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East County Magazine
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Advancing Healthy Communities
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Earth Talk ®
East County Eater
From the Chief’s Corner
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KANSAS REPORTER SUES MARION POLICE CHIEF, ALLEGING RETALIATION IN NEWSROOM RAID
Printer-friendly version by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector Photo, August 11, surveilance photo of the raid (Courtesy Marion County Record) August 31, 2023 (Topeka, Kansas) — Police Chief Gideon Cody arrived
CHIEF’S CORNER: AUGUST IS YOUR WELLNESS MONTH
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna August 24, 2023 (San Diego) — This August celebrates National Wellness Month. This month focuses on self-care, stress management, and creating healthy routines. If

FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: SUMMER HEAT AND POWER OUTAGES
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna August 24, 2023 (San Diego) – Summer heat can interfere with our power supply in many ways. Hot weather can drive up energy

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: SUMMER’S END CELEBRATIONS AND EARLY AUTUMN ATTRACTIONS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery August 14, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) — As summer draws to a close and autumn fast approaches, some of East County’s most anticipated events of

POLICE RAID KANSAS NEWSPAPER, RAISING FREEDOM OF PRESS CONCERNS
Printer-friendly versionReporter injured, newspaper co-owner dies next day Story and photos by Jonathan Goetz August 14, 2023 (Marion, Kansas) – Seven police and sheriff’s officers in Kansas on Friday raided
CHIEF’S CORNER: SUMMER HEAT AND POWER OUTAGES
Printer-friendly version By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna August 12, 2023 (San Diego) – Summer heat can interfere with our power supply in many ways. Hot weather can drive up energy

ADVANCING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES: DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION WARNS OF EMERGING DRUG THREAT: XYLAZINE ZOMBIES
Printer-friendly versionDrug can cause rotting skin, amputations By David R. Shorey, East County Program Manager, Institute for Public Strategies August 2023 (San Diego’s East County) –Fentanyl is the deadliest drug

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: HOT AUGUST NIGHTS AND STAR-STUDDED SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Printer-friendly versionJuly 31, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) — August and September events coming up in San Diego’s East County will give you plenty to howl about – including tours
KALI’S GARDEN CAFÉ & JUICE BAR: HEALTHY, TASTY VEGAN CUISINE IN JULIAN
Printer-friendly versionAn East County Eater review for East County Magazine By Henri Migala Photos by Miriam Raftery July 25, 2023 (Julian) – If you live in San Diego, you have

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: SIZZLING SUMMERTIME FESTIVITES
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 22, 2023 (San DIego’s East County) — As late July sizzles into hot August nights, there are some hot happenings coming up across San
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CLICK TO READ ALL CURRENT AND PAST COLUMNS BY THESE COLUMNISTS:
Scroll down to see the most recent column entries by all columnists, or click your favorite columnist’s link below to see all current and past columns.
Advancing Healthy Communities
Destination East County
Earth Talk ®
East County Eater
From the Chief’s Corner
Media Watch
Archived Columns(Columnists no longer active.)
Scroll down to see the most recent column entries by all columnists, or click your favorite columnist’s link above to see all current and past columns.

From the Fire Chief’s Corner: November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna November 17, 2025 (San Diego) — November is the time to spotlight early detection, community support, and lifesaving education. Local leaders and national

East County Eater: Fresheria, a new La Mesa eatery, offers delicious healthy foods
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: cauliflower ceviche November 16, 2026 (La Mesa) – If you’re looking to eat healthy and savor a wide array of delicious options, you’ll

Advancing Healthy Communities: From conflict to connection: Trauma-informed dialogue in a time of unrest
Printer-friendly versionBy Venture Griswold, Institute for Public Strategies Photo: “Kitchen Table Conversation” by Peter Alfred Hess is licensed under CC BY 2.0. November 4, 2025 (San Diego) — If the world feels heavy to

From the Fire Chief’s Corner: Let’s “move it” this November
Printer-friendly versionGrowing Conversations, Saving Lives By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna October 24, 2025 (San Diego) – Each November, a global movement takes root, one mustache at a time. Movember isn’t just

Shawn Dixon named president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (San Diego) — Shawn Dixon has been named the new president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Advancing Healthy Communities: 2025 substance use and overdose report card released
Printer-friendly versionSan Diego County sees progress in overdose prevention, but challenges remain By Seraphina Eberhardt Photo: District Attorney Summer Stephan, standing with other county officials, speaks at a press conference recognizing

Destination East County: Notable November Events
Printer-friendly version October 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – November brings numerous noteworthy events to East County, including the Ramona Art and Wine Festival, an Antique and Craft Fair

Media Watch: Free speech groups denounce deportation of Emmy-award winning journalist for live-streaming ICE raids and protests
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 5, 2025 (Atlanta, GA) – In an action that has drawn condemnation from journalism and civil liberties organizations, the Department of Homeland Security on Friday
Chief’s Corner: Charge into Safety National Fire Prevention Week Oct 6th
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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
Columns
East County Magazine
CLICK TO READ ALL CURRENT AND PAST COLUMNS BY THESE COLUMNISTS:
Scroll down to see the most recent column entries by all columnists, or click your favorite columnist’s link below to see all current and past columns.
Advancing Healthy Communities
Destination East County
Earth Talk ®
East County Eater
From the Chief’s Corner
Media Watch
Archived Columns(Columnists no longer active.)

Lemon Grove Forward Club announces annual Sock Drive for November
Printer-friendly versionSource: Lemon Grove Forward Club November 4, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Forward Club is kicking off its annual sock drive, “Socktober,” a tradition that has made a