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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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Traffic stop leads to drug arrests in Spring Valley, including convicted felon
East County News Service March 9, 2026 (Spring Valley) – Two people have been arrested for possession of methamphetamines following a traffic stop for an…
County begins construction on Edgemoor Acute Psychiatric Unit
By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson , County of San Diego Communications Office Video by Alex Aguirre March 9, 2026 (San Diego) – Construction is underway to…
Issa retires, shaking up political map while endorsing Desmond in his shift to 48th District
By Jennifer Vigil, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association March 7, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) – County Supervisor Jim…
Brain-eating Rat Lungworms found in wildlife across region, including East County
Residents, gardeners should take precautions to protect against deadly disease transmitted by snails, slugs, and animals that ingest them By Miriam Raftery March 9, 2026…
Issa retires, shaking up political map while endorsing Desmond in his shift to 48th District
By Jennifer Vigil, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association March 7, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) – County Supervisor Jim…
Brain-eating Rat Lungworms found in wildlife across region, including East County
Residents, gardeners should take precautions to protect against deadly disease transmitted by snails, slugs, and animals that ingest them By Miriam Raftery March 9, 2026…
Advancing Healthy Communities: Building resilience in the backcountry
Printer-friendly versionCommunity Unites to Reimagine Campo’s School Field By David Shorey, Institute for Public Strategies Photo: Campo Elementary field (photo courtesy of Estrada Land Planning) December 17, 2025 (Campo) — In the Mountain Empire, where long bus rides, rugged terrain, and rising temperatures shape daily life, a new effort is underway to protect community health and strengthen resilience against extreme heat. A partnership
Man, 21, fatally struck while walking on freeway in El Cajon
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 20, 2026 (El Cajon) – A 21-year-old man from Kaibeto, Arizona walked onto Interstate 8 west from Mollison Avenue, amid low-lighting conditions on January 17 at 1:20 a.m. He was struck by a 2021 Toyota Venza driven by an El Cajon man,49. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on
County lighting Administration Center in support of Sydney attack victims; Menorah lighting set for Dec. 22
Printer-friendly version Photo courtesy San Diego County East County News Services Dec. 17, 2025 (San Diego County) — Behind the support of San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson from District 2, the County of San Diego will illuminate its County Administration Center in blue and white tonight, Dec. 17. The illumination in blue and white across from San Diego
Democrat Frances Motiwalla to Challenge Rep. Juan Vargas in CA-52 primary
By Paul Levikow March 7 , 2026 (San Diego) – Saying “we have to win or we will die trying,” Democratic community organizer Frances Yasmeen…
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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