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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
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
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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San Diego Humane Society urging adoptions during overcrowding crisis
Printer-friendly version Honeycomb is one of hundreds of animals at the San Diego Humane Society looking for a new home. Photo courtesy SDHS East County News Service Oct. 9, 2025 (San Diego County) — The San Diego Humane Society is asking the community to step up for animals in urgent need of homes. To make adoption easier,
Judge denies Grecia Figueroa’s civil harassment restraining order request against Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service File photo: Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher Updated October 9 with statement from Grecia Figueroa October 8, 2025 (San Diego) – Superior Court Judge Blair Soper yesterday denied a request by Grecia Figueroa for a civil harassment restraining order against Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, wife of former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. This marks the second time Figueroa’s request has been rejected, following the initial
Dog costume contest and Halloween party Oct. 25 in El Cajon aims to be a treat for pets and their owners
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 8, 2025 (El Cajon) – Last month, several dog owners in El Cajon got together to hold a birthday party for their dogs complete with music, cake, doggie gift bags, games and more. That event proved so much fun that organizers will be hosting a community Halloween party complete with dog costume contest, games and
Crest achieves Firewise USA® recognition, a communitywide commitment to wildfire preparedness
Printer-friendly versionBy Diana Griffin October 8, 2025 (Crest) — Every year, devastating wildfires sweep across the United States, threatening homes, landscapes, and lives. As more people live in wildfire-prone areas, communities like Crest are stepping up to reduce risk and strengthen resilience. While wildfires are an unavoidable part of living in fire-adapted regions, there are proven ways to make homes
Brews & Bites event coming to Santee Oct. 18
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 8, 2025 (Santee) — There will be plenty of treats — in the form of brews, boos and bites — with no tricks in sight at this month’s Santee Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser. The annual Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser, a Halloween-themed night of live music, food and beverage samples for those ages
Chicago ICE raid draws condemnation over tactics including zip-tying naked children and terrorizing residents, even citizens
Printer-friendly version“It’s illegal. Unconstitutional. It’s dangerous. It’s wrong. This is not about deportation. This is not about safety. This is about authoritarianism. It’s about stoking fear. It’s about breaking the Constitution” – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson By Alexander J. Schorr October 8, 2025 (Chicago) — On Friday morning at 1:00 AM on Chicago‘s South Shore Drive, federal agents in military garb smashed through doors with flash-bangs, dragged residents
Law enforcement stands ready to respond to regional emergencies
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 8, 2025 (San Diego) — In the wake of recent high-profile incidents across the nation, Sheriff Kelly Martinez and local law enforcement agencies held a press conference yesterday to advise the community that they are prepared and ready to respond to any emergency in San Diego County. Sheriff Martinez was joined by San Diego Law Enforcement Coordination Center (LECC) Director Roy
Diet tea recalled for containing sugar, posing danger to diabetics
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 7, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Over 2,854 cases of Lipton Green Tea Citrus made by PepsiCo have been recalled because they actually contain mislabeled bottles of Lipton Green Tea Mixed Berry. The berry flavor is supposed to contain zero sugar, but these drink bottles labeled “Diet” in the mixed berry flavor contain 25 grams
Bicyclist dies after collision in Lemon Grove
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego County Sheriff October 7, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A bicyclist is dead after a collision with a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck shortly before 9:30 p.m. last night in the 8500 block of Troy Street in Lemon Grove. Deputies form the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s station responded to reports of a serious injury collision and found the
Missing Spring Valley teen
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 7, 2025 (Spring Valley) – Public help is sought to local Angel Mauricio Reyes Mejicanos, 15, who vanished after walking his sister to school on September 29. He was reportedly sighted in the Encanto area on October 1. His family is pleading for public help to find him according to the RAD Movement, which
GAME OF THE WEEK: PATRIOTS WIN UGLY BATTLE OVER BRAVES
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Christopher Mohr (EL CAJON) October 9 – Minutes after Christian’s 36-22 win at El Cajon Valley Friday night, the Patriots’ coaching staff brought up the topic of winning ugly in the team’s post-game meeting on the field. The gist of the discussion was that it did not matter that the team won by
POLITICAL PORK? COMMON CAUSE CALLS FOR FPPC TO INVESTIGATE LOBBYIST SEX SCANDALS; NOTES SEMPRA CONTRIBUTIONS TO BASS & BROWN
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 15, 2009 (Sacramento) – A lobbyist scandal in Sacramento has given new meaning to the term “pork” in politics. Ever since former Assemblyman Mike Duvall squealed on tape about bedding two lobbyists, critics have called for an investigation. Now the non-partisan citizens watchdog group Common Cause has called on the Fair Political Practices Commission to open an
WARNER SPRINGS RESIDENTS: BOIL WATER ORDER ISSUED
Printer-friendly version October 14, 2009 (Warner Springs) – A boil water order has been issued by the County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health for customers of the Los Tules Mutual Water Company drinking water system inWarner Springs, CA, effective immediately. The water system has tested positive for contamination by Total Coliform bacteria. The bacteria can come from
AUTHORITIES SEEK ABUSER WHO SHOT DUCK 5 TIMES WITH CROSSBOW
Printer-friendly versionOctober 14, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)– Animal Control Officers rescued a Muscovy duck that had been shot five times with a crossbow this morning at Chollas Lake in East San Diego, near Highway 94. The duck, with the arrows still in its body, was transported to the County’s Animal Shelter on Gaines Street. One of the arrows penetrated the
SAN DIEGO MEAT COMPANY RECALLS GROUND BEEF AFTER USDA FINDS E-COLI CONTAMINATION
Printer-friendly version MEAT SOLD TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS & CATERERS, USDA WARNS—BUT COMPANY REFUSES TO RELEASE NAMES October 14, 2009 (San Diego) – San Diego Meat Company is recalling approximately 925 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E-coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced yesterday. According to the USDA, the meat
GROWING GREEN CAREERS: CUYAMACA COLLEGE HOSTS FORUM OCT. 16
Printer-friendly version All-day forum joins industry with education in ‘greening’ the classroom EL CAJON – With all the buzz surrounding the burgeoning green industry and the promise it holds for a flagging jobs market, Cuyamaca College is hosting a forum this week aimed at helping local high school and community college educators ride the wave of the green economy.
CAL-FIRE CANCELS NO BURN ORDER
Printer-friendly version October 14, 2009 – It’s safe to light a campfire again, state fire officials have determined. Today, CAL FIRE lifted its no-burn proclamation due to an improvement in fire conditions, including increased relative humidity and higher fuel moisture, as well as increased availability of fire protection resources. The suspension of burning permits and other uses of open
EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS FEATURED IN NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE CONFERENCE OCTOBER 16-17
Printer-friendly version October 14, 2009 (San Diego)—Experts on near-death experiences will be in town for the annual conference of the International Association for Near Death Studies from October 15 – 17. There will be a pre-conference Healing/Arts day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 15th, followed by the full conference for the next two days. In addition, several
GALA TO BENEFIT GROSSMONT COLLEGE FOUNDATION OCT. 24 AT BARONA
Printer-friendly versionThe Grossmont College Foundation, a fund-raising organization that supports Grossmont College students and educational programs, will host its 2009 Dinner Gala and Auction fund-raiser on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino. The public is invited to attend. The Foundation’s Gala, the eighth annual, will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception and silent
GROSSMONT ANNOUNCES OPENING ON CITIZENS BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Printer-friendly version October 13, 2009 (La Mesa)–The Grossmont Union High School District is seeking applications to fill an opening on the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC). The CBOC is responsible for implementation of Proposition H, the $274 million general obligation bond measure passed in 2004 to bring facility improvements and renovations to the district’s schools. In addition, the CBOC also oversees
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