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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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CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN DAVIS INTRODUCES BILL TO INCREASE DIVERSITY AMONG TEACHERS
Printer-friendly version February 9, 2013 (Washington D.C. — Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA), joined by her colleagues Reps. Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), and Kathy Castor (D-FL), has introduced legislation to increase diversity among America’s teaching ranks. The Diverse Teachers Recruitment Act would help establish programs to recruit new male teachers and teachers from minority groups into the profession.
FINANCIAL WELLNESS CAN BE YOURS IN 2013
Printer-friendly version By Erika Lawrence Social Security District Manager, El Cajon February 9, 2013 (El Cajon)–January is Financial Wellness Month — a great time to think about your own financial future. It also happens to be at this time that many people make resolutions for the New Year. Why not combine the two and make your own financial wellness
READER’S EDITORIAL: GREGORY LANDFILL – IT IS TIME WE LISTENED
Printer-friendly version By Roy Hales http://www.sandiegolovesgreen.com/articles/gregory-landfill-it-is-time-we-listened/ February 9, 2013 (San Diego)–An editorial, written in defense of the proposed Gregory Landfill, recently complained that, “…the Pala decided to claim the entire mountain is a sacred site.” I sometimes wonder how much the people who do, or say, things like that know of their own ancestry? Without resorting to a genealogist,
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: HOW TO SPOIL A GOOD PICTURE
Printer-friendly version February 9, 2013 (Ocotillo) — Photographer Jim Pelley brings us this perspective of how the Ocotillo Express Wind Facility has marred the beauty of nature in his desert community. “The snow can been seen from Ocotillo and it used to be a good picture from my house,” he writes. “Now the picture is littered with these monstrosities.”
INDUSTRIAL SCALE WIND & SOLAR PROJECTS: WHAT WORKS? AND WHAT DOESN’T?
Printer-friendly version By Roy L Hales sandiegolovesgreen.com February 8, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)–As problems with the large wind and solar projects in East County continue to surface, I suspect there will be a tendency to say Big = Bad. I’ve been doing that myself the last few weeks. I think we need to isolate the problems and deal with
SEVERE WEATHER CAUSES TRAFFIC HAZARDS , WHITE OUT CONDITIONS
Printer-friendly version February 8, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Avoid I-8 east of Alpine. White-out conditions are reported on I-8 at Crestwood/Campo. At Pine Valley, multiple vehicles have spun out due to snow and ice on the freeway. Chains are required on Palomar Mountain and Sunrise Highway, and in other locations above 3,000 feet for two-wheel drive vehicles. In
FEBRUARY IS MUSEUM MONTH IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 8, 2013 (San Diego) – Once again Museum Month is happening in San Diego County including five East County Museums. During the entire month of February individuals can pick up a free Museum Month Pass at any local Macy’s store and receive half-off admission to 42 San Diego County museums. Guests with passes may bring up to three
THE GOLD STANDARD OF DEDICATION
Printer-friendly version Keshia Baker returns from the 2012 Summer Olympics with a gold medal, but remains hungry for future success By Julie Mashburn February 8, 2013 (San Diego)– “I need you to run.” Those five words put Keshia Baker, a graduate student at San Diego State University, on the fast track to the other side of the globe.
COUNTY CLERK WELCOMES COUPLES TO VALENTINE’S DAY TRADITION ON THE BAY
Printer-friendly version February 8, 2013 (San Diego)–It’s the most romantic day of the year… and San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, Ernest J. Dronenburg, Jr., wants to make sure that all romantic couples wishing to “tie the knot” or renew their wedding vows come down to the historical County Administration Center overlooking beautiful San Diego Bay for their wedding ceremony.
ROLLING READERS CELEBRATES 2ND ANNIVERSARY OF “SHARE YOUR LOVE OF READING” EVENT ON VALENTINE’S DAY
Printer-friendly version Elected officials, education leaders, celebrities to read aloud at underprivileged schools throughout San Diego County on February 14 February 8, 2013 (La Mesa)–Rolling Readers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income, at-risk children enjoy reading, will celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of its “Share Your Love of Reading” event on Valentine’s Day. The campaign aims to raise awareness about
The Palms Restaurant and Banquet Hall Granted New Permit to Stay Open in Downtown El Cajon
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow August 19, 2025 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Planning commission voted unanimously Tuesday to grant a new Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to The Palms Restaurant and Banquet Hall on Main Street downtown, avoiding imminent closure on Oct. 1. The business will still be required to operate mainly as a restaurant under the new CUP, with
DNA provides new info on 1998 homicide victim found in El Cajon: police seek help to identify her
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 19, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon Police Department needs your help; DNA may hold the key to uncovering the identity of a woman lost to time—and justice. On August 13, 1998, the body of an unidentified woman was found in the brush near the 1300 block of Avocado Ave in El Cajon, CA.
Deadly Carfentanil, 100 times stronger than Fentanyl, found in fake M-30 Oxycodone pills locally
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery August 19, 2025 (San Diego) – Carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than fentanyl, has been found in the San Diego in fake M-30 oxycodone (pain killer) pills. District Attorney Summer Stephan warns, “Even tiny amounts can be deadly.” Just one pill can kill. Fentanyl test strips may not detect carfentanil, which was
La Mesa seeking finance director
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Services August 18, 2025 (La Mesa) – The city of La Mesa is seeking a finance director to take the place of interim Director of Finance John Herrera. The city has an advertisement running in California City News. The full-time position with a salary range of $178,672 – $217,193 is being advertised by Koff Associates and
Sheriff’s Dept. holding guns for gift cards event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Services Aug. 18, 2025 (La Mesa) — As part of a broad effort to get unwanted firearms off the street, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is holding a “Guns for Gift Cards” event in La Mesa. The sheriff’s department is partnering with the city of La Mesa for the event, set for 9 a.m. until
Robert F. Kennedy cuts $500 million in MRNA vaccine devleopment funds
Printer-friendly versionHealth experts slam action as irresponsible, putting Americans’ health at risk By G. A. McNeeley Photo: mRNA vacines help prevent diseases such as COVID-19; cc via Bing August 17, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, recently announced that the government would cancel at least $500 million of federally
California fires back at Texas gerrymandering with a midterm redistricting plan of its own
Printer-friendly version Both states convene legislators expected to vote August 18 on drawing new Congressional district lines By Alexander J. Schorr Miriam Raftery contributed to this report Photos, left: Texas Governor Greg Abbott and California Governor Gavin Newsom push dueling redistricting plans August 17, 2025 — It’s a race against the clock between California and Texas, with governors of both
From the Fire Chief’s Corner: August is national immunization month
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna This is no shot in the dark August 16, 2025 (San Diego) — Viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to those who are not properly vaccinated reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. The Center for Disease Control recognizes August as national immunization month. Infants and
Find out if your vote could be affected by Newsom’s redistricting plans
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeremiah Kimelman and Alexei Koseff, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. August 16, 2025 (San Diego) – Gov. Gavin Newsom will ask California voters this November to approve new congressional lines that favor Democrats, part of a national redistricting battle launched by President Donald Trump. The map released Friday by the Legislature adds
Lemon Grove Mayor sues organizer of recall effort
Printer-friendly version Updated Aug. 21 with a statement from King. By Karen Pearlman August 14, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – After several months of rebuffs from the city of Lemon Grove, proponents of a recall effort to remove Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow from office have finally received the city’s OK to move forward on their petition. Snow, meanwhile, has filed
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