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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
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
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.
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
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
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
Features
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
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.
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Sylvia’s Soapbox – Duncan the great white Hunter
Wildebeest hunt bags a Congressman By Sylvia Hampton Our congressman Duncan Hunter (R-52nd district) is leaving his congressional seat to his son. Sort of an inheritance or royalty passed on to the next generation like in England. Since Duncan D. Hunter, the son, has the same name his election should be like shooting fish in a barrel. But before Hunter
Presidential Candidates Address La Raza in San Diego
By E. A. Barrera Photo by E.A. Barrera/Photo courtesy of NCLR Obama Talks Health, Education, and Announces Plan to Help Small Business McCain Emphasizes Tax Issues, Trade with Latin America Printer-friendly version
Celebrating 100 Years: Cleveland National Forest Centennial
Fiddlin’ Foresters, Living History Week Cap Festivities in Local Mountain Parks By Miriam Raftery A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt signed a declaration to create the Cleveland National Forest–a 460,000 acre preserve that is home to golden eagles, mountain lions and other wildlife species. To celebrate the centennial, the U.S. Forest Service is hosting several free special events in
People Power – Magic Horse Miracles: Therapeutic Riding Program Benefits Disabled Kids
By Miriam Raftery Avery Titus rides tall in the saddle at The Magic Horse, guided by riding therapist/founder Robin Pawl. Before, he could not sit up on his own. September 2008 (Lakeside)–Ten-year-old Avery Titus squeals with delight, pressing his face against the sun-warmed backside of Iggy, a quarterhorse at the Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding program in Lakeside. “Before, he couldn’t sit
Capitol Report – How They Voted
For more information on these and other bills, visit www.vote-smart.org or www.govtrack.us Printer-friendly version
East County Roundup – September
Links to top stories in other publications on East County issues WATER RATIONING GROWS INCREASINGLY LIKELY San Diego Union-Tribune (Sept. 26, 2008) —| For the first time since 1992, San Diego is facing the possibility of water rationing, a step that could happen as soon as January. The threat is expected to loom for years as Southern California readjusts to
Cool Places to Beat the Heat
By Miriam Raftery Looking to cool off? No need to battle crowds at the beach. Check out our editor’s “cool picks” for places to beat the heat in San Diego’s eastern areas. MAKE A SPLASH AT THE SANTEE AQUATIC CENTER: Waterslide and in-pool playground, Santee Aquatic Center East County’s best-kept aquatic adventure area features a spiral slide plus children’s play
Voter’s Watchdog – Protecting Your Right to Vote
By Miriam Raftery “We know where the fix is in this year. If I were in San Diego, I’d be afraid. I’d be very afraid.” – Bob Fitrakis, national election integrity expert New law bans voting machines from being online Assembly Bill 3026 by Lori Saldaña (D-San Diego) will prohibit Internet connections to voting machines, including wireless transmissions. “This law
East County Eater – Superb Sushi in Santee
OISHII JAPANESE & THAI CUISINE 10251 Mast Blvd., Santee 619-596-4852 www.oishiisantee.com September 1, 2008 (Santee) — Santee Sushi? If you thought East County only has cowboy and biker bars, you must not have ventured east of I-15 lately, where you will find a rich assortment of sushi bars sprouting up at prices far less than you’d pay at chi-chi sushi
Good Money – Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) is becoming main-stream
By Judith L. Seid, CFP ® September 1, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — When you invest, your money works towards achieving two objectives. By aligning your investments with your values, your money can work to create a secure future for yourself and your family, while also encouraging the development of a better future for our world. Ten years ago, Socially Responsible
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
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 Club’s April meeting to hear from the state’s chief elections
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. Now with Villa Musica is celebrating its 20th anniversary, the
Senior resource fair coming to Grossmont Healthcare District on April 23
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 set for
East County-based physician Charles Hamori honored by American College of Physicians
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 appendicitis, my
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