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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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EDITORIAL: TIME FOR LEADING PLAYERS TO TAKE ACTION TOWARD REOPENING EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine April 23, 2013 (El Cajon) – This afternoon, the spotlight will shine on the El Cajon City Council as it considers whether to enter into discussions with the Grossmont Union High School District on a potential partnership to reopen the East County Performing Arts Center (ECPAC). The plan potentially could
A WINE EXPERIENCE IN THE COUNTRY: SAVOR VINTAGE ALPINE MAY 5
Printer-friendly version April 23, 2013 (Alpine) – The public is invited to sample wines from California and the world, as well as enjoy tastings from restaurants throughout the County at Vintage Alpine on Sunday, May 5 from 1-4 p.m. The event will be held at Summers Past Farms, 15602 Olde Highway 80 in Flinn Springs. Guests can also stroll
READERS CALENDAR FOR APRIL 23-30
Printer-friendly versionApril 23 (Tuesday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick’s will host bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Anna Quindlen, who will discuss and sign her memoir Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake. This event is free and open to the public, however Reserved Seating is available. Please call the Warwick’s Book Dept. at (858) 454-0347 for details. In order to be
E-COLI FOUND IN WATER AT EL MONTE COUNTY PARK : BOIL WATER ISSUED
Printer-friendly version April 22, 2013 (Lakeside)–The County of San Diego, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) has issued a Boil Water Order and Public Notification for El Monte County Park located at 15805 El Monte Road, Lakeside, CA 92040 effective immediately. The water system serves a ranger residence, park office and public restrooms. The drinking water system has tested present
HERITAGE OF AMERICAS MUSEUM HOSTS FIVE-CHOICES DREAM RAFFLE APRIL 27
Printer-friendly version April 12, 2013 (Rancho San Diego)—“The Museum’s Five-Choices Dream Raffle is always a hit at the Spring Garden Festival. Because it’s our 20th anniversary, we really went all out this year,” says curator Kathleen Oatsvall at Heritage of the Americas Museum on the campus of Cuyamaca College. So the Museum chose five fabulous prizes—one to honor
GROWING ACTIVITIES AT SANTREE FEST APRIL 27
Printer-friendly versionApril 21, 2013 (Santee) – What began eight years ago as Santee’s homegrown observance of Arbor Day and Earth Day has blossomed into an all-day extravaganza named SanTree Fest. ”We named it SanTree Fest because it began as a simple gathering of local families, scout troops and young people to green up our parks with trees,” said Recreation Coordinator
CATCH THE BEAT AT RAMONA MUSIC FEST APRIL 27
Printer-friendly version Event is prelude to nine days of music, with Ramona Bluegrass Festival May 4-5 as finale April 13, 2013 (Ramona)–Sara Petite and a variety of exceptional music artists will rock Dos Picos County Park during the sixth annual Ramona Music Fest on Saturday, April 27. The event will feature headlining acts, well-established performers and exciting local talent.
CAJON CLASSIC CRUISES ARE BACK—STARTING APRIL 24
Printer-friendly version April 18, 2013 (El Cajon) – The Cajon Classic Cruise series starts early this year, with opening night April 24. The cruise nights will continue each Wednesday through September 25, featuring more than 200 specialty, classic and unique cars gathering at Main and Magnolia in Downtown El Cajon. The Cajon Classic Cruise will be held from 5-8 p.m.
FLIGHTS CANCELLED, DELAYED AS FURLOUGHS ON AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS TAKE EFFECT
Printer-friendly version April 21, 2013 (San Diego)–Nationwide federal furloughs of air traffic controllers due to budget cuts that started today are delaying many flights coming into San Diego’s Lindbergh Field, KNSJ news director Mike Hancock has informed ECM. Flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston and Phoenix are running late or have been cancelled. Check ahead if you’re
BLACK GOLD: THE RUSH IS ON–BUT AT WHAT PRICE TO COMMUNITIES AND OUR ENVIRONMENT?
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 21, 2013 (San Diego) – “Another scourge is beginning in California,” environmental activist Peg Mitchell told audience members at a forum on environmental justice issues hosted by Activist San Diego on April 15. That “scourge” is fracking – and in California, it’s all about extracting oil, not natural gas. To frack for oil
Health alert: 2 rabid bats found in Escondido
Officials seeking potential contacts, photo courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service March 28, 2026 (Escondido) — San Diego County public health officials…
Meet candidates in Lakeside on April 22
East County News Service March 27, 2026 (Lakeside) – Voters are invited to the “Candidates to Constituents Town Hall” series. The series is hosted by…
Helix Water District electrifies East County
Helix Water District Board Member Joel Scalzitti tells the crowd at the Helix Operations Center on Vernon Way on Friday that the district’s new electrification…
Juvenile riding e-motorcycle injured in hit-and-run Santee collision
East County News Service March 25, 2026 (Santee) – A juvenile riding an electric motorcycle on Mission Gorge Road yesterday afternoon was struck by a…
East County public transportation guide to Padres Opening Day March 26
Skip Interstate 8 and ‘ride the rails’ with the Padres-wrapped Trolley East County News Service March 25, 2026 (San Diego) — With the San Diego…
League of Women Voters of San Diego continues nonpartisan candidate forums ahead of June primary
YouTube video screenshot of League of Women Voters’ District 2 candidate forum on March 5 East County News Service March 25, 2026 (San Diego) –…
Lakeside hiker found dead on El Cajon Mountain is identified
File photo: El Capitan County Preserve hiking trail Story updated March 26 By Miriam Raftery March 24, 2026 (Lakeside) – The San Diego County Medical…
Expungement program with the county shared by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (San Diego County) — Working to dismantle barriers to employment and housing for formerly incarcerated residents, San Diego…
The No Kings march on March 28 aims to be biggest yet, protesting authoritarianism across U.S.
By Alexander J. Schorr March 24, 2026— On Saturday, March 28, 2026, a massive nationwide mobilization called “No Kings 3” is scheduled across the United…
San Diego County leaders share concerns ahead of World TB Day
East County News Service March 23, 2026 (San Diego County) –While tuberculosis (TB) is often dismissed as a disease of the past, San Diego County…
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