Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
East County Magazine
Explore What Matters
News Center
El Cajon sanctuary lawsuit against California draws national attention
By Paul Levikow May 26, 2026 (El Cajon) — Weeks after the City of El Cajon filed a lawsuit challenging California’s sanctuary state law, the political and legal aftershocks continue to reverberate far beyond East County. What began as a local dispute has quickly escalated into a nationally watched test
La Mesa Council asks staff to weigh options to expand parking in downtown village
By Miriam Raftery May 27, 2026 (La Mesa) – La Mesa City Council members voted unanimously last night to ask staff to analyze four proposed options to increase parking in the downtown village. The proposals came after Councilmember Laura Lothian, Vice Chair Lauren Cazares and a parking commission rode
News Issues
Harbison Canyon man sentenced to 216 years in prison for brutal murder of Samuel Holthaus and other violent crimes
East County News Service Photo: Victim Samuel Holthaus, courtesy of the District Attorney’s office May 26, 2026 (San Diego) – Kenneth McNally Jr., 42, has been sentenced to 216 years in prison for murdering Samuel Holthaus, 59, and committing a series of other violent crimes in Harbison Canyon in 2023.
Ghost guns seized in Spring Valley after SWAT team operation
East County News Service Photo courtesy of San Diego County Sheriff May 25, 2026 (Spring Valley) – A Spring Valley man who is prohibited from owning firearms has been arrested after a search found un-serialized “ghost” guns, ammunition, and gun parts in various stages of manufacture. Printer-friendly version
Politics
Lemon Grove bird sale ban heading to November ballot after 3-2 vote
By Karen Pearlman May 25, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove voters will have the final say this November on a measure that would end commercial bird sales in the city, replacing them with a rescue-only model that requires pet stores to source birds exclusively from animal shelters, humane
Our interview with Marni Von Wilpert, candidate for 48th Congressional District
May 22, 2026 (San Diego’s East County — Earlier this month, ECM interviewed Marni Von Wilpert, a Democrat and one of the leading contenders running in the 48th Congressional district for an open seat as a result of Republican Darrell Issa retiring. She’s a San Diego City Councilmember, a
Wildfires and Emergencies
Spring Valley arson suspect arrested
East County News Service May 26, 2026 (Spring Valley) – Sheriff’s deputies used a drone to tract down a suspect reportedly seen setting a fire that caused evacuation of homes in Spring Valley last night. Printer-friendly version
Firefighters hold Tusil Fire to 1,000 acres overnight despite difficult conditions; some evacuations remain in place
Story and Photos by Josh Stotler; Miriam Raftery contributed to this report May 20, 2026 (Campo) – Wind-driven flames crossed Interstate 8, forcing temporary shutdown of the freeway in both directions late yesterday as crews battled the #Tusil Fire in rugged terrain. As of this morning, the number lane
Events & Arts
Lemon Grove Pride Drag Brunch coming on June 6
East County News Service May 24, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — J Lau Farrow-Halston of Escondido Drag is hosting the Lemon Grove Pride Drag Brunch next month. The 2 1/2-hour show will include performances by Amore Envy, Gabby Link Aux and Drag Latina’s Rosalinda and will be held starting at noon
Destination East County: Joyful June events
By Miriam Raftery May 21, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – June is jumping with joyful events including Santee Summer Knights—a Medieval festival, star parties on Mount Laguna, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, open farm tours at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, a ballet
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
El Cajon sanctuary lawsuit against California draws national attention
By Paul Levikow May 26, 2026 (El Cajon) — Weeks after the City of El Cajon filed a lawsuit challenging California’s sanctuary state law, the political and legal aftershocks continue to reverberate far beyond East County. What began as a local dispute has quickly escalated into a nationally watched test
La Mesa Council asks staff to weigh options to expand parking in downtown village
By Miriam Raftery May 27, 2026 (La Mesa) – La Mesa City Council members voted unanimously last night to ask staff to analyze four proposed options to increase parking in the downtown village. The proposals came after Councilmember Laura Lothian, Vice Chair Lauren Cazares and a parking commission rode
Features
Lemon Grove Pride Drag Brunch coming on June 6
East County News Service May 24, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — J Lau Farrow-Halston of Escondido Drag is hosting the Lemon Grove Pride Drag Brunch next month. The 2 1/2-hour show will include performances by Amore Envy, Gabby Link Aux and Drag Latina’s Rosalinda and will be held starting at noon
Destination East County: Joyful June events
By Miriam Raftery May 21, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – June is jumping with joyful events including Santee Summer Knights—a Medieval festival, star parties on Mount Laguna, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, open farm tours at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, a ballet
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
Eight candidates for governor debate at Pomona College
By G. A. McNeeley May 1, 2026 (Pomona College, Claremont) — Eight candidates appeared at Pomona College on Tuesday, April 28, during the most recent debate for the 2026 California governor’s race. The debate provided a chance for voters to consider the perspectives of these candidates on various important topics. It should be noted that the moderator did not give
High-end steakhouse restaurant coming soon to Santee
By Paul Levikow Updated May 19, 2026 to reflect new projected opening date. May 1, 2026 (Santee) – A new restaurant is scheduled to open in late summer at the Lantern Crest senior living community in Santee, bringing to East County the area’s first self-described five-star steakhouse. The Heritage Steakhouse will be located on the sixth floor of the Legacy
Year-round fire season means East County residents should always be prepared
Left: Residents meet with fire inspector at Helix De Oro Fire Safe Council-sponsored fire preparedness assessment tour. Story and photos by Paul Levikow May 1, 2026 (Mt. Helix) — The reality of year-round fire season in San Diego’s East County was addressed during a recent wildfire preparedness assessment tour at a Mt. Helix home, where residents gathered to learn practical
Water Conservation Garden restores educational programs, expands displays and plans festive events
April 30, 2026 (Rancho San Diego) — The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College is thriving once again, after facing an uncertain future due to financial troubles. In an interview with East County Magazine for KNSJ Radio, Lauren Magnuson, director of garden operations, shares information on the return of educational programs, new displays including fire-wise landscaping, and the return of
Hear our interview with County Health Officer Dr. Thihalolipavan on emerging health threats in our region and impacts of federal health policy changes
By Alexander J Schorr Video Meeting Screenshot of Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan April 30, 2026 — In an interview with San Diego County Health Director Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan originally aired on KNSJ Radio, he discussed the impacts of cuts by the federal government in research and testing of preventable diseases, vaccines, and emerging diseases in our region, including some exacerbated
Large crowd at El Cajon Traffic Town Hall focuses on enforcement challenges
Story and photos by Paul Levikow Photo: About 80 residents participated in a El Cajon Town Hall to discuss speeding and traffic issues. April 30, 2026 (El Cajon) — One of the largest town hall meetings hosted by the City of El Cajon drew about 80 residents on April 21, as city leaders, staff, and law enforcement gathered to address
San Diego Humane Society slashing fees for ‘Empty the Shelters’ drive
East County News Service April 30, 2026 (San Diego) — On a day meant to celebrate the bond between humans and animals, the San Diego Humane Society is issuing an urgent plea to the community to adopt. April 30 marks National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, and the timing couldn’t be more critical: local shelters are bursting at the seams,
Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival plus Coyote Music Festival this Saturday, May 2, at Cuyamaca College
East County News Service April 30, 2026 (Rancho San Diego) – Cuyamaca College is hosting the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival as well as the Coyote Music Festival. Both major community events are happening this Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are free to the public. This highly anticipated community fetivity brings together The Water Conservation
San Diego mail carriers to lead food drive on May 9
East County News Service April 29, 2026 (San Diego County) — The U.S. Postal Service will carry more than just mail Saturday, May 9 during the 34th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Recognized as the largest single-day food collection effort in the United States, the event mobilizes the National Association of Letter Carriers and the Jacobs & Cushman San
San Diego County to host first focus group on rural winery expansion
East County News Service April 29, 2026 (San Diego County) — Wine not change for the better? That’s a question that will likely be tackled soon as San Diego County officials seek to modernize the region’s winery ordinance. To start the grapes rolling, the county needs residents to share their thoughts on the backcountry economy’s future — balancing a burgeoning
State Republican Party sends cease and desist letter to Carl DeMaio and Reform California over “unlawful and deceptive” voter guide mailers and website
Letter alleges deceptive voter guides violate state and federal laws By Miriam Raftery May 15, 2026 (San Diego) – The California Republican Party has sent a cease and desist letter and threat of litigation to San Diego Assembly member Carl DeMaio, principal officer of Reform California dated May 14.The letter accuses DeMaio of a “coordinated, brazen, and unlawful campaign to
San Diego Trolley ready for influx of Padres fans next week with Dodgers coming to town
East County News Service May 15, 2026 (San Diego County) — The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is ramping up its San Diego Trolley service to accommodate sold-out crowds next week at Petco Park when the San Diego Padres prepare to host their rival Los Angeles Dodgers, in their first high-stakes matchup of the 2026 season. The three-game series, running
Dodgers up in the National League West by 1 game after Padres drop series finale in Milwaukee
Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller has been stellar as the closer for the team this season. Photo courtesy San Diego Padres Facebook page East County News Service May 14, 2026 (San Diego) — The San Diego Padres closed out a rocky three-game road trip in Milwaukee on a rough note Thursday, falling 7-1 to the Brewers in the series finale
Hear our interview with Stan Caplan, candidate for 51st Congressional district
East County News Service May 14, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Stan Caplan is a former Republican running as a Democrat against incumbent Democrat Sara Jacobs and several lesser known candidates in the 48th Congressional district. ECM recently interviewed Caplan for our radio show on KNSJ. Click the audio link to hear our full interview, or scroll down
Senate adopts Padilla amendment to resolution prohibiting senators from betting on prediction markets
East County News Service May 14, 2026 (Washington D.C.) – “Politicians betting on their own races, massive wagers placed moments before the President announced of a ceasefire in Iran, and suspected insider trading before the capture of Nicolás Maduro – these are just a few examples of the blatant, brazen corruption that we’ve seen playing out on prediction markets,”
Pedestrian, 80, fatally struck by vehicle outside of La Mesa Costco
East County News Service May 13, 2026 (La Mesa) – An 80-year-old woman walking in the driveway at Costco in La Mesa was struck by a vehicle pulling out of the driveway this morning shortly after noon. She later died of her injuries. Printer-friendly version
CalFresh Awareness Month takes on greater meaning with county outreach
East County News Service May 13, 2026 (San Diego County) — San Diego County officials are using CalFresh Awareness Month this month to launch an expansive outreach campaign to connect residents with food resources and streamline the application process for those who face food insecurity. CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, currently serves more than 373,000 San
CA-48 Congressional Race is One of California’s Most Competitive Battlegrounds
By Paul Levikow Photos via campaigns, left to right: Marni Von Wilpert, Ammar Campa-Najjar, and Jim Desmond May 13, 2026 (East County) — The race for California’s newly redrawn 48th Congressional District has become one of the most closely watched House contests in the nation, with Democrats hoping to capitalize on newly favorable district boundaries while Republicans rally behind
Man jailed after violent April assault in La Mesa
East County News Service May 13, 2026 (La Mesa) — A 22-year-old San Diego man is behind bars facing an attempted homicide charge following his arrest early Thursday morning in connection with a violent assault in La Mesa last month. Alexsis Moreno-Magana was taken into custody at about 1:32 a.m. near the intersection of Kettner Boulevard and Broadway by the
Teen dies in fiery El Cajon crash
East County News Service May 13, 2026 (El Cajon) – An 18-year-old El Cajon man is dead after a crash that occurred shortly at 12:20 a.m. on La Cresta Road, east of Ranch Gate Road in unincorporated El Cajon. He was driving a 2003 Ford Explorer that veered off the roadway and overturned, then rolled down an embankment and
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