Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
Explore What Matters
News Center
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the Department of Animal Services, appointing…
News Issues
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
Boulevard residents battle proposed Starlight Solar battery storage facility; urge community to attend town hall meeting April 15
By Miriam Raftery Photo: proposed Starlight Solar site, via County of San Diego April 4, 2026 (Boulevard) – Should a 588-acre solar project with one…
Politics
Latest No Kings rallies draw 70,000 in San Diego County, 8 million nationwide
70,000 San Diego County residents join 8 million nationwide in No Kings demonstrations, the largest ever U.S. protest By Miriam Raftery March 31, 2026 (San…
El Cajon City Council denies Afghan Center’s appeal for prayer tent extension
East County News Service March 30, 2026 (El Cajon ) — The El Cajon City Council last week unanimously upheld a decision by the city’s…
Wildfires and Emergencies
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…
Help shape fire priorities in San Diego County
East County News Service April 4, 2026 (San Diego County) — With “fire season” now a year-round threat, public input is growing in importance as…
Events & Arts
Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona
East County News Service April 5, 2026 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the 2026 Cheers to the…
Destination East County: Festive events in mid-April and May 2026
By Miriam Raftery April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – As April continues, drifting into the merry month of May, there are many unique…
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
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
People
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
Descanso resident named American Honey Queen
By Miriam Raftery February 18, 2026 (Descanso) — You could call it sweet success. The American Beekeeping Federation has chosen
Communities
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the
Features
Historic landmark to anchor new travel center in Jamul
Artist’s rendering of coming Barretts Travel Center in Jamul (Photo courtesy Kirvin Doak Communications ) East County News Service April
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
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
Long-time El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick denounces Republican Party, switches affiliation to Democrat
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow February 9, 2026 (El Cajon) – El Cajon City Councilman Gary Kendrick, a life-long Republican, announced Monday that he is switching his party affiliation and joining the Democratic Party. Kendrick made the declaration at a news conference in front of El Cajon City Hall surrounded by supporters and Democratic Party officials. He cited the city’s
After Minneapolis killings by federal agents, El Cajon residents rally as Councilman Kendrick speaks out
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J Schorr Councilmember Gary Kendrick addresses crowd in El Cajon February 8, 2026 (El Cajon) — An El Cajon Council meeting has once again set the stage for heightened tensions between the public and elected officials over the federal government’s crackdown on immigrants the violence committed by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). At a rally outside before last
Plane lands on freeway in Lakeside
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo via CalTrans camera February 7,2026 (Lakeside) — A small plane has made an emergency landing on State Route 67 south in Lakeside at Winter Gardens Blvd., Cal Trans reports. Traffic is backed up to Mapleview, with the plane blocking the right lane and shoulder. A SIG alert has been issued. No cause of
Over 20 guns, military armored vests, stolen vehicles, drugs and fraud lab recovered during high-risk search in Spring Valley
East County News Service February 7, 2026 (Spring Valley) – Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested Bruce Brian Ron, 34, on drug, weapon and fraud charges after…
With measles at Disneyland and LAX, San Diego County urges residents to update vaccines: some adults may need boosters
By Miriam Raftery Photo: Child with measles, via CDC (public domain) February 7, 2026 (San Diego) – Measles, declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000,…
Trump administration’s new version of food pyramid draws criticism from health experts on fats and alcohol, praise for advice to “eat real foods” and avoid processed products
By G. A. McNeeley February 6, 2026 (Washington D.C.) — Health and Human Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last month announced new dietary guidelines for…
With measles at Disneyland and LAX, San Diego County urges residents to update vaccines: some adults may need boosters
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: Child with measles, via CDC (public domain) February 7, 2026 (San Diego) – Measles, declared eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, has made a comeback, with 2,267 cases last year—nearly all in unvaccinated people. So far this year, 588 cases are confirmed so far—including Los Angeles County. An international traveler with measles visited crowded venues
Sheriff’s deputies to conduct increased Super Bowl DUI Patrols on Sunday
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego County Sheriff February 6, 2026 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will be keeping our roadways safe this Super Bowl Sunday by looking for impaired drivers. Look for increased impaired driving patrols beginning on Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 p.m. and lasting through 5:00 a.m. the following day. In 2025, 7,394 people were arrested
Sheriff’s deputies to conduct increased Super Bowl DUI Patrols on Sunday
Source: San Diego County Sheriff February 6, 2026 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will be keeping our roadways safe this Super…
La Mesa hosting Home Energy Fair in March
East County News Service February 5, 2026 (La Mesa) — With San Diego County residents navigating some of the highest utility rates in the nation,…
ECM World Watch: national and global news
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 16, 2026 (San Diego) — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Energy and environment Trump Administration Erases the Government’s Power to Fight Climate Change (New York Times) Less than 14%
Hazardous weather system moves into region
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 16, 2026 (San Diego)—A wind advisory is in effect today across San Diego County through 8 p.m., with another wind advisory tomorrow due to a storm system bringing heavy rains and strong wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour. Yet another storm will sweep into the area Wednesday through Thursday morning.Use caution if
A sign of things to come in the La Mesa Village
La Mesa’s Downtown District Sign is coming soon. Among those at the Feb. 3 groundbreaking ceremony were, from left to right: Greg Humora, La Mesa…
San Diego State, San Diego Humane Society team up to support furry friends
East County News Service Feb. 15, 2026 (San Diego) — While many people chomped on chocolates and bequeathed bouquets of red roses on Valentine’s Day,…
East County Roundup: local and statewide news
February 15, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published…
Early ending to voucher program puts hundreds of San Diegans at risk of homelessness
By Drew Sitton, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo: Housing officials are struggling to meet the needs…
East County Roundup: local and statewide news
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 15, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s round-up stories include: LOCAL Supervisor Floating Big Changes to County Leadership (Voice of SD) Congressman Juan Vargas denied access to Otay Mesa Detention Center during oversight visit ((KGTV) San Diego City
San Diego State, San Diego Humane Society team up to support furry friends
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 15, 2026 (San Diego) — While many people chomped on chocolates and bequeathed bouquets of red roses on Valentine’s Day, a different kind of love was shared at the San Diego Humane Society. On Saturday, more than two dozen student-athletes from San Diego State University channeled their competitive edge and energy into a morning
A sign of things to come in the La Mesa Village
Printer-friendly versionLa Mesa’s Downtown District Sign is coming soon. Among those at the Feb. 3 groundbreaking ceremony were, from left to right: Greg Humora, La Mesa City Manager; Pam Rader, La Mesa Village Association Board of Directors; Lauren Cazares, La Mesa Vice Mayor; Laura Lothian, La Mesa City Councilmember; John Bedlion, LMVA Board of Directors/Owner Johnny B’s; Misty Thompson, La Mesa
Health and Science Highlights
February 14, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future….
Get Wildfire Alerts & Wildfire Emergency News
Partner To ECM
Our Engaged Audience
5 to 10 million hits
per month!
5 to 10 million hits
per month!
A quarter million visits
each month
Most widely read news site dedicated to
San Diego’s East County
Winner of over 150
journalism awards
“Sponsoring East County Magazine is a great way to reach our loyal and engaged readers, who value organizations and businesses that support nonprofit, independent news in the public interest and wildfire/emergency alerts that keep people safe and informed. Sponsors can choose to underwrite our community news site, support a favorite section or a new special section, underwrite an event, or sponsor our wildfire and emergency alerts.”
— Miriam Raftery, Founder of East County Magazine
Community Links
Thanks To Our Major Sponsors
📬 Subscribe to ECM – 100% Free, Trusted by East County Since 2008
- Emergency alerts
- Breaking news
- No spam ever