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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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SEVERE WEATHER CAUSES TRAFFIC HAZARDS , WHITE OUT CONDITIONS
Printer-friendly version February 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Avoid I-8 east of Alpine. White-out conditions are reported on I-8 at Crestwood/Campo. At Pine Valley, multiple vehicles have spun out due to snow and ice on the freeway. Chains are required on Palomar Mountain and Sunrise Highway, and in other locations above 3,000 feet for two-wheel drive vehicles. In
FEBRUARY IS MUSEUM MONTH IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 8, 2013 (San Diego) – Once again Museum Month is happening in San Diego County including five East County Museums. During the entire month of February individuals can pick up a free Museum Month Pass at any local Macy’s store and receive half-off admission to 42 San Diego County museums. Guests with passes may bring up to three
THE GOLD STANDARD OF DEDICATION
Printer-friendly version Keshia Baker returns from the 2012 Summer Olympics with a gold medal, but remains hungry for future success By Julie Mashburn February 8, 2013 (San Diego)– “I need you to run.” Those five words put Keshia Baker, a graduate student at San Diego State University, on the fast track to the other side of the globe.
COUNTY CLERK WELCOMES COUPLES TO VALENTINE’S DAY TRADITION ON THE BAY
Printer-friendly version February 8, 2013 (San Diego)–It’s the most romantic day of the year… and San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, Ernest J. Dronenburg, Jr., wants to make sure that all romantic couples wishing to “tie the knot” or renew their wedding vows come down to the historical County Administration Center overlooking beautiful San Diego Bay for their wedding ceremony.
ROLLING READERS CELEBRATES 2ND ANNIVERSARY OF “SHARE YOUR LOVE OF READING” EVENT ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Printer-friendly version Elected officials, education leaders, celebrities to read aloud at underprivileged schools throughout San Diego County on February 14 February 8, 2013 (La Mesa)–Rolling Readers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income, at-risk children enjoy reading, will celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of its “Share Your Love of Reading” event on Valentine’s Day. The campaign aims to raise awareness about
ON THE SILVER SCREEN: THE UNBEARABLE SADNESS OF BEING (SIDE EFFECTS)
Printer-friendly versionBy Brian Lafferty February 8, 2013 (San Diego) – The press screening announcement for Side Effects read “Please note that due to the non-linear nature of this film, we will not let anyone into screenings of Side Effects if they arrive LATE.” The impression I got was that Soderbergh’s last theatrical release – his final project is a Liberace
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR TRIPLE HOMICIDE SUSPECT CHRISTOPER WARNER
Printer-friendly versionBy Nadin Abbott Vehicle found in Poway; sighting in Lakeside believed to be a hoax February, 8 2013 (San Diego)–Police agencies all over the state of California are on high alert. The manhunt for Christopher Dorner, 33, a former Los Angeles police officer wanted for three murders in the L.A. area, has spanned multiple counties including San Diego.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT OCOTILLO WIND PROJECT ARRESTED FOLLOWING THREATS TO PHOTOGRAPHERS
Printer-friendly version Update February 8, 2013: The court in Imperial Valley has issued a restraining order requiring Graham to stay away from Park Ewing, the photographer he reportedly attacked. By Miriam Raftery Jim Pelley and Parke Ewing contributed to this report. February 7, 2013 (Ocotillo) –Russell Scott Graham, 48, a representative at Pattern Energy’s Ocotillo Wind Express Facility,
WINTER STORM TO DROP SNOW LEVEL TO 2500 FEET
Printer-friendly version February 8, 2013 (San Diego’s East County ) – A cold front will bring chilly temperatures, thunderstorms and in mountain areas, snowfall starting Friday. Four to ten inches of snow are expected to fall above 4,000 feet, with snow levels dipping down to 2500 feet or even lower Friday night and Saturday. Travel may be hazardous on
REP. SUSAN DAVIS SPONSORS MEASURE TO REPEAL CITIZENS UNITED RULING
Printer-friendly version February 7, 2013 (Washington D.C.)–Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) joined Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) and more than two dozen of her colleagues in introducing a constitutional amendment to undo the Supreme Court ruling that allowed corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money on campaigns. “We need to restore accountability in our political process,” said Rep. Davis. “We
SEMPRA ENERGY UTILITIES EARNS TOP RANK IN NATIONAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY–BUT SOME LOCAL RATEPAYERS EXPRESS SHOCK AND DISSATISFACTION
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (San Diego) – Sempra Energy’s California utilities, Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), rank No. 1 in customer satisfaction among the largest U.S. investor-owned energy utilities, according to a recent survey by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). But some local ratepayers expressed shock at that report, citing
LA MESA OFFERS FREE DISPOSAL OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES & ELECTRONICS
Printer-friendly versionJune 1, 2009 (La Mesa)–If your household has hazardous wastes, the City of La Mesa and California Integrated Waste Management Board have teamed up to offer free pickup and disposal on June 6, July 18, August 29, October 10 and November 21. The City is also giving away a free nontoxic thermometer to any resident who brings in a
SPECIAL ELECTION ANALYSIS: WHAT MESSAGE WERE VOTERS REALLY SENDING TO SACRAMENTO POLITICIANS? AND WHAT SHOULD BE DONE NOW TO SOLVE CALIFORNIA’S BUDGET CRISIS?
Printer-friendly version CONSERVATIVES CALL FOR DEEPER CUTS, PROGRESSIVES LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO ALLOW MAJORITY TO MAKE BUDGET DECISIONS IN SACRAMENTO By Miriam Raftery Voters resoundingly defeated Propositions 1A-E at the polls, passing only 1F, a measure to freeze legislators’ pay when the state is running a deficit. But what message was the public really trying to send to elected representatives? Does
EAST COUNTY COMMUNITY LEADERS REACT TO CA SUPREME COURT UPHOLDING PROP 8; NEW LAWSUIT FILED IN FEDERAL COURT BY LAWYERS IN BUSH V. GORE SEEKS TO REINSTATE GAY MARRIAGE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Supreme Court ruled this week to uphold Proposition 8 banning gay marriage, though the court also held that gay marriages that occurred before Prop 8’s passage will remain valid. (View the high court opinion here: www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/). In East County and across the state, leaders on both
ANDERSON PROPOSES TAX BREAKS FOR VETERANS
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–“I spent 26 years serving my country in the US Navy, and I would do it again,” said Arthur Armagost, an Alpine resident and veteran. “But it pains me to see men and women I served with leaving California when they retire. They spent their entire careers stationed in California but can’t afford
A BLOCK OF NEW BILLS FROM MARTY BLOCK
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (Lemon Grove)–Freshman Assemblymember Marty Block (D-Lemon Grove) has been busy. During his first few weeks in Sacramento, Block introduced 23 bills that he believes will “make a difference for our communities.” Block added, “ In these difficult times for our state budget, I made sure to only author legislation that will have no impact to the
ACLU THREATENS LAWSUIT AFTER RAMONA SCHOOL BANS SIXTH GRADER’S PRESENTATION ON HARVEY MILK
Printer-friendly versionMay 27, 2009 (Ramona) – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has sent a demand letter to the Ramona Unified School District alleging that a school policy on sex education was used to illegally censored a sixth grader’s classroom presentation about Harvey Milk earlier this month. The ACLU contends that the District violated Natalie Jones’ free speech rights when
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES! VALEDICTORIANS NAMED, GRADUATION TIMES LISTED FOR GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Printer-friendly versionMay 28, 2009 (El Cajon) – On Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5, 2009, approximately 5,224 senior students from nine comprehensive high schools, two charter high schools and three alternative high schools in the Grossmont Union High School District will be donning caps and gowns for commencement exercises. Below is the schedule of graduation dates, times, and locations,
HAYES CONFIRMED AS DEPUTY SECRETARY OF INTERIOR AFTER GOP SENATORS LIFT BLOCK ON NOMINATION; POWERLINK BATTLE NOW ELEVATED TO NATIONAL LEVEL WITH EX-SEMPRA LOBBYIST OVERSEEING KEY DECISIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 27, 2009 (Washington D.C.) –David J. Hayes, a former lobbyist for Sempra Energy/SDG&E, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. His nomination proceeded after an earlier block by Republican Senators from Alaska over oil and gas leases was lifted. Both California Senators, Barbara Boxer and
SATURDAY NIGHT FIGHT: WARGODS V AT VIEJAS
Printer-friendly versionMay 27, 2009 (Alpine)–MMA Veteran Vernon “Tiger” White will face one of Temecula Team Quest’s stand out Lew Polley at Wargods “Five” at the Viejas Casino in Alpine, California on Saturday, May 30th. Doors open at 5:30 for the event, which starts at 6:30 p.m. The main card will begin with a four man elimination tournament that will
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