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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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SDG&E INVESTMENT SINCE 2007 HAS REDUCED WILDFIRE RISK
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo, left: Brian D’Agostino, SDG&E Vice President of wildfire and climate science and the company’s first meteorologist. View slide presentation by Brian D’Agostino June 3, 2025 (San Diego) – After the 2007 firestorms ravaged our region, including some fires linked to power lines, San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E) invested heavily to prevent future fires–developing
SAN DIEGO REGIONAL FIRE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES PROJECT SAFE GRANTS TO LOCAL FIRE SAFE COUNCILS
Printer-friendly version$300,000 in grants awarded to 31 local Fire Safe Councils throughout the San Diego region June 2, 2025 (San Diego) — The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation (Fire Foundation) awarded $300,000 in grants to 31 Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) to aid in wildfire prevention and preparedness, including community education to make their neighborhoods safer. “Our goal is to make
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionJune 3, 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 LaShae Sharp-Collins Wants More Homes Not Just Housing (Voice of San Diego) ICE just grabbed another man who’d been in a San Diego homeless shelter
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WATER AGENCIES END LENGTHY LEGAL DISPUTE
Printer-friendly versionSettlement agreement aims to bring region greater fiscal stability, water supply efficiency and reliability East County News Service June 2, 2025 (San Diego County) – Signaling a new era of collaboration, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the San Diego County Water Authority today announced the settlement of a 15-year legal dispute over rates and the price
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionJune 2, 2025 — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Multiple people set on fire in attack at Colorado march for Israeli hostages, police say (CNN) Judge blocks Trump’s orders
SYCUAN BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT COMING JUNE 4
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service June 2, 2025 (El Cajon) The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation is hosting its 34th annual Sycuan Cup Golf Tournament this Wednesday morning, June 4, at the Singing Hills Golf Club in El Cajon. This year, the event aims to raise $100,000 for four deserving local nonprofit organizations: Elymash Yuuchaap – The Native
RAMONA TRAFFIC STOP RESULTS IN ARREST OF DRIVER FOR ILLEGAL WEAPON AND DRUGS
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo via San Diego County Sheriff’s Department June 1, 2025 (Ramona) – Ryan Jones, 40, faces numerous charges after he was found in possession of a rifle, ammunition, high-capacity magazines and methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Ramona. On Thursday, May 29 around 9:30 p.m., deputies from the Ramona Sheriff’s Substation stopped a pickup truck
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionJune 1, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH COVID variant NB.1.8.1 hits U.S. What to know about symptoms, new booster vaccine restrictions (CBS) C.D.C. Contradicts Kennedy and Keeps Advice That Children May Get Covid Shots Deep cuts erode the foundations of
JUDGE FINDS KALASHOS MADE UNPERMITTED CONSTRUCTION, SETS JUNE 18 HEARING TO RESOLVE CLAIMS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Image: Exhibit from defendants’ closing brief in which the Kalashos claimed substantial unpermitted changes to first, third and fourth floors of their Fletcher Hills rental property are each a “nothng burger.” June 1, 2025 (El Cajon) – Former El Cajon Councilmember Bessmon “Ben” Kalasho and his wife, Jessica Deddeh, made major unpermitted construction changes using
FIVE YEARS AFTER THE NIGHT OF CHAOS: LA MESA’S STRUGGLE FOR REFORM
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman Photos, left by ECM photographers: La Mesa protest, riot and arson May 30-31, 2020. May 30, 2025 (La Mesa) – It’s been five years since the last Saturday in May 2020, when the city of La Mesa found itself smack in the epicenter of racial justice protests and civil unrest that mirrored a nationwide outcry
City of La Mesa gifting trees, hosting education series
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 10, 2025 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is hoping more trees will sprout up after it hosts a four-event educations series from September through November. As part of the series, thanks to partner Tree San Diego, 100 free trees will be distributed to La Mesa residents. La Mesa is partnering with Tree
Losses in Coches Fire show need for firewise upgrades to mobilehomes: County offers grants and loans to mobilehome owners
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photos and video by Josh Stotler View video Updated Sept. 10, 2025 with latest damage assessment based on a report from Lakeside’s Fire Marshal September 9, 2025 (Lakeside) – Swift action by firefighters including aerial attacks held yesterday’s Coches Fire to 5.3 acres, but the damage was substantial. Five homes were destroyed, including three mobilehomes at
CAL FIRE adds water truck to Shelter Valley station
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 9, 2025 (Shelter Valley) – The community of Shelter Valley, between Julian and Borrego Springs, is safer today thanks to a new 3,000-gallon water truck just added to Cal Fire’s Station 62 here. Cal Fire states on social media, “We couldn’t be more excited to have it alongside the engine and ambulance already looking after
Former San Diego City Attorney announces State Senate run to represent East County
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow September 9, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Former San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott on Thursday announced she’s running for the California State Senate District 40 seat, currently held by Republican Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, who will be leaving office due to term limits. The district encompasses much of East County, including Santee, Poway, Alpine, Pine Valley, and Ramona, as
STRUCTURE THREAT FROM COCHES FIRE IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly version Update: At least 3 mobile home parks are burning, per air attack, ECM has learned. Planes and helicopters are on scene. An addition 15 engines and 2 helicopters have been requested by incident command and air attack. Evacuees can go to Viejas Casino. September 8, 2025 (Lakeside) — There is an immediate structure threat from the #CochesFire that
Homicide investigation in Ramona
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 8, 2025 (Ramona) –The Sheriff’s Homicide Unit is investigating a deadly assault with a deadly weapon in Ramona yesterday afternoon. Around 2:35 p.m., deputies from the Ramona substation responded to a call reporting the assault in the 700 block of Eighth Street. They found a man suffering from traumatic injuries and requested paramedics, who
Frosted Faces Foundation opens Community Veterinary Center to care for senior dogs and cats
Printer-friendly versionAdopt a senior pet and receive free veterinary services East County News Service September 7, 2025 (Ramona) — Frosted Faces Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping senior animals and the people who love them, unveiled its new Community Veterinary Center next door to the organization’s rescue facility at 1448 Pine Street in Ramona. Realizing that senior animals face many
Lemon Grove moving forward on plans to tackle homelessness, including grant to rehouse people living in camps along highway 94
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman Photo by Miriam Raftery: An outreach volunteer speaks with a homeless woman in Lemon Grove near State Route 94 September 6, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove has released its new strategic Homeless Action Plan 2025, a comprehensive document helping the city address the growing issue of housing instability. The City Council has previously allocated
The future of vaccines under RFK Jr.: Millions of lives may be at risk
Printer-friendly version By Alexander J. Schorr “My opinions about vaccines are irrelevant. I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.” — Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Human Health Secretary. September 6, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — The future for vaccines and access to them in the U.S .is shaky at best after a clash between the Health and Human
Santee set to hire new city manager on Wednesday
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman Sept. 5, 2025 (Santee) — The Santee City Council is set to hire a new City Manager at its next City Council meeting. Wendy Kaserman, who has been assistant city manager for the city of Poway since 2016, has been tapped to lead Santee. The City Council will consider appointing Kaserman on Sept. 10.
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