Columns
East County Magazine
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Advancing Healthy Communities
Destination East County
Earth Talk ®
East County Eater
From the Chief’s Corner
Media Watch
Archived Columns(Columnists no longer active.)
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CHEAPSKATE GUIDE – TIPS FOR SURVIVING HOLIDAYS IN HARD TIMES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 1, 2008 Holiday season can be a major budget-buster. Short of morphing into Ebenezeer Scrooge and avoiding gift-giving or merrymaking, how can you survive the
THE WILL POWER REPORT – A BLANKET PARDON?
Printer-friendly versionNothing but the Truth! By Will Power December 1, 2008 (San Diego) — When I was about five years old, my father was a US Air Force Officer. He
THE RENO REPORT – Good Luck, Chuck!
Printer-friendly versionAn Iowa native & SDSU Alum on the Firing of Chuck Long By Jamie Reno Exclusive for East County Magazine November 25, 2008 (San Diego) — The announcement this
SIMPLE WISDOM – NOVEMBER
Printer-friendly versionGratitude for Hard Times By Penelope Young Andrade LCSW Are you grateful for hard times? Although you may welcome reminders to be grateful, you probably don’t strive to be
THE ROLLING REVIEWER — A TRAIL FIT TO BE WHEELED
Printer-friendly versionBy Janelle Eckardt Dec. 1, 2008 (San Diego) — Native San Diegans are quick to admit that we enjoy arguably the best weather in the entire country – boasting
VINES AND STEINS – ORFILA VINEYARD & WINERY
Printer-friendly versionBy Richard Noel Orfila employee Dolores Castaneda pours a generous taste for Shari Zollo (right) of Vista, who enjoyed the festivities with Barbara Deuel and Drea Zollo Bush (both
THE CHEAPSKATE’S GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN EAST COUNTY – Hot Tots and Cool Kids
Printer-friendly versionResale Clothes & Toys for Children of All Ages By Miriam Raftery November 1, 2008 – In today’s cost-conscious times, parents are rediscovering the jobs of resale shopping. By
VOTER’S WATCHDOG – Be a Good Citizen: Vote!
Printer-friendly versionVOTER’S WATCHDOG – Be a Good Citizen: Vote! By Penelope Young Andrade, LCSW, guest columnist Are you ready to be a good citizen? Like many of us, you may
‘East of the Line’ debuts this week
Printer-friendly versionA new column by award-winning rural journalist Billie Jo Jannen makes its exclusive debut this week in East County Magazine. The column, dubbed East of the Line, will deal
East of the Line – 50 PERCENT OF MY SDG&E BILL IS SUPPOSED TO GO FOR INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE — SO WHAT AM I GETTING FOR MY MONEY?
Printer-friendly versionBy Billie Jo Jannen Once upon a time, our power in many parts east of the line, was provided by a cooperative formed, as many were in the wake
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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