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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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EUCALYPTUS HILLS NEIGHBORS HOPE TO SNAG MAIL THIEF CAUGHT ON SURVEILLANCE VIDEO
Printer-friendly version Residents spread word through social networking of crimes and more, strengthening bonds in close-knit community April 12, 2013 (Eucalyptus Hills) –A hidden surveillance camera in Lakeside captured a mail thief in action last night, ECM has learned. View the video. Property owner Dennis Richardson, an award-winning ECM photographer, has posted the video on his Facebook page and
EAST COUNTY CELEBRATES EARTH DAY APRIL 14 ON MT. HELIX
Printer-friendly versionApril 12, 2013 (Mt. Helix) – The Fourth Annual East County Earth Day, a free, family-fun event, will be held at Mt. Helix Park and Amphitheater on April 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Co-hosted by The Jarrett Meeker and Mt. Helix Park Foundations, East County Earth Day will feature eco-friendly vendors, live music, speakers, an art contest,
FIRES ON I-8 IN LA MESA AND EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version April 12, 2013 (La Mesa) — Multilple small brush fires have broken out on I-8 in La Mesa, likely caused by a vehicle pulled over under the Grossmont bridge. Other fires are reported at the Spring Street exit. There is also fire reported on westbound 8 at Main Street in El Cajon. Sources inform ECM that the
CHAMBER’S “GRIP IT & RIP IT” GOLF TOURNAMENT AT SYCUAN RESORT MAY 16
Printer-friendly version April 12, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – The San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce will host its 11th annual “Grip It & Rip It!” golf tournament on May 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Sycuan Resort. The Chamber invites participants to “ditch your suit and rock the argyle” at Sycuan Resort’s Pine Glen
RUNAWAY VEHICLE INJURIES ELDERLY MAN IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly version Photo courtesy ECM news partner 10 News April 11, 2013 (Alpine) – An 82-year-old man was serious injured while sitting on a bus stop bench outside a Circle K store on Tavern Road in Alpine. A Volkswagon Jetta parked near gas pumps rolled out of the parking lot, pinning the man underneath. “Several Alpine angels were able to
HOMELESS MAN FOUND DEAD IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version April 11,2013 (El Cajon) – A man found dead along the I-8 off ramp at Mollison in El Cajon was a transient, according to El Cajon spokesperson Monica Zech. “They like to live in the bushes, and many don’t want to leave the streets,” she said.The man is not believed to have been struck by a vehicle and
TRIUMPHANT QUARTET, TOP SOUTHERN GOSPEL GROUP, TO PERFORM APRIL 21 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version April 11, 2013 (El Cajon) – Triumphant Quartet, an award-winning gospel group that has performed at Carnegie Hall and been nominated for a Grammy Award, will perform on Sunday, April 21 at 5 p.m. at El Cajon Wesleyan Church. Formed in 2002 as the Integrity Quartet, the group changed its name in 2004 after a nationwide contest
POVERTY ON RISE COUNTYWIDE; SEQUESTRATION CUTS WORSEN PLIGHT OF LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
Printer-friendly version By Nadin Abbott April 7, 2013 (San Diego)— ECM spoke with County Board of Education Board Member Greg Robinson today. He shared details on how extensive the face of poverty has become in the County and how this affects our children. He also spoke of sequestration cuts and why living wages matter. “El Cajon has the highest
BRUSH FIRES IN DEER SPRINGS AREA ON I-15
Printer-friendly version April 11, 2013 (Escondido) — Firefighters are responding to a brush fire at Deer Springs and I-15 in the Escondido area. According to the Incident Page Network there are several spot fires, with a larger header farther south. One fire is now over an acre. According to the CHP there is a second spot fire starting one
FREE “IT’S HOW WE LIVE” HEALTH FESTIVAL IN SPRING VALLEY APRIL 13
Printer-friendly version April 11, 2013 (Spring Valley)– The County of San Diego invites you to “go play, get fit, be healthy!” The 8th annual “It’s How We Live” community festival will be held this Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Spring Valley County Park, 8735 Jamacha Boulevard in Spring Valley. The event is free
“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
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