Features

San Diego Automotive Museum to hold "Garage Night" fundraiser

Evening event at new IGNITE Academy campus (see photo, left, showing students from the academy) will support automotive career training for local youth
 
East County News Service
 
Jan. 7, 2026 (Santee) -- The San Diego Automotive Museum will host its first Garage Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the recently opened IGNITE Academy campus, 8630 Argent St. in Santee.
 
The evening event will invite the community to experience an evening of food, drinks and vintage automobiles while supporting the Museum's workforce development initiative.
 
Attendees will have the chance to tour the academy campus, view vehicles owned and maintained by program participants, and learn about student achievements since the program's launch.

Error message

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.

New Moon fishing returns to Lake Jennings

East County News Service
 
Jan. 3, 2025 (Lakeside) — San Diego County anglers should worm their way into their tackle boxes and grab their lanterns for one of the region’s most anticipated winter traditions.
 
From 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Lake Jennings will host its first "New Moon Fishing" event of the year, offering a rare opportunity for nighttime access to one of Lakeside’s most scenic reservoirs.
 
Lake Jennings leaders said that to ensure a productive night for all skill levels, the lake will be freshly stocked with 1,500 pounds of Rainbow Trout.
 

Error message

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.

The Water Conservation Garden gears up for a blooming 2026

Photo of a buttefly at the Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion at The Water Conservation Garden and story by Karen Pearlman
 
Jan. 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — The Water Conservation Garden, the 6-acre botanical showcase of sustainable landscaping and water-wise gardening adjacent to Cuyamaca College, has rooted out its slate of events for Winter and Spring 2026.
 
The schedule includes educational opportunities, community connection and hands-on learning.
 
Founded in 1999 by the Helix and Otay water districts in response to ongoing drought conditions, The Garden has grown into a premier environmental education destination that inspires visitors to conserve water and nurture resilient landscapes. Operated by a Joint Powers Authority with Helix Water District, Otay Water District, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District stakeholdership, the nonprofit garden attracts guests with its themed display gardens, native butterfly pavilion and educational opportunities. 

Error message

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.

Light does not need permission to shine: San Diego leaders unite against hate at Hanukkah ‘Rally for Light’

Photos and story by Karen Pearlman

Dec. 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Across the street from the calm San Diego Bay but amid a rising tide of global concern, some of San Diego County’s top elected officials, law enforcement and multi-faith leaders gathered Monday at the County Administration Center to send a singular message: Hate has no sanctuary in San Diego.

Organized by San Diego County Assessor Jordan Marks (shown speaking in photo above right), Monday afternoon’s "Rally for Light," marked the eighth and final day of Hanukkah, and the hour-long event ended with a ceremonial lighting of a 6-foot hanukkiah (menorah) by local faith leaders, county employees and community members.

While the event celebrated the "Festival of Lights," the atmosphere was underscored by a somber urgency following a string of recent anti-Semitic attacks reaching from San Francisco to an outdoor celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia.


Error message

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.

County lighting Administration Center in support of Sydney attack victims; Menorah lighting set for Dec. 22

Photo courtesy San Diego County
 
East County News Services
 
Dec. 17, 2025 (San Diego County) — Behind the support of San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson from District 2, the County of San Diego will illuminate its County Administration Center in blue and white tonight, Dec. 17.
 
The illumination in blue and white across from San Diego Bay, serves as a visible beacon of unity. It is being lit in remembrance of victims and to show solidarity with survivors of the recent anti-Semitic attack targeting the Jewish community in Sydney, Australia.
 
Fifteen innocent individuals were murdered by two gun-wielding terrorists. The gunfire resulted in dozens of injured victims who were celebrating the first night of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach. See related story here.
 

Error message

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.

Gifts and love from The Karen Cooper Foundation for dogs at the San Diego Humane Society

Photo from The Karen Cooper Foundation gift sharing for dogs courtesy San Diego Humane Society
 
East County News Service
 
Dec. 9, 2025 (San Diego) -- Christmas arrived a few weeks early for more than 600 dogs at the San Diego Humane Society.
 
Thanks to the generosity of The Karen Cooper Foundation, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, every dog under the SDHS' care received a special holiday toy and treat to lift their spirits while they wait for a loving, forever home.
 
Members of The Karen Cooper Foundation, including Bob Cooper and his daughter, Michele Cooper, were able to spread holiday joy through their donations at the SDHS's main campus on Gaines Street.

Error message

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.

FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY – AND DANGEROUS

By Miriam Raftery

June 30, 2022 (San Diego) — The San Diego Sheriff department reminds the public that it is illegal to make, store, sell, use, transport or handle fireworks in San Diego County.  Violators can face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $50,000. Parents are liable for any damages or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.


Error message

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.