East County Magazine
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
FUTURE OF PARKWAY PLAZA MALL REENVISIONED
City 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 shopping
FUTURE OF PARKWAY PLAZA MALL REENVISIONED
City 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 shopping
DONORS HALL OF FAME
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 business and
DONORS HALL OF FAME
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 business and
DONORS HALL OF FAME
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 business and
IMPOSSIBLE RAILROAD TRADING POST: A BACKCOUNTRY WAY STATION FOR VISITORS IN JACUMBA HOT SPRINGS
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 a vintage
PARKWAY PLAZA BECOMES DOG-FRIENDLY SHOPPING CENTER: DOGS AND OWNERS INVITED TO “PAWS PARTY” MARCH 26
East 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 2
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW EAST COUNTY RETAILERS: PART 4 – JULIAN
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. Supporting
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW EAST COUNTY RETAILERS: PART 3 – LEMON GROVE
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 those on
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW RETAILERS IN EAST COUNTY: PART 2 – EL CAJON
By Henri Migala December 4, 2021 (El Cajon) – Within a couple of blocks in downtown El Cajon, you’ll find an array of new boutiques, a salon, galleries, gift stores, a pastry shop and a coffee shop – all brand new. For your holiday shopping needs, consider supporting our local economy and these new small businesses, many
Regional Shopping Malls in inland San Diego County:
Tight budget? Check out clothing options at Goodwill
“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 will
Sara’s Selections: Mother-daughter duo strives for sustainability and women’s empowerment through fashion
By 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. The
ACT II provides budget-friendly and stylish women’s fashions
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 stylish female
The Vault, La Mesa’s new resale boutique, helps you dress well on a budget and go green
By 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 train
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa’s arrival at Parkway Plaza on November 21
East 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 up
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