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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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Register to Vote!
Printer-friendly versionVoter registration drives are being held at several East County locations listed below. You must be registered by October 20th to vote in the November 4th presidential election. Registering in person means you don’t have to worry about forms getting lost in the mail or arriving too late. If you’re not yet registered, you can sign up at any
WATER SHORTAGE REVIVES RECYCLED WATER PROPOSALS
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Photos by Daisy Sharrock October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Water is the single biggest issue facing the future of San Diego County. Even the process for updating San Diego County’s land use general plan – the so-called General Plan 2020 process – depends on the availability and amount of water the area will sustain. "Water
Editor’s Message
Printer-friendly versionDear Readers, Back in the Dark Ages before Internet and cell phones, chatting over the back fence with neighbors was the cool way to get news Think of this site as your virtual back fence: a place to share your views with neighbors all over East County! We started this publication to fill a news void, give voice to
Health Tips
Printer-friendly version HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASES REACH FIVE TOTAL SAN DIEGO August 18, 2008 — Another confirmed locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus (WNV) brings the year-to-date total to five—including one patient in East County, according to the County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA). FDA DECISION ON BPA OUTRAGES HEALTH ADVOCATES FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug 20, 2008
Citizens “Take Action!” Guide
Printer-friendly versionWhose interests are your elected officials representing: the people–or the special interests? Too many voters haven’t got a clue—so East County Magazine is shedding light into those smoke-hazed back-rooms in Washington D.C. and Sacramento, enabling you to keep up with what your elected officials are doing – and decide whether or not they deserve your vote next election. You
Welcome
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 2008 Dear Readers, Back in the Dark Ages before Internet and cell phones, chatting over the back fence with neighbors was the cool way to get news Think of this site as your virtual back fence: a place to share your views with neighbors all over East County! We started this publication to fill a news void,
A Firestorm of Controversy – Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Printer-friendly versionBallot measure will ask voters to approve tax for fire services By E.A. Barrera Photos courtesy of La Mesa Fire Department “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully
DYING TO COME TO AMERICA – Immigrant Death Toll Soars; Water Stations Sabotaged
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 1, 2008 (Holtville)–“These people came here looking for opportunity. Not one of them expected to die,” said Enrique Morones, erecting a hand-made wooden cross at a gravesite marked only by a brick engraved with the name Jane Doe. A few years ago, there were twenty bricks in this pauper’s graveyard at Holtville in Imperial County,
September Festivals
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Sept. 1, 2008 (East County)–We first planned to call this column Festival of the Month. But after discovering how many great events communities and groups are hosting in San Diego’s eastern region we changed the column name to tell you about as many fun-filled festivals as possible. Many are free, though some charge admission. Check out details
Tough Medicine, Part I
Printer-friendly versionGrossmont Hospital Investigations Raise Oversight Concernts, Criticisms By Sara McInerney, staff writer, and editor Miriam Raftery September 14, 2008 (La Mesa)–Revelations of preventable patient deaths and alleged neglect at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have led some community leaders to demand increased oversight even as new complaints of patient care at Grossmont surface. Grossmont is one of four hospitals in San Diego
BODY FOUND IN BURNED RAMONA TRAILER; VICTIM NOT IDENTIFIED
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 17, 2024 (Ramona, CA) – Sheriff’s deputies found the body of an unidentified person, along with two deceased dogs, inside a burned trailer home in Ramona yesterday. Firefighters responded to the blaze in the 18000 block of Cinnamon Rock Road in Ramona and extinguished the fire, after which deputies from the Ramona substation
NEED RELIEF FROM FIRE INSURANCE COSTS? SUPERVISORS APPROVE HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS APPLYING FOR WILDFIRE PREPARED HOME PROGRAM
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 16, 2024 (San Diego) – By a unanimous vote, San Diego County Supervisors on Oct. 22 authorized the San Diego County Fire Authority to provide a dedicated staffer to assist homeowners with applications to the Wildfire Prepared Home program. The program, provided through the Insurance Institute for Business & Home and Safety (IBHS), offers a
PASSAGES: ADALBERT “DEL” CONNOR, 103, WWII VETERAN AND LONG-TIME ALLIED GARDENS RESIDENT
Printer-friendly versionOctober 8, 1921 — November 10, 2024 November 16, 2024 (San Diego) — Adalbert Connor, a beloved family man and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024, at the Veteran’s Home of California Chula Vista, at the age of 103. Born on October 8, 1921, in Yuma, Arizona, Adalbert’s life was a testament to resilience,
COUNTY HEALTH CONFIRMS 547 CASES OF WHOOPING COUGH, SHARP RISE OVER LAST YEAR: PUBLIC URGED TO MAKE SURE VACCINES ARE UP TO DATE
Printer-friendly version By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office November 15, 2024 (San Diego) — County public health officials are reporting an increased number of pertussis cases, also known as whooping cough, in San Diego County this year. The increase is notable when compared to 2023 and is even more marked when compared to 2020 to 2022
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
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