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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
Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting a birthday remembrance next month, celebrating the life of its namesake artist widely regarded as the “Dean of Western Art.” The museum is hosting “Olaf Wieghorst Day,” from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2,
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
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
Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting a birthday remembrance next month, celebrating the life of its namesake artist widely regarded as the “Dean of Western Art.” The museum is hosting “Olaf Wieghorst Day,” from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2,
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
Features
Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting a birthday remembrance next month, celebrating the life of its namesake artist widely regarded as the “Dean of Western Art.” The museum is hosting “Olaf Wieghorst Day,” from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2,
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
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East County AWP construction boosts cost, but officials say recycled water supply is worth the price
Printer-friendly versionBy Mike Allen Photo: Education Center at AWP plant December 5, 2025 (Santee) — Three years into construction, the massive East County Advanced Water Purification Program is approaching the finish line late next year when the region’s sewage now being treated at Point Loma will be pumped to a new Santee plant and converted to drinkable, purified water.
Loveland Reservoir draining underway brings pushback from East County residents
Printer-friendly version Loveland Reservoir showing what is left of the public fishing zone. Photo by Ostan Patton By Karen Pearlman Dec. 5, 2025 (Alpine) – It’s been three years since Loveland Reservoir was drained by Sweetwater Authority to “deadpool” level for the first time ever, leaving the area susceptible to environmental challenges, killing fish and increasing fire hazards. Now another extreme draining is underway by Sweetwater
Fiery crash in Ranchita kills girl, 8, injures seven others
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service December 4, 2025 (Ranchita) – An 8-year-old girl has died and seven other people injured, including children, in a multi-vehicle collision Sunday afternoon, November 30 on San Felipe Road south of Montezuma Valley Road. Alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol. “Dozens of first responders worked
County officials respond to November coyote attack at UTC
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service A coyote peers out from near Cowles Mountain in 2023. Photo by Karen Pearlman Dec. 4, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego County officials are sharing information in response to a recent coyote attack that took place in the Westview UTC mall parking lot on Nov. 25. The coyote attack injured two children and
Grossmont Healthcare District Awards Nearly $4 Million to Strengthen Health and Wellness Services Across East County
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Dec. 3, 2025 (La Mesa) — The Grossmont Healthcare District has approved nearly $4 million in community grants and sponsorships for fiscal year 2025–26. GHD officials say that the grant shares mark the largest single-year investment in its history to support the health and well-being of East County residents. The awards were finalized at the GHD governing
Shredded cheeses recalled in 31 states due to possible metal fragments: Cheese were sold at major retailers under several brand names
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service December 3, 2025 (San Diego) – Great Lakes Cheese Co. has recalled shredded cheeses sold in 31 states due to possible metal fragments in the products. The cheese was sold under multiple brand names, including Borden, Good & Gather, Great Value, Publix, Food Lion and Food Club, and at stores such as Walmart, Target, Aldi,
Buon appetite! New Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia in La Mesa offers artful and delicious dining experiences
Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope December 2, 2025 (La Mesa) – Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia, a new pizza restaurant in La Mesa, evokes Italian ambience from delicious food to images of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel paintings on the ceiling. As a huge pizza enthusiast, I appreciated the variety of pizzas on their menu. I savored the Mamma Mia Signature, consisting
Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice
Printer-friendly version Book by Caitlin Rother Review by Paul Levikow December 2, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego-based New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother takes on the mysterious disappearance of the McStay family of four, who were last seen in their Fallbrook home in February, 2010. Joseph, Summer, and their two sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. were killed and
Jamul Casino Resort deepens philanthropic impact through year-round efforts
Printer-friendly versionSource: Jamul Casino Resort December 2, 2025 (Jamul) – Jamul Casino Resort is celebrating the holiday season with a continued commitment to uplifting the San Diego community. Rooted in the Resort’s mission, Jamul Casino Resort and the Jamul Indian Village actively partner with local organizations that provide essential resources to those in need to continue connecting with and supporting their
East County Magazine’s “Feasting and Merrymaking” holiday party December 7
Printer-friendly version December 1, 2025 (La Mesa) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—so East County Magazine is hosting a “feasting and merrymaking” holiday party this Sunday, December 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at a private Mt. Helix home. The party is open to all subscribers—and subscriptions to our e-newsletter is free! Subscribe. Cost is just $20 and
REP. JACOBS, AT TOWN HALL, SEES ‘RED LINE’ FOR GOP IF TRUMP DEFIES COURTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Tesa Balc, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Rep. Sara Jacobs in her congressional office. (File photo courtesy of Jacobs’ office via Facebook) March 24, 2025 (Jacumba) – A San Diego Democrat said Saturday that Republicans have told her they will not back President Donald Trump if he defies court orders.
WIFE OF SLAIN CALFIRE CAPT. REBECCA MARODI ARRESTED IN MEXICO
Printer-friendly version By Jennifer Vigil, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association March 23, 2025 (Ramona) – The woman accused of killing her wife, a CalFire captain, has been arrested in Mexico more than a month after the slaying, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities had been searching since late Feb. 17 for
USDA CANCELS PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDED LOCAL FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS AND FOOD BANKS
Printer-friendly versionThe USDA has cut funding for two programs that allowed schools and food banks to purchase fresh food from local farms, also halting deliveries to food banks. By G. A. McNeeley March 21, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Trump administration has cut two programs that provided more than $1 billion
CITY OF LA MESA AND JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE LAUNCH LA MESA’S FIRST-EVER OLDER ADULT RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: LEARN MORE AT OFFICE HOURS MARCH 24, 26 AND 27
Printer-friendly versionEligible low-income residents aged 55, older may receive funds for housing Source: City of La Mesa and Jewish Family Services March 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa and Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) are launching the City’s first-ever Older Adult Rental Assistance Program, assisting seniors aged 55 and older who are at risk of homelessness. The
CITY DECLARES MARCH 30TH LEMON GROVE INCIDENT DAY: CELEBRATION PLANNED OVER 1931 SCHOOL DESEGREGATION VICTORY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 21, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – On March 18, Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow issued a proclamation declaring March 30 as the “Lemon Grove Incident Day.” There will be a celebration on March 30 at 1:00 p.m. in front of the mural that tells the story of a historic school desegregation case victory for
ATTORNEY GENERAL BONTA URGENTLY ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT FOR 23ANDME CUSTOMERS
Printer-friendly versionSource: California Attorney General’s Office March 21, 2025 (Oakland) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert to customers of 23andMe, a genetic testing and information company. The California-based company has publicly reported that it is in financial distress and stated in securities filings that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue, which is a growing
VALLE DE ORO PLANNERS VOTE TO OPPOSE COTTONWOOD SAND MINE
Printer-friendly version County’s Planning Group to hear controversial proposal on April 18 Story and photos by Karen Pearlman Photo,left: Valle de Oro Community Planning Group members during packed hearing on Cottonwood Sand Mine March 20, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – More than 100 residents who would be most affected by the proposed Cottonwood Sand Mine gathered in force Tuesday, March
Our guide to local farms and farm-fresh products sold directly to consumers
Printer-friendly versionFind farm-fresh meats, eggs, fruits and veggies, flowers, herbs, honey, nuts, soaps, wool and fiber goods, pumpkin patches, nursery plants, trees, wineries and more By Miriam Raftery Photos by Miriam Raftery and creative commons images via Bing East County Magazine has compiled our region’s most comprehensive guide to local farms, ranches, nurseries and wineries offering direct-to-consumer
COULD OUR REGION RUN OUT OF WATER IN A MAJOR WILDFIRE, AS HAPPENED WHEN L.A. FIRE HYDRANTS RAN DRY? HELIX WATER SHARES INFORMATION WITH LA MESA’S CITY COUNCIL
Printer-friendly version“It could happen, at any water system in the United States. The systems were not designed for what we what we witnessed in L.A.,” says Helix Water District general manager Brian Olney, though Helix has taken steps to reduce risk By Karen Pearlman March 20, 2025 (La Mesa) — The city of La Mesa is being proactive on
SHERIFF INVESTIGATING “SUSPICIOUS” BURIAL IN VALLEY CENTER
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 21, 2025 (Valley Center) – Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call yesterday reporting that a family member who recently passed away was buried on the family property in the 29000 block of Paso Robles Road, Valley Center. Deputies found a grave that appeared recent. “Due to there being no record of the decedent’s death,
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