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Senior resource fair coming to Grossmont Healthcare District on April 23
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 20, 2026 (La Mesa) — Health advocates from across San Diego County will provide critical resources through the upcoming “Spring into Healthy Living 2026: Senior Conference & Resource Fair” on Thursday, April 23 at Grossmont Healthcare District headquarters. Hosted by the San Diego
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
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
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
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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STATE FARM ASKS FOR MORE INSURANCE RATE INCREASES AFTER LA FIRES
Printer-friendly versionBy Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters Photo: The Eaton Fire burns in the community of Altadena. Firefighters were unable to get water from hydrants that ran dry, as homes and businesses burned, on Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Ted Soqui for CalMatters February 4,
TREASURY DEPT. SUED FOR GIVING MUSK ACCESS TO CONSUMERS’ PRIVATE DATA, INCLUDING BANK ACCOUNTS AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: Elon Musk and Donald Trump in Nov. 2024, via Speaker Mike Johnson February 4, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – Donald Trump authorized Elon Musk’s unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to take total control of the U.S. Treasury Department’s payment system, locking out federal employees. DOGE’s young tech workers gained access to the private data
LA MESA CITY FEES WILL INCREASE NEARLY 25% IN 2025
Printer-friendly version By Michael Howard February 3, 2025 (La Mesa, CA) – The La Mesa City Council, during its Tuesday January 28, 2025 meeting, voted unanimously to increase city fees by 24.7%. “Some fee schedules are increasing higher than normal,” Assistant to the City Manager Lyn Dedmon admitted to the Council members when the increases were presented for
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: FEBRUARY FESTIVITIES
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery February 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – February brings some favorite festivities and fun-filled events including a Judy Collins Concert in El Cajon, a stage production of Romeo and Juliet in Borrego Spr9ings, romantic Valentine’s teas in Julian, a black history celebration in Lemon Grove, the Boots and Bowties awards dinner at Sycuan, Fido
WOMEN’S CHORAL GROUP, KEY OF SHE, PERFORMS MARCH 2 IN SANTEE
Printer-friendly version East County News Service February 2, 2025 (Santee) – Key of She, a 12 woman choral group, is presenting a free concert on Sunday March 2, at 2 p.m. at the Carlton Hills Lutheran Church at 9735 Halberns Blvd in Santee. The repertoire is an eclectic blend of classical and contemporary pieces. Some a cappella and some
STATE PROPOSES RELEASE OF SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATOR GARY SNAVELY IN JULIAN: HEARING MARCH 7
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Update Feb. 4, 2025 — Supervisor Joel Anderson has launched a petition to oppose Snavely’s placement in Julian. You can sign his petition here. February 1, 2025 (Julian, CA) – San Diego County Superior Court has ordered the conditional release of Gary Snavely, a sexually violent predator (SVP) at 3452 Wynola Road in Julian.
EL CAJON WOMAN ARRESTED FOR SENDING DRUG-LACED MAIL TO LAS COLINAS DETENTION FACILITY IN SANTEE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 31, 2025 – Annette Smith, 58, of El Cajon has been arrested on suspicion of mailing a narcotic-laced greeting card into a San Diego County Jail. In December 2024, deputies assigned to the Sheriff’s Mail Processing Center intercepted a greeting card intended for Alicia Abungan, 52, who is in custody at the Las Colinas
DEPUTY CHARGED OVER EXCESSIVE FORCE THAT SERIOUSLY INJURED MAN AWAITING TRIAL AND COVERING UP HIS ACTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery January 31, 2025 (San Diego) — A two-count indictment was unsealed in federal court today charging San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremiah Manuyag Flores with violating the civil rights of a man in pretrial custody at the San Diego Central Courthouse. Flores is accused of using excessive force that caused a spinal cord injury, then writing a
BLACK HISTORY EMPOWERMENT CELEBRATION FEBRUARY 22 IN LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 31, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A Black History Empowerment Celebration will be held on February 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School, 7866 Lincoln St. in Lemon Grove. Festivities will include spoken word, drumming African dancers, music artists, soul food vendors, food trucks and more. The event is
EL CAJON ADDS BAGS AND RECEPTACLES FOR DOG WALKERS TO HELP KEEP CITY CLEAN
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Robert Gehr January 31, 2025 (El Cajon) – After voting to repeal a long-unenforced ban on dog walking downtown, the city of El Cajon has installed “doggie pots” and poop disposal bags to help dog owners cleanup after their pets. Photos show receptacle near the waterscape outside the Magnolia performing
Is a mileage tax coming to California? Stay tuned
By Paul Levikow This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA February 13, 2026 (Sacramento) – A tax aimed at charg ing motorists…
Alcohol a factor in head-on crash in Crest that killed Ramona woman, 72
East County News Service Photo via San Diego Fire Protection District February 12, 2026 (Crest) – A Ramona woman, 72, has died of injuries sustained…
Randy Robinson to be honored on Feb. 13
Photo and story by Karen Pearlman Feb. 12, 2026 (El Cajon) — East County’s education and basketball communities are going to gather on Feb. 13…
County approves new traffic signals, road improvements and filtration project
By Donna Durckel, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: rendering of final road improvements February 12, 2026 (San Diego) – The Board of Supervisors…
Treasure hunters wanted at Parkway Collectibles event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 12, 2026 (El Cajon) — Whether you are hunting for a rare holographic Pokémon Charizard or looking to add the latest vaulted Funko Pop to your shelf, Parkway Plaza is the place to be later this month. Parkway Collectibles, the monthly pop-up event hosted by The Coin Toss, is set to return from 11 a.m. to 7
Treasure hunters wanted at Parkway Collectibles event
East County News Service Feb. 12, 2026 (El Cajon) — Whether you are hunting for a rare holographic Pokémon Charizard or looking to add the…
Supervisors OK updating ordinance for amplified music at boutique wineries
Grapes at Sierra Roble Winery in Warner Springs Photo and story by Karen Pearlman Feb. 11, 2026 (San Diego County) — The silence will at…
County approves new traffic signals, road improvements and filtration project
Printer-friendly versionBy Donna Durckel, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: rendering of final road improvements February 12, 2026 (San Diego) – The Board of Supervisors approved three major infrastructure projects to improve safety, mobility and sustainability in unincorporated communities: new traffic signals in Lakeside and Fallbrook, road upgrades in Valley Center and a stormwater filtration project in Fallbrook. New Traffic Signals
Alcohol a factor in head-on crash in Crest that killed Ramona woman, 72
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo via San Diego Fire Protection District February 12, 2026 (Crest) – A Ramona woman, 72, has died of injuries sustained in a head-on crash that occurred February 11 in the Crest area of unincorporated El Cajon. An El Cajon woman, 30, driving a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado eastbound on La Cresta Road east of Coyote
Supervisors OK updating ordinance for amplified music at boutique wineries
Printer-friendly versionGrapes at Sierra Roble Winery in Warner Springs Photo and story by Karen Pearlman Feb. 11, 2026 (San Diego County) — The silence will at last be broken at some of East County’s smallest vineyards. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday voted unanimously to amend the County Zoning Ordinance, allowing amplified live music at boutique wineries. The decision
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