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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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HELIX CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL RAISES AWARENESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES THROUGH GAMES
Printer-friendly version By Mayan Avitable February 14, 2013 (La Mesa)–Wow! Just walking through the doors of the gym at Helix Charter High School was wonderful. Anyone could tell there was something exciting going on. The bleachers were filled with cheering students, the band was there–the cheerleaders were there. They were all cheering on students from the school’s Special Education
NEED SOME LAUGHS? JOIN US TONIGHT! COMEDY SHOW TO BENEFIT EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE
Printer-friendly version Join the most fun event in town! LIMITED SEATING — RESERVE SPACE (619) 922-9057 By Caprice Harrison February 22, 2013 (La Mesa) – Bring friends and come on out for some terrific comedy tonight (Feb. 22) at Holiday Inn Mesa Grill, 8000 Parkway Drive to benefit East County Magazine (ECM). Brew Ha Ha’s hilarious comedy team, Chris
STATE OF THE UNION 2013: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PRESIDENT’S SPEECH
Printer-friendly version Update February 14, 2013: Edited to add reactions to President’s speech; scroll to bottom for links to local and national reactions and analysis February 13, 2013 (Washington D.C.) – President Barack Obama last night delivered his State of the Union speech. View video and read full text: http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2013 . For highlights of the speech, scroll down. The President
ON THE SILVER SCREEN: MCCLANE TAKES ON MOSCOW (A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD)
Printer-friendly versionBy Brian Lafferty February 15, 2013 (San Diego) – In preparation for this film, I spent over six hours of my Saturday binging on the Die Hard sequels (I saw the first a couple of years ago). The experience was like riding a train careening at speeds upwards of 200 miles an hour. Following the massive adrenaline rush was
CRASH KILLS CAMEL IN RAMONA
Printer-friendly version By Nadin Abbott February 13, 2013 ((Ramona) – An overturned trailer on Highway 78 near Third Street in Ramona resulted in the death of a camel from the Oasis Camel Dairy on February 1. The dromedary camel, Sahara, was en route to Camp Verde, Arizona when the trailer detached from the vehicle towing it. According
VALENTINE’S DAY SAFETY: SDG&E ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO KEEP MYLAR BALLOONS AWAY FROM POWER LINES
Printer-friendly version February 13, 2013 (San Diego)–Mylar balloons can make great Valentine’s Day gifts, if they’re kept indoors or securely tied down, but they can also pose a safety hazard. San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) today urged customers to be aware of the dangers that can arise when Mylar balloons touch power lines. The metallic coating on Mylar
LA MESA TOWN HALL MEETINGS DRAW PACKED HOUSES
Printer-friendly version By Jake Christie February 13, 2013 (La Mesa)—At its March meeting, La Mesa’s City Council will take up issues raised by residents in a pair of community meetings last month. This is a tradition that has gone on for five years. Council members listened to the questions, complaints, and comments of concerned citizens at the meetings held
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT SOLICITS NOMINATIONS TO HONOR EAST COUNTY VOLUNTEERS FOR 2013 HEALTHCARE HERO AWARDS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 13, 2013 (La Mesa)–The Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is seeking nominations for its 2013 Healthcare Hero Awards, the annual program honoring residents whose volunteer efforts help advance the delivery of quality healthcare in the East County region. Nomination forms are attached or available at www.grossmonthealthcare.org. Deadline for submission of entries is 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, at
STUDY OF 85,000 PREGNANCIES FINDS TAKING FOLIC ACID REDUCES AUTISM RATE BY 39%
Printer-friendly version February 13, 2013 (Norway) – A major study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that Norwegian researchers have found a strong link between folic acid and autism. Of 85,000 pregnancies studied, women who took folic acid supplements four weeks before conception and through the eighth week of pregnancy were 39% less likely give
BINGE DRINKING PUTS GIRLS, WOMEN AT RISK, CDC REPORTS
Printer-friendly version Alcohol Policy Panel of San Diego County working to reduce youth access to alcohol February 13, 2013 (San Diego) – Girls and young women throughout San Diego County share common drinking habits with their counterparts elsewhere in the country. About one in five high school girls in San Diego County reported binge drinking on the latest California Healthy Kids
Judge dismisses sexual harassment suit against Nathan Fletcher
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery August 8, 2025 (San Diego) – Today, Superior Court Judge Matthew Braner dismissed a lawsuit filed by Grecia Figueroa against former Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. Judge Braner said Figueroa engaged in “rampant and willful spoilation of evidence” including deleting photos and text messages damaging to her case. Figueroa, a former Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) employee, had accused
Evacuations due to Roadrunner Fire in Boulevard
Printer-friendly version Update 3:20 p.m.– Evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted; forward spread has been stopped. Update 1:30 p.m.– The fire has been mapped at 88 acres and is now 5% contained. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place. East County WIldfire and Emergency Alerts August 8, 2025 — There is immediate structure threat from the #RoadrunnerFire, a
California Supreme Court hands victory to rooftop solar panel owners
Printer-friendly versionBy Malena Carollo, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: rooftop solar panels on a home in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland, on Feb. 18, 2020. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters August 7, 2025 (Oakland) – The California Supreme Court today sided with environmental groups in a case seen as pivotal for the
Overnight safe parking site opens in San Diego’s Grantville neighborhood
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow August 7, 2025 (Grantville) – The San Diego County Office of Homeless Solutions opened a new Overnight Safe Parking site in the Grantville neighborhood of San Diego today, with capacity to serve 20 vehicles. The location, in the 4500 block of Glacier Ave., is on county-owned land that will eventually become 300 affordable senior housing
Feather Alert issued for missing teen girl from Pala
Printer-friendly versionUpdate: This Feather Alert has been deactivated because Sunnie Eagleton has been found. East County News Service Image: Sunnie Eagleton, 17 August 7, 2025 (Pala) – A Feather Alert has been issued for a missing teenager from the Pala Indian Reservation. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office wants the public’s help in locating her. On August 2 around 2 p.m.,
Extreme heat warning issued for deserts, heat advisory for other East County areas
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery August 6, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Dangerously high temperatures are forecast across much of East County through Friday, peaking on Thursday. Other East County communities could reach the high 90s. Elevated fire conditions are also present due to relative humidity down to 10-15% in inland valleys and mountains, though conditions are not expected
Dulzura woman dies after being ejected from vehicle in Jamul
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 6, 2025 (Jamul) – A 25-year-old woman from Descanso who was not wearing a seatbelt overturned down an embankment off State Route 94 east of Otay Lakes Road at 6:15 this morning. She was ejected from the vehicle, a 2010 Hyundai Elantra, and became trapped underneath it. She was pronounced dead at the scene
Trump says there is “real starvation” in Gaza, while also sending mixed signals about his opinions on Israel
Printer-friendly versionPresident says kids in Gaza need to be fed, while making contradictory statements about his stances on Israel By G. A. McNeeley Photo via United Nations Relief and Works Agency: a 4-year old Palestinian girl who died of starvation in 2024 (CC by SA 4.0) August 5, 2025 (Gaza) — President Donald Trump acknowledged on July
Man wanted for sexually assaulting jogger in Rancho San Diego
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Image: surveillance photos of the suspect August 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Sheriff’s department seeks public help to identify and find a man wanted for sexual battery of a female jogger, 24, in the 1600 block of Hilton Head Road in the Rancho San Diego community of unincorporated El Cajon. The woman went for
County offering free pet adoptions all August for Clear the Shelters
Printer-friendly versionBy Sir Milo Loftin, County of San Diego Communications Office August 2, 2025 (San Diego) – Every animal deserves a loving home. This August, you can help make that happen. County Animal Services is waiving all pet adoption fees at the Bonita and Carlsbad animal shelters during the month of August for Clear the Shelters. Clear the Shelters is a
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