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
GUHSD BOARD FACES MULTIPLE LITIGATION THREATS
Printer-friendly versionCurriculum changes, lack of transparency, and allegations of white supremacy against Mt. Miguel teacher among hot button issues raised Eckert Screenshots: Left to Right — GEA President James Messina and Jason Balistreri, a teacher-librarian, take aim at the governing board for a lack of transparency and trust. By Alexander J Schorr June 26, 2025 (El Cajon) —The
WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN LOSES SD COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY FUNDING
Printer-friendly version Photo and story by Karen Pearlman June 26, 2025 (San Diego) – The fate of public access to the Water Conservation Garden in Rancho San Diego is a little less certain after another partner, the San Diego County Water Authority, on Thursday voted to withdraw its funding and participation from the Water Conservation Authority, operators of
SAN DIEGO RIVER CLEANUP IN SANTEE ON SATURDAY
Printer-friendly version Photo at Forester Creek in Santee by Karen Pearlman East County News Services June 27, 2025 (Santee) — If you care about the environment and don’t mind getting a little dirty, then a clean up at Forester Creek may be the perfect fit for you! The San Diego River Park Foundation is having a cleanup event from 8
SUPREME COURT ALLOWS TRUMP TO DEPORT MIGRANTS TO COUNTRIES THAT AREN’T THEIR HOMES, WITHOUT DUE PROCESS
Printer-friendly version Court majority’s action exposes “thousands to the risk of torture or death,” says Justice Sonia Sotomayor By G. A. McNeeley June 25, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — The Supreme Court has allowed The Trump Administration to restart the swift deportations of migrants to countries that aren’t their homelands. The conservative majority also lifted a court order that required migrants
CITY OF SAN DIEGO BUDGET CUTS WON’T CUT INTO LOCAL LAKES
Printer-friendly version Fishing expeditions like this man’s at San Vicente Reservoir will continue uninterrupted after fears of budget cuts within the city of San Diego that would have cut hours and days at a group of lakes and reservoirs were quelled. Photo by Karen Pearlman By Karen Pearlman June 25, 2025 (San Diego) –Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are celebrating after
ECM WORLD WATCH: NATIONAL AND GLOBAL NEWS
Printer-friendly versionJune 25, 2025 — 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. DOGE Is Busier Than Ever—and Trump Says Elon Musk Is ‘Really Not Leaving’ (Wired) 128 million Americans under heat advisories
EAST COUNTY ROUNDUP: LOCAL AND STATEWIDE NEWS
Printer-friendly versionJune 25, 2025 (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 New app helps connect unhoused people to shelters in San Diego County (Fox 5) San Diego’s inflation rate highest in the nation for May The
HEALTH AND SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Printer-friendly versionJune 25, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH Concerned about US vaccine misinformation and access, public health experts start Vaccine Integrity Project (CNN) The plan to vaccinate all Americans, despite RFK Jr. (Washington Post) FDA OKs New Shot to Protect Babies
COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY VOTES JUNE 26 WHETHER TO WITHDRAW FROM WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN: PETITION LAUNCHED TO SAVE GARDEN’S FUNDING
Printer-friendly version By Kristin Kjaero June 21, 2025 (San Diego) – – On June 26, San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) will vote on a staff recommendation to end its sponsorship and funding for the Water Conservation Garden. The Garden says accessibility to the public is at risk if SDCWA withdraws, and started an online petition campaign to request that
SUPS. ANDERSON, MONTGOMERY STEPPE CHAMPION FOOD JUSTICE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service SAN DIEGO, CA (June 24, 2025) — In a continued show of leadership on food equity and community health, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors this week approved a joint proposal from Supervisors Joel Anderson and Monica Montgomery Steppe to allocate $750,000 in funding to support critical food access programs across the region.
EDITORIAL: BOLD NEXT STEPS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
Printer-friendly version By Congressman Bob Filner Democratic Representative from the 51st Congressional District The impacts of the climate crisis are already being seen around the world through increasing hurricane intensity, melting ice caps, and refugees fleeing extreme weather conditions. Here in Southern California, we are particularly vulnerable to a variety of threats posed by unchecked global warming – threats to
MAN ROBBED OF PANTS IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2009 (La Mesa) – Two men robbed a transient of his pants and wallet on October 4 at approximately 9:32 p.m. One suspect was located by La Mesa Police officers within minutes after the robbery and assault. The second suspect, a Hispanic man who goes by the name "Alexi," is still outstanding. He is described as approximately
2-STORY HOME LOST IN SECOND ALARM FIRE; OWNERS HAD BEEN FINED FOR DEBRIS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Leonard Villareal October 6, 2009 (El Cajon) — Dale Wojczynski, owner of a home destroyed by fire on September 30, had been fined $10,000 by the County for ignoring numerous orders to clean up the property. A criminal case has been filed and will be heard on October 29. San Miguel Fire
LEARN HOW TO SELL AT A CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2009 (Escondido) – The San Diego County Farm Bureau is hosting a class to teach any interested grower how to sell produce and nursery crops at a certified farmers’ market. The class will be on Thursday, October 22 and will go from 3:00 to 5:00. Attendees will get comprehensive information on the rules and history
HELIX CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR CONTRIBUTING TO DELINQUENCY OF A MINOR
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 6, 2009 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police are conducting an investigation into a Helix Charter High School assistant principal in a case involving a runaway female student. “We hope to finish our investigation this week and forward to the District Attorney with a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor,”
FREEBIE ALERT! CALLING ALL KIDS–FREE ADMISSION TO SAN DIEGO ZOO & WILD ANIMAL PARK IN OCTOBER
Printer-friendly version KIDS FREE DAYS for children 11 years old and younger has been expanded and is now available all during the month of October. Everybody loves our World famous Zoo; now’s the time to enjoy the cooler weather as you learn more about animals and conservation. Come check out two fun, new play areas at the ZOO, and experience
GETTING YOUR BUSINESS ON THE FAST TRACK: OCT. 7 IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version October 6, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) – Are you maximizing your business growth and profitability potential? Michelle S. Butler, president and CEO of the Women’s Business Center of California, will teach you how to utilize the same tools Fortune 500 companies use to help your business profits soar. Butler will speak at a business roundtable presentation hosted
MAN COMMITS SUICIDE OFF SEVERIN DRIVE BRIDGE
Printer-friendly version October 5, 2009 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Coroner’s office has identified Ali Shah Wahid, 34, as the man who committed suicide on September 29th by jumping off the Severin Drive overpass in La Mesa. Wahid, who was witnessed jumping, was struck by several vehicles, according to the Coroner’s report. Arriving after receiving 911 calls, emergency responders
THE CYCLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: FREE PRESENTATION OCT. 27 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version October 5, 2009 (Spring Valley) — William D. Gore, Sheriff of San Diego County, announces a presentation regarding domestic violence and resources available to those who find themselves in abusive relationships. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 27th 2009, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the San Miguel Fire Station, located at 2850 Via Orange Way
WHITMAN CLAIMS SACRAMENTO BEE DISTORTED HER VOTING RECORD
Printer-friendly version October 5, 2009 (Sacramento) – Last week, the Sacramento Bee published an article stating that Meg Whitman, Republican candidate for Governor, did not register to vote in the past 28 years. Initially, Whitman responded by stating that her voting record was “inexcusable,” adding, “I failed to register and vote on numerous occasions throughout my life. That is simply
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