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
SANTEE LAKES RECREATION PRESERVE WINS NATIONAL AWARDS
Printer-friendly version Source: Santee Lakes November 13, 2024 (Santee) — Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve received “Large Park of the Year” for Park and Campgrounds and “Plan‐It Green Park of the Year” awards from the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (formerly ARVC) at its annual Outdoor Hospitality Conference in Oklahoma City on November 6, 2024. This marks the 5th year Santee Lakes has received Park of
COUNTY GRAND JURY SEEKS APPLICANTS
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 13, 2024 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Grand Jury is accepting applications for grand jurors now through January 10, 2025. The Grand Jury investigates citizens’ complaints and serves as a watchdog over government agencies, but does not conduct criminal investigations. The 19-member 2025-26 Grand Jury will convene from July 1, 2025 through
FOURTH ARREST FOR MURDER IN LEMON GROVE 2023 CASE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 13, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the death of Gregory Moore, 39, who was fatally shot on March 18, 2023 in Lemon Grove. Sheriff’s deputies responding to a call reporting the shooting found Moore unconscious in a vehicle at the intersection of Lemon Grove Ave. and
SWEETWATER HOLDS MEETING IN ALPINE TONIGHT ON LOVELAND TRAILIMPROVEMENTS, PRIORITIES FOR GRANT FUNDS
Printer-friendly versionHear our interview with Sierra Club Conservation Chair Ron Askeland and Loveland advocate Russell Walsh, aired on KNSJ By Miriam Raftery November 12, 2024 (Alpine) – Supporters of Loveland Reservoir are urging the public to attend a community worksh op hosted by Sweetwater Water Authority tonight on trail improvements at Loveland Reservoir. The meeting will be held from 5
COUNTY PROVIDES $11.5 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND VETERANS
Printer-friendly versionSource: County News Service Proposals from developers due by Dec. 20 November 11, 2024 (San Diego) – Just in time for Veterans’ Day,the County of San Diego has made $11.5 million available to finance the creation of affordable housing to benefit low-income people and unsheltered veterans. The notice of funding availability (NOFA) was created from a combination of funds:
LA MESA POLICE SEEKS PUBLIC HELP TO FIND WOMAN WITH DEMENTIA MISSING FOR A WEEK: VIVIAN CROWDER, 71, USES TRANSIT AND MAY HAVE TRAVELED ELSEWHERE IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 8, 2024 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 71-year-old Vivian Crowder, who has been missing for more than a week. Mrs. Crowder was last seen outside a salon in La Mesa around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 though there are unconfirmed
REMODELING OUR FAMILY’S MIDCENTURY HOME: A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
Printer-friendly version View a 3-D video tour by Wow Media By Miriam Raftery Photos by Wow Media and Miriam Raftery November 8, 2024 (La Mesa, CA) — The home that I grew up in is filled with warm memories—and now, a fully remodeled interior and exterior with open floorplan and a wealth of amenities — ready for new homeowners to
SHERIFF RELEASES DETAILS ON PROPOSED EXPANSION OF AUTOMATED LICENSE-PLATE READING CAMERAS ACROSS REGION
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego County Sheriff November 8, 2024 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has unveiled its plan to install more ALPR cameras in unincorporated areas of San Diego County during a presentation Oct. 22 to the Board of Supervisors. The presentation outlined the proposal to potentially install about 60 new ALPR cameras in key communities, including
THREE FIRES BURNING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Printer-friendly version November 8, 2024 San Diego) –Firefighters are battling three brush fires locally. The largest is the Garden Fire at 47.9 acres, which has sparked evacuations in Fallbrook. The blaze started east of Gird Rd. and Pala Mesa Drive; it is 10% contained. View the evacuation map. The Resort Fire has burned 2 acres along highway 79 west west
WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FREE CELEBRATION NOV. 9
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 7, 2024 (Rancho San Diego, CA) – The Water Conservation Garden is hosting a free 25th anniversary celebration this Saturday, November 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrating 25 years of educating the public about water conservation, this event features animal encounters, garden talks, food, live music, activities and fun for all
Green Houses – Jamul Home is Green and Fire-Safe
Printer-friendly versionEco-friendly EAST COUNTY homes By Miriam Raftery After twice having to evacuate during wildfires, Keith and Danya Jolley decided to build a new, fire-safe and energy efficient “green” home on their Jamul property. The home was featured on last year’s GreenBuilt Homes Tour. One year later, the Jolleys remain thrilled with their new home. “The house turned out
Sylvia’s Soapbox – Duncan the great white Hunter
Printer-friendly version Wildebeest hunt bags a Congressman By Sylvia Hampton Our congressman Duncan Hunter (R-52nd district) is leaving his congressional seat to his son. Sort of an inheritance or royalty passed on to the next generation like in England. Since Duncan D. Hunter, the son, has the same name his election should be like shooting fish in a barrel. But
Presidential Candidates Address La Raza in San Diego
Printer-friendly versionBy E. A. Barrera Photo by E.A. Barrera/Photo courtesy of NCLR Obama Talks Health, Education, and Announces Plan to Help Small Business McCain Emphasizes Tax Issues, Trade with Latin America Printer-friendly version
Capitol Report – How They Voted
Printer-friendly version For more information on these and other bills, visit www.vote-smart.org or www.govtrack.us Printer-friendly version
East County Roundup – September
Printer-friendly versionLinks to top stories in other publications on East County issues WATER RATIONING GROWS INCREASINGLY LIKELY San Diego Union-Tribune (Sept. 26, 2008) —| For the first time since 1992, San Diego is facing the possibility of water rationing, a step that could happen as soon as January. The threat is expected to loom for years as Southern California readjusts
Book It: New Library Opens in La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery La Mesa’s new library is a bookworm’s delight. A soaring wall of windows fills the library with sunlight, creating an inviting place for reading, studying, or browsing. Banks of computers, including some at child-sized desks, make the library an inviting place for people of all ages. Live music, face painting and a magic show for kids
New Border Patrol Facility Opens
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery New Campo Border Patrol facility (photo credit: Leon Thompson) Public reactions varied to a new Border Patrol/Homeland Security facility in East County varied sharply. One local conservative blogger thought it was a casino under construction, adding that it resembled “a palace.” But an immigrant rights supporter observed, “It looks like a prison.” Beauty, it appears, is
Green Beat – Green Citizenship: First Step to a Sustainable World
Printer-friendly versionBy Chuck Brands OK, I’m ticked off. This is going to be a bit of a rant that will touch on hot-button issues facing all of us. Just in case that prospect deters you from reading the rest, I’ll share this month’s green treat with you up front. Wanna be a “green” know-it-all? Visit www.green.alltop.com daily for the single
“Delana’s Dirty Pizza” Wins Charity Cook-Off at New Sammy’s in La Mesa
Printer-friendly versionIf you’re a fan of Sammy’s Wood-fired Pizza, check out "Delana’s Dirty Pizza" featured on the menu through mid-September. The creation concocted by Delana Bennett of Star 94.1 radio’s “Jeff and Jer Showgram” was judged the winner during a charity cook-off held August 13th to kick off the grand opening of Sammy’s newest location in the La Mesa Trolley
The Will Power Report – Solar Roofs
Printer-friendly version Nothing but the Truth! By Will Power The real unemployment rate in the U.S. is over 7%. Many people have stopped looking for jobs. Particularly hard hit is the construction business, due to the mortgage meltdown. The thin-film solar panel business needs a government subsidy and tax breaks for homeowners who install prefab solar panels. The new laser-deposited
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