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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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SANTEE LAKES HOSTS EGGSTRAVAGANZA EVENT MARCH 30
Printer-friendly version March 29, 2013 (Santee)–Santee Lakes hosts an “Eggstravaganza” event this Saturday complete with continuous egg hunts, live entertainment, pony rides, petting zoo, craft booths and carnival rides. This event is brought to you by Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the City of Santee. Click here for more information. Printer-friendly version
LA MESA CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS UPDATE OF PARK STATION PROJECT
Printer-friendly version By Janis Mork March 27, 2013 (La Mesa)- At yesterday’s La Mesa City Council meeting, Councilmember Ernie Ewin requested an update on the status of the Park Station project, a proposed 18-story mixed use building. City manager David Witt asked Bill Chopyk, Community Development Director, to discuss the process. Chopyk provided some background. “The first season project
AZTECS BASEBALL: MOUNTAIN WEST CO-LEADERS SDSU AND UNM SET FOR THREE-GAME SERIES
Printer-friendly version Freshman third baseman Ty France leads the Aztecs in home runs and is tied for the team RBI lead. March 27, 2013 Complete Release and Season Statistics – SDSU Athletics WHAT’S ON TAP THIS WEEKEND IN AZTEC BASEBALL SDSU will be on the road this week for Mountain West play with a three-game series at conference
96TH ANNUAL SUNRISE SERVICE ON MT. HELIX EASTER MORNING
Printer-friendly version March 30, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) — For nearly a century, Easter sunrise service has been an annual tradition atop Mt. Helix. This year’s service will be held at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 31 and will be hosted by Christ Luthern Church of La Mesa. Free shuttle service will be provided starting at 5:30 a.m.
DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE AT HACIENDA DE LAS ROSAS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 24, 2013 (Ramona) –“It all started with my horses,” Tammy Rimes told ECM at the grand opening of Hacienda de las Rosas Winery’s new Mission-style tasting room in Ramona. In addition to Spanish-style wines, the opening featured dazzling displays of horsemanship, including riders in Peruvian-style attire demonstrating the Peruvian Paso breed’s unique
ALPINE BUSINESS OWNERS FILE SUIT OVER SUNRISE POWERLINK IMPACTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 24, 2013 (Alpine)—Seven Alpine businesses have filed a lawsuit alleging that SDG&E failed to adequately reimburse business owners for losses caused by the two-year project to underground the high-voltage Sunrise Powerlink lines along Alpine Boulevard. Plaintiffs allege that some businesses were forced out of business, while others suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars
CHILIS HOSTS FUNDRAISER TODAY FOR TAYLOR CUNNINGHAM, TEEN PAGEANT WINNER STRUCK BY WRONG-WAY DRIVER IN SANTEE
Printer-friendly version Don’t have plans for lunch or dinner today? The Miss San Diego Cities Pageant in conjunction with the Miss San Diego Pageant and Scholarship Association invites the community to a fundraiser to support Taylor Cunningham and the Cunningham Family, today Tuesday, March 26 all day at the Chilis restaurant in Santee on Mission George Road. Chilis will
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: SPRING VISITOR AT LAKE JACUMBA
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 24, 2013 (Jacumba Hot Springs) –I spotted this beautiful crested bird, a cedar waxwing, on a visit to Jacumba Hot Springs last week. Lake Jacumba, once virtually dry, is now refilled and is a magnet for a wide variety of bird species. Cedar waxwings are most often found in the northern United States,
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT: SAN PASQUAL WINERY ANNOUNCES LIVE MUSIC, ART AND LITERARY EVENTS FOR APRIL IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version March 24, 2013 (La Mesa) – San Pasqual Winery announces a creative series of upcoming events at its tasting room in La Mesa. Each Saturday night, find live entertainment including flamenco fusion, classic guitar, hits from yesterday and today, plus original local music. Other upcoming events include a painting class and a “big read” from a Ray
FRESH AND EXOTIC OFFERINGS: DOWNTOWN EL CAJON FARMERS’ MARKET DRAWS A CROWD
Printer-friendly version By Janis Mork March 22, 2013 (El Cajon)- East County’s newest farmers’ market had its grand opening yesterday on the Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon. Many people came, young and old, single and families, all flocking to check out what this market had to offer. Shoppers found a unique blend of fresh produce, unique ethnic and
FREE “MVP” HAIRCUTS AT SPORTS CLIPS IN SANTEE; STORE CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING JAN 24-25: DONATE $5 TO SANTEE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB AND GET A HAIRCUT FREE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 19, 2009 (Santee) — Sport Clips, providers of “championship haircuts” for men and boys in a sports-themed environment, announced today a Cut-A-Thon at their new Santee-area store to benefit the local Boys & Girls Club. Customers that donate $5 to the organization on either Saturday, January 24 from 9 to 6 p.m. or Sunday, January 25 from 10
125 PRODUCTS RECALLED FOR SALMONELLA; FDA PUBLISHES LIST OF TAINTED PEANUT BUTTER PRODUCTS; WAL-MART BAKERY PRODUCTS, MAJOR SNACK FOOD BRANDS & DOG BISCUITS ON LIST
Printer-friendly versionCALIFORNIA HAS MOST CASES IN NATION, CDC REPORTS January 19, 2009 (Washington D.C.) — The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has created a searchable list of products and brands associated with the expanded recall of products containing peanut butter made by Peanut Corporation of America(PCA). This list is available on the FDA website at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm and will be
STABBING SUSPECT AT LARGE IN RAMONA
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 9, 2009 (Ramona) — An eighteen year-old woman was attacked by an unknown male suspect while walking home from a bus stop in the 27200 block of Sawday Truck Trail in Ramona at 3:20 p.m. today. The victim was cut with a sharp instrument and sustained a 2 1/2 inch laceration on the back of her head. The
THE CITY THAT WORKS: POWER, POLITICS AND CORRUPTION IN CHICAGO
Printer-friendly versionEXCLUSIVE TO EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE By Dennis Moore Steve Breen The opinions expressed are the views and beliefs of the author only, and do not necessarily reflect the views or beliefs of East County Magazine, its publisher or editor. Author Dennis Moore has offered East County Magazine an exclusive preview of his upcoming book, The City That Works: Power,
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY’S 5TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY (SANDEE) AWARDS
Printer-friendly versionNominations are due February 2nd, 2009 December 9, 2008 (San Diego)–Those in search of recognition for their energy efficiency, energy conservation or renewable energy projects should look no further: the California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is seeking nominations for the fifth annual SANDEE Awards. Nominations for the prestigious event are due by February 2nd. CCSE’s signature SANDEE Awards
FLAVORS OF THE GARDEN: VALENTINE’S DAY TOUR AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE’S WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 1, 2009 (El Cajon) — Savor a flavorful tour of the Water Conservation Garden on Saturday, February 15th at 11:30 a.m. Tour includes samples of sweet and savory flavors from the botanical world including fruits, vegetables, and herbs–and then there is chocolate! Printer-friendly version
MORE INAUGURATION PARTIES LOCALLY
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 16, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Several progressive organizations are planning dozens of local inaugural bashes on January 20th besides those previously posted on our site. Below are links to find Inauguration Day events in your neighborhood hosted by local members of Democracy for America (DFA) or by MoveOn.org. Members of the public are welcome regardless of
FORMS IN METAL EXHIBITION OPENS IN HYDE ART GALLERY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 14, 2008 (El Cajon) — To mark the 1st anniversary of the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Sculpture facility, the Hyde Art Gallery at Grossmont College will host Forms in Metal , a group exhibition of contemporary metalwork from January 26-February 26; An opening event is scheduled for February 10th from 7-9 p.m. The exhibition will feature the
MANY MORE INAUGURATION PARTIES PLANNED IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionIn addition to private parties that are planned all over the county several national organiztions are mobilizing supporters to open their homes for viewing parties. To find out if there is a party in your neighborhood click on the following links. Moveon.org is planning many local house parties as well as some events in local restaurants: http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/index.html?action_id=158&rc=homepage The Presidential
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA REGENTS CUT FRESHMAN ENROLLMENT BY 6%; EAST COUNTY EDUCATION LEADERS ASSESS IMPACT ON LOCAL STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery January 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Grappling with cuts in state funding, regents at the University of California voted yesterday to cut freshmen enrollment by 6%, eliminating 2,300 spots for students throughout the UC system. The cuts occur at a time when UC is receiving more applications than ever before, as fewer students can
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