Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
Explore What Matters
News Center
Millions in “Inflation Relief” need to be collected by April 30
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 23, 2026 (San Diego County) — The office of Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson of District 39 in the state of California has sent out a reminder to San Diego County residents about their Middle Class Tax Refund, and an April 30 deadline for
Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber warns of ongoing threats to voting rights at East County Democratic Club meeting
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Paul Levikow April 22, 2026 (Alpine) — California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber recently delivered an assessment of the challenges facing the state’s electoral system, while urging vigilance and civic participation ahead of the 2026 elections. About 30 attendees gathered at The Alpine Club for the East
News Issues
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
San Diego Padres nearing record $3.9B sale
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo courtesy San Diego Padres Facebook page April 20, 2026 (San Diego) — The current owners of the San Diego Padres, the Seidler family, are reportedly in the final stages of an agreement to sell the team to a group led by private equity billionaire José
Politics
Millions in “Inflation Relief” need to be collected by April 30
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 23, 2026 (San Diego County) — The office of Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson of District 39 in the state of California has sent out a reminder to San Diego County residents about their Middle Class Tax Refund, and an April 30 deadline for
Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber warns of ongoing threats to voting rights at East County Democratic Club meeting
Printer-friendly version Story and photo by Paul Levikow April 22, 2026 (Alpine) — California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber recently delivered an assessment of the challenges facing the state’s electoral system, while urging vigilance and civic participation ahead of the 2026 elections. About 30 attendees gathered at The Alpine Club for the East
Wildfires and Emergencies
Crest residents urged to take action against wildfire risks with free Home Assessment Program
Printer-friendly versionBy Morgan Dioli and Diana Griffin April 21, 2026 (Crest) – The Crest community is stepping up wildfire preparedness efforts by participating in the Fire Safe Council of San Diego County’s 2026 Home Assessment Program. It’s a free, voluntary service designed to help residents reduce wildfire risks and improve
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…
Events & Arts
Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting a birthday remembrance next month, celebrating the life of its namesake artist widely regarded as the “Dean of Western Art.” The museum is hosting “Olaf Wieghorst Day,” from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2,
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
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
Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting a birthday remembrance next month, celebrating the life of its namesake artist widely regarded as the “Dean of Western Art.” The museum is hosting “Olaf Wieghorst Day,” from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2,
East County-based physician Charles Hamori honored by American College of Physicians
Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman April 21, 2026 (La Mesa) — When he was a teenager growing up in Muncie, Indiana, Charles Hamori performed his first successful medical diagnosis — on himself. Hamori was 14 when he correctly identified his own appendicitis, and it was at that moment (or soon
Features
Celebration of Olaf Wieghorst in downtown El Cajon on May 2
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 23, 2026 (El Cajon) — The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is hosting a birthday remembrance next month, celebrating the life of its namesake artist widely regarded as the “Dean of Western Art.” The museum is hosting “Olaf Wieghorst Day,” from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 2,
Villa Musica expanding to East County for 20th anniversary
Printer-friendly version East County News Service April 22, 2026 (El Cajon) — For two decades, the halls of Villa Musica’s Sorrento Valley headquarters have been alive with a specific kind of beautiful chaos — the steady thumps on the drum, soaring scales of soprano singers and the first notes of
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
COLLEGES, CHAMBER COMBINE FOR “HOW-TO” WORKSHOP SERIES HELPING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2012 (El Cajon)–A series of free “How-To” workshops designed to help East County small business owners improve their employee productivity and performance is being offered by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. “We’re proud to work with the chamber to offer courses dedicated to supporting East County
CITIZENS CALL ON CITY TO ENFORCE 1985 MANAGED GROWTH INITIATIVE RIGHT TO VOTE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 23, 2012 (San Diego)–Members of San Diegans for Managed Growth (SDMG), the original sponsor of the 1985 Managed Growth Initiative, were joined on Sunday by representatives of the League of Women Voters (LWV), Protect San Dieguito River Valley (PSDRV) and other organizations in calling on the Mayor, City Attorney and the City Council to enforce the initiative’s requirement for
PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE TONIGHT: PARTIES HOLD LOCAL DEBATE-WATCH PARTIES
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2012 (San Diego) – The third and final presidential debate will be held tonight at 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. Democrats and Republicans have both announced local debate watching parties; scroll down and click “read more” for details. Note: For those who wish to attend tonight’s Grossmont Union High School
HUNTER CANCELS ONLY DEBATE, SECOR ACCUSES CONGRESSMAN OF HIDING FROM VOTERS TO MASK “EXTREMIST” POSITIONS
Printer-friendly versionSecor to host town hall forum Oct. 23 to field questions directly from voters, challenges Hunter to show up UPDATE: Location of the forum has changed due to a car damaging the original venue. The town hall will be held at the Escondido Library, 239 S. Kalmia Street in Escondido. “No voter’s question should go unanswered,” said Secor, who
TAXICAB CARJACKED; DRIVER ASSAULTED IN LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2012 (Lemon Grove)–Sheriff’s deputies responded to a radio call of a possible carjacking in Lemon Grove at 3:30 a.m. A taxi driver had been flagged down earlier by two men at 12th Street and Imperial Avenue in San Diego, then drove them to Lemon Grove on Highway 94 and stopped at North Avenue and Olive Street. “One of the
WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN “OUR PLANET, OUR HOME” K-12 ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY AND ART CONTEST
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2012 (La Mesa) — Not only does their creativity bring a smile, but the breadth of ideas, ages and techniques will make a lovely, rounded exhibition. It is exciting each year to see what the students will come up with for the “Our Home, Our Planet” K-12 Environmental Literacy and Art contest. Awards will be handed out by Mayor
ASSEMBLYMAN BRIAN JONES HEADLINES RAMONA MERCHANT’S SAFE TRICK OR TREAT OCTOBER 31
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2012 (Ramona) – Ramona Merchant’s annual Safe Trick or Treat will take place on October 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 960 Main Street, Ramona. Assemblyman Brian W. Jones of the 77th Assembly District will be recognizing the Ramona Chamber of Commerce and its members for their solution to providing a safe alternative to traditional
HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST AT ALPINE CREEK TOWN CENTER OCT. 27
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2012 (Alpine) – All ghosts and goblins are invited to show off their most creative costumes at the Halloween Costume Contest on October 27 at the Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Blvd., Alpine. This free, fun, family-friendly event begins at 2 p.m. with registration and ends at 3:45 p.m. when the winners are announced. Prizes will
KROC CENTER PRESENTS “BOO BASH!” OCTOBER 27
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2012 (San Diego) – The Salvation Army Kroc Center’s annual Boo Bash! on October 27 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at 6845 University Avenue, San Diego. Everyone is welcome to celebrate a safe, family-friendly Halloween at the Center. Festivities will include cookie decorating, fang-tastic pumpkin decorating, spooky carnival games, snacks, frightful bounce houses, trick-or-treating, rock climbing
TRICK OR TREAT OFF THE STREET AT VIEJAS OUTLETS OCT. 31
Printer-friendly versionOctober 21, 2012 (Alpine) – Viejas Outlets will host Trick or Treat Off the Street on October 31 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 5005 Willows Rd., Alpine. This free event allows little ghosts and goblins, as well as parents to enjoy a safe Halloween. Printer-friendly version
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…
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 7, 2026 (Jamul) — The…
Two dead from Shelter Valley collision
East County News Service April 6, 2026 (San Diego County) – A head-on collision Saturday, April 4 on State Route 78 south of S-2 in…
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…
Health and Science Highlights
April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future….
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…
Iranian government threatens to set American troops on fire, while casualties and threats mount
By G. A. McNeeley Photo: fighter jets aboard USS Abraham Lincoln Feb. 27; via Dept. of War April 4, 2026 (Iran) — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf,…
Power struggle ends — no Seguro BESS in North County
East County News Service April 4, 2026 (Escondido) — The developer of the Seguro Battery Energy Storage System has formally withdrawn its application to build…
California’s Zone Zero defensible space law is now in effect for new home construction; existing homes must comply by February 2027
By Paul Levikow April 3, 2026 (San Diego County) – New structures being built in Very High Fire Severity Zones in California must now comply…
Four new rescues now at San Diego Humane Society’s East County hub
One of the dogs rescued by the San Diego Humane Society on Friday (Photo courtesy San Diego Humane Society) East County News Service April 4,…
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