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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
Senior resource fair coming to Grossmont Healthcare District on April 23
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 20, 2026 (La Mesa) — Health advocates from across San Diego County will provide critical resources through the upcoming “Spring into Healthy Living 2026: Senior Conference & Resource Fair” on Thursday, April 23 at Grossmont Healthcare District headquarters. Hosted by the San Diego
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
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
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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East County Roundup – September
Printer-friendly versionLinks to top stories in other publications on East County issues WATER RATIONING GROWS INCREASINGLY LIKELY San Diego Union-Tribune (Sept. 26, 2008) —| For the first time since 1992, San Diego is facing the possibility of water rationing, a step that could happen as soon as January. The threat is expected to loom for years as Southern California readjusts
Cool Places to Beat the Heat
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Looking to cool off? No need to battle crowds at the beach. Check out our editor’s “cool picks” for places to beat the heat in San Diego’s eastern areas. MAKE A SPLASH AT THE SANTEE AQUATIC CENTER: Waterslide and in-pool playground, Santee Aquatic Center East County’s best-kept aquatic adventure area features a spiral slide plus children’s
Voter’s Watchdog – Protecting Your Right to Vote
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery “We know where the fix is in this year. If I were in San Diego, I’d be afraid. I’d be very afraid.” – Bob Fitrakis, national election integrity expert New law bans voting machines from being online Assembly Bill 3026 by Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego) will prohibit Internet connections to voting machines, including wireless transmissions. “This
East County Eater – Superb Sushi in Santee
Printer-friendly versionOISHII JAPANESE & THAI CUISINE 10251 Mast Blvd., Santee 619-596-4852 www.oishiisantee.com September 1, 2008 (Santee) — Santee Sushi? If you thought East County only has cowboy and biker bars, you must not have ventured east of I-15 lately, where you will find a rich assortment of sushi bars sprouting up at prices far less than you’d pay at chi-chi
Good Money – Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) is becoming main-stream
Printer-friendly versionBy Judith L. Seid, CFP ® September 1, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — When you invest, your money works towards achieving two objectives. By aligning your investments with your values, your money can work to create a secure future for yourself and your family, while also encouraging the development of a better future for our world. Ten years ago, Socially
Notes On Air – Tracy Lee Nelson
Printer-friendly version By Richard Noel Notes On Air is a monthly music column highlighting local artists, events, and other music-related news. In this month’s column, we talk with Tracy Lee Nelson, accomplished blues musician who is also tribal chairman of the La Jolla Indian Reservation in Pauma Valley. Nelson’s music places an emphasis on his heritage, bringing a Native American
East County Magazine’s Guide to Fresh, Local Foods
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 30, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — Growing concerns over food safety, environmental issues, health and desire to support our local economy have given rise to a new trend: consumers seeking out locally-grown and produced foods. Sales of locally grown foods increased 25% in 2007 from $4 billion to $5 billion – and could
The Cheapskate’s Guide to Living Well in East County
Printer-friendly versionMaking ends meet is getting tougher. The cost of gas, food, college and just about everything else is going up, while wages have failed to keep pace with inflation. This column provides info on where to find bargains in East County, plus other tips on how to get more for less. September’s Money Saving Tips Beat the Heat: Can’t
Book It: New Library Opens in La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery La Mesa’s new library is a bookworm’s delight. A soaring wall of windows fills the library with sunlight, creating an inviting place for reading, studying, or browsing. Banks of computers, including some at child-sized desks, make the library an inviting place for people of all ages. Live music, face painting and a magic show for kids
New Border Patrol Facility Opens
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery New Campo Border Patrol facility (photo credit: Leon Thompson) Public reactions varied to a new Border Patrol/Homeland Security facility in East County varied sharply. One local conservative blogger thought it was a casino under construction, adding that it resembled “a palace.” But an immigrant rights supporter observed, “It looks like a prison.” Beauty, it appears, is
SAN DIEGAN IN HAITI SEEKS HELP FOR CHILDREN AFTER ORPHANAGE DESTROYED; LOCAL LAW SCHOOL LAUNCHES DONATION DRIVE TO AID HOMELESS KIDS
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2010 (San Diego) – Vera Valdivia, a former San Diego resident and alumni of Thomas Jefferson School of Law, is in Haiti and seeks help from San Diego County residents for children in a Haitian orphanage that she co-founded and helped build. The 7.0 earthquake which struck Haiti earlier this week has destroyed the orphanage, East
SCIENCE PROJECT AT MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMPTS BOMB SCARE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 15, 2010 3:10 p.m. (San Diego) — Millennial Middle School was put on lockdown following a bomb scare, San Diego Police Department confirms. The Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) was dispatched and students were evacuated. "Minutes ago, MAST determined that the device was not a bomb, though it was a suspicious device," SDPD officer Jim Johnson informed East County Magazine. San Diego
2 LA MESA SCHOOLS ON LOCK-DOWN
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2010 (La Mesa) — At 2:11 this afternoon, La Mesa Police officers responded to a call of a student at La Mesa Middle School, 4200 Parks Avenue, who had been shot at with an unknown weapon. The student was not injured. Reportedly, the student was on or near the athletic field when he believed he had been
A MIRACLE IN HAITI: HOSPITAL STILL STANDING AMID DEVASTATION; EAST COUNTY DOCTOR LEADS RELEIF EFFORT
Printer-friendly version Open House for Haiti fundraiser planned Jan. 23 on Mt. Helix January 14, 2010 (Mt. Helix) – “It would say it’s an act of God,” Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat told East County Magazine upon learning that a hospital she has helped to support still stands amid the rubble of the 7.0 earthquake that ravaged Haiti. “People built it with
COMMUNITY MEETING ON POWERLINK TONIGHT: COUNTY TO REVEAL NEW CONCERNS
Printer-friendly version January 14, 2010 (Alpine) – Supervisor Dianne Jacob is hosting a community meeting to inform the public about new details on potentially devastating impacts of the Sunrise Powerlink. County representatives will be on hand to present these new findings at 6 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Boulevard. While this meeting has been called to
COUNTY TO HOLD H1N1 FLU VACCINES CLINIC IN EL CAJON FRIDAY
Printer-friendly version January 14, 2010 (El Cajon) – The County will have H1N1 flu shots available Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, 195 East Douglas Ave. in El Cajon. The event is one in a series of mass vaccination clinics, including an event last weekend at Qualcomm Stadium where 5,000 people received the vaccines.
BRIDGING THE WORLD: LOCAL WOMAN BRINGS HELP TO CHILDREN IN GHANA
Printer-friendly version GHANA TRIBAL CHIEF TO SPEAK AT FEB. 25 FUNDRAISER IN SAN DIEGO January 12, 2010 (San Diego)–While living in Encinitas in 2008, Jacqueline Prairie decided to act upon a life-long dream of helping children in Africa. At 21, long before mobile phones or internet connective, shetraveled to numerous African countries. She later found a career in
100,000 OR MORE FEARED DEAD IN HAITI QUAKE; LOCAL GROUPS, SAN DIEGO-BASED NAVY SHIP JOIN RELIEF EFFORTS
Printer-friendly version Looking for a missing family member? Search hotline, online database set up By Miriam Raftery January 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Over 100,000 people have been killed in a 7.0 earthquake that struck the island of Haiti in the Caribbean, CNN reports. The quake is the strongest to rock the region in two centuries.
NEW! LOOK UP STATE LEGISLATORS’ VOTING RECORDS ONLINE
Printer-friendly version January 13, 2010 (Sacramento) – The Sacramento Bee has launched a new database where you can look up the voting record of every state legislator in California. Wondering how often your legislator broke party ranks, missed a vote or voted to support your interests instead of special interests? Look up your State Senator or State Assemblymember’s voting record by
5 WILD MICE TEST POSITIVE FOR HANTAVIRUS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version January 13, 2010 (San Diego) — County Vector Control officials confirmed today that five wild mice trapped during routine monitoring tested positive for Hantavirus. “As the weather cools, rodents will begin to seek shelter indoors. It is important to keep mice out of houses, garages and sheds to prevent infection.” said Jack Miller, Director of the
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