Celebrate our launch party! Thousands of dollars in prizes!

Early bird rates extended to Friday! RSVP to reserve space

You're invited! Celebrate launch of our East County Magazine prime-time radio show on KNSJ!  Join us Sunday, May 19 from 12-3 p.m. at the beautiful Maness Vineyards estate, 3044 Colina Verde Lane in Jamul.  Winetasting, great food, music, amazing prizes and more!  

DIRECTIONS:  (click read more below to open and view directions)

Join the most fun event in town!

LIMITED SEATING -- RESERVE SPACE (619) 922-9057 

By Caprice Harrison

February 22, 2013 (La Mesa) – Bring friends and come on out for some terrific comedy tonight (Feb. 22) at Holiday Inn Mesa Grill,  8000 Parkway Drive to benefit East County Magazine (ECM).  Brew Ha Ha’s hilarious comedy team, Chris Clobber from HBO and Comedy Central and internationally known comic Diane Jean, will perform stand-up comedy for an evening of laughs. Show starts at 7 p.m., or come early to mix and mingle at 6 p.m. with our staff, readers and comics. Win prizes and surprises--including a Viejas gift basket, a winery tour, restaraunt gift certificates and more!

East County Magazine is now on Facebook!  You can follow us, be our friend, and "like" us here:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/East-County-Magazine/524328380924611.

This is a new page, separate from our editor, Miriam Raftery's Facebook page.  We will be transitioning our news site's information to the new page, so please be sure to "friend" us for the latest posts. 

December 21, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Congresswoman Susan Davis, La Mesa Mayor Art Madrid, and El Cajon Councilman Gary Kendrick were among the elected officials who joined in our “Feasting & Merrymaking” party over the weekend—and shared some  special news for our community.

Our guests also enjoyed live jazz by the amazing Chris Klich trio, fabulous food by chef Patrick Dean and the Grove Pastry Shop, wines from La Serenissima and San Pasqual wineries, plus an East County trivia game and prize drawings.

VIP guests include Congresswoman Davis, Mayor Art Madrid and many more!

This year's festivities will take place on Sunday, December 16 from 2-6 p.m.

Savor delicious foods prepared by Chef Patrick Dean and Grove Pastry Shop, enjoy wine tasting by La Serenissima and San Pasqual Winery as well as live jazz music by Chris Klich of Grossmont College Music Dept.  Plus we'll have prizes and surprises!

This Giving Tuesday, Millions of People Turn Every Day Actions into Support for a Cause

November 27 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Today is “Giving Tuesday,”  when people across the U.S. help give back to their favorite causes. Through Goodsearch, GoodShop and GoodDining, more than 15 million people are helping to “simply do good.” Over 2,500 merchants are offering special discounts this Tuesday, November 27, to encourage shoppers to support charitable giving.

8 of 11 awards recognize ECM's in-depth coverage of energy issues in our region

By Miriam Raftery

October 23, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – Continuing our proud tradition, East County Magazine was once again among the top recipients of honors at tonight’s San Diego Press Club Excellence in Journalism Awards.  All entries were in the Daily Newspapers and Websites category, going up against the major print newspapers and online news sites in our region.

The majority of the honors recognized ECM's in-depth coverage of the impacts of major energy projects, including industrial wind turbines, on local rural, mountain and desert communities. ECM editor Miriam Raftery won nine awards, including a first place award in general news for Silence of the Lambs: U.S. Government authorizes killing of endangered bighorns in path of wind project.   Raftery and ECM intern Mia Myklebust shared an additional first place award in the public service/consumer advocacy category for Jacumba: A town surrounded. That story focused on the impacts of major energy projects on a small rural community.

Scroll down to see our full list of winners and read the winning entries.

By Miriam Raftery

September 27, 2012 (El Cajon ) – It was the hottest party in town last night at the El Cajon Brewing Company, where a “Beer Bash Benefit” was held to raise funds for East County Magazine’s wildfire reporting and to encourage the public to sign up for ECM's free Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.

The event raised nearly $3,500, including a generous $2,500 donation from the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians.  Charlie Brown, director of Community Relations for Viejas, and Chief Don Butz of Viejas Fire were on hand to make the presentation. 

Please join us this evening to enjoy some cheer and help fund live reporting of wildfires and other hot news in East County! We now have THOUSANDS of dollars in great prizes!

Join us Wed. Sept. 26 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at El Cajon Brewing Co. for beer-tasting, great food, live music by Charlie Rae (she's opened for Sheryl Crow and other stars), tons of prizes, hot cars from Carrera Coachwerks and more during El Cajon's Classic Cruises' season finale.   

First 100 guests get a $10 voucher for FREE FOOD OR BEER!

June 29, 2012 (San Diego) – The Society of Professional Journalists' San Diego chapter has awarded East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery the James Julian Memorial Award for best community service series.  Raftery received the honor, along with a $100 prize, for her series titled FEMA refund demand sparks firestorm of controversy.

The series also won an honorable mention in daily news reporting. In addition, Raftery won a second place award for environmental reporting for an East County Magazine article titled County issues draft wind ordinance; backcountry leaders level harsh criticism.

May 20, 2012 (San Diego) -- The League of Women Voters, San Diego this week presented East County Magazine with its Media Award 2012.  The honor was bestowed in recognition of ECM's coverage of developer's efforts to abolish community planning efforts.

(La Mesa)—Join us for a spirited evening at San Pasqual Winery, 8364 La Mesa Blvd. in historic downtown La Mesa on Sunday, April 29 from 4-7 p.m. to benefit East County Magazine!

Have you seen our weekly newsletter? It's packed full of the most important news, best attractions and festive events for our region.  View the current issue here.  It's a great way to keep up on what's happening in East County and our region!

For a free subscription, click here. 

Student tickets $10; $35 tickets for ECM subscribers

February 28, 2012 (San Diego) – Named among Time Magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet”, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has led legal battles to protect clean water, help indigenous tribes preserve homelands, and defend our environment around the world. 

The famed environmental lawyer, author, “Ring of Fire” radio co-host, and member of one of America’s most prominent political families will be the keynote speaker Saturday, March 3 at the “Forging a Sustainable Future” conference at San Diego State University.

Dozens of toys, hundreds of dollars donated for East County Toy & Food Drive

December 15, 2011 (La Mesa)—Thanks to all of our generous guests , sponsors, and VIP visitors who made this year’s East County Magazine holiday party very merry indeed!  As always, we invited community leaders and officials in all parties, plus other  special guests. 

Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), whose district will soon include much of East County, joined the festivities. Assemblyman Brian Jones (R-Santee) sent Assembly commendations for our award-winning writers and photographers. Santa and Mrs. Claus heard children’s Christmas wishes, while an elf handed out prizes. 

Fire officials warn this could be the worst fire season in years--and budget cuts has slashed 72 firefighters from Cal Fire in San Diego.  We need funds now to be sure we can keep you alerted if a major fire strikes!

We can still earn hundreds of dollars more to fund our Viejas Wildfire& Emergency Alerts if you vote TODAY. 

 Please vote here now:  www.ideal4acause.com/vote.php . 

(1 vote person; only San Diego County votes will be counted. Mulltiple votes per household or computer are

allowed. ) Ask friends, family and coworkers to vote, too! We get money for every work.

Photos courtesy of Dennis Richardson and La Mesa Fire Department

June 22, 2011 (San Diego)--SummerFest tickets are selling fast!  Join us June 26 at Mission Trails Regional Park for a  feast cooked up by Chefs de Cuisine, plus wine and beer tasting, live music, thousands of dollars in prizes and more -- all for just $25 ($20 if you buy 2 or more tickets) if you buy in advance online (at the door: $30 or two for $50).

Get tickets and prize list here: www.eastcountymagazine.org/summerfest-2011

Scroll down to view the juicy details of the full menu--then make plans to join us for this fabulous midsummer feast!

Thanks to all who made our SummerFest a sizzling success--over 300 community members who attended, dozens of sponsors, a legion of loyal volunteers, the talented Chefs de Cuisine,  Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation for hosting our event at their beautiful facility, and our VIP guests including two members of Congress. (Watch for photos soon). 

If you missed the festivities, join us next year!

Feasting, frolicking, and merrymaking--ho, ho!
Plus thousands of dollars in prizes!

 Join East County Magazine at our holiday party Sunday, December 19 from 5-9 p.m. at Cafe' 67 (Highway 67 at Mapleview in Lakeside).  Enjoy feasting, frolicking, mingling and merrymaking! 

October 28, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – East County Magazine editor Miriam Raftery is among the nominees for a Women in Leadership Award. Winners will be announced Friday, October 29 at the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Women in Leadership luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel in Mission Valley.

For reservations, visit http://www.eastcountychamber.org/events. For a list of nominees and categories, scroll down.

 
By Miriam Raftery

October 20, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) –East County Magazine picked up 13 new awards at San Diego Press Club’s “Excellence in Journalism” awards last night at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. ECM was named second-best news site and second best general interest website in San Diego County.   Individual writers also took top honors across a broad range of categories. 

Dear Readers,

August 22, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – I hope you’ll take heart from this inspiring news. After writing an article about the plight of flood victims in Afghanistan facing starvation, including women and girls at literacy schools founded by East County’s own Rescue Task Force, I received this heart-warming letter from RTF leaders Gary Becks and Andrea Stone:

“Miriam, you win the Motivating Journalism prize for the day... Probably for the next couple years! Sent your article to our board members and a number of supporters last night. Have just received a commitment to match up to $10,000 in donations …I was / am so impressed at reading your article…Thank you - you have touched many lives... and hearts.”

July 9, 2010 (College Area) – What could be better than a free feast, music, and partying with East County Magazine? You’re invited to our “Midsummer Night Mixer and Mediterranean Feast” to welcome our region’s new restaurant, Garden Fresh Grill & Smoothie in the College area.

This free event will be held on Friday, July 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We’ll also have prize drawings—including a two-hour party with a D.J. from Nights of the Sound Table. RSVPS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT. Space is limited to the first 30 who reserve space, so RSVP now to writerink@cox.net.

July 9, 2010 (San Diego) – East County Magazine added another award to its growing list of honors last night at the Society of Professional Journalists awards banquet at the Bali Hai restaurant in San Diego. SPJ-San Diego presented ECM with a first-place award for investigative reporting in the daily news reporting category.

The winning story, “Sonic weapons used in Iraq positioned at Congressional town hall meetings in San Diego County,” by ECM editor Miriam Raftery, revealed that San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore’s office had been rolling out a long-range acoustical device (LRAD) at public events ranging from a sand-castle building contest to Congressional town hall meetings on healthcare reform. (Read the award-winning story.)

Prizes include honeymoon stay at Angel’s Landing and bachelorette party with “Sam the Pirate” Johnny Depp celebrity look-alike

May 21, 2010 (El Cajon) – Here come the brides! At last, East County has a one-stop-shop for wedding needs—as well as free beauty services, musical entertainment, prize drawings, raffle, auction, bridal gown modeling, and more.

East County Magazine and La Dolce Belladonna Spa & Salon have forged a marriage made in heaven to offer this special event on Sunday, June 6 from 12 to 4 p.m. at La Dolce Belladonna Salon & Spa, 596 Westwind Drive in El Cajon (just south of Fletcher Parkway in the Fletcher Hills area.) The event is free to the public and fun for everyone.

Award Finalists Announced for Good Governance, Media Initiatives
Winners revealed at Golden Watchdog & Golden Fleece Awards Dinner May 20

May 5, 2010(San Diego) -- San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA) today announced finalists in its annual Golden Watchdog, Media Watchdog, Public Private Partnership and “It’s About Time” awards.  East County Magazine Editor Miriam Raftery and Channel 10 News have been nominated for a Media Watchdog award for a joint investigative report titled "Water Board Stirs Flood of Controversy." 

VIP party honored achievements by local citizens and community leaders

By Miriam Raftery; photos by Julie Edwards

May 3, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – During a “Celebrate our Citizens” VIP party at Cuyamaca College on April 28, East County Magazine presented awards to honor local citizens’ achievements in five categories: Humanitarian, Community Organizing, Education, Business Leadership, Environmental Protection, and Community Heroes. In addition, a special award recognized Viejas Fire Chief Don Butz and the Viejas Fire Department for their efforts to keep our communities safe from wildfires.

 VIP PARTY, COMMUNITY AWARDS, & CITIZEN BAND CONCERT

You’re invited to the best party in town! Join our journalists, readers, and community leaders as we party hearty and honor amazing citizens making a positive difference in our community, plus enjoy a benefit concert by Citizen Band, one of the top musical groups in our region. Fun * Food * Festivities*Fabulous prizes!
WHEN: Thursday, April 29  WHERE: Cuyamaca College

 6pm VIP Party (21 & up) student center;                              8pm Citizen Band Concert--theater
TICKETS: Early-bird rates (by April 26): Party & Concert: $40 (Party only: $20; concert only: $20 adults/$10 students.  After April 26: $45 for party and concert; $25 party only; concert only/$20 adults/$10 students                                         

RSVP today! 619-698-7617 or email writerink@cox.net.  More info, directions and map......