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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
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
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
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
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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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
MEDIA WATCH: PRESIDENTIAL AND LOCAL CANDIDATES TAKE STANCES ON NET NEUTRALITY, INTERNET PRIVACY ISSUES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Should Google be allowed to control over 90 percent of Internet searches? Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-El Cajon), says no. He has sent a letter to California Attorney General Jerry Brown asking for an investigation into privacy implications of Yahoo’s search-advertising deal with Google. The U.S. Justice Department is also scrutinizing the proposed transaction. “The impact of
YEAR IN REVIEW: TOP STORIES & PHOTOS FROM 2009 (THIRD QUARTER)
Printer-friendly version Part three in our four-part Year in Review JULY Term Limits for Supervisors Photo credit: Leon Thompson County workers launched a drive in July to put an initiative on the June 2010 ballot requiring term limits for County Supervisors, some of whom have been in office for more than two decades, including East County’s Supervisor
YEAR IN REVIEW: TOP STORIES & PHOTOS FROM 2009 (FOURTH QUARTER)
Printer-friendly version Part four in our four-part Year in Review (fourth quarter 2009) OCTOBER Poverty Rising in East County Photo credit: Gayle Early New census data released in October revealed that poverty in San Diego County has shot up 50% in the past year. In El Cajon, 40% of the population is economically challenged—and many faced foreclosures
LEMON GROVE WOMAN KILLED IN NEW YEAR’S ACCIDENT; DRIVER FACES CHARGES
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2010 (Lemon Grove) – Elaina Lynn Luquis Ortiz, 21, of Lemon Grove was killed shortly after 3 a.m. this morning after her car broke down with a flat tire on northbound I-805 south of Home Avenue. She and two others were seated in a black Mazda sedan parked in front of her Mitsubishi Spider, when a
LA MESA TO HOLD COMMUNITY DISCUSSION ON CITY’S FUTURE
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2009 (La Mesa) – A special meeting of the La Mesa City Council will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2010, in the auditorium of La Mesa Dale Elementary School, 4370 Parks Avenue, La Mesa, California. The purpose of the special meeting is for community and Council members to discuss La Mesa and
SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION WINS BBB TORCH AWARD FOR MARKETPLACE ETHICS
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2010 (San Diego) — San Diego County Credit Union®, with three local East County branch offices in El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee, has been recognized for ethical business conduct with a 2009 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics from the San Diego Better Business Bureau (BBB). SDCCU received its Torch Award in the over-500-employee category.
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY BUILDING AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE OPENS JAN. 20
Printer-friendly version January 1, 2010 (El Cajon) – Cuyamaca College will host a grand opening of its newest facility, the Business and Technology Building, on January 20th at 11 a.m.Guests are invited to view the "initial public offering" of this new facility on the "Cuyamaca Exchange." “The Business and Technology Building is the last of our four new, spectacular,
2010 FORECAST: WHAT RETAILERS & BUSINESSES SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS
Printer-friendly versionBy Frank V.V. Boss, Jr. January 1, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) –As the holiday season ends, retailers and business are hoping that 2010 will bring better prospects and spending by consumers in San Diego and East County. So as the rest of the nation still feels the affects of a rough winter and slow-moving economy, consumers are predicted
NATIONAL PLAN TO CREATE JOBS: LOCAL JOB CREATION MIRRORS NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Printer-friendly version December 31, 2009 (San Diego) — The Economic Policy Institute (EPI has issued a nationwide local jobs initiative called the American Jobs Plan. The five-point plan to create jobs for Americans has been embraced by the Obama administration following a recent jobs summit and is under consideration in Congress. Last month, EPI issued a statement in collaboration
NATIONAL LABOR LEADER TO ADDRESS RALLLY FOR JOBS IN SAN DIEGO JAN. 6
Printer-friendly version December 31, 2009 (San Diego) – On Wednesday, January 6th at 10:30 a.m. Richard Trumka, national president of the American Federation for Labor-Congress of Industrial Occupations (AFL-CIO) will speak about putting San Diegans back to work. “The first priority of 2010 for San Diego must be to build on those efforts and find new ways to put
H1N1 VACCINES AT WALGREENS PHARMACY
Printer-friendly version December 31, 2009 (Santee) Walgreens iin Santee has received 300 doses of H1N1 vaccine, according to press release issued by the Santee Chamber of Commerce. "There is no longer any restrictions on who can get it," the release advises. The shot is free but there is an $18 administration fee. Many insurances, including Medicare and Medi-Cal,
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