Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
Explore What Matters
News Center
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
Lemon Grove Library hosting Sheriff’s reentry event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 13, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Reentry Services Division
News Issues
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
Lemon Grove Library hosting Sheriff’s reentry event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 13, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Reentry Services Division
Politics
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
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
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 version Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News
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
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
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
Mountain Empire Art Show Debuts April 15 in Boulevard
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 14, 2026 (Boulevard) — The Backcountry Resource Center in Boulevard will be busy this Wednesday,
Features
Jamul Casino Resort gets two film awards
Printer-friendly version Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News
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
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
2 ROBBERIES SATURDAY IN LA MESA: CREDIT UNION & LIQUOR STORE ROBBED
Printer-friendly version February 14, 2010 (La Mesa) San Diego County Credit Union and Mart Liquor store were robbed yesterday, La Mesa Police Department reports. Police seek suspects in both cases and Crime Stoppers has announced rewards. Shortly after 1 p.m., a lone robber entered the credit union at 8555 Fletcher Parkway and presented the clerk with a note
SLATER-PRICE DELIVERS STATE-OF-THE-COUNTY ADDRESS 2010
Printer-friendly version February 14, 2010 (San Diego) – “Now is not the time to run scared. It’s the time to run smart,” Pam Slater-Price, chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors said in state-of-the-County speech delivered Thursday at Qualcomm Hall. View text and watch full speech at: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/Portal/News/2010/Feb/021110SOC2010.html. She opened with a summation of financial challenges faced
BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: PATRIOTS LEAVE ISLANDERS STRANDED WITH 53-37 WIN
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr February 14, 2010 (Coronado) – The Christian High School Patriots boys basketball team from El Cajon learned quickly in Friday night’s game that they would not get the same hospitable treatment that many visitors to the island receive. The Islanders of Coronado High School, unlike their counterparts at the local hotels and resorts, were not very
COURT RULES SAN DIEGO CURFEW ORDINANCE UNCONSTITUTIONAL; CITY MOVES TO ENACT EMERGENCY ORDINANCE
Printer-friendly version February 14, 2010 (San Diego) –The California Fourth District Court of Appeals this week found the City of San Diego’s curfew ordinance unconstitutional on grounds that the language is too broad. “The City of San Diego is proceeding to enact an emergency ordinance so curfew laws can continue to be enforced, protecting San Diego’s children,” Councilwoman
FREE JOB LISTINGS & MORE OFFERED BY RANCHO SAN DIEGO-JAMUL CHAMBER
Printer-friendly version February 14, 2010 (Rancho San Diego) – If your company has a “help wanted” ad, you can now place your job listing free in the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce monthly newsletter, The Bridge. “We will also list job fairs as a free community service,” said RSDJ Chamber President Valerie Harrison. To sweeten its offerings
NEW LITTLE PADRES PARK IN ROLANDO SCORES A HOME RUN WITH LITTLE LEAGUERS
Printer-friendly version by Kristin Kjaero February 13, 2010 (La Mesa) — On Monday the lower field at Rolando Park in La Mesa was dedicated as the 40th official Little Padres Park. Padres closing pitcher Heath Bell and president/CEO Tom Garfinkel were on hand for the occasion–much to the delight of Rolando Little League players and their families. The
BBQ GRILLS RECALLED DUE TO FIRE & BURN HAZARDS
Printer-friendly version Master Burner Gas Grills Sold at Lowe’s Stores February 13, 2010 (Washington D.C.) The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the Sagittarius Sporting Goods of China, recently announced a voluntary recall of Master Forge five-burner gas grills. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately and contact the manufacturer for a free repair kit. Approximately 10,000
LOCAL WATER AGENCIES FILE SUIT OVER ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE PVC PIPES
Printer-friendly version February 13, 2010 (San Diego) – East County water districts have joined with the City of San Diego, other jurisdictions around the country, and a whistleblower who alleges that faulty PVC pipes are more apt to break or leak prematurely. Helix Water District, Ramona Municipal Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, and Sweetwater Authority are the local
CONTROLLED BURN ON PALOMAR MOUNTAIN TUESDAY
Printer-friendly version February 13, 2010 (Palomar) — Cal Fire will continue a prescribed burn to reduce dead and dying vegetation on Palomar Mountain near the Palomar Observatory starting on Tuesday, February 16th. Burning will be conducted by Cal Fire crews on week-days. Smoke may be visible from many miles away. Printer-friendly version
SANTEE FAMILY HOSPITALIZED WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Printer-friendly version SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT THIS TRAGEDY IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD By Miriam Raftery February 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – A Santee couple and their four children have been hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning after the father called 911 on Wednesday. Fortunately, all are expected to recover. But too often, such cases end in tragedy. This reporter, who once worked for the Idaho Statesman
CITY, COUNTY SEE SHIFTS TOWARD DEMOCRATIC COLUMN – OCT. 20 DEADLINE FOR VOTER REGISTRATION
Printer-friendly versionCountywide, new voter registrations have been running ten to one Democratic over Republican for the past several months, even in traditionally “red” conservative areas including Santee and El Cajon. According to an October 1, 2008 report issued by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, Democrats now outnumber Republicans by 249,338 to 189,012 in the City of San Diego,
A FIERY ARGUMENT
Printer-friendly versionFire Chief, City and County leaders debate pros and cons of fire tax By Miriam Raftery 2007 San Diego wildfires destroyed over 3,400 structures and killed 15 people (photo: La Mesa Fire Dept.) October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – “We have to stop turning to others to solve our problems,” said Ron Roberts, Chair of San Diego’s Board of
GREEN HOUSES
Printer-friendly versionASID Kitchen and Bath Tour Oct. 25 Features “Green” Kitchen on Mt. Helix By Miriam Raftery Recycled glass adds sparkle to natural slate backsplash October 11, 2008 (Mt. Helix) – A Mount Helix kitchen/great room featuring natural materials, solar screens and and energy-efficient features is among 11 kitchens featured on the 2008 Fall Kitchen Tour on October 25th. Sponsored
Editorial – SDG&E SHUT-DOWN THREAT FIRES UP BACKCOUNTRY OBJECTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Donna Tisdale La Mesa Fire Department In response to SDG&E’s announced plans to shut off-power to "remote areas" during high wind events: SDG&E and their urbanite supporters want to run the Sunrise Powerlink through the most HIGH RISK FIRE ZONES of our highly flammable backcountry. In addition to the 500-1000 estimated turbines already proposed in this area, SDG&E is also
BATTLE OF THE WATCHDOGS: WILL THE REAL CONSUMER CHAMPION PLEASE STAND UP?
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Anderson Lutz October 10, 2008 (Assemblyman Joel Anderson considers himself a watchdog for taxpayers. His opponent, Ray Lutz, founded a citizens’ watchdog group. Both claim to represent the public interest. The differences in their views reflect a core question being asked more and more amid today’s challenging economic times: just what is the proper role of
LOCAL RESIDENTS JOIN NATIONAL PROTEST OF WALL STREET BAIL-OUT BILL
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 26, 2008 (El Cajon) – East County residents angered by the Bush administration’s proposed $700 billion bail-out bill for Wall Street financial firms took to the streets yesterday as part of a national protest action organized by True Majority. Thousands protested across the nation (photo: New York protest, taken by Jeremy Scahill.) “Many people in
PENDLETON FIRE 100% CONTAINED
Printer-friendly versionOctober 9, 2008 (Camp Pendleton) 9:30 a.m. — A wildfire that began late yesterday afternoon at Camp Pendleton is now 100% contained, though firefighters continue to douse hotspots. “Between 900 and 1,000 acres have burned,” Major Kristen Lasica, Public affairs officer told East County Magazine last night. ECM activated our wildfire alert system last night after learning that aircraft
HUNTER OPENS DOOR FOR SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTORS
Printer-friendly versionBorder Fence creates opportunities for some, but draws criticisms from others, with waivers of environmental reviews by Gayle Early Gayle Early. October 1, 2008 (El Cajon) – Congressman Duncan Hunter’s office hosted an informal briefing by the Army Corps of Engineers on September 18 on the status of the border fence construction and possible subcontracting opportunities for local businesses.
EDITORIAL – ARNOLD “SWEENEY TODD” Schwarzenegger:
Printer-friendly versionGovernor Vetoes Health Reforms, Terminates Consumer Protection Bills By Senator Sheila Kuehl On September 30, the Governor finished wielding his veto pen and, in one sweeping move, eliminated virtually every health reform measure that would have regulated the health insurance company monopoly. Health reform was not alone, bill after bill that would have benefited consumers, drivers, people who breathe,
EDITORIAL – PICKIN’ ON PICKENS’ PLAN
Printer-friendly versionBy Ken Sobel It’s impossible to turn on the TV or radio lately without being barraged by T. Boone Pickens presenting his ambitious plan to save the world from global warming and wean us off foreign oil. But the decision we need to make in the days and weeks to come is between creating the energy we need locally—or
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