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Millions in “Inflation Relief” need to be collected by April 30
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 23, 2026 (San Diego County) — The office of Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson of District 39 in the state of California has sent out a reminder to San Diego County residents about their Middle Class Tax Refund, and an April 30 deadline for
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
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
Millions in “Inflation Relief” need to be collected by April 30
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 23, 2026 (San Diego County) — The office of Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson of District 39 in the state of California has sent out a reminder to San Diego County residents about their Middle Class Tax Refund, and an April 30 deadline for
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
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
Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting a birthday remembrance next month, celebrating the life of its namesake artist widely regarded as the “Dean of Western Art.” The museum is hosting “Olaf Wieghorst Day,” from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2,
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
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
Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting a birthday remembrance next month, celebrating the life of its namesake artist widely regarded as the “Dean of Western Art.” The museum is hosting “Olaf Wieghorst Day,” from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2,
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
Features
Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting a birthday remembrance next month, celebrating the life of its namesake artist widely regarded as the “Dean of Western Art.” The museum is hosting “Olaf Wieghorst Day,” from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2,
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
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COLLEGES, CHAMBER COMBINE FOR “HOW-TO” WORKSHOP SERIES HELPING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2012 (El Cajon)–A series of free “How-To” workshops designed to help East County small business owners improve their employee productivity and performance is being offered by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. “We’re proud to work with the chamber to offer courses dedicated to supporting East County
CITIZENS CALL ON CITY TO ENFORCE 1985 MANAGED GROWTH INITIATIVE RIGHT TO VOTE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 23, 2012 (San Diego)–Members of San Diegans for Managed Growth (SDMG), the original sponsor of the 1985 Managed Growth Initiative, were joined on Sunday by representatives of the League of Women Voters (LWV), Protect San Dieguito River Valley (PSDRV) and other organizations in calling on the Mayor, City Attorney and the City Council to enforce the initiative’s requirement for
PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE TONIGHT: PARTIES HOLD LOCAL DEBATE-WATCH PARTIES
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2012 (San Diego) – The third and final presidential debate will be held tonight at 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. Democrats and Republicans have both announced local debate watching parties; scroll down and click “read more” for details. Note: For those who wish to attend tonight’s Grossmont Union High School
HUNTER CANCELS ONLY DEBATE, SECOR ACCUSES CONGRESSMAN OF HIDING FROM VOTERS TO MASK “EXTREMIST” POSITIONS
Printer-friendly versionSecor to host town hall forum Oct. 23 to field questions directly from voters, challenges Hunter to show up UPDATE: Location of the forum has changed due to a car damaging the original venue. The town hall will be held at the Escondido Library, 239 S. Kalmia Street in Escondido. “No voter’s question should go unanswered,” said Secor, who
TAXICAB CARJACKED; DRIVER ASSAULTED IN LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2012 (Lemon Grove)–Sheriff’s deputies responded to a radio call of a possible carjacking in Lemon Grove at 3:30 a.m. A taxi driver had been flagged down earlier by two men at 12th Street and Imperial Avenue in San Diego, then drove them to Lemon Grove on Highway 94 and stopped at North Avenue and Olive Street. “One of the
WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN “OUR PLANET, OUR HOME” K-12 ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND ART CONTEST
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2012 (La Mesa) — Not only does their creativity bring a smile, but the breadth of ideas, ages and techniques will make a lovely, rounded exhibition. It is exciting each year to see what the students will come up with for the “Our Home, Our Planet” K-12 Environmental Literacy and Art contest. Awards will be handed out by Mayor
ASSEMBLYMAN BRIAN JONES HEADLINES RAMONA MERCHANT’S SAFE TRICK OR TREAT OCTOBER 31
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2012 (Ramona) – Ramona Merchant’s annual Safe Trick or Treat will take place on October 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 960 Main Street, Ramona. Assemblyman Brian W. Jones of the 77th Assembly District will be recognizing the Ramona Chamber of Commerce and its members for their solution to providing a safe alternative to traditional
HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST AT ALPINE CREEK TOWN CENTER OCT. 27
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2012 (Alpine) – All ghosts and goblins are invited to show off their most creative costumes at the Halloween Costume Contest on October 27 at the Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Blvd., Alpine. This free, fun, family-friendly event begins at 2 p.m. with registration and ends at 3:45 p.m. when the winners are announced. Prizes will
KROC CENTER PRESENTS “BOO BASH!” OCTOBER 27
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2012 (San Diego) – The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s annual Boo Bash! on October 27 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at 6845 University Avenue, San Diego. Everyone is welcome to celebrate a safe, family-friendly Halloween at the Center. Festivities will include cookie decorating, fang-tastic pumpkin decorating, spooky carnival games, snacks, frightful bounce houses, trick-or-treating, rock climbing
TRICK OR TREAT OFF THE STREET AT VIEJAS OUTLETS OCT. 31
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2012 (Alpine) – Viejas Outlets will host Trick or Treat Off the Street on October 31 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 5005 Willows Rd., Alpine. This free event allows little ghosts and goblins, as well as parents to enjoy a safe Halloween. Printer-friendly version
Millions in “Inflation Relief” need to be collected by April 30
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 23, 2026 (San Diego County) — The office of Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson of District 39 in the state of California has sent out a reminder to San Diego County residents about their Middle Class Tax Refund, and an April 30 deadline for the spending of that money. Possibly for thousands of San
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 County Democratic Club’s April meeting to hear from the state’s
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 student violinists. Now with Villa Musica is celebrating its 20th
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 Action Network (SanDi ECAN), the free event is
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 thereafter) a doctor was born. “With my first diagnosis of
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 forum aiming to broaden our understanding of the state and
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 defensible space around their homes. As one of the most
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 E. Feliciano and his wife, musician and investor Kwanza Jones, for a
Federal judge: Continued Border Patrol sweeps in California violated court order
Printer-friendly version By Wendy Fry and Sergio Olmos, CalMatters. This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: a line of federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal immigration agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in the day. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local April 18,
New Crisis Stabilization Unit opening in El Cajon
Printer-friendly versionApril 18, 2026 (El Cajon) — The County of San Diego will open its newest Crisis Stabilization Unit — the first located in East County — on Monday in El Cajon. The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues. The unit will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a
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