Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
Explore What Matters
News Center
Hearing May 15 on proposed release of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely in Borrego Springs: public comments sought
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 11, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – The San Diego Superior Court has ordered the conditional release
Supporters flee Swalwell’s governor campaign amid allegations of sexual assault
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeanne Kuang and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: U.S. Rep. Eric
News Issues
Hearing May 15 on proposed release of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely in Borrego Springs: public comments sought
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 11, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – The San Diego Superior Court has ordered the conditional release
Attacked by AI-cyberbots: Please help us fund critical security upgrades
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 10, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Our East County Magazine website is being attacked
Politics
Supporters flee Swalwell’s governor campaign amid allegations of sexual assault
Printer-friendly versionBy Jeanne Kuang and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: U.S. Rep. Eric
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…
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
Hearing May 15 on proposed release of sexually violent predator Gary Snavely in Borrego Springs: public comments sought
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 11, 2026 (Borrego Springs) – The San Diego Superior Court has ordered the conditional release
San Diego County has free parking perks for seniors
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson holds up his senior parking pass at Mt. Woodson Gateway County Preserve in
Features
San Diego County has free parking perks for seniors
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson holds up his senior parking pass at Mt. Woodson Gateway County Preserve in
Don’t miss Santa Ysabel and Wynola on your way to visit Julian
Printer-friendly versionTiny mountain towns often overlooked by travelers in East County’s back country By Paul Levikow Photos by Miriam Raftery
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
Tight budget? Check out clothing options at Goodwill
Printer-friendly version“Thrifting is a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find.” – Darlene Cossio, Goodwill Director of Marketing and Communications in La Mesa By Heidi Hope November 20, 2025 (La Mesa) – In today’s tight economy, with many people struggling financially, one of the best ways to stretch your dollars is by shopping at thrift stores. At Goodwill, you
Sara’s Selections: Mother-daughter duo strives for sustainability and women’s empowerment through fashion
Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope November 20, 2025 (La Mesa) — The front window at Sara’s Selections in La Mesa proclaims ,”There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” The clothing boutique is filled with floral motifs, feminine touches and empowering quotes for women. The store sells chic Bohemian- styled fashions with a modern touch on classic pieces.
Reckless driver crashes into vehicles during pursuit from Santee to San Diego
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 19, 2025 (Santee) — A reckless driving suspect struck multiple vehicles while leading Sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit from Santee to San Diego on November 18th. According to Lieutenant Elizabeth Montoya, shortly after 4:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Communications Center received several calls about a man recklessly driving a Chevy Silverado in Santee. Deputies from the
Passages: Randy Jones, Padres legend and Cy Young winner, dies at 75
Printer-friendly version Story and photo, left, by Karen Pearlman Nov. 19, 2025 (Poway) — Beloved San Diego Padres southpaw Randy Jones has passed away. The Padres’ first Cy Young Award winner in 1976, Randall “Randy” Leo Jones, a devoted community figure and the face of East County-based nonprofit Home of Guiding Hands, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Why hospital policies matter in states that ban abortion
Printer-friendly versionBy Kavitha Surana, Lizzie Presser and Andrea Suozzo, ProPublica Photo: Dr. Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, a retired maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Dallas. Photo by Lexi Parra for ProPublica This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published. November 18, 2025 (Dallas/Houston) – Nearly
ACT II provides budget-friendly and stylish women’s fashions
Printer-friendly version By Heidi Hope November 18, 2025 (La Mesa)– For 43 years, Act II has been a thriving and successful boutique offering women’s resale fashion in La Mesa’s downtown village. It is a trendy store started from a family business in 1982 by Dolores Buller and her daughter Deanne Ross, who still owns the store. Act II focuses on
Trump does damage control after newly released Epstein emails say Trump spent hours with sex trafficking victim at Epstein’s home
Printer-friendly versionNPR/PBS poll finds just 20% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of Epstein matter Update November 18, 2025: The House of Representatives voted to release the Epstein files by a 427 to 1 margin. It now goes to the Senate. The measure passed overwhelming after Pres. Trump withdrew his opposition once enough members had pledged support to assure passage.
From the Fire Chief’s Corner: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna November 17, 2025 (San Diego) — November is the time to spotlight early detection, community support, and lifesaving education. Local leaders and national organizations are rallying to raise awareness and reduce stigma about Lung Cancer. Why Lung Cancer Awareness Matters in November Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in
East County Roundup: local and statewide news
Printer-friendly versionNovember 17, 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 More nurses, fewer drugs, no suicides: Sheriff touts jail reforms, upgrades before civilian review board (San Diego Union-Tribune) Community reacts to proposed façade changes at Goodwill
East County Eater: Fresheria, a new La Mesa eatery, offers delicious healthy foods
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: cauliflower ceviche November 16, 2026 (La Mesa) – If you’re looking to eat healthy and savor a wide array of delicious options, you’ll want to stop by and savor the many tasty offerings at Fresheria, located at 5575 Baltimore Drive, La Mesa. They’re open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9
SAN DIEGO SENIOR OLYMPICS WANTS YOU! COMPETE IN 20+ EVENTS
Printer-friendly version TORCH RUN & OPENING CEREMONIES AUGUST 20 August 24, 2009 (San Diego) – You’re never too old to be a champion in the San Diego Senior Olympics, which kick off August 30th with a torch run and opening ceremonies co-sponsored by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce and San Diego Track Club. Aspiring senior athletes
FIREFIGHTER INJURED, 41 RESIDENTS DISPLACED IN FALLBROOK FIRE
Printer-friendly version August 24, 2009 (Fallbrook) updated 5:30 p.m. – Fire has engulfed 24 units in a two-building apartment complex at 11556 S. Vine in Fallbrook, at the intersection of Clemmens St. “Ten units were damaged, with four severely damaged,” John Buchanan, North County Fire and Rescue public information officer told East County Magazine. “Forty-one people have been displaced.
ANDERSON ASKS PUBLIC HELP AS IOU BILL STALLS IN COMMITTEE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 24, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) is asking constituents help to win passage of his Assembly Bill 1506. The measure would require the state to accept its own IOUs as payment from individuals and businesses who owe the state money for taxes, vehicle licensing fees or other matters.
ARE YOU IN THE MARKET TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME?
Printer-friendly version August 24, 2009 (El Cajon)– Looking to buy? San Diego Habitat for Humanity (SDHFH) will be constructing four single-family homes at 801 Avocado Avenue in El Cajon, in partnership with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and the El Cajon Redevelopment Agency. The El Cajon Redevelopment Agency will be providing the four qualified households a silent second mortgage of approximately
MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL HOSTS GRAND OPENING AUG. 29 — PUBLIC INVITED TO FREE DEMONSTRATIONS
Printer-friendly version August 24, 2009 (La Mesa)–United States Tang Soo will be celebrating the grand opening of a new school on Saturday, August 29 from Noon until 3PM. After outgrowing its previous location, the school has moved into a 3000 sq/ft building at 5200 Jackson Drive, La Mesa (across Jackson Drive from Toys R Us). Classes are offered for
POLICE SEEK SUSPECT IN LA MESA MOTEL SHOOTING
Printer-friendly version August 23, 2009 (La Mesa)—Shortly after midnight, at around 12:43 a.m., a man was shot at the Heritage Inn, 7851 Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa. When police arrived they found a twenty-two year old Hispanic male, who had been shot three times, in his vehicle in the parking lot. The man was taken to Sharp Hospital, where he underwent
REP. FILNER: NEW CONGRESSIONAL REPORT UNDERSCORES WHAT’S AT STAKE FOR WOMEN IN HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM DEBATE
Printer-friendly version August 21, 2009 (Washington, DC) – The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) of the House and Senate has just released a new report detailing how our current health care system isn’t working for women and the drastic number of women who have lost their health care coverage in the current economic crisis. “This report underscores the urgent need
CPUC PULLS PLUG ON SDG&E PLAN TO SHUT OFF POWER BEFORE SEPT. 10
Printer-friendly version August 21, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted 3-2 to issue a restraining order temporarily halting SDG&E from shutting off power to thousands of East County residents. The CPUC is slated to rule on September 10th whether to grant SDG&E’s request to shut-off power when fire risk is high due
GROSSMONT COLLEGE CELEBRATES PARKING STRUCTURE OPENING WITH A ROOFTOP PARTY
Printer-friendly version Students hail long-awaited project August 21, 2009 (El Cajon)– –Hundreds of students, faculty and community members turned out Monday, August 17 at a party atop a new $24.5 million parking garage at Grossmont College, celebrating the grand opening of the long-awaited facility, which includes a 3,200 square foot structure to house campus police. A collection of vintage cars
SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL HOLDS BLOOD DRIVE SEPT. 3
Printer-friendly version One Donation Can Save Up to Three Lives Sept. 3 – Did you know that 60 percent of the general population is eligible to give blood, but only five percent of people actually donate on a yearly basis? Donating blood is safe, easy and it saves lives. Give the gift of life at Sharp Grossmont Hospital’s blood
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