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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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PHOTO OF THE WEEK: ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT
Printer-friendly version December 21, 2012 (Mount Helix) — Tom Lemon snapped this serene image depicting a sea of golden-hued clouds, taken from atop Mount Helix on a foggy mid-winter morning in San Diego’s East County. Printer-friendly version
BYU COUGARS DEFEAT SDSU 23-6 IN POINSETTIA BOWL
Printer-friendly versionDecember 11, 2012 (San Diego) — “We had a good season, it didn’t end the right way,” Aztecs head coach Rocky Long reflected after the Poinsettia Bowl. “We turned the ball over way too much in the second half.” For full details, see the Aztecs sports center at http://goaztecs.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/sdsu-m-footbl-spec-rel.html Printer-friendly version
NEWSMAKERS OFFER “SCOOPS” FOR OUR READERS AT EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE HOLIDAY PARTY
Printer-friendly version December 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Congresswoman Susan Davis, La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid, and El Cajon Councilman Gary Kendrick were among the elected officials who joined in our “Feasting & Merrymaking” party over the weekend—and shared some special news for our community. Our guests also enjoyed live jazz by the amazing Chris Klich trio, fabulous
CHEERS! HAWK WATCH WINERY HOSTS HOLIDAY PARTY DEC. 22
Printer-friendly version December 21, 2012 (Warner Springs) –Hawk Watch Winery, which has won international honors for its vintages, is hosting a free party open to all on Saturday, December 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy solo saxophonist Jason Weber while sampling homemade holiday desserts among the twinkling Christmas lights in the barrel room, where you can also sign up
CPUC DENIES SDG&E’S PROPOSAL TO CHARGE RATEPAYERS FOR WILDFIRE LIABILITES
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 20, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – in a unanimous decision, the California Public Uitlities Commission (CPUC) denied San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern Califiornia Gas Company’s proposed Wildfire Expense Balancing Account (WEBA). SDG&E had sought to charge ratepayers for its uninsured liability costs for wildfires caused by the utility’s lines, both for
SOITEC PROPOSAL FOR 1,400 ACRES OF SOLAR MEETS WITH OPPOSITION IN RURAL BOULEVARD
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 20, 2012 (Boulevard) –Soitec Solar has applied for amendments to the Boulevard Community Plan in order to build for commercial/industrial-scale solar projects totaling 8,938,000 square feet (over 1,400 acres) of concentrating solar PV. The “super modules”, each 30 feet tall, would track the sun to produce renewable energy. The largest of the projects, Rugged Solar,
FOREST SERVICE ANNOUNCES PERMIT RESERVATION SYSTEM TO VISIT CEDAR CREEK FALLS
Printer-friendly version Appeals must be received by February 2, 2013 Updated 12/19/20 3 p.m. December 19, 2012 (Ramona) – Cleveland National Forest Supervisor Will Metz today announced a decision to implement of a permit system for visiting Cedar Creek Falls. Initially, 75 permits per day for groups up to 5 people will be issued and can be reserved online. During
YOUTH WARNS ADULTS AGAINST PROVIDING ALCOHOL TO KIDS IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionCoalition participates in local ‘Sticker Shock’ campaign December 21, 2012 (El Cajon)–Several high school teens spent Wednesday afternoon in a “sticky” situation as a part of MADD’s “Sticker Shock,” a public awareness campaign to limit youth access to alcohol and remind those over 21 that it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors. Working with local merchants, members of
SUPERVISORS BREAK GROUND FOR NEW REGISTRAR OF VOTERS HEADQUARTERS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 21, 2012 (San Diego)–County supervisors broke ground this afternoon for the new Registrar of Voters (ROV) building, the final piece of the puzzle in a years-long project to redevelop the County’s 47-acre operations center in Kearny Mesa. “By this time next year, we expect to announce the grand opening of yet another high-quality, energy-efficient, public building in keeping
THE “MIRACLE” OF RECOVERY: TREATMENT EXPERT HAS MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR ADDICTS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Printer-friendly version By Anthony Moreno December 20, 2012 (San Diego) — Not many people would give their personal cell phone number out on live television, but Jeanne McAlister, Founder and CEO of McAlister Institute, will do whatever she can to get someone suffering from substance abuse into treatment. She founded the institute, a 501(c)(3), in 1977. Thirty-five years later, it
With measles at Disneyland and LAX, San Diego County urges residents to update vaccines: some adults may need boosters
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: Child with measles, via CDC (public domain) February 7, 2026 (San Diego) – Measles, declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, has made a comeback, with 2,267 cases last year—nearly all in unvaccinated people. So far this year, 588 cases are confirmed so far—including Los Angeles County. An international traveler with measles visited crowded venues
Sheriff’s deputies to conduct increased Super Bowl DUI Patrols on Sunday
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego County Sheriff February 6, 2026 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will be keeping our roadways safe this Super Bowl Sunday by looking for impaired drivers. Look for increased impaired driving patrols beginning on Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 p.m. and lasting through 5:00 a.m. the following day. In 2025, 7,394 people were arrested
La Mesa hosting Home Energy Fair in March
East County News Service February 5, 2026 (La Mesa) — With San Diego County residents navigating some of the highest utility rates in the nation,…
Sheriff’s deputies to conduct increased Super Bowl DUI Patrols on Sunday
Source: San Diego County Sheriff February 6, 2026 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will be keeping our roadways safe this Super…
Supreme Court allows Prop 50 redistricting, bringing major shifts in representation for East County voters
Which district will you be in for the upcoming elections? By Miriam Raftery Photo: Rep. Darrell Issa’s once-safe seat is now vulnerable, as new district…
Felon arrested in Spring Valley on drug and weapons charges
East County News Service February 6, 2026 (Spring Valley) – Shortly before 1:30 a.m. yesterday, Sheriff’s deputies from the Rancho San Diego station found a…
Trump administration’s new version of food pyramid draws criticism from health experts on fats and alcohol, praise for advice to “eat real foods” and avoid processed products
Printer-friendly versionBy G. A. McNeeley February 6, 2026 (Washington D.C.) — Health and Human Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last month announced new dietary guidelines for Americans that are focused on promoting whole foods, proteins and healthy fats, according to NPR. Health and nutrition experts have praised portions of the new guidelines, but sharply criticized other changes as lacking a scientific
Supreme Court allows Prop 50 redistricting, bringing major shifts in representation for East County voters
Printer-friendly versionWhich district will you be in for the upcoming elections? By Miriam Raftery Photo: Rep. Darrell Issa’s once-safe seat is now vulnerable, as new district has more Democrats than Republican voters. February 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — State Republicans have lost a last-ditch appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to block Prop 50 redistricting of Congressional
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 and be ready for wildfires once brush dries out after
County Supervisors to decide on amplified music for boutique wineries
Photo by Miriam Raftery B y Karen Pearlman Feb. 4, 2026 (San Diego County) – For the winemakers of East County, the sound of progress…
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