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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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Male lion joins pride at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
East County News Service View video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1484962496593617 March 24, 2026 (San Pasqual) — The lion pride at the Safari Park just got a little louder…
Karnival of the Arts coming to DeAnza Springs April 30 through May 3
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — Performance art and music will collide and combine in concert in the high desert…
Mt. Miguel High School Foundation hosts “Spring Craft Fair” April 11 to support local students
East County News Service March 23, 2026 (Spring Valley) — The Mt. Miguel High School Foundation is inviting the community to its upcoming “Spring Craft…
San Diego County leaders share concerns ahead of World TB Day
East County News Service March 23, 2026 (San Diego County) –While tuberculosis (TB) is often dismissed as a disease of the past, San Diego County…
Sarah Foles: A Short Story Collection by Travis Lee provides rich social commentary
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 22, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Travis Lee has released a collection of short stories currently displayed in…
Walden Family Services marks 50 years with golf tournament and ‘No Place Like Home’ gala
East County News Service March 22, 2026 (San Diego) — Nonprofit Walden Family Services , which has supported more than 100,000 foster children and families…
San Diego-based USS Boxer with Pendleton Marines deploys to Mideast
by Chris Jennewein • Times of San Diego , a member of the San Diego Online News Association The USS Boxer underway in March 2024…
Planning under way for 80th annual Crest 4th of July Parade and daylong festival
Vendors, food trucks and parade participants wanted By Paul Levikow March 21, 2026 (Crest) – The Crest Community Association is planning the 80th Annual Crest…
Santee School District awarded grant to launch Career Technical Program
East County News Service March 21, 2026 (Santee) — Santee School District was awarded a $215,000 grant through the Strong Workforce Program to launch a…
La Mesa ‘State of the City’ address: Crime rates drop, infrastructure work surges
Story and photos by Karen Pearlman March 21, 2026 (La Mesa) — A double-digit decline in property crime and a record-breaking year for road repairs…
CAPITOL REPORT: HOW THEY VOTED – MARCH 2010
Printer-friendly version March 26, 2010 (Washington and Sacramento) – Do you know how your Congressional and State Legislative representatives voted on important recent bills? Find out here! For more information on these and other bills, visit www.vote-smart.org, www.govtrack.us, www.opencongress.org and www.aroundthecapitol.com. FEDERAL BILLS & VOTES (CONGRESS) H.R. 3590: PATIENT PROTECTION & AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Status: Signed into
RANCHO SAN DIEGO-JAMUL CHAMBER HOSTS 4th FRIDAY BREAKFAST MARCH 26: COUNTY ECONOMIC ADDRESS & BUY LOCAL CAMPAIGN FEATURED
Printer-friendly version March 25, 2010 (Rancho San Diego)- “Success for 2010” and a “Buy Locally” community campaign are the themes for the Rancho San Diego Jamul Chamber of Commerce 4th Friday breakfast meetings, which are held at different locations each month. The next event will be held March 26 from 7:30-9 a.m. at The Press Box Lounge, 2990 Jamacha
HOW THE HEALTHCARE BILL WILL IMPACT YOU, YOUR FAMILY & YOUR BUSINESS
Printer-friendly version Beyond the hype, snipes and myths, what will the landmark measure really do? By Miriam Raftery March 22, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – How will the landmark healthcare bill passed last night by the House of Representatives impact you, your family and your business? The answers, detailed extensively below, may surprise you. President Barack Obama
EMPOWERING HOMEOWNERS & BUSINESS OWNERS TO SAVE MONEY WHILE GOING GREEN
Printer-friendly version Empowered Energy Solutions finds hot market for rapid residential audit program By Dennis Moore March 25, 2010 (San Diego) – Saving money while converting to green energy sources is viewed by many consumers as both desirable and a necessity in this day and age. At the forefront of this movement is Empowered Energy Solutions, a Solana
CAR BURGLARIES ON RISE IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version March 24, 2010 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police seeks the public’s help to reduce a growing number of car burglaries. Over the past month, car burglaries have occurred throughout the City but the l pattern has been for a small area to be targeted and several cars burglarized from late evening to sunrise. Most frequently
SHERIFF SEEKS SUSPECT IN JAMUL CHILD KIDNAPPING: MAN WITH DRAGON TATTOOS, LONG BEARD & PICKUP TRUCK
Printer-friendly version March 24, 2010 (Jamul) –Sheriff’s detectives are looking for a muscular, tall (6’3-6’5) white man with dragon tattoos on both arms, shaggy brown hair and a beard reaching to mid-chest. He reportedly forced a 12-year-old boy into a pickup truck with screws in tires (racing-type tires) in Jamul around 8 p.m. last night, then later released the victim.
MIDGE COSTANZA, AIDE TO PRES. CARTER & SDSU PROFESSOR, DIES OF CANCER
Printer-friendly version March 23, 2010 (San Diego) – Former White House aide Margaret "Midge" Costanza, 77, died today at Scripps Memorial Hospital following a long battle with cancer. Costanza made history in 1976 when President Jimmy Carter appointed her as assistant to the president, the first woman to occupy a senior position on the White House staff. An outspoken
PRESIDENT SIGNS HEALTHCARE REFORM INTO LAW; EAST COUNTY CONGRESSIONAL CONTENDERS VOICE VIEWS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 23, 2010 – President Barack Obama today signed into law historic healthcare reform legislation. Locally, the measure drew sharp criticism from Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) but praise from Hunter’s Democratic opponent, Raymond Lutz. In signing the bill, Obama said he was honoring the memory of his mother, who fought with insurance companies
TEEN STABBED AND ROBBED AT PARKWAY PLAZA
Printer-friendly version March 22, 2010 (El Cajon) – A juvenile has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a 19-year-old man who told police he was getting into his car outside Parkway Plaza when he was robbed, then attacked. El Cajon Police responded to 911 calls regarding the stabbing at 2:30 p.m. They found the victim with stab wounds to his
MAN ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF WOMAN WHOSE BODY WAS DUMPED IN PINE VALLEY 15 YEARS AGO
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 22, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – “Cold case” homicide investigators from the San Diego Sheriff’s homicide detail and the District Attorney’s office today arrested Russell Upton, 36, for the August 1995 murder of his wife, Marilane Abueg. Upton was arrested in Reno, Nevada. At the time of the crime, the couple lived
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