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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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SECOND ARREST IN JAMUL MURDER, ARSON CASE
Printer-friendly version January 31, 2013 (Jamul) –Devin Gaillard has been arrested and charged with murder and arson. Another suspect, Miles Sharp, was arrested January 25 on the same charges. Both men have been booked in connection with the death of Dillon A. Davis, 20, whose body was found in the trunk of a burning vehicle on Skyline Truck Trail
IDLE NO MORE MOVEMENT FOR NATIVE RIGHTS, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS REACHES SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version Speakers see parallels between destruction by energy companies in our region to environmental degradation, erosion of protections for people around the world By Miriam Raftery January 31, 2013 (San Diego) – Idle No More, a movement for the rights of indigenous people and environmental protections that began in Canada, has spread around the world and has now
SAN DIEGO RIVER CONSERVANCY APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Printer-friendly version Conservation Leader Tapped To Direct State Conservancy January 31, 2013 (San Diego)–The Governing Board of the San Diego River Conservancy (SDRC) announced the appointment of Kevin McKernan as its Executive Officer. McKernan, who currently serves as Executive Officer for the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, will assume his new position in March. The Conservancy, a division of the
AARP OFFERS FREE TAX HELP FOR SENIORS AND LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version January 31, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) — The AARP Tax Aide Program offers free tax preparation and E filing for seniors and low income residents and others in need in the East County Community. Tax sites will be open the week of February 4, 2013 and continue until April 15, 2013 Listed below are the tax sites
HIGHWAY 78 CLOSED DUE TO FATALITY CRASH, POWER LINES DOWN
Printer-friendly version January 31, 2013 (Santa Ysabel/Ramona) – Highway 78 is shut down due to a fatality accident involving downed power lines. The rollover crash was reported close to 1 p.m. with occupants trapped inside the vehicle. A Sig Alert has been issued. Highway 78 is closed in both directions from Old Julian Highway to the junction of Highways
GOURMET CHOCOLATES PAIRED WITH CRAFT BEERS AND BOUTIQUE WINES FOR ESCONDIDO’S CHOCOLATE AND SWEETART FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly version January 31, 2013 (Escondido)–Lovers, chocolate lovers, and art lovers unite! The Chocolate Festival returns to Downtown Escondido again this year on Saturday, February 9th, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Grand Avenue will be transformed into the perfect destination for anyone looking for something different to do for Valentine’s Day this year. “For The Love of Chocolate”
CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN DAVIS RE-INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO END ABSENTEE BALLOT RESTRICTIONS
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 31, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA) re-introduced one of her hallmark bills, the Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act (H.R. 376), which would end restrictions many states impose on a person’s ability to vote by absentee ballot. Currently, 21 states restrict an eligible voter’s ability to vote by mail, also known as absentee. The
EL CAJON COUNCIL HEARS FROM AGRICULTURE EXPERTS ON DISEASE THREATENING CITRUS CROPS
Printer-friendly versionBy Janis Mork January 31, 2013 (El Cajon)—A dozen trees in El Cajon have been found infested by an insect carrying a disease that is deadly to citrus disease and which has prompted a countywide quarantine, agriculture experts informed El Cajon Council members at yesterday’s meeting. Mark Olson, a representative for the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program, wanted
RENO DISPATCH: HOW I SURVIVED MULTIPLE BLOOD CLOTS!
Printer-friendly versionBy Jamie Reno January 31, 2013 (San Diego) – Last summer, as I was nearing the end of a grueling three-set tennis match in 90-degree heat, I felt a very sharp pain in my left side, below my heart, and then just collapsed on the court. It was easily the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. I could barely
VIDEO EXPLAINS HOW TO LOAD MTS DAY PASS ON COMPASS CARD
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 31, 2013 (San Diego) – MTS has completed its transition from paper Day Passes to Compass Cards. To help riders, it has a new YouTube video (click here) showing how easy it is to purchase a 1-Day Pass on Compass Card from a Trolley ticket machine and to use it on MTS Trolleys and buses. “Our goal was
JERRY BROWN ADDRESSES DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION IN SAN DIEGO; ATTORNEY GENERAL CALLS FOR REFORMS, HINTS AT THROWING HAT IN RING FOR GOVERNOR’S RACE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 27, 2009 (San Diego) – “Our state is in trouble,” former Governor and current Attorney General Jerry Brown said at the San Diego Grassroots Democratic Convention here yesterday. Massive deficits coupled with tax revenues drying up are crippling education and public safety, Brown suggested during his speech and in an interview with East
TRIO OF REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR CANDIDATES ADDRESS STATE GOP CONVENTION
Printer-friendly version Whitman takes heat for failure to vote for nearly 3 decades By Miriam Raftery September 27, 2009 (Indian Wells) – Three Republican candidates vying for the California governorship offered contrasting views on how to revive the state’s ailing economy—and lobbed some pointed barbs at each other at this weekend’s state Republican convention. In recent months,
HEALTH CARE REFORM: CAN WE PASS THE FINAL HURDLE? OCT. 20 IN SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version September 27, 2009 (San Diego) – Want to learn more about healthcare reform options? San Diego’s League of Women Voters presents a luncheon featuring keynote speaker Gerald Kominski, Ph.D., professor at UCLA School of Public Health and Associate Director of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. Dr. Jeoffrey Gordon from California Physicians Alliance will also speak, summarizing the
WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT HEALTHCARE MAY HURT YOU
Printer-friendly version Ex-Senator Kuehl Leads New Effort to Win Healthcare for All Californians By Miriam Raftery September 27, 2009 (San Diego) –Speaking to the San Diego League of Women Voters last week, former state Senator Sheila Kuehl shared some startling facts: California law used to require insurance companies to be nonprofits. Since that law changed, premiums have skyrocketed much faster than
BILL TO EXTEND UMPLOYMENT BENEFITS PASSES HOUSE
Printer-friendly version 4 San Diego Congressional representatives vote “aye”; Hunter votes “no” September 24, 2009 (Washington D.C.)—San Diego Democrats Bob Filner and Susan Davis joined with Republicans Brian Bilbray and Darrell Issa in voting to stimulate the local economy and provide stability to American families by extending unemployment insurance benefits to those hit hardest by the recession. Rep. Duncan
ANDERSON BILL ON GOVERNOR’S DESK WOULD MAKE WORK PERMITS EASIER FOR HOME-SCHOOLED AND CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENTS TO OBTAIN
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 25, 2009 (Sacramento)–Assembly Bill 66, authored by Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) has passed the Legislature unanimously and is now on the Governor’s desk. “ The bill changes the way schools issue student work permits, giving control over the process to local educators who can best to protect students’ grades,” said Assemblyman Anderson. The current system requires all
LA MESA TEEN VICTIM OF AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
Printer-friendly version September 25, 2009 (La Mesa) – At 3:15 PM yesterday a 16 year-old La Mesa boy was walking home from school near Amaya Drive and Water Street, when he was confronted by at least four teenage suspects. The suspects first demanded the victim’s cell phone. When the victim refused, one of the suspects hit the victim with his
HELIX PIPELINE UPGRADE SENDS WATER FLOWING FOR 3 DAYS IN EL CAJON NEIGHBORHOOD
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 24, 2009 (El Cajon) –Why was water left to flow for three days from a pipeline on Pepper Drive? After a reader e-mailed East County Magazine to say that Helix Water had failed to repair an apparently ruptured pipeline a day and a half after it was first reported, we contacted Helix Water District
FIRE DEVASTATES SANTEE HOME
Printer-friendly version Story by Peter Diehl, Incident Page Network Photos by Scott Bolle, www.code3photos.com September 24, 2009 (Santee)–An early morning fire in Santee on Thursday required a response of engines and trucks from Santee, El Cajon, and Lakeside. The first engine arrived on the fire scene at 10530 Flora Veda, minutes after a call came into the Heartland communications center.
FIX THE MEDIA! MEDIA POLICY REFORM PANEL IN SD SEPT. 26
Printer-friendly version Media Reform Panel at San Diego Grassroots Democratic Convention Saturday September 24, 2009 San Diego)– The topics of, “Why do cities like San Diego have five or six talk radio stations with conservative viewpoints, but no progressive talk radio?” and “What can we do about it?” will be discussed by a panel of experts at the San Diego Grassroots
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