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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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RENO DISPATCH: HOW I SURVIVED MULTIPLE BLOOD CLOTS!
Printer-friendly versionBy Jamie Reno January 31, 2013 (San Diego) – Last summer, as I was nearing the end of a grueling three-set tennis match in 90-degree heat, I felt a very sharp pain in my left side, below my heart, and then just collapsed on the court. It was easily the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced. I could barely
VIDEO EXPLAINS HOW TO LOAD MTS DAY PASS ON COMPASS CARD
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 31, 2013 (San Diego) – MTS has completed its transition from paper Day Passes to Compass Cards. To help riders, it has a new YouTube video (click here) showing how easy it is to purchase a 1-Day Pass on Compass Card from a Trolley ticket machine and to use it on MTS Trolleys and buses. “Our goal was
EARTHTALK®: ALLERGIES AND UNHEALTHY INDOOR AIR
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 31, 2013 (San Diego) — Dear EarthTalk: My family has bad allergies and I’d like to improve our indoor air quality. What are some steps I should take? — Marcia Lane, Scranton, PA Even for those of us without allergies, poor indoor air quality is an often overlooked health issue. Recent research has shown that the air inside
EARTHTALK®: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF NATIONAL WILDLIFE WEEK?
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 31, 2013 (San Diego) — Dear EarthTalk: What is the purpose of National Wildlife Week, which I understand will take place in March 2013? — Melissa P., Burlington, NJ National Wildlife Week is a program of the non-profit National Wildlife Federation (NWF) that is designed around teaching and connecting kids to the wonders of wildlife. Each year, the
READER’S EDITORIAL: THE LID HAS COME OFF THE MORTALITY AT WIND FARMS’ COVER UP
Printer-friendly versionA summary of the latest news on bird/bat mortality at wind farms By Mark Duchamp, Chairman, World Council for Nature “New studies reveal … that in the United States alone … wind turbines kill an estimated 13 million to 39 million birds and bats every year” (there are about 39,000 wind turbines in the US) http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/22/big-wind-tax-credit-exterminates-endangered-specie/?page=all#pagebreak January 31, 2013–The
SHOOTING IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 31, 2013 (El Cajon) — A shooting in El Cajon may be gang related, Lt. Frank LaHaye with the El Cajon Police Department said. A 21-year-old victim from San Diego and two companions were involved in a verbal altercation with an unknown suspect at 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, January 26 when the shooting occurred in the 400 block
SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR SAN DIEGANS AFFECTED BY HIV/AIDS IN FEBRUARY BY PARTICIPATING IN FOOD DRIVE
Printer-friendly version Host a Food Drive for Mama’s Pantry January 31, 2013 (San Diego) — Mama’s Pantry, a service of Mama’s Kitchen, provides a nutritional shopping opportunity at no cost for men, women and children of San Diego County affected by HIV/AIDS. The public’s help is needed in February to host food drives throughout the county to ensure the shelves
CITY ATTORNEY TO ENFORCE MEDICAL MARIJUANA ZONING LAWS UNTIL NEW ORDINANCE IS ENACTED
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 29, 2013 (San Diego) — Today, the City Council met in Closed Session to address civil enforcement actions that were filed against marijuana dispensary operators and property owners to compel compliance with the City’s zoning laws. On a unanimous vote (with Councilmember Faulconer absent) and with agreement by the Mayor, the Council directed the City Attorney not to
REACTIONS MIXED TO GOV. BROWN’S STATE OF STATE ADDRESS
Printer-friendly version Governor calls for overhauls of Calif. Environmental Quality Act, Enteprrise Zone Program and more By Miriam Raftery January 31, 2013 (Sacramento) – California has “confounded its critics” said Governor Jerry Brown, delivering his State of the State address on January 24. “We have wrought in just two years a solid and enduring budget,” he said, pledging to
TOTAL DELIVERANCE WORSHIP TEMPLE SITE OF M.A.N.D.A.T.E. RECORD LABEL CONCERT
Printer-friendly versionBy Rebecca J. Williamson January 31, 2013 (Spring Valley) — Who doesn’t like the thought of total deliverance? Spring Valley’s Total Deliverance Worship Temple offered up deliverance by hosting M.A.N.D.A.T.E.’s (a local gospel record label) 18th-anniversary concert on Saturday, January 26, 2013. Nu Vision, Archie Robinson, J. Pierre, Evangel, Men 4 Christ, and others either performed, did introductions, or
LATINOS EN ACCION HELPING THEIR COMMUNITY
Printer-friendly versionFrom left to right: Mairene Branham, Violeta Lombrera and Eva Pacheco. (Photo by Mimi Pollack) By Mimi Pollack June 8, 2025 (El Cajon) — Latinos en Acción, a group in El Cajon, is led by three mothers who want to make a difference in their diverse community. These three very different women came together with the same goals in
CONCERNS LEAD JEWISH COMMUNITY TO PULL SUPPORT OF SD PRIDE
Printer-friendly versionControversial Headline Performer, Safety Concerns Cited as Reasons for Withdrawal By Karen Pearlman June 7, 2025 (San Diego) – Many local Jewish organizations from across San Diego County that have traditionally been part of the annual San Diego Pride event will not be joining in this year. Jewish community leaders say that because the Pride Festival chose musical artist
TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGES COMING TO CAMPO ROAD IN CASA DE ORO
Printer-friendly versionArtistic rendering of coming changes to Campo Road (Courtesy County of San Diego) By Karen Pearlman June 7, 2025 (Casa de Oro) – The County of San Diego is moving into the next phase of the ambitious Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan, aimed at transforming the Campo Road corridor into a safer, more walkable and vibrant community hub.
COMMUNITY PANCAKE BREAKFAST TO LAUNCH YOUTH FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Sevice June 7, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Juneteenth Foundation is inviting families and community members to a Pancake Breakfast Celebration later this month. The celebration, in partnership with Mission Federal Credit Union, is set for 9 a.m. until noon, Thursday, June 19, at MacArthur Park in La Mesa. There is
PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service June 6, 2025 (La Mesa) — Heartland Firefighters of La Mesa will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser and emergency preparedness training on Sunday, June 8, at La Mesa Fire Station 11. The event, which will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 8034 Allison Ave., is open to all ages. Tickets are
SD SUPERIOR COURT WARNS ABOUT SCAMS
Printer-friendly versionLatest scam concerns traffic court fees, previous scams have concerned jury duty or warrants East County News Service June 6, 2025 (San Diego County) – The San Diego Superior Court is warning the public about new scams that are making the rounds around the county. The court has received complaints about individuals trying to scam members
MT MIGUEL HS FOUNDATION HOSTING QUARTERMANIA FUNDRAISER
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service June 6, 2025 (Spring Valley) — Mt Miguel High School Foundation, the nonprofit organization devoted to helping Mount Miguel High School, is hosting Quartermania this month. Quartermania is a cross between an auction and bingo. The event, set from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 21, will be held at the Mount
SENATE PASSES 5 BIPARTISAN BILLS BY SEN. BRIAN W. JONES
Printer-friendly versionBills tackle public safety, insurance crisis, and more East County News Service June 5, 2025 (Sacramento) — This week, Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego) announced that five of his “common sense” bills passed the Senate with unanimous, bipartisan support, and that they are now under consideration in the State Assembly. Each proposal aims to address urgent
SUP. ANDERSON PRAISES VOTE IN SUPPORT OF AGENDA TIMELINE EXTENSION
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service June 3, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson (photo, left) the county’s District 2 representative and voice, praised a unanimous vote on Tuesday, June 3 from his fellow supervisors regarding extending public notice review time for the Board of Supervisors agenda. On Tuesday, Anderson said, “Today’s vote was a
SAN DIEGO LAWMAKERS ANGRY OVER ARMED ICE RAID ON SOUTH PARK RESTAURANT
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego lawmakers reacted with fury Monday to last weekend’s armed ICE raid on a popular South Park restaurant, accusing the federal government of heavy-handed tactics in support of arbitrary arrest goals. Reprinted, with permission of author, from Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Rep. Juan Vargas speaks to media outside the
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