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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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Evacuations in Spring Valley due to fast-moving fire
Printer-friendly version Update: Forward progress has been halted. The fire has been mapped at 75 acres and evacuation orders have been lifted, Watch Duty App reports. East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Photo, right by Henri Migala September 5, 2025 (Spring Valley ) — Level 3 “go now” evacuations have been ordered in zone SDC-2153 in Spring Valley due to
Sycuan Powwow Sept. 12-14 brings together tribal members from across nation
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 5, 2025 (Sycuan) – Tribal dancers from across the nation will participate in the annual Sycuan Powwow September 12-14 at the Sycuan reservation in rural East County. The event also features a bird singer contest and grand entry processions, as well as Native American arts and crafts vendors. The powwow area is next to
Local agencies tout cooperative firefighting efforts, urge public to help by preparing for wildfires
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photo: Fire officials with an SDG&E Blackhawk helicopter September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) – Firefighting helicopters from multiple agencies were on display during a press conference held Aug. 26 at SDG&E’s hangar at Gillespie Field in El Cajon. Officials touted aerial assets and cooperative efforts as we enter the highest danger season, though wildfires now
Downtown El Cajon’s 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk Returns September 12th
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — Local artists and galleries are coming together to host the 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk on Friday, September 12th from 4pm to 8pm in Downtown El Cajon. This free, family-friendly event promises fine art, live entertainment, boutique vendors, and more along Main Street and Rea Avenue. Hosted by
Rare Collection: the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Display at the Wieghorst Museum
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: “In Trouble” depicts a twisting bronc as it tries to throw its rider. It is the artist’s best known etching. September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in El Cajon opens an exhibition of the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Friday, September 12 and runs through October
Author Tanya Harris hosts book signing Sept. 21 at Grossmont Center to benefit domestic violence survivors
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local author, domestic violence survivor and advocate Tanya Harris will host a powerful community book signing and awareness event on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gazebo at Grossmont Center mall (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa). The community-focused event is designed to
El Cajon receives SANDAG grants to improve streetscapes, revamp Parkway Plaza and add housing
Printer-friendly version Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Sept. 4, 2025 (El Cajon) – El Cajon has been given a Notice of Intent to be awarded three grants through the San Diego Association of Governments TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program. The city is expecting to receive one engineering grant and two planning grants as part
Man found dead after SWAT standoff in Ramona
Printer-friendly version East County News Service September 4, 2025 (Ramona) — An hours-long standoff that led to the evacuation of a Ramona elementary school yesterday has ended with the discovery of a deceased man inside a home. On September 3, just before 9:30 a.m., deputies from the Ramona Sheriff’s Substation responded to a call for a welfare check of a
Blood in the Water: an A.J. Hawke legal thriller
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Donald McInnis Reviewed by Pennell Paugh September 4, 2025 (San Diego) —Blood in the Water, though fictional, exposes a flaw in the United States’ tripartite federal government structure as established in the Constitution. The third branch of government, the Judiciary, cannot enforce its rulings, even when those rulings are necessary for protecting an individual citizen’s rights or the constitutional powers of
Steel Magnolias onstage at Julian Town Hall Oct. 17-26
Printer-friendly version East County News Service September 4, 2025 (Julian) — The East County Performing Arts Association invites you to experience the heart, humor, and resilience of Southern women in Steel Magnolias. The play will be performed in the Julian Town Hall the weekends of Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., with
JUDGE FINDS KALASHOS MADE UNPERMITTED CONSTRUCTION, SETS JUNE 18 HEARING TO RESOLVE CLAIMS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Image: Exhibit from defendants’ closing brief in which the Kalashos claimed substantial unpermitted changes to first, third and fourth floors of their Fletcher Hills rental property are each a “nothng burger.” June 1, 2025 (El Cajon) – Former El Cajon Councilmember Bessmon “Ben” Kalasho and his wife, Jessica Deddeh, made major unpermitted construction changes using
FIVE YEARS AFTER THE NIGHT OF CHAOS: LA MESA’S STRUGGLE FOR REFORM
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman Photos, left by ECM photographers: La Mesa protest, riot and arson May 30-31, 2020. May 30, 2025 (La Mesa) – It’s been five years since the last Saturday in May 2020, when the city of La Mesa found itself smack in the epicenter of racial justice protests and civil unrest that mirrored a nationwide outcry
MOTORCYLIST DIES IN HEAD-ON CRASH ON STATE ROUTE 67
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery May 31, 2025 (Poway) – A 22-year-old motorcyclist died at the scene of a head-one crash with a Ford Truck hauling a boat along State Route 67 north of Poway Road today. Deputies from the Poway Sheriff’s station responded to a report of the collision at State Route 67 and Ellie Lane around 11:45 a.m.
JAMUL RESIDENT DIES IN CRASH
Printer-friendly version East County News Service May 31, 2025 (Jamul) –Long-time Jamul resident Brian Reed died yesterday when his Ford F-150 pickup truck struck a tree in the vicinity of Mother Grundy Truck Trail in Jamul’s Deerhorn Valley area around 11:17 a.m. “His sister confirmed that he suffered a medical issue that led to the fatal accident,” the
HENDERSON FIRE: 300 ACRES NEAR SAN DIEGO-RIVERSIDE COUNTY LINE
Printer-friendly version East County Wildfire & Alerts May 31, 2025 (San Diego) – The #HendersonFire has burned 300 acres and is 15% contained, Cal Fire reports. The fire began last night along Henderson Road in the Pala area, burning in both San Diego and Riverside Counties. Visit AlertSanDiego.org for the latest updates. For an interactive map with updated emergency evacuation information visit: OES Emergency
SAN DIEGO COUNTY AND FOUR LOCAL CITIES LISTED AS “SANCTUARY JURISDICTIONS” AT RISK OF LOSING FEDERAL FUNDS
Printer-friendly versionUpdate June 3, 2025 — Homeland Security has taken down its list of sanctuary jurisdictions amid controversy nationwide. By Miriam Raftery Image via Immigration and Customs Enforcement: ICE stop in Florida May 30, 2025 (San Diego) –A list of over 500 “sanctuary jurisdictions” published by the Dept. of Homeland Security yesterday includes San Diego County and four local cities:
CAL FIRE SUSPENDS BURN PERMITS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version Source: Cal Fire May 30, 2025 (El Cajon) — El Cajon, CA – The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) will suspend residential outdoor burning within the State Responsibility Areas (SRA) of San Diego County, effective Monday, June 2, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. This suspension includes burning landscape debris, such as branches and leaves. This
MAGIC OF DISNEYLAND INSPIRED MT. HELIX GARDEN WITH MANY LANDS
Printer-friendly version Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 24, 2025 (Mount Helix) – There are no rides or parades in its magical atmosphere, but a local garden in Mount Helix area has been influenced by a famous amusement park in Anaheim. Bob Caparas and his childhood sweetheart, Carole, have channeled the magic of Disneyland to help them create
SAN DIEGO SPORT INNOVATORS ANNOUNCES WALTON INNOVATION NETWORK
Printer-friendly versionTo commemorate the one-year anniversary of basketball legend Bill Walton’s passing, SDSI annonces phase one of a “Bill Walton Legacy Project” By Scott Yoffe May 27, 2025 (Solana Beach) — To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragic passing of basketball legend Bill Walton, San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) announced that it will pay homage to its
40 MILITARY HOMES UNINHABITABLE AFTER MURPHY CANYON PLANE CRASH: NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY PROVIDES SUPPORT
Printer-friendly versionNonprofit immediately provided $77,000 in direct emergency assistance and continues to provide long-term support to 40 families displaced East County News Service May 29, 2025 (San Diego) – Dozens of military families evacuated their homes when a private Cessna aircraft crashed into military housing in the Murphy Canyon area at 3:45 a.m. on May 22. The families had
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