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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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Racing turkeys stampede at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 9, 2025 (Ramona) – This is not a turkey trot. The Wild West Turkey Stampede returns November 15, 28, 29 and 30 at the Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona. “November is our favorite time to celebrate our famous racing turkeys who are back and better than ever (sort of… breeding season is on the
Photo of the Week: Beaver moon
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 9, 2025 (Mt. Helix) — Dawn Sebaugh snapped this picture of the “Beaver Moon” on November 5, The November full moon was dubbed “Beaver Moon” because it’s the time when beavers are most active building their lodges for winter, and when the fur trading season was at its peak. The name has its origins
Escalation with Venezuela: Trump sends warships after 16 boat strikes
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr Image by The Wandering Trader November 9, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) — After the U.S. bombed multiple boats allegedly carrying drugs in foreign waters, tensions are high. President Donald Trump risks war with Venezuela as U.S. warships head across the Eastern Pacific toward Venezuela. The Trump administration has continued a campaign of military strikes against alleged
Border 18 Fire burning south of Dulzura
Printer-friendly version Photo courtesy UC San Diego East County News Service November 8, 2025 (San Diego County) — CalFire is on scene at a fire being called Border 18 Fire. The fire was reported today at 2:10 p.m. 1/3 mile east of Marron Valley Truck Trail & Lupe Springs Spur Truck Trail, south of Dulzura. The Border 18 Fire has
BalletCenter Studios bringing a twist on a holiday classic
Printer-friendly version“Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier” Comes to the Joan B. Kroc Theatre East County News Service Nov. 8, 2025 (San Diego) — A fresh take on the magical holiday experience of The Nutcracker is coming to San Diego later this month. Mission Hills-headquarterered BalletCenter Studios is presenting an enchanting new production, “Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier,”
Government shutdown woes continue to worsen
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Services Nov. 8, 2025 (San Diego County) — The longest federal government shutdown in the history of the United States continues to impact millions of Americans. The 2025 government shutdown reached 35 days on Nov. 5, eclipsing a 34-day shutdown in 2018–19 for the longest in U.S. history. The shutdown started when the previous budget
November CalFresh/SNAP benefits being delivered to local beneficiaries
Printer-friendly version Thanks to San Diego County and State actions East County News Service Nov. 7, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego CalFresh/SNAP beneficiaries are starting to see their full November benefits loaded on to their EBT cards. CalFresh is the federal food assistance program also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also commonly referred
FAA orders reduction in flights at 40 airports, including San Diego, starting Friday due to federal government shutdown
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Thursday, November 6, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – San Diego International Airport is among 40 airports across the U.S. that will be forced to cut flights starting tomorrow, under order of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to the federal government shutdown. Read the full emergency order here. Air traffic controllers have been working without pay
Christmas with the wild animals at Lions Tigers & Bears
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 18, 2025 (Alpine) — Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego County’s lone accredited animal sanctuary is getting ready for the winter holidays. The nonprofit organization is holding Christmas with the Animals Fundraiser in December at its 142-acre site in Alpine. The event will include gift-giving, holiday lights and music, and will support
Caltrans reduces parking in front of Descanso Junction and nearby businesses despite community concerns
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Photo: new parking configuration in front of Descanso Junction eliminated two-thirds of spaces and left no disabled parking access. Photos courtesy of Descanso Junction and Rett Lawrence, Mountain Views and News November 6, 2025 (Descanso) – The California Department of Transportation removed several parking spaces in front of Descanso Junction Restaurant and nearby businesses in late
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
ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: PROMOTE WELLNESS DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH AND END STIGMA
Printer-friendly version By Seraphina Eberhardt, Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies East County May 9. 2025 (San Diego’s EastCounty) — May 2025 marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about mental health challenges, reducing stigma, and promoting wellness. It was established in 1949 by Mental Health America. The annual observance has been pivotal in bringing
CHICAGO CARDINAL NAMED FIRST POPE FROM UNITED STATES
Printer-friendly version New Pope is viewed as a moderate By Miriam Raftery Photo courtesy of Vatican News Service May 8, 2025 (San Diego)—In a historic move, the conclave of cardinals at the Vatican has chosen Chicago Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to be the 267th Pope, the first American to lead the Catholic church worldwide. He will serve as Pope Leo
CAL FIRE BURN DEMO IN SPRING VALLEY DRAMATIZES DIFFERENCE PREPARING YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR FOR WILDFIRE CAN MAKE
Printer-friendly version By Alexander J. Schorr Photos courtesy of CalFire Image: Side-by-side demonstration shows how unprepared structure surrounded by bark on left was rapidly engulfed in flames, unlike structure on right, with hardscaping May 7, 2025 (Spring Valley) — On May 6, The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety partnered for
SAN DIEGO MAN DIES IN FIERY LAKESIDE ROLLOVER ACCIDENT
Printer-friendly version East County News Service May 7, 2025 (Lakeside) – A 24-year-old man from San Diego died in a solo-vehicle crash around 1:22 this morning. He was driving west on I-8 near Old Highway 80 in Lakeside when for unknown reasons, he lost control and his vehicle plunged down an embankment. “The BMW overturned down the embankment, crashed into
TOWN HALL MAY 8 ON SAN DIEGO IN-CUSTODY DEATHS AND ALLEGED MISTREATMENT OF INMATES
Printer-friendly version East County News Service May 7, 2025 (San Diego)—The Racial Justice Coalition of San Diego (RJCSD) and Community Advocates for Just and Moral Governance (MoGo) invite you to attend a Community Town Hall centered on the ongoing inhumane treatment of people detained in the San Diego County Jails. The event will be held on Thursday, May 8 from
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionMay 7, 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. National Security DOGE employees gain accounts on classified networks holding nuclear secrets (NPR) Supreme Court allows Trump ban on transgender
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