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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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Dia De Los Muertos Open House at Horses of Tir Na Nog
Printer-friendly version Nonprofit rescue organization Horses of Tir Na Nog cares for more than 100 animals, including Buttermilk the horse. The rescue group is having an Open House at its site in Guatay on Nov. 1. Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Oct. 11, 2025 (Guatay) — Horses of Tir Na Nog, the equine-focused rescue in
Gov. Newsom signs bills to stop the ‘Puppy Mill Pipeline’ in California
Printer-friendly version At a recent companion animal adoption event at Grossmont Center, a dog waits for a chance to find a new home. California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed hree bills in the “Stop The Puppy Mill Pipeline” legislative package. Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Oct. 11, 2025 (Sacramento) — Unscrupulous, exploitative and abusive “puppy mill”
ICE Out of San Diego rally addresses federal government shutdown
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow October 10, 2025 (San Diego) – The weekly ICE Out of San Diego rally at the San Diego Federal Building downtown yesterday focused on the government shutdown, while also including messages about ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents’ detention efforts. Dave Lagstein of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 221 was one of the event organizers.
Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration at San Diego Zoo Safari Park Oct. 13
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 10, 2025 (San Diego) – The annual Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration, organized by the San Pasqual Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, will take place at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on October 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event celebrates Indigenous communities, their cultures, and their commitments to wildlife. The event is open to
Governor Newsom signs groundbreaking bills expanding access to veterinary care in California
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 10, 2025 (San Diego) – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a package of bills expanding access to veterinary care and strengthening California’s commitment to animal welfare. The new legislation will address the state’s critical shortage of veterinary professionals, improve care for pets in need and ensure animals receive timely, affordable treatment. San Diego
California State Parks photo contest deadline extended through Oct. 23
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(link is external)has extended its invitation to 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
The art and spirit of Borrego Springs in downtown San Diego
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 10, 2025 (San Diego) — The heartbeat of the Borrego Springs art scene is coming to downtown San Diego this weekend. Metal sculptor Ricardo Breceda‘s Public Art Roadshow will be on the San Diego County Administration’s Lawn No. 2 from Friday, Oct. 10 through Monday, Oct. 13. Presented by Borrego Community Builders, a Rams
Linchpin encourages people to find their value in the workplace
Printer-friendly version Review by Heidi Hope October 15, 2025 (San Diego) — Linchpin focuses on the themes of changing the world for the better and making a difference in the workplace by embracing one’s individuality, artistry and uniqueness in visions and values, instead of simply following instructions and never getting to contribute creativity into any task. This New York Times bestselling book
Evacuations lifted in Rancho Fire
Printer-friendly version East County Wildfire & Emergency Alert Service Photo, right: Rancho Fire viewed from Julian, by Nancy Kramer October 9, 2025 (Ramona) – Evacuations have been lifted in the fast-moving #RanchoFire in Ramona, which has burned 105 acres and earlier threatened homes. The blaze, which started from a vehicle accident igniting brush, is 15% contained and forward spread is
GUHSD agenda tonight includes restricting protests outside school board meetings, allowing prayers and other controversial measures
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Image: On Facebook, a group seeking to recall GUHSD trustees posted a flyer calling tonight’s agenda items “frightful”, stating, “Here’s the tricks and not a treat in sight.” October 9, 2025 (El Cajon, CA) – At its 6 p.m. meeting tonight, the Grossmont Union High School District board of trustees will consider adopting a policy
“NO KINGS” PROTESTS PLANNED SATURDAY NATIONWIDE OVER AUTHORITARIAN TACTICS, INCLUDING 11 EVENTS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version East County News Service June 12, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — “They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services. The corruption has gone too. far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings,” states the website No Kings, which is organizing protests nationwide on Saturday, June 14.
SAN DIEGO GROCERY WORKERS VOTE TO OK STRIKE AMID CONTRACT DISPUTE
Printer-friendly versionUFCW Local 135 grocery store workers have authorized an unfair labor practice strike. (Photo courtesy of UFCW Local 135) By Elizabeth Ireland, Times of San Diego Updated with statements from Albertsons and Ralphs June 12, 2025 (San Diego County) — More than 90 percent of voting United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135 members at Ralphs,
CALIF. SENATOR PADILLA FORCIBLY REMOVED FROM HOMELAND SECURITY PRESS CONFERENCE AND HANDCUFFED
Printer-friendly version Action sparks bipartisan outrage By Miriam Raftery June 12, 2025 (Los Angeles) – In a shocking action, California’s U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly dragged out of a press conference in Los Angeles today, thrown on the ground and handcuffed while trying to ask a question of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Video shows he clearly identified himself,
IN A WIN FOR PUBLIC ACCESS, CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO KEEP LAKE MURRAY OPEN DAILY
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman Photo by Karen Pearlman: wild birds at the Lake Murray reservoir June 11, 2025 (San Diego) – The future of continued daily access to Lake Murray is looking a little brighter today. With a 7-2 vote, the San Diego City Council on Tuesday approved a 2025-26 budget that preserves activities at Lake Murray and other
GUHSD BOARD REJECTS TEACHERS’ ETHNIC STUDIES PROGRAM, PROVIDES UPDATES ON AI AND TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J Schorr Photo, front row: Zahra Nuristani and Maggie Kelly, student board members stepping down, and Sage Larson, one of two new student board members At the June 6 meeting, Grossmont Union High School District’s governing board rejected an ethnic studies program prepared by teachers, announced AI and technology updates, shared a video from the new superintendent,
LOS ANGELES IMMIGRATION PROTESTS, CIVIL UNREST FUEL CLASH BETWEEN GOVERNOR AND PRESIDENT
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr Photo: KTLA screenshot: flashbang deployed amid L.A. civil unrest at Los Angeles Sheriff’s officer looks on June 11, 2025 (Los Angeles) — California sued the Trump administration this week over the President’s order to deploy 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles without the Governor’s consent. California Governor Gavin Newsom has argued that the
PASSAGES: ART MADRID, FORMER LA MESA MAYOR WHO SERVED THE CITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman June 10, 2025 (La Mesa) – Leaving behind a legacy of service, prolific leadership and unwavering commitment to civic matters, longtime La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid has passed away at age 90. His leadership shaped the city, earning admiration and respect from residents, businesses and civic leaders around the region and across the country. He
SANTEE REPLACES LOW-INCOME APARTMENTS WITH CONDO PROJECT
Printer-friendly version An infill condo project for 52 units is coming to Santee Photo and story by Mike Allen June 9, 2025 (Santee) — The Santee City Council unanimously approved another infill condominium project recently, this one for 52 units on the site that once housed the PureFlo Water dispensary, and had previously been approved for low-income apartments.
‘EVERYBODY STOOD UP’: WHY A UNION LEADER’S ARREST GALVANIZED CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATS ON IMMIGRATION
Printer-friendly versionThis story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. By Jeanne Kuang June 9, 2025 (San Diego County) — The union leader federal agents detained at an immigration protest in Los Angeles last week is well known to California’s Democratic leadership from his years of activism in and out of the Capitol. That’s one reason so many leading
CALIFORNIA COMPANY’S EGGS RECALLED DUE TO SALMONELLA OUTBREAK
Printer-friendly version East County News Service June 9, 2025 (San Diego County) — California-based August Egg Company in Hilmar is recalling 1.7 million eggs tied to a multi-state outbreak of salmonella, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration. The FDA said brown cage-free and brown certified organic eggs were distributed by
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