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Senior resource fair coming to Grossmont Healthcare District on April 23
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 20, 2026 (La Mesa) — Health advocates from across San Diego County will provide critical resources through the upcoming “Spring into Healthy Living 2026: Senior Conference & Resource Fair” on Thursday, April 23 at Grossmont Healthcare District headquarters. Hosted by the San Diego
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
News Issues
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
‘Bill Walton Way’ coming to a street near you in La Mesa
Printer-friendly version The Boys & Girls Club of East County La Mesa Clubhouse honored local basketball star Bill Walton by naming the gym after Walton in 2018. Walton died of colon cancer at age 71 in 2024. Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 14, 2026 (La Mesa) — Bill Walton, who preferred
Politics
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
La Mesa City Council votes 5-0 approving e-bike safety pilot program
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 16, 2026 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is the latest city in San Diego County seeking to codify strict regulations on electric bicycles, specifically looking to protect riders under 12. On Tuesday, the La Mesa City Council unanimously voted to establish a new e-bike safety pilot program
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
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
Review of Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo, by Nico Waters
Printer-friendly version Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Nico Waters has written a series of books for children. In Ethan Talks to Animals, second grader Ethan can talk to animals. Together with his dog, Chewie, Ethan helps their next-door neighbor’s cat eat his
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
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
Review of Ethan Talks to Animals: Eat Your Food Fussy Filo, by Nico Waters
Printer-friendly version Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Nico Waters has written a series of books for children. In Ethan Talks to Animals, second grader Ethan can talk to animals. Together with his dog, Chewie, Ethan helps their next-door neighbor’s cat eat his
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ECM World Watch: National and global news
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 19, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — 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. Economy Fed cuts interest rates for first time this year amid weakening labor market (Fox Business)
Find your home’s hazard risks to prepare for an emergency
Printer-friendly versionBy Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office September 19, 2025 (San Diego) – September is Disaster Preparedness Month, and it is an ideal time to think about the critical preparedness steps could reduce risks and protect you and your family in an emergency. County Emergency Services has a free online Know Your Hazards Mapping Tool, where
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
Adams Avenue Street Fair is this weekend
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 18, 2025 (San Diego) — The free two-day Adams Avenue Street Fair, considered San Diego’s favorite music festival, and attended by more than 50,000 people in Normal Heights, is happening this weekend, Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21. Presented by San Diego Foundation, the 43rd annual Adams Avenue Street Fair features 75 musical
HauntFest Headed to El Cajon in October
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 18, 2025 (El Cajon) — Spooky fun is coming to downtown El Cajon with the annual HauntFest in October. The community-centered event that typically draws more than 20,000 people, is set for 4 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17. The city says that the annual free Halloween block party is the largest
Lemon Fest coming to St. John of the Cross this weekend
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Sept. 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — The annual St. John of the Cross Catholic Parish Fall Festival, the Lemon Fest, is coming to the church on Broadway this weekend. The community event, from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20 and from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 21, will feature a car show
Church hosts Compassion Experience Sept. 19-21 on global child poverty
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: Compassion Experience participants step into the global mission field without leaving the country. September 17, 2025 (San Diego) — College Avenue Church in San Diego will host Compassion Experience, an immersive experience transporting visitors to vulnerable communities where Compassion International works on Sept. 19-21. This free, family-friendly event is designed to inspire compassion and action for
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
LA MESA CITY COUNCIL APPROVES RENOVATIONS FOR GROSSMONT CENTER
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow July 15, 2025 (La Mesa) — The Grossmont Center shopping mall is in for some major renovations, after the La Mesa City Council unanimously approved the first phase of the new design at its July 8 meeting. Phase 1 focuses on storefronts between the two anchor stores, Target and Walmart with a new, modern design theme
ECM World Watch: national and global news
Printer-friendly versionJuly 16, 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. Detentions ‘We are not safe in America today:’ These American citizens say they were detained by ICE (CNN) ‘They’re Not
San Diego Named Candidate Host City for Invictus Games 2029
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service July 15, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego has been named one of six global finalists for host city of the Invictus Games 2029. San Diego is only the second American city ever to host the international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. The official announcement by
State Parks Photo Contest Running Through Sept. 30
Printer-friendly versionAnza-Borrego Desert State Park photo (left) by Karen Pearlman East County News Service July 15, 2025 (San Diego County) — California State Parks Foundation is inviting park visitors and photography enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels to capture the natural beauty, recreational activities and unique landscapes of California’s state parks. The California State Parks Foundation
Grocery Workers at Ralphs, Albertsons Vons and Pavilions Vote to Ratify New Contracts
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Image via UFCW San Diego’s Facebook page July 14, 2025 (San Diego) –Grocery members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428, and 1442 voted this week overwhelmingly to ratify new three-year agreements with Ralphs (a subsidiary of Kroger) and Albertsons (which includes Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions). The union
East County Roundup: Local and Statewide News
Printer-friendly versionJuly 15, 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 residents protest water rate hikes as county votes on new pricing (10 News) San Diego’s Sycuan And Viejas Tribes, Qualcomm & Sempra Among
Suncrest Truck Trail Not a Viable Option for Fire Evacuation Route in Crest, According to Fire Officials
Printer-friendly versionFire officials announce other upgrades in fire protection for Crest By Paul Levikow July 14, 2025 (Crest) – For years, Crest residents have asked the County to create an additional evacuation route on Suncrest Truck Trail to protect residents in the rural community that was devasted in the 2003 Cedar Fire. In response to a reader’s request, ECM looked
Deaf Mongolian Immigrant Held by ICE In Otay Mesa for Months Without Access to Interpreter
Printer-friendly versionThe Otay Mesa Detention Center operated by CoreCivic. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego) By Wendy Fry, CalMatters Update July 23, 2025 — ICE has released this immigrant, Cal Matters reports, after four months in custody and following a judicial order to provide a Mongolian interpreter. He is now living with a family member. July 14,
Advancing Healthy Communities: Inside the Bing and Underage Drinking Initiative’s 2025 Annual Status Report for County
Printer-friendly version By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Director, Institute for Public Strategies July 1, 2025 (El Cajon) — Community leaders, prevention experts, and local advocates came together at Singing Hills Golf Club in El Cajon recently to talk about the realities of alcohol misuse in our neighborhoods. The San Diego County Binge and Underage Drinking Initiative (BUDI) released its
Health and Science Highlights
Printer-friendly versionJuly 14, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Major medical associations sue Kennedy, Trump administration health leaders for Covid-19 vaccine changes (CNN) Supreme Court preserves Obamacare coverage of preventive healthcare (Politico) Gates Foundation commits $1.6B for global vaccine effort after US
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