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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
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
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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Health alert: 2 rabid bats found in Escondido
Officials seeking potential contacts, photo courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service March 28, 2026 (Escondido) — San Diego County public health officials…
Meet candidates in Lakeside on April 22
East County News Service March 27, 2026 (Lakeside) – Voters are invited to the “Candidates to Constituents Town Hall” series. The series is hosted by…
Helix Water District electrifies East County
Helix Water District Board Member Joel Scalzitti tells the crowd at the Helix Operations Center on Vernon Way on Friday that the district’s new electrification…
Juvenile riding e-motorcycle injured in hit-and-run Santee collision
East County News Service March 25, 2026 (Santee) – A juvenile riding an electric motorcycle on Mission Gorge Road yesterday afternoon was struck by a…
Expungement program with the county shared by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (San Diego County) — Working to dismantle barriers to employment and housing for formerly incarcerated residents, San Diego…
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…
PURSE SNATCHERS NABBED
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (La Mesa) — La Mesa Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the robbery of a woman at Grossmont Center on January 21st. The victim suffered a cut on her hand when a suspect attempted to slice the strap of her purse to steal it. On February 2, La Mesa Police Detectives arrested the
NEED WORK? HUNTER HOSTS JOB FAIR FEB. 19
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (El Cajon) – Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) will host a community job fair in conjunction with the East County Career Center on February 19, 2010, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 E. Douglas Avenue in El Cajon next to the El Cajon Library). Job applicants are urged to
A REGIONAL VISION: EAST COUNTY LEADERS CONVENE TO PLAN FOR FUTURE; PUBLIC IDEAS WELCOME
Printer-friendly version “This is a major initiative about the future of East County,” — G. Cole Davis, El Cajon Community Development Corporation By Miriam Raftery February 4, 2010 (El Cajon) – On Saturday, community leaders from throughout East County convened in El Cajon for “The Challenges and Opportunities of Imaging the Future of the Greater San Diego Region.” The
2 CHAMBERS SPONSOR CELEBRATION OF HOOLEY’S 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (La Mesa) — Mix it up with fun and networking at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill, 5500 Grossmont Blvd. at Grossmont Center in La Mesa. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce joins with the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce to help celebrate the popular pub’s one-year anniversary at the La Mesa location on
MARTIN ATKINS’ TOUR:SMART SEMINAR AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE FEB. 10
Printer-friendly version February 4, 2010 (El Cajon)– Martin Atkins could be the definition of entrepreneurial activity in cultural arts endeavors spanning genres, borders and industries. For over three decades, the producer, drummer, and documentary filmmaker has been at the cutting edge of the entertainment industry, says Pat Seltzer, chair of the performing arts college at Cuyamaca College. Atkins will
WANT TO RUN FOR OFFICE? DEMOCRATS SEEK CANDIDATES AS FILING DEADLINES LOOM–WITH MANY TOP SEATS UNFILLED
Printer-friendly version February 3, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – The filing deadline for some November races is just days away. Four Republicans have announced intentions to run for the 77th Assembly District currently held by Joel Anderson, but thus far no Democrat has thrown a hat in the ring. Likewise, Congressman Hunter faces an easy coast to victory for reelection
RESIDENTS HOPE TO BUY POWAY MOBILEHOME PARK FROM CITY
Printer-friendly version By D.R. Schwab February 3, 2010 (Poway) — It would be a first for Poway: Converting a city-owned mobile home park to resident ownership. For the second time in six years, it’s something that residents of Poway Royal Mobile Estates, the City’s largest mobile home park, are attempting to do. Residents of the 501-acre, nearly 400-space sprawling
YEE-HA! LAKESIDE COMMUNITY EXPO AT RODEO GROUNDS PROVES CROWD-PLEASER FOR YOUNG AND OLD
Printer-friendly version February 3, 2010 (Lakeside) – Gunshots rang out on Saturday at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, where historical re-enactors from the Hole in the Wall Gang staged a mock Western-style shootout. Members of the Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society looked on, clad in elegant period attire. It was all part of the Lakeside Community Expo sponsored by
BODY OF MAN, 23, FOUND ON HORSE TRAIL IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version February 3, 2010 (Alpine) – Riders on a horse trail about three-quarters of a mile northeast of 3589 Cougar Summit in Alpine found the body of a Hispanic man on January 31st shortly before 4 p.m. Authorities were not able to extricate the body until the next day, due to nightfall and difficult terrain. According to the
LAKESIDE CITIZENS PUT SDG&E OFFICIALS IN HOT SEAT OVER POWERLINK IMPACTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery “How can you sit there and say it’s safe to be there when that canyon has burned every year—and you’re going to put those towers up, leave us with no power, and we only have one way in and one way out?” — Myles Thurman, Lakeside February 3, 2010 (Lakeside) – San Diego Gas & Electric officials received
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