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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
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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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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.
Evacuations in Spring Valley due to fast-moving fire
Printer-friendly version Update: Forward progress has been halted. The fire has been mapped at 75 acres and evacuation orders have been lifted, Watch Duty App reports. East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Photo, right by Henri Migala September 5, 2025 (Spring Valley ) — Level 3 “go now” evacuations have been ordered in zone SDC-2153 in Spring Valley due to
Sycuan Powwow Sept. 12-14 brings together tribal members from across nation
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 5, 2025 (Sycuan) – Tribal dancers from across the nation will participate in the annual Sycuan Powwow September 12-14 at the Sycuan reservation in rural East County. The event also features a bird singer contest and grand entry processions, as well as Native American arts and crafts vendors. The powwow area is next to
Local agencies tout cooperative firefighting efforts, urge public to help by preparing for wildfires
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo: Fire officials with an SDG&E Blackhawk helicopter September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) – Firefighting helicopters from multiple agencies were on display during a press conference held Aug. 26 at SDG&E’s hangar at Gillespie Field in El Cajon. Officials touted aerial assets and cooperative efforts as we enter the highest danger season, though wildfires now
Downtown El Cajon’s 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk Returns September 12th
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — Local artists and galleries are coming together to host the 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk on Friday, September 12th from 4pm to 8pm in Downtown El Cajon. This free, family-friendly event promises fine art, live entertainment, boutique vendors, and more along Main Street and Rea Avenue. Hosted by
Rare Collection: the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Display at the Wieghorst Museum
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: “In Trouble” depicts a twisting bronc as it tries to throw its rider. It is the artist’s best known etching. September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in El Cajon opens an exhibition of the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Friday, September 12 and runs through October
Author Tanya Harris hosts book signing Sept. 21 at Grossmont Center to benefit domestic violence survivors
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local author, domestic violence survivor and advocate Tanya Harris will host a powerful community book signing and awareness event on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gazebo at Grossmont Center mall (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa). The community-focused event is designed to
El Cajon receives SANDAG grants to improve streetscapes, revamp Parkway Plaza and add housing
Printer-friendly version Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Sept. 4, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon has been given a Notice of Intent to be awarded three grants through the San Diego Association of Governments TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program. The city is expecting to receive one engineering grant and two planning grants as part
Man found dead after SWAT standoff in Ramona
Printer-friendly version East County News Service September 4, 2025 (Ramona) — An hours-long standoff that led to the evacuation of a Ramona elementary school yesterday has ended with the discovery of a deceased man inside a home. On September 3, just before 9:30 a.m., deputies from the Ramona Sheriff’s Substation responded to a call for a welfare check of a
El Cajon Man Dies After Motorcycle Crash on I-8
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – A motorcyclist killed in a solo vehicle collision on June 23 has been identified as Kevin Kim Webb, 46, of El Cajon. According to the California Highway Patrol, his motorcycle struck a center median on I-8 westbound, east of Greenfield Drive in El Cajon. Paramedics transported him to
A Call for Recall at Aztec Park
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J Schorr Photo: Mount Miguel High School teacher/librarian Jason Balistreri, Lauren Cazares, GEA Vice President Stephanie Macecca, Colin Parent, GEA President James Messina, and teacher Jay Steiger July 3, 2025 (La Mesa) – On June 29, supporters of efforts to recall trustees of the Grossmont Union High School District gathered at Aztec Park. The mobilization effort focused
Jamul Casino Resort Pulls Out of San Diego Pride Parade Amid Antisemitism Concerns
Printer-friendly version Resort donates $10,000 to JPride Festival promoting Jewish LGBTQ pride By Miriam Raftery Photo via JPride July 3,2025 (Jamul, CA) – After Jewish groups withdrew from the San Diego Pride Parade over objections to participation by headliner Kehlani over antisemitism, the Jamul Casino and Resort announced today that it will not be participating in the event. “Given
Tesla Driver Charged With Murder of Motorcyclist, Injuring Others Including El Cajon Man
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – The driver of a red Tesla has been charged with multiple felonies including murder. He is accused of “intentionally” rear-ending a motorcycle, killing its driver who was from Chula Vista. The Tesla then struck a 2012 black Ram 1500 driven by an El Cajon man, 24. Six occupants
County Budget Includes Many East County Projects
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Image: County Administration Building July 2, 2025 (San Diego) – The $8.63 billion balanced budget passed by San Diego County Supervisors last week prioritizes housing, homelessness, public safety, infrastructure, health, environmental sustainability and support for vulnerable populations. It also includes projects benefitting or impacting East County communities. These include: Buying two ambulances for unincorporated areas
McCann Concedes; Aguirre Wins Supervisor Seat
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 2, 2025 (San Diego) – Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre has declared victory in the 1st Supervisorial district special election, after her opponent, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, conceded the race. Aguirre issued this statement, “Whether you voted for me or not, I’m ready to work my heart out to bring down costs, protect
New Name for Sanctuary in Alpine
Printer-friendly version Horses relax at Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm (Courtesy photo) By Hoa Quach, Times of San Diego July 2, 2025 (Alpine) — San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm, a 20-acre animal sanctuary in Alpine with nearly 200 rescued animals, this week announced a new name and brand identity: Alpine Acres Sanctuary Farm. The new name
Aguirre Takes Strong Lead in District 1 Supervisorial Race
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo, left, via candidates’ websites: John McCann, left, and Paloma Aguirre, right July 1, 2025 (San Diego) – In a special election that will determine the balance of power on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre leads with 53.22% of the vote over Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, who
Issa Bill Will Incentivize Wildfire Prevention Through Targeted Tax Relief
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 1, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has introduced the Wildfire Infrastructure and Landowner Tax Relief Act of 2025 (WILTR Act) to make wildfire mitigation and resilience attainable for homeowners who know it provides essential protection from future fires. The bill text can be found here. “It’s not enough to say we
El Cajon Police Arrest Parolee in Possession of Firearm, Narcotics and Ammunition
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service July 1, 2025 (El Cajon) — El Cajon Police Department detectives arrested a parolee in possession of a firearm, narcotics and ammunition on June 26, following a surveillance operation. According to Lieutenant Will Guerin, detectives observed 26-year-old Hector Ruiz Rico standing near a vehicle in a parking lot. placing items into both the
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