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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
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
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
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
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);
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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GROSSMONT HIGH GRADUATE AMONG VICTIMS OF OREGON SHOPPING MALL SHOOTING
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 12, 2012 (El Cajon ) – Cindy Waddell graduated from Grossmont High School in 1976 and later lived in Scripps Ranch, earning her nursing degree from San Diego State Universtiy before moving to Oregon. Also known as Cindy Passalacqua and later Cindy Yuille, she lost her life in a shooting rampage yesterday at the Clackamas
READER’S EDITORIAL: HAS THE TIME COME FOR ALPINE TO DECLARE INDEPENDENCE FROM THE COUNTY BY INCORPORATING?
Printer-friendly versionBy Lou Russo “We in Alpine …seem to be saddled with governments that cannot or will not serve us, but instead seem to serve everyone else but us.”—Lou Russo “When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers
ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 12, 2012 — (San Diego’s East County) – ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S.
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 12, 2012 — (San Diego’s East County)–East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include: LOCAL/REGIONAL Arson frightens Rancho San Diego family (U-T San Diego) The fall of the Union-Tribune (Media Matters) Tree-trimming, electric contactors pay $370 million for 2007 wildfires U-T San Diego) APNewsBreak: Dispute over
MAJOR INJURIES IN FERTILIZER TRUCK COLLISION IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly versionDecember 12, 2012 (Alpine)—Major injuries are reported at a collision on I-8 east at Tavern Road in Alpine. According to the CHP website, a black Lexus struck a semi-truck from behind, then plummeted off the roadway. The truck, which lost an axle, was hauling fertilizer. A major gouge in the roadway is reported at the CHP website and the
COUNTY GIVING FREE SAND & BAGS TO RESIDENTS
Printer-friendly versionPeople Encouraged to Protect their Properties, Keep Roadways and Storm Drains Clear December 12, 2012 (San Diego County)–Winter rain is on its way, and San Diego County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is once again giving away free sandbags to people in unincorporated communities to help them protect their homes, neighborhoods and streets from flooding, erosion, mud and debris
LIGHTS, BLADE SHADOWS DISTURB RESIDENCES IN OCOTILLO AFTER PATTERN ENERGY BRINGS WIND PROJECT ONLINE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery, videos by Jim Pelley View video of shadow flicker. View video of flashing lights. View lights as seen through photographer’s home windows. December 9, 2012 (Ocotillo) –Ocotillo Express Wind, built on 12,500 acres of public, formerly protected federal Bureau of Land Management property, is now filled by dozens of towering wind turbines. Each massive turbine
HOLIDAY PARADE AT LA MESA’S VICTORIAN-STYLE CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE DECEMBER 14 AND 15
Printer-friendly versionDecember 11 2012 (La Mesa)—In this centennial year, La Mesa’s annual Christmas in the Village celebration will also feature a holiday parade. The parade will roll down La Mesa Boulevard at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, December 14 at 15. During the celebration, the entire downtown village transforms into a winter wonderland complete with horse-drawn carriages and bonfires,
WORKERS RALLY TO PROTECT THE SAFETY NET FOR RETIREES
Printer-friendly version By Nadin Abbott December 10, 2012 (San Diego)– The mood was defiant as workers from throughout San Diego County converged at 750 B Street in downtown San Diego for a rally to protect Social Security and the rest of the social safety. This event was one of a hundred rallies held today around the nation urging Congress not to
READER’S EDITORIAL: CAN SAN DIEGO GROW AMERICA’S FINEST GREEN REGION OVER THE NEXT DECADE?
Printer-friendly versionMoonshot for Green Job Creation Within Reach of New San Diego Leaders, Community By Kathleen Connell December 8, 2012 (San Diego)–As the post-election celebrations end and 2013 approaches, new leaders have been elected in San Diego in what many consider a historic moment in the region. At the same time, San Diegans, the nation, and the globe are struggling
WITNESS DOUBTS STORY OF TEEN WHO CONFESSED TO KILLING BORDER PATROL AGENT ROSAS
Printer-friendly version November 22, 2009 (Campo) – Christopher Daniel Castro-Alvarez, 17, pled guilty in federal court Friday to charges of murdering Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas during a robbery. In court, he testified that he and others lured Rosas from his vehicle to rob him. But Britt Craig, who heard the fatal shots and spoke with Rosas shortly before the
FORUM REVEALS PLIGHT OF IMMIGRANTS FACING HOMELESSNESS IN REGION
Printer-friendly version By John Falchi November 22, 2009 (San Diego) — The Center for Social Advocacy (CSA), an El Cajon-based organization, held its “Homeless in Our Community, Homeless at Our Border” awareness event at the San Diego Woman’s Club on November 6th. The program focused on a long-overlooked and growing epidemic of homelessness prevalent in the County, also recounting the
JULIAN MAN DIES IN CRASH ON 78
Printer-friendly version Rees Boynton Skinner, 53, of Julian died November 20th from injuries sustained in a collision between two pickup trucks. According to the County Coroner’s office, Skinner was the driver and sole occupant of a pickup truck that was struck by another, out-of-control truck on Highway 78 near Ramona. Numerous witnesses stopped to render aid but were unable to
WOMAN ARRESTED IN LA MESA FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER; ALLEGEDLY STABBED BOYFRIEND WHILE CHILDREN OVERHEARD
Printer-friendly version November 21, 2009 (La Mesa) – Tomika Carey has been arrested and charged with the attempted murder of her boyfriend, Sergeant Hanson at the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Station has confirmed. On November 20th around 1:52 a.m., deputies responded to a call of a stabbing at an apartment complex in an unincorporated area of La Mesa. Parties at the
SHERIFF’S OFFICERS SHUT DOWN TRANSIENTS ENCAMPMENT IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly version CRITICS ASK WHY HOMELESS ARE TREATED LIKE CRIMINALS INSTEAD OF RECEIVING HELP November 21, 2009 (Lakeside) The Santee COPPS Unit, Santee Sheriff Crime Prevention and 50 community service workers provided through Cal-Trans started a large scale clean up of transient encampments in open space southeast of Old Highway 80 and Pecan Park Drive in Lakeside on November 12th.
MTS HOLDS PUBLIC MEETINGS OVER PLAN TO CUT SUNDAY BUS & TROLLEY SERVICE
Printer-friendly version November 21, 2009 (San Diego) — Sales tax shortfalls and the improper elimination of State Transit Assistance funds are forcing the Metropolitan Transit System to reduce its expenses by more than $7 million. To preserve the network of weekday services and to impact as few riders as possible, MTS is proposing to substantially reduce service on Sundays. The
ACADEMIC LEAGUE #3: RESULTS AND FEATURED MATCH: GRANITE HILLS AT EL CAPITAN
Printer-friendly version November 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) By Steve Haiman, co-coordinator The moderator for today’s Grossmont Union-High School Academic League Match pitting the Granite Hills “Eagles” against the El Capitan “Vaqueros” was Valhalla math teacher extraordinaire Brian Andersen. He kept the match moving and in good order with a good sense of humor. In Junior Varsity
MEFDLY LARVAE FOUND IN FALLBROOK
Printer-friendly version November 20, 2009 (Fallbrook) — A fruit stripping and cutting operation in Fallbrook has lead to the discovery of 68 Mediterranean fruit fly larvae. “This is actually good news because it allows us to stop the Medfly from producing another generation and reduces the chance of residents moving infested fruit,” said Robert Atkins, County Agricultural Commissioner. California
MORE H1N1 VACCINES RECEIVED: INFANT GIRL IS LATEST FATALITY
Printer-friendly version November 20, 2009 (San Diego) — The County’s six Public Health Centers and one immunization clinic have each received 200 additional doses of injectable H1N1 vaccine. The limited vaccine is prioritized for use in the CDC priority groups of: children and young adults four to 24 years old; adults 25 to 64 years old with chronic medical
CIF FOOTBALL PLAYOFF MATCHUPS
Printer-friendly version(SAN DIEGO) – The following is a list football playoff pairings for CIF San Diego Section. We will update it with each round of the playoffs. The team’s seeding, name and overall win-loss record are shown for each team. The top four teams in each division get a first round bye. Teams within East County Magazine’s coverage area
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