Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
Explore What Matters
News Center

Federal judge: Continued Border Patrol sweeps in California violated court order
Printer-friendly version By Wendy Fry and Sergio Olmos, CalMatters. This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: a line of federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal immigration agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in

New Crisis Stabilization Unit opening in El Cajon
Printer-friendly versionApril 18, 2026 (El Cajon) — The County of San Diego will open its newest Crisis Stabilization Unit — the first located in East County — on Monday in El Cajon. The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues. The unit
News Issues

‘Bill Walton Way’ coming to a street near you in La Mesa
Printer-friendly version The Boys & Girls Club of East County La Mesa Clubhouse honored local basketball star Bill Walton by naming the gym after Walton in 2018. Walton died of colon cancer at age 71 in 2024. Story and photos by Karen Pearlman April 14, 2026 (La Mesa) — Bill Walton, who preferred

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 East County Advanced Water Purification Program Story and photos by Paul Levikow April 13, 2026 (Santee) — After more than a half-century of water reuse in East County, the Ray
Politics

La Mesa City Council votes 5-0 approving e-bike safety pilot program
Printer-friendly versionBy Karen Pearlman April 16, 2026 (La Mesa) — La Mesa is the latest city in San Diego County seeking to codify strict regulations on electric bicycles, specifically looking to protect riders under 12. On Tuesday, the La Mesa City Council unanimously voted to establish a new e-bike safety pilot program

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 East County Advanced Water Purification Program Story and photos by Paul Levikow April 13, 2026 (Santee) — After more than a half-century of water reuse in East County, the Ray
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 versionWater Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News Service April 1, 2026 (Jamul) – Jamul Casino Resort has been recognized with two prestigious ADDY Awards from AAF Reno, earning a Gold ADDY and Best of Show in the

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 a day of games, community and advocacy on Saturday, April 18 at the Rock House in Lakeside. The first-ever “Canine Carnival” is set for April 18 while a slumber party that starts
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 an early wildflower bloom in Borrego, now is a perfect time for a day trip through San Diego County’s beautiful backcountry, including mountain and desert destinations. Making the pilgrimage to

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 stories. This year, we’ve had requests from readers to cover lots of important local issues, but costs have soared with inflation. We need your help to report on local news
People

Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);

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 bowls, beds, blankets, crates/carriers, leashes,…
Communities

Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);

New Crisis Stabilization Unit opening in El Cajon
Printer-friendly versionApril 18, 2026 (El Cajon) — The County of San Diego will open its newest Crisis Stabilization Unit — the first located in East County — on Monday in El Cajon. The 14,000-square-foot behavioral health treatment facility is located at the corner of South Magnolia and West Douglas avenues. The unit
Features

Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Printer-friendly versionSoroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member);

Federal judge: Continued Border Patrol sweeps in California violated court order
Printer-friendly version By Wendy Fry and Sergio Olmos, CalMatters. This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. Photo: a line of federal immigration agents and protesters stand-off near the Glass House Farms facility outside Camarillo on July 10, 2025. Protesters gathered after federal immigration agents conducted an immigration raid earlier in
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
FROM THE CHIEF’S CORNER: THANKSGIVING COOKING SAFETY TIPS
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips! November 20, 2012 (San Diego)–Thanksgiving signifies the beginning of the Holiday Season and many of us will be spending more time in the kitchen preparing for the Holidays according Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. Thanksgiving Day is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times as many occurring on
LEMON GROVE BARBER SHOP DAMAGED BY FIRE
Printer-friendly versionNovember 20, 2012 (Lemon Grove)—Shortly before midnight on November 18, a structure fire occurred at a barber shop at 7435 Broadway in Lemon Grove. Flames and smoke severely damaged the shop. Sheriff’s Bomb and Arson investigators responded to the scene and are handling the investigation to determine the cause of the blaze. Printer-friendly version
POMEGRANATE DAYS AT OASIS CAMEL DAIRY ON NOV. 24 & 25
Printer-friendly version November 20, 2012 (Ramona) – Oasis Camel Dairy hosts its 3rd Annual Pomegranate Days on November 24 and 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. This holiday tradition includes feeding pomegranates to the camels, a special performance of the performing bird show and a behind the scenes tour of the dairy.Camel rides will also be available,
GRAND OPENING OF VIEJAS ICE RINK AND HOLIDAY SHOPPING KICKS OFF AT VIEJAS OUTLETS
Printer-friendly versionStores open at midnight on Thanksgiving for an early start to “Black Friday” shopping specials by Ariele Johannson November 17, 2012 (Alpine) –Viejas Ice Rink formally opened its fifth season yesterday along with specific extended holiday hours at Viejas Outlet Center. Now, when shopping, visitors are treated to views of excited skaters making their way around the cool, white
WINTER WELLNESS REMEDIES WORKSHOP IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly versionNovember 20, 2012 (Alpine) – Myra Thompson Bull, L.Ac., will present a workshop on Saturday, December 1. Learn how to make winter wellness remedies in your own kitchen from easily available ingredients—just in time for cold and flu season. Enjoy a morning of delightful scents and wise recipes to ward off winter ailments. This hands-on workshop will be followed
POLITICAL REFLECTIONS: AFTER THE ELECTION…
Printer-friendly version By Mark Gabrish Conlan November 20, 2012 (San Diego) – Is it really over? I’ve lived with the 2012 Presidential campaign for so long that it’s become a fixture of my life, sort of like a piece of ugly furniture you never sit on anymore but you can’t bear to get rid of. Or, to mix the metaphor,
SAN DIEGO COUNCIL APPROVES PROPERTY VALUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE
Printer-friendly versionNovember 20, 2012 (San Diego)—By a 5-3 vote, San Diego’s City Council voted last week to pass the Property Value Protection Ordinance (PVPO) aimed at helping banks clean up blighted foreclosure properties. It requires banks to register with the city and pay a $76 fee whenever they take action to foreclose a home. The registry makes it possible to immediately identify the
VIEJAS HOTEL CELEBRATES FINAL STAGES WITH TOPPING OFF CEREMONY
Printer-friendly versionby Ariele Johannson November 20, 2012 (Alpine) –Viejas tribal leaders, casino executives, civic and community leaders, and guests came together for an outdoor Topping Off Ceremony on Wednesday, November 13, 2012. More than 100 people assembled in front of the new five-story Viejas Hotel, amid the noise of hammers, drills, and construction workers’ shouts. This month, the much-anticipated Viejas
DETECTIVES ARREST SEXUAL ASSAULT SUSPECT
Printer-friendly versionNovember 20, 2012 (San Diego) — On October 26, 2012, a sexual assault was reported to the San Diego Police Department Sex Crimes Unit. The suspect, Jason Mc Klevey, age 31, had befriended the victim through a website called “conversationexchange.com.” This website is frequently used by foreign exchange students to practice both written and spoken language skills. As
SPRING VALLEY CITIZENS ASSOCIATION MAY SHUT DOWN; VOLUNTEERS AND MEMBERS NEEDED
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 20, 2012 (Spring Valley) – On December 20, the Spring Valley Citizens Group will determine the future of the organization. The group, which has 200 members, may disband if volunteers are not found to help support the organization. “As president, I do not want to disband and am convinced that
Faith, Science and Anti-Catholicism: “THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE”
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera Courtesy of 20th Century Fox. “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.” Proverbs 25:2 King James Bible “THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE” is a solid, if not often campy thriller involving the nightmares and paranoia many science-fiction fans crave. The
COMING SOON!
Printer-friendly versionNews, views and resources to improve communities in San Diego’s eastern region* Local and regional news Award-winning team of journalists Wildfire/emergency alerts National news links Best of East County (highlights attractions and activities) Calendar of events (concerts, shows, festivals and more) East County Eater restaurant reviews Lively and informative features Columns and editorials representing diverse voices Voter information People
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
📬 Subscribe to ECM – 100% Free, Trusted by East County Since 2008
- Emergency alerts
- Breaking news
- No spam ever