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
LOOKING FOR JOB TRAINING? FREE “GET YOUR LIFE ON TRACK” MEETING AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE DEC. 9
Printer-friendly versionThe Grossmont College Adult Reentry Program will host “Get Your Life on Track,” a free informational meeting for adults interested in retraining for new jobs and careers, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the college’s Griffin Gate at the Student Center near Parking Lot #7. Reservations are not required. Speakers will include former students
BOXER ANNOUNCES NEW BORDER CROSSING
Printer-friendly versionBy Gayle Early December 2, 2008 (Otay Mesa) — Senator Barbara Boxer announced today that a new port of entry will be developed two miles east of the current Otay Mesa border crossing, a project she and Senator Diane Feinstein pushed through the Administration. In the announcement, she wrote that the new port should alleviate congestion and accommodate future
Two finalists named for chancellorship of Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College
Printer-friendly versionDecember 2, 2008 (EL CAJON) Public forums are scheduled for Dec. 10 and 11 for two finalists seeking the position of GCCCD chancellor. The finalists are Dr. Cindy Miles, president of the Hialeah Campus of Miami Dade College in Florida, and Dr. Mark Zacovic, interim vice president of administrative services for the Pasadena Area Community College District. The district
POWERLINK PROTEST SONG DEBUTS AT LAKESIDE FUNDRAISER: HEAR IT HERE FIRST!
Printer-friendly versionCoalition to stop Sunrise Powerlink has 78,000 members, organizers report; protest song implores Cleveland National Forest supervisor to save forest, block Powerlink By Miriam Raftery May 31, 2009 (Lakeside) – Mountain Echo gave a debut performance of their new Powerlink protest song during a fundraiser at the Hazy Meadow ranch yesterday. East County Magazine has the exclusive videotape of
Christmas in the Village
Printer-friendly versionQuintessential hometown fun By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero La Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies, carriage, and fire truck. ENTERTAINMENT
EDITORIAL – A PROPOSAL FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA
Printer-friendly versionPut Americans to work providing fire protection infrastructure and energy independence for San Diego’s fire-ravaged East County region By Miriam Raftery, Editor, East County Magazine December 7, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) —President-Elect Barack Obama is expected to propose the largest infrastructure-rebuilding program since Franklin Delano Roosevelt initiated the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. The goal
Save Water to Win Free Admission to the Natural History Museum–and Get Discounts for Legoland
Printer-friendly versionDecember 1, 2008 (Natural History Museum) — San Diego County faces water rationing in 2009 as a result of drought. Water districts locally are asking all users to cut back on water usage. Now you can earn some fun rewards for your family by conserving water. Residential customers who have saved water could win a family membership at the
FORMER GUHSD SUPERINTENDENT TERRY RYAN DIES OF BRAIN TUMOR
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 1, 2008 (East San Diego County) — Terry Ryan, former superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District, died November 24 at his home in Rancho Bernardo. Battling brain cancer, Ryan resigned from his position at the GUHSD 18 months ago. “He worked hard to improve relations with the teachers after what had been an
SOLAR HOLIDAY LIGHTS– SAFE, CHEAP & GREEN!
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 2008 (San Diego) — Here’s a bright idea–save money on your holiday electric bills by going green! Solar holiday lights are now available in white or colored strings, twinkling lights, tree nets, wreaths, illuminated stars and even poinsettia lights for a variety of outdoor applications. Solar lights are also much safer than electric holiday lights.
The San Diego Science Festival presents Small Wonders: a day of exploration into the world of nanotechnology and advanced materials for high school students
Printer-friendly versionDecember 12 deadline for schools to apply You have heard about the Stone Age, the Iron Age and the Bronze Age. Now we are in the midst of a new technological revolution driven by nanotechnology and other material sciences, which will usher in a new age of Advanced Materials. On April 1, 175 high school students from all over
STATE BUDGET BATTLE CONTINUES; COMMUNITIES MAY PAY A HEFTY PRICE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 22, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger posted a knife-wielding video to exemplify his willingness to sign a budget with deep cuts to services for Californians. The latest budget, negotiated by legislative leaders in both parties, proposes to close the $24 billion budget gap in part by forcing cities and counties to loan the state
FIELDS OF DREAMS: MAJOR ATHLETIC FIELD IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY IN GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Printer-friendly version Projects Funded by Props H and U School Bonds July 24, 2009 (El Cajon) – Grossmont Union High School District announced this week that construction is underway to enhance athletic fields and facilities at several campuses. The projects are funded by the Proposition H and Proposition U bonds passed by East County voters in 2004 and 2008.
HUNTER AMENDS HEALTHCARE BILL TO BENEFIT SMALL BUSINESS
Printer-friendly versionJuly 23, 2009 (Washington DC) – On July 17, the House Education and Labor Committee voted unanimously to accept an amendment offered by Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) aimed at protectingt small businesses from employer mandates included in comprehensive health care reform legislation currently under consideration in the House. Hunter has stated that he opposes a public option for healthcare
GUHSD BOARD VOTES 5-0 TO HALT CHARTER REVOCATION FOR HELIX HIGH
Printer-friendly versionJuly 23, 2009 (El Cajon)– The Grossmont Union High School District Board voted unanimously (5-0) to halt the charter revocation process for Helix Charter High School. "We agreed that the actions taken by the Helix board satisfied the cure and correct letters and there was no need for a hearing," GUHSD trustee Richard Hoy told East County Magazine this evening. "Both Helix and our board are
TREE TRIMMER SAVED FROM SUFFOCATION AFTER TRAPPED 40 FEET UP
Printer-friendly version July 23, 2000 (Bonita)–It is a too common occurrence, but this time it did not end in death. Just before 10 AM members of the Bonita-Sunnyside Fire District responded to the report of a man trapped in a palm tree, in the 5600 block of Sweetwater Road. While the victim could not be seen from the ground Firefighters
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT TO COMBAT SOUTHWEST BORDER VIOLENCE
Printer-friendly version July 22, 2009 (San Diego)—San Diego County Sheriff William D. Gore announced Friday that of a $5 million federal grant to combat drug-related criminal activity along the international border. San Diego County shares a 60-mile border with Mexico, which begins at the Pacific Ocean and traverses rugged terrain to the Imperial County line. The grant, provided as part
ARREST MADE IN LA MESA TROLLEY SHOOTING
Printer-friendly version July 22, 2009 (La Mesa)—A suspect has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and robbery of a transit guard at the trolley station on Fletcher Parkway in La Mesa, near Grossmont Center. San Diego Police Department apprehended Marquis Loftis, 18. The suspect has also been charged with criminal threats and battery. The shooting occurred Saturday night
HELIX TAKES ACTION TO HALT CHARTER REVOCATION VOTE; GUHSD BOARD TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING THURS. JULY 23
Printer-friendly version July 22, 2009 (La Mesa)—Grossmont Union High School District’s board of trustees will hold a special meeting Wednesday July 23 at 5 p.m. to review an amendment to the Helix Charter. The amendment was devised by the Helix Charter Board and two GUHSD board members to address the board’s concerns over handling of sexual misconduct cases.
SENATOR BOXER INTRODUCES AMENDMENTS TO HELP MILITARY FAMILIES
Printer-friendly version July 21, 2009 (Washington D.C.) –Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has introduced amendments to the defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2010 that would ease the burden on military families. Boxer’s proposal would allow families with both parents on active duty an option to stagger overseas combat deployments, reimburse military families for travel over 50 miles to receive medical
EL CAJON POLICE SEEK MAN WHO ROBBED WELLS FARGO BANK; SUSPECT WORE BLUE SHIRT WITH RED SPIDER
Printer-friendly version July 21, 2009 (El Cajon) – Police are seeking a bank robber who held up the Wells Fargo Bank at the intersection of Chase and Avocado at 10:42 this morning. The suspect is described as a white male, 5 feet 7 inches, with a thin build and dark hair. He wore a blue T-shirt with a red spider
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