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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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VICKI LAWRENCE AND MAMA: A TWO WOMAN SHOW DEC. 1
Printer-friendly versionNovember 18, 2012 (Poway) – Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation presents Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show on December 1 at 8:00 p.m. at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. Vicki Lawrence approaches everything with a sense of humor, from her eleven years with The Carol Burnett Show, her gold
LOGO DESIGN CONTEST FOR THE NEW DOWNTOWN EL CAJON FARMERS MARKET – DEADLINE NOV. 30
Printer-friendly versionNovember 18, 2012 (El Cajon) – El Cajon is getting a new Certified Farmers Market in March 2013 and a contest is being held to design the logo for it. Original logo designs can be submitted with a 30 word explanation of how it represents the El Cajon Community. Winners will receive $150 for 1st place and $50 for
FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER: NATURAL GAS/HEATER SAFETY
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna November 18, 2012 (San Diego)–As temperatures cool down, home heating use goes up. It’s important for homeowners and renters to inspect their home-heating appliances and perform any maintenance necessary to avoid any health or safety hazards. “Early cold fronts are prompting people to turn on their heaters/furnaces for the first time in months. This time
THE BOULDER BEAT “BRIDGE BUILDING CONTEST FOR ENGINEERING WEEK”
Printer-friendly versionNovember 19, 2012 (Alpine) — Marshmallows and toothpicks taught Boulder Oaks Elementary students a lesson in engineering last week as engineers from UTC Aerospace System’s Aerostructures business came to celebrate Engineering Week with the children and serve as judges for the school-wide bridge building contest. The annual Boulder Oaks Elementary Engineering Week is part of the school’s STEAM program
CAL FIRE WILL BE CONDUCTING A PRESCRIBED BURN IN THE RANCHO JAMUL AREA
Printer-friendly versionNovember 19, 2012 (Jamul) — –Cal Fire resources will be conducting a small prescribed burn in the Rancho Jamul area near the community of Jamul. This burn is scheduled to take place tomorrow, November 20, between 8 a.m. and lasting until 4:00 p.m. Cal Fire plans to burn approximately 80 acres. Smoke will be visible along highway 94 and other
SUPERVISOR JACOB ADVISES TAXPAYERS TO PROTEST FIRE FEE
Printer-friendly version By Bill Weaver November 17, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) –Supervisor Dianne Jacob has issued a statement urging backcountry residents who oppose the state fire tax fee to take the following steps to protect their rights in the event that litigation ultimately overturns the fees. While some support the fees as a means to fund firefighting services
SLOW SMOKED TURKEY TIME AT CALI COMFORT THANKSGIVING DAY, NOV. 22
Printer-friendly versionNovember 16, 2012 (Spring Valley) – Cali Comfort BBQ Restaurant will be open to celebrate Thanksgiving the Cali Comfort Way from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. A catering package is available for dine in or take-out. The package feeds up to 6 people and includes slow smoked whole turkey, country stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, wedding beans, mac-n-cheese and
ZEEK REWARDS: DID YOU “LIKE” IT?
Printer-friendly versionRegulators liken penny auction site to Ponzi scheme By Rebecca J. Williamson November 16, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) — What has 3,493 “likes” on one participant’s Facebook page that may turn into “hates” and lawsuits? The answer? ZEEK REWARDS — an online penny auction house that is under investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for financial fraud.
HOLIDAYS SERVE AS WAKE-UP CALL THAT LOCAL ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS NEED HELP
Printer-friendly version“10 Holiday Warning Signs” Your Senior Is In Trouble By Stacey Hilton November 16, 2012 (San Diego) — The holiday season may be one of the few times local families get together and realize their elderly loved ones are in deep trouble and need immediate help. Adult children who don’t live nearby often come home to holiday heartbreak with
ON THE SILVER SCREEN: STAND TALL AND DELIVER (LINCOLN)
Printer-friendly versionBy Brian Lafferty November 16, 2012 (San Diego) – Earlier this year I interviewed for a volunteer position. The interviewer looked at my resume and asked, “What’s your least favorite part of being a film critic?” I was stumped. My work at East County Magazine unites two of my biggest passions – movies and writing – and I love
SCATTERED SHOWERS, SNOW AND FROST FORECAST FOR REGION
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 14, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – A cold storm from the Gulf of Alaska is forecast to bring scattered showers across our region Friday and Saturday, with snow possible in the mountain areas and frost in some areas. Gusty winds are also forecast, with peak gusts up to 55 miles per hour
SCARY WAKEUP CALL: COUPLE INJURED WHEN CAR CRASHES INTO THEIR BEDROOM IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo courtesy of ECM news partner 10 News November 14, 2024 (El Cajon) – Two people were transported to a hospital early this morning with injuries caused by a speeding vehicle that crashed into their home’s bedroom in the 800 block of Jamacha Road in El Cajon. El Cajon Police officers, along with Heartland Fire
SANTEE LAKES RECREATION PRESERVE WINS NATIONAL AWARDS
Printer-friendly version Source: Santee Lakes November 13, 2024 (Santee) — Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve received “Large Park of the Year” for Park and Campgrounds and “Plan‐It Green Park of the Year” awards from the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (formerly ARVC) at its annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference in Oklahoma City on November 6, 2024. This marks the 5th year Santee Lakes has received Park of
COUNTY GRAND JURY SEEKS APPLICANTS
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 13, 2024 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Grand Jury is accepting applications for grand jurors now through January 10, 2025. The Grand Jury investigates citizens’ complaints and serves as a watchdog over government agencies, but does not conduct criminal investigations. The 19-member 2025-26 Grand Jury will convene from July 1, 2025 through
FOURTH ARREST FOR MURDER IN LEMON GROVE 2023 CASE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 13, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the death of Gregory Moore, 39, who was fatally shot on March 18, 2023 in Lemon Grove. Sheriff’s deputies responding to a call reporting the shooting found Moore unconscious in a vehicle at the intersection of Lemon Grove Ave. and
SWEETWATER HOLDS MEETING IN ALPINE TONIGHT ON LOVELAND TRAILIMPROVEMENTS, PRIORITIES FOR GRANT FUNDS
Printer-friendly versionHear our interview with Sierra Club Conservation Chair Ron Askeland and Loveland advocate Russell Walsh, aired on KNSJ By Miriam Raftery November 12, 2024 (Alpine) – Supporters of Loveland Reservoir are urging the public to attend a community worksh op hosted by Sweetwater Water Authority tonight on trail improvements at Loveland Reservoir. The meeting will be held from 5
COUNTY PROVIDES $11.5 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND VETERANS
Printer-friendly versionSource: County News Service Proposals from developers due by Dec. 20 November 11, 2024 (San Diego) – Just in time for Veterans’ Day,the County of San Diego has made $11.5 million available to finance the creation of affordable housing to benefit low-income people and unsheltered veterans. The notice of funding availability (NOFA) was created from a combination of funds:
LA MESA POLICE SEEKS PUBLIC HELP TO FIND WOMAN WITH DEMENTIA MISSING FOR A WEEK: VIVIAN CROWDER, 71, USES TRANSIT AND MAY HAVE TRAVELED ELSEWHERE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 8, 2024 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 71-year-old Vivian Crowder, who has been missing for more than a week. Mrs. Crowder was last seen outside a salon in La Mesa around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 though there are unconfirmed
REMODELING OUR FAMILY’S MIDCENTURY HOME: A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
Printer-friendly version View a 3-D video tour by Wow Media By Miriam Raftery Photos by Wow Media and Miriam Raftery November 8, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) — The home that I grew up in is filled with warm memories—and now, a fully remodeled interior and exterior with open floorplan and a wealth of amenities — ready for new homeowners to
SHERIFF RELEASES DETAILS ON PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AUTOMATED LICENSE-PLATE READING CAMERAS ACROSS REGION
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego County Sheriff November 8, 2024 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled its plan to install more ALPR cameras in unincorporated areas of San Diego County during a presentation Oct. 22 to the Board of Supervisors. The presentation outlined the proposal to potentially install about 60 new ALPR cameras in key communities, including
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