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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
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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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ROBIN HENKEL BLUES TRIO AT EL CAJON BREWING CO. JANUARY 16
Printer-friendly version December 28, 2012 (San Diego) – The Robin Henkel Blues Trio will perform at El Cajon Brewing Co., 110 North Magnolia Ave., El Cajon on January 16 from 6 – 9 p.m. The Trio’s performance is in the style of the Mississippi Delta blues. Henkel, a guitarist and singer, is a local legend specializing in blues and jazz.
GREATER VISION GOSPEL TRIO IN CONCERT JANUARY 13
Printer-friendly versionDecember 28, 2012 (San Diego) – The award-winning Southern Gospel trio Greater Vision will perform at Skyline Church, 11330 Campo Road, San Diego on January 13 at 5:00 p.m. Greater Vision, organized in 1990, has been inspiring audiences with its rich vocal blend and gospel message. Tickets are $16 advance general admission, $20 at the door or $25 for
VEGGIECATION PROGRAM: TIPS FOR YOUNG EATERS
Printer-friendly versionGet kids to love their veggies for the new year January 1, 2013 (San Diego)–Children eat with their eyes. Young eaters are drawn to items that are fun and colorful. When introducing kids to new veggies, select different vegetables with vibrant colors and cut them into fun, kid-friendly shapes.Dips are fun. To get kids interested in trying new veggies, give them
SDSU ISSUES WARNING OVER VIOLENT ASSAULT, ROBBERY IN COLLEGE AREA
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2013 (San Diego)–San Diego State University Police have issued an alert warning of a violent assault that occurred at 2:40 a.m. in the 5700 block of Hardy Avenue. Five African-American men in a silver 4-door BMW approached a male victim and attacked him without provocation, kicking and punching him before stealing his white iPhone, according
WINTER WISHES: GROSSMONT HOSPITAL PATIENTS GIFTED WITH PLUSH PENGUINS DURING HOLIDAYS
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2013 (La Mesa) –The San Diego Blood Bank reports that 250 plush penguins were recently delivered as gifts to patients admitted to Sharp Grossmont Hospital in December during the weeks leading up to the holiday season. The gift delivery was part of the Blood Bank’s annual “Winter Wishes” program sponsored by the Grossmont Healthcare District, a
POWER OUTAGES IN AREA
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) –Some area residents started their New Year in the dark due to power outages. An outage that began at 1 a.m. is due to be restored at noon today in the Blossom Valley and Lakeside areas, where a vehicle caused a short in the electrical system that left 432 customers without
WEBELOS CUB SCOUTS GET READYMAN TRAINING FROM LA MESA FIREMEN
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 2, 2013 (La Mesa) – On Sunday, December 23, The Eagle Patrol Webelos from Cub Scout Pack 391 got hands on training from La Mesa firefighters at the main La Mesa Fire Station 11 at 8034 Allison Avenue. The Scouts were taught emergency first aid procedures. In addition they were shown equipment used by firefighters in their jobs.
WIND PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT EXTENSION ADDED TO “FISCAL CLIFF” DEAL: CONGRESS TO VOTE SOON
Printer-friendly version UPDATE: The President has signed into law a fiscal cliff deal that includes extension of the wind production tax credits, and also makes it easier for wind develpers to get them. Projects now only need to break ground to qualify, not meet construction milestones. December 31, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – ECM sources in Washington have informed
SHERIFF ASKS PUBLIC HELP TO FIND 3 MEN WHO TRIED TO KIDNAP TEEN
Printer-friendly versionDecember 31, 2012 (Encinitas) – San Diego Sheriff asks residents countywide for help to identify three males who forcibly tried to kidnap an 18-year-old woman today in Encinitas. The suspects drove an older black pickup truck with orange horizontal stripes near the fenders and gardening gear in the truck bed. After she was pulled into the truck, the victim
FISCAL CLIFF DEAL APPROVED BY CONGRESS
Printer-friendly versionUpdate 11:15 p.m. – The Senate has approved the deal 89-8. The House vote, up next, will not occur tonight. Update January 2, 2013: The House approved the Senate version Jan. 1 with no changes. The President later signed the measure into law. December 31, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) — It’s now past midnight in Washington D.C., where
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…
Sheriff’s SWAT team aids LAPD in apprehending felony warrant suspect in Lakeside
East County News Service File photo via San Diego County Sheriff’s SWAT detail January 28, 2026 (Lakeside) – Sheriff’s deputies from the Lakeside substation and…
Man arrested for reportedly trying to steal backpack from student in Lemon Grove
East County News Service January 28, 2026 (Lemon Grove) – Damari Waller, 35, has been arrested for allegedly trying to steal a backpack from a…
Thousands of San Diegans join marches to support Minneapolis
By Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Hundreds marched on Sunday in an interfaith show…
Fire destroys 2 businesses in Spring Valley
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 26, 2026 (Spring Valley) — A three-alarm fire that broke out around 2:45 a.m. destroyed two businesses in a strip mall at 8300 Paradise Valley Road in Spring Valley, causing water and smoke damage to two others. “A total of 18 businesses were saved due to the quick response from everyone involved,” San Miguel
Thousands of San Diegans join marches to support Minneapolis
Printer-friendly versionBy Brooke Binkowski, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Hundreds marched on Sunday in an interfaith show of support for people on the ground in Minneapolis and elsewhere. Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego January 26, 2026 (San Diego) – San Diegans joined marches all over the county on Sunday, offering a show
ECM World Watch: national and global news
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 25, 2026 (San Diego) — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. CNN video analysis sheds new light on killing of Alex Pretti (CNN) Sweeping US defense bill passes, with Ukraine,
‘Coalition of Lifesavers’ hits milestone of 750,000 trained in CPR
Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service Jan. 25, 2026 (San Diego County) — A local movement to turn bystanders into lifesavers is in the home stretch. Since its launch in January 2024, the Revive & Survive San Diego initiative has successfully trained more than 750,000 people in hands-only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, moving San Diego County closer to its goal of
Kratom, banned by California, is still for sale in East County stores including synthetic versions linked to numerous deaths
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Miriam Raftery January 24, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – An investigation by East County Magazine has found kratom and synthetic kratom (7-OH) products for sale locally in every East County city, despite the fact that it’s illegal in California to sell or manufacture kratom for consumption. The ban is due to risk of addiction,
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