Thanks To Our Sponsors
Be a sponsor!
Breaking News
East County Magazine
Explore What Matters
News Center
Target recalls baby wipes due to contamination with bacteria that can cause life-threatening sepsis and pneumonia
By Miriam Raftery June 8, 2026 (San Diego County) – Target has recalled Up & Up baby wipes, both fragrance-free and cucumber-scented, after consumers reported infections in infants and testing by the United States Food and Drug Administration found contamination with Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia gladioli. These bacteria can cause
Rabies on the rise: 14 rabid bats found in San Diego County this year: latest cases include Santee, Zoo, and Safari Park
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (San Diego) – County health officials are warning residents to avoid touching wild bats, due to an increase in rabies cases locally. You don’t have to be bitten to contract rabies, which is deadly virtually 100% of the time without prompt treatment
News Issues
World Cup fever heating up in San Diego
East County News Service June 6, 2026 (San Diego) — The global stage is set for San Diego this weekend. The local Major League Soccer team, San Diego FC, in partnership with Snapdragon Stadium, Sports San Diego and Lions Sports & Media, will host the “Countdown to ’26” international soccer
Lakeside man, 2 others arrested for plot to support ISIS and kill American service members
East County News Service June 5, 2026 (San Diego ) – This morning, the FBI arrested three U.S. citizens who allegedly plotted violent attacks on U .S. servicemembers in a conspired with the Islamic State of Iraq and al–Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terror group. According to the U.S.
Politics
Tight race in 5th Supervisorial district race to fill Desmond’s seat
By G. A. McNeeley Miriam Raftery contributed to this report June 6, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The County Board of Supervisors will soon have a new face representing the 5th district, since Jim Desmond is termed out and running for the 48th Congressional District. San Marcos Mayor Rebecca
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 Jim
Wildfires and Emergencies
County Fire celebrates 17 new EMS graduates
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office June 5, 2026 (San Diego) – Seventeen young adults earned their graduation certificate from County Fire’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Corps program, completing more than 400 hours of training designed to launch them into careers in the medical field. Printer-friendly version
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
Events & Arts
La Mesa plans patriotic activities to celebration nation’s 250th birthday
East County News Service June 6, 2026 (La Mesa) – To celebrate the 250th Birthday of America, the community is invited to a weekend of fun and festive family events in La Mesa June 12-13. Events will kick off on Friday, June 12, with the summer’s first Movie in the
Ethan Talks to Animals: Be Brave, Scared Shirley
Book by Nico Waters Review by Pennell Paugh June 5, 2026 (San Diego) – San Diego author Nico Waters has added another book to her Ethan Talks to Animals series. This one is titled, Be Brave, Scared Shirley. In second grade, Ethan wished on his birthday to be able to
Best of East County
Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park formerly called Stonewall Peak has officially had a name change. It is now called Cush-pii, which means “Sharp Peak” in the Kumeyaay language. The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names opted to rename
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
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
Rabies on the rise: 14 rabid bats found in San Diego County this year: latest cases include Santee, Zoo, and Safari Park
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (San Diego) – County health officials are warning residents to avoid touching wild bats, due to an increase in rabies cases locally. You don’t have to be bitten to contract rabies, which is deadly virtually 100% of the time without prompt treatment
Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park formerly called Stonewall Peak has officially had a name change. It is now called Cush-pii, which means “Sharp Peak” in the Kumeyaay language. The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names opted to rename
Features
Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca renamed Cush-pii, its traditional Kumeyaay name
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (Cuyamaca) – A mountain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park formerly called Stonewall Peak has officially had a name change. It is now called Cush-pii, which means “Sharp Peak” in the Kumeyaay language. The California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names opted to rename
La Mesa plans patriotic activities to celebration nation’s 250th birthday
East County News Service June 6, 2026 (La Mesa) – To celebrate the 250th Birthday of America, the community is invited to a weekend of fun and festive family events in La Mesa June 12-13. Events will kick off on Friday, June 12, with the summer’s first Movie in the
What East County Topic Matters Most to You?
Get East County Wildfire, Emergency Alerts
Latest Stories
Sponsorship Placement
RAMONA FIREFIGHTERS AND SHERIFF OFFICERS TEAM UP FOR HOLIDAY BIKE GIVEAWAY
December 18, 2008 (Ramona) — Local firefighters and sheriff officers presented 24 lucky children with bicycles for the holidays at Ramona’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 13th. “Kelly Marline Crime Prevention Specialist with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and Audine Morytko with the Ramona Fire Department worked extremely hard coordinating this extremely important event,” Captain Nick Schuler
THE RENO REPORT – PARDON ME, CAN YOU SPARE A BAILOUT?
Jamie Reno suggests a novel approach to California’s state budget crisis December 19, 2008 (San Diego) — This morning I’ve been boning up on our state’s massive budget problems and the unthinkably deep cuts that loom. It’s not a pretty picture. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s underlings are reportedly already telling labor unions that the governor will order two-day-a-month unpaid furloughs for
Good Money – Madoff”s Ponzi Scheme: How you can protect yourself and your investments
Your guide to profitable and socially responsible investing By Judith L. Seid, CFP ® By now you’ve probably heard about the $50 billion Ponzi scheme perpetrated by Bernard Madoff, a New York City broker, former head of the NASDAQ stock exchange. What did he do? He allegedly collected money to invest from clients, made up false statements to show
WILD WINTER WEATHER
Snow blanketed westbound Interstate 8 near the Tecate divide A tree limb collapsed onto a CAL FIRE vehicle at White Star Station off Tierra Del Sol in Boulevard. The engine company had just returned from battling a structure fire on the Campo Indian reservation. December 17, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — Cal Fire Captain Nick Schuler forwarded these photos
Armed Subject at Helix High School Determined to be a Hoax
December 17, 2008 (La Mesa) — A report of an armed man on the Helix High School campus yesterday has now been determined to be a hoax. Further investigation by Helix staff and the La Mesa Police Department confirmed that the student who reported seeing a man with a gun had fabricated the incident. It is not known why the
GROSSMONT-CUYAMACA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT PASSES AUDITS; BUDGET FOCUSES ON COST-CUTTING STRATEGIES
December 17, 2008 (El Cajon ) — Grossmont Cuyamca Community College District today announced it has passed five separate 2007-2008 audits. The audits presented to the governing board cover the district’s general audit, its part-time employees’ pension plan, Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges foundations, and the district’s auxiliary. Two more audits relating to the district’s Prop. R facilities bond program are
Bill Garrett to lead Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District board in 2009
December 17, 2008 (El Cajon) — The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Governing Board has unanimously re-elected Bill Garrett board president, Deanna Weeks board vice president, and Greg Barr board clerk for 2009. “Because of the severity of the state budget, this coming year will be a particularly difficult one for our district”, said Garrett, who first joined the board in
SNOW FALLING IN EAST COUNTY! ACCIDENTS CLOG I-8, CHAINS REQUIRED ON MOUNTAIN HIGHWAYS
UPDATE 9 p.m. A winter storm warning remains in effect through Thursday morning. I-8, closed earlier in portions of East county due to snow, has been reopened, according to the California Department of Transportation website, though many accidents are reported and conditions remain hazardous-. State Route 79 remains closed from I-8 to 11.9 miles south of the junction of State
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR SAN DIEGO EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY AWARDS
December 18, 2008 — Are you an Energy All-Star? Take credit for your green efforts and submit a nomination for the 5th Annual San Diego Excellence in Energy (SANDEE) Awards. The SANDEE Awards recognize outstanding projects and activities that have achieved significant energy efficiency or energy conservation savings, implemented renewable energy and reduced CO2 emissions in San Diego County. Add
SYNAGOGUE MEMBERS PERFORM “MITZVAH”, SAY THANKS TO COMMUNITY SERVICE HEROES
December 16, 2008 (San Carlos) — On December 24th at 2 p.m. Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Carlos will continue its tradition of holiday season generosity by providing bags of goodies on Christmas Eve for area Fire and Police Departments, as well as Hospital Emergency Rooms. The organization seeks donations to help local community service heroes and their families serving
Target recalls baby wipes due to contamination with bacteria that can cause life-threatening sepsis and pneumonia
By Miriam Raftery June 8, 2026 (San Diego County) – Target has recalled Up & Up baby wipes, both fragrance-free and cucumber-scented, after consumers reported infections in infants and testing by the United States Food and Drug Administration found contamination with Burkholderia cepacia and Burkholderia gladioli. These bacteria can cause localized or systemic infections capable of spreading into the bloodstream,
Rabies on the rise: 14 rabid bats found in San Diego County this year: latest cases include Santee, Zoo, and Safari Park
East County News Service June 7, 2026 (San Diego) – County health officials are warning residents to avoid touching wild bats, due to an increase in rabies cases locally. You don’t have to be bitten to contract rabies, which is deadly virtually 100% of the time without prompt treatment and vaccination. Saliva on an infected bat’s fur can enter
World Cup fever heating up in San Diego
East County News Service June 6, 2026 (San Diego) — The global stage is set for San Diego this weekend. The local Major League Soccer team, San Diego FC, in partnership with Snapdragon Stadium, Sports San Diego and Lions Sports & Media, will host the “Countdown to ’26” international soccer weekend. The event features two pre-World Cup friendly matches at
Tight race in 5th Supervisorial district race to fill Desmond’s seat
By G. A. McNeeley Miriam Raftery contributed to this report June 6, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – The County Board of Supervisors will soon have a new face representing the 5th district, since Jim Desmond is termed out and running for the 48th Congressional District. San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones, a Republican, has a strong lead with 39.62 percent
Lakeside man, 2 others arrested for plot to support ISIS and kill American service members
East County News Service June 5, 2026 (San Diego ) – This morning, the FBI arrested three U.S. citizens who allegedly plotted violent attacks on U .S. servicemembers in a conspired with the Islamic State of Iraq and al–Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terror group. According to the U.S. Justice Department, those arrested are Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside,
County Fire celebrates 17 new EMS graduates
By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office June 5, 2026 (San Diego) – Seventeen young adults earned their graduation certificate from County Fire’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Corps program, completing more than 400 hours of training designed to launch them into careers in the medical field. Printer-friendly version
SD County to host event to authenticate your international and domestic partnership documents in San Diego instead of Los Angeles or Sacramento June 17
East County News Service June 5, 2026 (San Diego) – Jordan Z. Marks, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC), in partnership with California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, will host a one-day Apostille Pop-Up Shop from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, at the ARCC Downtown office, County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. Free underground
West Nile Virus found in crows near Rolando and Skyline areas
Image Credit: Shutterstock By Donna Durckel, County of San Diego Communications Office June 4, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) — County workers found West Nile virus in two dead crows picked up near Rolando and Skyline. This is a good reminder that people should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites, because mosquitoes can spread the virus. Printer-friendly version
Temporary visa holders must leave U.S. to apply for green cards, under new policy
By Philicia Tonangoye June 4, 2026 (San Diego) — On May 22, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services published a memo outlining new guidance for green card applicants. Under the policy, some applicants will now be required to leave the U.S. and apply through a U.S. consulate in their home country or abroad. The decision affects temporary visa holders,
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 the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
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