Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
Explore What Matters
News Center
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
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 —
News Issues
‘Bill Walton Way’ coming to a street near you in La Mesa
Printer-friendly version The Boys & Girls Club of East County La Mesa Clubhouse honored local basketball star Bill Walton by naming
Padre Dam’s Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility decommissioned after more than a half-century of use
Printer-friendly versionRay Stoyer Water Recycling Facility at Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Santee Lakes Community event makes way for the
Politics
La Mesa City Council votes 5-0 approving e-bike safety pilot program
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 16, 2026 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is the latest city in San Diego County seeking
Padre Dam’s Ray Stoyer Water Recycling Facility decommissioned after more than a half-century of use
Printer-friendly versionRay Stoyer Water Recycling Facility at Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Santee Lakes Community event makes way for the
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
Jamul Casino Resort gets two film awards
Printer-friendly versionWater Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News Service
Lionel’s Legacy hosting sleepover party and more in Lakeside April 18-19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Lakeside) — East County-based senior dog rescue group Lionel’s Legacy is holding a
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
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 —
La Mesa City Council votes 5-0 approving e-bike safety pilot program
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 16, 2026 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is the latest city in San Diego County seeking
Features
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
How the fruit fly quarantine has impacted food donations — and how you can help
Printer-friendly version By Philicia Tonangoye Image: Tangerines, via Bing (cc) April 18, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The Mexican
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
HOW DO YOUR CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS RATE ON MIDDLE CLASS ISSUES? GRADES FOR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES VARY FROM ZERO TO 100%
Printer-friendly versionApril 1, 2009 (WASHINGTON, DC)–San Diego Congressional members Bob Filner and Susan Davis have received an “A” from the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy. The organization’s Congressional Scorecard evaluates each Member of Congress based on their support for policies that help our nation’s middle class. Democrats Filner and Davis voted in support of middle class issues 100% of
SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL APRIL 25: CONSERVATION IN BLOOM
Printer-friendly versionMarch 26, 2009 (El Cajon) – If you haven’t yet experienced the Spring Garden Festival, be sure to mark your calendars for April 25th. The annual event drew more than 7,000 people last year and is quickly becoming one of East County’s premier attractions. Live music, Native American dancing, arts and crafts, food, plant sales, water-wise gardening, tree-care advice
POLICE SEEK MAN WHO APPROACHED GIRL AT LA MESA BIG LOTS STORE
Printer-friendly versionMarch 22, 2009 (La Mesa)–La Mesa Police ask the public’s help in identifying a man who solicited a phone number from a young teen outside the Big Lots store on Lake Murray Boulevard last night. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward. Printer-friendly version
SPRING BREAK! WHERE TO HAVE FUN IF YOU’RE STAYING IN TOWN
Printer-friendly versionMarch 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — With the economy in the tank, many college students are staying in San Diego over spring break. So after you get sunburned at the beach, what’s there to do for the rest of the week? Check out our guide to the coolest spots to have fun in San Diego’s eastern region.
THE RENO REPORT: SDSU BASKETBALL RE-ENTERS THE ARENA
Printer-friendly versionViejas invests in a gem By Jamie Reno Exclusive for East County Magazine March 23, 2009 (San Diego)–As a wide-eyed young journalism student making my way across the San Diego State University campus for the first time in the Fall of 1984, I was energized by the thought that I was about to attend a top-notch J school and
ATTORNEY TRACY EMBLEM ENTERS 50TH CONGRESSIONAL RACE: DEMOCRAT PLEDGES TO REBUILD THE ECONOMY; JOBS, HOUSING AND HEALTHCARE ARE TOP PRIORITIES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 23, 2009 (San Diego)–Honored as outstanding advocate by Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, Tracy Emblem now wants to fight for the rights of people in the 50th Congressional District who need help with healthcare, housing, and jobs. "Brian Bilbray has not been an effective leader. He hasn’t brought back any jobs to our community," Emblem
BILBRAY COAUTHORS BILL TO EXEMPT SOLAR FARMS FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW; FEINSTEIN SEEKS TO BLOCK DESERT SOLAR FARM DUE TO SEVERE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 23, 2009 (San Diego)–Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-San Diego) has coauthored H.R. 964, a measure that would exempt any solar energy project on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands from Environmental Impact Report requirements. Sempra Energy, Bilbray’s third largest campaign contributor, seeks to import power from desert solar farms on BLM lands. On Friday, California’s
VIEJAS HOSTS INTER-TRIBAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Printer-friendly version 1st place Barona team March 17, 2009 (San Diego) — The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians hosted the Inter-Tribal Sports (ITS) Basketball Championships on the Viejas Reservation on Sunday, March 15. The sports league, consisting of teams from 16 different tribes or tribal organizations in the Southern California area, provides athletic opportunities along with native cultural and spiritual
POWERLINK BATTLE MOVES TO FEDERAL FRONT AMID GROWING CONTROVERSIES OVER SDG&E
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 19, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–The next phase in the battle over Sunrise Powerlink, which was approved in December by the California Public Utilities Commission, now moves to the federal level. In the past week, several key developments have occurred under the Obama administration that could impact whether or not Sempra’s Powerlink Project will win
SDSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM ADVANCES TO NCAA POST-SEASON FOR 1ST TIME IN 12 YEARS
Printer-friendly versionMarch 19, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego State University’s women’s basketball team, the Aztecs, will play in the NCAA Basketball Championships for the first time since 1997 and the seventh time in the team’s history. The team will face off against DePaul University’s Blue Demons at 5 p.m. at Cox Arena on Saturday. "To be able to play at
FREE SENIORS SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES OFFERED IN EAST COUNTY & SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version County offers courses with funds from Barona and Sycuan December 28, 2009 (San Diego) — Crimes against older adults are a sad reality. The horrific kidnapping and beating of 76-year-old Natalie “Sandy” Herbst-Vinge from her Mount Helix home raised awareness of this issue after she recently testified against her attackers. Just this month, three men were arrested in
MAN STRUCK BY VEHICLE, THROWN 100 FEET IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionDecember 27, 2009 (El Cajon) – A vehicle struck a pedestrian on Greenfield Drive near Camillo Way in El Cajon around 5:40 this evening, California Highway Patrol reports. The victim, a 21-year-old man, was thrown 100 feet, Incident Protection Network reported at 6 p.m. According to IPN, the man is in acute condition and has been transported to
SHERIFF OPENS STOREFRONT IN CASA DE ORO
Printer-friendly version December 27, 2009 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s office has opened up a new storefront at 9736 Campo Road in the Casa de Oro neighborhood in Spring Valley. The purpose of the storefront is to “enhance the partnership between the community and the Sheriff’s Department,” according to a release issued by Sheriff Bill Gore (photo, left).
DOGGONE GOOD NEWS FOR MAN’S BEST FRIEND: SANTEE INCREASES OFF-LEASH HOURS AT 3 PARKS
Printer-friendly version December 26, 2009 (Santee) — The City of Santee is half way through a one-year trial program allowing dogs off leash in certain city parks. Now there’s tail-wagging good news for dogs and their owners: Santee has increased the hours allowed for dog owners to let their pets exercise in designated areas without being constricted by a leash.
GOING TO THE HOLIDAY BOWL & BIG BAY BALLOON PARADE?
Printer-friendly version $5 DAY PASS GETS FANS TO PARADE AND GAME WED. ON TROLLEY December 30, 2009 (San Diego) – The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is expanding Trolley service for the Big Bay Balloon Parade and Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30. Fans can park for free, avoid downtown traffic and save money while enjoying the events. “With a
SHERIFF WARNS PUBLIC ON RELEASE OF VIOLENT SEXUAL OFFENDER IN OTAY AREA
Printer-friendly version December 28, 2009 (Otay Mesa) – The Sheriff’s office issued an advisory dated December 16 warning the public that Matthew Hedge, a sexually violent predator, has been granted conditional release to his court-approved residence at 480 Alta Road in the Otay Mesa area. Hedge served several years in prison and was later committed to Coalinga State Hospital
GROSSMONT HOSPITAL NURSE RECEIVES “KYXY CARES”AWARD
Printer-friendly version Scharlene Fry, RN, to be honored with luncheon at Hotel Del Coronado December 25, 2009 (La Mesa) – Scharlene Fry, RN, has received the KYXY Cares Award, which recognizes nurses for making a difference for patients, the nursing profession, and the San Diego community. Sharlene worked at Sharp Grossmont Hospital during the time of her nomination. She has
AMBULANCE SERVICE DONATES SERVICE TO BRING NURSING HOME PATIENT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version December 25, 2009 (Spring Valley) – Eddie Arredondo enjoyed Christmas at his brother’s home in Spring Valley thanks to a holiday goodwill project from American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance service. Arredondo, who suffers decreased mobility and muscle contractures, resides and receives care at Windsor Gardens Golden Hills. “Anyone who has been away from home during the holiday
CHRISTMAS MORNING CRASH KILLS DRIVER ON I-15
Printer-friendly version December 25, 2009 (San Diego) –The driver of a Ford Focus sedan at a high rate of speed on southbound I-15, just sound of the I-805 connector, ran off the highway and struck a tree shortly after 3 a.m. this morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. The victim, described by the Coroner’s
FORKLIFT ACCIDENT KILLS WORKER IN OTAY MESA
Printer-friendly version December 25, 2009 (Otay) – Alberto Herrera-Garcia was picking up a load of wood planks at a lumber storage company at 9960 Marconi Drive in Otay Mesa on Christmas Eve morning when the load shifted. The forklift fell onto him, crushing him. Despite advanced cardiac life saving measures, medics were unable to save him. The victim, 55,
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