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
LOCAL LEADERS SHARE REACTIONS, PROGNOSIS OF HEALTHCARE BILL PASSED BY HOUSE
Printer-friendly version November 12, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – East County and San Diego leaders offer diverse views on the landmark healthcare reform bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Some praised the bill, others criticized it, while many hope to see changes made in the Senate. (For East County Magazine’s analysis of the bill, see http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/2211 )
UNEMPLOYED SAN DIEGO MAN BASKS IN SAVINGS FROM LEASING ROOF FOR SOLAR PRODUCTION
Printer-friendly version November 12, 2009 – San Diego resident Michael Huff, who is unemployed, found a way to save 1,400 a year on his utility bills with just a $1,000 up front investment. “It all started when I read an article in the Union Trib about 1BOG (One Block Off Grid),” said Huff. He obtained a group discount through the
LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHALS IN EL CAJON’S MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOV. 22
Printer-friendly version November 12, 2009 (El Cajon)–The Mother Goose Parade Association has announced the Grand Marshals for the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 – the “Chula Vista Park View All-Stars.” The Chula Vista Park View All Stars became the first Little League World Series champions from San Diego County in 48 years, defeating Taoyuan,
GAME OF THE WEEK: NORSEMEN WIN LEAGUE TITLE FOR FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY WITH 14-7 WIN AT STEELE CANYON
Printer-friendly version by Christopher Mohr (RANCHO SAN DIEGO) November 6th – High school football coaches often remind their players that the game is 48 minutes long and to achieve success, you must play hard for all 48 of those minutes. Friday night’s football game at Steele Canyon High School between the host Cougars and the visiting Norsemen of Valhalla High School was a
READY TO GO SOLAR? “ONE BLOCK OFF THE GRID” RETURNS TO SAN DIEGO , PARTNERS WITH HELIOPOWER TO OFFER GROUP DISCOUNTS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 10, 2009 (San Diego) – One Block Off the Grid (1BOG), the nation’s largest solar buying collective, today announced launch of its second solar community buying campaign to help San Diego County homeowners and small business owners purchase solar energy at group discount rates of $5.29 per watt from now through February 12,
ECM’S HEALTHCARE REFORM BILL ANALYSIS : WHO WILL BE COVERED–AND HOW WLL IT IMPACT YOU?
Printer-friendly versionCOSTS, DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KEY REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PLANS ALSO WEIGHED November 8, 2009 (Washington D.C.) –H.R. 3962, The Affordable Health Care for America Act approved Saturday by the House of Representatives is widely deemed the most significant social reform since the enactment of Social Security and Medicaid. The bill will next be considered by the Senate. While much media coverage has focused on a public option
OVER $27 MILLION FOR WITCH CREEK FIRE SURVIVORS RECOVERED BY CA DEPT. OF INSURANCE
Printer-friendly version November 10, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner yesterday announced that the Department of Insurance (CDI) has recovered more than $27 million from insurance companies for consumers. The recoveries were made through the department’s complaint process in the aftermath of the devastating Witch Creek fire in San Diego County that killed two people, destroyed 1,650 structures
NEW RULES ISSUED BY FDA TO PROTECT FOOD SAFETY
Printer-friendly version Updated code to serve as model for state, city, county, tribal, territorial agencies and food industry November 9, 2009 – Restaurant owners and others who serve food to the public will want to be aware of publication of a new FDA Food Code announced today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The document includes new rules for
GUHSD ACADEMIC LEAGUE COMPETITION KICKS OFF
Printer-friendly versionNovember 7, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) – Grossmont Union High School District’s Academic League competition kicked off on November 4th. The 11-round event will culminate in televised coverage next February. “Congratulations to first year coaches Brianne Jones (Grossmont) and Dena Rosenberger (El Capitan) for their very first wins. We are looking forward to another great season!” said Steve
COLLEGE-AREA BRUSH FIRE EXTINGUISHED; ARSON PROBE LAUNCHED
Printer-friendly version November 8, 2009 (San Diego) – A fire in an canyon on Adobe Falls Road near San Diego State University has been extinguished. Firefighters made repeated water drops last night to douse the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes. Authorities are investigating the blaze as possible arson, San Diego News Network reports. Printer-friendly version
Sharp HealthCare extends Sharp Mary Birch brand to East County with renaming of the Grossmont Women’s Hospital
Printer-friendly versionSource: Sharp HealthCare October 23, 2025 (La Mesa) – Sharp HealthCare is expanding the trusted Sharp Mary Birch brand across San Diego County—starting with the rebranding of Sharp Grossmont Hospital for Women & Newborns, now renamed Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns Grossmont. Sharp Mary Birch is one of the most recognized names in women’s health in
Feeding San Diego expands emergency food assistance to federal workers and Cal Fresh recipients during ongoing government shutdown
Printer-friendly versionAs the shutdown continues, the hunger relief non-profit is preparing for a massive surge in need with the delay of November CalFresh benefits Source: Feeding San Diego October 23, 2025 (San Diego) – As the government shutdown enters the fourth week, Feeding San Diego has expanded food assistance services to federal workers impacted by the loss in pay, including the over 110,000
County rejects supporting statewide ban on foreign investment in homes
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Photo, left: Supervisor Jim Desmond sought to restrict foreign investors from buying homes and driving up prices. October 23, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors this week rejected a proposal by Supervisor Jim Desmond to support statewide bans or restrictions on foreign investment in entry-level and single-family housing, particularly when located
Hit-and-run driver causes major injuries to boy, 12
Printer-friendly versionEl Cajon Police seek help to find white or silver SUV with front-end damage East County News Service October 23, 2025 (El Cajon) – Around 8 p.m. last night, a 12-year-old boy was struck by an SUV in the 300 block of Ballantyne Street, suffering major head trauma. The vehicle, described by witnesses as a white or silver SUV
SNAP cuts in America and the future impacts on California
Printer-friendly versionOverall, this affects not only SNAP, but also WIC, federal workers, food banks, senior citizens, and grocery stores. By G. A. McNeeley October 22, 2025 (California) — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the critical food assistance program, being halted is one of the biggest impacts of the ongoing government shutdown, and it’s about to affect tens of
Inmate firefighters get pay raise under bill signed by Governor
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Image: Inmate firefighter; cc via Bing October 14, 2025 (Sacramento) – They risk their lives to battle wildfires. Yet California’s inmate firefighters are currently paid just $1 to $10 for an entire day’s work, plus $1 an hour during active duty. A bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom will raise the rate to $7.25 an hour (the federal minimum
Passages: Donuts to Dollars, Mary Hennessy had a sweet life
Printer-friendly versionStory and photos by Karen Pearlman Oct. 21, 2025 (Santee) – Making others happy was something Mary Hennessy did naturally, with no holds – or holes – barred. As founder and owner of the iconic Mary’s Donuts in Santee, Hennessy sprinkled joy to others – and not just by way of diverse donut toppings, fruity fritter fillings and cinnamon-dusted
County approves negotiations to buy land for Troy Street Sleeping Cabins in Lemon Grove
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow Image, left: Rendering of Troy Street Sleeping Cabins Project October 22, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve negotiations with Caltrans to purchase land for the Troy Street Sleeping Cabins Project in Lemon Grove, after hearing comments overwhelmingly in opposition from residents and two City Councilmembers. The project plan
ECM World Watch: National and global news
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — As part of our commitment to reflect all voices and views, we include links to a variety of news sources representing a broad spectrum of political, religious, and social views. Top world and U.S. headlines include: U.S. Judge halts Trump’s planned layoffs of federal workers during government shutdown, calling them unlawful (CNN) Appeals
La Mesa Police officer killed while aiding motorists after collision on I-8
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery, with additional reporting by Karen Pearlman Photo: LMPD Officer Lauren Craven, courtesy of La Mesa Police Updated Oct. 21, 4 p.m. with comments from Chief Ray Sweeney, City Manager Greg Humora, and Governor Gavin Newsom October 21, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven, 25, was struck and killed last night after
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