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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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Fundraising site aims to help Borrego Springs woman who lost home to fire
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery July 29, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – When a fire engulfed her home in Borrego Springs on July 24, Cherie Bianco, a hairdresser and yoga teacher, lost everything – her home, her car, clothing and other belongings, and even her beloved pet dog and cats. Though she has insurance, “her coverage is very limited and will not
New Trump admin policy bars many students from adult school classes
Printer-friendly versionBy Adam Echelman, CalMatters Photo: students work on an assignment during an English as a second language class at the San Diego Continuing Education Mid-City campus in San Diego on Oct. 6, 2023. File photo courtesy Adriana Heldiz/CalMatters July 28, 2025 (San Diego) – As President Donald Trump ramps up immigration enforcement, targeting immigrants at workplaces and street corners across
Behind the masks: who are the people rounding up immigrants in California?
Printer-friendly versionBy Michael Lozano, CalMatters Photo: a line of federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in the day. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. July 27, 2025
Supervisor Desmond runs for Congress; multiple candidates take aim at his seat
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: 5th Supervisorial district candidates Kyle Krahel, John Franklin and Rebeca Jones. July 27, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – San Diego’s 5th Supervisorial district will soon have a new representative. Supervisor Jim Desmond, a conservative Republican, has announced plans to run for the 49th Congressional district . The 49th District, currently represented by Congressman Mike
From the Fire Chief’s Corner: hot blooded?
Printer-friendly version By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna July 25, 2025 (San Diego) — Warm temperatures can have a surprisingly complex impact on your blood and cardiovascular system. Here’s how your body responds when the heat rises. Heat does not literally “thicken” the blood, but dehydration from heat can make your blood more concentrated, which might feel similar in effect. Sweating
Something Wicked — Spirit Club Mysteries Book One
Printer-friendly version Book by M. Lee Buompensiero Reviewed by Pennell Paugh July 25, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego author M. Lee Buompensiero has released her first novel in the Spirit Club Mystery series. Something Wicked features a reluctant heroine, Sophie Lawton, who not only sees and talks to ghosts, she also solves crimes with their help. An aunt Sophie
Trump administration’s impact on California’s enviornment and the agencies that work to protect it
Printer-friendly version Federal budget cuts have closed an EPA office and pose significant threat to California’s clean air, water, and clean energy sources By G. A. McNeeley July 25, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — On Thursday, July 10, California’s top leaders in wildfire response, water resources, natural lands and clean energy assembled to discuss budget cuts, staff reductions and more significant
GUHSD board adopts resolution to follow Brown Act and bylaws — President Woods denies violations
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr “We need public school leadership that we can trust.” —Madeline McCurry-Schmidt, a La Mesa parent and graduate of a GUHSD school A new promise to keep July 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — All public boards in California are expected to follow the state’s open government laws. But explosive revelations based on public records published by
FBI and law enforcement partners arrest members of Mexican mafia prison gang
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 25, 2025 (San Diego) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in San Diego and its law enforcement partners yesterday arrested five people believed to be associated with the Mexican Mafia prison gang, the latest in string of related arrests and indictments. The latest five suspects have been indicted for allegedly running an
Ramona Country Fair brings summertime fun Aug. 1-3
Printer-friendly version By Regina Elling Carnival rides are a big part of the fun at Ramona Country Fair. Photo by Regina Elling July 25, 2025 (Ramona) — Visitors to the Ramona Country Fair, set for Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3, can expect to enjoy amusement rides, vendor booths, carnival food, a variety of musical acts, a car show,
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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