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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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PASSAGES: Kevin Key, 54 photographer, historian, teacher
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman April 23, 2026 (Salton Sea) — Kevin Connolly Key, a renowned professional photographer whose lens captured the stark beauty and environmental fragility of the Anza-Borrego Desert, Salton Sea and nearly all of San Diego County through the years, passed away on April 20, 2026. He was 54. Known to friends and neighbors as “Kevin LiT!,”
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 County Democratic Club’s April meeting to hear from the state’s
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 student violinists. Now with Villa Musica is celebrating its 20th
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 Action Network (SanDi ECAN), the free event is
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 thereafter) a doctor was born. “With my first diagnosis of
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 forum aiming to broaden our understanding of the state and
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 defensible space around their homes. As one of the most
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 E. Feliciano and his wife, musician and investor Kwanza Jones, for a
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 services and needs of families in any of the military
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 new diet. Printer-friendly version
COUNTY HOSTS CAREER DAY FOR KIDS COPING WITH HOMELESSNESS
Printer-friendly version March 26, 2010 (San Diego) — County staff spent a day teaching Monarch School students about jobs in public service by hosting a career day at the County Administration Center. “We want to help the Monarch School provide these young people with bright futures by showing them how to prepare for a career in government or any
8 CANDIDATES VIE TO REPLACE REXFORD ON POWAY COUNCIL
Printer-friendly version March 26, 2010 (Poway ) – On June 6, Poway voters will decide whether or not to recall Council member Betty Rexford. Backers of the recall have laid out their arguments at the website www.recallrexford.com. Rexford has launched a site disputing the charges and defending her record at http://www.therealbettyrexford.com/. Voters will also be asked to choose a replacement
PUBLIC MEMORIAL FOR AMBER DUBOIS SET FOR SATURDAY
Printer-friendly version March 26, 2010 (Escondido) – Private funeral services were held today for Amber Dubois. Tomorrow at 1 p.m. a public memorial service is planned at Escondido High School, where family and friends aim to celebrate her life and say their bittersweet goodbyes. Mark Klaas will speak at the ceremony, the North County Times reports. Klaas, national spokesperson for
INJURED HIKER RESCUED FROM CANYON IN BORREGO SPRINGS
Printer-friendly version March 26, 2010 (Borrego Springs) – A hiker who broke her leg on a trail in Palm Canyon, a remote location in Borrego Springs, was hoisted to safety yesterday by San Diego’s Copter 10, following a call for assistance from the Borrego Springs Fire Department. An awaiting ambulance transported the injured hiker to Eisenhower Medical Center in
GREEN RUSH NEEDED: CAN DOERR FIND US ALL A NETSCAPE MOMENT?
Printer-friendly version By Kathleen Connell, M.A Republished with permission from her blog http://www.missiontohumanity.com One of my favorite Venture Capitalists, John Doerr, is looking for that clean tech killer app that startles and then sends the thundering herds of start-ups across the wetland plains of Silicon Valley–that bullish scent, that feverish Valley buzz, the gridlock on highway 101–and those returns! These
SALAS NAMED NEW CO-CHAIR OF ASSEMBLY LEGISLATIVE ETHICS COMMITTEE
Printer-friendly version March 26, 2010 – Assemblymember Mary Salas (D-San Diego) announces her new committee assignments for the 2010 Legislative Session, which include Co-Chair of the Assembly Legislative Ethics Committee. “Legislative Ethics has been a priority of mine since I served on the Chula Vista City Council; I am honored to be serving as Co-Chair of the Legislative Ethics
EDITORIAL: POWERLINK SHOCKER: FEINSTEIN TELLS FOREST SERVICE CHIEF SHE SUPPORTS POWERLINK, SEES “NO OPPOSITION” OTHER THAN “NIMBY GROUPS FULLY CONSIDERED & DISMISSED”
Printer-friendly version ECM URGES FEINSTEIN: COME TO A PUBLIC MEETING IN EAST COUNTY ON POWERLINK By Miriam Raftery, Editor March 26, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) has pressured the head of the U.S. Forest Service in an appropriations hearing last week to fast-track approval of SDG&E’s request to run Sunrise Powerlink through the Cleveland National Forest, the Union-Tribune reports today. Claiming to be unaware of major opposition,
SD POLICE WARN OF BURGLARY SERIES; INTRUDERS SPRAYED HOMEOWNER & DOG WITH CHEMICALS
Printer-friendly version March 25, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diegio Police Department’s northeastern division is inevestigating three burglaries believed to be related, including two in which intruders sprayed caustic chemicals, possibly bear spray or peper spray. The break-ins occurred on March 22 in the Rancho Bernardo, Miramar Ranch, and Scripps Ranch communities. Around 12:45 in the afternoon, a
HORSES STAMPEDE THROUGH STREETS OF OTAY MESA
Printer-friendly version March 25, 2010 (Otay Mesa) – Roundups may be nothing unusual in some areas of San Diego’s East County, but yesterday wild horses descended from hills in the Otay area and spurred domestic horses to escape from an Otay-area ranch. The herd then stampeded through the Eastlake community, galloping through streets, suburbs, fields and the Olympic Training Center
JAMUL KIDNAP STORY A HOAX, BOY ADMITS
Printer-friendly version March 25, 2010 (Jamul) – Detectives at the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s substation have determined that the Alleged kidnapping of a 12-year-old boy in Jamul was a hoax. After detectives noted inconsistencies in his story, the youth ultimately confessed to detectives that he had made up the story after he was caught away from his home after
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