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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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Next phase of Casa de Oro plan to be discussed at Feb. 26 workshop
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Casa de Oro) – The vision for a safer, more walkable Casa de Oro is moving from the drawing board to the engineering phase. San Diego County officials are holding a public workshop later this month, inviting residents and other interested stakeholders to review design elements for the transformation of the Campo
Youth from San Diego region invited to Black College Expo February 12
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 9, 2026 (San Diego) – More than 2,500 students are expected to attend the 9th annual Black College Expo on February 12. The expo is organized by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and National College Resources Foundation (NCRF). The Black College Expo is a free opportunity for local high school juniors and seniors to meet with
GCCCD receives Congressional funding to strengthen pipeline to better paying jobs for working adults in East County San Diego
Printer-friendly versionGrossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and Foundation receive $655,000 in federal budget to expand support to low-income and underemployed adults Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District February 9, 2026 (El Cajon) – Last week, upon approval of the most recent Congressional budget bill, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges were included to receive $655,000 for the District’s
Lemon Grove City Council approves emergency ordinance to assist evicted tenants
“Every day we sit on our hands and pretend like there’s nothing we can do, is one day that one more person joins our homeless…
GCCCD receives Congressional funding to strengthen pipeline to better paying jobs for working adults in East County San Diego
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and Foundation receive $655,000 in federal budget to expand support to low-income and underemployed adults Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District February…
Youth from San Diego region invited to Black College Expo February 12
East County News Service February 9, 2026 (San Diego) – More than 2,500 students are expected to attend the 9th annual Black College Expo on…
Long-time El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick denounces Republican Party, switches affiliation to Democrat
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow February 9, 2026 (El Cajon) – El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick, a life-long Republican, announced Monday that he is switching his party affiliation and joining the Democratic Party. Kendrick made the declaration at a news conference in front of El Cajon City Hall surrounded by supporters and Democratic Party officials. He cited the city’s
After Minneapolis killings by federal agents, El Cajon residents rally as Councilman Kendrick speaks out
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J Schorr Councilmember Gary Kendrick addresses crowd in El Cajon February 8, 2026 (El Cajon) — An El Cajon Council meeting has once again set the stage for heightened tensions between the public and elected officials over the federal government’s crackdown on immigrants the violence committed by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). At a rally outside before last
Casa de Oro has new “House of Gold” mural, thanks to ArtReach and Casa de Oro Alliance
East County News Service February 8, 2026 (Casa de Oro) — The Casa de Oro Alliance and ArtReach celebrated celebrate the completion of a vibrant…
Plane lands on freeway in Lakeside
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo via CalTrans camera February 7,2026 (Lakeside) — A small plane has made an emergency landing on State Route 67 south in Lakeside at Winter Gardens Blvd., Cal Trans reports. Traffic is backed up to Mapleview, with the plane blocking the right lane and shoulder. A SIG alert has been issued. No cause of
EAST COUNTY HOMEOWNERSHIP FAIR JAN. 16
Printer-friendly version December 29, 2009 (El Cajon) — If you are a current homeowner, or have questions on becoming a first time homebuyer, plan to attend the 5th Annual East County Homeownership Fair on Saturday, January 16, 2010 in El Cajon. The free event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Community Center located at
LEFT HOOK: SYMBIOTIC ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Printer-friendly version By Walter Davis January 2010 (San Diego’s East County) — It is unlikely that many in this country would intentionally choose to deposit waste material in their water and then drink it. That is the prevailing choice with fossil fuel burning vehicles that spew toxic gases in the air at baby stroller level, as they travel down our neighborhood avenues.
WHAT’S NEW IN KNEE REPLACEMENTS? FIND OUT AT FEB. 1 SEMINAR
Printer-friendly version Feb. 1 – People who suffer with knee arthritis, stiffness and pain have new options for knee surgery that result in less pain and faster recovery than traditional knee replacement. At this seminar, learn about new, less-invasive procedures. Also learn about Sharp’s nationally and internationally recognized Joint Endeavor Program®, a patient-centered approach to quality care, the program aims
MURDER-SUICIDE AT BARONA
Printer-friendly version4:27 p.m., December 29 2009 (Lakeside, CA) — Two are confirmed dead at the Barona Gaming Commission office, Sheriff William Gore confirmed minutes ago. "It appears to be a murder-suicide," said Gore, adding that homicide is investigating. The gunman, Donnell Roberts, 38, killed himself and another man whose name is being withheld, pending notification of next of kin. The
GUNMAN AT BARONA; SHOTS FIRED, SWAT TEAM DISPATCHED
Printer-friendly version Update 12:45 p.m. A Sheriff’s spokeperson informed ECM that the sniper took seven hostages but has since released them. She was unable to confirm whether there are any additional hostages. The suspect has barricaded himself in an office and SWAT team negotiators are on hand. Channel 10 News reports the gunman is Donnell Roberts, a former gaming commission
MAN ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO LURE SPRING VALLEY GIRLS INTO VAN IS FREE ON BAIL
Printer-friendly version December 29, 2009 (Spring Valley) – Francisco Daniel, 40, has been arrested on two counts of annoying or molesting a child. He is currently out on bail and will have a hearing in January in connection with approaching middle school aged-girls near La Presa Middle School in Spring Valley. According to the Sheriff’s Department, a Hispanic male
SHERIFF ANNOUNCES ZERO TOLERANCE FOR TEEN DRINKING & DRIVING
Printer-friendly version Sheriff William D. Gore is announcing a new program designed to keep teen drivers safer when on the roadways. “Lose your license, lose your car, lose your life,” is the message behind re-enforced patrols, curfew checks, teens driving with unauthorized persons in their cars, texting, cell-phone usage, and all other unsafe driving practices. “The recent
FREE SENIORS SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES OFFERED IN EAST COUNTY & SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version County offers courses with funds from Barona and Sycuan December 28, 2009 (San Diego) — Crimes against older adults are a sad reality. The horrific kidnapping and beating of 76-year-old Natalie “Sandy” Herbst-Vinge from her Mount Helix home raised awareness of this issue after she recently testified against her attackers. Just this month, three men were arrested in
MAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE, THROWN 100 FEET IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionDecember 27, 2009 (El Cajon) – A vehicle struck a pedestrian on Greenfield Drive near Camillo Way in El Cajon around 5:40 this evening, California Highway Patrol reports. The victim, a 21-year-old man, was thrown 100 feet, Incident Protection Network reported at 6 p.m. According to IPN, the man is in acute condition and has been transported to
SHERIFF OPENS STOREFRONT IN CASA DE ORO
Printer-friendly version December 27, 2009 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s office has opened up a new storefront at 9736 Campo Road in the Casa de Oro neighborhood in Spring Valley. The purpose of the storefront is to “enhance the partnership between the community and the Sheriff’s Department,” according to a release issued by Sheriff Bill Gore (photo, left).
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