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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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THANKSGIVING DINNER AT BLEU BOHEME NOVEMBER 22
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Bleu Boheme, 4090 Adams Avenue, San Diego, will be serving dinner on Thanksgiving from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The special prix fixe menu is $48.95 per person and $16.95 for the children’s menu. Menu items include: Soupe de Citrouille – pumpkin-hominy soup with crispy parsnips and chive crème fraiche Dindon a Prepare
CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL WARNS OF PHONY CALLS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (San Diego) — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has received calls from San Diego residents stating that they have been contacted by individuals claiming to be a law enforcement employee. The callers will identify themselves as members of the California Highway Patrol, will provide false information regarding a loved one or relative and make various demands.
FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER: FIRE PREVENTION AND FLU PREVENTION
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (San Diego) – Fire prevention and flu prevention stages? We just changed our smoke detector batteries with daylight savings this weekend for fire preventive measures. Flu season is among us and like fire prevention, it’s important to take cold/flu preventive measures. Emergency rooms become saturated this time of year due to those with the flu. Unfortunately
BIRD TALK: RARE BIRDS IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionBy Greg Dunne November 15, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–We have our share of rare bird sightings now and then in our East County. The three I am going to talk about are the Greater White-Fronted Goose, the Nutmeg Mannikin, and the Vermilion Flycatcher. The Vermilion Flycatcher and the Nutmeg Mannikin are going to be the hardest to spot
SPORTSPLEX USA DONATES $1410 TO SANTEE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUNDATION
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (Santee) – On October 29, Sportsplex USA will made a donation to the Santee School District Foundation in the amount of $1410.00. Sportsplex USA and the Santee School District Foundation (SSDF) have partnered with the goal of offering affordable recreational youth indoor soccer programs to all parents and children in Santee. Since the partnership with the
THE BLACK FRIDAY BARGAIN: WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO START PLANNING THE HOME REMODEL OF YOUR DREAMS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (Sunnyvale, CA)—With the holidays (and associated chaos) fast approaching, you probably aren’t putting much thought into home improvement—except, perhaps, to grumble about the fact that you’ll have to cook another Thanksgiving meal in your outdated kitchen, or to wish that you didn’t have to steer your fa-la-la-ing guests toward your house’s only bathroom with its leaky
CHRISTMAS IN ALPINE HOME TOUR, DECEMBER 9
Printer-friendly versionNovember 15, 2012 (Alpine) — The Alpine Woman’s Club will hold its eighth annual “Christmas in Alpine” Holiday Home Tour on Sunday, December 9th from 10a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be an opportunity to stroll through five stunning country estates and view one of Alpine’s beautiful churches, which will be decorated for the season. The historic town hall
“OPERATION MOUNTAIN HIGH” YIELDS MULTIPLE DRUG ARRESTS FOR POT GROWING ON PUBLIC LANDS
Printer-friendly versionBy Nadin Abbott. November 14, 2012 (San Diego)– Today U.S. State Attorney Laura Duffy called a press conference to announce the arrest of six out of 10 suspects wanted by federal authorities in relation to running illegal marijuana farms on state and federal lands in the East County and Riverside County. “Drug agents on routine aerial surveillance happened to
SDSU OPENS NEW REGENERATIVE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Printer-friendly versionIRRI to be the hub of regeneration research on heart disease in the San Diego region. November 14, 2012 (San Diego) — The emerging field tissue regeneration, which harnesses the power and healing potential of stem cells, is an area that scientists around the world are turning their attention to. One of the foremost leaders in this area, Mark Sussman from
CAL FIRE TO HOLD CONTROLLED BURN WEDNESDAY IN CUYAMACA AREA
Printer-friendly versionNovember 14, 2012 (Cuyamaca) — Due to a change in weather, this week’s controlled burn planned for McCain Valley was cancelled. Instead, Cal-Fire will hold a prescribed burn on Wednesday, November 15 in the Middle Peak area off Highway 79 and Mild Ranch Road in the Cuyamaca area. Smoke will be visible from the Julian and surrounding areas, Mike
SKINCARE & WOUND CARE PRODUCTS INFECTED BY BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION, FDA WARNS
Printer-friendly versionConsumers advised not to use any skin products by Clarcon, marketed under several other brand names listed here June 8, 2009 (Washington D.C.)–The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory Inc. of Roy, Utah, is voluntarily recalling some skin sanitizers and skin protectants marketed under several different brand names because of high levels of
DUI CHECKPOINT IN FALLBROOK NETS ARRESTS & CITATIONS; MORE CHECKPOINTS PLANNED
Printer-friendly versionJune 8, 2009 (Fallbrook)—Law enforcement officials issued 19 citations at a driving under the influence (DUI)/driver’s license checkpoint Friday in Fallbrook, also towing 16 vehicles. Additional DUI checkpoints are planned for the Fallbrook area, the San Diego Sheriff’s office confirms. Law enforcement agencies from throughout San Diego County joined forces to conduct an AVOID – DUI Campaign Task Force
FREE LEGAL WORKSHOP FOR PROPERTY OWNERS & BUSINESS OWNERS IMPACTED BY POWERLINK
Printer-friendly versionJune 8, 2009 (Alpine)–The East County Community Action Coalition (ECCAC), in partnership with The Protect Our Communities Foundation and Backcountry Against Dumps is sponsoring a free legal rights workshop for individuals and businesses directly impacted by the Sunrise Powerlink. The workshop will be held on Thursday, June 11th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830
EL CAJON HUMAN RIGHTS LEADER JOINS NEW NATIONAL COALITION FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM; LEADERS TO MEET WITH OBAMA IN WASHINGTON THIS WEEKEND
Printer-friendly versionJune 2, 2009 (San Diego) – “This economy is built off immigrants, and immigration reform will benefit the economy,” El Cajon resident and Center for Social Advocacy spokesperson Estela De Los Rios said at a press conference Friday in San Diego, where community leaders announced launch of the Reform Immigration For America Campaign (www.immigrationforum.org). De Los Rios has traveled
LABOR COUNCIL ANNOUNCES FREE JOB TRAINING FOR VETERANS
Printer-friendly versionJune 5, 2009 (San Diego) – The San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council is offering free job training for returning service men and women. The program is funded by the State of California Employment Development Department. Printer-friendly version
SANDAG SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP PLAN REGION’S FUTURE
Printer-friendly versionJune 5, 2009 (San Diego)—The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking public volunteers for its Regional Planning Stakeholders Working Group to serve in an advisory capacity to both the SANDAG Regional Planning and Transportation Committees on the development of the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and its components, and laying the foundation for the next Regional Comprehensive
BE GREEN! EL CAJON OFFERS FREE RECYCLING OF E-WASTE JUNE 27
Printer-friendly versionEl Cajon (June 5, 2009) – Drop off your old computers and electronic gear on Saturday, June 27 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot at the 100 block of East Douglas Avenue. (Watch for signs.) All electronic waste will be safely disposed of by electronic recyclers. Drop off is free for: Computers, monitors, laptops, TVs,
GOVERNOR’S PLAN TO CLOSE EAST COUNTY PARKS IRES RESIDENTS; ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER CALLS FOR INCLUSION INTO NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kezirian June 3, 2009 (San Diego)— Governor Schwarzenegger has proposed closing down 80 percent of California’s state parks due to the budget shortfall, including two of East County’s historic parks: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. As many as 279 parks may be closed statewide. Schwarzenegger anticipates cutting universal funding for state parks in
WANTED: $12,116 BY JUNE 17th TO SAVE LAKE MURRAY FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW
Printer-friendly versionJune 4, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–“If I knew, I would have given,” some Lake Murray area residents lamented after the fireworks show was cancelled in 2004 due to a funding shortage. This year, organizers are asking the public’s help to save the Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks. The committee must raise an additional $12,116 by June 17th
HELIX WATER UNVEILS A NEW RATE HIKE PLAN, MOVES CLOSER TO MANDATORY WATER RESTRICTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 4, 2009 (La Mesa)—Deluged by protests from ratepayers, the Helix Water District Board unveiled a new rate hike plan at its meeting yesterday. The new proposal differs dramatically from earlier plans, which had proposed hikes of up to 90% on some residential users. The new proposal would assess a 24% rate increase on all residential
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