East County Magazine
Tour de Tapas starts lunch service in downtown La Mesa
East County News Service Oct. 24, 2025 (La Mesa) — Lunch service has begun at one of downtown La Mesa’s newest eating establishments. Tour de Tapas, which opened last December with dinner service only, is now featuring its “Euro Small Plates & Sips” in La Mesa Village at lunch. Dinner service is available 4 to 10 p.m.
Events planned to support family of La Mesa Police officer killed in car crash
East County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (La Mesa) — At least three events are planned to honor fallen La Mesa Police officer Lauren Craven, one tomorrow night at Pink Rose Cafe in La Mesa and another Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Casa Gabriela in La Mesa. The La Mesa Police Department is also having a candlelight vigil at
Feeding San Diego expands emergency food assistance to federal workers and Cal Fresh recipients during ongoing government shutdown
As the shutdown continues, the hunger relief non-profit is preparing for a massive surge in need with the delay of November CalFresh benefits Source: Feeding San Diego October 23, 2025 (San Diego) – As the government shutdown enters the fourth week, Feeding San Diego has expanded food assistance services to federal workers impacted by the loss in pay, including the over 110,000 members
SNAP cuts in America and the future impacts on California
Overall, this affects not only SNAP, but also WIC, federal workers, food banks, senior citizens, and grocery stores. By G. A. McNeeley October 22, 2025 (California) — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the critical food assistance program, being halted is one of the biggest impacts of the ongoing government shutdown, and it’s about to affect tens of millions
Full Moon Walk in Anza Borrego’s South Palm Wash Nov. 5
East County News Service October 21, 2025 (Anza Borrego)—You’re invited to walk by the light of a full moon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park’s South Palm Canyon Wash on November 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. The hike will be led by Mike McElhatton, education director at the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA). “Experience the unique and
Trump aims to slash refugee admissions and add racist criteria
By Miriam Raftery Image left: Refugee issues covered by ECM over the years includes persecution of Iraqi Christians, Kurdish immigrations fleeing ISIS, a migrant crisis at the Mexican border, asylum seekers fleeing violence in Africa, efforts to help African women refugees, Afghan refugees starting new lives in East County–many after helping the U.S. military, Ukrainians in Santee after Russia’s invasion
Destination East County: Notable November Events
October 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – November brings numerous noteworthy events to East County, including the Ramona Art and Wine Festival, an Antique and Craft Fair at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, the Wheel of Fortune live game show at Viejas in Alpine, the award-winning play Copenhagen at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, stargazing at Mission Trails,
Jamul Casino Resort officially unveils brand new hotel tower
San Diego’s newest boutique hotel now open East County News Service October 17, 2025 (Jamul) – San Diego’s premier new luxury destination, Jamul Casino Resort, recently welcomed guests to the official grand opening of its state-of-the-art boutique hotel tower, marking a new era in Southern California hospitality. The stunning 16-story property features a premium spa with a full-service salon,
No Kings rallies across San Diego County and nation Oct. 18
East County News Service October 16, 2025 (San Diego) – Organizers are predicting that this Saturday’s “No Kings” demonstration against the “authoritarianism of the Trump regime” may be the largest yet, including over 2,500 sites in all 50 states as well as territories and other nations. Locally, a large rally is planned at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego starting
Lemon Grove film premiere Oct. 17 and 18 shines light on community spirit and history
East County News Service October 16, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Town Films proudly presents the hometown premiere of Welcome Home to Lemon Grove, California, a new documentary by local filmmaker Michael Fanter. The film celebrates the community’s history, landmarks, and the people who have shaped “The Town with the Giant Lemon.” The event will take place at The Neighborhood
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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.
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AMERICAN IDOL STAR JOSH GRACIN’S BENEFIT CONCERT AT BARONA HELPED BRIGHTEN HOLIDAYS FOR THOUSANDS OF NEEDY CHILDREN
American Idol’s country music star and former U.S. Marine, Josh Gracin shows his support for Toys for Tots with fellow U.S. Marines. From left to right: Corporal Timothy C. Lewis, Sergeant Viviene B. Sussman, Josh Gracin, Sergeant Suzanne A. Thiele and Staff Sergeant Michael G. Miller. December 26, 2008 (San Diego) — American Idol favorite and country music chart topper
PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS FROM EAST COUNTY SHARE STORIES
By Miriam Raftery Aneesha Silvels President-elect Barack Obama has called for a major expansion of the Peace Corps and other public service programs, adding, “This will be a cause of my presidency.” Obama’s plan aims to double the size of the Peace Corps from 7,800 to 16,000 volunteers by the organization’s 50th anniversary in 2012. “JFK made their service a
SNOW DAY PHOTO GALLERY
Families frolick in snow near Mt. Laguna (Miriam Raftery) Julian historic building (Miriam Raftery) Snowball fight! (Miriam Raftery) Who says building snowmen is just for kids? (Miriam Raftery) winter wonderland! (Miriam Raftery) Even the family dog is enjoying a snow day! (Miriam Raftery) Century-old Julian Hotel bedecked in holiday trimmings (Miriam Raftery) Lake Cuyamaca in winter
SNOW DAY! WINTER WONDERLAND IN EAST COUNTY MOUNTAINS
Story and photos by Miriam Raftery View our fun-in-the-snow videos | View our "snow day" photo gallery (Miriam Raftery) December 21, 2008 — Something about snow brings out my inner child. So on Thursday, the first clear day after last week’s storm descended on East County, I couldn’t resist taking a "snow day" and heading up to our beautiful
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
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
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
COMMUNITY LEADERS FLOCK TO ATTEND EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S VIP HOLIDAY PARTY
By Miriam Raftery, Editor Education leaders at ECM’s holiday party (left to right): Henri Migala, executive dean, Cuyamaca College, Alan Ridley, Student Services Specialist, Cuyamaca College, Mary Kay Rosinski, board member, Grossmont-Cuyamaca College District, and Doug Dean, education chair, East County Chamber of Commerce with musician Gene Warren. December 15, 2008 (La Mesa) — It was a leap of faith
FOUNDER OF STONEY’S KIDS HONORED DURING EAST COUNTY TOY & FOOD DRIVE EVENT AT VIEJAS
By Miriam Raftery Stoney Stone and his Wife. Photo Credit: Leon Thompson December 10, 2008 (Alpine) — Community members from throughout East County gathered at the Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge for a holiday party and auction to help needy families locally. In addition, community leaders paid tribute to B.W. “Stoney” Stone, founder of Stoney’s Kids and long-time organizer of the East
HO, HO, HO! EAST COUNTY LEADERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON
East County’s movers and shakers got into the holiday spirit at parties throughout our region. December 15, 2008 (Rancho San Diego) — Jamul Chamber of Commerce president Valerie Harrison donned reindeer antlers to conduct last week’s meeting, where comedian Russ T. Nailz provided comic relief. Members brought toys for the East County Toy & Food Drive”as did attendees at a
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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.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues