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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
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
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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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
TRY YOUR LUCK AT CASINO NIGHT APRIL 20 IN LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly versionApril 11, 2013 (Lemon Grove) – You’re invited to enjoy an evening of bingo, black jack, craps, and roulette as well as silent auctions, raffles, food and drink. It’s all part of the fun at Casino Night 2013, hosted by the San Miguel Knights of Columbus, Soroptimist International and Kiwanis Club of Lemon Grove on Saturday, April 20. Admission
APRIL 13-14 GARAGE SALE IN SAN CARLOS TO BENEFIT LA MESA SUNRISE ROTARY
Printer-friendly versionApril 11, 2013 (San Carlos) – La Mesa Sunrise Rotary is hosting a garage sale in San Carlos to benefit the Rotary Club’s projects. The sale will be held on Saturday, April 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Sunday, April 14 from 7:30 to 11 a.m. The event will be held at 6210 Lake Shore Drive,
WHAT’S PLANNED FOR LINDO LAKES? FIND OUT AT TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS
Printer-friendly versionApril 11, 2013 (Lakeside) – Two public meetings are scheduled regarding Lakeside’s Lindo Lake. The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, April 17 at 6 p.m. at the Lakeside Community Center. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the long term plans for Lindo Lake and obtain community
GOOD MONEY: TAX LOWERING INVESTMENT IDEAS FOR 2013
Printer-friendly version“Your guide to financial planning & socially responsible investing” By Judith L. Seid, CFP ®, President, Blue Summit Wealth Management April 11, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) –The “American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012” has created a number of changes that may impact your taxes in 2013. Below are a few investment ideas that may help mitigate your tax
REP. SUSAN DAVIS RE-INTRODUCES BILL TO HELP HOMEOWNERS AVOID FORECLOSURE
Printer-friendly versionApril 11, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – As homeowners in San Diego and across the nation continue to tangle with banks, Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego) re-introduced legislation to give people another tool to avoid foreclosure and the subsequent damage to the their credit rating. The Short Sale Transparency Act will require Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to disclose the
FAMILY PROVIDES UPDATE ON JERRY FOWLER, POTRERO MAN WHO FELL INTO WELL
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 10, 2013 (Potrero) – Jerry Fowler, who suffered serious injuries after falling into a well in Potrero on March 13, is now out of the intensive care unit at Sharps memorial Hospital but is still on “some life support” according to his parents, Thell and Normal Fowler. “As of now, he is awake
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Fallbrook artist loses 50 years of work in studio fire
“This is nothing compared to what is taking place in the world” — Jerome Gastaldi, who lost 50 years of work in a fire at…
Latest No Kings rallies draw 70,000 in San Diego County, 8 million nationwide
70,000 San Diego County residents join 8 million nationwide in No Kings demonstrations, the largest ever U.S. protest By Miriam Raftery March 31, 2026 (San…
Lemon Grove celebrates 95th anniversary of desegregation case
“…What we have learned from the Lemon Grove incident is that when we unite together and we fight against those forces, we are stronger than…
Rally against city of San Diego Measure A on April 1
East County News Service March 31, 2026 (San Diego) — Leaders from across San Diego County will gather at San Diego City Hall tomorrow (April…
HelloFresh pizza meal kits recalled in California and nationwide
East County News Service March 31, 2026 (San Diego County) — A quiet supplier notification in January about tainted pizzas has turned into a federal…
El Cajon City Council denies Afghan Center’s appeal for prayer tent extension
East County News Service March 30, 2026 (El Cajon ) — The El Cajon City Council last week unanimously upheld a decision by the city’s…
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