cajon) — On March 31 at 4:00 p.m., the GUHSD Governing Board convened a special meeting to discuss the hiring process of a new superintendent to replace the retiring Mike Fowler. The meeting
NATIONAL DAY OF PROTEST SATURDAY TO SAVE AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
Printer-friendly versionMultiple weekly protests are also planned against Trump, Musk and Issa, including in East County East County News Service April 2, 2025 (San Diego) – A coalition of over 100 organizations are joining together for “Hands Off!” rallies nationwide to stand up against the “destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire
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