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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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EL CAJON POLICE TO HOLD DUI CHECKPOINT FRIDAY NIGHT: ALL VEHICLES MAY BE STOPPED AND IMPAIRED DRIVERS ARESTED
Printer-friendly version December 26, 2012 (El Cajon) –El Cajon Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint this coming Friday, December 28, 2012 at approximately 6:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. Saturday, December 29. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and
PASSAGES: FINAL FAREWELLS BID TO THESE EAST COUNTY RESIDENTS IN 2012
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 27, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—East County lost some prominent residents in 2012, from celebrities and pioneers to lesser known individuals who achieved extraordinary accomplishments in their lives or touched our hearts in their passing. Scroll down to read about those lost in 2012; click on their names to read more about these
WILD HORSE HERITAGE HERD ON NEXT “HISTORY ALIVE” IN LEMON GROVE JAN. 3
Printer-friendly version December 24, 2012 (Lemon Grove) –The distant hoof beats of America’s ancestral horses echo across the centuries into the living present in a thrilling presentation by Kathleen Hayden, president of Coyote Canyon Caballos d’Anza, scheduled for the “History Alive” series, hosted by the Lemon Grove Historical Society, on Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House
ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 26, 2012 — (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. headlines include: U.S.
BOOK REVIEW: ADVENTURES AND DANGERS ABOUND IN TRAVELS WITH A ROAD DOG
Printer-friendly versionTravels With A Road Dog: Hitchhiking Along the Roads of the Americas, by R.K. (Charleston, SC, 2012, 364 pages). Book Review by Dennis Moore December 26, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–Reading East County resident R.K.s’ memoir, Travels With A Road Dog: Hitchhiking Along the Roads of the Americas, immediately conjures up thoughts of Woodstock to me, and all things
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: WILD TURKEYS IN CUYAMACA
Printer-friendly version Decenber 26, 2012 (Cuyamaca) — Turkeys for Christmas may conjure up images of a holiday dinner. But photographer Tom Lemon spotted this flock on Christmas Day while driving through Rancho Cuyamaca State Park. He suggests these turkeys should be grateful that they’re living in a protected area where hunting is not allowed–or, perhaps, hoping more folks will choose
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionDecember 26, 2012 — (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 top “Roundup” headlines include: LOCAL East County redevelopment funding announced (U-T San Diego) San Diego’s Biggest Park Gets Even Bigger (KPBS) San Diego Kaiser Hospital Fined For Removing Wrong Kidney (KPBS) El Cajon PIO stayed at
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: CHRISTMAS MAGIC AT COWLES ISLAND
Printer-friendly version December 25, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) — No, this isn’t a preview of what East County might look like after a few decades of rising tides and global climate change. This image of Cowles “island” is in fact Cowles Mountain, surrounded not by water, but a sea of clouds. Scroll down for a second image depicting the
KICKING SENSATION’S YOUTUBE VIDEO EARNS NFL TRY-OUT
Printer-friendly version Norwegian kicker Havard Rugland trains in San Diego with coach Michael Husted December 26, 2012 (San Diego) – More than a million people have viewed Norwegian Havard Rugland’s YouTube video showing off his amazing kicking skills, says kicking coach Michael Husted, a former NFL kicker working wtih Rugland in San Diego. It’s also earned him the attention
DRIVE-BY SHOOTING IN LEMON GROVE TARGETS MOM AND YOUNG SON
Printer-friendly version December 26, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – On Christmas night at 7:12 pm., a La Mesa woman was driving south in the 1600 block of Glencoe Drive in Lemon Grove with her 10-year-old son. As she passed a white two-door coupe, she heard a loud pop, followed by her passenger side window shattering. Fearing for the safety of her
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…
Iranian government threatens to set American troops on fire, while casualties and threats mount
By G. A. McNeeley Photo: fighter jets aboard USS Abraham Lincoln Feb. 27; via Dept. of War April 4, 2026 (Iran) — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf,…
Power struggle ends — no Seguro BESS in North County
East County News Service April 4, 2026 (Escondido) — The developer of the Seguro Battery Energy Storage System has formally withdrawn its application to build…
Four new rescues now at San Diego Humane Society’s East County hub
One of the dogs rescued by the San Diego Humane Society on Friday (Photo courtesy San Diego Humane Society) East County News Service April 4,…
County urges residents to throw out cheese linked to E.coli outbreak
East County News Service April 4, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County health officials are urging consumers to purge their refrigerators of specific…
Help shape fire priorities in San Diego County
East County News Service April 4, 2026 (San Diego County) — With “fire season” now a year-round threat, public input is growing in importance as…
California’s Zone Zero defensible space law is now in effect for new home construction; existing homes must comply by February 2027
By Paul Levikow April 3, 2026 (San Diego County) – New structures being built in Very High Fire Severity Zones in California must now comply…
New Basic Life Support ambulance on the road in Santee
East County News Service April 2, 2026 (Santee) — The Santee Fire Department and the Santee-Lakeside Emergency Medical Services Authority have expanded their emergency fleet…
Padres fall 5-2 at Boston, drop to 2-5 in 2026
Photo courtesy San Diego Padres Instagram East County News Service April 3, 2026 (Boston) — A change of scenery has not had much of a…
Passages: Anne Christine “Chris” (Raines) Stevens, former Spring Valley resident
Obituary provided by Ron Stevens April 2, 2026 (Spring Valley) — Anne Christine “Chris” (Raines) Stevens, 80, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away on September 24,…
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