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Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber warns of ongoing threats to voting rights at East County Democratic Club meeting
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Paul Levikow April 22, 2026 (Alpine) — California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber recently delivered an assessment of the challenges facing the state’s electoral system, while urging vigilance and civic participation ahead of the 2026 elections. About 30 attendees gathered at The Alpine Club for the East
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
News Issues
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
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
Politics
Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber warns of ongoing threats to voting rights at East County Democratic Club meeting
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Paul Levikow April 22, 2026 (Alpine) — California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber recently delivered an assessment of the challenges facing the state’s electoral system, while urging vigilance and civic participation ahead of the 2026 elections. About 30 attendees gathered at The Alpine Club for the East
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
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
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
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
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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
East County-based physician Charles Hamori honored by American College of Physicians
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman April 21, 2026 (La Mesa) — When he was a teenager growing up in Muncie, Indiana, Charles Hamori performed his first successful medical diagnosis — on himself. Hamori was 14 when he correctly identified his own appendicitis, and it was at that moment (or soon
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
Features
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
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
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CALIFORNIA CLERGY LEADERS SPEAK OUT IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSITION 30
Printer-friendly versionTop Bishops, Rabbis, and Muslim leaders say “our future is at stake” on November 6 October 30, 2012 (Sacramento)– Leading Christian, Jewish & Muslim clergy and religious leaders from throughout California issued a powerful statement today in support of Proposition 30, the tax initiative on the November 6 ballot that would raise $6-9 billion to fund schools, public safety,
LA MESA MERCHANT CLAIMS ‘DECEITFUL’ DEPICTION OF LOCAL BUSINESS IN COUNCIL CANDIDATE LOTHIAN’S CAMPAIGN MATERIAL
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 29, 2012 (La Mesa)—The owners of Hunter’s Carpet in La Mesa have sent a letter to Council candidate Laura Lothian, with a copy to the City Attorney, contending that Lothian’s campaign falsely represented the carpet company’s property as an eyesore. “The picture you promote as “typical trash” in the city is a gross misrepresentation,” the
CANDIDATES OFFER CLASHING VISIONS, PRESCRIPTIONS FOR CHANGE IN GROSSMONT HEALTH CARE DISTRICT RACE
Printer-friendly versionBig issues include affordability and quality of care, long ER waits, and sweetheart contract with Sharp Health Care By Mark Gabrish Conlan October 30, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–How healthy is our healthcare district–and what remedies to candidates for the Grossmont Health Care District Board have to offer? ECM contacted all candidates and obtained responses from eight of the nine
LOCAL CHEF OFFERS “PRESIDENTIAL PAIRINGS” FOR ELECTION WEEK—PLUS FREE DESSERTS TO VOTERS
Printer-friendly versionOctober 30, 2012 (San Diego) — As Americans head to the polls on November 6, a local chef is capturing the flavor of the elections — literally. In honor of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney’s races for the White House, Terra American Bistro chef/owner Jeff Rossman has created a Presidential Pairings Menu featuring recipes that capture the qualities of both candidates. The
TWO DAYS OF SOAP BOX RACES READY TO RUN NOV. 3-4 ON COURSE MODIFIED BY CITY OF LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionOctober 30, 2012 (La Mesa)–Youngsters age 7-17 from throughout Southern California and Arizona are getting ready for two days of Soap Box Derby Races, November 3 and 4, as members of the host Kiwanis Club of La Mesa adjusts to modifications to the course on Junior High Drive at La Mesa Middle School. The two-day Rally Race is a
DESCRIPTION OF MAN OFFERING RIDES TO STUDENTS: PARENTS URGED TO BE VIGILANT
Printer-friendly versionOctober 30, 2012 (Alpine) –Alpine Union School Superintendent Tom Pellerino has sent a letter to parents today describing a man questioned by law enforcement for twice approaching a middle school student and offering a ride. A detailed description of the man and his vehicle is provided in his letter below. Dear Alpine Parents & Community Members, Yesterday, the District
A NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN OPENED AT LOS PENASQUITOS CANYON PRESERVE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 31, 2012 (San Diego) – County Parks and Recreation hosted the grand opening of a new community garden at Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve on October 26. County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price and County Parks and Recreation Director Brian Albright were on hand for the occasion. Residents can now dig, sow and grow fresh produce in the 20 planter boxes
ARMED SUSPECTS WANTED FOR CARJACKING AND ROBBERIES
Printer-friendly versionUpdate: Suspects are now in custody. October 30, 2012 (San Diego) — San Diego Police Department Robbery Unit detectives, in cooperation with detectives from the Escondido Police Department, are investigating a series of armed robberies and a carjacking that occurred throughout the county yesterday in the College Grove, Escondido and Mission Valley areas, as well as burned vehicles used
LA MESA MAN ROBBED AT GUNPOINT
Printer-friendly versionNovember 1, 2012 (La Mesa)—This morning at 1:08 a.m., La Mesa Police officers responded to a report of an armed robbery in the 8200 block of Lemon Avenue. The victim, 20, said he had just left his residence and walked across the street to retrieve his wallet and cell phone that he had left in his vehicle. While the
CHIVALRY RIDES ON AT 6TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT OF THE PHOENIX
Printer-friendly versionBy Janis Mork October 29, 2012 (Poway)- “We thought the fires would defeat us, but instead we have risen, phoenix-like, from the flames,” English competitor Dominic Sewell declared back in 2007. The Witch Creek fire had just ravaged our region, but organizers decided that the tournament would go on. Hence a name for the event was born—and it’s been
FREE JOB LISTINGS & MORE OFFERED BY RANCHO SAN DIEGO-JAMUL CHAMBER
Printer-friendly version February 14, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – If your company has a “help wanted” ad, you can now place your job listing free in the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce monthly newsletter, The Bridge. “We will also list job fairs as a free community service,” said RSDJ Chamber President Valerie Harrison. To sweeten its offerings
NEW LITTLE PADRES PARK IN ROLANDO SCORES A HOME RUN WITH LITTLE LEAGUERS
Printer-friendly version by Kristin Kjaero February 13, 2010 (La Mesa) — On Monday the lower field at Rolando Park in La Mesa was dedicated as the 40th official Little Padres Park. Padres closing pitcher Heath Bell and president/CEO Tom Garfinkel were on hand for the occasion–much to the delight of Rolando Little League players and their families. The
BBQ GRILLS RECALLED DUE TO FIRE & BURN HAZARDS
Printer-friendly version Master Burner Gas Grills Sold at Lowe’s Stores February 13, 2010 (Washington D.C.) The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the Sagittarius Sporting Goods of China, recently announced a voluntary recall of Master Forge five-burner gas grills. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately and contact the manufacturer for a free repair kit. Approximately 10,000
LOCAL WATER AGENCIES FILE SUIT OVER ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE PVC PIPES
Printer-friendly version February 13, 2010 (San Diego) – East County water districts have joined with the City of San Diego, other jurisdictions around the country, and a whistleblower who alleges that faulty PVC pipes are more apt to break or leak prematurely. Helix Water District, Ramona Municipal Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, and Sweetwater Authority are the local
CONTROLLED BURN ON PALOMAR MOUNTAIN TUESDAY
Printer-friendly version February 13, 2010 (Palomar) — Cal Fire will continue a prescribed burn to reduce dead and dying vegetation on Palomar Mountain near the Palomar Observatory starting on Tuesday, February 16th. Burning will be conducted by Cal Fire crews on week-days. Smoke may be visible from many miles away. Printer-friendly version
SANTEE FAMILY HOSPITALIZED WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Printer-friendly version SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT THIS TRAGEDY IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD By Miriam Raftery February 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – A Santee couple and their four children have been hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning after the father called 911 on Wednesday. Fortunately, all are expected to recover. But too often, such cases end in tragedy. This reporter, who once worked for the Idaho Statesman
MOTORIST KILLED FRIDAY ON I-8 AT ALPINE IDENTIFIED
Printer-friendly version February 13, 2010 (Alpine) – The County Coroner’s office has identified Ruben Dario Fernandez, 35, of Chula Vista as the driver who was killed yesterday in Alpine. Fernandez was driving a Lancer eastbound of I-8 west of East Willows Road around 6:45 in the morning when he collided with a slow-moving truck, lost control and plummeted down
PROPERTY OWNERS INVITED TO WORKSHOP FEB. 16 & 17 ON IMPACTS OF COUNTY’S PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN UPDATES
Printer-friendly version MULTIPLE SPECIES CONSERVATION PROGRAM ALSO ON THE AGENDA By Lola Sherman February 16, 2010 (Escondido) – County Supervisor Bill Horn will host workshops Tuesday and Wednesday to help property owners in unincorporated areas understand the possible effects of a proposed update in the county’s General Plan. Also to be discussed are effects on properties within the proposed North County Multiple Species Conservation Program.
EL CAJON FIRE MARSHAL CLOSES DOWN OVERCROWDED EVENT
Printer-friendly version IRAQI IMMIGRANTS WAITING HOURS FOR SERVICES FORCED TO GO HOME EMPTY-HANDED February 12, 2010 (El Cajon) –Iraqi immigrants began lining up at 5 a.m. today to recertify documentation and quality for social service benefits at the Chaldean-Middle Eastern Services Office at 343 Main Street in El Cajon. But shortly after 9 a.m., Heartland Fire & Rescue crews responded
GOING TO THE SNOW? HAVE FUN—BUT FIRST, READ THESE SAFETY TIPS FOR WEEKEND SNOW PLAY ON LAGUNA & PALOMAR MOUNTAINS
Printer-friendly version February 12, 2010 (Cleveland National Forest)– Tuesday’s storm dropped 8 to 10 inches of snow on Laguna Mountain and Palomar Mountain–recreation areas that will draw many people seeking to enjoy snow play this weekend. Before you head out for some family fun, however, the Forest Service seeks to ensure that everyone is properly prepared for the trip.
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