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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
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
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
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
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);
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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Our guide to discovering Northeast San Diego County’s hidden charms
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery Overview: For many San Diegans, Interstate 15 heading into North County is the proverbial dividing line that separates popular coastal communities from the far less hectic but equally captivating inland areas. Yes, venturing east of the 15 takes you away from the Pacific Ocean and all of its tidal pulls. But what it
Elderly man who died in custody had urinary tract infection, high blood pressure and heart disease
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 22, 2025 (San Diego) – The Medical Examiner has concluded that 82-year-old Karim Talib died of natural causes in the San Diego Central Jail on July 28. The autopsy determined that the cause of death was high blood pressure and heart disease complicated by acute kidney disease due to a urinary tract infection. ECM has
San Diego River Park Foundation takes action to protect homeless; hundreds in jeopardy from storms
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 22, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego River Park Foundation is leading efforts to help 323 people living along the San Diego River who are at risk from flooding in upcoming storms. In addition to checking on homeless camps and getting warnings out ahead of storms, the nonprofit holding a care package drive
From the Fire Chief’s Corner: Thanksgiving safety tips with a side of manners
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna November 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Thanksgiving signifies the beginning of the holiday season. Many will be spending more time in the kitchen preparing for the holidays. On any given day, firefighters respond to reports of a kitchen fire. Often, it is “food on the stove” and we cancel incoming resources. However, on Thanksgiving Day, kitchen fires
Suspects arrested for stealing from Home Depot in Lemon Grove
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 21, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — Two men are facing serious charges after getting caught stealing from a home improvement store in Lemon Grove. Last night around 6:00 p.m., deputies from the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Substation’s Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving (COPPS) team coordinated a counter-theft operation at the Home Depot store on Broadway. “During
Sheriff deputies kill Alpine resident Robert Liddell during wellness check
Printer-friendly version CA Attorney General is investigating the shooting East County News Service November 21, 2025 (Alpine, CA) – A concerned neighbor called 911 to request a wellness check on her neighbor on November 5, after she found his door partially open and he did not answer. The incident ended tragically. Sheriff’s deputies fatally shot the resident, 72-year-old Robert Edmund
Hygiene for Humanity drive brings care, compassion to those in need
Printer-friendly versionFrontwave Foundation, Credit Union volunteers build more than 7,000 kits, raised more than $7,200 to support local shelters and outreach programs East County News Service Nov. 21, 2025 (San Diego County) — A bold goal to assemble 5,000 hygiene kits became a powerful reminder of the possibilities of all the good people are capable of doing when
Supervisors discuss future housing and development in unincorporated county
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Photo: map shows targeted areas to be prioritized for housing November 20, 2025 (San Diego) – With San Diego County experiencing a housing crisis, the Board of Supervisors held a workshop Wednesday aimed at finding solutions for the unincorporated areas, including several in East County. The Valle de Oro/Casa de Oro neighborhood was identified as being
County Supervisors Extend Behavioral Health Services Contracts
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow November 20, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday voted unanimously to extend mental health and substance use services contracts. The County Health and Human Services Agency’s Behavioral Health Services (BHS) department provides services to vulnerable populations, including individuals who are experiencing homelessness, people involved in the justice system, and children
Hannah Shirley the pygmy hippo, turns 52
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 20, 2025 (Ramona) — San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrated the coming 52nd birthday of Hannah Shirley (photo, left, courtesy San Diego Humane Society), the world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus in managed care. Hannah enjoyed a festive “Hungry Hungry Hippos”-themed party that included floating fruit treats and colorful decorations inspired
FIRE DAMAGES APARTMENT BUILDING IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version East County News Service May 12, 2025 (Spring Valley) – A fire on Saturday, May 10 cause significant damage to an apartment building in the 400 block of Grand Avenue. San Miguel Fire and Sheriff’s deputies from the Rancho San Diego station responded at 9 a.m. and found two rear patios of the apartment building in flames. “The
HEARING MAY 19 ON CITY’S PLAN TO CLOSE LAKE MURRAY ON WEEKDAYS; OTHER LOCAL LAKES FACE CUTS
Printer-friendly versionResidents launch petition to keep lake open By Karen Pearlman Photo, left, by Miriam Raftery: Lake Murray May 12, 2025 (San Diego) – Lake Murray is one of several local reservoirs that may see their hours of operation get slashed starting next year because of budget issues in the city of San Diego. To cover the city’s $258 million
PADRES BREAK 1889 RECORD WITH 21-0 ROMP OVER ROCKIES
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman May 12, 2025 (Denver) – Following a wild 21-0 win over the Colorado Rockies on May 10 at Coors Field, the San Diego Padres moved briefly back into first place in the National League West, breaking a baseball record that has stood for more than a century. But the Friars closed their nine-game road trip
GUHSD CHIEF OF STAFF HOBBS RESIGNS AMID CONTROVERSY; TRUSTEES REFUSE TO RESCIND LAY-OFFS
Printer-friendly version By Alexander J. Schorr Photo, left: Sign on table urging recall of four GUHSD trustees. May 11, 2025 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) governing board refused a last-ditch chance to rescind its layoffs of credentialed teachers, librarians, counselors, and psychologists at the May 8 board meeting, despite angry comments from constituents. After the
JUDGE DENIES KALASHOS’ REQUEST TO POSTPONE JAIL TERM
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery File photo: Bessmon “Ben” and Jessica Kalasho May 11, 2025 (San Diego) – A last-minute effort by former El Cajon Councilman Bessmon “Ben” Kalasho and his wife, Jessica, to postpone their 8-day jail sentence has been rejected by Superior Court Judge Wendy Behan. The Kalashos have been ordered to surrender on June 9th to begin
GUHSD STUDENTS ART SHOW AT LAKESIDE LIBRARY THROUGH MAY 12
Printer-friendly version Video and article by Shiloh Ireland View video Grossmont High School District, composed of 12 high schools, has an art show at the Lakeside Library through May 12th. Beautiful pieces of art are displayed, and some are for sale. A lot of talent awaits you. Check the library for library hours and support these young artists. The San
MISSING TEEN: DAVID GUTIERREZ LAST SEEN NEAR GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service May 10, 2025 (El Cajon)– The family of David Gutierrez, 17, is asking for help to find him. A student at Grossmont High School, he was last seen at the school yesterday. He is 5 ft. 10 inches tall, white, and weighs about 150 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. “He has a cursive `L’
WILD BAT FOUND INSIDE SAFARI PARK TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES
Printer-friendly version Rabies is nearly always fatal without treatment Image Credit: PhotoSpin Source: San Diego County News Service May 10, 2025 (Escondido) — County public health officials are looking for people who may have come in contact with a wild bat found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondidio on Wednesday, May 7 at 10:45 a.m. that later
HEAT ADVISORY ISSUED FOR INLAND AREAS TODAY
Printer-friendly version East County Wildfire and Emergency Alerts May 10, 2025 — The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory in effect now through 9 p.m. for San Diego County’s valleys including the cities of El Cajon, Escondido, La Mesa, Poway, San Marcos, and Santee. Temperatures up to 97 degrees are forecast in valleys, with even hotter temperatures up to
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ORDERS DEFUNDING OF NPR AND PBS
Printer-friendly version Public broadcasting leaders denounce action, call executive order illegal By G. A. McNeeley M. Raftery contributed to this report May 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a nonprofit organization that oversees the National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), is firing back at President Donald Trump’s executive order
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