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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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“Delana’s Dirty Pizza” Wins Charity Cook-Off at New Sammy’s in La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionIf you’re a fan of Sammy’s Wood-fired Pizza, check out "Delana’s Dirty Pizza" featured on the menu through mid-September. The creation concocted by Delana Bennett of Star 94.1 radio’s “Jeff and Jer Showgram” was judged the winner during a charity cook-off held August 13th to kick off the grand opening of Sammy’s newest location in the La Mesa Trolley
The Will Power Report – Solar Roofs
Printer-friendly version Nothing but the Truth! By Will Power The real unemployment rate in the U.S. is over 7%. Many people have stopped looking for jobs. Particularly hard hit is the construction business, due to the mortgage meltdown. The thin-film solar panel business needs a government subsidy and tax breaks for homeowners who install prefab solar panels. The new laser-deposited
Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Printer-friendly version Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze By E.A. Barrera “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully unprepared.” — San Diego County Grand
Faith, Science and Anti-Catholicism: “THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE”
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Courtesy of 20th Century Fox. “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2 King James Bible “THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE” is a solid, if not often campy thriller involving the nightmares and paranoia many science-fiction fans crave. The
Senior Citizens’ Resources
Printer-friendly version In loving memory of Philip Genser Printer-friendly version
COMING SOON!
Printer-friendly versionNews, views and resources to improve communities in San Diego’s eastern region* Local and regional news Award-winning team of journalists Wildfire/emergency alerts National news links Best of East County (highlights attractions and activities) Calendar of events (concerts, shows, festivals and more) East County Eater restaurant reviews Lively and informative features Columns and editorials representing diverse voices Voter information People
SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL GIRL STALKED BY MAN IN DARK BLUE MINIVAN
Printer-friendly version November 20, 2009 (Spring Valley) – The Sheriff’s Department has released the following information about a report of a man who tried to pick up a Spring Valley school girl and told her he had been watching her and her sisters. According to the police report, on November 18th around 8:53 a.m., the girl was walking to school
ARREST MADE IN ROBBERY OF SPRING VALLEY LIQUOR STORE
Printer-friendly version November 20, 2009 (Spring Valley) – Joshua Kimble, 21, has been arrested on suspicion of robbing the La Presa Liquor Store at 9410 Jamacha Blvd. in Spring Valley on November 18. At 11:33 a.m., deputies responded to an armed robbery call, where the suspect reportedly brandished a pistol and was last seen on foot in an unknown direction.
4 SAN DIEGO CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES VOTE TO INVEST IN FIREFIGHTING GRANTS TO BOOST FIRE PROTECTION; ISSA VOTES NO
Printer-friendly version November 18, 2009 (Washington, DC) – The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act passed by a 395-31 vote in the House of Representatives today, providing local firefighters with tools and resources to prevent and fight fires, enhancing community safety. At a time when many cities face budget shortfalls and cuts to basic services, the Act invests in programs that allow
WHOOPING COUGH CASES MORE THAN DOUBLE THIS YEAR COUNTYWIDE; CHULA VISTA STUDENT IS LATEST DIAGNOSED
Printer-friendly version November 18, 2009 (Chula Vista) – A five-year-old student who attends John J. Montgomery Elementary School in Chula Vista Elementary School Districthas been diagnosed with pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) reports today. The student was up-to-date on immunizations. There have been 123 cases of whooping cough in
FIGHT NIGHT! PLUS FREE PATIO RELEASE PARTY AT CALI-COMFORT SAT. NOV 21 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version November 19, 2009 (Spring Valley) – Cali Comfort Restaurant & Sports Bar in Spring Valley invites you to a “patio release party” this Saturday, November 21. Admission is free and includes free viewing of the pay-per-view United Fighting Championships (UFC) matchup between Tito Ortiz and Forerst Griffin 2 with Ashlee from Rock 105.3 radio’s Mikey Show. “We will
LOCAL ECONOMIC INDICATORS IMPROVE, MANPOWER WORKFORCE REPORTS
Printer-friendly version November 19, 2009 (San Diego) – Looking for some good news about the local economy? Many of our economic indicators have improved significantly, according to Manpower Workforce Report: A San Diego Labor Market Snapshop (Business edition), published Nov.9 and reprinted with permission below. Among the findings: Economic indicators compiled by the University of San Diego are up
2 GOP OFFICIALS RESIGN OVER ANDERSON CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS CONTROVERSY; EAST COUNTY ASSEMBLYMAN REMAINS MUM ON SUBJECT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – A biography of Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) has been removed from his official Assembly website. But an archived copy reads, “The proof of Joel Anderson’s total commitment to honesty, integrity, and hard work aren’t in what he says. They’re in what he’s already done—the record of accomplishment
SHERIFF’S SWEEP NEAR SANTEE HIGH SCHOOLS SNAGS DOZENS OF TEEN DRIVERS
Printer-friendly version November 18, 2009 (Santee) — On November 17, Santee traffic deputies, school resource officers, juvenile detectives and the COPPS Unit conducted a teen driver compliance detail. Special attention was given to drivers near schools. Drivers were stopped and cited for various traffic violations including use of cell phones, not wearing seat belts, violation of provisional license restrictions and
SHOPPER ASSAULTED OUTSIDE TARGET STORE
Printer-friendly version November 18, 2009 (La Mesa) – A 54-year-old woman was punched in the face yesterday at 5:51 p.m. while watching another woman yell at a young child outside the Target Store in Grossmont Center, La Mesa Police report. The victim was in the parking lot when she stopped to observe the incident. According to police, she was about
HOW DID YOUR LEGISLATOR VOTE ON CONSUMER ISSUES? HOLLINGSWORTH RANKS 2ND WORST IN LEGISLATURE; SALDANA RANKS 100%
Printer-friendly version November 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Legislators representing astern areas in San Diego County got mixed scores from Consumer Federation of California’s 2009 scorecard for California lawmakers. The scorecard ranks state Senators and Assemblymembers for votes to protect consumers on issues including food safety, identity theft, health care reform, toxics, false advertising, real estate lending reform,
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