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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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CASA DE ORO ALLIANCE HOSTS COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON FLOOD ISSUES FEB. 25 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 15, 2025 (Spring Valley) — The Casa de Oro Alliance invites members of the community who have been affected by flooding to a community dialogue to help bring the community together and build resilience. The event is Tuesday, February 25 at San Diego Youth Services’ auditorium, 3845 Spring Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977, starting
EL CAJON CITY COUNCIL APPROVES ALLOWING POLICE TO COOPERATE WITH ICE, REVERSING PREVIOUS ACTION
Printer-friendly version Issue prompts drive to recall Councilman Phil Ortiz By Alex Schorr and Miriam Raftery View video Photo, left: Resolution opponents hold up sign denouncing hate and likening ICE roundups to “Gestapo” tactics February 14, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s City Council on Tuesday passed a controversial resolution allowing the city’s police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 14, 2025 — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. DOGE controversy Trump and Musk’s dismantling of government is shaking the foundations of US democracy (AP) As Musk cuts federal
READER’S EDITORIAL: MUSK POSES THREAT TO CRITICAL CLIMATE DATA
Printer-friendly version By Roger Coppock Image: measurements in Hawaii from 1960 to present show exponential rise in CO2 levels fueling climate change. February 13, 2025 (La Mesa) — NOAA staffers report that Musk’s minions have arrived with orders to wreck everything. This apparently includes climate data gathering. Should they succeed in shutting data collection down, attempts to fix the climate
READER’S EDITORIAL: WE OWE IT TO IMMIGRANT FAMILIES TO DO BETTER
Printer-friendly version By Patrick Cameron, El Cajon February 13, 2025 (El Cajon) — In one of Donald Trump’s first acts in office, he stripped away protections for schools, hospitals, and places of worship from immigration enforcement. These were once safe spaces where people could learn, receive health care, and pray without fear. Now they have been turned into targets for
READER’S EDITORIAL: MY PLAN TO PROTECT HOMEOWNERS, OPPOSE INSURANCE CANCELLATIONS AND RATE HIKES
Printer-friendly version By Assemblyman Carl DeMaio, District 75 February 13, 2025 (San Diego) —If you’re a homeowner in California, you’ve probably already felt the impact of our state’s collapsing fire insurance market. Premiums are skyrocketing, insurers are pulling out, and thousands of homeowners are being dropped from their policies. If we don’t take immediate action, millions of Californians could
WHITE HOUSE FIRES SAN DIEGO’S TOP FEDERAL PROSECUTOR, TARA MCGRATH
Printer-friendly versionBy Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Tara McGrath. Courtesy Southern District of California February 13, 2025 (San Diego) – After 16 months as the chief federal law enforcement official in San Diego, Tara McGrath has been given her walking papers by the White House. U.S. Attorney McGrath’s tenure
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 13, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s round-up stories include: LOCAL After D.C jet crash, a closer look at San Diego air traffic controller numbers (10 News) Investigation continues into military fighter jet crash in San
READER’S EDITORIAL: GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT’S PLAN TO CUT 22 COUNSELORS PUTS STUDENTS’ LIVES AT RISK
Printer-friendly version By a school counselor, who asked to remain anonymous Photo:CC by SA via Bing February 13, 2025 (El Cajon, CA) — The Grossmont Union High School District is set to eliminate 22 school counseling positions next year. This is not just a number—these are people who are on the frontlines, working day in and day out to support
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 13, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH How close are we to another pandemic? (New York Times) USDA detects second type of bird flu in dairy cows (NBC) Senate confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary (CNN) Pro-RFK
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
Printer-friendly versionDownload PDFs provided by Cal Fire in English and Spanish. Printer-friendly version
EL CAJON VOTERS TO DECIDE ON SALES TAX HIKE
Printer-friendly versionCouncilman blasts Assembly Rep for opposing Prop J without consulting Council or Mayor By Miriam Raftery 77th District Assemblyman Joel Anderson Voters in El Cajon will decide whether or not to approve Proposition J, which would raise sales tax by one-half cent on the dollar. “The decision to place a sales tax increase on the ballot for El Cajon
11 CANDIDATES VIE FOR 3 SEATS ON EL CAJON COUNCIL
Printer-friendly versionContenders clash on budget solutions, jobs, housing, and religion in politics By Miriam Raftery How should El Cajon address its budget shortfall? Should public jobs be privatized, or services cut? Or can new revenues and employment be created with an industrial park, green jobs, a new hospital, a university, or other innovative solutions? Candidates differ sharply on these
Editorial – Seizing the Moment
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego County’s Green Energy Future By Martha Sullivan The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is poised to take action any day now on Sempra Energy’s proposed Sunrise Powerlink project, which the CPUC’s own ratepayers’ advocate division has concluded is unnecessary. In this editorial, Martha Sullivan, former CPUC staffer, lays out a plan of action for consumers interested in
LEMON GROVE COUNCIL CANDIDATES OFFER FRESH PERSPECTIVES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 25, 2008 (Lemon Grove) – Who has the best fresh ideas for Lemon Grove? Which candidate can squeeze the most benefits out of shrinking tax dollars? What seeds of future development should be planted for the city’s future—and was the Council’s vote to raise its pay 40% a sweet or sour deal? These are among
LIBRARY FRIENDS ANNOUNCE ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
Printer-friendly versionNovember 1, 2008 (San Diego) – The Library Friends of San Diego County (LFSDC) announced the winners of its annual essay contest, with this year’s theme, "Libraries, Loud or Quiet?" First, second and third place winners in the youth, teen and adult categories will be honored by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors at the Tuesday, November 18
A QUESTION OF POWER ON SDG&E’S PROPOSED SUNRISE POWERLINK:
Printer-friendly version Video documentary distributed to CPUC is now online October 23, 2008 (San Diego, CA) – Stubborn Mule Productions and Backcountry Against the Dump, Inc. announce that “A Question of Power” is now available online. This one-hour locally produced grassroots documentary about the ongoing battle over the 150-mile “Sunrise Powerlink” transmission line proposed by San Diego Gas & Electric
THE RENO REPORT: MORNING HAS BROKEN
Printer-friendly versionBy Jamie Reno Exclusive for East County Magazine October 15, 2008 (Tierrasanta) – Morning has broken. As the sun rises over the East County, a sense of calm permeates my body. Yesterday morning, when I started writing this column for East County Magazine on the new fire threats, it was a different story. I was filled with anxiety. The
CONTROL OF GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL BOARD HANGS IN BALANCE
Printer-friendly versionElection creates rift among Republicans By Miriam Raftery Five candidates are vying for two seats on the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Board of Trustees. The stakes are high. The outcome of this election may determine if a popular superintendent will be retained, if a new high school will be built in Alpine, and if divisive forces will
PROPOSITION U SEEKS FUNDS FOR CLASSROOM UPGRADES, NEW BUILDINGS IN GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Grossmont Union High School District’s superintendent and four of five GUHSD school board trustees agree that Proposition U is critical to repair and replace aging buildings throughout the district—and build a long-awaited new high school for Alpine. “We can’t modernize the old industrial classrooms abandoned years ago without Proposition U,” GUHSD Superintendent Robert Collins said
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