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
SDSU AUTHORS FEATURED AT POETRY & ART SERIES 2012 OCT. 25
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2012 (San Diego) – On Thursday, Oct. 25, Poetry & Art Series 2012 features Poetry International with special guests Steve Kowit, Sandra Alcosser and Camille Dungy. These renowned authors will read with select MFA students from SDSU. The Blacks Sands will make music. This arts and culture event takes place in the Museum of the Living Artist,
BREAKING NEWS – GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES ARRESTED AT DEBATE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 16, 2012 (San Diego) – Not a banner day for our beloved democracy when a legitimate candidate for President of the United States is arrested simply for practicing her right to free speech. But so it goes… Jill Stein and Cheri Honkala, the Green Party presidential and vice-presidential nominees, were just forcibly prevented from entering the grounds of
BOY, 12, VANISHES ON WAY TO SCHOOL IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly version October 22, 2012 (Spring Valley) San Diego County Sheriff’s Department wants your help in finding a missing juvenile. William Patrick Gear Jr., age 12, left his Spring Valley home in the 8700 block of Ildica Street around 8:15 this morning. He was on his way to La Presa Middle School on his blue BMX bicycle, but never arrived
DEPUTY SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY ENDORSES GASTIL & VASQUEZ
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2012 (Lemon Grove) – A week after receiving an endorsement from the Lemon Grove Firefighters, Local 2728, the San Diego Deputy Sherriff’s Association has unanimously endorsed both Council Member George Gastil and City Council candidate Racquel Vasquez to fill the two open Lemon Grove City Council seats up for election this November 6. Gastil is seeking his
MURDER VICTIM’S BODY FOUND IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2012 (Lakeside) – The body of a woman whose husband has been arrested for murder was found October 18 in a dumpster off Wildcat Canyon Road. Channel 8 CBS TV reports that the body is believed to be Quee “K.C.” Chadwick, the missing wife of Newport Beach real estate investor Peter Chadwick. Chadwick has been charged with
LEGAL PROFESSIONALS CALL ON VOTERS TO SAY NO TO UNQUALIFIED JUDGES, OPPOSE JIM MILLER’S CANDIDACY
Printer-friendly versionBy Nadin Abbott October 22, 2012 (San Diego)—At a press conference called by active and retired members of the legal profession, prominent legal experts urged voters to reject Superior Court candidate Jim Miller. The County Bar Association found Miller “lacking qualifications.” Miller had previously been removed for cause as a Judge Pro Tempore and two weeks ago, had his endorsement
SDSU GRADUATION RATES, AS WELL AS DIVERSITY AT ALL-TIME HIGHS
Printer-friendly versionStudents set new records of success on all fronts October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – San Diego State University students have set new records in graduation and continuation rates. And new campus census numbers released last week show that SDSU continues to be a national leader in eliminating the “achievement gap” between students of color and their counterparts. The
COUNTY WARNS RESIDENTS TO STAY AWAY FROM BATS
Printer-friendly versionBats and Other Wild Animals Could Carry Rabies October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – With Halloween around the corner, fake bats are likely to be present at people’s homes. However, if you come across a real bat at home or any other place, health officials urge you to stay away from it. Bats, as well as skunks, raccoons, and
SDSU ENGINEERING RECEIVES $3.9 MILLION TO MAKE SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION MORE EFFICIENT
Printer-friendly versionDept. of Energy grant will turn a theory and a lab model into a full-scale testing device. October 22, 2012 (San Diego) – For the last few years San Diego State University engineering professor Fletcher Miller has been working in his campus lab to prove a theory about a more efficient way to produce solar energy. Thanks to a
U.S. NAVY VET HITS $500,000+ SLOT JACKPOT AT VIEJAS CASINO
Printer-friendly versionOctober 22, 2012 (Alpine) – A U.S. Navy veteran planning to retire soon hit a jackpot worth $501,430.49 on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Viejas Casino. The winner, who is from San Diego, chose to remain anonymous. He hit the early-retirement jackpot while playing a $1 Wheel of Fortune progressive slot machine on Saturday morning, October 13,
El Cajon City Council denies Afghan Center’s appeal for prayer tent extension
East County News Service March 30, 2026 (El Cajon ) — The El Cajon City Council last week unanimously upheld a decision by the city’s…
Brush fire burning in Santee near Town Center
Update 9:14 p.m. Forward spread has been stopped. Update 7:42 p.m. — The fire has crossed the river and is now burning directly behind commercial…
El Cajon approves funds for reconstruction of Fletcher Hills Fire Station 7
East County News Service March 28, 2026 (El Cajon) – Heartland Fire’s station 7 in Fletcher Hills, built in 1960, will soon undergo major renovations….
A Look into Hell: What allegations and censorship in Epstein files reveal about President Trump and the justice system
By Alex J. Schorr March 17, 2026 — Americans widely disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the Epstein files , with a majority believing that…
La Mesa City Council grapples with housing and parking concerns
Councilmember Laura Lothian criticizing city tactics on parking issues By Alexander J. Schorr March 29, 2026 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa City council met…
Sheriff impounds 10 electric motorcycles, issues citations for violations by e-bikes and e-motorcycles in Santee
East County News Service March 28, 2026 (Santee) — Deputies from the Santee Sheriff’s Station conducted an enforcement operation on Thursday aimed at addressing the…
Sheriff’s Department weighs in before ‘No Kings’ rallies
East County Magazine March 27, 2026 (San Diego County) — On the eve of what many are calling the largest civil mobilization in American history,…
Suspicious backpack at Santee Sheriff’s station triggers fear of explosives and shutdown of nearby streets
By Miriam Raftery March 27, 2026 (Santee) – A staffer spotted a camouflage backpack near the front entrance of the Santee Sheriff station today at…
Saddle up: Border Patrol officers on horseback are coming to East County
East County News Service March 27, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — U.S. Border Patrol horse patrol units across the Southwest recently received 15 horses…
Sheriff not investigating 7 reported rapes at Otay Mesa detention center
By Wendy Fry and Nigel Duara, CalMatters Photo: a CoreCivic vehicle at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. (File photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)…
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