Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
Explore What Matters
News Center
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
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
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
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
With Eric Swalwell’s scandalous implosion, Xavier Becerra surges in race for California governor
Printer-friendly versionBy Dan Walters This story was originally printed in CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering statewide issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WeeklyMatters for a Saturday morning digest of the latest news and commentary from the Golden State. This story is part of California Voices, a commentary
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
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
Book review:The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum
Printer-friendly version Book by Jaime B. & Elizabeth Tracy Parent Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Local authors Jaime and Elizabeth Parent have written a major reference for persons who have disabilities, with particular focus on those who have autism. While the book specifically addresses the
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
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
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
Features
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
Book review:The Mission at Home: Navigating Military Assignments, TRICARE, Education, Benefits and Everyday Life with Your Child on the Autism Spectrum
Printer-friendly version Book by Jaime B. & Elizabeth Tracy Parent Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Local authors Jaime and Elizabeth Parent have written a major reference for persons who have disabilities, with particular focus on those who have autism. While the book specifically addresses the
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
SAN DIEGO SPORT INNOVATORS ANNOUNCES WALTON INNOVATION NETWORK
Printer-friendly versionTo commemorate the one-year anniversary of basketball legend Bill Walton’s passing, SDSI annonces phase one of a “Bill Walton Legacy Project” By Scott Yoffe May 27, 2025 (Solana Beach) — To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragic passing of basketball legend Bill Walton, San Diego Sport Innovators (SDSI) announced that it will pay homage to its
40 MILITARY HOMES UNINHABITABLE AFTER MURPHY CANYON PLANE CRASH: NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY PROVIDES SUPPORT
Printer-friendly versionNonprofit immediately provided $77,000 in direct emergency assistance and continues to provide long-term support to 40 families displaced East County News Service May 29, 2025 (San Diego) – Dozens of military families evacuated their homes when a private Cessna aircraft crashed into military housing in the Murphy Canyon area at 3:45 a.m. on May 22. The families had
REFUGEE BUSINESS OWNERS GIVE BACK TO HELP OTHERS AT UNITED WE STAND BAZAAR
Printer-friendly version Photo: Shoppers browse wares during United We Stand Bazaar at The Palms In El Cajon By Alexander J. Schorr Photos by Alexander J. Schorr and Miriam Raftery May 19,2025 (El Cajon) — Refugees who fled violence and persecution in their homelands and later started up business locally came together at the “United We Stand” Bazaar at
GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE DISTRICT AWARDS OVER $319,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL STUDENTS PURSUING HEALTHCARE CAREERS
Printer-friendly versionSource: Grossmont Healthcare District Group photo of all scholarship recipients and GHD board members. May 28, 2025 (La Mesa) — In an affirmation of its commitment to building the healthcare workforce of tomorrow, Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) has awarded a total of $319,850 in scholarships to 63 local students for the 2024–2025 academic year. The awards were presented at
SANTEE HOMELESS COURT POP-UP EVENT
Printer-friendly versionCommunity resource pop-up events, like this one in Santee which meet people where they are, have become an important part of the County’s homeless outreach strategy By Anita Lightfoot, County of San Diego Communications Office May 28, 2025 (Santee) — Community resources pop-up events bring essential services directly to people experiencing homelessness and have become an important part of
COUNTY ACQUIRES 540 ACRES TO EXPAND SANTA YSABEL PRESERVE AND PROTECT SENSITIVE SPECIES
Printer-friendly versionBy County News Center County of San Diego Communications Office May 28, 2025 (Santa Ysabel) — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors recently approved the purchase of about 540 acres of property in North County for $5.1 million to expand its conservation efforts. Located within a designated conservation area in Santa Ysabel, the land will expand an existing
TB EXPOSURES REPORTED AT TWO LOCAL HOMELESS SHELTERS
Printer-friendly version By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office Image Credit: CDC.gov May 28, 2025 (San Diego) –County Public Health is working in close collaboration with Father Joe’s Villages and the San Diego Rescue Mission to notify residents, employees and volunteers who may have potentially been exposed to tuberculosis (TB) at the Father Joe’s Villages Paul Mirabile Center
RFK, JR. ORDERS CDC TO STOP RECOMMENDING COVID VACCINES FOR HEALTHY CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN
Printer-friendly version Order ignores science, which shows pregnant women and newborns have high risk for serious COVID complications By Miriam Raftery May 27, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Health leaders are reacting with alarm to Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have removed the COVID vaccine from its list of
TRUMP BRAGS THAT HE’S ‘NOT CUTTING 10 CENTS’ FROM PENTAGON AS GOP GUTS MEDICAID
Printer-friendly version“We can cut plenty of other things,” President Donald Trump told West Point’s graduating class. By Jake Johnson, Common Dreams Photo: Screenshot via CSpan; Pres. Trump speaks at West Point graduation May 26, 2025 (West Point Military Academ, New York) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday bragged to West Point’s graduating class that he has refused to cut
COUNTY PARKS HITS BULLSEYE WITH NEW ARCHERY RANGE IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly version County News Center Photo courtesy County News Center: Elizabeth Howe, member of U.S. Archery team U8 Women’s Barebow, takes a shot at the new outdoor archery range in Lakeside. May 26, 2025 (Lakeside) –The County opened its much-anticipated outdoor Archery Range at Kumeyaay Valley Park last week. Located at 10964 Ashwood Street in Lakeside,
Supervisor Joel Anderson and Sheriff Kelly Martinez to host Wildfire Safety Town Hall in Ramona on Monday, Oct. 6
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo, L-R: CalFire Chief Tony Mecham, Sheriff Kelly Martinez, & Supervisor Joel Anderson October 3, 2025 (Ramona) – San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson and Sheriff Kelly Martinez are hosting a wildfire safety town hall during Fire Prevention Week in Ramona on Monday, October 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the Ramona Library (1275 Main St., Ramona).
Padres’ World Series dream ends in Chicago
Printer-friendly versionThe Chicago Cubs celebrate after beating the Padres 3-1 to clinch a spot in the NLDS. Photo courtesy Official Wrigley Field Instagram East County News Service Oct. 3, 2025 (Chicago) — The San Diego Padres’ 2025 season, a 90-win campaign filled with promise and frustration, came to an abrupt halt on Thursday at Wrigley Field. The Padres lost 3-1
ECM World Watch: National and global news
Printer-friendly versionOctober 3, 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. Immigration and detention Hundreds of Alligator Alcatraz detainees drop off the grid after leaving site (Miami
Trump threatens to fire workers amid shutdown; Newsom says shutdown has halted critical wildfire programs in peak fire season
Printer-friendly versionHealthcare premiums will double for millions of Americans if Republicans don’t renew subsidies By Alexander J. Schorr Photo: Cedar Fire in October, 2003 burned over 276,000 acres, destroyed 2,232 homes and killed 15 people. October is peak wildfire season in our region, yet the shutdown threatens wildfire preparedness and disaster relief. October 2, 2025— The US federal government has
Chief’s Corner: Charge into Safety National Fire Prevention Week Oct 6th
Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version
East County Roundup: Local and statewide news
Printer-friendly versionOctober 3, 2025, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media. This week’s round-up stories include: LOCAL ICE arrests rise at a higher rate in San Diego than across the U.S., data shows (NBC San Diego) Out with the old and
Health and Science Highlights
Printer-friendly versionOctober 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Our Health and Science Highlights provide cutting edge news that could impact your health and our future. HEALTH What the shutdown means for Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs (NBC) American Health Insurance Providers issues statement on vaccines (AHIP) How Trump Boosted Bizarre ‘Medbed’ Conspiracy Theory With Deleted Post (Forbes) Scientists create
Pack the Pantry virtual food drive launches to help local college students facing food insecurity
Printer-friendly versionSource: Cal Coast Credit Union October 2, 2025 (San Diego) – Imagine being a college student, striving for a better future, yet unsure where your next meal will come from. Research shows this is the heartbreaking reality for nearly half of our local college students who face food insecurity every day. Without reliable access to food, many are forced
Harmony Grove Village South development approved by Board of Supervisors despite controversy
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow Photo, left: Brenda Wright October 2, 2025 (San Diego) — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Wednesday unanimously approved a housing development in the North County community of Harmony Grove, despite objections by several residents who expressed concerns about the lack of a second evacuation route during wildfires. The Harmony Grove Village South development
Why has the federal government been shut down and what is affected?
Printer-friendly version Democrats take stand to protect healthcare coverage as Republicans adjourn with negotiating By G. A. McNeeley October 1, 2025 — The Democratic and Republican proposals that would’ve funded the government beyond Tuesday, September 30, failed within The Senate during the eleventh hour, which effectively shut the government down at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1. The federal government
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