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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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San Diego Trolley improvements coming to East County Orange line
Printer-friendly versionRiders should plan for weekend delays during construction through early 2028 By Paul Levikow August 27, 2025 (El Cajon) — The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Wednesday announced details of the San Diego Trolley Orange Line Improvement Project, or Rail Ready, on the stretch of tracks from San Diego to El Cajon. The $151 million improvement project will modernize
Toxic Algae Bloom at Mission Trails Dam Site
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego River Park Foundation August 28, 2025 (San Diego) – Water samples collected last week at Old Mission Dam in Mission Trails Regional Park have tested positive for a cyanotoxin that can be harmful to people and pets. The San Diego River Foundation has posted caution signs, in cooperation with the California Water Boards San Diego Region
La Mesa Community Services name changed to Parks and Recreation
Printer-friendly versionSource: City of La Mesa August 27, 2025 (La Mesa) – The City of La Mesa announces that the Community Services Department has officially changed its name to the Parks and Recreation Department. The change clarifies the department’s role and highlights its focus on managing local parks, facilities, as well as offering a diverse range of recreational programs. From youth
East County Neighborhoods Could Be Impacted By Proposed State Law to Allow Significantly More Multi-Family Housing Projects
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Image, left, via United Neighbors August 26, 2025 (East County) – Large-scale, high-rise apartment complexes could soon be built within a half mile of a bus stop or trolley station near you, under a proposed state law that would take away local control of developments and turn single-family neighborhoods into high-density housing. State Senate Bill 79,
Hunger in San Diego: Closer Than You Think
Printer-friendly versionBy Casey Castillo, CEO, San Diego Food Bank August 26, 2025 (San Diego) – When people think of hunger, they often imagine faraway places or extreme poverty. But hunger is a very real issue right here in San Diego County. It’s in our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces affecting families, seniors, military households, and children in every ZIP code. This September,
Clothing Swap Coming to La Mesa Sept. 6
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Services Aug. 26, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local environmental-focused nonprofit I Love A Clean San Diego is hosting a clothing swap at the La Mesa Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 6. The event allows community members the opportunity to trade gently-used clothes, accessories and shoes for those donated by others
Firefighters rescue workers trapped on roof of burning T.J. Maxx building under construction in La Mesa
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Josh Stotler August 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — Just before 3:30 p.m. , a structure fire broke out in the under-construction building slated to house T. J. Maxx and an Ulta beauty store on the former site of the Toys “R” Us at 8800 Grossmont Center Drive in La Mesa. As the first
Staying the course: Our guide to golf in San Diego’s inland region
Printer-friendly versionThere are plenty of greens to tee off from in San Diego County’s eastern areas By Karen Pearlman With more than two dozen golf courses scattered across the foothills and valleys of inland San Diego County, players of all skill levels will find affordable and diverse landscapes away from the coast for putting and driving amid scenic mountain, valley,
270 firearms turned in at La Mesa gun safety event
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego County Sheriff August 24, 2025 (La Mesa) — Last weekend, the San Diego County Sheriff’s department teamed up with local law enforcement agencies to help get unwanted weapons off our streets through a Gun Safety Event in La Mesa. A total of 270 unwanted firearms were turned in by the public during Saturday’s event at the
Does the San Diego region have adequate aerial firefighting capability for the coming fire season?
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery August 24, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — As we approach peak fire season, Cal Fire/County Fire has a press conference set for Tuesday to discuss the many preparations the agencies have made. But questions have been raised over air power readiness, due to temporary closure of the Ramona airport due to expansion and SDG&E losing
CALLING ALL FOODIES: TASTE OF SAN DIEGO-EAST JUNE 23
Printer-friendly version East Couinty News Service June 3, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join businesses and food providers at the 16th Annual “Taste of San Diego East” on Monday, June 23 at the Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa in Mission Valley. Guests can “taste, savor, and mingle” as you meet
CHIEF MECHAM OFFERS OUTLOOK ON FIRE SEASON AND UPGRADES IN LOCAL FIRE PROTECTION
Printer-friendly version “We will be dropping water at night this summer.” – Chief Tony Mecham (photo, left) By Miriam Raftery June 3, 2025 (San Diego) – “The largest economic threat in San Diego County is a large, devastating fire,” says Tony Mecham, County Fire Chief and Cal Fire Unit Chief. But he told a crowd of fire safe council members
SDG&E INVESTMENT SINCE 2007 HAS REDUCED WILDFIRE RISK
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo, left: Brian D’Agostino, SDG&E Vice President of wildfire and climate science and the company’s first meteorologist. View slide presentation by Brian D’Agostino June 3, 2025 (San Diego) – After the 2007 firestorms ravaged our region, including some fires linked to power lines, San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E) invested heavily to prevent future fires–developing
SAN DIEGO REGIONAL FIRE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES PROJECT SAFE GRANTS TO LOCAL FIRE SAFE COUNCILS
Printer-friendly version$300,000 in grants awarded to 31 local Fire Safe Councils throughout the San Diego region June 2, 2025 (San Diego) — The San Diego Regional Fire Foundation (Fire Foundation) awarded $300,000 in grants to 31 Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) to aid in wildfire prevention and preparedness, including community education to make their neighborhoods safer. “Our goal is to make
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionJune 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 LaShae Sharp-Collins Wants More Homes Not Just Housing (Voice of San Diego) ICE just grabbed another man who’d been in a San Diego homeless shelter
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WATER AGENCIES END LENGTHY LEGAL DISPUTE
Printer-friendly versionSettlement agreement aims to bring region greater fiscal stability, water supply efficiency and reliability East County News Service June 2, 2025 (San Diego County) – Signaling a new era of collaboration, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the San Diego County Water Authority today announced the settlement of a 15-year legal dispute over rates and the price
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionJune 2, 2025 — 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. Multiple people set on fire in attack at Colorado march for Israeli hostages, police say (CNN) Judge blocks Trump’s orders
SYCUAN BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT COMING JUNE 4
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service June 2, 2025 (El Cajon) The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation is hosting its 34th annual Sycuan Cup Golf Tournament this Wednesday morning, June 4, at the Singing Hills Golf Club in El Cajon. This year, the event aims to raise $100,000 for four deserving local nonprofit organizations: Elymash Yuuchaap – The Native
RAMONA TRAFFIC STOP RESULTS IN ARREST OF DRIVER FOR ILLEGAL WEAPON AND DRUGS
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo via San Diego County Sheriff’s Department June 1, 2025 (Ramona) – Ryan Jones, 40, faces numerous charges after he was found in possession of a rifle, ammunition, high-capacity magazines and methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Ramona. On Thursday, May 29 around 9:30 p.m., deputies from the Ramona Sheriff’s Substation stopped a pickup truck
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionJune 1, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH COVID variant NB.1.8.1 hits U.S. What to know about symptoms, new booster vaccine restrictions (CBS) C.D.C. Contradicts Kennedy and Keeps Advice That Children May Get Covid Shots Deep cuts erode the foundations of
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