Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

Award-winning nonprofit media in the public interest, serving San Diego's inland region

Supervisors OK updating ordinance for amplified music at boutique wineries

Printer-friendly versionGrapes at Sierra Roble Winery in Warner Springs Photo and story by Karen Pearlman Feb. 11, 2026 (San Diego County) — The silence will at last be broken at some of East County’s smallest vineyards. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday voted unanimously to amend the County Zoning Ordinance, allowing amplified live music at boutique wineries. The decision

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Trump administration’s new version of food pyramid draws criticism from health experts on fats and alcohol, praise for advice to “eat real foods” and avoid processed products

Printer-friendly versionBy G. A. McNeeley February 6, 2026 (Washington D.C.) — Health and Human Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last month announced new dietary guidelines for Americans that are focused on promoting whole foods, proteins and healthy fats, according to NPR.  Health and nutrition experts have praised portions of the new guidelines, but sharply criticized other changes as lacking a scientific

Read More ...

County Supervisors to decide on amplified music for boutique wineries

Printer-friendly versionPhoto by Miriam Raftery By Karen Pearlman Feb. 4, 2026 (San Diego County) – For the winemakers of East County, the sound of progress has long been a quiet one. Under current San Diego County laws, the region’s smallest “boutique” wineries — the family-run operations that make up an important part of the local agriculture scene — have been

Read More ...

A sweet and Grand (Avenue) time in Escondido with the Chocolate Festival

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Escondido) – Wrappers will crinkle and corks will pop next month along Grand Avenue in Escondido. The Escondido Chocolate Festival is set for Feb 7, turning the city’s historic downtown into a literal moveable feast for those with a sweet tooth, a penchant for chocolate pairings and an appreciation for local flair. Hosted by

Read More ...

Cans of tuna recalled due to botulism sent to major retailers including California

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Cans of Genova yellowfin tuna that were recalled due to potentially fatal botulism were inadvertently shipped to stores by a distributor, including Safeway, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions in California. An earlier recall included some sold under the Trader Joe’s label in California.   The U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Read More ...

Fires damage two popular restaurants, Panda Machi in Alpine and The Junction in El Cajon

Printer-friendly versionFundraisers launched to help owners and employees at both restaurants By Miriam Raftery Photos courtesy of Lakeside Fire and Heartland Fire & Rescue Updated January 17 with information on Panda Machi fundraiser January 14, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – A pair of two-alarm fires in the past 24 hours have heavily damaged two local restaurant, Panda Machi Sushi

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Buon appetite! New Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia in La Mesa offers artful and delicious dining experiences

Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope  December 2, 2025 (La Mesa) – Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia, a new pizza restaurant in La Mesa, evokes Italian ambience from delicious food to images of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel paintings on the ceiling.   As a huge pizza enthusiast, I appreciated the variety of pizzas on their menu.  I savored the  Mamma Mia Signature, consisting

Read More ...

Holiday season safety tips & reminders from the California Fire Foundation and PSA program

Printer-friendly versionSource: California Fire Foundation November 29, 2025 (San Diego) – The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. As families across California prepare for festive celebrations, it’s essential to prioritize safety—especially in a state prone to wildfires. Here are some key holiday safety tips from the California Fire Foundation:   1. Kitchen Safety The kitchen

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It’s Thanksgiving, take our annual cook-safely quiz!

Printer-friendly versionBy Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office Image credit:  Shutterstock November 24, 2025 (San Diego) – Thanksgiving! For home chefs, it’s the Oscars, the Super Bowl, the biggest, feast-i-est day of the year. And the quickest way to ruin the occasion would be to serve your family and friends heaping platefuls of something that could make them

Read More ...

USDA Secretary Says SNAP Recipients Will Have To Reapply For Benefits

Printer-friendly version  Additionally, President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” provisions could kick millions out of the program    By G. A. McNeeley  November 20 2025 (Washington D.C.) — After disruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits due to the federal shutdown, recipients have been anticipating getting benefits restored now that the shutdown has ended. But U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Pack the Pantry food drive raises over 30,000 meals for local community college students

Printer-friendly versionSource:  Cal Coast Credit Union  November 18, 2025 (San Diego) –  – Food pantries on local community college campuses are about to get a big boost just on time for the upcoming holidays, and to help make up for expected federal food aid cutbacks. The 7th annual Pack the Pantry virtual food drive raised $16,819 in the month of October, which will

Read More ...

Supreme Court halts federal government SNAP payments; Trump orders states to return those payments

Printer-friendly versionBy G. A. McNeeley    November 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — The Trump Administration is escalating its legal battle over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), demanding that states immediately “undo” full SNAP benefit payments that were distributed, following last week’s court orders, according to Newsweek.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a memo on Saturday, November

Read More ...

November CalFresh/SNAP benefits being delivered to local beneficiaries

Printer-friendly version Thanks to San Diego County and State actions   East County News Service   Nov. 7, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego CalFresh/SNAP beneficiaries are starting to see their full November benefits loaded on to their EBT cards.   CalFresh is the federal food assistance program also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also commonly referred

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Thousands of San Diegans receive emergency food assistance at Snapdragon Stadium amid federal shutdown

Printer-friendly versionThe Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank partners with the State of California, City of San Diego, and San Diego State University to provide relief for CalFresh recipients impacted by the federal benefit pause.   East County News Service   November 3, 2025 (San Diego) — In a powerful show of community partnership and coordination, the Jacobs & Cushman San

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Tour de Tapas starts lunch service in downtown La Mesa

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Oct. 24, 2025 (La Mesa) — Lunch service has begun at one of downtown La Mesa’s newest eating establishments.   Tour de Tapas, which opened last December with dinner service only, is now featuring its “Euro Small Plates & Sips” in La Mesa Village at lunch.   Dinner service is available 4 to 10

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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

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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

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13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival set for Nov. 1

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Oct. 15, 2025  (Ramona) — The 13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival is heading to the Begent Ranch in Ramona on Saturday, Nov. 1.     The popular event, set from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the ranch at 18528 Highland Valley Road, will include wines and craft beverage tastings, all-day live

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Chili Cookoff Nov. 8 to benefit Circle TLC Ranch

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 12, 2025 (Lakeside) — Circle TLC Ranch-Equine Therapy is holding its 14th annual chili cookoff in November. Dubbing itself “the best chili cook off in East County,” leaders of the group say they are currently seeking chili cookers for the event, which costs $25 as a donation to enter a chili to contend. The

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Diet tea recalled for containing sugar, posing danger to diabetics

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 7, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Over 2,854 cases of Lipton Green Tea Citrus made by PepsiCo have been recalled because they actually contain mislabeled bottles of Lipton Green Tea Mixed Berry. The berry flavor is supposed to contain zero sugar, but these  drink bottles labeled “Diet” in the mixed berry flavor contain 25 grams

Read More ...

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

Read More ...

Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure by Dave Grunenwald

Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh September 28, 2025 (San Diego) – Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure is a children’s book for 5- to 10-year-olds. It is designed to inspire children and their families to volunteer in community programs that help those in need. In the book, two friends and a grandparent visit a group that make and deliver sandwiches. Next,

Read More ...

East County Eater: Happy Hour at Casa Gabriela features authentic Mexican cuisine, elevated

Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Photo, left: mural of talented chef Gabriela “Gaby” Lopez September 20, 2025 (La Mesa) – Casa Gabriela in the La Mesa Village has a first-rate, affordable Happy Hour that features unique, scrumptious food  full of flavor, and a list of drink specials including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties. The food is not just delicious, it’s presented

Read More ...

Hunger in San Diego: Closer Than You Think

Printer-friendly versionBy Casey Castillo, CEO, San Diego Food Bank August 26, 2025 (San Diego) – When people think of hunger, they often imagine faraway places or extreme poverty. But hunger is a very real issue right here in San Diego County. It’s in our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces affecting families, seniors, military households, and children in every ZIP code. This September,

Read More ...

Our guide to the Ramona Wine Region

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Overview Nestled in the foothills of San Diego’s East County, The Ramona region is nationally recognized as an American Viticultural Region (AVA). You can savor wines at over 40 tasting rooms.   Ramona is also home to a historic downtown district with shopping, galleries and restaurants, a western museum, a camel dairy, a paint ball range,

Read More ...

‘Bring home the bacon’ for rescued pigs

Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Karen Pearlman   Aug. 15, 2025 (Guatay) – Horses of Tir Na Nog is going hog wild with its latest event.   The nonprofit equine rescue group, which also rescues other animals, is hosting a fundraiser, “Wine for Swine,” to support its pig rescue efforts.   The Aug. 23 event (for those 21 and older)

Read More ...

Our East County Dining Club invites you to Zest Wine Bistro August 21

Printer-friendly version We still have room for a few more at tonight’s wonderful event! You’re invited to our East County Dining Club special event at Zest Wine Bistro in Lemon Grove on Thursday, August 21 at 6:30  p.m. 20% of dinner proceeds and100% of raffle proceeds will benefit East County Magazine’s reporting and wildfire alerts. Savor gourmet charcuterie served family-style

Read More ...

Julian Mountain Brewfest set for Aug. 23

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service July 24, 2025 (Julian) – The Julian Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the Julian Mountain Brewfest at Nickel Beer Company at 1485 Hollow Glen Road from noon to 4 p.m.,  Saturday, Aug. 23. A $25 ticket includes eight tastings, a commemorative cup and live music by the Sun Valley String Band. For

Read More ...

Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival Aug. 16 features Gatsby theme

Printer-friendly version   By Karen Pearlman  Miriam  Raftery also contributed to this report Last year’s Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival event was a  hit. (Photo courtesy Mt. Helix Park Foundation)   July 24, 2025 (La Mesa) – A privately owned “public” park and nature preserve with an outdoor ampitheater toward the top, East County is fortunate Mount

Read More ...

Search by Specific Date

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Supervisors OK updating ordinance for amplified music at boutique wineries

Printer-friendly versionGrapes at Sierra Roble Winery in Warner Springs Photo and story by Karen Pearlman Feb. 11, 2026 (San Diego County) — The silence will at last be broken at some of East County’s smallest vineyards. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday voted unanimously to amend the County Zoning Ordinance, allowing amplified live music at boutique wineries. The decision

Read More ...

Trump administration’s new version of food pyramid draws criticism from health experts on fats and alcohol, praise for advice to “eat real foods” and avoid processed products

Printer-friendly versionBy G. A. McNeeley February 6, 2026 (Washington D.C.) — Health and Human Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last month announced new dietary guidelines for Americans that are focused on promoting whole foods, proteins and healthy fats, according to NPR.  Health and nutrition experts have praised portions of the new guidelines, but sharply criticized other changes as lacking a scientific

Read More ...

County Supervisors to decide on amplified music for boutique wineries

Printer-friendly versionPhoto by Miriam Raftery By Karen Pearlman Feb. 4, 2026 (San Diego County) – For the winemakers of East County, the sound of progress has long been a quiet one. Under current San Diego County laws, the region’s smallest “boutique” wineries — the family-run operations that make up an important part of the local agriculture scene — have been

Read More ...

A sweet and Grand (Avenue) time in Escondido with the Chocolate Festival

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Escondido) – Wrappers will crinkle and corks will pop next month along Grand Avenue in Escondido. The Escondido Chocolate Festival is set for Feb 7, turning the city’s historic downtown into a literal moveable feast for those with a sweet tooth, a penchant for chocolate pairings and an appreciation for local flair. Hosted by

Read More ...

Cans of tuna recalled due to botulism sent to major retailers including California

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 20, 2026 (San Diego) – Cans of Genova yellowfin tuna that were recalled due to potentially fatal botulism were inadvertently shipped to stores by a distributor, including Safeway, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions in California. An earlier recall included some sold under the Trader Joe’s label in California.   The U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Read More ...

Fires damage two popular restaurants, Panda Machi in Alpine and The Junction in El Cajon

Printer-friendly versionFundraisers launched to help owners and employees at both restaurants By Miriam Raftery Photos courtesy of Lakeside Fire and Heartland Fire & Rescue Updated January 17 with information on Panda Machi fundraiser January 14, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – A pair of two-alarm fires in the past 24 hours have heavily damaged two local restaurant, Panda Machi Sushi

Read More ...

Buon appetite! New Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia in La Mesa offers artful and delicious dining experiences

Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope  December 2, 2025 (La Mesa) – Gino & Gianni’s Pizzeria by Mamma Mia, a new pizza restaurant in La Mesa, evokes Italian ambience from delicious food to images of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel paintings on the ceiling.   As a huge pizza enthusiast, I appreciated the variety of pizzas on their menu.  I savored the  Mamma Mia Signature, consisting

Read More ...

Holiday season safety tips & reminders from the California Fire Foundation and PSA program

Printer-friendly versionSource: California Fire Foundation November 29, 2025 (San Diego) – The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. As families across California prepare for festive celebrations, it’s essential to prioritize safety—especially in a state prone to wildfires. Here are some key holiday safety tips from the California Fire Foundation:   1. Kitchen Safety The kitchen

Read More ...

It’s Thanksgiving, take our annual cook-safely quiz!

Printer-friendly versionBy Gig Conaughton, County of San Diego Communications Office Image credit:  Shutterstock November 24, 2025 (San Diego) – Thanksgiving! For home chefs, it’s the Oscars, the Super Bowl, the biggest, feast-i-est day of the year. And the quickest way to ruin the occasion would be to serve your family and friends heaping platefuls of something that could make them

Read More ...

USDA Secretary Says SNAP Recipients Will Have To Reapply For Benefits

Printer-friendly version  Additionally, President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” provisions could kick millions out of the program    By G. A. McNeeley  November 20 2025 (Washington D.C.) — After disruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits due to the federal shutdown, recipients have been anticipating getting benefits restored now that the shutdown has ended. But U.S. Department of Agriculture

Read More ...

Pack the Pantry food drive raises over 30,000 meals for local community college students

Printer-friendly versionSource:  Cal Coast Credit Union  November 18, 2025 (San Diego) –  – Food pantries on local community college campuses are about to get a big boost just on time for the upcoming holidays, and to help make up for expected federal food aid cutbacks. The 7th annual Pack the Pantry virtual food drive raised $16,819 in the month of October, which will

Read More ...

Supreme Court halts federal government SNAP payments; Trump orders states to return those payments

Printer-friendly versionBy G. A. McNeeley    November 10, 2025 (Washington D.C.) — The Trump Administration is escalating its legal battle over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), demanding that states immediately “undo” full SNAP benefit payments that were distributed, following last week’s court orders, according to Newsweek.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a memo on Saturday, November

Read More ...

November CalFresh/SNAP benefits being delivered to local beneficiaries

Printer-friendly version Thanks to San Diego County and State actions   East County News Service   Nov. 7, 2025 (San Diego County) — San Diego CalFresh/SNAP beneficiaries are starting to see their full November benefits loaded on to their EBT cards.   CalFresh is the federal food assistance program also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also commonly referred

Read More ...

Thousands of San Diegans receive emergency food assistance at Snapdragon Stadium amid federal shutdown

Printer-friendly versionThe Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank partners with the State of California, City of San Diego, and San Diego State University to provide relief for CalFresh recipients impacted by the federal benefit pause.   East County News Service   November 3, 2025 (San Diego) — In a powerful show of community partnership and coordination, the Jacobs & Cushman San

Read More ...

Tour de Tapas starts lunch service in downtown La Mesa

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Oct. 24, 2025 (La Mesa) — Lunch service has begun at one of downtown La Mesa’s newest eating establishments.   Tour de Tapas, which opened last December with dinner service only, is now featuring its “Euro Small Plates & Sips” in La Mesa Village at lunch.   Dinner service is available 4 to 10

Read More ...

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

Read More ...

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

Read More ...

13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival set for Nov. 1

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Oct. 15, 2025  (Ramona) — The 13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival is heading to the Begent Ranch in Ramona on Saturday, Nov. 1.     The popular event, set from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the ranch at 18528 Highland Valley Road, will include wines and craft beverage tastings, all-day live

Read More ...

Chili Cookoff Nov. 8 to benefit Circle TLC Ranch

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 12, 2025 (Lakeside) — Circle TLC Ranch-Equine Therapy is holding its 14th annual chili cookoff in November. Dubbing itself “the best chili cook off in East County,” leaders of the group say they are currently seeking chili cookers for the event, which costs $25 as a donation to enter a chili to contend. The

Read More ...

Diet tea recalled for containing sugar, posing danger to diabetics

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 7, 2025 (Washington D.C.) – Over 2,854 cases of Lipton Green Tea Citrus made by PepsiCo have been recalled because they actually contain mislabeled bottles of Lipton Green Tea Mixed Berry. The berry flavor is supposed to contain zero sugar, but these  drink bottles labeled “Diet” in the mixed berry flavor contain 25 grams

Read More ...

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

Read More ...

Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure by Dave Grunenwald

Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh September 28, 2025 (San Diego) – Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure is a children’s book for 5- to 10-year-olds. It is designed to inspire children and their families to volunteer in community programs that help those in need. In the book, two friends and a grandparent visit a group that make and deliver sandwiches. Next,

Read More ...

East County Eater: Happy Hour at Casa Gabriela features authentic Mexican cuisine, elevated

Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow Photo, left: mural of talented chef Gabriela “Gaby” Lopez September 20, 2025 (La Mesa) – Casa Gabriela in the La Mesa Village has a first-rate, affordable Happy Hour that features unique, scrumptious food  full of flavor, and a list of drink specials including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties. The food is not just delicious, it’s presented

Read More ...

Hunger in San Diego: Closer Than You Think

Printer-friendly versionBy Casey Castillo, CEO, San Diego Food Bank August 26, 2025 (San Diego) – When people think of hunger, they often imagine faraway places or extreme poverty. But hunger is a very real issue right here in San Diego County. It’s in our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces affecting families, seniors, military households, and children in every ZIP code. This September,

Read More ...

Our guide to the Ramona Wine Region

Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Overview Nestled in the foothills of San Diego’s East County, The Ramona region is nationally recognized as an American Viticultural Region (AVA). You can savor wines at over 40 tasting rooms.   Ramona is also home to a historic downtown district with shopping, galleries and restaurants, a western museum, a camel dairy, a paint ball range,

Read More ...

‘Bring home the bacon’ for rescued pigs

Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Karen Pearlman   Aug. 15, 2025 (Guatay) – Horses of Tir Na Nog is going hog wild with its latest event.   The nonprofit equine rescue group, which also rescues other animals, is hosting a fundraiser, “Wine for Swine,” to support its pig rescue efforts.   The Aug. 23 event (for those 21 and older)

Read More ...

Our East County Dining Club invites you to Zest Wine Bistro August 21

Printer-friendly version We still have room for a few more at tonight’s wonderful event! You’re invited to our East County Dining Club special event at Zest Wine Bistro in Lemon Grove on Thursday, August 21 at 6:30  p.m. 20% of dinner proceeds and100% of raffle proceeds will benefit East County Magazine’s reporting and wildfire alerts. Savor gourmet charcuterie served family-style

Read More ...

Julian Mountain Brewfest set for Aug. 23

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service July 24, 2025 (Julian) – The Julian Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the Julian Mountain Brewfest at Nickel Beer Company at 1485 Hollow Glen Road from noon to 4 p.m.,  Saturday, Aug. 23. A $25 ticket includes eight tastings, a commemorative cup and live music by the Sun Valley String Band. For

Read More ...

Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival Aug. 16 features Gatsby theme

Printer-friendly version   By Karen Pearlman  Miriam  Raftery also contributed to this report Last year’s Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival event was a  hit. (Photo courtesy Mt. Helix Park Foundation)   July 24, 2025 (La Mesa) – A privately owned “public” park and nature preserve with an outdoor ampitheater toward the top, East County is fortunate Mount

Read More ...

Search by Specific Date

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.