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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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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…
Health and Science Highlights
March 4, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future….
Chaldean Bishop arrested while trying to leave the U.S.
By Miriam Raftery Photo by Miriam Raftery: Bishop Shaleta in May 2024 at opening of incubator business center for refugees and immigrants in El Cajon…
Nature Day on Mt. Helix March 14: Butterflies, plants galore and more
East County News Service March 6, 2026 (Mt. Helix) – You’re invited to celebrate Nature Day at the Mt. Helix Park, where Earth Day is…
SDSU hosts pow wow April 11
East County News Service March 6, 2026 (San Diego) — SDSU will host its 54th annual pow wow on Saturday, April 11 starting at 11…
ECM World Watch: national and global news
March 6, 2026 (San Diego) — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news…
East County Roundup: local and statewide news
March 6, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published…
Spring Into El Cajon on April 18 celebrates Arbor Day and arrival of spring
East County New Service Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay March 6, 2026 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon invites community members and…
Chaldean Bishop arrested while trying to leave the U.S.
By Miriam Raftery Photo by Miriam Raftery: Bishop Shaleta in May 2024 at opening of incubator business center for refugees and immigrants in El Cajon…
Nature Day on Mt. Helix March 14: Butterflies, plants galore and more
East County News Service March 6, 2026 (Mt. Helix) – You’re invited to celebrate Nature Day at the Mt. Helix Park, where Earth Day is…
FEDS FILE SUIT TO BLOCK CA CUTS IN IN-HOME CARE FOR SENIORS & DISABLED
Printer-friendly version Adult day-care program also protected from cuts by federal judge March 7, 2010 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Justice Department filed an amicus brief Tuesday in the U.S. Court of Appeal supporting a lawsuit to block Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plan to slash in-home care to 130,000 seniors and disabled people in California. The Obama administration, in the
LET IT SNOW! WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY ISSUED FOR MOUNTAINS
Printer-friendly version March 6, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory from 6 p.m. tonight through 2 p.m. tomorrow. Four to six inches of snow have been forecast above 4500 feet tonight in higher elevations including Palomar Mountain, Cuyamaca, Mount Laguna, and Ranchita. A hazardous weather outlook has also
S.D. EAST COUNTY CHAMBER HONORS 7 BUSINESSES AT 98TH GALA AWARDS CEREMONY
Printer-friendly version March 6, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — Seven businesses were honored at the 98thAnnual Inaugural Gala hosted by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and presented by Barona Resort & Casino on February 26. This year’s Gala replaced the Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet, increasing the number of honorees and award-winners and broadening scope of
FILNER COSPONSORS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENERGY TRAINING ACT
Printer-friendly version March 6, 2010 (San Diego) — Congressman Bob Filner is among 111 cosponsors of the Community College Energy Training Act (H.R. 3731), legislation that will support community colleges as they train a new generation of technicians and other workers in America’s renewable energy industry. “To end our dependence on fossil fuels, we need to start preparing
BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: MATADORS WAVE OFF LAST CHANCE COMEBACK BY RAIDERS WITH 51-48 WIN
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr (Spring Valley) March 2 – If you weren’t at Mount Miguel High School Tuesday night to see the host Matadors play the visiting Raiders of San Diego Southwest High School, you missed out on a real gem. This basketball game had virtually everything you could ask for in a playoff matchup: a packed gym, fans
GRAN FONDO CYCLING EVENT IN OTAY MARCH 7
Printer-friendly version March 6, 2010 (Otay) – Approximately 3,000 rider have registered for the Gran Fondo cycling event, which starts tomorrow at 7 a.m. in downtown’s Little Italy with three routes. The longest route—a grueling 101 miles–heads into East County along Honey Springs and Otay Lakes roads. Motorists are advised to consider alternate routes. Awards will be offered for
FREE JOB SKLLS PROGRAM MARCH 11 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version March 5, 2010 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont College Career Center will host “Be A Star Performer,” a free informational meeting on soft skills that can give you an edge in your job search and career success, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, at the Career Center, Room 627, on the college campus.
GARDNER PLEADS NOT GUILTY; MAY BE LINKED TO ADDITIONAL STALKING OF YOUNG GIRLS
Printer-friendly version PUBLIC MEMORIAL SET FOR CHELSEA KING MARCH 13 March 5, 2010 (San Diego) – John Albert Gardner III has pleaded not guilty to the murder and rape of Chelsea King. View a video of his arraignment: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/04/chelsea-king-body-confirmation/. A preliminary hearing is set for March 18. Sheriff Bill Gore has ordered the County Medical Examiner’s report including
FUNERAL FOR DEPUTY KENNETH COLLIER SET FOR SATURDAY
Printer-friendly version Law enforcement plans procession from Qualcomm Stadium to Shadow Mountain Church in El Cajon to honor fallen deputy March 3, 2010 (El Cajon) – Services will be held Saturday for Sheriff’s Deputy Kenneth Collier, who died February 28 of injuries sustained in pursuit of a wrong-way driver in Santee. The memorial service will be held on Saturday, March
CHELSEA KING CASE RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT MEGAN’S LAW
Printer-friendly version By E.A. Barrera March 3, 2010 (San Diego) –In the wake of the case of murdered Poway High school student Chelsea King and the arrest of convicted sex-offender John Gardner who lives in Lake Elsinore, the subject of “Megan’s Law” and what it is supposed to do is once again in the news. The right of individuals
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