(Photo By Karen Floyd Portraiture)
I’m the editor and founder of East County Magazine (www.EastCountyMagazine.org). As a freelance journalist, I’ve won hundreds of awards and published thousands of articles in regional and national news sites, magazines and newspapers. A native of La Mesa, I graduated from Helix High, Grossmont College, and U.C. Santa Barbara. After working a variety of jobs, I realized I had a talent for writing. I discovered the power of journalism after being asked to help a friend in need of a transplant; that article resulted in a quadrupling of organ donations locally, saving many lives. Though I’ve written on national issues, my passion is local journalism—covering the stories that might otherwise remain untold and giving a voice to people across San Diego’s inland region.
About Miriam Raftery
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Dad was an aerospace engineer who designed the flight paths for rockets in the space program. He was known as “Mr. Atlas.” Mom was a talented artist. S I learned attention to detail along with creativity from my parents, as well as values of integrity, hard work, and perseverance. Our family tree includes a lot of different ethnicities and nationalities—including cowboys and Indians, pioneers, survivors of the Holocaust, a farmer who lost everything in the Depression, Dust Bowl survivors, impoverished immigrants, a French monarch, and a founding father, Patrick Henry! So I have respect for people from all places in the world and all walks of life. My husband is an attorney. Our daughter is a physician assistant in Montana and our son is an engineer. We have a husky dog and an orange tabby cat, who help relieve stress in our household.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am most gratified when an article that I’ve written or published results in positive changes for our community. Examples include ending illegal waste dumping in headwaters of the San Diego River, getting a dangerous helicopter part recalled after multiple accidents, halting utility helicopter flights near eagle nests, stopping the county from eliminating all community planning groups as “red tape” (which failed by a single vote), and many more.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Believe in yourself and follow your dreams. Be kind to all, stand up to those who belittle others, and don’t let naysayers dissuade you from doing what you know is right. Don’t give up! Many of the success stories I mentioned above started with a single person who organized their neighborhood, got word out through the media, and brought about changes for the better.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Semi-retired, hopefully, with someone trained to take over the reins at East County Magazine so our community reporting can continue. I’d love to travel more and spend time with family and friends.
Miriam Raftery & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are many! I started the East County Dining Club to help people discover great restaurants here. We’re so fortunate to have cuisines from around the world, thanks to our region being a hub for immigrants. Anyone who’d like to join in our events can contact me at editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born here and grew up in La Mesa. I left for a few years for college and a short stint out of state, before returning in 1981. I worked as a freelance journalist, editor and author for a while, then started East County Magazine in 2008. We cover all of East County, and I love telling the stories of the many amazing people and places here.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are so many, it would be impossible to pick just one!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Thearle Music Co. I worked there in the ‘70s and loved trying out all the sheet music and instruments, and helping introduce school kids to music. Those who worked there had fun–we’d have jam sessions when the manager wasn’t around.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
East County has so many beautiful and historic places, but the spirit of giving among people here is the very best aspect—such as when communities pulled together to help fire survivors, or families who lost loved ones, or homeless people and migrants in need of help, especially during winter weather.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Famed journalist Bob Woodward—at Press Box Sports Bar and Restaurant in Rancho San Diego!
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Naturally, I’m a fan of movies about journalists, such as All the President’s Men and The Post, as well as TV shows like Lou Grant. I also read a lot and enjoy adventure novels and stories in exotic settings.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My hobby is wildlife photography – so I’ve enjoyed time in places like Alaska, Yellowstone, and most recently, Africa.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Our San Diego region! Where else can you visit balmy beaches, snow-capped mountains and deserts all in a few hours?
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Our readers! I am constantly learning from them, and striving to expand and improve our coverage of local communities.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Mom told me, “You can be anything you want to be.” She always supported my goals and believed in me.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Mt. Helix
What I love about my Neighborhood:
It’s quiet with enough space for privacy and yards with room enough for a garden and fruit trees. Many of the homes are older with plenty of character. Plus the Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association hosts some wonderful events atop Mt. Helix for our community.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
A stay at a B&B in our local mountains complete with a walk in the woods, a stop at shops in historic Julian along with savoring apple pie, and a visit to a local winery to enjoy local vintages, fresh air and mountain views. I always feel rejuvenated after even a few hours in our local mountain areas.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, comfort, and security.
