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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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ICE AGENTS SCATTER AS SD BISHOP PHAM, CLERGY VISIT IMMIGRATION COURT
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego Bishop Michael Pham (left) waits to enter the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building on World Refugee Day. (Photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego) By Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association June 20, 2025 (San Diego) — Eight immigration courts line the fourth-floor hallway of the downtown Edward J.
CHIEF’S CORNER: SURVIVING A CIVIL UNREST EVENT
Printer-friendly version By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna June 20, 2025 (San Diego)– Things have been heating up lately, but in a different way. Civil unrest has become the new norm. Like any type of incident, preparedness is key. Knowing you and your family is prepared and safe will bring peace of mind. Here are some tips if you find yourself
PASSAGES: BILLIE JO JANNEN, CHAIR OF CAMPO-LAKE MORENA PLANNING GROUP AND FORMER ALPINE SUN EDITOR
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery June 19, 2025 (Campo) — Billie Jo Jannen, an award-winning journalist and chair of the Campo-Lake Morena Community Planning Group from 2013-2025, died May 27 of cancer at age 69. Jannen was a powerful voice for backcountry residents. She won awards for investigative reporting and spent nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor covering
ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: JOURNEY OF YOUR MIND: UNDERSTANDING SUBSTANCE MISUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH
Printer-friendly versionBy Seraphina Eberhardt Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies June 17, 2025 (San Diego County) — High school students face mounting pressures, from academic expectations to social challenges. With mental health playing a critical role in overall well-being, understanding how substance misuse impacts the brain and the importance of public health initiatives is vital. The Journey
EL CAJON HOMELESS COUNT FINDINGS ADJUSTED IN RESPONSE TO CITY’S COMPLAINT
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery File photo: Homeless outreach workers offer help to an unsheltered person in an El Cajon park June 19, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Regional Task Force on Homelessness has acknowledged that its 2025 Point in Time Count overstated the number of homeless people in the city of El Cajon. The report included 24 homeless individuals who
INVESTIGATION INTO CAUSE OF HOUSE FIRE IN RAMONA THAT DAMAGED THREE PROPERTIES
Printer-friendly version East County News Service June 19, 2025 (Ramona) – An abandoned home in the 1600 block of Casteel Lane, Ramona caught fire around 6 p.m. yesterday, quickly spreading to two neighboring properties. The blaze caused extensive damage to the home as well as outbuildings, fences and brush on adjacent properties. Firefighters with CAL FIRE/San Diego County were able
SOME EVACUATIONS LIFTED IN MONTE FIRE
Printer-friendly versionEast County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Update June 20: The #MonteFire has burned over 1,000 acres and is 65% contained. Image by Josh Stotler, East County Magazine: Helicopter scoops water to fight fire on day one of #MonteFire June 18, 2025 (Lakeside)– On day three of the #MonteFire, 976 acres have burned and the wildfire fire is 25% containment.
EL CAJON WOMAN, 53, DIES IN CUSTODY AT SANTEE DETENTION FACILITY
Printer-friendly version East County News Service June 19,2025 (Santee) – A woman who died at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee on June 13 has been identified as Linda Bagby, 53, of El Cajon. This is the sixth in-custody death this year at detention facilities in San Diego County. Deputies were serving dinner when they found Bagby
MAYOR GLORIA VETOES KEY BUDGET ITEMS, CUTTING ACCESS TO SOME LAKES , FUNDS FOR BRUSH CLEARING, STORMWATER PROJECTS AND MORE
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman June 18, 2025 (San Diego County) – A little over a week after the San Diego City Council voted 7-2 to continue to fund consistent public access to city-owned and operated lakes and reservoirs, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria wielded his line-item veto power to cut access at some lakes, though Lakes Murray and Miramar
KALASHOS FAIL TO SHOW UP TO BEGIN JAIL SENTENCE; NEW ARREST WARRANTS ISSUED
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman File photo by Miriam Raftery June 18, 2025 (El Cajon) – Just weeks after they stood in San Diego Superior Court for a trial about code enforcement issues at their Fletcher Hills home, former El Cajon City Councilman Bessmon “Ben” Kalasho and his wife, Jessica Deddeh Kalasho, skipped out on a scheduled June 9 court
East County Roundup: local and statewide news
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 18, 2025 (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 round-up stories include: LOCAL San Diego County Supervisors Vote to Expand Oversight of Jail Healthcare After In-Custody Deaths (Hoodline) Elected officials announce proposed ordinance aimed at fed enforcement actions
Incompetence and cruelty are expensive: Trump’s actions may bankrupt U.S. treasury
Printer-friendly version By Alexander Schorr September 18, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — President Donald Trump could render the US Treasury bankrupt. According to an op-ed by a businsess law educator published in Newsweek, everything hinges upon whether or not the Supreme Court will side with Trump’s declared tariffs that critics have called illegal — a decision that could force the Treasury to
Health and science highlights
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH West Coast states issue joint vaccine guidelines in shift away from CDC (ABC) CDC panel votes to push back MMRV vaccine recommendation to 4 years old (The Hill) A common nasal spray may
Exclusive: ECM obtains video showing start of Coches Fire
Printer-friendly version View video September 17, 2025 (Lakeside) — East County Magazine photographer Patrick Ward has obtained surveillance video from a Lakeside homeowner who lives next to the spot where the Coches Fire began. The video from the homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, shows vehicles on the roadway around 2:56 p.m. on September 8, 2025, followed by brush igniting
Pedestrian death in La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 16, 2025 (La Mesa) – Katherine Marie Pederson, 61, suffered fatal injuries when she was struck by a sedan while crossing the 5600 block of Baltimore Drive in La Mesa. The accident occurred on September 8 around 9:49 p.m. Witnesses called 911. Police, firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene. The victim was transported
Ramona church mourns murdered pastor
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 16, 2025 (Ramona) – Felipe Ascencio, the pastor at Templo Monte Horbe church in Ramona, was shot and killed Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7, inside his home on Eighth Street. Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Joel Martin Dukes III, 22. He is being charged with murder. The motive has not been disclosed and the investigation continues.
Bradley Avenue homicide
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 16, 2025 (El Cajon) – Sheriff’s deputies from the Lakeside substation responded to a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon at 1:35 a.m. They found a man suffering from traumatic injuries inside an apartment at 425 East Bradley Ave. in unincorporated El Cajon. “Deputies immediately began CPR until paramedics arrived and assumed
Missing woman last seen July 5 in San Diego; vehicle and trailer found in Potrero
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: Ganna Kovrizhynkh, aka Angel Volnaya September 16, 2025 (Potrero) — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office wants the public’s help in finding a missing person. Ganna Kovrizhynkh, 38, was reported missing to the Sheriff’s Office by a friend on July 12. Family members say they last heard from Kovrizhynkh on July 5 while she drove through
Mount Miguel 60th reunion coming on Oct. 4 at Town & Country
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 16, 2025 (Spring Valley) — Mount Miguel High School Class of 1965 is getting ready for its 60th class reunion. Leaders from the Matadors 1965 class have put out the word that they are looking for classmates from thier year to join them in the event set for 6 to 10 p.m.,
Suspect arrested for hit-and-run crashes in Santee and El Cajon
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 15, 2025 (Santee) – A driver suspected of being intoxicated was arrested September 9 for a hit-and-run collision that caused injuries in Santee as well as for reportedly striking multiple vehicles in El Cajon and Santee. Deputies responded to a hit-and-run crash near Prospect and North Magnolia in Santee around 6:02 p.m. and learned
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