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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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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…
The Circle Players present ‘The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise’ April 17, 18 and 19
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (El Cajon) — The First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon’s theater outreach program, The Circle Players, will navigate…
FREE SELF-DEFENSE DEMO WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT KROC CENTER
Printer-friendly version March 30, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diegans have been deeply shaken by the tragic deaths of Amber Dubois and Chelsea King. In response, the Salvation Army Kroc Center has joined forces with PlayItSafe Defesne to empower women and teens (ages 13 and older) with a FREE preventative awareness training and demonstration of pratical self defense techniques. This event will be held
FBI, SHERIFF SEEK PUBLIC HELP TO IDENTIFY ALPINE BANK ROBBER
Printer-friendly version March 30, 2010 (Alpine) –The FBI and San Diego Sheriff’s Department ask the public’s help to identify a man who robbed a California Bank & Trust at 2250 Alpine Boulevard yesterday at 11:27 a.m. After the robbery, the suspect fled on a red BMX type bicycle westbound on Alpine Boulevard and was last seen heading westbound on Arnold
SAFETY TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Printer-friendly version March 29, 2010 (San Diego) — Following recent minor earthquakes in our region and the recent devastating quakes in Haiti and Chile, Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) advises that advance preparation is critical in getting ready for the next major earthquake. The Gas Company offers these safety tips to help reduce the chance of injuries or
ISSA INTRODUCES BILL TO LIMIT LAWSUITS OVER PATENT INFRINGEMENT
Printer-friendly version March 29, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – San Diego representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) has joined with Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA), Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) and Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) to introduce legislation aimed at stopping frivolous patent litigation related to the marking of products. “Our bill discourages deceptive patent marking while simultaneously moving to eliminate frivolous
EL CAJON UNVEILS PLAN FOR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: PUBLIC COMMENT TUESDAY AT 1:30 PM
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 29, 2010 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon has issued a proposed business plan for the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC). The proposed plan calls for the City to take back management of the facility, dramatically remodel the theater, then bring back headliner stars as entertainment. A City Council
SHERIFF SEARCH ON FOR MISSING RAMONA MAN AT LAKE SUTHERLAND
Printer-friendly version March 28, 2010 (Ramona) – Sheriff’s Search and Rescue personnel have been activated for a large-scale search of the Lake Sutherland area in Ramona after discovery yesterday of a vehicle belonging to Wiilliam Kelly Buntain, 48. The Ramona man, an insulin-dependent diabetic, left home March 22 without his medications and has not been seen or heard from
VEHICLE BURGLARY SUSPECT ARRESTED IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version March 28, 2010 – Sokin Roberts, 19, of La Mes has been arrested and charged with burglary and possession of stolen property. Roberts reportedly used a large rock to break a window of a vehicle at 8464 Echo Drive and steal property. The victim’s boyfriend followed the suspect and detained him until police arrived. He was still
SUICIDAL LEMON GROVE MAN ARRESTED FOR TERRORIST THREAT
Printer-friendly version Suspect reportedly threatened to blow up deputies with grenade March 28, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – Jose Gonzalez, 40, has been arrested and charged with making terrorist threats and resisting a peace officer. According to a statement issued by the Sheriff, deputies responded to a call last night in the 7900 block of Longdale Drive in Lemon Grove.
KIDNAPPED CONTRACTOR FREED
Printer-friendly version El Cajon man was captured by extremists in Iraq January 23 March 28, 2010 (El Cajon) – The U.S. Department of Defense today announced that Issa Salomi, 60, of El Cajon is free and has been returned to American authorities. “We appreciate all the support everyone has shown towards us from all over the country,” Salomi’s
BLOCK BILL TO CLOSE TAX LOOPHOLES FOR COMPANIES OFFSHORING ASSETS PASSED ASSEMBLY; REVENUES WOULD HELP COLLEGE STUDENTS PAY FOR TEXT BOOKS
Printer-friendly version March 27, 2010 (Sacramento) Assembly Bill 1178, also known as the “Cayman Islands Tax Loophole” bill, recently passed the Assembly and will next be considerate by the Senate. The measure authored by Assemblyman Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) passed the Assembly with a 42-28 vote. AB 1178 would generate an estimated $120 million in revenue currently lost to
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