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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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TWO INCUMBENTS WIN HANDILY IN EL CAJON; THIRD SEAT STILL IN CONTENTION AS REGISTRAR COUNTS REMAINING ABSENTEE AND PROVISIONAL BALLOTS
Printer-friendly versionUpdate November 8, 2012, 5 p.m.: McClellan’s lead has grown to over 600 votes, making it appear likely that he has secured reelection. November 8, 2012 (El Cajon) – Councilmen Tony Ambrose and Bill Wells appear to have won reelection to the El Cajon City Council, while Councilman Bob McClellan retains a slim 114-vote lead over challenger Ben Kalasho.
ALL ABOARD! SANTA TRAIN NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 8, 2012 (Campo)—The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum in Campo rolls out its 2012 Santa Train, the North Pole Limited, each Friday and Saturday starting November 23 through December 22. This popular attraction sells out early each year, so reservations are strongly recommended. Santa’s elves will serve cookies and hot cocoa while leading a sing-along of traditional Christmas carols
GOOD NEWS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS: CALIF. STATE UNIVERSITIES TO ROLL BACK TUITION HIKES DUE TO PASSAGE OF PROP 30
Printer-friendly versionBy Bill Weaver November 8, 2012 (San Diego) –Tuition at 23 California State University campuses—including San Diego State University and Cal State San Marcos locally, will rescind a $249-per-semestser tuition fee hike that had taken effect in the fall term. Fees will now revert back to $5,472, the same rate as last year. “We are hopeful that the passage
HOT FIRE BOARD RACES IN EAST COUNTY: FIRED CHIEF WINS SEAT ON BOARD IN LAKESIDE, 2 NEW FACES ADDED TO SAN MIGUEL BOARD, PLUS MORE LOCAL RESULTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Janis Mork November 7, 2012 (san Diego)- In the hotly contested Lakeside Fire District, former Lakeside fire chief Mark Baker captured 39.6% of the vote while fire captain/paramedic/ and board director Jim Bingham clinched 36.6%, beating out challengers. There has been controversy over these two figures, since Bingham voted to fire Baker as Chief, a move that sparked
SAN DIEGO 5K MUD RUN “FALL EDITION” NOVEMBER 10
Printer-friendly versionNovember 9, 2012 (La Mesa) – The San Diego 5k Mud Run “Fall Edition” honoring our active duty military and veterans will be November 10 at Skyline Church, 11330 Campo Rd., La Mesa. The 5k individual race will begin at 10 a.m. The 5k team race will be at 11 a.m. and the Kid’s Mini-Mud will begin at 12:30
CALIFORNIANS SAY YES TO FIVE OF ELEVEN PROPOSITIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Mayan Avitable November 8, 2012 (San Diego) — The most watched proposition by many who are involved in education was California’s Proposition 30. This proposition was highly promoted by Governor Jerry Brown as a solution to school funding in the time of budget cutting. During the evening, the proposition changed from passing to not passing as the vote
DEMAIO CONCEDES: FILNER IS NEW MAYOR OF SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly versionBy Nadin Abbott and Miriam Raftery November 7, 2012 (San Diego)—Today, Carl DeMaio called Congressman Bob Filner and conceded defeat, then wished the Mayor-elect good luck. With this concession, one of the most divisive races in recent San Diego memory is over. Filner will be inaugurated on December 3. With the victory of Sherri S. Leightner at 54% over her challenger Ray Ellis with
INCUMBENTS ARE RETURNED TO LA MESA-SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL BOARD
Printer-friendly versionBy Bill Weaver November 7, 2012 (La Mesa) — Incumbents Emma Turner, Psy.D. was re-elected, as was William “Bill” Baber, a local attorney, to the La Mesa-Spring Valley School Board. Both are Republicans and both have shown support for public education in their district. Turner has been involved in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District since 1998. Her participation
REPUBLICANS KEEP CONTROL OF HOUSE, BUT DEMOCRATS SEE SOME GAINS
Printer-friendly versionBy Nadin Abbott November 7, 2012 (San Diego)—While Democrats failed to retake control of the United States House of Representatives, right now seats by party are at Republican 232, and Democratic at 191, with 12 seats still not decided. Among those not decided is San Diego’s own 52nd District contest between Scott Peters (D) and Congressman Brian Bilbray (R),
DEMOCRATS KEEP CONTROL OF THE U.S. SENATE, EXTREMISTS ON RAPE ISSUES DEFEATED
Printer-friendly versionBy Nadin Abbott November 8, 2012 (San Diego)– The Democratic Party was expected to lose control of the Senate back in the Summer. Yet, they were able to maintain control, and this was due to a few important victories. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin became the first openly gay woman to be elected to the Senate. Her victory over Republican Tommy
QUICK RESPONSE SAVES SPRING VALLEY HOME FROM KITCHEN FIRE
Printer-friendly version February 1, 2010 (Spring Valley) – On Saturday evening, San Miguel Firefighters responded to a kitchen fire in the 600 block of Water View in Spring Valley. When crews arrived, they saw flames coming out an attic vent of the single story home.The homeowner and his 14-year-old daughter were inside at the time, and were alerted when several smoke
CROWD PIGS OUT AT GRAND OPENING OF SMOKIN’ JOES IN SANTEE
Printer-friendly version January 31, 2010 (Santee) – The owner of Smokin’ Joes Barbecue in Santee made a whole-hog effort to please guests at the grand opening of his new restaurant yesterday. After slow-roasting a whole pig on a spit, Joe Jones and his restaurant crew served up succulent results to a hungry crowd lined up for “pig pull” samples.
RAW FOOD PRESENTATION: ABNA HOSTS FEB 18 EVENT AT THE VINES IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version January 31, 2010 (Alpine) — Want to get fit and healthy in the New Year? Certified raw culinary chefs Diane Haworth and Michael Varbaek will be guest speakers for the Alpine Business Networking Association (ABNA) on Thursday, February 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Vines Bistro & Wine Bar, 2502 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine. Guests are
EAST COUNTY RV RESORT RECEIVES NATIONAL ARVC “PLAN-IT GREEN AWARD” FOR ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES
Printer-friendly version Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park, located at 3,900 feet in the mountains east of San Diego, pledges to become the “Greenest RV Park in America” January 31, 2010 (Boulevard) ― It’s a “go green” world these days, even in places where you might not expect it. Several years ago, the owners of Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV
MAN KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH IN JULIAN
Printer-friendly version January 31, 2010 (Julian) – Carl K. Davis Jr., 28, of San Diego died in a head-on collision shortly after noon yesterday on Highway 78 at Payson Drive, Julian. He was driving his motorcycle eastbound at a high rate of speed, according to authorities, when he crossed a double yellow line and struck a pickup truck.
EARTHQUAKE RATTLES SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version February 1, 2010 – An earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter Scale struck off the Baja California coast at 6:19 a.m. The quake’s epicenter was 41 miles southwest of Imperial Beach, at a depth of four miles under the ocean floor, the U.S. Geological Service reports. It was felt throughout San Diego County, including East County, though no
CAR FIRE DOUSED IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version January 31, 2010 (Alpine) – Firefighters from Viejas and the U.S. Forest service responded to a vehicle fire on Interstate 8 in Alpine this afternoon. Alpine firefighter/paramedics Broc Thorn and Colby Ross formed an attack line and quickly knocked down the fire before it spread into the nearby vegetation. The owner of the vehicle stated that he
PLANE WITH ENGINE OUT LANDS SAFELY
Printer-friendly version February 3, 2010 – An American Airlines MD-80 plane has just landed safely at San Diego’s Lindbergh Field after failure of one of its two engines, ECM has learned. There 111 people on board and 22,000 pounds of fuel, Incident Page Network reports. Emergency responders were dispatched and ECM notified readers via our Viejas Emergency Alert during
CONTROLLED BURN AT MIRAMAR FRIDAY NIGHT
Printer-friendly version January 29, 2010 (Miramar) – If you see smoke near I-15 this evening, don’t panic. Military emergency services crews at Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar will be conducted a controlled burn as part of a night-time training operation. The burn, on the base airfield, is slated to start at 6 p.m. and continue for several hours.
GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT UNVEILS NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART SCIENCE BUILDING FEB. 1
Printer-friendly version El Cajon Valley High is 1st of 8 East County campuses to get new science buildings through Prop H January 29, 2010 (El Cajon) Say goodbye to portable buildings and science classrooms built during the Eisenhower administration. Grossmont Union High School District ushers in a new era for its East County high schools with opening of the
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