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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
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
BILLIONAIRES FOR WEALTHCARE INVADE TEA PARTY EXPRESS
Printer-friendly version November 1, 2009 (San Diego) – Conservatives rallying for the Tea Party Express, which kicked off its national tour in San Diego, received an unexpected visit from Billionaires for Wealthcare, a group formed to draw attention to high insurance company profits in the healthcare reform debate. A video of the bizarre confrontation has been posted at YouTube. Barbara
OBAMA SIGNS MEASURE TO EXPAND PROSECUTIONS OF HATE CRIMES
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 1, 2009 (Washington D.C.) – Last week, President Barack Obama signed a defense budget bill which contains language to broaden the definition of hate crimes to include attacks based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability—adding to protections already in place for attacks based on race, religion or national origin. The Matthew Shepard and
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