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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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A LEARNING EXPERIENCE: CANDIDATES CLASH AT GUHSD FORUM
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery View full forum videos by Paul Kruze: Video part 1, Video part 2 October 25, 2012 (La Mesa)—Six candidates vying for two seats on the Grossmont Union High School District Board addressed topics ranging from budgets to bond money expenditures (reportedly the topic of a Grand Jury investigation) and from technology to integrity. The forum October
HERE’S THE SCOOP: BASKIN ROBBINS ROBBED AT GUNPOINT, SUSPECTS REMAIN AT LARGE
Printer-friendly version October 25, 2012 (La Mesa) – Two visitors to the Baskin Robbins store in La Mesa tonight weren’t looking for Rocky Road or Rainbow Sherbert. Instead, the men forced employees to the floor at gunpoint, then robbed the ice cream shop located at 8807 La Mesa Blvd. La Mesa Police received a call reporting the robbery at 9:47
POWAY UNIFIED SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES MEET IN SPIRITED DEBATE
Printer-friendly versionBy Nadin Abbott Photos by Tom Abbott October 25, 2012 (Poway)– Andy Patapow, Kimberly Beatty and Linda Vanderveen met in a spirited debate over the policies and procedures at the Poway Unified School District (PUSD). Both Patapow and Vanderveen are standing for reelection, while Beatty is running an outsider campaign. From bonds to busing to ballot propositions, audience members
READER’S EDITORIAL: SDG&E BYPASSES FOREST SERVICE; PERMIT REQUEST COULD SIGNAL A CLANDESTINE EXPANSION OF SUNRISE POWERLINK
Printer-friendly versionStealth project in Cleveland National Forest could cost taxpayers $1 billion; public has just 30 days to comment By Cindy Buxton, Chair of the Forest Committee, Sierra Club San Diego Chapter October 23, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)–Late last week, SDG&E filed a permit request with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and sent an announcement to several local residents
POWAY COUNCIL CANDIDATES FOCUS ON FUTURE IN WELL-ATTENDED FORUM
Printer-friendly versionBy Nadin Abbott Photos by Tom Abbott October 25, 2012 (Poway)—Candidates running for the Poway City Council shared their views at a forum tonight, where topics included taxes, the business environment, development and redevelopment issues, affordable housing and more. Challengers Jeff Mangum, Stave Vaus, and Gary R. Vineyard participated, along with incumbent Councilman Jim Cunningham. An estimated 100 people attended,
BLOCK, PLESCIA VIE IN HEATED RACE FOR 39TH STATE SENATE DISTRICT
Printer-friendly version Both claim to be pragmatic centrists, but have clear differences on education and fiscal policies By Mark Gabrish Conlan October 25, 2012 (San Diego) — The two candidates for the 39th State Senate District seat have both served in the Assembly, the lower house of the state legislature. Democrat Marty Block, a career educator, won an Assembly seat
MONSTER MASH SPORTS DASH AT GROSSMONT HIGH OCT. 27
Printer-friendly versionOctober 24, 2012 (El Cajon) – The Monster Mash Sports Dash is a fun-filled 5k run/walk covering the entire Grossmont High campus at 1100 Murray Dr., El Cajon, happening October 27 beginning at 8 a.m. The event will also include sports and fitness challenges such as making a jump shot or kicking a goal. Registration begins a 7 a.m.
“HAUNTFEST ON MAIN” IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON OCT. 26 ANNOUNCES NEW FRIGHTS
Printer-friendly version October 23, 2012 (El Cajon) — Make plans to come to downtown El Cajon on October 26th for HauntFest On Main! The Promenade District and St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center will be hosting their first annual HauntFest on Main in Downtown El Cajon on Friday, October 26th from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Come out for a night of art,
ECM WORLD WATCH: GLOBAL AND NATIONAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionOctober 25, 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 reflecting 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.
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: TOP LOCAL AND STATE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionOctober 25, 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/REGIONAL Scout files show abuse in county (U-T San Diego) La Mesa ready to allow beer and wine-making (U-T San Diego) U.S. to study cancer risk near San Onofre
County urges parents and stores to throw away formula linked to a national infant botulism outbreak
Printer-friendly versionBy Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office November 12, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego County is urging residents and retailers to throw out ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. This includes all lots, can sizes and single-serve “anywhere” sticks. As of November 10, the formula is linked to 15 nationwide cases of infant botulism. While California
Atmospheric river to bring heavy rains across region Friday through Sunday
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 13, 2025 (San Diego) – The County is urging residents to make preparations for a deluge forecast over the next three days. The National Weather Service predicts an atmospheric storm could dump 2 to 6 inches of rain in mountain areas, up to 4 inches in valleys and along the coast, and up
Sheriff searches for teen wanted on weapons violations after shooting in Poway field: body army and gun parts in home
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 13, 2025 (Poway) – San Diego County Sheriff seeks public help to locate Cameron Johnson, 18, on weapons violations. On Nov. 11, deputies from the Sheriff’s station in Poway responded to multiple calls reporting a man shooting a rifle in an open field near Hidden Valley Drive and Birch Lane in Poway. Johnson, who
In honor of Veterans Day, Attorney General Bonta issues alert on common scams targeting veterans
Printer-friendly versionSource: California Department of Justice November 11, 2025 (Oakland) – In honor of Veterans Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning veterans and their families to be aware of scams and fraud, including fraud perpetrated by predatory individuals or companies who exploit veterans seeking assistance accessing their benefits. Unaccredited claims representatives, sometimes referred to as
Senators advance potential deal to reopen federal government
Printer-friendly version Proposal would restore SNAP funding, but healthcare subsidies remain in limbo By G. A. McNeeley Updated Nov. 11 and 12 with comments from California’s Senators. November 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — On Sunday, November 9, The U.S. Senate moved forward on a measure aimed at reopening the federal government and ending the ongoing government shutdown that
San Diego FC advances to MLS semifinals after 4-0 win
Printer-friendly versionExpansion Club Dominates Game 3 at Snapdragon Stadium, sets up for home semifinal showdown vs. Minnesota Photos courtesy SDFC official Instagram East County News Service Nov. 10, 2025 (San Diego) – The new kids on the block are getting it done. San Diego FC, in its debut MLS season, stamped its authority on the Audi
Supreme Court halts federal government SNAP payments; Trump orders states to return those payments
Printer-friendly versionBy G. A. McNeeley November 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — The Trump Administration is escalating its legal battle over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), demanding that states immediately “undo” full SNAP benefit payments that were distributed, following last week’s court orders, according to Newsweek. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a memo on Saturday, November
Escalation with Venezuela: Trump sends warships after 16 boat strikes
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr Image by The Wandering Trader November 9, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) — After the U.S. bombed multiple boats allegedly carrying drugs in foreign waters, tensions are high. President Donald Trump risks war with Venezuela as U.S. warships head across the Eastern Pacific toward Venezuela. The Trump administration has continued a campaign of military strikes against alleged
Border 18 Fire burning south of Dulzura
Printer-friendly version Photo courtesy UC San Diego East County News Service November 8, 2025 (San Diego County) — CalFire is on scene at a fire being called Border 18 Fire. The fire was reported today at 2:10 p.m. 1/3 mile east of Marron Valley Truck Trail & Lupe Springs Spur Truck Trail, south of Dulzura. The Border 18 Fire has
Government shutdown woes continue to worsen
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Services Nov. 8, 2025 (San Diego County) — The longest federal government shutdown in the history of the United States continues to impact millions of Americans. The 2025 government shutdown reached 35 days on Nov. 5, eclipsing a 34-day shutdown in 2018–19 for the longest in U.S. history. The shutdown started when the previous budget
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