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
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,
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
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,
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
BOMB SQUAD AT ZION & MISSION GORGE ROAD
Printer-friendly version October 20, 2009 – San Diego Police have evacuated the Postal Annex at 6549 Mission Gorge Road after discovery of a suspicious device. “We have secured the Annex . Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) is on site and evaluating,” Detective Gary Hassen told East County Magazine at 2:45 p.m. today. The Postal Annex opened a package and found
WHERE DOES YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE STAND ON HEALTHCARE REFORM?
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery October 18, 2009 – The House and Senate are grappling with several versions of major healthcare reform measures that could dramatically transform our nation’s healthcare system. Four of the five measures would include a public option, which give Americans a choice between private health insurance or opting for coverage under a government-run system similar to
I-5 CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS DUE TO POTENTIAL SUICIDE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 20, 2009 – California Highway Patrol has issued a SigAlert and closed down all lanes of Interstate 5 in both directions at the Pershing Drive S-curve in Golden Hill. Commuters are advised to take alternative routes. Police are trying to talk down a woman spotted on a pedestrian bridge who is considering throwing herself off the freeway overpass.
GAME OF THE WEEK: VALHALLA HOLDS ON TO BEAT MT. MIGUEL IN THRILLER, 36-29
Printer-friendly versionby Christopher Mohr (RANCHO SAN DIEGO) October 16 – Friday night’s game between Valhalla High School’s Norsemen and the Mt. Miguel Matadors had nearly everything a fan could want: a closely contested match between two competitive, talented teams that would not be decided until almost the last minute. It was a game that truly lived up to all
BILBRAY AMENDMENT TO SUPPORT INNOVATION IN FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLES PASSES HOUSE
Printer-friendly versionPoway’s Aptera among companies that will benefit from measure October 18, 2009 (Washington D.C) .–The United States House of Representatives passed a bi-partisan measure led by North County Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) that will expand production of domestic fuel-efficient vehicles. The amendment, included in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act (H.R. 3183)
ASSEMBLY JOBS COMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING IN SAN DIEGO MONDAY ON STATE EFFORTS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES
Printer-friendly version October 18, 2009 (San Diego) — On Monday, October 19, members of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy, including Chairperson V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella), Marty Block (D-San Diego) and Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista) will hold a hearing and press conference in San Diego. Both focus on small business development during the recession and state
GOVERNOR SIGNS FIVE KEHOE BILLS INTO LAW
Printer-friendly versionSACRAMENTO – Sen. Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) announced today that Gov. Schwarzenegger recently signed five of her bills into law, including ones dealing with redevelopment funds, solar energy, and hybrid vehicles. “I’m grateful for the governor’s support of these bills that will improve the quality of life for Californians,” Kehoe said. “Government can work for the people, and
XE (BLACKWATER) CONTRACT CANCELED BY SOUTHWESTERN COLLLEGE
Printer-friendly version College Board responds to Public Outcry October 18, 2009 (Chula Vista) – On October 14, Southwestern College District Governing Board approved cancellation of its agreement with Xe . The agreement allowed the college’s law enforcement students to use a training facility in Otay Mesa operated by Xe Systems LLC, the company formerly known as Blackwater. Blackwater, which
TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version October 17, 2009 – The City of El Cajon has issued a traffic advisory for October 17, 21 and 24 due to pouring a concrete foundation for the City’s new Public Safety Center downtown. Some streets around City Hall will be closed during the high volume concrete pour. View a time-lapse video of construction. There will be
THREE EAST COUNTY CITIES SIGN JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT FOR SHARED FIRE PROTECTION
Printer-friendly version Photos by Monica Zech October 15, 2009 ) — In La Mesa today, city leaders, fire department chiefs and staff from El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, gathered for the official signing of a Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement (JPA). This agreement will create a shared management team to coordinate fire and emergency medical services, firefighter training,
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