By Tom Christensen, County of San Diego Communications Office

January 3, 2017 (San Diego) - San Diego County residents continued to take advantage of the all of free resources available to them from the San Diego County Library system in 2016. From books and e-books to DVDs and a variety of programs for residents of all ages, the SDCL ranked amongst the top library systems in the nation.

East County News Service

October 15, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) --East County Magazine’s Bookshelf host,  Reina Menasche,  recently sat down for an in-depth interview with  Charles Harrington Elster, a seasoned writer, broadcaster, narrator and nationally recognized wordsmith.  Elster, known for his novel approach to SAT and ACT test preparation, Elster is also the author of 11 books,   including Verbal Advantage and Word Workout.

By Miriam Raftery

The County of San Diego’s new library in Alpine has been nominated for an Orchid Award in the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s annual Orchids and Onions Awards. The project was created through the design-build team of C.W. Driver, Ferguson Pape Baldwin Architects, and architect Manuel Oncina selected in a competitive design process.

From indoor trees for kids to cozy up and read under to an outdoor patio with park view, 42 million books, many specialized spaces and plenty of high-tech amenities, the spacious new library is not only innovative in design and beautiful, it’s also energy efficient as the County’s first Zero Net Energy building.  Next up, the County is seeking LEED Gold certification.

East County News Service

Hear our interview with Del Hood:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

June 27, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – Recently, East County Magazine sat down with Del Hood, long-time news editor of the Daily Californian and author of the new book History in the Headlines: Half a Century of the Most Notable Events in the El Cajon Valley and Surrounding Areas 1950-2000.

He recalled some of the most memorable stories of his career, as well as the fascinating history of our region.  This interview originally aired on the East County Magazine Show on KNSJ 89.1 FM Radio. To listen online now, click the link above. (Note: sound files can take a few moments to load.)

By Mike Allen

May 29, 2016 (Santee) -- Santee’s library is bursting at the seams, hosting more children’s story-tellings, classes and community meetings than ever and library officials have the numbers to prove it.

Hear our interview with Rebecca Grant, originally aired on KNSJ 89.1 FM:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

(Note: Audio files can take a few moments to load)

March 18, 2016 (San Diego) -- Rebecca Grant, author of A Sticky Web of Vengeance: The Coach's Wife sat down for an exclusive interview with East County Magazine Radio Show's Bookshelf host Reina Menasche.

Grant endured shocking revelations about her well-known husband's past, forgave him and stood by him in his final challenge: a battle with brain cancer.  She survived these hardships only to endure betrayal by his family members. Yet she weathered the storms in her life, finding inner strength.

She has since dedicated her life to activism, hoping to help others. 

Source: County News Service

January 17, 2016 (San Diego’s East County) – County Supervisors have approved spending $50,000 in Neighborhood Reinvestment funds to acquire land for new libraries in Lakeside and the Casa de Oro community in Spring Valley.  The plan was proposed by East County Supervisor Dianne Jacob.

By Miriam Raftery

Photos:  Left, Bill Swank with Reina Menasche; lower right, Swank with Ed Barrena at our studio in El Cajon

Listen to the podcast of our interview, originally aired on KNSJ Radio 89.1 FM: http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/rqxbr1r051/BookshelfSanta-BillSwank.mp3

December 21, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – If you’re looking for a true treasure to share with someone on your holiday gift list, a copy of Bill Swank’s Christmas in San Diego is ideal.  His book is filled with local examples of the Christmas spirit, from Santee Santas giving back to the community to endearing and unique holiday traditions in towns across our region.

“The goodness that we have in us all  is Santa Claus,” says Swank, who has expertise in delivering holiday cheer. He’s played Santa for years, including serving as Santa Claus at the annual December Nights celebration in Balboa Park.

Answering your questions about writing, publishing, and marketing books

By Sarka-Jonae Miller

October 26, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - A scientist, a novelist, and now a guest columnist... Ask An Author is happy to welcome multiple award-winning author and physicist Massimo Marino, whose science fiction trilogy sold more than 10,000 copies in the US and abroad before being picked up by a publisher. Also, get one of his novels free Nov 9-14, as well as 200 more!

Answering your questions about writing, publishing, and marketing books

By Sarka-Jonae Miller

July 13, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) --This week I'm happy to welcome #1 best-selling author, Caroline Fardig, to the Ask An Author column.

Caroline is the author of the Lizzie Hart Mystery series of hilarious cozy mysteries. She recently got a book deal with Penguin Random House for an upcoming mystery novel, Death Before Decaf, and she just self-published her third novel, Bad Medicine. Caroline also happens to be one of my favorite authors.

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

June 4, 2015 (Lemon Grove)—Five local living legends were honored on May 29^th at the Lemon Grove Library, where their portraits by prominent artist Mona Mills were unveiled.  Those honored reflect a diverse cross section of our community, each with stories to tell.

East County News Service

May 28, 2015 (Alpine) – Local award-winning author Sarka-Jonae Miller recently launched “Ask the Author,” a column for East County Magazine.   You’re invited to join us as she discusses her experiences as a publicist and journalist at the Alpine Library on Saturday, June 6^th at 1 p.m.

East County News Service

April 23, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) -- Deborah M. Pratt, noted author, writer, director, producer and actress was in East County for a signing of her latest book, The Tempting: Seducing the Nephilim. East County Magazine Show’s Bookshelf host Reina Menasche sat down with Pratt for an exclusive interview  aired on KNSJ radio, which you can now hear online here:  https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...

Pratt has been executive producer of “The Net” for the USA network as well as head writer and co-executive producer of the NBC TV series “Quantum Leap.”

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2015 (San Diego's East County) - There’s some good news this weeks for fans of Dr. Seuss the beloved San Diego children’s book author who died in 1991.  Three new manuscripts have been discovered that were written by Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Theodore Geisel.

By Miriam Raftery

November 20, 2014 (San Diego’s East County) – As part of our coverage of Native American Heritage Month,  East County Magazine Show’s Bookshelf host Reina Menasche interviewed local writer Paula Margulies. She is the author of Favorite Daughter, Part I, a story about Pocahontas told from a Native American point of view.  She has also written a novel, Coyote Moon, set on the Pala Indian Reservation here in San Diego’s inland region.

Listen to our interview with Paula Margulies, originally aired on KNSJ radio, now online here: https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/sites/eastcountymagazine.org/files/au...