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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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EL CAJON POLICE OFFICER SHOOTS BICYCLIST IN FACE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 18, 2013 (El Cajon ) – Raymond Lee Goodlow, 53, of El Cajon is hospitalized after being shot multiple times by an El Cajon Police officer at 9:29 a.m.. According to police, Goodlaw was illegally riding his bicycle on the sidewalk and refused to pull over when an officer attempted to stop him in the 1300 block of
20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION FOR THE HERITAGE OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM JAN. 23
Printer-friendly version January 18, 2013 (El Cajon) – The Heritage of the Americas Museum at Cuyamaca College is celebrating its 20th anniversary on January 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Museum, 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive W., El Cajon. The celebration of 20 years of educating learners of all ages will honor those who made it possible and
A FREE DEFENSIBLE SPACE WORKSHOP IN LAKESIDE ON JAN. 26
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 18, 2013 (Lakeside) – The Fire Safe Council of San Diego County is sponsoring a free Defensible Space Workshop on January 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lakeside Community Center, Moreno Room, 9841 Vine St., Lakeside. Learn how to make your home fire safe and prepare for the 2013 fire season. To register contact Cheryl
FREE COMPOSTING WORKSHOP IN EL CAJON ON FEBRUARY 9
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 18, 2013 (El Cajon) – Curious about compost? Heard about worms that can eat garbage? Then join the Solana Center for a free workshop on composting. The workshop will be held on February 9 at the Crestridge Ecological Reserve, 1171 Horsemill Road, El Cajon from 10 a.m. – noon. The basics of backyard composting and vermicomposting (composting with
FREE WORKSHOP ON EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT ON JAN. 29
Printer-friendly version Image credit: http://www.peopleinsight.co.uk/ January 18, 2013 (El Cajon) – San Diego East County Chamber is offering a free workshop, “A Model of Employee Engagement” on January 29, from 9-11 a.m. at the Chamber’s Board Room, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon. Learn how to take employee performance from good to great in this informative workshop. The workshop focuses
EAST COUNTY CHAMBER’S BUSINESS AFTER HOURS MIXER IS JAN. 24
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 18, 2013 (La Mesa) – San Diego East County Chamber is holding its Business After Hours Mixer on Jan. 24 at Hooleys Irish Pub and Grill, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa. The event will be from 5 – 7 p.m. Take the opportunity to network while learning about a brand new half marathon that will run from
SAN DIEGO JEWISH GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY TO HOST FREE COMPUTER SAFETY AND SECURITY EVENT FEB. 3
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 22, 2013 (San Diego) — The computer has become an integral part of genealogical research. The San Diego Jewish Geneological Scoiety’s pursuit to understand family history has led to utilization of the latest technology from internet databases to DNA testing, to cutting edge software and social networking. But, how safe and secure are computers and the information each
ARTIST LEENA HANNONEN TO SHOW CURRENT WORK AT WYNOLA PIZZA
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2012 (Julian) — Leena Hannonen, long time Pine Hills resident and artist who has mastered a variety of art forms ranging from sculpture to art photography, will display a collection of her latest and best work at Wynola Pizza beginning January 31. She has shown her photos, jewelry and sculptures at the Julian Library and participated
HA HA HEIGHTS AT HARITNA RESTAURANT JAN. 23
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 20, 2013 (La Mesa) – Brew HaHa presents Ha Ha Heights at Haritna Mediterranean Restaurant, 7303 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa on Jan. 23 from 7:30 – 9 p.m. The featured stand up comedy act is Four Fabulous Femmes with International Comedian Diane Jean, Maria Herman and more. The mixer begins at 6 p.m with the show starting
CORTE MADERA RANCH AREA PRESCRIBED BURN WEDNESDAY
Printer-friendly version January 22, 2013 (El Cajon)–CAL FIRE/San Diego will be burning approximately 100 acres in the Corte Madera Ranch area near the community of Pine Valley. The burn will take place tomorrow 1/23/2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. as part of a Vegetation Management Program. Smoke will be visible in many parts of East County. Printer-friendly version
LAKESIDE FIRE CHARS 5 ACRES
Printer-friendly version November 4, 2009 (Lakeside) – A fire that started near San Vicente Reservoir shortly after noon charred five acres north of Lakeside. CAL FIRE dispatched five engines, two fire crews, one bulldozer, three air tankers, three helicopters and a chief officer to quell the blaze, assisted by Heartland Fire Agencies, the U.S. Forest Service and San Diego Sheriff’s
MAN FOUND HANGED IN POWAY ON HALLOWEEN STILL NOT IDENTIFIED
Printer-friendly version November 6, 2009 (Poway) – A City of Poway worker clearing brush in a secluded area of Hilleary Park on Community Road on Halloween Eve, October 31st, made a grisly discovery. A man’s partially skeletized body was hanging by the neck from a tree. The Coroner’s Office reports that the death was a suicide, however the victim
CAR SEATS SAVE INFANT, TODDLER IN HEAD-ON CRASH ON HIGHWAY 67
Printer-friendly version Story By: Captain Mark Grow November 4, 2009 (Lakeside) –The Lakeside Fire Protection District received a call of a multi-patient vehicle accident at the intersection of State Highway 67 and Gold Bar Way. This accident was a high velocity head-on collision between two SUV- type vehicles. One vehicle was occupied by a mother, small child, and an infant.
SCORE A TOUCHDOWN TO BEAT BREAST CANCER
Printer-friendly versionNovember 4, 2009 (La Mesa) – Gio Bistro in La Mesa invites the public to watch the Chargers vs. Giants game on Sunday, November 8 from 12:30 to 4:30 and join a three-day breast cancer walking team. The event includes game viewing on big screen TV, food, live auction of items including sports memorabilia, football pool, kids’games and prizes, karaoke music, and
NEW LAW ALLOWS FIREFIGHTERS & OTHER EMERGENCY WORKERS TO VOTE WHERE THEY SERVE
Printer-friendly version November 4, 2009 (Sacramento) — Beginning next year, firefighters, medics, and others responding to state emergencies will be able to vote wherever they are serving, thanks to the Governor’s signature on Assembly Bill 1440 (Swanson), which Secretary of State Debra Dowen sponsored in the Legislature. The new law allows emergency workers who are responding to a government-declared
GAME OF THE WEEK: STEELE CANYON AND MT. MIGUEL TIE 21-21 IN NAIL-BITER
Printer-friendly versionMt. Miguel Wins Overtime Period, Gains Tiebreaker Advantage for League and Playoffs by Christopher Mohr (RANCHO SAN DIEGO) October 30 – Tonight’s football game at Steele Canyon High School between the host Cougars and the visiting Matadors from Mt. Miguel High School turned out to be a very exciting matchup between two Grossmont South league rivals. Both teams played
LOCAL HEROES, BUSINESSES HONORED AT SANTEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 3, 2009 – “All of you had a piece of making this happen,” Santee Chamber of Commerce executive director Warren Savage said to more than 200 guests in attendance at an awards presentation held October 16th at Barona Resort. In addition to naming businesses of the year, the Chamber also honored citizens
ALLAN OPTS NOT TO RUN
Printer-friendly version November 2, 2009 (La Mesa) Councilman David Allan called today to inform East County Magazine that after further reflection and conversations with friends and colleagues over the weekend, he has decided not to pursue plans to run for Supervisor. Allan had filed a notice of intent for candidacy last week, as ECM reported. “My decision to file was due to
CENTER ON POLICY INITIATVES TURNS ITS ATTENTION TO “BUILDING OUR FUTURE WITH A GREEN AND FAIR ECONOMY”
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Leon Thompson October 31st, 2009 (Mission Valley) — The 2009 Center on Policy Initiatives Gala, held at the Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay on October 21st, honored the MAAC Project, which provides self-sufficiency for low and moderate-income people. Long-time activist Deborah Szekely , and San Diego’s Construction Workers were also honored. View
HUNTER TO HOLD VETERANS RESOURCE FAIR NOV. 12
Printer-friendly version November 1, 2009 (El Cajon) — Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) will sponsor a Veterans Resource Fair for San Diego-area veterans on November 12, 2009, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2275. The event is set for 2 PM to 4 PM at VFW Post 2275, located at 136 Chambers
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