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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
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
News Issues
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
‘Bill Walton Way’ coming to a street near you in La Mesa
Printer-friendly version The Boys & Girls Club of East County La Mesa Clubhouse honored local basketball star Bill Walton by naming the gym after Walton in 2018. Walton died of colon cancer at age 71 in 2024. Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 14, 2026 (La Mesa) — Bill Walton, who preferred
Politics
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
La Mesa City Council votes 5-0 approving e-bike safety pilot program
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 16, 2026 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is the latest city in San Diego County seeking to codify strict regulations on electric bicycles, specifically looking to protect riders under 12. On Tuesday, the La Mesa City Council unanimously voted to establish a new e-bike safety pilot program
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
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
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
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
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
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);
Features
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
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
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California teachers ‘tread lightly’ for America’s 250th as they navigate competing narratives
By Carolyn Jones, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters . Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: San Lorenzo High School teacher Judy Smith…
German Cabaret returns to El Cajon with ‘No Train to Anywhere’
East County News Service March 12, 2026 (El Cajon) — The German Theater Group San Diego has announced its 2026 production, a German-language cabaret titled…
Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo
Book by Nico Waters Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 12, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diegan Nico Waters has written a series of children’s books….
U.S. casualties mount in Iran conflict
By Miriam Raftery Photo via U.S. Navy: F/A-18E Super Hornet on flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of Operation Epic…
California teachers ‘tread lightly’ for America’s 250th as they navigate competing narratives
By Carolyn Jones, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters . Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: San Lorenzo High School teacher Judy Smith…
German Cabaret returns to El Cajon with ‘No Train to Anywhere’
East County News Service March 12, 2026 (El Cajon) — The German Theater Group San Diego has announced its 2026 production, a German-language cabaret titled…
Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo
Book by Nico Waters Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 12, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diegan Nico Waters has written a series of children’s books….
Vatican removes San Diego Chaldean Bishop following embezzlement arrest; Cardinal also steps down
East County News Service March 10, 2026 (El Cajon) – The Vatican on Tuesday formally accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Shaleta , the leader…
CERT makes emergency preparedness fun
By Yvette Urrea Moe , County of San Diego Communications Office March 11, 2026 (San Diego) – Preparing for emergencies is serious, but it doesn’t…
Poll workers needed for June 2 gubernatorial primary election
By Gig Conaughton , County of San Diego Communications Office March 12, 2026 (San Diego) — The Registrar of Voters is now hiring poll workers…
EAST COUNTY’S CONGRESSIONAL & STATE LEGISLATIVE RACES: WHO’S RUNNING
Printer-friendly version March 19, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The majority of Congressional and state legislative seats in San Diego County have districts that include areas east of I-15. Here’s the rundown on who’s filed with the San Diego County Registrar to run for the top local spots, along with our thumbnail assessment of the hot races to
WITH DEEP EDUCATION BUDGET CUTS & TEACHER LAYOFFS LOOMING, PTA SEEKS BALLOT MEASURE TO HELP SCHOOL DISTRICTS WIN VOTERS’ APPROVAL OF FUNDING MEASURES
Printer-friendly version March 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Massive state budget cuts to education have squeezed many local school district budgets to the bone, forcing teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, program cuts, and elimination of counselors and nurses at some schools. Now the California Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) and concerned parents are fighting back, seeking to place
CHP REPORT CONFIRMS RUNAWAY PRIUS DRIVER “VISIBLY SHAKEN” & “IN SHOCK”
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 18, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – A report released by the California Highway Patrol confirms that James Sikes, the driver who called 911 to report that his Prius accelerated out of control on I-8 in East County last week, appeared “panicked” during the incident. A CHP officer pulled alongside and offered
WATER-SMART PLANT FAIR MARCH 20: MORE BEAUTY WITH LESS WATER
Printer-friendly version Attendees Eligible to Win Home Landscape Re-Design March 18, 2010 (El Cajon) — San Diegans are invited to attend this year’s spring gardening season kick-off event on Saturday, March 20, 2010. The Water Conservation Garden, in partnership with San Diego Gas & Electric will open the spring planting season by offering a large variety of elegant drought
HOMELESS IN EAST COUNTY: INJURED & MENTALLY ILL, JAMUL MAN FINDS HELP IS SCARCE
Printer-friendly version This is the latest in a series of profiles of homeless persons in East County. If you know of a homeless individual willing to be interviewed, please contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. By Richard Darvas March 16, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — Days before Bryan Brzezowski’s sixteenth birthday, he began to hear voices, he recalled in an interview
LA MESA WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN ROSARITA BEACH, MEXICO
Printer-friendly version March 17, 2010 (La Mesa) – The body of Maria “Laura” Chavez Sandoval, of La Mesa was found today in the water off the coast of Rosarita Beach, Mexico. Sandoval, 55 was reported missing on Sunday by her husband. She reportedly took a taxi from La Mesa to San Ysidro and was last seen exiting the taxicab. Sandoval
SCIENCE FAIR FUELS KIDS’ IMAGINATIONS
Printer-friendly version March 17, 2010 (El Cajon) – Rocket launchings, flying rubber-band powered airplanes and forensic crime scene exhibits were among the displays at the Southern California Regional Science Decathlon. The regional event was hosted at Grossmont College for the fourth consecutive year. Photo: Eighth grader Taylor Boston represented Tierra del Sol Middle School in Lakeside. She is
PAROLEE APPREHENDED AFTER ESCAPING FROM EL CAJON POLICE
Printer-friendly version March 17, 2010 (El Cajon) 5:30 p.m. — A S.W.A.T. team and K-9 team was dispatched to a Doubletree Hotel in San Diego this afternoon after a parolee escaped from El Cajon Police. The man broke into a hotel room and fled from balcony to balcony, armed with a gun. The suspect is now in custody, Monica Zech,
28% INCREASE IN UNINSURED CALIFORNIANS: 1 IN 4 ADULTS HAVE NO HEALTHCARE COVERAGE
Printer-friendly version March 17, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) –California’s healthcare crisis has dramatically worsened. From 2008 to 2009, nearly 2 million people in our state lost their health insurance amid recession and layoffs, according to the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. That’s a 28% jump over the prior year. Nearly one-quarter of all adult Californians lack health
LA MESA POLICE ARREST MAN IN STRANGER STALKING CASE, SEEK MORE VICTIMS
Printer-friendly version March 17, 2010 (La Mesa) – Oraha Oraha (same first and last name) was arrested around 8 p.m. last night by La Mesa Police for stalking a 24 year old woman. She worked in the 8500 block of Fletcher Parkway. A security guard working in the 8600 block had been alerted about previous stalking allegations. He
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