Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
East County Magazine
Explore What Matters
News Center
New eco-friendly fire station opens in Jacumba
Photos courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service June 3, 2026 (Jacumba) — San Diego County officials and fire chiefs recently gathered in the county’s high desert area to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art county fire station. Fire Station 43, spearheaded by San Diego County Fire and
Campa-Najjar concedes Congressional primary race; Desmond and von Wilpert advance to November run-off
By Miriam Raftery June 3, 2026 (San Diego) – In the race to fill the redrawn 48th Congressional district seat being vacated by the retirement of Republican Darrell Issa, a a redrawn district that Democrats hope to flip from red to blue, the November run-off will be between Supervisor
News Issues
Grossmont Union High School District to graduate 4,725 students in June
East County News Service June 1, 2026 (El Cajon) – This week, 4,725 students will graduate from the Grossmont Union High School District. The matriculating students will be earning their high school diplomas on Wednesday, June 3 and Thursday, June 4, from the district’s nine comprehensive high schools, two independent
Man sentenced to life without parole for brutal murder of estranged wife, Ericka Wilson, in Spring Valley
East County News Service May 31, 2026 (Spring Valley) – San Diego County District Attorney announced this week that Kandynn Wilson, 34, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the vicious stabbing death of his estranged wife, Ericka J. Wilson, mother of their young child, in
Politics
Campa-Najjar concedes Congressional primary race; Desmond and von Wilpert advance to November run-off
By Miriam Raftery June 3, 2026 (San Diego) – In the race to fill the redrawn 48th Congressional district seat being vacated by the retirement of Republican Darrell Issa, a a redrawn district that Democrats hope to flip from red to blue, the November run-off will be between Supervisor
Elliott leads in 40th State Senate district; two Republicans battling for second spot
Map of newly redrawn 40th district East County News Services June 2, 2026 (San Diego County) — Early primary election returns show Democrat Mara Elliott with a strong lead in the race for California’s 40th State Senate District to take the spot of Santee native Brian W. Jones, a Republican who
Wildfires and Emergencies
New eco-friendly fire station opens in Jacumba
Photos courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service June 3, 2026 (Jacumba) — San Diego County officials and fire chiefs recently gathered in the county’s high desert area to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art county fire station. Fire Station 43, spearheaded by San Diego County Fire and
Evacuation warnings issued as Border 6 Fire spreads rapidly
Update June 3, 2026 1 p.m. —The fire has been mapped at a total of 2,616.7 acres by CAL FIRE Intel aircraft. Approximately 1,625 acres of the fire are located in the United States, while the remaining 991.7 acres are in Mexico, Watch Duty App reports. Evacuation warnings remain n
Events & Arts
Julian Town Square Music Festival coming June 6 to Washington Street
By Karen Pearlman June 3, 2026 (Julian) — Roots rock and Americana tunes are coming to fill the mountains of East and North County with original music this weekend during the Fifth Annual Julian Town Square Music Festival. The free community celebration will run from noon until 6 p.m., Saturday,
Seven local novelists to read from their books on July 11
East County News Service June 2, 2026 (San Diego County) — Crime fiction fans and those who love thriller-style tomes should book it over to the historic Kensington Club next month for the second installment of Noir at the Bar. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.,
Best of East County
Photos of the Week: Two winning shots from Lake Jennings Photo Contest
East County News Service May 17, 2026 (East County) — The Helix Water District has announced the winners of the Lake Jennings 2026 Photo Contest: Sunrise to Sunset! and East County Magazine is featuring two for our “Photos of the Week.” At left and top, first-place youth category winner Hannah
Don’t miss Santa Ysabel and Wynola on your way to visit Julian
Tiny mountain towns often overlooked by travelers in East County’s back country By Paul Levikow Photos by Miriam Raftery and Paul Levikow April 10, 2026 (Santa Ysabel/Wynola) – Visitors travelling to Julian north from Ramona can oftentimes overlook two equally charming communities along the way. Some might even think Santa
People
Lemon Grove Forward Club earns 13 prestigious awards and community honors
East County News Service May 7, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — The Lemon Grove Forward Club received 11 prestigious awards this past April from the GFWC Southern District, recognizing the club as a leading intermediate-sized organization for its outstanding servicepeop and impact. The Lemon Grove Forward Club achieved 16,829 volunteer service
Eight local women Honored at Soroptimist’s annual “Live Your Dream” Awards Celebration
Soroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education By Henri Migala Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member); Nancy
Communities
New eco-friendly fire station opens in Jacumba
Photos courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service June 3, 2026 (Jacumba) — San Diego County officials and fire chiefs recently gathered in the county’s high desert area to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art county fire station. Fire Station 43, spearheaded by San Diego County Fire and
Julian Town Square Music Festival coming June 6 to Washington Street
By Karen Pearlman June 3, 2026 (Julian) — Roots rock and Americana tunes are coming to fill the mountains of East and North County with original music this weekend during the Fifth Annual Julian Town Square Music Festival. The free community celebration will run from noon until 6 p.m., Saturday,
Features
Julian Town Square Music Festival coming June 6 to Washington Street
By Karen Pearlman June 3, 2026 (Julian) — Roots rock and Americana tunes are coming to fill the mountains of East and North County with original music this weekend during the Fifth Annual Julian Town Square Music Festival. The free community celebration will run from noon until 6 p.m., Saturday,
Seven local novelists to read from their books on July 11
East County News Service June 2, 2026 (San Diego County) — Crime fiction fans and those who love thriller-style tomes should book it over to the historic Kensington Club next month for the second installment of Noir at the Bar. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.,
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
Vines and Steins – Gio Wine Bar
Editor’s note: Gio’s has gone out of business, however a new restaurant has opened in its place. By Richard Noel If you’re out and about in East County and in the mood for a great glass of wine in an elegant atmosphere, relax with the knowledge that this urge will not require you to drive into the urban core of
Taxing Issues
La Mesa Council candidates address budget gap, public safety and future growth By Miriam Raftery State budget cuts have left La Mesa facing a potential budget shortfall of several million dollars. In exclusive interviews with East County Magazine, challenger Shannon O’Dunn as well as incumbents David Allan and Ruth Sterling shared their views on bridging the budget gap as well
Green Houses – Jamul Home is Green and Fire-Safe
Eco-friendly EAST COUNTY homes By Miriam Raftery After twice having to evacuate during wildfires, Keith and Danya Jolley decided to build a new, fire-safe and energy efficient “green” home on their Jamul property. The home was featured on last year’s GreenBuilt Homes Tour. One year later, the Jolleys remain thrilled with their new home. “The house turned out better
Sylvia’s Soapbox – Duncan the great white Hunter
Wildebeest hunt bags a Congressman By Sylvia Hampton Our congressman Duncan Hunter (R-52nd district) is leaving his congressional seat to his son. Sort of an inheritance or royalty passed on to the next generation like in England. Since Duncan D. Hunter, the son, has the same name his election should be like shooting fish in a barrel. But before Hunter
Presidential Candidates Address La Raza in San Diego
By E. A. Barrera Photo by E.A. Barrera/Photo courtesy of NCLR Obama Talks Health, Education, and Announces Plan to Help Small Business McCain Emphasizes Tax Issues, Trade with Latin America Printer-friendly version
Celebrating 100 Years: Cleveland National Forest Centennial
Fiddlin’ Foresters, Living History Week Cap Festivities in Local Mountain Parks By Miriam Raftery A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt signed a declaration to create the Cleveland National Forest–a 460,000 acre preserve that is home to golden eagles, mountain lions and other wildlife species. To celebrate the centennial, the U.S. Forest Service is hosting several free special events in
People Power – Magic Horse Miracles: Therapeutic Riding Program Benefits Disabled Kids
By Miriam Raftery Avery Titus rides tall in the saddle at The Magic Horse, guided by riding therapist/founder Robin Pawl. Before, he could not sit up on his own. September 2008 (Lakeside)–Ten-year-old Avery Titus squeals with delight, pressing his face against the sun-warmed backside of Iggy, a quarterhorse at the Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding program in Lakeside. “Before, he couldn’t sit
Capitol Report – How They Voted
For more information on these and other bills, visit www.vote-smart.org or www.govtrack.us Printer-friendly version
East County Roundup – September
Links to top stories in other publications on East County issues WATER RATIONING GROWS INCREASINGLY LIKELY San Diego Union-Tribune (Sept. 26, 2008) —| For the first time since 1992, San Diego is facing the possibility of water rationing, a step that could happen as soon as January. The threat is expected to loom for years as Southern California readjusts to
Cool Places to Beat the Heat
By Miriam Raftery Looking to cool off? No need to battle crowds at the beach. Check out our editor’s “cool picks” for places to beat the heat in San Diego’s eastern areas. MAKE A SPLASH AT THE SANTEE AQUATIC CENTER: Waterslide and in-pool playground, Santee Aquatic Center East County’s best-kept aquatic adventure area features a spiral slide plus children’s play
Tecate Horse Rescue saves animals from slaughterhouses
Photo courtesy D.J. Osborne By Jan Hedlun and D.J. Osborne June 1, 2026 (Tecate) — Tucked in the Eastern shadow of Tecate Peak (Mount Kuchama) on the border between the United States and Mexico, is the 99.8 acre Tecate Horse Rescue founded by D.J. and Mike Osborne, along with DJ’s Mom, Jean Becker. The property was originally purchased in 2017
San Diego Humane Society adoption fees waived on California Adopt-a-Pet Day, June 6
East County News Service June 1, 2026 (San Diego County) — The San Diego Humane Society is clearing a path to make the road to a forever home less bumpy for hundreds of companion animals. The SDHS is waiving all adoption fees Saturday, June 6, as part of the third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day. As shelters across the state struggle
More than 200 vote centers open for June Gubernatorial primary
Photo courtesy County of San Diego East County News Service June 1, 2026 (San Diego County) — The gubernatorial primary election has arrived and the San Diego County Registrar of Voters is reminding residents of options for casting ballots, including at more than 200 vote centers across the county. As of Saturday, May 30, a total of 220 vote centers
Man sentenced to life without parole for brutal murder of estranged wife, Ericka Wilson, in Spring Valley
East County News Service May 31, 2026 (Spring Valley) – San Diego County District Attorney announced this week that Kandynn Wilson, 34, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the vicious stabbing death of his estranged wife, Ericka J. Wilson, mother of their young child, in 2022. A jury in December found Wilson guilty of first-degree
Proposal would open 95% of federal wildlife refuges to hunting and fishing
Photo of local San Diego County coyote by Debbie Ekhaml taken at the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Jamul UPDATE: An official from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on June 3 has shared that “There are no expansions proposed in San Diego.” A Federal Register notice which includes a list of stations that the proposal applies to can be
Sheriff warns of scam mailers soliciting donations for law enforcement
East County News Service Image: Screenshot from Sheriff’s post on social media May 30, 2026 (San Diego) – A nonprofit with poor ratings for charitable organizations has sent mailers out locally soliciting donations for gear to help law enforcement agencies. The San Diego Sheriff’s Department has posted warnings on social media about the mailers, stating, “the San Diego County Sheriff’s
Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges to award more than 6,230 degrees and certificates in 2026
Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District May 30, 2026 (El Cajon) – Next week, Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges will be awarding more than 6,230 degrees and certificates to nearly 2,500 graduates, with over 900 graduates expected to participate in the Commencement Ceremonies. Cuyamaca College is awarding 358 additional degrees compared to 2025, which represents an approximate 32% increase in degrees and
Restoration or destruction? Proposed plan for Laguna Mountains raising concern
Photo of part of the Laguna Mountains area that could be part of a plan by the government to prevent wildfires by bulldozing the area and cutting down chaparral. Photo by David Hogan, The Chaparral Lands Conservancy By Karen Pearlman May 29, 2026 (Mt. Laguna) — A sweeping federal plan to manage more than 13,000 acres of the Laguna Mountains
Lemon Grove City Council pushes back tenant ordinance discussion
“Residents took time out of their evening to come speak, and I believe their voices deserved to be heard through action, not continued postponement!” – Jennifer Mendoza, Lemon Grove City Councilmember, screenshot of May 19 meeting courtesy Lemon Grove City Councilmember Jessyka Heredia’s Facebook video By Armando Rasing II May 29, 2026 (Lemon Grove) – A vote concerning a potential
Medical Examiner rules hanging death in jail a suicide
East County News Service May 29, 2026 (San Diego) – On May 27, the San Diego County Sheriff revealed that the Medical Examiner’s office has ruled Grant Parker’s death a suicide. He was arrested February 15 on charges of murder and assault for fatally stabbing a man in downtown San Diego. Printer-friendly version
Get Wildfire Alerts & Wildfire Emergency News
Partner To ECM
Our Engaged Audience
5 to 10 million hits
per month!
5 to 10 million hits
per month!
A quarter million visits
each month
Most widely read news site dedicated to
San Diego’s East County
Winner of over 150
journalism awards
“Sponsoring East County Magazine is a great way to reach our loyal and engaged readers, who value organizations and businesses that support nonprofit, independent news in the public interest and wildfire/emergency alerts that keep people safe and informed. Sponsors can choose to underwrite our community news site, support a favorite section or a new special section, underwrite an event, or sponsor our wildfire and emergency alerts.”
— Miriam Raftery, Founder of East County Magazine
Community Links
Thanks To Our Major Sponsors
📬 Subscribe to ECM – 100% Free, Trusted by East County Since 2008
- Emergency alerts
- Breaking news
- No spam ever