East County Magazine
Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice
Book by Caitlin Rother Review by Paul Levikow December 2, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego-based New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother takes on the mysterious disappearance of the McStay family of four, who were last seen in their Fallbrook home in February, 2010. Joseph, Summer, and their two sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. were killed and their bodies
East County Magazine’s “Feasting and Merrymaking” holiday party December 7
December 1, 2025 (La Mesa) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—so East County Magazine is hosting a “feasting and merrymaking” holiday party this Sunday, December 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at a private Mt. Helix home. The party is open to all subscribers—and subscriptions to our e-newsletter is free! Subscribe. Cost is just $20 and bring a
Destination East County: Dreamy December events to remember
East County News Service Listen to an audio version of this story. November 30, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—and there’s plenty of merry events coming up in December across East County! Festivities include a stage production of “’‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in La Mesa, Pine Valley’s Camp Christmas holiday lighting extravaganza, the
Artists from St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center to show off skills
East County News Service Nov. 28, 2025 (El Cajon) — The holiday spirit is already brightening up downtown El Cajon, with St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and its Sophie’s Gallery again central to the vibe. Next month, St. Madeleine Sophie’s is inviting the community to meet and discover the creative talents of some of its artists while giving an
Operation Masquerade: A Rent Beacham Mystery
Novel by Larry M. Edwards Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 28, 2025 (San Diego) — Larry Edwards, a San Diego resident, has written another Rent Beacham mystery. San Diego journalist Rent receives information about a cold-case homicide in Washington State. His investigation leads him to investigate links between illegal disposal of hazardous waste from a San Diego boatyard in 1995
New City Sinfonia and Downbeat Big Band swing into the holidays with Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker
East County News Service Nov. 25, 2025 (El Cajon) — The sounds of the holiday season will get a swinging upgrade next month, as the New City Sinfonia and the Downbeat Big Band team up for a special performance featuring Duke Ellington’s jazz interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic, The Nutcracker Suite. Organizers of the Dec. 10 event at Grossmont
Dawn Hough Sebaugh’s “Wear Art, Live Art” fashion show at Wieghorst Museum features modern art styles with Western vibe
The show featured clothing created from paintings, illustrating the power of art in fashion Story and photos by Heidi Hope November 23, 2025 (El Cajon) — Boots and Belles, a fashion show at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum in El Cajon on Nov.8, showcased creative fashions by designer Dawn Hough Sebaugh, owner of Wear Art, Live Art (WALA). The dresses
Poway OnStage brings holiday cheer with ugly seasonal sweater soirée plus a chance to give back
East County News Service Nov. 19, 2025 (Poway) — Sweater weather is upon us, and ugly sweaters are about to take a fashionable, functional turn on center stage in Poway. Poway OnStage is going to host two performances of “The Ugly Seasonal Sweater Soirée: Holiday Hits in Horrible Knits” on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Poway Center for
Lemon Grove’s Community Bonfire to light up the night Dec. 5
East County News Service November 17, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The city of Lemon Grove will host its 29th annual community bonfire on Friday, December 5 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Park, 3200 Main Street. Activities include a live band, kids’ zone, and foods available for purchase. In addition, the mayor will deliver welcoming remarks at 6 p.m.,
Lamplighters Theatre presents ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Nov. 29 – Dec. 14
East County News Service November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) — “‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But wait. A mouse is stirring – because Santa missed his house last year. Lamplighter’s Theatre in La Mesa will present “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” featuring the wild adventures of
Holiday in the Village: A La Mesa tradition returns Dec. 13
East County News Service November 17, 2025 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Village Association’s 10th annual Holiday in the Village event will take place on December 13 from 12 p.m. through 9 p.m. It will feature a variety of enhanced holiday traditions including an ice rink, a winter wonderland, Mrs. Claus’ reading nook, selfies with Santa, holiday photo opportunities,
Julian Theater Company presents “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 12-20
East County News Service November 17, 2025 (Julian) – Ebeneezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future will come to life in Julian, where the Julian Theater Company presents Charles Dickens’ holiday classic play, “A Christmas Carol.” You’ll be drawn into Dicken’s Victorian supernatural world of Christmas festivity, family, redemption, family, and love. The performances,
Nutcracker Ballet comes to The Magnolia in El Cajon Dec. 20-21
East County News Service November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — San Diego Ballet brings “The Nutcracker”, a cherished holiday classic, to the Magnolia performing arts center in El Cajon with performances on Saturday, December 20 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. as well as Sunday, December 21 at 12 p.m. The Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and an international cast
“Jingles and Jam” with Rebecca Jade and friends Dec. 5 at Sycuan
East County News Service November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — ‘Tis the season to enjoy “Jingles and Jam” with Rebecca Jam, who was named Breakout Artist of Year by the Smooth Jazz Network and “Debut Artist of the Year” by JazzTrax, both in 2022. She earned a San Diego Music Award in 2023 “Best R&B/Funk/Soul Album” for her debut solo
Thankful Fur You: Holiday Tours Nov. 21 at Calif. Wolf Center in Julian
East County News Service November 17, 2025 (Julian) – Make a holiday treat such as a pumpkin spiced meatball, then watch as wolves at the California Wolf Center in Julian savor their pre-Thanksgiving feasts. The “Thankful Fur You” event takes place on November 21 at 2:40 p.m. and lasts an hour and a half. Support wolf conservation efforts with an unforgettable experience where
Pine Valley Camp Christmas brings forest to life with lights, holiday music and activities
East County News Service November 17, 2025 (Pine Valley) – Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from Nov. 21 through Dec. 23, Pine Valley Camp Christmas provides enchanting family entertainment. Hundreds of thousands of lights bring the forest to life, timed to the beat of holiday music hourly from 6-9 p.m. including the finale, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” There’s also a dancing
Mayor Wells hosts Jubilee Jam at the Magnolia Dec. 6 to help bring San Diego Rescue Mission to East County
East County News Service November 17, 2025 (El Cajon) — You’re invited to a free, family friendly evening filled with music, joy and holiday cheer—all for a good cause. On December 6, Jubilee festivities begin at 6 p.m., followed by a concert at 7 p.m. in the Magnolia theater featuring Mayor Bill Wells and his 14-piece band performing Motown, R&B
Saps at Sea present ‘End of Year Film Fun’
East County News Service November 15, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the Laurel and Hardy fan organization, invite you to close out their 47th year with some End of Year Film Fun in El Cajon on Saturday, December 6. This month’s guest comedian is Charlie Chase in
Hear our interview with La Mesa director Elisha Cecil, whose movie “Amber” is screening at San Diego Film Week Nov. 14
By Heidi Hope November 12, 2025 (La Mesa) – Elisha Cecil is a filmmaker, screenwriter and director from La Mesa. His films have been featured in many major film festivals, including Eyes of Shadow and Amber, a short horror film showing at the San Diego Film Week on November 14. East County Magazine interviewed Cecil for our radio show, which
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa’s arrival at Parkway Plaza on November 21
East County News Service November 11, 2025 (El Cajon) — Parkway Plaza will light up the night with its beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival to kick off the holidays on Friday, November 21, followed by a series of events and activities through the holiday season. For the main event, a mischievous green Christmas thief will join Santa to light up
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
East County Magazine
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa’s arrival at Parkway Plaza on November 21
East County News Service November 11, 2025 (El Cajon) — Parkway Plaza will light up the night with its beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival to kick off the holidays
Racing turkeys stampede at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona
East County News Service November 9, 2025 (Ramona) – This is not a turkey trot. The Wild West Turkey Stampede returns November 15, 28, 29 and 30 at the Oasis
BalletCenter Studios bringing a twist on a holiday classic
“Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier” Comes to the Joan B. Kroc Theatre East County News Service Nov. 8, 2025 (San Diego) — A fresh take on the magical
Christmas with the wild animals at Lions Tigers & Bears
East County News Service Nov. 18, 2025 (Alpine) — Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego County’s lone accredited animal sanctuary is getting ready for the winter holidays. The nonprofit
Marinelli Brothers Circus brings big top shows to El Cajon Nov. 12 – Dec. 5
East County News Service November 6, 2025 (El Cajon) – A brand new circus is coming to San Diego’s East County. The Marinelli Brothers Circus brings its brand-new production
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues