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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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The Water Conservation Garden gears up for a blooming 2026
Printer-friendly version Photo of a buttefly at the Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion at The Water Conservation Garden and story by Karen Pearlman Jan. 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — The Water Conservation Garden, the 6-acre botanical showcase of sustainable landscaping and water-wise gardening adjacent to Cuyamaca College, has rooted out its slate of events for Winter and Spring 2026. The schedule includes educational opportunities,
Cause of death released on 35-year-old man who died in county jail Aug. 30
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 1, 2026 (San Diego) – The County Medical’s office has determined that Steven Curren, 35, died of natural causes at a hospital on August 30, less than an hour and a half after he was found unresponsive in his cell at San Diego County’s Central Jail. An autopsy found the cause of death was
New Moon fishing returns to Lake Jennings
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Jan. 3, 2025 (Lakeside) — San Diego County anglers should worm their way into their tackle boxes and grab their lanterns for one of the region’s most anticipated winter traditions. From 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Lake Jennings will host its first “New Moon Fishing” event of the year, offering a
Give to support our award-winning reporting in 2026!
Printer-friendly versionIt’s been a challenging year, with more important news stories to cover than ever before. We need your support to bring you in-depth coverage on important topics in 2026! Please give now with a tax deductible donation or become a monthly donor to assure that we can cover the most important news stories in the new year. All gifts are appreciated,
Sycuan Tribe unveils new Sycuan Health Center to serve East County residents, including tribal members and broader community
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photos courtesy of Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation December 31, 2025 (El Cajon) — The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation held a ribbon cutting ceremony on December 19 at its new, expanded and relocated healthcare facility. The state-of-the-art healthcare center is located at 4921 Dehesa Road in El Cajon, continuing Sycuan’s commitment to high-quality, culturally
Give to support our award-winning reporting in 2026!
Printer-friendly versionIt’s been a challenging year, with more important news stories to cover than ever before. We need your support to bring you in-depth coverage on important topics in 2026! Please give now with a tax deductible donation or become a monthly donor to assure that we can cover the most important news stories in the new year. All gifts are appreciated,
Fundraiser to help Marine’s family devastated by crash that killed daughter, 8, near Julian: accused DUI driver charged with murder and faces deportation
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service December 31, 2025 (Julian) – An online fundraiser at GoFundMe has been set up to help Oscar Cruz Acencio, a U.S. Marine, and his family. On November 30, the family was traveling on San Felipe Road near Julian when a Tacoma truck crossed the center line and hit their vehicle head-on, killing their 8-year-old daughter, Arya. Acencio,
Forty dogs rescued from unsanitary conditions in La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionPhoto of some of the 40 dogs rescued from La Mesa courtesy San Diego Humane Society East County News Service Dec. 31, 2025 (La Mesa) — San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement rescued 40 dogs and puppies from an apartment in La Mesa on Tuesday, Dec. 30, following a welfare check by community police officers. The rescue comes at
Lakeside school district moves to stop bullying, defiance and more
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman Dec. 30, 2025 (Lakeside) – Looking to reclaim local classrooms from a rising tide of student misconduct, the Lakeside Union School District Board of Trustees earlier this month passed a sweeping resolution aimed at curbing bullying, “death notes” and chronic defiance. Lakeside Union School Board member Andrew Hayes championed the policy, adopted Dec. 11, and said
Mail might not be postmarked until days after you send it, under new rules that could cause tax penalties, result in ballots not counted
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 30, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Don’t wait until the last minute to mail in a ballot, tax return or other important documents. A change in U.S. Postal Service regulations that took effect December 24 means that mail is no longer considered postmarked on the date that you drop it in a mailbox or at a post office
APPEALS COURT RULES AGAINST CHALDEANS OVER REDISTRICTING
Printer-friendly versionView the appellate court ruling By Miriam Raftery File photo: St. Peter’s Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in El Cajon April 30, 2025 (El Cajon) – The 4th district Court of Appeals has ruled against the Chaldean Coalition over supervisorial redistricting. The lawsuit, Chaldean Coalition v. The County of San Diego Independent Redistricting Commission et al, filed in 2021 had argued
DEPUTIES AND DISPATCHER SAVE MISSING AUTISTIC BOY ON FREEWAY IN SANTEE
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego County Sheriff’s Dept. April 29, 2025 (Santee) — The quick thinking actions of an off-duty Sheriff’s Dispatcher and Sheriff’s Deputies led to the rescue of a missing child who had wandered onto a freeway in Santee. On Sunday, March 9, just before 4:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Communications Center received a report about an 11-year-old
BOB FILNER, FORMER SAN DIEGO MAYOR AND CONGRESSMAN, DIES AT 82
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman Photo,left: Bob Filner on Election Night 2012, when he won election as San Diego Mayor (April 28, 2025) San Diego — Bob Filner, who served as San Diego’s 35th mayor and as Congressman representing San Diego and border regions in East County, died April 20. He was 82. A fierce advocate for civil rights, his
SAN DIEGO-BASED JACK IN THE BOX TO CLOSE 150-200 RESTAURANTS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 27, 2025 (San Diego) – Jack in the Box has announced plans to close 150-200 underperforming restaurants this year and next, to improve the company’s cash flow. The locally-owned fast food chain opened the nation’s first drive-through hamburger outlet in 1951 at 6270 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego (photo, left). Soon after,
ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR. CLAIMS HE’LL FIND THE “CAUSE” OF AUTISM BY USING PRIVATE MEDICAL DATA
Printer-friendly version Kennedy also moved to cut funding for various autism programs, and tasked discredited researcher with finding “link” between autism and vaccines By G. A. McNeeley Photo, left: cc via Bing April 27, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, has pledged to find the “cause” of autism, while he and other members
LEMON GROVE MAYORAL RECALL FAILS TO GET ENOUGH VALIDATED SIGNATURES, BUT ORGANIZER SAYS HE’LL TRY AGAIN
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 26, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – On April 15, a notice of intent to recall Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow (photo,left) was served by resident Ken King. But the next day, the City Clerk’s office notified King that the notice was rejected because it did not have enough valid signatures, printed names and addresses. In
REP. ISSA HOLDS PUBLICITY APPEARANCE AT MCDONALD’S, AFTER PROTESTERS LEAVE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 26, 2025 (San Diego)– Congressman Darrell Issa announced plans to hand out “Freedom Fries” at a McDonald’s in San Marcos on Thursday, April 24th. But after word got out that protesters planned to picket the event, 12 noon arrived—and Issa didn’t, until after protesters left. Issa’s office mailed a photo to media outlets including
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION REJECTS ‘HOUSING FIRST’ APPROACH TO HOMELESSNESS
Printer-friendly version By Angela Hart for KFF Health News. Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Collaboration File photo, left, by Miriam Raftery: A homeless man living in a makeshift tent in Lemon Grove in 2024 April 26, 2025 (Washington D.C.)– President Donald Trump is vowing a new approach to
MISSING WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN VEHICLE
Printer-friendly version Update: Michelle Moden’s body was found Sunday, April 27,with her vehicle on Sequan Truck Trail, says Officer Jared Grieshaber with California Highway Patrol. Foul play is not suspected, he indicated, but anyone with information is asked to contact CHP’s Border Division Major Crimes Unit at 858-944-6300. East County News Service April 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The
BORDER PATROL AGENTS IN JAMUL FIND 51 POUNDS OF METH IN TIRE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo: Methamphetamine stash hidden in tire April 25, 2025 (Jamul) — U.S. Border Patrol agents from the San Diego Sector stopped a narcotics smuggling attempt in its tracks, intercepting a large quantity of methamphetamine concealed in a vehicle’s spare tire. According to the Border Patrol, on April 18 around 10:30 p.m., a K-9
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