East County Magazine Seeks Donations to Expand News Coverage

Nonprofit journalism organization needs support to report on local issues and be ready for wildfires.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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East County Magazine, a nonprofit news organization in San Diego, California, is seeking donations from readers to expand its local news coverage and be prepared for potential wildfires. The magazine has had a busy year reporting on major stories, and with inflation driving up costs, they need financial support to cover important issues in the East County region, including land use, city councils, school boards, and county supervisors' actions. The magazine also wants to ensure it can send reporters to provide on-scene coverage of wildfires or other emergencies.

Why it matters

East County Magazine is an important source of local news and information for residents in the East County region of San Diego, an area that has seen a decline in community newspapers. The magazine aims to reflect voices that are often not heard in other media outlets. Securing funding will allow the magazine to continue its mission of providing timely, accurate, and impactful journalism to the community.

The details

East County Magazine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is seeking donations from readers to support its local news coverage and emergency reporting capabilities. The magazine has experienced a surge in news stories over the past year, and with inflation driving up costs, they need financial support to continue reporting on important issues in the East County region, including land use, city councils, school boards, and county supervisors' actions. The magazine also wants to ensure it can send reporters to provide on-scene coverage of wildfires or other emergencies that may occur in the area.

  • East County Magazine has seen a significant increase in news stories over the past year.
  • The magazine is seeking donations from readers to support its local news coverage and emergency reporting capabilities.
  • With inflation driving up costs, the magazine needs financial support to continue its mission of providing timely, accurate, and impactful journalism to the East County community.

The players

East County Magazine

A nonprofit news organization based in San Diego, California, that covers local issues and events in the East County region.

Miriam Raftery

The editor and founder of East County Magazine.

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What they’re saying

“We need your help to report on local news and be ready for wildfires once brush dries out after heavy winter rains. Will you please share some love for local journalists and give to support our news coverage and emergency alerts?”

— Miriam Raftery, Editor and Founder (East County Magazine)

“Please donate now to help grow our East County reporting on land use issues, city councils, school boards, supervisors' actions and more, as we reflect voices often not heard in other media. Plus assure that we can send reporters to provide on-scene reporting of wildfires or other emergencies.”

— Miriam Raftery, Editor and Founder (East County Magazine)

What’s next

East County Magazine is seeking sponsors and underwriters for special sections on its news site. Interested parties can call (619)698-7617 or email editor@eastcountymagazine.org for more details.

The takeaway

East County Magazine's appeal for donations highlights the importance of supporting local journalism, especially in areas where community newspapers have declined. The magazine's goal of providing comprehensive coverage of local issues and being prepared for emergencies like wildfires is crucial for keeping residents informed and engaged in their community.