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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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Magical Mystery Campout and Beatles Tribute Fair: festival April 4-5 in Jacumba
By Rebecca Person March 28, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — East County’s abuzz with a Beatles invasion. De Anza Springs Resort, a high desert retreat,…
Health alert: 2 rabid bats found in Escondido
Officials seeking potential contacts, photo courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service March 28, 2026 (Escondido) — San Diego County public health officials…
Meet candidates in Lakeside on April 22
East County News Service March 27, 2026 (Lakeside) – Voters are invited to the “Candidates to Constituents Town Hall” series. The series is hosted by…
Helix Water District electrifies East County
Helix Water District Board Member Joel Scalzitti tells the crowd at the Helix Operations Center on Vernon Way on Friday that the district’s new electrification…
Juvenile riding e-motorcycle injured in hit-and-run Santee collision
East County News Service March 25, 2026 (Santee) – A juvenile riding an electric motorcycle on Mission Gorge Road yesterday afternoon was struck by a…
Expungement program with the county shared by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (San Diego County) — Working to dismantle barriers to employment and housing for formerly incarcerated residents, San Diego…
Lakeside hiker found dead on El Cajon Mountain is identified
File photo: El Capitan County Preserve hiking trail Story updated March 26 By Miriam Raftery March 24, 2026 (Lakeside) – The San Diego County Medical…
League of Women Voters of San Diego continues nonpartisan candidate forums ahead of June primary
YouTube video screenshot of League of Women Voters’ District 2 candidate forum on March 5 East County News Service March 25, 2026 (San Diego) –…
East County public transportation guide to Padres Opening Day March 26
Skip Interstate 8 and ‘ride the rails’ with the Padres-wrapped Trolley East County News Service March 25, 2026 (San Diego) — With the San Diego…
The No Kings march on March 28 aims to be biggest yet, protesting authoritarianism across U.S.
By Alexander J. Schorr March 24, 2026— On Saturday, March 28, 2026, a massive nationwide mobilization called “No Kings 3” is scheduled across the United…
HIGH SCHOOL BOYS LACROSSE: EAGLES FALL SHORT IN 7-6 LOSS AT LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr April 5, 2010 (San Diego/University City) — Monday night’s lacrosse match at La Jolla Country Day School between the host Torreys and the visiting Eagles of Granite Hills High School bore some resemblence to the NCAA Mens Basketball Championship game taking place at the same time. Both games were close and would not be decided until
CITIZENS GROUP KICKS OFF RECALL PETITION CAMPAIGN: RESIDENTS TO RALLY AT LAKESIDE COMMUNITY CENTER
Printer-friendly version LAKESIDE, Ca. – Lakeside citizens who are concerned by the recent firing of their Fire Chief, Mark Baker are taking to the streets, Saturday, April 10, 2010 in their effort to get a recall election put on November’s ballot. The citizens group, Lakeside First to Recall Director Nicholas Johnson and Director Jim Bingham, will hold a rally
SPRING INTO HEALTH PET EXPO: APRIL 24 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version April 6, 2010 (El Cajon ) Camp Bow-Wow invites pets and their owners to the Spring Into Health Pet Expo on Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The event focuses on pet health, hygiene and safety. Activities will include low-cost spay and neuter information; grooming; ID tags and pet health insurance; demonstrations and classes
FOREST SERVICE PLAN TO CLEAR VEGETATION IN PINE VALLEY & MT. LAGUNA DRAWS CRITICISM; WOULD DAMAGE 1,000 ACRES OF CHAPARRAL, GROUP SAYS
Printer-friendly version April 6, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The U.S. Forest Service has proposed a 5,000 acre “Mount Laguna and Pine Valley Community Defense and Healthy Restoration Project” to include prescribed burns, tree thinning and shredding of brush to “reduce the risk to life, property and resource values from an unusually severe wildland fire event, and to improve fire
DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES FOR CONGRESS, LEGISLATURE & SCHOOL BOARD TO SPEAK IN LA MESA WED. APRIL 7
Printer-friendly version April 5, 2010 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club is hosting a free candidate forum on Wednesday, April 7 at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. All Democratic candidates running for the 52nd Congressional District, 77th Assembly District, 36th State Senate District, and San Diego School Board Seat B have been invited to
100 AFTERSHOCKS JAR REGION TODAY; MORE DAMAGE REPORTS ROLL IN
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 5, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Many area residents were awakened by aftershocks during the night following yesterday’s 7.2 earthquake in Mexico. In neighboring Imperial County, Calexico was the hardest hit U.S. city, with historic buildings in several blocks of downtown cordoned off and 80% red-tagged by authorities, Channel 7 news reports. In
QUAKE DAMAGE? SEND US YOUR PHOTOS & STORIES: Editor@eastcountymagazine.org
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HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
Printer-friendly version April 4, 2010 (San Diego) – The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook and high wind warning for our region. A Pacific storm will bring wind, rain and snow to San Diego County starting late tonight. A high wind warning is also in effect through 10 p.m. Monday evening for mountain and desert regions in
2 DEAD, 50 WOUNDED IN MEXICO QUAKE; NUMEROUS FIRES BURNING
Printer-friendly version Epicenter is fault line below long-dormant volcano April 4, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) Updated 11:25 p.m. – East County Magazine has obtained translations of Mexican broadcasts moments ago, indicating damage south of the border is substantially more widespread than earlier media reports indicated. At least 50 are injured, according to Mexican Red Cross, and two
QUAKE UPGRADED TO 7.2, STRONGEST EVER IN SAN DIEGO AREA
Printer-friendly version Major damage in Mexicali; minor damage to some East County facilities 5% chance of even bigger quake in next few days – Cal Tech By Miriam Raftery April 4, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The U.S. Geological Service has upgraded the quake that struck108 miles southeeast of Tijuana today to 7.2–stronger than the quake that leveled Haiti.
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