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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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MOTORCYLIST DIES IN HEAD-ON CRASH ON STATE ROUTE 67
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery May 31, 2025 (Poway) – A 22-year-old motorcyclist died at the scene of a head-one crash with a Ford Truck hauling a boat along State Route 67 north of Poway Road today. Deputies from the Poway Sheriff’s station responded to a report of the collision at State Route 67 and Ellie Lane around 11:45 a.m.
JAMUL RESIDENT DIES IN CRASH
Printer-friendly version East County News Service May 31, 2025 (Jamul) –Long-time Jamul resident Brian Reed died yesterday when his Ford F-150 pickup truck struck a tree in the vicinity of Mother Grundy Truck Trail in Jamul’s Deerhorn Valley area around 11:17 a.m. “His sister confirmed that he suffered a medical issue that led to the fatal accident,” the
HENDERSON FIRE: 300 ACRES NEAR SAN DIEGO-RIVERSIDE COUNTY LINE
Printer-friendly version East County Wildfire & Alerts May 31, 2025 (San Diego) – The #HendersonFire has burned 300 acres and is 15% contained, Cal Fire reports. The fire began last night along Henderson Road in the Pala area, burning in both San Diego and Riverside Counties. Visit AlertSanDiego.org for the latest updates. For an interactive map with updated emergency evacuation information visit: OES Emergency
SAN DIEGO COUNTY AND FOUR LOCAL CITIES LISTED AS “SANCTUARY JURISDICTIONS” AT RISK OF LOSING FEDERAL FUNDS
Printer-friendly versionUpdate June 3, 2025 — Homeland Security has taken down its list of sanctuary jurisdictions amid controversy nationwide. By Miriam Raftery Image via Immigration and Customs Enforcement: ICE stop in Florida May 30, 2025 (San Diego) –A list of over 500 “sanctuary jurisdictions” published by the Dept. of Homeland Security yesterday includes San Diego County and four local cities:
READER’S EDITORIAL: BURNED OVER ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
Printer-friendly version By Linda K. Baker, El Cajon May 30, 2025 (El Cajon) — It burns my wits to read about suspending burn permits with July 4 right around the corner and knowing all the illegal fireworks that will yet again threaten my Lexington Gardens neighborhood with no police responses when it happens. View video. Want to see danger first
TOPWATER GRILL IS NEW SANTEE LAKES CONCESSIONAIRE
Printer-friendly version By Mike Allen May 30, 2025 (Santee) — After more than six months of being vacant, the concession stand at Santee Lake No. 4 will reopen June 14 under a new name and operator: Topwater Grill and Pacific Dining Group. The San Mateo-based firm, which operates 28 locations in California, was selected by the board of directors
CAMP SALVADOR, SAN DIEGO AUTHOR’S NOVEL SET IN BAJA
Printer-friendly version Novel by M.L. Meurs Reviewed by Pennell Paugh May 30, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego resident, M.L. Meurs, has released her debut novel, Camp Salvador. Written in first-person, the book reads like a memoir. The main character, Ellis Robinson, shares her experiences in Baja, Mexico where roughly built homes have a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.
4TH ANNUAL JULIAN TOWN SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 7
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CAL FIRE SUSPENDS BURN PERMITS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version Source: Cal Fire May 30, 2025 (El Cajon) — El Cajon, CA – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will suspend residential outdoor burning within the State Responsibility Areas (SRA) of San Diego County, effective Monday, June 2, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. This suspension includes burning landscape debris, such as branches and leaves. This
MAGIC OF DISNEYLAND INSPIRED MT. HELIX GARDEN WITH MANY LANDS
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 24, 2025 (Mount Helix) – There are no rides or parades in its magical atmosphere, but a local garden in Mount Helix area has been influenced by a famous amusement park in Anaheim. Bob Caparas and his childhood sweetheart, Carole, have channeled the magic of Disneyland to help them create
Levin concerned over possible I-5 closures amid live-fire reports at Camp Pendleton event
Printer-friendly versionBy Elizabeth Ireland, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Camp Pendleton gate. (File photo courtesy of Camp Pendleton) October 16, 2025 (Camp Pendleton) – Rep. Mike Levin issued a statement Wednesday expressing concern over potential plans to close portions of Interstate 5 this weekend amid reports Navy ships will fire live ordnance over the freeway
Kaiser Permanente strike enters second day
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow Photo via Alliance of Healthcare Unions October 15, 2025 (San Diego) — A five-day strike by health care workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities entered its second day Wednesday affecting three hospitals in San Diego County. The strike is part of a walkout statewide in California and Hawaii involving 31,000 members of the United Nurses Associations of
Trump administration rescinds Casa de Oro grant for Campo Road improvements
Printer-friendly versionEast County’s Casa de Oro, which was going to benefit from a demonstration project for Campo Road road improvements, saw a grant from the federal government rescinded. ECM photo Local residents and officials voice disappointment in decision By Karen Pearlman Oct. 14, 2025 (Casa de Oro) — Campo Road, one of San Diego County’s historic thoroughfares, was the unfortunate
Senator Jones’ sexually violent predator placement reform bill signed by Governor
Printer-friendly versionLegislation requires in-depth study on state-run transitional housing options East County News Service October 14, 2025 (Sacramento) — Today, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) announced his Senate Bill 380 has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom and will take effect immediately. The bill directs the Department of State Hospitals to investigate placing sexually
Ramona woman killed, man injured when pickup struck pedestrians
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 14, 2025 (Ramona) – Ramona resident Ashley Rose Dietze, 35, died after being struck by a pickup truck while she was crossing the 700 block of Main Street (westbound highway 78) in Ramona on October 11 at 9:20 p.m. A 42-year-old male pedestrian was also hit and suffered major injuries. They were struck by
Jewish Family Service hosts drive-thru food distribution for government workers on Oct. 15
Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy Jewish Family Service East County News Services Oct. 14, 2025 (San Diego) — Jewish Family Service of San Diego has found another way to help those impacted by the United States federal government shutdown. The nonprofit that helps the entire community, along with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, is hosting a
Fatal motorcycle crash in Julian kills Jamul man
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 14, 2025 (Julian) – A Jamul man, 49 died at the scene of a collision in Julian on October 12. He was driving a Yamaha R6 motorcycle that crossed a double yellow line, colliding head-on with a Chevrolet Silverado towing a travel trailer. The driver was ejected from the motorcycle and was pronounced dead
County offering two no-cost flu vaccination events this week
Printer-friendly versionLocations are in Spring Valley and San Diego By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office October 14, 2025 (San Diego) – Cooler temperatures have arrived in San Diego, and influenza is already threatening to make this another rough flu season. The County is hosting two cost-free flu vaccine events in local communities. Up to 200 doses of flu
Every San Diego County-born baby has a scholarship in wait via CalKIDS
Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy CalKIDS East County News Service Oct. 14, 2025 (San Diego County) — California-born babies can getting an early start on saving and investing. Through the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program, every baby born in the state of California on or after July 1, 2022, automatically has a scholarship waiting in their name,
County hosts webinar October 22 on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) proposed ordinance
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 14, 2025 (San Diego) – The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) invites you to attend a virtual meeting to share your thoughts on the draft ordinance for the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Zoning Ordinance Amendment and the proposed Separate Sale of ADUs Program, which is currently available for public review.
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