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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
CAL FIRE announces statewide transition to new national emergency reporting system
Printer-friendly versionSource: CAL FIRE November 5, 2025 (Sacramento) – Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today that fire departments across the state are beginning the transition to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), a secure, cloud-based platform built to modernize how emergency incidents are reported and analyzed. Departments across the country are onboarding to NERIS as part
Driver who injured child in El Cajon faces charges of felony hit-and run, evading police
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 5, 2025 (El Cajon) – A judge has set bail at $1.5 million for Dani Korkis, 35 of El Cajon,who fled the scene after hitting a 12-year-old boy with his SUV, causing serious injury. After his arrest, Korkis was initially released on a lower bail but failed to show up at an October
Larry Cohen named new County Treasurer-Tax Collector
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Nov. 5, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego County has a new Treasurer-Tax Collector to fill the void of Dan McAllister, who retired earlier this year. The County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed Larry Cohen to fill the position of Treasurer-Tax Collector for McAllister who retired Aug. 2.
Voters overwhelmingly approve Prop 50 redistricting and recall of Poway Councilmember
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 4, 2025 (San Diego) – Voters in California, including San Diego, have decisively approved Proposition 50, which will allow temporary redistricting of the state’s Congressional districts for the next five years. Poway voters also opted overwhelmingly to oust scandal-plagued District 2 Councilmember Tony Blain by an 81% to 19% margin. Blain is facing felony
Community input sought for Lakeside’s transportation future
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 4, 2025 (Lakeside) – The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) is inviting all Lakeside residents and community stakeholders to a public meeting to discuss local transportation needs and potential solutions. The meeting, set for 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Lakeside Community Center, is part
Man arrested for domestic violence and felony sex crime warrant after SWAT standoff at El Cajon motel
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Nov. 4, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police officers on Sunday rescued a woman who called 911 on Sunday afternoon to report that her husband had assaulted and strangle her, holding her hostage in an El Cajon motel room located at 1368 East Main St. After police evacuated the victim, the suspect, later
DNA identifies 1998 El Cajon homicide victim as Alicia Ledezma Sanchez, born in 1968
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: rendering from ECPD depicts victim, reconstructed based on her skull November 4, 2025 (El Cajon) — Twenty-seven years after her body was found partially decomposed in a ravine off Avocado in El Cajon, Alicia Ledezma Sanchez has been identified as the homicide victim, thanks to a match to DNA provided by her son. The
Pumpkin Smash event turns Halloween waste into environmental wins
Printer-friendly versionLocal students join I Love A Clean San Diego to divert organic waste from landfills Story and photo via I Love a Clean San Diego November 4, 2025 (Spring Valley) — On Monday, November 3, students at Sweetwater Springs Elementary School participated in a unique post-Halloween event aimed at reducing organic waste and promoting environmental education. Hosted by I
Grossmont and Cuyamaca College military and veteran students find connection and support
Printer-friendly versionThe colleges offer award-winning programs that celebrate and honor veterans Photo: Grossmont College student veterans Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District November 4, 2025 (El Cajon) – Navy veteran Isaiah Nailon had one clear goal in mind when he enrolled at Cuyamaca College in the spring of 2018: taking the first step toward earning a bachelor’s degree. “That was it,” he
Advancing Healthy Communities: From conflict to connection: Trauma-informed dialogue in a time of unrest
Printer-friendly versionBy Venture Griswold, Institute for Public Strategies Photo: “Kitchen Table Conversation” by Peter Alfred Hess is licensed under CC BY 2.0. November 4, 2025 (San Diego) — If the world feels heavy to you lately, you are not alone. We are in a time of great political unrest, with attacks on marginalized groups, climate disasters, and misinformation spreading quickly. It is natural for
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