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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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Sponsorship Placement
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS HEADLINES
Printer-friendly version April 10, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) — ECM World Watch helps you be an informed citizen about important issues globally and nationally. As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a wide variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S.
SPRING STUDENT FINE ART & GRAPHIC DESIGN EXHIBITION AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE APRIL 11 THROUGH MAY 8
Printer-friendly version April 10, 2013 (El Cajon)–The 2013 Cuyamaca College Annual Spring Student Fine Art and Graphic Design Exhibition opens Thursday and will run through May 8. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, April 11 from 5-7 p.m. followed by an awards ceremony on the artist veranda. The event will be held at the Community Arts B
MUCH MORE THAN APPLE PIES: A TASTE OF JULIAN APRIL 13
Printer-friendly version April 10, 2013 (Julian) – Restaurants, wineries and breweries in the historic gold mining town of Julian will be offering up tastes to savor at the Taste of Julian this Saturday, April 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. This is a self-guided culinary tour that this year will also include an art tour. The event costs $20
SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL MAKES HISTORY WITH UNANIMOUS IMMIGRATION VOTE
Printer-friendly version By Nadin Abbott Photos by Tom Abbott April 9, 2013 (San Diego)—At the cusp of the U.S. Senate taking on immigration reform, the San Diego City Council today sent a bipartisan message to Washington. With a unanimous vote, the San Diego City Council passed a resolution asking for comprehensive, common sense, immigration reform. The partisan divide
COULD ECPAC REOPEN WITH HELP FROM THE GUHSD? SCHOOL BOARD TO HEAR OPTIONS FOR THEATERS APRIL 10
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 9, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Multiple sources have advised ECM that Wednesday night’s meeting of the Grossmont Union High School Board will include a discussion on theater options to meet the needs of students–and, perhaps, the broader East County community. Options are set to be raised under the Board President’s report,
TOWN OF CAMPO TAKES ON MEXICAN BANDITOS IN HISTORICAL REENACTMENT
Printer-friendly version By Ariele Johannson April 9, 2013 (Campo)–Imagine the Old West back in the 1800s. Lawmen are few and far between. Desperadoes sometimes spread terror throughout the new state of California. And Campo, on the United States-Mexican border, is the site of a confrontation between law-abiding citizens and one such gang of outlaws. The Gaskill Brothers Gunfighters,
LIVING IN THE PAST: REENACTORS OF THE GASKILL BROTHERS GUNFIGHTERS
Printer-friendly version By Ariele Johannson April 9, 2013 (Campo)–The reenactors involved in this fascinating hobby of bringing the famed Campo Gunfight to life have their own histories and stories of how they came to portray the Old West—that is, when they are not working as investment brokers, linemen, firefighters, lawyers, and more. Frenchy (photo, right) is played by Bear Larsen,
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE CAMPO GUNFIGHT
Printer-friendly version By Ariele Johannson If you’ve watched a reenactment of the 1875 Campo gunfight, you may have wondered what led up to the conflict and wanted to learn more about this fascinating tale. Here are the true details behind one of East County’s most infamous historical episodes. The leader of a Mexican gang, or Californios banditos, was Clodoveo
SANTEE COMMUNITY RALLIES TO HELP KINDERGARDEN BOY WITH BRAIN CANCER: BENEFITS SET APRIL 16 AND APRIL 20
Printer-friendly version April 9, 2013 (Santee)—The Santee community is organizing a benefit for a Santee family whose kindergarten boy is battling brain cancer. Diagnosed just this past December, Dylan Pourner has become bed ridden, is on oxygen 100% of his time and is in the process of starting a “research” chemo after the last treatment failed to shrink his
QUAIL BRUSH APPLICANT ASKS FOR ONE-YEAR SUSPENSION OF APPLICATION
Printer-friendly version April 8, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – An attorney representing Quail Brush Genco, a subsidiary of Carlyle Infrastructure Partners, has submitted a letter to the California Energy Commission’s siting committee today. The letter requests a one-year suspension of consideration on the proposed gas-fired Quail Brush power plant near Mission Trails Regional Park. The announcement was hailed
NEED A JOB? FREE JOB SEARCH MEETING MARCH 12 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont College Career Center will host "Systematic Job Search," a free informational meeting on identifying unadvertised jobs and making career connections, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, at the Career Center, Room 627, on the college campus. The public is invited to attend. For more information or to
TWO ARRESTED AFTER HOT PROWL RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 28, 2009 (La Mesa) — Shortly after noon today, the La Mesa Police Department received a call from a resident reporting that his house was being burglarized while he was inside the home in the 9200 block of Brier Road., La Mesa. The resident hid and locked himself inside a room, talking with police after dialing 911. While
CHALLENGES FACING U.S. IN AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN: SDSU PROFESSOR DIPAK GUPTA TO SPEAK IN LA MESA MARCH 4
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (La Mesa) — Dr. Dipak Gupta, distinguished professor in Political Science at SDSU will share his knowledge about challenges facing the U.S. in Afghanistan and Pakistan during a talk at the La Mesa Community Center on Wednesday, March 4th. Questions to be addressed include: Can we achieve a military victory in Afghanistan, or will we wind
GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT WRAPS UP CLASSROOM MODERNIZATION PROJECTS, BREAKS GROUND ON EIGHT NEW SCIENCE BUILDINGS
Printer-friendly versionMilestones Mark Completion of Phase 2B, Start of Phase 3A for $274 million Prop H School Bond Program Valhalla High School Principal Mary Beth Kstan takes the ceremonial shovel turn, joined by Valhalla science teachers, a student and District staff in a groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 12 for the school’s new two-story science building, which will house 12 science
THRIVING IN HARD TIMES SERIES: El Cajon Mom Finds Her Calling, Builds Recession-Proof Business Selling Phone Services From Home
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Just a few months after starting a home-based business in fall 2008, Karie Schmidt of El Cajon has a team of entrepreneurs working for her. She is earning a comfortable income, has flexible hours to spend with her family, and enjoys perks such as free phone service and free travel–including a trip to a pre-Kentucky Derby
STUDENT NOMINEES SOUGHT BY ASSEMBLYMAN ANDERSON FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Assemblyman Joel Anderson seeks student nominations for his “Outstanding Achievement Award” program, available to students in all schools in the 77th Assembly District. “It is important for all of us to recognize those students who strive for excellence in everything they do. Rewarding the great work of East County students is perhaps the
GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY OVER DROUGHT; URGES 20% WATER USE REDUCTION. STEEP PRICE INCREASES LOOM, LOCAL WATER OFFICIAL WARNS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–“This drought is having a devastating impact on our people, our communities, our economy and our environment, making today’s action absolutely necessary,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who declared a state of emergency following three years of drought. The Governor’s action aims to have water agencies reduce water usage by 20
WATER SAVING REBATES AND CONSERVATION TIPS TO WEATHER THE CRISIS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 27, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Area residents must cut water consumption by at least 20% or face stiff financial penalties, local water authorities warn following a state declaration of emergency today due to the drought. Fortunately, there is help for consumers seeking ways to reduce their water usage. “Sixty to 70 percent of water use
WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN LAUNCHES WATER-WISE GARDENING PHONE HELP LINE STARTING MARCH 3: “THE WATER SMART PIPELINE”
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (Rancho San Diego)–"How can I get rid of my grass?" "What low water groundcover withstands foot traffic?" Can I have color in my garden without using much water?" These questions and more are frequently asked by San Diegans looking to install water smart landscapes. To help answer people’s concerns about how to garden in these
LEARN HOW TO SELL AT A CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (Escondido)–The San Diego County Farm Bureau is hosting a free class to teach any interested grower how to sell produce and nursery crops at a certified farmers’ market. The class will be on Thursday, March 12 and will go from 3:00 to 5:00. Attendees will get comprehensive information on the rules and history of California certified
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