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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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EL CAJON POLICE ARREST THREE TEENS AFTER PURSUIT IN STOLEN VEHICLE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 23, 2025 (El Cajon) — El Cajon Police received an automatic license plate reader (ALPR) notification of a stolen vehicle at 1:37 a.m. Officers quickly located the car, but when they tried to stop the vehicle, the driver fled and a pursuit began. Due to the high speed, police ended the ground pursuit and
Our guide to East County restaurants: alphabetical listings
Printer-friendly version San Diego’s inland region (east of I-15) is home to hundreds of restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines. Below is an alphabetical listing from A to Z. Know of a restaurant we missed? Email editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Also see our guide to East County restaurants offering international cuisine and those specializing American foods, plus our guide to sweets and
GOODWILL OPENS MOBILE COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT CENTER IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 22, 2025 (El Cajon) — Goodwill San Diego announces the Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new mobile Community Employment Center in El Cajon on February 26 at 9 a.m. This mobile center is designed to meet job seekers where they are, particularly assisting residents in rural areas and those facing transportation and
CA ATTORNEY GENERAL BONTA SECURES PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION BLOCKING DOGE’S ACCESS TO PRIVATE DATA
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 22, 2025 (New York) — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released a statement after the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York’s issuance of a preliminary injunction blocking the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Americans’ personal and private information maintained by the U.S. Treasury Department. “We are pleased the court granted our request
ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR INJECTS MAJOR CHANGES CHANGES AT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Printer-friendly version New agency head lays off staffers overseeing epidemics, cancels flu vaccine campaign and takes aim at chemicals in food. By G. A. McNeeley Photo by Ron Logan February 22, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – The Senate last week confirmed anti-vaccine activist Robert F.. Kennedy Jr. to head the U.S. Health and Human Services Department on a party-line vote,
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE NAMED FIFTH BEST MAGAZINE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version East County News Service February 22, 2025 (San Diego) — East County Magazine has been selected by FeedSpot as the fifth best local magazine among the Top 15 San Diego Magazines on the web. The site ranks the best San Diego magazines from thousands on the web ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness. East County
BRIAN JONES’ BILL TAKES AIM AT “SUPER SANCTUARY CITIES”
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 21, 2025 (San Diego) – State Senator Brian Jones (R-Santee) held a press conference today to announce introduction of his Senate Bill 554, the Safety Before Criminal Sanctuary Act. The bill would prevent local jurisdictions from restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement beyond what SB 54, existing state law, already allows. In addition, Jones’
SPOUSE SOUGHT IN MURDER OF FIRE CAPTAIN IN RAMONA: YOLANDA OLEJNICZAK KILLED HER PREVIOUS SPOUSE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 21, 2025 (Ramona) – The Sheriff’s office is searching for Yolanda Marodi, also known as Yolanda Olejniczak, who is suspected in the stabbing death of her wife, Cal Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi. The couple had been married for approximately two years. The suspect previously served time in prison for killing her first spouse, James
‘SHAME ON YOU’: CITIZENS DECRY LA MESA CITY COUNCIL’S DISREGARD FOR LAW IN APPOINTING BATTALION CHIEF TO POLICE OVERSIGHT BOARD
Printer-friendly versionBy Michael Howard Photo: La Mesa City Councilmember Lauren Cazares speaking at the January 28, 2025 city council meeting. Courtesy of City of La Mesa February 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – Citizens of La Mesa are speaking out about the appointment of retired Battalion Chief Dave Hardenburger to the Community Police Oversight Board (CPOB) last week when, without the proper
GROSSMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOSTS “SPANISH NIGHTS” CONCERT MARCH 7 WITH NEW CONDUCTOR HERNAN CONSTANTINO
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 21, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra welcomes its new conductor, San Diego Symphony Orchestra violinist, Hernan Constantino. He is also on his seventh season as the music director for Mainly Mozart with the San Diego Symphony. His first concert performance is titled “Spanish Nights: A Concert of Passion and Fire” on March 7 at
Founder of Lions, Tigers and Bears urges public to oppose ‘Protecting Local Zoos Act’
Printer-friendly versionHearing set for Feb. 4 has “dangerous loopholes” that would allow exploitation of exotic animals Photo of Eddie the jaguar courtesy Lions, Tigers & Bears By Karen Pearlman Jan. 30, 2026 (Alpine) – Bobbi Brink, the founder and director of nonprofit rescue organization Lions Tigers & Bears, can speak with authority on all matters concerning captive exotic animals, including the
Cal Coast Cares Foundation to award over $160,000 in scholarships to local students
Source: Cal Coast Cares Foundation January 30, 2026 (San Diego) – T he Cal Coast Cares Foundation has begun accepting applications for its next round…
Domestic violence suspect arrested after threatening deputies
East County News Service January 30, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — Aaron Brozek, 49, has been arrested for felony domestic violence, as well as weapons and…
Immigration arrests quietly surge by 1,500% in San Diego: ‘I feel the temperature rising’
Printer-friendly versionBy Wendy Fry and Natasha Uzcategui-Liggett, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: members of Unión del Barrio gather by flashlight in the predawn hours before patrolling the Linda Vista neighborhood in San Diego on Jan. 13, 2026. The group by alerts residents to the presence of ICE agents in the community. Photo by John Gastaldo
Immigration arrests quietly surge by 1,500% in San Diego: ‘I feel the temperature rising’
By Wendy Fry and Natasha Uzcategui-Liggett, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters . Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: members of Unión del…
Outrage over Minnesota killings of citizens by federal agents grows; NRA, politicians on left and right weigh in
By Miriam Raftery Screenshot from bystander’s video: Border Patrol agent takes aim at Alex Pretti, a VA nurse who was shot nine times at point-blank…
Lakeside school employee arrested for sexual abuse of minor
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 28, 2026 (Lakeside) – Kent Cable, 55, an employee of the Lakeside Union School District in a non-teaching role, has been arrested on charges of sexually abusing a minor. Charges include three counts of sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger and four counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a
San Diego Humane Society celebrates end of quarantine for cat attacked by coyote
Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy San Diego Humane Society East County News Service Jan. 28, 2026 (Esconddo) — Orange tabby Kyle has beaten the odds, and is looking for a new home. Staff at the San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido campus threw a graduation party on Jan. 28 to celebrate Kyle’s survival from a coyote attack last year. Kyle has now successfully
San Diego Humane Society celebrates end of quarantine for cat attacked by coyote
Photo courtesy San Diego Humane Society East County News Service Jan. 28, 2026 (Esconddo) — Orange tabby Kyle has beaten the odds, and is looking…
Spring Valley man arrested for threatening to kill neighbor
East County News Service January 28, 2026 (Spring Valley) – Dimone Cater, 33, has been arrested for allegedly making criminal threats, following an hours-long SWAT…
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