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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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Photo of the week: Santee Fire Department’s new brush rig
Printer-friendly versionPhoto and story by Patrick Ward August 24, 2025 (Santee) – The Santee Fire Department this week held a push-in ceremony with its new home-type 3 brush engine, a symbol of the department’s commitment to safety and efficiency. The brush rig is designed to handle any emergency with precision and speed. The cost of the apparatus was
Amid remap push, Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar files to run against Rep. Issa
Printer-friendly versionBy Chris Jennewein and Ken Stone, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Ammar Campa-Najjar (left) and Darrell Issa. (Times of San Diego file photos) August 24, 2025 (San Diego) – With his prospects enhanced by potential redistricting, Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar on Friday filed papers for a rematch against Rep. Darrell Issa in the 48th
Maggie T. Watkins is newest GHD board member
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman Aug. 22, 2025 (La Mesa) – Maggie T. Watkins is a familiar name in the San Diego County healthcare world, and now she is the Grossmont Healthcare District’s newest board member. The GHD Board voted 4-0 on Thursday, Aug. 21 to appoint Watkins to fill the seat of Gloria Chadwick, a registered nurse who
Reichert’s Restore San Diego newsletter spreads misleading claims about AB 495
Printer-friendly version By Jesse Kendrick Image: Restore San Diego founder Amy Reichert August 23, 2025 (El Cajon) – “State-sponsored kidnapping loophole” is the epithet lobbed at Assembly Bill 495 by local “Restore San Diego” newsletter. The bill, officially entitled AB 495: Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, outlines a series of revisions to existing laws surrounding parental
Supervisors to weigh reducing County reserve funds in wake of federal cuts to Food and Health programs for those in need
Printer-friendly version Update: Supervisors approved dipping into reserve funds by a 3-2 vote, with Supervisors Anderson and Desmond opposed. By Miriam Raftery August 22, 2025 (San Diego) – On Tuesday, Aug. 26, San Diego Supervisors will consider a proposal to revise the county’s reserve policy to allow use of some reserve funds to cover critical services being cut by the
Calif. Congressional district maps favoring Democrats approved by state legislators, signed by Governor, heads to special election in November
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow August 21. 2025 (Sacramento) — The California Senate and Assembly voted in favor of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s state congressional redistricting plan Thursday, in an effort to counter balance the Texas legislature’s efforts to turn five Democratic leaning districts to favor Republicans. The vote went mostly along party lines. Among East County legislators, State Senator Brian
How much more valuable is land in East County cities? $14 billion in El Cajon, $10 billion in La Mesa, $9 billion in Santee,$3 billion in Lemon Grove
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo from left to right: Jordan Z. Marks, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC) and Andrew Potter, Executive Officer, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. August 21, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Land in East County has never been worth so much. According to Jordan Z. Marks, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC),
Have your say on County’s legislative priorities
Printer-friendly versionBy Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office Photo: California State Capitol Building. Image credit: Shutterstock August 20, 2025 (San Diego) – The community is invited to a virtual meeting on August 27 to learn about the County’s state and federal legislative priorities and give feedback on what they think is important for the 2026 Legislative Program. Community
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Seeking Candidates to Fill Governing Board Trustee Area 1 Vacancy
Printer-friendly versionSource: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District August 20, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (District), which includes Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, is inviting community members to apply to serve in the position of Board Member of the Board of Trustees in Trustee Area 1, which comprises the cities and communities of Santee, Winter Gardens, and Lakeside. Once an
Heat Warnings Today Through Saturday, Monsoonal Rains May Soak Region Starting Friday
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 20, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for desert areas including Borrego Springs, where temperatures could soar to 116 degrees today through Saturday. In addition, a heat advisory is in effect for San Diego County’s inland valleys, where temperatures could hit 103
PASSAGES: BILLIE JO JANNEN, CHAIR OF CAMPO-LAKE MORENA PLANNING GROUP AND FORMER ALPINE SUN EDITOR
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery June 19, 2025 (Campo) — Billie Jo Jannen, an award-winning journalist and chair of the Campo-Lake Morena Community Planning Group from 2013-2025, died May 27 of cancer at age 69. Jannen was a powerful voice for backcountry residents. She won awards for investigative reporting and spent nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor covering
EL CAJON HOMELESS COUNT FINDINGS ADJUSTED IN RESPONSE TO CITY’S COMPLAINT
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery File photo: Homeless outreach workers offer help to an unsheltered person in an El Cajon park June 19, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Regional Task Force on Homelessness has acknowledged that its 2025 Point in Time Count overstated the number of homeless people in the city of El Cajon. The report included 24 homeless individuals who
INVESTIGATION INTO CAUSE OF HOUSE FIRE IN RAMONA THAT DAMAGED THREE PROPERTIES
Printer-friendly version East County News Service June 19, 2025 (Ramona) – An abandoned home in the 1600 block of Casteel Lane, Ramona caught fire around 6 p.m. yesterday, quickly spreading to two neighboring properties. The blaze caused extensive damage to the home as well as outbuildings, fences and brush on adjacent properties. Firefighters with CAL FIRE/San Diego County were able
SOME EVACUATIONS LIFTED IN MONTE FIRE
Printer-friendly versionEast County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Update June 20: The #MonteFire has burned over 1,000 acres and is 65% contained. Image by Josh Stotler, East County Magazine: Helicopter scoops water to fight fire on day one of #MonteFire June 18, 2025 (Lakeside)– On day three of the #MonteFire, 976 acres have burned and the wildfire fire is 25% containment.
EL CAJON WOMAN, 53, DIES IN CUSTODY AT SANTEE DETENTION FACILITY
Printer-friendly version East County News Service June 19,2025 (Santee) – A woman who died at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee on June 13 has been identified as Linda Bagby, 53, of El Cajon. This is the sixth in-custody death this year at detention facilities in San Diego County. Deputies were serving dinner when they found Bagby
MAYOR GLORIA VETOES KEY BUDGET ITEMS, CUTTING ACCESS TO SOME LAKES , FUNDS FOR BRUSH CLEARING, STORMWATER PROJECTS AND MORE
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman June 18, 2025 (San Diego County) – A little over a week after the San Diego City Council voted 7-2 to continue to fund consistent public access to city-owned and operated lakes and reservoirs, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria wielded his line-item veto power to cut access at some lakes, though Lakes Murray and Miramar
KALASHOS FAIL TO SHOW UP TO BEGIN JAIL SENTENCE; NEW ARREST WARRANTS ISSUED
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman File photo by Miriam Raftery June 18, 2025 (El Cajon) – Just weeks after they stood in San Diego Superior Court for a trial about code enforcement issues at their Fletcher Hills home, former El Cajon City Councilman Bessmon “Ben” Kalasho and his wife, Jessica Deddeh Kalasho, skipped out on a scheduled June 9 court
MONTE FIRE SCORCHES 350 ACRES, 2 FIREFIGHTERS HOSPITALIZED
Printer-friendly versionUpdate: June 18, 2025 6:45 p.m. The fire has burned 858 acres and is 25% contained. Update: June 18, 2025 8 a.m.– The fire is now 400 acres and 20% contained. Story and photos by: Josh Stotler View video June 17, 2025 (Lakeside) – Cal Fire has ordered several firefighting aircraft to be ready to fly at 8:00 a.m. and
EVACUATIONS IN LAKESIDE FIRE
Printer-friendly version East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Photo: Red areas are under mandatory evacuation orders as of 5 p.m. Yellow areas have evacuation warnings. View interactive map here for latest evacuation updates. This is the county’s map which has more details than others. Find out what evacuation zone you are in by typing your address here: https://protect.genasys.com/search?z=14&latlon=32.794773%2C-116.962527 Update 6:44 p.m.– Fire
RENOVATED VFW POST TO OPEN SOON IN NEW CAMPO LOCATION
Printer-friendly version By Leorah Gavidor Photos by Irvin Gavidor June 19,2025 (Campo)– Veterans have a friend in Campo: his name is Kevin Martin, and he’s a Vietnam-era Marine veteran himself. Thanks to Martin and a group of volunteers, along with a grant from San Diego County, vets in Campo will soon have a new place to hang out.
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