Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
Explore What Matters
News Center
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the Department of Animal Services, appointing…
News Issues
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
Boulevard residents battle proposed Starlight Solar battery storage facility; urge community to attend town hall meeting April 15
By Miriam Raftery Photo: proposed Starlight Solar site, via County of San Diego April 4, 2026 (Boulevard) – Should a 588-acre solar project with one…
Politics
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…
El Cajon City Council denies Afghan Center’s appeal for prayer tent extension
East County News Service March 30, 2026 (El Cajon ) — The El Cajon City Council last week unanimously upheld a decision by the city’s…
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
AB 1959 moves along, inspired by 2001 school shooting at Santana
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Karen Pearlman April 9, 2026 (Santee) — Twenty-five years after teenage student armed with
New leadership at County Dept. of Animal Services
East County News Service April 7, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County is stabilizing the leadership of the
Features
Historic landmark to anchor new travel center in Jamul
Artist’s rendering of coming Barretts Travel Center in Jamul (Photo courtesy Kirvin Doak Communications ) East County News Service April
Photo of the week: Jacumba sunset
April 6, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Martin Eder sent in this photo, taken along Interstate 8 just west of
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
After Supreme Court overturns some of Trump’s tariffs, Democrats push for refunds to U.S. businesses
By G. A. McNeeley Image created with ChatGPT February 24, 2026 (Washington D.C.) — Three Senate Democrats released legislation on Monday, February 23 that would…
Chaldean bishop under investigation for alleged embezzling, personal misconduct
East County News Service Photo by Miriam Raftery: Bishop Shaleta in May 2024 at opening of incubator business center for refugees and immigrants in El…
Chaldean bishop under investigation for alleged embezzling, personal misconduct
East County News Service Photo by Miriam Raftery: Bishop Shaleta in May 2024 at opening of incubator business center for refugees and immigrants in El…
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo by Miriam Raftery: Bishop Shaleta in May 2024 at opening of incubator business center for refugees and immigrants in El Cajon February 25, 2026 (El Cajon) – Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta, the top official at St. Peter the Apostle of San Diego Chaldean church in El Cajon, is under investigation by the Sheriff’s fraud unit
ICE agents outside local school campuses raise concerns
Printer-friendly version By Alexander J. Schorr February 25, 2026 (San Diego) — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity has increased in surrounding school areas, which includes the occupying of parking lots, monitoring of bus routes, and arrests occurring blocks away from schools. At least 3,800 children have been booked into ICE detention between January 2025 and early 2026. Families have expressed anxiety over “haunting and taunting” by
AI glasses: another potential power that poses threats to schools
Printer-friendly versionBy Alexander J. Schorr Photo: screenshot of Meta’s Ray Ban AI Glasses analysis by Surfshark February 25, 2026 (San Diego) — AI in the United States has the potential for great power and change in the nation. It is very much a new “wild west,” and because there are no significant guardrails, there is great danger from it facing human
Public input sought on La Cresta Road safety following head-on fatal collision
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Photo via San Diego Fire Protection District February 25, 2026 (Crest) – The Crest Dehesa Granite Hills Harbison Canyon Planning Group is seeking public input on the safety of La Cresta Road, following a recent fatal head-on collision in Crest. Josefina Sanchez, 72, was killed by an alleged drunk driver in the crash Feb. 11, 2026 while visiting her son
Unidentified driver dies in Dulzura collision
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 25, 2026 (Dulzura) – An unidentified male driver of a 2009 Nissan Cube has died in a hospital of injuries sustained February 23 around 2:55 p.m. He was driving eastbound on State Route 94, west of Little Tecate Road in Dulzura, when he veered into ongoing traffic and struck a 2003 Dodge Ram driven
After Supreme Court overturns some of Trump’s tariffs, Democrats push for refunds to U.S. businesses
Printer-friendly versionBy G. A. McNeeley Image created with ChatGPT February 24, 2026 (Washington D.C.) — Three Senate Democrats released legislation on Monday, February 23 that would mandate refunds of tariffs paid under President Donald Trump’s higher duties that The Supreme Court struck down on Friday, February 20, according to CNBC. The legislation, led by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Escondido City Council looking at showdown over ICE training contract
Scrrenshot, left, of Escondido City Council meeting from Feb. 18 courtesy city of Escondido website video By Karen Pearlman Feb. 24, 2026 (Escondido) — The…
7 BANDS HOLD CONCERT TO HELP FIRE VICTIMS OCT 4
Printer-friendly versionROC For Fire Relief Concert and Fire Expo Helps Neighbors, Celebrates Heroes Saturday, October 4th, 2008 12:00pm to 10:00pm Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, Lakeside www.rocsd.net Listen to music from the bands. October 1, 2008 (Lakeside) – “Relief is still needed in a serious way,” said Randy Seol of the band Strawberry Alarm Clock, a longtime San Diego resident who
CHEAP CHIC: SAVOR A RESALE FASHION SHOPPING SPREE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 22, 2008 (LA MESA) – If your budget is tight amid today’s rising prices, take heart! A fun way to shrink your clothing budget without sacrificing style is to treat yourself to a shopping spree in a delightful East County resale shop. My personal favorite resale outlet is Act II, which has two stores in
ALPINE BUSINESS NETWORKING ASSOCATION LAUNCHED
Printer-friendly version September 30, 2008 (ALPINE) – More than 50 business owners gathered at the Liar’s Club restaurant in Alpine Aug. 21 to celebrate the launch of the Alpine Business Networking Association ABNA). “`Fun in marketing’ is the key phrase to describe this organization,” said Greg Fox, president of ABNA. “What we are about is promoting the personal interaction of
A PURR-FECT PLACE
Printer-friendly versionAt new Tiger Trails haven in Alpine, rescued tigers run, swim for first time By Miriam Raftery September 17, 2008 (ALPINE) – Q: What happens when you take four captive-bred tigers and turn them loose in a facility large enough for them to run freely for the first time? A: A cat-aclysmic event complete with romping, frolicking and caterwauling,
HEROES HELPING HEROES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery What can be more heartwarming than a tale of heroes banding together to help victims of two devastating tragedies—East County wildfires and the 9/11 terrorist attacks? On September 11th, the City of La Mesa held a memorial service honoring rescue workers and victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The event, held at the City’s 9/11 memorial
THE GREENING OF LA MESA – MAYOR ART MADRID SHARES HIS VISION
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Mayor Madrid (R) with Shane Shaw of E-Village Beneath solar panel display at “Sustain La Mesa” festival Crowds flocked to view cooking demonstrations on solar ovens, visit with solar energy experts, get tips on water-saving landscaping and more at Sustain La Mesa, the City’s first annual Environmental Awareness Festival on September 13th in Harry Griffith Park.
CANDIDATE FORUMS & BALLOT INITIATIVE PRESENTATIONS
Printer-friendly version
THE CITY OF LA MESA’S FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly versionTHE CITY OF LA MESA’S FIRST ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS FESTIVAL La Mesa will conduct its First Annual Environmental Awareness “Sustain La Mesa” Festival on: Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St. A total of 21 booths including education displays, light bulb exchange, recycling of non-hazardous materials, free shopping bags
Register to Vote!
Printer-friendly versionVoter registration drives are being held at several East County locations listed below. You must be registered by October 20th to vote in the November 4th presidential election. Registering in person means you don’t have to worry about forms getting lost in the mail or arriving too late. If you’re not yet registered, you can sign up at any
WATER SHORTAGE REVIVES RECYCLED WATER PROPOSALS
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Photos by Daisy Sharrock October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Water is the single biggest issue facing the future of San Diego County. Even the process for updating San Diego County’s land use general plan – the so-called General Plan 2020 process – depends on the availability and amount of water the area will sustain. "Water
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