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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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‘I’m Adopted’ by Cynthia R. Gould is the cat’s meow
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 16, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego author Cynthia R. Gould has released her second chidren’s book, and second…
Will the AI bubble burst? How AI generators are remaking reality
Screenshot from WION on AI East County News Service March 16, 2026 (San Diego) — According to Businessman and Attorney Andrew Yang , “The jobpocalypse…
Alejandro Escovedo to headline Adams Avenue Unplugged Saturday, April 25
Source: Adams Avenue Business March 16, 2026 (San Diego) – Adams Avenue Unplugged will take place on Saturday, April 25th, 12 noon to 12 midnight,…
$33M water facility expansion buffers growth in Temescal Valley
East County News Service March 12, 2026 (Temescal Valley) — The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District marked a significant infrastructure milestone earlier this month with…
Extreme heat watch issued for coming week
East County News Service March 14, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – An extreme heat watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for…
Sheriff identifies man found hanged in jail cell
East County News Service March 14, 2026 (San Diego) – A man who died of an apparent suicide by hanging in the San Diego Central…
Sunrise to sunset is theme of 2026 Lake Jennings photo contest
East County News Service March 15, 2026 (Lakeside) – Lake Jennings invites you to enter your best photos taken at Lake Jennings between April 1…
Cognitive behavioral therapy: healing through poetry
CBT Self-Therapy Poetry: A Right Brain Approach to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and DBT Self-Therapy Poetry: A Right-Brain Approach to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Books by Dharlene…
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,…
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…
BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: KNIGHTS’ 78-73 OT LOSS MARKS END OF AN ERA FOR EL CAJON TEAM
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr (El Cajon) March 18 – It was as if fans of El Cajon Foothills Christian High School boys basketball team had found the perfect wave, riding on the performances of seniors Troy Leaf, Kalob Hatcher and Jvonte Brooks. As anyone from California knows, waves don’t last forever; you enjoy the ride while it lasts. The
CALIFORNIA WOMEN CANDIDATES FORUM THURS. MARCH 18
Printer-friendly version San Diego, CA – March 16, 2010 – Run Women Run and CALIFORNIA LIST will host a landmark Candidate Forum spotlighting California’s leading women candidates for state office on Thursday, March 18 from 5:30-8 p.m. in San Diego. March is women’s history month. Meet California women who are making history. Confirmed participants and their races are:
GOOD MONEY: SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FUNDS OUTPERFORM BENCHMARKS
Printer-friendly version “Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing” By: Judith L. Seid, CFP ® President, Blue Summit Financial Group Although past performance is not an indication of how a fund may perform in the future, a notable report recently released shows that Socially responsible investment funds outperformed their benchmarks in almost all asset classes last
SUPERINTENDENT COLLINS TO LEAVE DISTRICT AT END OF SCHOOL YEAR
Printer-friendly version Accepts new position for CORE education products company March 16, 2010 (La Mesa) – Robert J. Collins, Superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District, will leave at the end of the school year to accept the position of vice president and chief academic officer with the CORE K12 division of CORE Projects and Technologies Ltd.,
HIGHWAY 52 WESTBOUND LANES CLOSED
Printer-friendly version UPDATE 1:14 PM: Accident has been cleared to center divide and lanes are now reopened. March 16, 2010 (Tierrasanta)12:55 pm — All westbound lanes on State Route 52 are closed and a Sig Alert has been issued. An accident near Mast Boulevard in Tierrasanta involves a gravel truck and at least three cars, CHP reports. Printer-friendly version
TRAIN DERAILS IN SORRENTO MESA
Printer-friendly version March 16, 2010 (San Diego – A freight train derailment in Sorrento Mesa north of the I-5 and I-805 junction has shut down all Amtrak train travel in both directions. Passengers will be bussed. The accident occurred during the night and no injuries have been reported. At least two cars are off the track completely in
AZTECS OPEN NCAA TOURNAMENT IN RHODE ISLAND; FACE TENNESSEE IN FIRST-ROUND ACTION
Printer-friendly version March 16, 2010 (San Diego) – The San Diego State University Aztecs, eleventh seeded men’s basketball team (25-9 overall; 11-5 Mountain West Conference), tournament champions of the MWC, travels to Providence, R.I., for a match-up against sixth-seeded and 15th/14th-ranked Tennessee (25-9 overall; 11-5 Southeastern Conference) in the fourth first-round game at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center on Thursday.
LOST JAMUL TEEN FOUND SAFE IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version March 16, 2010 (El Cajon) 9:15 a.m.– Brenda Luu, a 19-year-old mentally impaired teen from Jamul, has just been found safely by El Cajon Police at a bus stop at Mollison and Main Streets in El Cajon after a citizen reported seeing the missing girl At this time there is no evidence of foul play, though authorities
PASSPORT FEES MAY INCREASE
Printer-friendly version March 15, 2010 (San Diego) — If you’re planning to travel abroad or cross the Mexican border, you may want to apply now for your passport–since fees may go up substantially soon. Public comment on the fee increases ended March 9, and the County is awaiting the U.S. State Department’s decision to see if the increases will be
GUNMAN ROBS ATM CUSTOMER AT BANK IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version March 15, 2010 (La Mesa) – A man sitting on the curb outside Wachovia Bank at 5610 Lake Murray Boulevard Friday afternoon waited as a customer withdrew money from the ATM machine, then displayed a handgun and demanded the money. The victim handed over the cash and the suspect fled northbound in traffic lanes of Baltimore Drive.
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