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
GROSSMONT HOSPITAL COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION ON TOP 3 STORIES OF EMERGENCY & CRITICAL CARE
Printer-friendly version September 18, 2009 (La Mesa)– Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) and Sharp Grossmont Hospital, East County’s largest hospital, have jointly announced that construction is now completed on the top three floors of the Emergency and Critical Care Center – the first infrastructure improvement project that was financed by voter-approved bonds at the publicly owned hospital. A ribbon cutting
SCHOOL BOARD LEARNS A LESSON, FACES WRATH OF PUBLIC: HUNDREDS CONFRONT LMSV BOARD OVER CENSORSHIP OF LIVE OBAMA SPEECH
Printer-friendly version 3 BOARD MEMBERS APOLOGIZE, BUT TAPED SPEECH STILL NOT SHOWN TO MANY STUDENTS “If you were students in my class, you would not pass.”—Maureen Paolini, teacher and graduate of the LMSV district “My father marched with Dr. King…I do not appreciate that you told my child that the President, because he had a black face, was not
SHERIFF REVISES ACCOUNT OF KARDIAN MURDER: MANHUNT NABS SUSPECT RICHARD DEAN NEFF; EYEWITNESS TELLS HER STORY
Printer-friendly version UPDATE: NEFF ARRESTED: The suspect was apprehended this afternoon(Sept. 17) by the San Diego Fugitive Task Force, the Sheriff’s Department reports. He was arrested at 425 W. Beech Street in the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego and will be booked into Central Jail. San Diego News Network reports that Neff surrendered peacefully.Below is our story including interviews with an eyewitness
CONGRESSMAN FILNER HOSTS SMALL BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE SEPT. 18
Printer-friendly version September 17, 2009 (San Diego) — Tomorrow, Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) will be joined by key federal, state, and local officials, as well as government agency and business leaders, for a roundtable discussion on overcoming obstacles to access Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding. Roundtable event will provide a brief overview on finding solutions to benefit local small businesses.
TEA PARTIES & MAD HATTERS TAKE TO STREETS IN EAST COUINTY
Printer-friendly version Political protesters and counter-protesters raise voices at Sept. 12 rallies September 17, 2009 (El Cajon and Ramona)—Last Saturday, conservative supporters turned out at T.E.A. (Taxed Enough Already) rallies nationwide, including East County. About 150 to 200 attended a T.E.A. party rally in El Cajon, where Republican Senate candidate Chuck DeVore addressed the crowd and a debate among Sheriff’s candidates
2 MOTORCYCLISTS KILLED IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version September 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – A pair of motorcycle accidents this week have claimed two lives in East County. The County Coroner’s office has released the names of the victims, who died from crashes in Ramona and Descanso. Mark Anthony Taylor, 46, of Ramona died after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle that
SALAS SENDS SEVEN BILLS TO THE GOVERNOR
Printer-friendly version Bills address education, water, crime-fighting, and veterans needs Sesptember 15, 2009 (San Diego)–Assemblymember Mary Salas (D-San Diego) last week sent seven bills to the Governor’s desk as the Legislature completed its work of the first year of the 2009-10 biennial legislative session. Assemblymember Salas and fellow lawmakers worked all night Friday and into the early morning Saturday to tackle
FIRE DOUSED ON PALOMAR MOUNTAIN
Printer-friendly version September 16, 2009 (San Diego)—A fire that began early this evening has been contained at a half acre near Doane Pond on Palomar Mountain. Nine engines, four crews, three helicopters, two air tankers and tha Martin Mars were dispatched initially. As of 10:30 p.m., a single engine remains at the scene for the night, the U.S. Forest Service
AFTER MASSIVE OUTCRY, SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAYS SONIC WEAPON SWITCH “DISABLED”; CONCERNS REMAIN
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery September 16, 2009 (San Diego) – San Diego County Sheriff’s Department notified media today that it would hold a demonstration of its highly controversial “sonic weapon.” What was demonstrated, however, was only the loudspeaker capability of the device—a feature which has effectively been used in search-and-rescue operations and to broadcast messages during a sandcastle contest.
CANDIDATE PROFILE: FRANCINE BUSBY RUNNING FOR CONGRESS AGAIN
Printer-friendly version "Leadership is about going where others won’t." –Francine Busby By E.A. Barrera September 9, 2009 (San Diego)–Democrat Francine Busby says the 50th Congressional District is ripe for change and she is the candidate best suited to unseat Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray next year. "There is an accelerating shift from the Republican Party to Independents and Democrats. This district
BUDGET PASSED – ”BUT CALIFORNIA’S FINANCIAL SITUATION REMAINS “PRECARIOUS”; STATE REPUBLICANS BLOCK REELECTION FUNDS FOR GOP MEMBERS WHO VOTED FOR TAX HIKES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 23, 2009 (Sacramento)–Ending months of deadlock, the California Legislature has approved a compromise budget which Governor Schwarzenegger has signed. The budget includes $12.8 billion in tax increases and $15.1 billion in spending cuts, including deep cuts to education funding and social services. But the Los Angeles Times reported, “California remains in a precarious financial situation.
WOW- IT’S A POW-WOW! SAT. FEB. 28 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 23, 2009 (El Cajon)–The 21st annual Grossmont College Pow-Wow, a celebration of American Indian culture, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the college’s Student Center. Admission is free. The day-long event, which begins at noon with gourd dancing and giveaways, features American Indian dancers and drummers. Vendors will sell American Indian cuisine, clothing, art and jewelry.
BANK AMERICA OPENS BRANCH OFFICE IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version Branch manager Mimi Esshaki cuts ribbon at new Bank America in Rancho San Diego February 21, 2009 (Rancho San Diego) — Champagne, refreshments and visits with firefighters welcomed visitors at the grand opening of Bank America’s new branch office at 2930 Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego today. “We started in a little tiny storefront in Albertsons,” recalled
MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL)
Printer-friendly versionReview By Kathy Carpenter Now Playing: Feb. 20–27 at 8 p.m., Feb..28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m,, and March 1 at 2p.m. Experimental Theatre SDSU: Tickets $18-$20; ticket info:(619) 594-6884 or theatre.sdsu.edu Musical of Musicals, with music by Eric Rockwell and lyrics by Joanne Bogart, is a delight for all fans of musical theatre. This Musical, or I
ACADEMIC LEAGUE ALL-STAR MATCH SET FOR FEB. 25 AT GRANITE HILLS; EARLIER MATCHES TO BE TELEVISED ON ITV
Printer-friendly version February 22, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–The traditional Academic League All-Star match will be held on Wednesday, February 25th at 3:30 p.m. in the Granite Hills Library. The All-Star match will feature the best of ten high school teams versus the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) Academic League 2009 Champions, Granite Hills High School. The All-Star Team
SD SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT DR. TERRY GRIER SPEAKS AT FEBRUARY LUNCH WITH LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Printer-friendly version February 20, 2009 (San Diego)–San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Terry Grier will answer questions in an open discussion with the League of Women voters of San Diego (LWVSD) and with members of the community, during “Lunch With League,” a give and take forum moderated by LWVSD member Dr. Richard Schere, psychologist. Printer-friendly version
SCHOOL BOARD GRILLS HELIX OFFICIALS, SEEKS DOCUMENTS IN SEXUAL ABUSE, MISCONDUCT CASES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 16, 2009 (El Cajon)– Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) trustees voted unanimously to send a cure and correct letter to Helix Charter High School administrators, asking for documentation thus far withheld regarding handling of four cases of sexual abuse and misconduct. “To have a cluster of four incidents in such a short period of
TV M*A*S*H DOCTOR OFFERS HEALING WORDS FOR HUMANITY IN NEW BOOK; VISIT TO BONITA LIBRARY DRAWS FULL HOUSE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Mike Farrell with officers of Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club. February 17, 2009 (Bonita) — Mike Farrell and his co-stars on the popular M*A*S*H TV show raised public awareness about the human costs of war. But what many fans don’t realize is that in his private life, Farrell has much in common with the character he portrayed, Dr.
20% DROP IN GAS HEATING BILLS THIS WINTER; FUNDS INCREASED TO HELP LOW-INCOME CUSTOMERS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary. 17, 2009 (San Diego) — Due to a decline in commodity costs, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) natural gas customers can expect their heating bills to be 20-percent lower this winter than last year, the utility company has announced. The average monthly residential winter heating bill (for 50 therms of natural gas) is expected to be about
NEARLY 20% OF ELIGIBLE CA FAMILIES MISSING OUT ON VALUABLE TAX CREDIT
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 2, 2009 (Public News Service) — Too many Californians struggling to put food on the table are also leaving money on the table; almost 20 percent of eligible California families – tens of thousands of people – are failing to claim their federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It’s a special federal program to supplement the earnings of
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