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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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LEARN HOW TO SELL AT A CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2009 (Escondido) – The San Diego County Farm Bureau is hosting a class to teach any interested grower how to sell produce and nursery crops at a certified farmers’ market. The class will be on Thursday, October 22 and will go from 3:00 to 5:00. Attendees will get comprehensive information on the rules and history
HELIX CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR CONTRIBUTING TO DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 6, 2009 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police are conducting an investigation into a Helix Charter High School assistant principal in a case involving a runaway female student. “We hope to finish our investigation this week and forward to the District Attorney with a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor,”
FREEBIE ALERT! CALLING ALL KIDS–FREE ADMISSION TO SAN DIEGO ZOO & WILD ANIMAL PARK IN OCTOBER
Printer-friendly version KIDS FREE DAYS for children 11 years old and younger has been expanded and is now available all during the month of October. Everybody loves our World famous Zoo; now’s the time to enjoy the cooler weather as you learn more about animals and conservation. Come check out two fun, new play areas at the ZOO, and experience
GETTING YOUR BUSINESS ON THE FAST TRACK: OCT. 7 IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) – Are you maximizing your business growth and profitability potential? Michelle S. Butler, president and CEO of the Women’s Business Center of California, will teach you how to utilize the same tools Fortune 500 companies use to help your business profits soar. Butler will speak at a business roundtable presentation hosted
MAN COMMITS SUICIDE OFF SEVERIN DRIVE BRIDGE
Printer-friendly version October 5, 2009 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Coroner’s office has identified Ali Shah Wahid, 34, as the man who committed suicide on September 29th by jumping off the Severin Drive overpass in La Mesa. Wahid, who was witnessed jumping, was struck by several vehicles, according to the Coroner’s report. Arriving after receiving 911 calls, emergency responders
THE CYCLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: FREE PRESENTATION OCT. 27 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version October 5, 2009 (Spring Valley) — William D. Gore, Sheriff of San Diego County, announces a presentation regarding domestic violence and resources available to those who find themselves in abusive relationships. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 27th 2009, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the San Miguel Fire Station, located at 2850 Via Orange Way
WHITMAN CLAIMS SACRAMENTO BEE DISTORTED HER VOTING RECORD
Printer-friendly version October 5, 2009 (Sacramento) – Last week, the Sacramento Bee published an article stating that Meg Whitman, Republican candidate for Governor, did not register to vote in the past 28 years. Initially, Whitman responded by stating that her voting record was “inexcusable,” adding, “I failed to register and vote on numerous occasions throughout my life. That is simply
USDA OFFERS HELP TO FARMERS & RANCHERS IN SAN DIEGO & IMPERIAL COUNTIES
Printer-friendly version October 5, 2009 (Washington D.C.) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently designated San Diego and Imperial counties as part of a contiguous natural disaster area due to drought that began January 1, 2009, and continues. Farmers have eight months from the date of the USDA declaration – September 17, 2009 – to apply for assistance to
HUNTER ANNOUNCES FUNDING STEP TO INCREASE SAN DIEGO’S WATER SUPPLY—BUT VOTED “NO” ON BILL
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 5, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) issued a press release announcing that the House of Representatives passed a conference report on H.R. 3183, the fiscal Year 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Act. The legislation includes $120,000—funding secured by Congressman Hunter, according to the release, to perform a feasibility study
EDITORIAL: HOW MANY MORE?
Printer-friendly version By Enrique Morones October 1, 2009 (San Diego) – Today marks the 15th anniversary of the wall of death—the border wall of shame. Since October 1st 1994 and the launching of Operation Gatekeeper here in San Diego, thousands have died. Nobody knows the exact number: 5,000, 6,000, 10,000. How many more? These are not numbers, these
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