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

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Photo of the week: Jacumba sunset

April 6, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Martin Eder sent in this photo, taken along Interstate 8 just west of Jacumba near the San Diego-Imperial…

SDSU hosts pow wow April 11

East County News Service March 6, 2026 (San Diego) — SDSU will host its 54th annual pow wow on Saturday, April 11 starting at 11…

SDSU hosts pow wow April 11

East County News Service March 6, 2026 (San Diego) — SDSU will host its 54th annual pow wow on Saturday, April 11 starting at 11…

ICE agents outside local school campuses raise concerns

Printer-friendly version By Alexander J. Schorr February 25, 2026 (San Diego) — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity has increased in surrounding school areas, which includes the occupying of parking lots,  monitoring of

New Moon fishing returns to Lake Jennings

Printer-friendly version East County News Service Jan. 3, 2025 (Lakeside) — San Diego County anglers should worm their way into their tackle boxes and grab their lanterns for one of

How Southeast San Diego reduced gun violence

Printer-friendly version   “We’re here to save lives.” – Cornelius Bowser, pastor at Charity Apostolic Church and the City of San Diego’s commissioner on gang prevention and intervention By Armando

Operation Masquerade: A Rent Beacham Mystery

Printer-friendly versionNovel by Larry M. Edwards Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 28, 2025 (San Diego) — Larry Edwards, a San Diego resident, has written another Rent Beacham mystery. San Diego

Hannah Shirley the pygmy hippo, turns 52

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Nov. 20, 2025 (Ramona) — San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrated the coming 52nd birthday of Hannah Shirley (photo, left, courtesy San

Photo of the Week: Beaver moon

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 9, 2025 (Mt. Helix) — Dawn Sebaugh snapped this picture of the “Beaver Moon” on November 5,   The November full moon was dubbed “Beaver

Oaks from Acorns Grow

Printer-friendly versionBook by Richard Opper Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 4, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego resident Richard G. Opper is releasing the last book in his Oakheart Trilogy,

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

Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin

Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh October 18, 2025 (San Diego) – National award-winning author Ha Jin, who became a U.S. citizen after the Tiananmen Square uprising. explores themes of rebellion

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

Oktoberfest brings cheer to La Mesa Vlilage

Printer-friendly version By Heidi Hope Miriam Raftery contributed to this report October 5, 2025 (La Mesa)—Oktoberfest continues through 8 p.m. tonight in La Mesa’s downtown village.  The three-day festival, which

Pretty Happy: healthy ways to love your body

Printer-friendly versionBook by Kate Hudson Review by Heidi Hope October 5, 2025 (San Diego) – Pretty Happy is a New York Times best-selling self-help book written by my favorite actress,

Got extra fruit in La Mesa? Donate it!

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 3, 2025 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa is partnering with ProduceGood to pick La Mesa residents’ trees, donate the fruit to

The Garden Goes Batty Oct. 18

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — Miss Smarty-Plants will bring a “batty” show to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Saturday, Oct.

Borrego Days Desert Festival October 18-19

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 3, 2025 (Borrego Springs, CA) — Borrego Springs hosts its annual Borrego Days Desert Festival on October 18 and 19. Saturday features a morning flyover

Destination East County: October outings

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — October brings Oktoberfest celebrations in La Mesa and El Cajon and Borrego Days in the desert, as

Adams Avenue Street Fair is this weekend

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Sept. 18, 2025 (San Diego) — The free two-day Adams Avenue Street Fair, considered San Diego’s favorite music festival, and attended by more than 50,000 people

HauntFest Headed to El Cajon in October

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   Sept. 18, 2025 (El Cajon) — Spooky fun is coming to downtown El Cajon with the annual HauntFest in October.   The community-centered event

September events in the Anza-Borrego Desert

Printer-friendly version Photo of people checking out the Anza Borrego Desert courtesy Anza Borrego Foundation   East County News Service   Sept. 10, 2025 (Borrego Springs) — It’s September —

Blood in the Water: an A.J. Hawke legal thriller

Printer-friendly versionNovel by Donald McInnis  Reviewed by Pennell Paugh   September 4, 2025 (San Diego) —Blood in the Water, though fictional, exposes a flaw in the United States’ tripartite federal government structure as

Jacumba Bathhouse Bazaar Coming Sept. 6

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Aug. 28, 2025 (Jacumba) — The next first Saturday will once again be an evening for visitors and locals to shop, eat, drink and soak

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

Clothing Swap Coming to La Mesa Sept. 6

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Services   Aug. 26, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local environmental-focused nonprofit I Love A Clean San Diego is hosting a clothing swap at the La Mesa

Stylish fundraising

Printer-friendly version   The fashion show enriches lives of disabled students from St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center   By Heidi Hope Photos by Heidi Hope and Miriam Raftery   August 7,

Never Forget: 9/11 memorial walk in Lakeside

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 17, 2025 (Lakeside) – The Maine Avenue Revitalization Association in Lakeside will hold its sixth annual “Never Forget” memorial walk to commemorate the September

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

Integrating Nutrition into Mental Health Care

Printer-friendly versionBook by Ruth Leyse Wallace, PhD Reviewed by Pennell Paugh August 8, 2025 (San Diego) – Long-time resident of San Diego, Dr. Ruth Leyse Wallace, recently released her fourth

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

Destination East County: midsummer fun

Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – As the weather heats up,  late July has many cool events including visits to the new Camel

A Lavender and Camel Oasis in Ramona

Printer-friendly versionBy Mimi Pollack July 4, 2025 (Ramona) —  A nice place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of San Diego and escape to the countryside is Ramona, especially

McCann Concedes; Aguirre Wins Supervisor Seat

Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery July 2, 2025 (San Diego) – Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre has declared victory in the 1st Supervisorial district special election, after her opponent, Chula

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: RACCOONS IN SAN CARLOS

Printer-friendly version June 30, 2025 (San Diego) – Diana Rozenshteyn snapped this photos of masked intruders– a raccoon family– in the backyard of her San Carlos home near Cowles Mountain. 

LAKESIDE FIRE PANCAKE BREAKFAST JUNE 28

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Services June 27, 2025 (Lakeside) — The Lakeside Firefighters are hosting a $5 pancake breakfast on Saturday, June 28 at Lakeside Fire Station 2. The breakfast

INTERVIEW WITH CAL FIRE CAPTAIN ON MONTE FIRE

Printer-friendly versionJune 22, 2025 (Lakeside) — Cal Fire Captain Robert Johnson discusses firefighting efforts in the Monte Fire in Lakeside, during an interview yesterday with Shiloh Ireland.   View video.   At

FARM TOUR DAY RETURNS JUNE 28

Printer-friendly versionExplore San Diego Agriculture with Local Farmers  East County News Service June 10, 2025 (Escondido) — The San Diego County Farm Bureau is bringing back Farming Tour Day, starting

LATINOS EN ACCION HELPING THEIR COMMUNITY

Printer-friendly versionFrom left to right: Mairene Branham, Violeta Lombrera and Eva Pacheco. (Photo by Mimi Pollack) By Mimi Pollack  June 8, 2025 (El Cajon) — Latinos en Acción, a group in

PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER IN LA MESA

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   June 6, 2025 (La Mesa) — Heartland Firefighters of La Mesa will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser and emergency preparedness training on Sunday, June

SYCUAN BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT COMING JUNE 4

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   June 2, 2025 (El Cajon) The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation is hosting its 34th annual Sycuan Cup Golf Tournament this Wednesday morning, June

Our guide to San Diego’s Desert Destinations

Printer-friendly version By Karen Pearlman The Anza-Borrego Desert in inland San Diego County is captivating with its beauty and expansiveness, humbling and powerful in its quietness. A landscape of extremes

Sweets and treats in East County

Printer-friendly versionOur guide to delicious desserts in San Diego’s inland region San Diego’s East County has many options to satisfy your sweet tooth, thanks to our diverse population and rich

LEMON GROVE HOSTS EGGSTRAVAGANZA APRIL 19

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 8, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove invites you to hop on over to the Lemon Grove Recreation Center at 3131 School Lane, Lemon

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: PLAYING POSSUM

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 4, 2025 (La Mesa) – Cailin Acosta spotted these playful opossums on the fence in her La Mesa yard.   “I was super excited,

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: TREED!

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 28, 2025 (San Carlos) – San Carlos resident and ECM reporter Karen Pearlman snapped this photo of a pair of raccoons chased up a

REVIEW: PIRATES OF PENZANCE AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE

Printer-friendly versionPrepare for a rollicking good time in Gilbert and Sullivan’s uproarious comic opera, brimming with endearing pirates, bumbling policemen, zany escapades, and delightfully ridiculous paradoxes.   By G. A.

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: AWESOME APRIL EVENTS

Printer-friendly versionMarch 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s springtime in East County—the season for flower festivals, Easter egg hunts, Lakeside’s rodeo and Western Days Parade, outdoor roller skating

SUMERLAND: A HAUNTNG NOVEL SET IN SAN DIEGO

Printer-friendly version Novel by M. Lee Buompensiero Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 6, 2025 (San Diego) — Long-time San Diego resident, M. Lee Buompensiero has released an award-winning novel, Sumerland.

BORREGO HOME AND GARDEN TOUR MARCH 15

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 2, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association invites you to the 2025 Borrego Home and Garden Tour on Saturday,

NATURE DAY ON MT. HELIX MARCH 15

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 1, 2025 (Mt. Helix) —  Mt. Helix Park invites you to Nature Day atop Mt. Helix on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: MERRY MARCH EVENTS

Printer-friendly version   By Miriam Raftery February 27, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – March brings some merry events including farm tours, a stargazing party, live music concerts, a Spring

COUNTY BREAKS GROUND ON NEW CASA DE ORO LIBRARY

Printer-friendly version By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office   Video by James Kecskes   February 20, 2025 (Spring Valley) – County officials and community members broke ground Wednesday on

JAMUL’S HAPPY PLACE FOR ANIMAL LOVERS

Printer-friendly versionRanch offers petting zoo, summer camp and Airbnb experiences By Mimi Pollack   Photo:  baby goats named Daisy Duke and Billy the Kid   February 18, 2025 (Jamul) — With his

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: FEBRUARY FESTIVITIES

Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery February 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – February brings some favorite festivities and fun-filled events including a Judy Collins Concert in El Cajon, a

FIND PUPPY LOVE AT FIDO FEST FEB. 22

Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 29, 2025 (Santee) – Bring your dog for fun times at Fido Fest, or adopt a furry companion from rescue groups.  The city

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: BORDER 2 FIRE

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 28, 2025 (Jamul) — Robert Hobbs sent in these images of the Border 2 Fire, which burned over 6,500 acres after starting on Otay

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JANUARY EVENTS

Printer-friendly version By Jonathan Goetz January 9, 2024 (El Cajon) – January happenings include a film festival in Borrego Springs—ideal if you like the desert without the heat—as well as

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: PALISIDES FIRE IN LOS ANGELES

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 8, 2025 (Los Angeles) – No, that’s not a tornado or mother ship descending.   Henri Migala snapped this apocalyptic image of the Palisades Fire

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: BOBCAT ON THE PROWL

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   January 6, 2025 (Deerhorn Valley) – Jordan Valladares snapped this close-up portrait of a bobcat near his home on Deerhorn Valley Road south of

LESSONS FROM THE MAGIC HORSE

Printer-friendly version By Olivia Barnard December 10, 2024 (Lakeside) — I first met Robin Pawl and her horses Shelby, Indy, Ka Lio, and Phoenix on a Saturday afternoon. The faded

ANGRY PETE’S EXITS SANTEE LAKES

Printer-friendly version By Mike Allen December 6, 2024 (Santee) –Another concession vendor bites the dust at Santee Lakes No. 4. Angry Pete’s exercised its option not to renew its lease

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: 2024 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 29, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – There’s a dazzling array of holiday events coming up across our inland region–including synchronized light shows at

CHARIOT CANYON: A RENT BEACHAM MYSTERY

Printer-friendly version Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 25, 2024 (San Diego) — Award-winning San Diego author Larry M. Edwards involves investigative journalist Rent Beacham in another mystery. In Chariot Canyon,

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: CONTROLLED BURN IN CAMPO

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service   November 24, 2024 (Campo) – Eileen Martinez of Boulevard took these photos of controlled burn conducted by Cal Fire in the Cal Fire area

SNOW DAY AT LINDO LAKES DECEMBER 6

Printer-friendly version   By Miriam Raftery November 20, 2024 (Lakeside) — Even sunny San Diego can get snow with the assistance of modern technology. You’re invited to Snow Day at

LAKESIDE ARTIST WINS BEST OF THEME AWARD

Printer-friendly versionSource:  San Diego Watercolor Society Photo:  “Got My Eye On You” by Dottie Thompson.  Watercolor, 18 x 24”.  Image courtesy of San Diego Watercolor Society November 19, 2024 (Lakeside) – Dottie

EAST COUNTY CHAMBER HAS AN ARRAY OF EVENTS COMING UP

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 27,2024 (San Diego’s East County) –The East County Regional Chamber of Commerce has several events coming up including First Friday breakfasts, business after hours

EAST COUNTY CHAMBER HAS AN ARRAY OF EVENTS COMING UP

Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 27,2024 (San Diego’s East County) –The East County Regional Chamber of Commerce has several events coming up including First Friday breakfasts, business after hours

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: MT. HELIX SUNSET

Printer-friendly versionOctober 27, 2024 (Mt. Helix) — Karen Pearlman stopped atop Mt. Helix with her dog, Charlie, last weekend and captured some stunning sunset shots.          

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: MT. HELIX SUNSET

Printer-friendly versionOctober 27, 2024 (Mt. Helix) — Karen Pearlman stopped atop Mt. Helix with her dog, Charlie, last weekend and captured some stunning sunset shots.          

HEALER: A NOVEL WITH TIMELESS TWISTS

Printer-friendly version Book by Alex A. Kecskes   Reviewed by Pennell Paugh   October 16, 2024 (San Diego) — Alex A. Kecskes, a San Diego resident, has written a debut

HEALER: A NOVEL WITH TIMELESS TWISTS

Printer-friendly version Book by Alex A. Kecskes   Reviewed by Pennell Paugh   October 16, 2024 (San Diego) — Alex A. Kecskes, a San Diego resident, has written a debut

HEALER: A NOVEL WITH TIMELESS TWISTS

Printer-friendly version Book by Alex A. Kecskes   Reviewed by Pennell Paugh   October 16, 2024 (San Diego) — Alex A. Kecskes, a San Diego resident, has written a debut