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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
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
News Issues
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
‘Bill Walton Way’ coming to a street near you in La Mesa
Printer-friendly version The Boys & Girls Club of East County La Mesa Clubhouse honored local basketball star Bill Walton by naming the gym after Walton in 2018. Walton died of colon cancer at age 71 in 2024. Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 14, 2026 (La Mesa) — Bill Walton, who preferred
Politics
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
La Mesa City Council votes 5-0 approving e-bike safety pilot program
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 16, 2026 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is the latest city in San Diego County seeking to codify strict regulations on electric bicycles, specifically looking to protect riders under 12. On Tuesday, the La Mesa City Council unanimously voted to establish a new e-bike safety pilot program
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
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
Review of Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo, by Nico Waters
Printer-friendly version Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Nico Waters has written a series of books for children. In Ethan Talks to Animals, second grader Ethan can talk to animals. Together with his dog, Chewie, Ethan helps their next-door neighbor’s cat eat his
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
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
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);
Features
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
Review of Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo, by Nico Waters
Printer-friendly version Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Nico Waters has written a series of books for children. In Ethan Talks to Animals, second grader Ethan can talk to animals. Together with his dog, Chewie, Ethan helps their next-door neighbor’s cat eat his
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THE POMERADO BRASS QUINTET WILL PERFORM AT MISSION TRAILS PARK DEC. 16
Printer-friendly versionNovember 14, 2012 (San Diego) – The Pomerado Brass Quintet will perform at Mission Trails Regional Park, One Father Junipero Serra Drive, on December 16 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. The free concert will feature music selected for the Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations presented in a variety of styles that will be certain to appeal to all who
SILVERWOOD ENSEMBLE PERFORMS A FREE CONCERT AT MISSION TRAILS ON NOV. 18
Printer-friendly versionNovember 14, 2012 (San Diego) – Diane Wilson’s SilverWood Ensemble will perform at the Mission Trails Visitor Center Theater on November 18 at 3 p.m. The ensemble includes Wilson on flute and Vania Pimentel on piano. They will perform works by Villa-Lobos, Antonio Carlos Jobim and others in a concert entitled “Brazilian Special”. The Visitor Center Theater is located
CHAMBER MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA IN ALPINE NOV 17
Printer-friendly versionBy Bill Weaver November 14, 2012 (Alpine) – A Chamber Music Extravaganza performance will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 17 at Christ the King Episcopal Church, 1460 Midway Drive in Alpine. Enjoy the music of Beethoven, Brahms, & more. Directed by Sylvia Lorraine Hartman and featuring the Alpine Chamber Players, Classical Guitar, Trumpet, Flute, Soprano, and the
PASSAGES: DENNIS AVNER, STALKING CAT, DEAD AT 54
Printer-friendly versionNovember 14, 212 (Guatay) – Dennis Avner, a former Guatay resident also known by his Native American name, Stalking Cat, was found dead on November 5 in Tonopah, Nevada. Avner was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most body modifications to resemble an animal, following numerous surgeries, piercings and tattoos to resemble a tiger. Born
TELLABRATION IS HAPPENING IN SANTEE ON NOV. 17
Printer-friendly versionNovember 14, 2012 (Santee) – Tellabration, a worldwide storytelling event is coming to Santee on November 17 from 7:30 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. at Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 8778 Cottonwood Avenue. Guilds and storytelling enthusiasts all around the globe will share their storytelling talents in concerts held in cities and towns to celebrate the ancient art of storytelling. The
HOLIDAY COUPONS ARE HERE!
Printer-friendly versionWant your company’s coupon added? Just $100 if you provide the artwork, or add $35 if you need lay-out. Email ads@eastcountymagazine.org to reserve your space. We also have very affordable display ads available to brighten your retail business this holiday season! To view our holiday coupons, click here. Printer-friendly version
BOULEVARD RESIDENTS AND MANZANITA TRIBAL MEMBERS SPEAK OUT ON WIND TURBINE HEALTH CONCERNS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 12, 2012 (Boulevard)—At the latest Boulevard Planning Group meeting, community members including Native Americans shared heart-wrenching stories of how the nation’s quest for renewable energy is upending their lives, dividing their communities,imperiling their health, and threatening their futures. As in Ocotillo, where a wind project has anguished tribal members and residents with destruction of cultural
VIEJAS OUTLETS KICK OFF HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON NOV. 16
Printer-friendly version Special late-night hours plus opening of Southern California’s largest outdoor ice rink November 13, 2012 (Alpine) – The Viejas Outlets will officially kick off the holiday season Friday, November 16 with the Grand Opening of Southern California’s largest outdoor ice rink, as well as special late-night store hours and promotions. The Viejas Outlets’ ice rink has quickly grown
WRAP-UP ON LOCAL PROPOSITIONS: POT SALES, TAX HIKES, CHARTER CITY STATUS AND MORE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 13, 2012 (San Diego) – In Colorado and Washington, voters decided it’s high time to legalize recreational marijuana use. But locally, voters in Lemon Grove, Imperial Beach and Solana Beach defeated initiatives that would have allowed medical marijuana dispensaries. Labor scored a win in Escondido, where a charter city ballot proposition was defeated by a
AS COUNT CONTINUES, SOME RACES NARROW WHILE OTHERS WIDEN; JUST 7 VOTES SEPARATE CANDIDATES IN ONE EAST COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Printer-friendly version By Bill Weaver November 13, 2012 (San Diego)—On Election Night, several important races in San Diego and East County were too close to call. Counting is underway of mail-in and provisional ballots at the County Registrar of Voters, where about 210,000 ballots countywide remain to be counted. Scott Peters appears to have ousted Congressman Brian Bilbray, with a
95,000 COUNTERFEIT CHOCOLATE BARS LACED WITH MAGIC MUSHROOMS SEIZED
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 24, 2024 (San Diego) – Drug testing on “Polka Dot” labeled chocolate bars seized back in September by narcotics detectives from the Sheriff’s department from a Chula Vista business found that the products had been adulterated with several controlled substances, including Amanita Muscaria mushrooms, better known as “magic mushrooms,” a strong psychedelic drug and hallucinogen.
SCHOOL THREAT IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego Sheriff’s Department November 22, 2024 (Alpine) – On Thursday, November 21, around 5:30 p.m., the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the administration of Shadow Hills Elementary School in Alpine about threats made by two students against a group of students and teachers. School administrators told deputies from the Alpine Sheriff’s Station they had identified
TWO SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS APPROVED FOR TRANSIENT RELEASE LOCALLY
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo: Merle Wakefield, left, and Alvin Quarles, right November 22, 2024 (San Diego) – Two San Diego judges have ordered “transient releases” to temporary locations for sexually violent predators Alvin Quarles and Merle Wakefield. The decisions came after repeated failed attempts at permanent housing for the men. The exact locations where they will be released
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 21, 2024 — 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 wants to close the Education Department. It’s far easier said than done. (USA Today) Trump confirms plan to declare
EL CAJON POLICE SEEK SUV CHEVY TRAVERSE THAT KILLED MAN WITH WALKER AND FLED SCENE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 21, 2024 (El Cajon) – A 70-year-old man using a walker was struck and killed on November 19 shortly after 6 p.m. According to police, the victim was jaywalking across Jamacha Blvd. near Pointe Parkway when he was struck by the SUV. The pedestrian died at the scene. “After the crash, the driver of
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 21, 2024 (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 Ex-Granite Hills High teacher convicted of sex charges involving student (10 News) Ramona musicians seek solution for outdoor playing at wineries SD Reader) Four years
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 21, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Millions of pounds of meat, poultry recalled over listeria concerns (NPR) First US case of severe mpox strain reported in California (UK Independent) Is it the flu or is it COVID? One at-home
CAL FIRE IS CONDUCTING PRESCRIBED BURNS
Printer-friendly version Source: CalFire November 21, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – – The CAL FIRE San Diego Unit is preparing to conduct prescribed burns across San Diego and Imperial Counties as part of an ongoing effort to reduce wildfire risk, enhance ecosystem health, and protect community safety. These projects are planned during carefully selected weather conditions that meet specific
CA UNDOCUMENTED STUDENT GROUPS WORRY ABOUT INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
Printer-friendly version By Suzanne Potter, California News Service November 20, 2024 (Sacramento)– As President-elect Donald Trump announces immigration hard-liners as his deputy chief of staff and border czar this week, groups supporting undocumented college students in California are vowing to stand up for people’s rights. Golden State colleges serve 83,000 undocumented students, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. Jessie
EVACUATIONS IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO NEAR SPRING VALLEY DUE TO BRUSH FIRE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 20, 2024 (Rancho San Diego and Spring Valley) – The #MillarFire has burned 20 acres near State Route 94/Campo Road and Millar Ranch Road in Spring Valley, near the Steele Canyon bridge. Evacuation orders have been issued for nearby areas including Rancho San Diego, plus evacuation warnings for surrounding areas. View evacuation map from
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