East County Magazine
East County Chamber honors leaders, organizations at 114th annual soiree
Printer-friendly versionSycuan Casino Resort hosted the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce’s 114th annual East County Honors Awards Gala over the weekend. Photos and story by Karen Pearlman March 2, 2026 (El Cajon) — More than 400 business and nonprofit leaders, community advocates and public officials gathered at Sycuan Casino Resort last Saturday for the 114th Annual East County
Lakeside welcomes December with two-part holiday cheer
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Nov. 25, 2025 (Lakeside) — The heart of cozy Lakeside will transform into a hub of festive activity next month, anchored by two of its warmest community traditions: the annual “Spirit of Christmas” celebration and the return of the popular “Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Resale Shoppe.” Sponsored by the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, the Spirit
Tight budget? Check out clothing options at Goodwill
Printer-friendly version“Thrifting is a treasure hunt. You never know what you’ll find.” – Darlene Cossio, Goodwill Director of Marketing and Communications in La Mesa By Heidi Hope November 20, 2025 (La Mesa) – In today’s tight economy, with many people struggling financially, one of the best ways to stretch your dollars is by shopping at thrift stores. At Goodwill, you
Sara’s Selections: Mother-daughter duo strives for sustainability and women’s empowerment through fashion
Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope November 20, 2025 (La Mesa) — The front window at Sara’s Selections in La Mesa proclaims ,”There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” The clothing boutique is filled with floral motifs, feminine touches and empowering quotes for women. The store sells chic Bohemian- styled fashions with a modern touch on classic pieces.
ACT II provides budget-friendly and stylish women’s fashions
Printer-friendly version By Heidi Hope November 18, 2025 (La Mesa)– For 43 years, Act II has been a thriving and successful boutique offering women’s resale fashion in La Mesa’s downtown village. It is a trendy store started from a family business in 1982 by Dolores Buller and her daughter Deanne Ross, who still owns the store. Act II focuses on
The Vault, La Mesa’s new resale boutique, helps you dress well on a budget and go green
Printer-friendly versionBy Heidi Hope November 13, 2025 (La Mesa) – If you’re looking for men’s and women’s vintage and contemporary fashions, you’ll find a treasure trove of resale clothing and accessories at The Vault. Run by Michelle La Bruno, The Vault is located at the corner of Lemon Avenue and Nebo Drive in La Mesa’s downtown village, tucked behind the
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa’s arrival at Parkway Plaza on November 21
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 11, 2025 (El Cajon) — Parkway Plaza will light up the night with its beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival to kick off the holidays on Friday, November 21, followed by a series of events and activities through the holiday season. For the main event, a mischievous green Christmas thief will join Santa to light
Little Black Dress event at Goodwill starts in November
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 25, 2025 (San Diego County) — Goodwill Industries of San Diego County‘s Little Black Dress event featuring a custom gown by top designer Evan Hirsch is set to begin in November. Goodwill San Diego’s Little Black Dress (LBD) event is when stores in the region will showcase a wide selection of LBDs,
Lassos & Lace brings vintage clothing and horseshoe art to Julian
Printer-friendly version By Heidi Hope If you are visiting the Julian area or a Julian local in need of affordable clothing, you cannot miss Kimmi Branson’s store where you can access vintage clothing for reasonable pricing that never goes out of style. Branson started this business getting inspired by her husband. She recalls, “My husband asked me: “What
LA MESA CITY COUNCIL APPROVES RENOVATIONS FOR GROSSMONT CENTER
Printer-friendly versionBy Paul Levikow July 15, 2025 (La Mesa) — The Grossmont Center shopping mall is in for some major renovations, after the La Mesa City Council unanimously approved the first phase of the new design at its July 8 meeting. Phase 1 focuses on storefronts between the two anchor stores, Target and Walmart with a new, modern design theme
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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.
Shop Local! Check directories at these merchant groups to find local stores in city centers and small towns:
- Alpine Chamber of Commerce
- Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce
- Downtown El Cajon
- Escondido Chamber of Commerce
- Lakeside Chamber of Commerce
- Julian Chamber of Commerce
- La Mesa Chamber of Commerce
- La Mesa Village Association
- Poway Chamber of Commerce
- Ramona Chamber of Commerce
- San Diego East County Regional Chamber
- Santee Chamber of Commerce
- Ramona Chamber of Commerce
Regional Shopping Malls in inland San Diego County:
Shop Local! Check directories at these merchant groups to find local stores in city centers and small towns:
- Alpine Chamber of Commerce
- Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce
- Downtown El Cajon
- Escondido Chamber of Commerce
- Lakeside Chamber of Commerce
- Julian Chamber of Commerce
- La Mesa Chamber of Commerce
- La Mesa Village Association
- Poway Chamber of Commerce
- Ramona Chamber of Commerce
- San Diego East County Regional Chamber
- Santee Chamber of Commerce
- Ramona Chamber of Commerce
Our guide to local farms and farm-fresh products sold directly to consumers
Printer-friendly versionFind farm-fresh meats, eggs, fruits and veggies, flowers, herbs, honey, nuts, soaps, wool and fiber goods, pumpkin patches, nursery plants, trees, wineries and more By Miriam Raftery Photos by Miriam Raftery and creative commons images via Bing East County Magazine has compiled our region’s most comprehensive guide to local farms, ranches, nurseries and wineries offering direct-to-consumer
FUTURE OF PARKWAY PLAZA MALL REENVISIONED
Printer-friendly versionCity awaits Council’s next motion By Rachel Williams July 14.2024 (El Cajon) — With online sales taking a bite out of retail traffic, shopping malls across the U.S. are struggling and some have closed down. Seeking to avoid that scenario, the City of El Cajon commissioned a market analysis envisioning redevelopment options for Parkway Plaza, East County’s largest regional
FUTURE OF PARKWAY PLAZA MALL REENVISIONED
Printer-friendly versionCity awaits Council’s next motion By Rachel Williams July 14.2024 (El Cajon) — With online sales taking a bite out of retail traffic, shopping malls across the U.S. are struggling and some have closed down. Seeking to avoid that scenario, the City of El Cajon commissioned a market analysis envisioning redevelopment options for Parkway Plaza, East County’s largest regional
DONORS HALL OF FAME
Printer-friendly version We deeply appreciate the support of local businesses and nonprofit organizations that have donated to suppport East County Magazine’s news reporting in the public interest and/or our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts! Please support these local businesses and organizations — and let them know you that value their support of community journalism! Our 1st quarter 2024
DONORS HALL OF FAME
Printer-friendly version We deeply appreciate the support of local businesses and nonprofit organizations that have donated to suppport East County Magazine’s news reporting in the public interest and/or our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts! Please support these local businesses and organizations — and let them know you that value their support of community journalism! Our 1st quarter 2024
DONORS HALL OF FAME
Printer-friendly version We deeply appreciate the support of local businesses and nonprofit organizations that have donated to suppport East County Magazine’s news reporting in the public interest and/or our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts! Please support these local businesses and organizations — and let them know you that value their support of community journalism! Our 1st quarter 2024
IMPOSSIBLE RAILROAD TRADING POST: A BACKCOUNTRY WAY STATION FOR VISITORS IN JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS
Printer-friendly version By Rebecca Person March 4, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – In San Diego’s high desert backcountry off I-8 East, a forgotten hot spring oasis awakens to a new future. Jacumba Hot Springs’ revival at the hands of a tribe of youthful designers and creators brings promise to town. Inspired by all the changes, David Lampley has opened
PARKWAY PLAZA BECOMES DOG-FRIENDLY SHOPPING CENTER: DOGS AND OWNERS INVITED TO “PAWS PARTY” MARCH 26
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo credit: courtesy of Parkway Plaza March 23, 2022 (El Cajon) — Calling all pet owners! Parkway Plaza is officially becoming a dog-friendly shopping center, welcoming customers to bring along their furry friends on all their shopping trips. Located in El Cajon, Parkway Plaza will be hosting the Parkway Paws Party to celebrate its new dog-friendly policy on March 26 from
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW EAST COUNTY RETAILERS: PART 4 – JULIAN
Printer-friendly version By Kiki Skagen Munshi December 11, 2021 (Julian) – ‘Tis the season to bundle up and head to Julian, East County’s charming and historic mountain town. Among the shopping options to discover are five new retail outlets that opened during 2020 and 2021 – offering delightful gift items such as locally made goat soaps, pet products, sports memorabilia, gems, jewelry and geodes.
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW EAST COUNTY RETAILERS: PART 3 – LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly version By Elijah McKee December 5, 2021 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove has several new businesses that you may want to check out when doing your holiday shopping including a boutique and art space, a coffee shop with health and wellness gifts, and a brewery. Shopping locally not only brightens the holiday season for local businesses and
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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.
Regional Shopping Malls in inland San Diego County: