East County Magazine
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW RETAILERS IN EAST COUNTY: PART 2 – EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version 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
NEED GIFTS? SHOP THESE NEW RETAILERS IN EAST COUNTY: PART 1 – LA MESA
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery December 4, 2021 (La Mesa) – This holiday season, why not spread some cheer by shopping local to find some unique gifts right here in East County? If you haven’t ventured out lately, you may not realize that many new stores have opened amid the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. In this
THESE RESTAURANTS IN EAST COUNTY NOW OFFERING DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT AND/OR DELIVERY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Update February 2021: Restaurants in San Diego County are now allowed to offer outdoor dining, as well as take-out, curbside pickup and delivery, under the latest state and county COVID-19 restrictions. Below are restaurants across East County, with information on the options offered by each. If you own a restaurant in East County that’s not listed
SHOPPING ONLINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE?
Printer-friendly version For your holiday and year-round shopping, Amazon will donate a percentage of everything you buy to benefit East County Media, supporting our wildfire alerts and community news at East County Magazine. To give is easy and free! Click the link Amazon Smile image at left to start shopping and support East County Media. Or go to https://smile.amazon.com, click
GIFTS FROM THE EAST: OUR 2018 GUIDE TO UNIQUE LOCAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery November 23, 2018 (San Diego’s East County) – Shop local this season to find unique gifts that reflect our East County communities and help support our local economy. From hand-crafted wares to pampering products to delicious locally made delicacies, here are some hints to help you with your holiday shopping this season. Native American
NAINSOOK GALLERY + ART: VIDEO AND COUPON!
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GIFTS FROM THE EAST: OUR 2015 LOCAL GIFT-GIVING GUIDE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 22, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’re looking for a special gift for someone on your list, here are a few ideas available right here in East County that show the uniqueness of our region. This year’s options range from savoring the fruits of local winemakers’ labors to purchasing locally made pottery, camel
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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
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.
Regional Shopping Malls in inland San Diego County: