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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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“Delana’s Dirty Pizza” Wins Charity Cook-Off at New Sammy’s in La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionIf you’re a fan of Sammy’s Wood-fired Pizza, check out "Delana’s Dirty Pizza" featured on the menu through mid-September. The creation concocted by Delana Bennett of Star 94.1 radio’s “Jeff and Jer Showgram” was judged the winner during a charity cook-off held August 13th to kick off the grand opening of Sammy’s newest location in the La Mesa Trolley
The Will Power Report – Solar Roofs
Printer-friendly version Nothing but the Truth! By Will Power The real unemployment rate in the U.S. is over 7%. Many people have stopped looking for jobs. Particularly hard hit is the construction business, due to the mortgage meltdown. The thin-film solar panel business needs a government subsidy and tax breaks for homeowners who install prefab solar panels. The new laser-deposited
Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Printer-friendly version Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze By E.A. Barrera “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully unprepared.” — San Diego County Grand
Faith, Science and Anti-Catholicism: “THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE”
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Courtesy of 20th Century Fox. “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2 King James Bible “THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE” is a solid, if not often campy thriller involving the nightmares and paranoia many science-fiction fans crave. The
Senior Citizens’ Resources
Printer-friendly version In loving memory of Philip Genser Printer-friendly version
COMING SOON!
Printer-friendly versionNews, views and resources to improve communities in San Diego’s eastern region* Local and regional news Award-winning team of journalists Wildfire/emergency alerts National news links Best of East County (highlights attractions and activities) Calendar of events (concerts, shows, festivals and more) East County Eater restaurant reviews Lively and informative features Columns and editorials representing diverse voices Voter information People
HELIX SPEECH TEAM NAMED LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
Printer-friendly version March 20, 2009 (La Mesa)—Helix Charter High School’s speech team has won the League Championship in a three-day tournament, earning its fourth League title in the past six years. Nineteen Helix students have qualified to compete at the California High School Speech Association State Tournament in Culver City at the end of April. Nate Howard, a third-year speaker and senior
O’DUNN FINE ART GALLERY OPENS IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionBy Rachel Ford Hutman Photo by Tim Thomas Pastelist Molly Lipsher, oil painter Jack Jordan, Paul Henricksen, La Mesa Chamber CEO Mary England, gallery owner Shannon O’Dunn, Mayor Art Madrid, Miss La Mesa Stephanie Packard, and Miss La Mesa Teen Katrina Schweitzer. March 29, 2009 (La Mesa)—Art aficionados flocked to the grand opening of O’Dunn Fine Art Gallery Thursday
LA MESA CHAMBER MIXER AT VIEJAS DRAWS CROWD
Printer-friendly version La Mesa Chamber of Commerce President Mary England and Viejas spokesman Charlie Brown By Miriam Raftery March 26, 2009 (Alpine) —“We don’t just hold mixers. We make cash registers ring,” La Mesa Chamber of Commerce president Mary England told a crowd of approximately 100 members and guests at a mixer hosted by the Chamber at the Dreamcatcher Lounge
HOG WILD: 4,000 CELEBRATE GRAND RE-OPENING OF EL CAJON HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Printer-friendly version March 28, 2009 (El Cajon) —Ribbon-cuttings for Chamber of Commerce members are usually sedate affairs. Not so the grand re-opening of the E l Cajon Harley-Davidson dealership today, where thousands of motorcyclists packed in to join the celebration on El Cajon Boulevard. “We were expecting 3,000, but it looks more like at least 4,000 people are here,” office
CONGRESSMEN SPAR AT SAN DIEGO REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCHEON
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 3, 2009 (San Diego)—Democratic Congressman Bob Filner took some good-natured swings at fellow members of San Diego’s Congressional delegation at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon on March 27th. “First let me take some cheap political shots,” quipped Filner, sporting boxing gloves. He noted that the Chamber of Commerce and other business interests
RECORD NUMBER OF GUHSD SCHOOLS RECEIVE CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS AWARD
Printer-friendly versionGrossmont High School, Helix Charter High School and Grossmont Middle College High School Receive Prestigious Honor April 2, 2009 (El Cajon)—On April 1, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced that 125 California high schools were awarded the prestigious 2009 California Distinguished Schools Award. This marks the first year that a record three GUHSD schools have been recognized
DESERT DREAMS: LOOK WHAT’S NEW UNDER THE SUN AT ANZA-BORREGO
Printer-friendly version Wild horse sculptures By Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (Borrego)—Visitors to Anza-Borrego may be startled by the vision of life-sized metal sculptures of dinosaurs, mastodons and other prehistoric creatures rising from the desert floor like sentinels of a forgotten era. Other sculptures portray wild horses, birds of prey, tortoises, a saber-tooth tiger and Native American themes. The creations
MAKING THE GRADE: GUHSD’S 2009 TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Printer-friendly versionMike Love and David Bradford Selected to Represent GUHSD in Prestigious San Diego County Teacher of the Year Competition April 3, 2009 (El Cajon)–At its Governing Board Meeting on Thursday, April 2, the Grossmont Union High School District honored Teacher of the Year nominees from its represented school sites. These nominees are selected by their peers. A panel comprised
DRY TIMES: WATER-SAVING LANDSCAPE ADVICE
Printer-friendly versionApril 4, 2009 (San Diego)—With water districts urging consumers to cut outdoor water usage by 40% amid the drought, homeowners are left wondering how to maintain an attractive yard without being water hogs—and paying hefty prices to be levied against heavy water users. The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) offers some recommendations for consumers to make smart choices and
HOP TO GROSSMONT CENTER SATURDAY: EASTER BUNNY TO HIDE OVER 1500 EGGS AT LA MESA MALL
Printer-friendly versionApril 2, 2009 (La Mesa)—Grossmont Center is hosting an Easter egg hunt with treats for all visitors on april 11th from 9-10 a.m. in Macy’s Courtyard. The festivities include meeting the Easter bunny, prizes, giveaways and refreshments. Bring your own basket to hunt for over 1,500 colorfully decorated eggs. The event is free. The Easter bunny’s hut located in
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