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Cal Fire suspends burn permits
Source: Cal Fire Following another wet winter that produced significant vegetation growth across the region, rising temperatures, low humidity, and seasonal winds are rapidly curing grasses and light fuels. These conditions are increasing wildfire risk across San Diego County, prompting Cal Fire to suspend all residential outdoor burn permits within
New high voltage Golden Pacific Powerlink proposed in East County: SDG&E hosts virtual meetings May 12 and 14
Hear our interview with SDG&E’s project manager on the proposed route By Miriam Raftery April 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The state wants SDG&E to build Golden Pacific Powerlink, a new 500 kilovolt high-voltage line. The project would run from Imperial County through San Diego’s East County and
News Issues
Lemon Grove man charged with murder
East County News Service April 25, 2026 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove resident Eric Nunez, 33, has been arrested on April 23 and charged with murder. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, died of injuries after being shot in the 2100 block of Eldora Street in
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
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.
Politics
Millions in “Inflation Relief” need to be collected by April 30
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
Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber warns of ongoing threats to voting rights at East County Democratic Club meeting
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
Wildfires and Emergencies
Cal Fire suspends burn permits
Source: Cal Fire Following another wet winter that produced significant vegetation growth across the region, rising temperatures, low humidity, and seasonal winds are rapidly curing grasses and light fuels. These conditions are increasing wildfire risk across San Diego County, prompting Cal Fire to suspend all residential outdoor burn permits within
Crest residents urged to take action against wildfire risks with free Home Assessment Program
By 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
Events & Arts
Destination East County: Festive Events from mid-May through mid-June
By Miriam Raftery April 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Car shows, farm tours, Mother’s Day teas, a music festival, a country dance, and concerts including the famed rock band Three Dog Night are all coming to East County from mid-May to mid-June. Scroll down for all the
The Magnolia presents: a tribute to Gloria Estefan
East County News Service April 27, 2026 (El Cajon) – Celebrate the iconic sound of Gloria Estefan at The Magnolia one night only, Saturday, May 23. This high‑energy tribute performance brings her greatest hits to life. Located in the heart of downtown El Cajon, The Magnolia is one of San
Best of East County
Don’t miss Santa Ysabel and Wynola on your way to visit Julian
Tiny mountain towns often overlooked by travelers in East County’s back country By Paul Levikow Photos by Miriam Raftery and Paul Levikow April 10, 2026 (Santa Ysabel/Wynola) – Visitors travelling to Julian north from Ramona can oftentimes overlook two equally charming communities along the way. Some might even think Santa
Photo of the Week: Jacumba Sunset
April 6, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Martin Eder sent in this photo, taken along Interstate 8 just west of Jacumba near the San Diego-Imperial County line, after he attended the Magical Mystery Beatles tribute music festival at De Anza Springs Resort. The setting sun illuminated a plume in the sky,
People
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Soroptimist 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); Nancy
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
The Magnolia presents: a tribute to Gloria Estefan
East County News Service April 27, 2026 (El Cajon) – Celebrate the iconic sound of Gloria Estefan at The Magnolia one night only, Saturday, May 23. This high‑energy tribute performance brings her greatest hits to life. Located in the heart of downtown El Cajon, The Magnolia is one of San
New high voltage Golden Pacific Powerlink proposed in East County: SDG&E hosts virtual meetings May 12 and 14
Hear our interview with SDG&E’s project manager on the proposed route By Miriam Raftery April 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The state wants SDG&E to build Golden Pacific Powerlink, a new 500 kilovolt high-voltage line. The project would run from Imperial County through San Diego’s East County and
Features
Destination East County: Festive Events from mid-May through mid-June
By Miriam Raftery April 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Car shows, farm tours, Mother’s Day teas, a music festival, a country dance, and concerts including the famed rock band Three Dog Night are all coming to East County from mid-May to mid-June. Scroll down for all the
The Magnolia presents: a tribute to Gloria Estefan
East County News Service April 27, 2026 (El Cajon) – Celebrate the iconic sound of Gloria Estefan at The Magnolia one night only, Saturday, May 23. This high‑energy tribute performance brings her greatest hits to life. Located in the heart of downtown El Cajon, The Magnolia is one of San
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Destination East County: Festive Events from mid-May through mid-June
By Miriam Raftery April 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Car shows, farm tours, Mother’s Day teas, a music festival, a country dance, and concerts including the famed rock band Three Dog Night are all coming to East County from mid-May to mid-June. Scroll down for all the fun and festive details on these events and more. Printer-friendly
The Magnolia presents: a tribute to Gloria Estefan
East County News Service April 27, 2026 (El Cajon) – Celebrate the iconic sound of Gloria Estefan at The Magnolia one night only, Saturday, May 23. This high‑energy tribute performance brings her greatest hits to life. Located in the heart of downtown El Cajon, The Magnolia is one of San Diego County’s premier entertainment destinations. The venue features a beautifully
Cal Fire suspends burn permits
Source: Cal Fire Following another wet winter that produced significant vegetation growth across the region, rising temperatures, low humidity, and seasonal winds are rapidly curing grasses and light fuels. These conditions are increasing wildfire risk across San Diego County, prompting Cal Fire to suspend all residential outdoor burn permits within the State Responsibility Area. This suspension takes effect at 8:00am
New high voltage Golden Pacific Powerlink proposed in East County: SDG&E hosts virtual meetings May 12 and 14
Hear our interview with SDG&E’s project manager on the proposed route By Miriam Raftery April 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The state wants SDG&E to build Golden Pacific Powerlink, a new 500 kilovolt high-voltage line. The project would run from Imperial County through San Diego’s East County and North County, including Anza Borrego Desert State Park, then head
Health and Science Highlights
April 26, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) –Top health/science stories include the CDC blocking a report on COVID vaccines, the federal government reclassifying marijuana, flu vaccines no longer mandated for U.S. troops, and gas-powered AI centers emitting more greenhouse gases than many nations. HEALTH CDC blocks publication of report showing COVID vaccine efficacy (Center for Infections Disease Research and Policy)
Lemon Grove man charged with murder
East County News Service April 25, 2026 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove resident Eric Nunez, 33, has been arrested on April 23 and charged with murder. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, died of injuries after being shot in the 2100 block of Eldora Street in Lemon Grove on April 23 shortly after 4 a.m. Printer-friendly
Two dead after collision in Julian
East County News Service April 25, 2026 (Julian) – Two people who died in an April 4 collision in Julian have been identified as Jesus Canales Lopez, 66, and Maria Del Carmen Contreras Albino, 48. Two pickup trucks collided on westbound State Route 78, just west of Mastros Trailer Park in Julian around 2:49 p.m. Both vehicles overturned multiple
Millions in “Inflation Relief” need to be collected by April 30
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 Diegans, their
Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
East 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, and will offer a deep dive into the history of the
PASSAGES: Kevin Key, 54 photographer, historian, teacher
By Karen Pearlman April 23, 2026 (Salton Sea) — Kevin Connolly Key, a renowned professional photographer whose lens captured the stark beauty and environmental fragility of the Anza-Borrego Desert, Salton Sea and nearly all of San Diego County through the years, passed away on April 20, 2026. He was 54. Known to friends and neighbors as “Kevin LiT!,” Key was
THE CITY OF LA MESA’S FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL
THE CITY OF LA MESA’S FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL La Mesa will conduct its First Annual Environmental Awareness “Sustain La Mesa” Festival on: Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St. A total of 21 booths including education displays, light bulb exchange, recycling of non-hazardous materials, free shopping bags (subject
Register to Vote!
Voter registration drives are being held at several East County locations listed below. You must be registered by October 20th to vote in the November 4th presidential election. Registering in person means you don’t have to worry about forms getting lost in the mail or arriving too late. If you’re not yet registered, you can sign up at any of
WATER SHORTAGE REVIVES RECYCLED WATER PROPOSALS
By E.A. Barrera Photos by Daisy Sharrock October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Water is the single biggest issue facing the future of San Diego County. Even the process for updating San Diego County’s land use general plan – the so-called General Plan 2020 process – depends on the availability and amount of water the area will sustain. "Water is
Health Tips
HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASES REACH FIVE TOTAL SAN DIEGO August 18, 2008 — Another confirmed locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus (WNV) brings the year-to-date total to five—including one patient in East County, according to the County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA). FDA DECISION ON BPA OUTRAGES HEALTH ADVOCATES FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug 20, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via
A Firestorm of Controversy – Still No County Fire Department Five Years After Cedar Blaze
Ballot measure will ask voters to approve tax for fire services By E.A. Barrera Photos courtesy of La Mesa Fire Department “Given the existing high-risk conditions that are projected to continue into the future, destructive firestorms will certainly occur again. Yet, even armed with this knowledge and after the Cedar Fire wake-up call, the San Diego region is woefully unprepared.”
DYING TO COME TO AMERICA – Immigrant Death Toll Soars; Water Stations Sabotaged
By Miriam Raftery September 1, 2008 (Holtville)–“These people came here looking for opportunity. Not one of them expected to die,” said Enrique Morones, erecting a hand-made wooden cross at a gravesite marked only by a brick engraved with the name Jane Doe. A few years ago, there were twenty bricks in this pauper’s graveyard at Holtville in Imperial County, final
Tough Medicine, Part I
Grossmont Hospital Investigations Raise Oversight Concernts, Criticisms By Sara McInerney, staff writer, and editor Miriam Raftery September 14, 2008 (La Mesa)–Revelations of preventable patient deaths and alleged neglect at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have led some community leaders to demand increased oversight even as new complaints of patient care at Grossmont surface. Grossmont is one of four hospitals in San Diego County
Tough Medicine, Part II
Community Leaders Call for New Hospital in East County: Long Waits in Grossmont ER, Patient Deaths Heighten Urgent Need By Sara McInerney, Staff Writer September 18, 2008 (La Mesa)–Government investigations into at least three preventable patient deaths at Sharp Grossmont Hospital have raised serious questions about the facility’s capacity to service the needs of East County’s growing population. Closure of the
Democratic Candidates Urge Voters to Unite for Change at East County Rally
By Miriam Raftery "I’ve been a Republican for 35 years and I became a Democrat in January," La Mesa Councilmember David Allan told a crowd of approximately 350 people at the East County Uniting for Change picnic on Sunday at Harry Griffith Park in La Mesa. Sponsored by the La Mesa-Foothills, East County and Santee Democratic Clubs, the event took
Budget Crisis Hits Home
State workers in East County struggle to cope with prospect of huge pay cuts, lay-offs; Judge orders Sept. 12 hearing on Governor’s wage-slashing orders By Miriam RafteryPhotos by Aida Canonizado Mildred Scarber, a state employee who works at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in El Cajon, was shocked to learn that Governor Schwarzenegger has ordered all state employees’ pay
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