Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

Breaking News

Explore What Matters

Stay informed on the issues that shape East County. From local news and emergency alerts, to community celebrations

News Center

News Issues

Politics

Wildfires and Emergencies

Events & Arts

Visit East County

People

Communities

Features

Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts

Critical wildfire and emergency notifications delivered instantly.Join Neighbors who stay informed and prepared with our award winning Journalist

Latest Stories

Sponsorship Placement

Keep pets safe throughout the holiday season

Printer-friendly versionBy Sir Milo Loftin, County of San Diego Communications Office November 28, 2025 (San Diego) – The holidays are a time for food, family and celebration. But the extra activity, rich meals and decorations can create hazards for pets. County Animal Services is sharing safety tips to help keep cats, dogs and other pets safe from Thanksgiving through New

Read More ...

Hearing and new website showcase County housing efforts

Printer-friendly versionBy Donna Durckel, County of San Diego Communications Office Image credit:  Shutterstock November 28, 2025 (San Diego) – The Board of Supervisors held a housing workshop that focused on unincorporated land use policy and the need for regional housing solutions in support of the County’s commitment to address the region’s housing crisis. The informational workshop set the stage ahead

Read More ...

Border Patrol apprehends escaped felon in Descanso

Printer-friendly version East County News Service September 27, 2025 (Julian)— U.S. Border Patrol agents from the San Diego sector have apprehended a felon who escaped from a Cal Fire work camp in Julian early on Nov. 24. The escapee, Joseph Lee Randall, was serving time for crimes including corporal injury, petty theft, vehicle theft, and grand theft. Using the Border

Read More ...

Mount Miguel High School to become “Mount Miguel Early College High School,” expanding college opportunities

Printer-friendly versionBoard approval marks a major milestone for Spring Valley school, enhancing college readiness programs and building on past successes   Source:  Grossmont Union High School District   November 26, 2025 (Spring Valley) – Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Governing Board President Dr. Gary C. Woods announced the Board’s official approval to rename Mount Miguel High School as Mount Miguel Early College

Read More ...

Sharp HealthCare nurses begin strike

Printer-friendly version Photo of striking nurses by Lauren Cazares Facebook page East County News Service Nov. 26, 2025 (San Diego County) — Thousands of nurses at Sharp HealthCare in San Diego began a strike today that is expected to last through Thanksgiving weekend. The strike is likely to impact hospital operations during one of the busiest times of the year.

Read More ...

Grossmont District’s high schools experience first semester without teacher librarians

Printer-friendly version“They meant to hurt us, but they’re hurting our kids.” –Jason Balisteri, Mount Miguel history teacher and former teacher-librarian By Armando Rasing II Photos, left:  protest signs at GUHSD board meeting when the majority voted to fire all teacher-librarians. November 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The 2025-26 school year marks the first school year that the Grossmont

Read More ...

San Diego plans 322% housing boom for College Area amid SDSU’s continued growth

Printer-friendly versionBy Calista Stocker, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association Photo:  an aerial view of the College Area. Photo courtesy of the city. November 25, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego is set to update the College Area’s blueprint for future development, and San Diego State University’s enrollment forecasts are driving city planners’ push

Read More ...

Warner Springs opens historic adobe doors for inaugural Holiday Tour

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Nov. 25, 2025 (Warner Springs) — The community of Warner Springs will open its proverbial doors next month and offer the public an unprecedented look inside its architectural soul.   Six private historic adobe homes — some dating back to the 1890s — will be part of the community’s inaugural Holiday Adobe Home Tour

Read More ...

New City Sinfonia and Downbeat Big Band swing into the holidays with Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Nov. 25, 2025 (El Cajon) — The sounds of the holiday season will get a swinging upgrade next month, as the New City Sinfonia and the Downbeat Big Band team up for a special performance featuring Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker Suite.   Organizers of the Dec. 10 event at

Read More ...

San Diego FC wins, faces Vancouver Whitecaps with MLS Cup dream on the line

Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy San Diego FC Instagram   East County News Service   Nov. 24, 2025 (San Diego) — In their first Major League Soccer season, San Diego FC is headed to the Western Conference Final this weekend at Snapdragon Stadium.   San Diego FC has consistently played like a veteran club this season, surpassing any and all expectations.   After

Read More ...

CONTROLLED BURN AT CUYAMACA RANCHO STATE PARK WEDNESDAY; SMOKE MAY BE VISIBLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS

Printer-friendly version  November 16, 2009 (Cuyamaca) — Personnel from Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, in cooperation with CAL FIRE, will conduct a controlled burn on Middle Peak north of Cuyamaca Peak on Wednesday. Smoke and flames will be visible from many areas in the county due to high altitude location. Residents in Ramona will have an especially clear view, although the

Read More ...

“CLEAN SHAVE DAY” NOV. 16 KICKS OFF MUSTACHES FOR KIDS FUNDRAISER IN LA MESA

Printer-friendly version    November 16, 2009 (La Mesa) –Teachers at Helix Charter High School are growing mustaches for charity. Mustaches for Kids is a volunteer-run organization started in Los Angeles in 1999 to do good and have fun by growing mustaches for children’s charities. Since its humble beginnings, Mustaches for Kids satellite chapters have spread across the continent, a steady

Read More ...

CROWD TURNS OUT FOR NUTRITION ZONE OPENING IN SANTEE

Printer-friendly version   By Miriam Raftery   November 15, 2009 (Santee) – Nutrition Zone, a retailer of discount sports nutrition and weight loss products, didn’t just talk about fitness at its grand opening last weekend. Guests climbed a rock wall, jumped and bounced on giant inflatable recreation devices. On hand were fitness and nutrition experts to advise on everything from

Read More ...

GARDEN FARMS MARKET CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING IN LAKESIDE

Printer-friendly version November 15, 2009 (Lakeside) – Community leaders turned out for a grand opening at Garden Fresh Market in Lakeside last weekend, where children frolicked down a giant inflatable slide as parents shopped and savored free barbecued hotdogs and tacos. “We have more products now,” said owner Noko Kako, an Iraqi Chaldean immigrant who also owns markets in Chula

Read More ...

HIGH WIND WARNING, RED FLAG ALERTS ISSUED FOR EAST COUNTY

Printer-friendly version  November 14, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – The National Weather Service has issued a red flag alert for high fire danger area Sunday and Monday in San Diego County’s mountain areas, due to low humidity and gusty winds. In addition, a high wind warning has been issued for San Diego County mountains and valleys from Sunday morning

Read More ...

MEMORIAL SERVICE SATURDAY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE FOR KYRSTIN GEMAR, STAR SOFTBALL PLAYER WHO DROWNED IN A POND IN N. DAKOTA

Printer-friendly version  November 13, 2009 (El Cajon) — — A public memorial service for former Grossmont College softball player Kyrstin Gemar, 22, will be held at on Saturday morning, November 14, 2009 11 a.m. at Grossmont College, 8800 Grossmont College Dr., El Cajon. The public memorial service will be held at the college’s Main Quad area, where graduation ceremonies are

Read More ...

REOPENING EL CAJON TRANSIT CENTER TO SAVE MTS $400,000 AND BRING NEW REVENUES, JOBS

Printer-friendly version  November 14, 2009 (El Cajon) – Originally slated for demolition, the newly renovated San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s El Cajon Transit Center was reopened Wednesday.   Renovated by BriceHouse Kobey, LCC, a partnership of two San Diego-based companies, The Kobey Corporation and BriceHouse Starboard, the revamped Transit Center and will include a full-service convenience store. The “A-Mart” outlet

Read More ...

SUMMIT SEEKS HELP FOR GROWING REFUGEE POPULATION IN EAST COUNTY

Printer-friendly version Nearly 85% of local refugees are from war-torn Iraq, straining resources on schools and social services; local leaders call for major changes in treatment of refugees   "We can create a national model," — Sunny Cooke, president, Grossmont College   November 12, 2009 (El Cajon) – Impacts of the Iraq War are hitting home in East County, where so

Read More ...

Get Wildfire Alerts & Wildfire Emergency News

Stay ahead of emergencies with real-time notifications delivered directly to your inbox when seconds count.

Partner To ECM

Connect with East County’s most informed and engaged community. Our readers trust ECM for critical news and actively support local businesses.

Our Engaged Audience

Unique Visitors

5 to 10 million hits

per month!

Number of Visitors
0

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

Thanks To Our Major Sponsors

📬 Subscribe to ECM – 100% Free, Trusted by East County Since 2008

Reviews and Feedback