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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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Lakeside school employee arrested for sexual abuse of minor
East County News Service January 28, 2026 (Lakeside) – Kent Cable, 55, an employee of the Lakeside Union School District in a non-teaching role, has…
Found: Missing woman Tiffanie Russ
Update February 2, 2026: Tiffanie Russ has been located. She is safe and back with her family, per La Mesa Police. East County News Service…
San Diego poet shares secrets and solace of a psychotherapist in The Best Sex I Never Had
Book by Susan Black Allen Reviewed by Pennell Paugh February 2, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego resident and psychotherapist, Susan Black Allen has written…
First-Ever Spring Valley Changemakers Summit Feb. 19 set to connect community and inspire action
Source: Spring Valley Community Alliance February 2, 2026 (Spring Valley) – The Spring Valley Community Alliance and Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce along with SEEDS…
Get RAMped up and ready for a new radio station out of Borrego Springs
Printer-friendly versionGraphic courtesy Ram Media Foundation By Karen Pearlman Feb. 1, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – K-RAM 90.5 FM is hitting the airwaves this week. After years of radio static, the new station out of Borrego Springs will start broadcasting to the greater San Diego County desert community starting Wednesday, Feb. 11. Its license was granted March 19, 2025. Gabriel Wisdom,
La Mesa City Council unanimously approves changes to sidewalk dining guidelines
“This is so critical to La Mesa and to our businesses.” – Councilmember Laura Lothian By Armando Rasing II Photo by Miriam Raftery: Outdoor dining…
Get RAMped up and ready for a new radio station out of Borrego Springs
Graphic courtesy Ram Media Foundation By Karen Pearlman Feb. 1, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – K-RAM 90.5 FM is hitting the airwaves this week. After years…
SDPD releases body cam video of officer-involved shooting in Spring Valley
East County News Service January 30, 2026 (Spring Valley) – A stolen car pursuit on January 22 ended with a San Diego Police officer shooting…
Founder of Lions, Tigers and Bears urges public to oppose ‘Protecting Local Zoos Act’
Hearing set for Feb. 4 has “dangerous loopholes” that would allow exploitation of exotic animals Photo of Eddie the jaguar courtesy Lions, Tigers & Bears…
Found: Missing woman Tiffanie Russ
Printer-friendly versionUpdate February 2, 2026: Tiffanie Russ has been located. She is safe and back with her family, per La Mesa Police. East County News Service January 30,2026 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police seek public help to find Tiffanie Russ, 24, who was last seen leaving her room at the Heritage Inn, 7851 Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa shortly
WATER BOARD STIRS FLOOD OF CONTROVERSY: ALLEGED VIOLATIONS, SECRECY FUEL THREATS OF LEGAL ACTION; SPECIAL MEETING SET MAY 22 TO ADDRESS LEGAL CHALLENGES
Printer-friendly version A special joint investigative report by East County Magazine and Channel 10 News 10news.com story By Miriam Raftery May 19, 2009 (La Mesa)—A water board controversy has sparked public outcry in East County. No, we’re not talking about a torture tactic—though many ratepayers fear pain from steep rate hikes in the Helix Water District. The local “water
EXCERPTS FROM LETTERS SENT TO HELIX WATER DISTRICT IN OPPOSITION TO THE RATE HIKES
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery May 19, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Helix Water Board’s management withheld 68 letters sent by ratepayer from at least one Board member until after a vote was taken on rate hikes at the April 27 meeting. Below are excerpts from those letters. All opposed the rate hikes; many accused the board of unfairly targeting homeowners over businesses,
$20 MILLION IN ENERGY-EFFICIENCY INCENTIVES FOR BUSINESSES OFFERED
Printer-friendly versionMay 19, 2009 (San Diego) – Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) announced today that more than $20 million in rebates and incentives are available this year to business customers for qualifying energy-efficiency projects—the largest pool of incentive money in the utility’s history. The Gas Company shared the news with more than 300 business representatives gathered for its
“LOST BOYS OF SUDAN ” SHARE HARROWING STORIES OR SURVIVAL FRIDAY AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionMay 20, 2009 (El Cajon)–Students from the Sudanese Cultural Club at Cuyamaca College will share their own harrowing stories from their war-torn homeland, including riveting tales demonstrating the triumph of the human spirit in Darfur, a land ravaged by genocide. The program, titled "An Afternoon with the Lost Boys of Sudan: Stories of Hope and Survival", will be held
FIRE DAMAGES BANK AMERICA IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionMay 19, 2009 (El Cajon)–At 7:33 p.m. tonight El Cajon Firefighters responded to reports of a fire in the kitchen area of the Bank of America branch, located at 512 Fletcher Parkway. Upon arrival fire crews found smoke coming from the rear of the building where they made entry. Quick action by firefighters had the fire knocked down in
ADVANTA HOME CARE OFFERS ELDER CARE COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERIES FOR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Printer-friendly versionMay 17, 2009 ()San Diego) — Advanta Home Care’s owner Rick McKee is now partnering with leaders of local organizations to present an exclusive and innovative Elder Care Community Education Series. Representatives from local faith based organizations, retirement communities, health care facilities, physician groups, HOA’s, civic organizations and employers are encouraged to contact Rick directly to schedule any or
SANTEE LAUNCHES SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN AGAINST COUNTY’S PROPOSED EXPANSION OF LAS COLINAS PRISON
Printer-friendly versionMay 13, 2009 (Santee)-– Taking a page from the Barack Obama for President Campaign playbook, the City of Santee has launched a web site, a Facebook page and a Twitter micro blog to rally support for the city’s position against an expansion of the Las Colinas Detention Facility in the heart of Santee’s town center. “Educating the public and
CONTROLLED BURN AT MIRAMAR TODAY
Printer-friendly versionMay 15, 2009 (9:15 a.m.)– If you see smoke today, don’t panic. A controlled burn is slated to begin at 10:30 a.m. today along the eastern side of Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. Smoke may be visible along I-15 and Highway 52 from the burn, which is part of the base’s annual effort to remove dry vegetation. Printer-friendly version
LA MESA REJECTS HATE-FREE RESOLUTION
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery May 14, 2009 (La Mesa)—La Mesa’s City Council voted unanimously to table a “Hate Free” resolution proposed by a coalition of 52 community groups countywide at a meeting Tuesday following heated and divisive public testimony. (For text of the resolution and details, see our previous article at http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=node/1105.)Supporters said the measure was needed to reduce hate
CUYAMACA COLLEGE CAREER FAIR DRAWS RECORD CROWD
Printer-friendly versionEmployer representatives say sizable attendance a reflection of the times May 13, 2009 (EL CAJON) – Jobless figures topping 9 percent in San Diego County – 12 percent in El Cajon, according to the most recent state employment numbers – resulted in record attendance of about 500 people at this year’s career fair at Cuyamaca College, organizers say. In
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