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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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Advancing Healthy Communities: Cannabis data shows significant impact on physical and mental health of youth and young adults
Printer-friendly versionBy Seraphina Eberhardt Photo: “Cannabis Understands – 2017” by Jurassic Blueberries is licensed under CC BY 2.0. September 4, 2025 (San Diego) — New data shows a concerning trend: today’s high-potency cannabis products are linked to sharp increases in youth mental health crises, hospital visits, and addiction. On July 16, community members gathered for an important briefing hosted by the San Diego Imperial Valley High
Evaluation, Performance, Analytics Office releases new strategic plan
Printer-friendly versionBy Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office September 4, 2025 (San Diego) – The County’s Office of Evaluation, Performance and Analytics has released a new plan listing 18 questions that will guide the County’s evaluation of important programs and services, ranging from homelessness to climate, public safety, and physical and mental health. The County created the office,
CAL FIRE joins partners in signing charter to reduce wildfire ignitions in Southern Calif.
Printer-friendly versionSource: CAL FIRE Sept. 3, 2025 (Riverside) — Earlier today, CAL FIRE Southern Region Chief Mike van Loben Sels signed the Southern California Ignition Reduction Program (SCIRP) charter at the Southern California Geographic Area Coordination Center in Riverside. The charter marks the launch of a public-private partnership created to reduce human-caused wildfire ignitions, particularly along roadways where
Mosquitos in Imperial County test positive for St. Louis Encephalitis virus
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 3, 2025 (Imperial County, CA) – Multiple pools of mosquitos in both Brawley and Holtville have tested positive for Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE), the Imperial County Public Health Department announced on August 29. In rare cases, SLE can cause swelling of the brain or spinal cord, leading to long-term disability or death, though most
Cajon Cruise returns next week in El Cajon, hosted by Downtown Café
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow September 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – East County car enthusiasts have cause for celebration, after the El Cajon City Council on Tuesday approved a two-month extension of the Cajon Cruise on Main Street and Prescott Promenade, this time hosted by Downtown Café. The revived car show will rev up on Wednesday nights Sept. 10 through
California, Oregon, Washington to launch West Coast Health Alliance
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow September 3, 2025 – (East County) The governors of California, Oregon and Washington today announced they will launch a West Coast Health Alliance aimed at recommendations about immunizations, in response to recent cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). California Governor Gavin Newsom, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, and Washington Governor Bob Ferguson
ECM World Watch: National and global news
Printer-friendly version September 3, 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. Epstein accusers put pressure on Congress to release the files (NBC) DHS to States: Follow
East County Roundup: Local and statewide news
Printer-friendly versionSeptember 3, 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 Supervisors vote to allow San Diego County to tap into financial reserves (Times of San Diego) How San Diego’s Congressional districts could change under redistricting
Proposed Lakeside Sand Mine Owner Sues City of San Diego for Damages From Water Release at El Capitan Dam
Printer-friendly version 91-year-old dam is too dangerous for city to keep reservoir filled, leading to massive water waste and now, damage claims downstream Updated Sept. 5, 2025 with additional seismic risk details. By Karen Pearlman Sept. 1, 2025 (Lakeside) – A lawsuit against the city of San Diego is highlighting safety and management concerns at the El
California Attorney General sounds alarm over state’s “health care emergency”
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow September 2, 2025 (East County) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta and health care activists from the nonprofit Protect Our Care California held a virtual news conference Tuesday regarding the “ongoing Trump-GOP health care emergency,” which they say puts 28 hospitals and 15 nursing homes at risk of closure statewide. Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley in
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
CLANDESTINE SELECTION OF NEW GUHSD SUPERINTENDENT LACKS TRANSPARENCY
Printer-friendly version By Alexander J Schorr Photo,left: GUHSD’s new Superintendent, Dr.Kirsten VitalBrulte June 2, 2025 (El Cajon) — Following Mike Fowler’s departure from the GUHSD governing board due to cancer, and with Sandra Huezo taking the role of Acting Superintendent, the board selected a candidate finalist for the role of board Superintendent behind closed doors, with no public comment allowed
GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TO GRADUATE 4,768 STUDENTS: HERE ARE THE VALEDICTORIANS AND SALUTATORIANS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service June 3, 2025 – Throughout the month of June, approximately 4,768 students earning a high school diploma from nine comprehensive high schools, two independent charter schools, one middle college high school, one Project Based Learning school of choice, and three special education academies in the Grossmont Union High School District will be donning
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