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Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber warns of ongoing threats to voting rights at East County Democratic Club meeting
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Paul Levikow April 22, 2026 (Alpine) — California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber recently delivered an assessment of the challenges facing the state’s electoral system, while urging vigilance and civic participation ahead of the 2026 elections. About 30 attendees gathered at The Alpine Club for the East
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
News Issues
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
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
Politics
Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber warns of ongoing threats to voting rights at East County Democratic Club meeting
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Paul Levikow April 22, 2026 (Alpine) — California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber recently delivered an assessment of the challenges facing the state’s electoral system, while urging vigilance and civic participation ahead of the 2026 elections. About 30 attendees gathered at The Alpine Club for the East
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
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
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
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
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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
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
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
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PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE CALIFORNIA’S WATER SUPPLY
Printer-friendly version By Roy L Hales Reprinted with permission from San Diego Loves Green; original published at http://www.sandiegolovesgreen.com/articles/improving-californias-water-supply/ March 10, 2012 (San Diego)–A recent Sierra Club news release states, “For more than two million Californians, access to clean drinking water is a daily struggle. This year, a number of legislators are taking the lead to address this growing problem. According to a
READER’S EDITORIAL: SMOKING BLUNDERBUSS—ILLEGAL FAILURE TO CONSULT WITH TRIBAL PEOPLES DOOMS GIANT SOLAR AND WIND PLANTS ACROSS WEST
Printer-friendly version By Robert Lundahl March 10, 2013 (Solana Beach) — Chris Clarke’s recent article deconstructs a video clip from the film, “Who Are My People?” http://www.kcet.org/news/rewire/solar/filmmaker-blm-lax-on-native-consultation-over-solar-projects.html It is important for the public (us) to get our heads around the idea that the federal government is legally responsible to Native people. In this case to uphold processes involving consultation when construction projects impact
EL CAJON TO HONOR JIMMIE JOHNSON FOLLOWING DAYTONA 500 WIN
Printer-friendly version March 10, 2013 (El Cajon)–The City of El Cajon congratulates El Cajon’s Jimmie Johnson on his first place finish at the Daytona 500 on February 24, 2013. This is Johnson’s second Daytona 500 victory and 400th start in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. In Celebration of the City’s Centennial Year, November 2012 through November 2013, look for
BREW HA HA PRESENTS COMEDIAN MARK CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE FROM NBC “CHUCK” SERIES MARCH 13 AT HARITNA
Printer-friendly version March 12, 2013 (La Mesa) – Mark Christopher Lawrence from NBC’s hit series “Chuck” will headline a Brew Ha Ha comedy show Wednesday, March 13 at Haritna Mediterranean Restaurant, 7303 El Cajon Blvd. in La Mesa. Haritna was voted best Mediterranean food in San Diego by San Diego “A” List. A mixer begins at 6 p.m. followed
SAN DIEGO ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE SHOW MARCH 13 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionMarch 12, 2013 (El Cajon) – The next San Diego Antique & Collectible show will be held on Wednesday, March 13, at the Ronald Reagan Community Center, located at 195 E. Douglas Avenue in El Cajon from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The show features local dealers with a wide variety of antiques and collectables for sale, all categories. You
POLITICAL REFLECTIONS COLUMN: THE PREGNANCY POLICE
Printer-friendly version By Mark Gabrish Conlan March 11, 2013 ( San Diego)–The 40th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, which established a woman’s constitutional right to safe and legal abortion, passed last January 15 with a lot of crowing — from the anti-choice side. Time magazine ran a cover story that announced that advocates for
ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE’S WORKS ON DISPLAY AT ART GLASS GUILD SPRING SHOW MAY 11-12 IN BALBOA PARK’S SPANISH VILLAGE
Printer-friendly version March 9, 2013 (San Diego) – St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center will be the featured special guest artist at the Art Glass Guild’s Spring Patio Show and Sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The largest art glass show in Southern California will be held at Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park.
VOTING RIGHTS ACT DISCUSSION IN BONITA MARCH 12
Printer-friendly version March 9, 2013 (Bonita) – The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a case that could result in significant changes or weakening of the federal Voting Rights Act, a landmark law which guarantees one of our most important civil rights, the right to vote. On Tuesday, March 12, the Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club will host a presentation on the
SAN ONOFRE IN LIMBO
Printer-friendly versionECM Editor’s note: A report released Friday by the Nuclear Regulatory Agency raises new questions over how much SDG&E, Southern California Edison and Mitsubishi knew about design flaws before installation of tubes that later failed. Two Senators raise grave concerns, suggesting public safety across our region was knowingly put at risk. Printer-friendly version
ST. PATRICK’S HIGH TEA AT KEYS CREEK LAVENDER FARM MARCH 16
Printer-friendly version March 9, 2013 (Valley Center) — What could be more relaxing than a Holiday English High Tea served up amid fields of lavender? On March 16, enjoy an early St. Patrick’s Day tea featuring lavender scones served with jam and Devonshire cream, Irish artisan cheese, apples and candied nut crumbles sandwiches, and decadent Irish butter shortbread dreams. This
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
November CalFresh/SNAP benefits being delivered to local beneficiaries
Printer-friendly version Thanks to San Diego County and State actions East County News Service Nov. 7, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego CalFresh/SNAP beneficiaries are starting to see their full November benefits loaded on to their EBT cards. CalFresh is the federal food assistance program also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also commonly referred
FAA orders reduction in flights at 40 airports, including San Diego, starting Friday due to federal government shutdown
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Thursday, November 6, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – San Diego International Airport is among 40 airports across the U.S. that will be forced to cut flights starting tomorrow, under order of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to the federal government shutdown. Read the full emergency order here. Air traffic controllers have been working without pay
Christmas with the wild animals at Lions Tigers & Bears
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 18, 2025 (Alpine) — Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego County’s lone accredited animal sanctuary is getting ready for the winter holidays. The nonprofit organization is holding Christmas with the Animals Fundraiser in December at its 142-acre site in Alpine. The event will include gift-giving, holiday lights and music, and will support
Caltrans reduces parking in front of Descanso Junction and nearby businesses despite community concerns
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Photo: new parking configuration in front of Descanso Junction eliminated two-thirds of spaces and left no disabled parking access. Photos courtesy of Descanso Junction and Rett Lawrence, Mountain Views and News November 6, 2025 (Descanso) – The California Department of Transportation removed several parking spaces in front of Descanso Junction Restaurant and nearby businesses in late
Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies: Republican leader changed history through a conservative lens but later criticized Trump, endorsing Harris
Printer-friendly versionRichard Bruce Cheney: January 30,1941— November 3, 2025 By Alexander J. Schorr Tuesday November 4, 2025— Former Vice President Dick Cheney died on November 3, 2025, at the age of 84. According to a statement from his family, the cause of death was the result of complications with pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease. Cheney served two
New affordable housing for veterans headed to Mission Gorge Road
Printer-friendly version By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office Video by José Eli Villanueva November 6, 2025 (San Diego) – A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for The Grant at Mission Trails, a 48-unit affordable housing development dedicated to current and former military members and families. Located in the Grantville neighborhood on Mission Gorge Road, the seven-story project will
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