East County Magazine
REVIEW: PIRATES OF PENZANCE AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionPrepare for a rollicking good time in Gilbert and Sullivan’s uproarious comic opera, brimming with endearing pirates, bumbling policemen, zany escapades, and delightfully ridiculous paradoxes. By G. A. McNeeley Photos by Heather Longfellow March 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera that was created by Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert. Directed and Choreographed
CITY DECLARES MARCH 30TH LEMON GROVE INCIDENT DAY: CELEBRATION PLANNED OVER 1931 SCHOOL DESEGREGATION VICTORY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 21, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – On March 18, Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow issued a proclamation declaring March 30 as the “Lemon Grove Incident Day.” There will be a celebration on March 30 at 1:00 p.m. in front of the mural that tells the story of a historic school desegregation case victory for
INTERNATIONAL AEROBATICS COMPETITION TAKES PLACE APRIL 10-12 IN BORREGO SPRINGS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 21, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – An international aerobatics competition will be held at the Borrego Springs airport Thursday through Saturday, April 10-12, organized by the International Aerobatic Club’s Chapter 36. A highlight for viewers is Saturday’s four-minute freestyle flights set to music, usually involving smoke, flown by top pilots, IAC36 president Bryan Jones advises.
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: AWESOME APRIL EVENTS
Printer-friendly versionMarch 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s springtime in East County—the season for flower festivals, Easter egg hunts, Lakeside’s rodeo and Western Days Parade, outdoor roller skating at Viejas , an aerobatics competition in Borrego Springs, and bunny rides aboard a historic train in Campo. This April, you can also enjoy a roaring ‘20s party atop Mt.
CHEERS TO THE VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL APRIL 5 IN RAMONA
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 20, 2025 (Ramona) — The Ramona Valley Vintners Association and the Ramona Chamber of Commerce invite you to Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival on Saturday, April 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona). The event includes catered small bites, arts and craft vendors, live music by
MYSTERY DINNER THEATER AND FRENCH CUISINE DINNER APRIL 5-6 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 20, 2025 (El Cajon) — The Circle Players will be performing the dinner theatre production of “Everyone’s A Critic” on April 5th at 6:30 p.m. and on April 6th at 1:30 p.m. Performances will be held in Richardson Hall, 551 Farragut Circle, El Cajon. All seats for this mystery dinner theatre show are $30 and includes a 3-course
SAPS AT SEA HOSTS LAUREL AND HARDY FILM SHOWINGS APRIL 5 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version East County News Service March 19, 2025 (El Cajon) — Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the International Laurel and Hardy fan organization, presents: Ollie Feigns Illness to Attend Lodge Events! Films include Laurel and Hardy in “Be Big!” and “Sons of the Desert”, plus Harold Lloyd’s “High and
TASTE OF LAKESIDE APRIL 8; SAVOR FOODS FROM 10 RESTAURANTS TO SUPPORT THE MAINE AVENUE REVITALIZATION
Printer-friendly version East County News Service March 18, 2025 (Lakeside) — The Maine Avenue Revitalization Association (M.A.R.A.) invites you to the Taste of Lakeside, its upcoming fundraise on April 8 from 5-8 p.m. This event brings together ten local restaurants, including Cali-Stack, Ranch House, Octavio’s, East Bound, Yogurt Barn, The Parks, Caffeine Queens, and the VFW, offering attendees the opportunity
MT. HELIX PARK CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL APRIL 12 WITH DUELING PIANOS, DINNER AND DANCING
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 18, 2025 (Mt. Helix) – You’re invited to join the 100th anniversary celebration of Mt. Helix Park with a Roaring ‘20s themed party on April 12 from 4:30 – 8 p.m. in the Mt. Helix Nature Theater. Enjoy delicious appetizers and dinner from Bekker’s Catering, followed by dueling pianos and dancing under the stars. Beer,
LILIAC FESTIVAL ABLOOM AT FORT CROSS IN JULIAN APRIL 19 – MAY 11
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 18, 2025 (Julian) – Fort Cross Adventures in Julian hosts its spring lilac festival from April 19 through May 11 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Preregistration is advised to assure space. General admission ($10) includes entry into a lilac maze, family farm area
SANTEE BUNNY TRAIL APRIL 12 OFFERS FUN FOR KIDS
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 18, 2025 (Santee) – The city of Santee invites you to hop on over to Santee’s Bunny Trail on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santee Trolley Square. Guests can enjoy photos with the bunny, games, crafts, face painting, giveaways and carnival rides. Santee Trolley Square is located at
SAN DIEGO CONCERT BAND PRESENTS MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS APRIL 17 WITH VIOLIN SOLO BY NICK GRANT
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 17, 2025 (San Diego) – You’re invited to a concert by the San Diego Concert Band presenting music of John Williams on Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. in the Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave. in San Diego. Nick Grant will be featured on the theme from “Schindler’s List,” a film based on
Our guide to live music and entertainment venues in East County
Printer-friendly version By Branda Gorgies, with updates by Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery East County has various places to listen to live music, hear comedy, watch plays and enjoy other live entertainment, all while supporting local artists and businesses. Venues range from cozy coffee shops, wineries, breweries and bars to casinos, restaurants, colleges, community theaters, performing arts centers, and city
SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE ANNOUNCES MARY’S WEDDING APRIL 4-27
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photos by Ken Jacques March 13, 2025 (Scripps Ranch) — Scripps Ranch Theatre continues its Season 45 with Mary’s Wedding, written by Stephen Massicotte. Directed by Kate Rose Reynolds, the production runs April 4th – 27th on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at
SUMERLAND: A HAUNTNG NOVEL SET IN SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version Novel by M. Lee Buompensiero Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 6, 2025 (San Diego) — Long-time San Diego resident, M. Lee Buompensiero has released an award-winning novel, Sumerland. The story is full of romance, unusual hauntings, heart-warming dog crises and mishaps. Kate Post inherits the San Diego historical Liebersohn mansion after her mother, whom she rarely saw and
BORREGO HOME AND GARDEN TOUR MARCH 15
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 2, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association invites you to the 2025 Borrego Home and Garden Tour on Saturday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore four special homes in the heart of the desert, at your own pace. Each home showcases unique architecture, landscaping and design
THE RAM, BORREGO VALLEY COMMUNITY RADIO, LAUNCHES
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 2, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Ram, a grassroots, nonprofit community radio station serving Borrego Springs is now online and can be heard here. Thew station features music from all genres, largely contributed by community members, as well as potential coverage of live local events such as community gatherings, concerts and school events, local
MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN WITH SEAN GASKELL: MARCH 7 AT JULIAN LIBRARY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 2, 2025 (Julian) — Friends of the Julian Library will present a concert by Sean Gaskell on the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp. This performance, titled “Music on the Mountain,” will take place on March 7 at 3 p.m. in the Julian branch of the county library, 1850 Highway 78 in Julian. Gaskell
DAFFODIL DAYS IN JULIAN: WEEKENDS MARCH 7 – APRIL 13
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 2, 2025 (Julian) – Julian Farm and Orchard invites you to Daffodil Days, held each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from March 7 through April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to u-pick daffodils, visitors can also enjoy other activities for a fee including a petting zoo, rock climbing, swings, picnic areas,
NATURE DAY ON MT. HELIX MARCH 15
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 1, 2025 (Mt. Helix) — Mt. Helix Park invites you to Nature Day atop Mt. Helix on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will feature live animals, a butterfly release, booths from over 30 nature organizations, activities, crafts and a native plant sale. Shuttles for the public are available (free)
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona
East County News Service April 5, 2026 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the 2026 Cheers to the…
Destination East County: Festive events in mid-April and May 2026
By Miriam Raftery April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – As April continues, drifting into the merry month of May, there are many unique…
County hosts International Dark Sky Celebration April 18 at Santa Ysabel Nature Center
East County News Service April 3, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – Reach for the stars at San Diego County’s International Dark Sky Week Celebration on Saturday,…
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus brings “HERstory — Icons, Rebels and Trailblazers” to The Magnolia April 25-26
East County News Service April 3, 2026 (El Cajon) — The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus will take center stage at The Magnolia later this…
Mild desert weather promised for hot weekend events in Jacumba Hot Springs – April 4, 5
By Rebecca Person April 3, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Sunny, mild desert weather sets the stage April 4 and 5th, for a stellar weekend…
Jamul Casino Resort gets two film awards
“Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News Service April 1, 2026 (Jamul) – Jamul…
Ilan-Lael Foundation hosts docent-led tour April 9 in Santa Ysabel
By Philicia Tonangoye Karen Pearlman contributed to this story. April 1, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) — The nonprofit Ilan-Lael Foundation will host an immersive art and…
Fallbrook artist loses 50 years of work in studio fire
“This is nothing compared to what is taking place in the world” — Jerome Gastaldi, who lost 50 years of work in a fire at…
Magical Mystery Campout and Beatles Tribute Fair: festival April 4-5 in Jacumba
By Rebecca Person March 28, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — East County’s abuzz with a Beatles invasion. De Anza Springs Resort, a high desert retreat,…
Meet candidates in Lakeside on April 22
East County News Service March 27, 2026 (Lakeside) – Voters are invited to the “Candidates to Constituents Town Hall” series. The series is hosted by…
East County public transportation guide to Padres Opening Day March 26
Skip Interstate 8 and ‘ride the rails’ with the Padres-wrapped Trolley East County News Service March 25, 2026 (San Diego) — With the San Diego…
Karnival of the Arts coming to DeAnza Springs April 30 through May 3
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — Performance art and music will collide and combine in concert in the high desert…
The Circle Players present ‘The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise’ April 17, 18 and 19
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (El Cajon) — The First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon’s theater outreach program, The Circle Players, will navigate…
Mt. Miguel High School Foundation hosts “Spring Craft Fair” April 11 to support local students
East County News Service March 23, 2026 (Spring Valley) — The Mt. Miguel High School Foundation is inviting the community to its upcoming “Spring Craft…
Sarah Foles: A Short Story Collection by Travis Lee provides rich social commentary
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 22, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Travis Lee has released a collection of short stories currently displayed in…
Walden Family Services marks 50 years with golf tournament and ‘No Place Like Home’ gala
East County News Service March 22, 2026 (San Diego) — Nonprofit Walden Family Services , which has supported more than 100,000 foster children and families…
Planning under way for 80th annual Crest 4th of July Parade and daylong festival
Vendors, food trucks and parade participants wanted By Paul Levikow March 21, 2026 (Crest) – The Crest Community Association is planning the 80th Annual Crest…
Destination East County: April festivities and Easter events
By Miriam Raftery March 20, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Upcoming events in our inland region include egg hunts, a bunny bash, and a…
Julian Junior Theater makes debut with ‘Annie Jr.’ April 24-26
East County News Service March 19, 2026 (Julian) — In another month, the sun will be coming out for youths in the San Diego County’s…
Final chord at Hooley’s with Evans Academy Extravaganza March 20
Photo courtesy Facebook By Karen Pearlman March 19, 2026 (La Mesa) — For nearly two decades, the dark wood and stone hearth of Hooley’s Public…
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
East County Magazine
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa’s arrival at Parkway Plaza on November 21
Printer-friendly versionEast 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
Racing turkeys stampede at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona
Printer-friendly versionEast 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
BalletCenter Studios bringing a twist on a holiday classic
Printer-friendly version“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
Christmas with the wild animals at Lions Tigers & Bears
Printer-friendly versionEast 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
Marinelli Brothers Circus brings big top shows to El Cajon Nov. 12 – Dec. 5
Printer-friendly version 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
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues