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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
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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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FOG, GUSTY WINDS FORECAST
Printer-friendly version October 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather statement for our region. Today and tonight, gusty southwest to west winds are forecast in mountains and deserts, with patchy dense fog on I-8 in mountain areas. Monday through Saturday, strong gusty northeast to east winds are possible in East County’s
CPUC ISSUES CONFLICTING DRAFT DECISIONS ON WHETHER SDG&E MAY CHARGE CA RATEPAYERS FOR WILDFIRES CAUSED BY ITS POWER LINES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 20, 2012 (San Diego)—Should SDG&E be allowed to charge ratepayers for the 2007 wildfires that it caused – as well as damage from any future fires? The utility has sought to set up a ““Wildfire Expense Balancing Account” (WEBA) that would allow it to recover its uninsured losses—regardless of whether the utility was negligent in
SCARE UP A GOOD TIME WITH COUNTY PARKS ON HALLOWEEN – OCT. 31
Printer-friendly versionOctober 30, 2012 (San Diego) — Looking for a safe environment for your little vampires, pirates and mermaids on Halloween night? You’re invited to the County Department of Parks and Recreation’s FREE Annual Safe Halloween Carnivals. Take your pick from three locations—and be sure to come in costume. The carnivals will take place at the County’s Lakeside, Spring Valley
CITIZENS’ OVERSIGHT SUBMITS PETITION TO INTERVENE AND REQUESTS HEARING INTO SAN ONOFRE LICENSE AMENDMENT REQUEST
Printer-friendly versionChanges remove inspection specifications from license, reducing public and NRC review and clouding operator requirements, watchdog group says October 20, 2012 (Washington D.C.) — Citizens’ Oversight, an El Cajon-based citizens watchdog group, submitted a formal request[1] to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding a license amendment request[2] by Southern California Edison (SCE) for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating
ROTARY HOSTS GARAGE SALE FUNDRAISER OCT. 27 IN SAN CARLOS
Printer-friendly versionOctober 20, 2012 (San Diego) — La Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club is having a Garage Sale Fundraiser on October 27th, 7:30 am – 2:00 pm. at 6210 Lakeshore Dr. San Diego 92119 (San Carlos area). Merchandise available includes household items, electronics, quality clothing, children’s equipment and clothing, garden plants and cuttings, sports equipment, furniture and much more. Proceeds will
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS
Printer-friendly versionBy Paula Dickenson, Crime Prevention specialist, San Diego Sheriff, Alpine October 20, 2012 (San Diego) — Halloween is an exciting, fun-filled time for young people. Unfortunately, it can also result in tragedy. The following safety tips are offered for parents, children, and drivers, which will help make Halloween a safe event for all.ADULTS * Welcome trick-or-treaters
STONE BREWING COMPANY AND JEREMY’S ON THE HILL BREW UP A BEER PAIRING EVENT FRIDAY OCT 26
Printer-friendly versionOctober 20, 2012 (Julian) — Cheers! On Friday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m., Jeremy’s on the Hill California Style Bistro teams up with Stone Brewing Company for a five course beer pairing event. Five farm to table inspired courses will be expertly paired by Chef Jeremy Manley with Stone Ruination IPA, Stone Cali – Belgique IPA, Stone Smoked Porter, Oaked Arrogant Bastard
“WORST ENVIRONMENTAL BILL EVER” IN CONGRESS SPLITS VOTES AMONG LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 20, 2012 (Washington D.C) – H.R. 3409 has been called the worst environmental bill ever Congress by SustainableBusiness.com. Deceptively titled the “Stop the War on Coal Act”, the bill in fact repeal major public health and environmental safeguards, even overturning Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act protections. Duncan Hunter and Darrell Issa, both Republicans,
MONDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE NOV. 6 ELECTION
Printer-friendly versionFill Out Forms Online; Signature May Still Be Needed October 20, 2012 — If you want to vote in the Nov. 6 Presidential General Election, you must register by Monday, Oct. 22. You will need to register if you: are not currently registered recently moved recently changed your name If you’re not sure about your registration, check it online at www.sdvote.com. If
GET FIT FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Printer-friendly versionBy Lauren Schmitt, MS, RD October 20, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) — Are you worried about gaining those dreaded pounds during the holiday season? There is no reason to accept the fact that weight gain is inevitable during the holiday season. You have the power to stop that vicious cycle. If your eating habits are not as healthy
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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