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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 CITY COUNCIL TO ADDRESS ITS RED LIGHT CAMERA PROGRAM AT MEETING TOMORROW
Printer-friendly version By Janis Mork February 11, 2013 (El Cajon)- Tomorrow’s El Cajon Council will consider an agenda introduced by Pro Tem Mayor Bill Wells regarding the city’s red light camera program, which has been in effect since 1996 (see http://www.utsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051216/news_1m16red1.html). The agenda item, if approved, would direct the city manager to bring back information on the program, including information
READY FOR ADVENTURE? CHAMBER OFFERS GROUP TRAVEL INFO NIGHT FEB. 13
Printer-friendly version February 12, 2013 (La Mesa)—The San Diego East County Chamber is offering group tours to locations around the world. On Wednesday, February 13 from 6-8 p.m., you can learn more at a travel briefing at the Grossmont Healthcare District auditorium, 9001 Wakarusa in La Mesa. Trips include Tuscany in March,Costa Rica in July, Ireland this October, the French
TRAFFIC HEADACHES ACROSS EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version February 11, 2013 (San Diego’s East County ) – Several major traffic issues pose problems for motorists this afternoon: Sunrise Highway and Los Huecos Road on Mt. Laguna — Boulders are blocking the roadway; road crews are en route. Eastbound Highway 94 west of I-14: A multi-vehicle accident is blocking several lanes. A SIG alert remains in effect
WIND FARM MANAGER SHOT IN MEXICO, SECOND WORKER SLAIN
Printer-friendly version February 11, 2013 (Juchitan) –A wind farm worker was slain and the facility’s general manager injured by gunshots, a Mexican media outlet reported on February 8, 2013. Witnesses reportedly told police that four hooded persons walked into a party in a residential neighborhood “with both pistols and rifles, straight to the two people.” The assailants escaped in
DRUG AND DEVICE MAKERS MUST DISCLOSE PAYMENTS TO DOCS
Printer-friendly version Lori Abbott, California News Service February 11, 2013 (Washington D.C.) –The Food and Drug Administration has just announced it’s looking for dozens of doctors to serve on advisory committees that evaluate new medical devices before they hit the market. But the agency is also operating under new rules that could make it harder to fill those vacancies.
EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS HONORED FEB. 5TH AS LOCAL HEROES
Printer-friendly version February 12, 2013 (San Diego)–On Feb. 5, 2013, Union Bank, in partnership with KPBS, honored 16 local heroes who are making a positive difference in the lives of others. The heroes were selected each month in 2012 and were formally recognized last week at the cultural diversity celebration held at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Louis
WILDCAT CANYON STILL CLOSED FROM ACCIDENT THAT DOWNED POWERLINES
Printer-friendly version February 10, 2013 (Lakeside) — Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside remains closed tonight between Willows Road and Muth Valley Road. The route has been shut down since a vehicle accident downed power lines around 1:58 a.m. According to the California Highway Patrol website, Wildcat Canyon, the main access route to Barona Casino, could remain closed all night. Printer-friendly
READERS CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY 10 THRU 18, 2013
Printer-friendly versionFor complete Calendar including Authors Events, go to www.SDWriteWay.org February 10, 2013 (San Diego)–The San Diego Public Library’s 47th Annual Local Authors Exhibit: The Library is going to display it in the exhibit, which will run the entire month of February 2013 in the lobby of the Central Library downtown. February 10 (Sunday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm) —
STUDENT ARRESTED AFTER THREATENING MASS SHOOTING AT POWAY SCHOOL
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery February 10, 2013 (Poway) – A 12-year-old student at Twin Peaks Middle School has been arrested after sending an e-mail to an administrator Friday night threatening to shoot 23 students and a teacher at the school on Monday, February 11. According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s department, the e-mail also claimed the student
COUNTY RELEASES ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT ON FORMER FCI LANDS : COMMENTS DUE MARCH18
Printer-friendly version February 10, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)–The draft environmental documents for the Forest Conservation Initiative (FCI) Lands General Plan Amendment have been released for public review. The lands included cover vast tracts of unincorporated communities in East County and beyond. This Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared as a Supplemental EIR (SEIR) because only minor
SONIC WEAPONS USED IN IRAQ POSITIONED AT CONGRESSIONAL TOWNHALL MEETINGS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version A Joint Investigative Report by East County Magazine and Liberty One Radio By Miriam Raftery September 11, 2009 (San Diego) – “Long-range acoustic devices [LRADs] for crowd control can be extremely dangerous. These are used in Iraq to control insurgents. They can cause serious and lasting harm to humans…We want to know WHY our Sheriff Dept has
SEMPRA LOBBYIST SEX SCANDAL SPARKS CALL FOR LOBBYING REFORMS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 13, 2009 (Sacramento) –Last week, Assemblyman Mike Duvall (R-Orange County) resigned after bragging on videotape about sexual romps with lobbyists— including a lobbyist representing SDG&E and its parent company, Sempra Energy, according to an Orange County newspaper. Now Common Cause and the Courage Campaign have launched an online petition drive calling for lobbying reform legislation.
WANT TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY? JOIN EL CAJON’S TEEN COALITION
Printer-friendly version Applications Due By Sept. 28 September 11, 2009 (El Cajon)–To engage, educate and empower–these are goals for the City’s Teen Coalition, which is kicking off another year of leadership and community service. This special coalition, offered through the City’s Recreation Department, is an opportunity for teens to develop skills in leadership, discuss important teen issues, and become involved
RETURN OF THE BODY SNATCHERS: FIRM WITH HISTORY OF GRAVE DESECRATIONS OWNS 10 CEMETERIES & FUNERAL HOMES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery, Editor East County Magazine September 11, 2009 (San Diego) –Tonight, CNN reports that hundreds of graves were allegedly desecrated to make room for more remains in a Los Angeles cemetery, where employees are accused of ripping up concrete vaults with backhoes, shattering caskets and discarding body parts including a human skull. The story had
SMOKEY SKIES OVER MIRAMAR TODAY & TOMORROW
Printer-friendly version September 11, 2009 (San Diego) – Emergency response training today at the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station sent billowing into the air, visible from nearby freeways. A training exercise also triggered false reports of a plane crash and brush fire. Additional smoke will be visible tomorrow, when a controlled burn will be held at the base in
EAST COUNTY ACTIVIST FILES ETHICS COMPLAINT AGAINST SEMPRA/SDG&E LOBBYIST; ATTORNEY COULD FACE DISBARMENT
Printer-friendly version September 11, 2009 (Boulevard) – Donna Tisdale, Chair of the Boulevard Planning Group (photo), has filed a formal ethics complaint with the California Bar Association against Sempra/SDG&E lobbyist Heidi DeJong Barsuglia. Barsuglia has been implicated in a sex scandal involving Assemblyman Mike Duvall, as we have previously reported. In an e-mail to East County Magazine, Tisdale noted
THE GREAT DEBATE! 4 CANDIDATES FOR SHERIFF FACE-OFF SATURDAY IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version East County Magazine Editor Miriam Raftery to Co-Moderate September 11, 2009 (El Cajon) – East County’s top law enforcement issues will be on the front burner at the hottest political debate in town Saturday, when four candidates for San Diego County Sheriff will face off on issues ranging from border protection to a jail expansion in Santee.
4TH ANNUAL SAFE & SOUND FIRE EXPO IN EL CAJON SATURDAY, SEPT. 12
Printer-friendly version On September 12, 2009, the San Miguel Fire District will host our 4th Annual “Safe and Sound” Fire Expo. The event will be held at the Rancho San Diego Towne Center/YMCA, 2891 Jamacha Rd. El Cajon 92019, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. “Our community has always faced significant fire dangers, but now with recent budget cuts,
GAME OF THE WEEK: FOOTHILLERS TO BATTLE NORSEMEN
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr September 10,2009 (El Cajon) – In the second Game of the Week, we’re going to stay at Valhalla to see a couple of East County rivals square off. Grossmont makes a short drive south to face Valhalla Friday night. Grossmont (1-0) had a dramatic 16-14 win at home last week against Otay Ranch. After missing
SEMPRA ISSUES VIDEO STATEMENT ON LOBBYING SCANDAL, LAUNCHES INTERNAL INVESTIGATION
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 10, 2009 (San Diego) – Sempra Energy today issued a video statement expressing “shock” at news that a lobbyist for the company has been implicated in a sex scandal with Mike Duvall (R-Orange County), vice chair of the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee. Duvall resigned yesterday, after his videotaped boasts were widely publicized, as East County
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