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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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Lakeside hiker found dead on El Cajon Mountain is identified
File photo: El Capitan County Preserve hiking trail Story updated March 26 By Miriam Raftery March 24, 2026 (Lakeside) – The San Diego County Medical…
League of Women Voters of San Diego continues nonpartisan candidate forums ahead of June primary
YouTube video screenshot of League of Women Voters’ District 2 candidate forum on March 5 East County News Service March 25, 2026 (San Diego) –…
East County public transportation guide to Padres Opening Day March 26
Skip Interstate 8 and ‘ride the rails’ with the Padres-wrapped Trolley East County News Service March 25, 2026 (San Diego) — With the San Diego…
The No Kings march on March 28 aims to be biggest yet, protesting authoritarianism across U.S.
By Alexander J. Schorr March 24, 2026— On Saturday, March 28, 2026, a massive nationwide mobilization called “No Kings 3” is scheduled across the United…
The Circle Players present ‘The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise’ April 17, 18 and 19
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (El Cajon) — The First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon’s theater outreach program, The Circle Players, will navigate…
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…
DON’T DEPEND ON LUCK O’ THE IRISH TO STAY SAFE THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY, SHERIFF WARNS
Printer-friendly version March 15, 2010 (San Diego) — Sheriff Bill Gore wants to send a reminder about St. Patrick’s Day and safe driving. For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large number of drunk drivers, the night out has also become very dangerous. On St.
BOATLOAD OF TROUBLE: FIRE CHIEF WITNESSES ARSON ACT IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version March 15, 2010 (Spring Valley) – Timing is everything, as an arsonist found out the hard way this morning. Shortly before 7:30 a.m., a San Miguel Fire battalion chief driving in the 3400 block of Sweetwater Springs noticed a man toss something at a boat parked in a home’s front yard. An instant later, the 20-foot ski
TOYOTA DISPUTES SIKES’ ACCOUNT OF RUNAWAY PRIUS; QUESTIONS GROW REGARDING DRIVER
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 15, 2010 (San Diego) – After completing its own testing, Toyota concluded yesterday that it could find no evidence to support James Sikes’ claim that a sticking gas pedal caused his vehicle to accelerate to 94 mph in a widely-publicized incident on I-8 in East County last week. Toyota said its tests found
COPS FIND “KEYS” TO BUNGLED BURGLARY
Printer-friendly version March 14, 2010 (La Mesa) – Two brothers who robbed a car rental business, then dropped their own car keys as they fled, have been arrested by La Mesa Police. Officials are now invetigating to determine whether the pair may have been responsible for other commercial break-ins. Around 1:40 a.m. on Saturday, La Mesa Police responded to
OFF-ROAD MOTORCYCLIST RESCUED ON TECATE PEAK
Printer-friendly version March 14, 2010 (Tecate) – Two Sheriff’s helicopters helped rescue a downed off-road motorcyclist early this afternoon half way up the northwest face of Tecate Peak. The 46-year-old crash victim suffered a shoulder injury at the 2,600 foot elevation level on a remote fire road. Sheriff’s Patrol Helicopter ASTREA 1 arrived on scene first and landed a
TRANSIENT ARRESTED FOR ANNOYING MINOR ON WAY TO MIDDLE SCHOOL IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2010 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police have arrested Gustavo Lugo, 54, a transient living along Highway 125. He was booked Friday for one count of annoying/molesting a child, a misdemeanor, and has not yet been charged by the District Attorney’s office, Lt. David Bond told East County Magazine. The suspect was walking in the same
REMEMBER! DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Printer-friendly version Saturday, March 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)- Be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour, since Daylight Savings Time starts at midnight. Printer-friendly version
14 INFANT DEATHS PROMPT CONSUMER WARNING ABUT SLING CARRIERS FOR BABIES
Printer-friendly version TWINS, PREEMIES, YOUNG BABIES & INFANTS WITH COLDS MOST AT RISK WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three
SHERIFF WARNS PUBLIC OF MAN FOLLOWING 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL TO & FROM SCHOOL IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2010 (Spring Valley) – San Diego Sheriff has issued a warning to the public about a man who has been following a 10-year-old girl to and from Kempton Elementary School in Spring Valley. The most recent incident occurred March 10 in the area of Piedmont Street and Grand Avenue. The first incident occurred on February
FALLBROOK MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORN & DOMESTIC THREAT
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2010 (Fallbrook) – Todd Norton, 43, of Fallbrook has been arrested for threatening to harm his wife and shoot up her house after she reported him to authorities for possession of child pornography, according to the San Diego Sheriff’s office. On March 8, Norton’s wife told authorities she left to initiate divorce proceedings after she
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