East County Magazine
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)
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: MERRY MARCH EVENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery February 27, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – March brings some merry events including farm tours, a stargazing party, live music concerts, a Spring Fling business expo, Tomatomania at the Water Conservation Garden, Daffodil Days in Julian, St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Nature Day atop Mt. Helix, a Pirates of Penzance production at Grossmont College,
TOMATOMANIA RETURNS MARCH 7 AND 8 AT THE GARDEN—NOW WITH TOMATO COOKING CLASS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 27, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Tomatomania returns to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8. The free, two-day event celebrates 75-80 incredible varieties of your favorite summer treat—tomatoes. You can purchase tomato plants including some rare varieties, cherished heirlooms and legendary classics—plus get tips from experts on how to grow the most flavorful
THE INSIDIOUS DISEASE OF CANCER AND BRAIN TUMORS!
Printer-friendly version Brain Surgeon: A Doctor’s Inspiring Encounters with Mortality and Miracles, by Keith Black, MD (Wellness Books, trademark of Hatchette Book Group, Inc., New York, NY 2009, 226 pages). Book Review by Dennis Moore
SOUNDS OF YESTERDAY: NOVEL CENTERS ON AUTISTIC MAN’S TROUBLED ROMANCE
Printer-friendly versionBy Jacob Hubbard Reviewed by Pennell Paugh February 24, 2025 (San Diego) – Long-time San Diego resident Jacob Hubbard has written a debut novel, Sounds of Yesterday, about a romantic relationship during COVID as experienced by an autistic man. For five years, Rob and Ana overcome career challenges, achieve emotional stability, and survive a global pandemic. Though they each
GROSSMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOSTS “SPANISH NIGHTS” CONCERT MARCH 7 WITH NEW CONDUCTOR HERNAN CONSTANTINO
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 21, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra welcomes its new conductor, San Diego Symphony Orchestra violinist, Hernan Constantino. He is also on his seventh season as the music director for Mainly Mozart with the San Diego Symphony. His first concert performance is titled “Spanish Nights: A Concert of Passion and Fire” on March 7 at
LA MESA CHAMBER INVITES YOU TO MEET LOCAL BUSINESSES AT MARCH 5 SPRING FLING BUSINESS EXPO
Printer-friendly versionSource: City of La Mesa February 20, 2025 (La Mesa) – On Wednesday, March 5th, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them at the 10th Annual Spring Fling Business Expo. This special evening will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon, 141 N. Magnolia Avenue in El Cajon between 5:30 p.m.
ALPINE COUNTRY GIFTS AND CRAFTS HOSTS SPRING FESTIVAL MARCH 20-22
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 20, 2025 (Alpine) – Alpine Country Crafts and Gifts (2156 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine) invites you to a Spring Festival and Easter Celebration. The event takes place on: Thursday, March 20 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 21 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 22 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Printer-friendly version
COUNTY BREAKS GROUND ON NEW CASA DE ORO LIBRARY
Printer-friendly version By Shauni Lyles, County of San Diego Communications Office Video by James Kecskes February 20, 2025 (Spring Valley) – County officials and community members broke ground Wednesday on a project that will bring a new library branch to Casa de Oro to meet the growing needs of the community. The new library will be located at 9610 Campo
A GUIDE TO EVENTS HAPPENING DURING GROSSMONT COLLEGE’S SPRING 2025 SEMESTER
Printer-friendly version By G. A. McNeeley February 19, 2025 (El Cajon) – There’s a lot happening on Grossmont Campus, including a variety of free and paid events open to the general public as well as students, staff and faculty. These include concerts, movies, theatrical productions, blood drives, and more. Below are details. To see more details for these events
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: LATE FEBRUARY FESTIVITIES
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Late February brings several unique activities to enjoy, including new moon fishing at Lake Jennings, Fido Fest in Santee, a black history celebration in Lemon Grove, a farm tour adventure at Fort Cross in Santa Ysabel, Romeo and Juliet onstage in Borrego Springs, Hawk Watch in Ramona and
CASA DE ORO ALLIANCE HOSTS COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON FLOOD ISSUES FEB. 25 IN SPRING VALLEY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service February 15, 2025 (Spring Valley) — The Casa de Oro Alliance invites members of the community who have been affected by flooding to a community dialogue to help bring the community together and build resilience. The event is Tuesday, February 25 at San Diego Youth Services’ auditorium, 3845 Spring Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977, starting
FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: JAM FOR LA CONCERT BENEFITS FIRE RELIEF EFFORTS, FEB. 23 IN TEMECULA
Printer-friendly versionBy Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna February 12, 2025 (Temecula) — Come join us on February 23 at the beautiful South Coast Winery Resort and Spa in Temecula Ca. This event is supported by the California State Firefighters’ Association: CSFA. Smooth Jazz legend Dave Koz will be cohosting this event with Michael Paulo who have added Rick Braun, David Benoit,
FEATURE SPEAKERS FROM NY LIBERTY AND SD PADRES DISCUSS EMPOWERING WOMEN IN SPORTS
Printer-friendly versionSource: AAUW February 9, 2025 (La Mesa/El Cajon) – March 8, 2025, is the La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women’s monthly meeting featuring Hannah Plackowski (left), Account Executive from the San Diego Padres and Sarah Cloutier, Executive Assistant to the CEO of the New York Liberty discussing empowering women in sports. From the Bay Area, Hannah
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: FEBRUARY FESTIVITIES
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery February 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – February brings some favorite festivities and fun-filled events including a Judy Collins Concert in El Cajon, a stage production of Romeo and Juliet in Borrego Spr9ings, romantic Valentine’s teas in Julian, a black history celebration in Lemon Grove, the Boots and Bowties awards dinner at Sycuan, Fido
WOMEN’S CHORAL GROUP, KEY OF SHE, PERFORMS MARCH 2 IN SANTEE
Printer-friendly version East County News Service February 2, 2025 (Santee) – Key of She, a 12 woman choral group, is presenting a free concert on Sunday March 2, at 2 p.m. at the Carlton Hills Lutheran Church at 9735 Halberns Blvd in Santee. The repertoire is an eclectic blend of classical and contemporary pieces. Some a cappella and some
BLACK HISTORY EMPOWERMENT CELEBRATION FEBRUARY 22 IN LEMON GROVE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service January 31, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A Black History Empowerment Celebration will be held on February 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School, 7866 Lincoln St. in Lemon Grove. Festivities will include spoken word, drumming African dancers, music artists, soul food vendors, food trucks and more. The event is
FIND PUPPY LOVE AT FIDO FEST FEB. 22
Printer-friendly version East County News Service January 29, 2025 (Santee) – Bring your dog for fun times at Fido Fest, or adopt a furry companion from rescue groups. The city of Santee event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive East in Santee. Contests
FREE FEBRUARY ADMISSION FOR SENIORS AT SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK
Printer-friendly versionSource: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park January 29, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes guests aged 65 and older to enjoy free admission throughout February during Seniors Free Month. To participate, guests 65 and older simply need to present a valid photo ID upon arrival. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Safari Park’s vast
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SOCK HOP, FONZIE LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST AT MAJOR’S DINER 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY IN PINE VALLEY JULY 11
Printer-friendly versionJuly 1, 2009 (Pine Valley) – Happy Days are here again — Major’s Diner is turning 50! To celebrate reaching the half-century mark, Pine Valley’s ‘50s style diner is hosting a sock hop, Fonzie look-alike contest, and showing off vintage ‘50s cars. In addition, prices will be rolled back to the 1959 menu—with 29 cent hamburgers and 10 cent
EAST COUNTY SKIES TO LIGHT UP ON 4th OF JULY: FIREWORKS SHOWS LISTED COUNTYWIDE
Printer-friendly versionJuly 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–No need to endure bumper-to-bumper traffic to watch fireworks at the beach areas. Instead, grab a blanket, beach chairs and your favorite refreshments, then head to one of the East County or North County inland areas listed below. (For those whose family festivities may lead you to venture west of I-15, we’ve also included all
APPLES ON PARADE IN JULIAN JULY FOURTH
Printer-friendly versionJune 8, 2009 (Julian)–The Julian Fourth of July parade joins the town’s Apple Centennial Celebration when it steps out on Main Street this year. The parade, an annual event for more than 15 years and dubbed by many as the "best little town parade in America," has adopted As American as Apple Pie as its theme. It celebrates the
LA MESA DENIES FUNDS TO HELP SAVE LAKE MURRAY FIREWORKS; BAKE SALE SATURDAY PLANNED IN HOPES OF RAISING $4,000 STILL NEEDED
Printer-friendly versionJune 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The City of La Mesa denied a request from Navajo Events to provide funding for the annual fireworks show at Lake Murray. “The 4th of July Fireworks Music Fest is just over $4,000 short of being a reality, so with all of our participation, we can make it happen!” Pam Melody of Navajo
LEMON GROVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Printer-friendly versionJuly 1, 2009 (Lemon Grove)–The City of Lemon Grove will present free concerts on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.at Berry Street Park, starting July 9th. Bring your own picnic basket or have a barbecue while listening to the music–and don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs for your listening pleasure. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
A ROARING WILD TIME: SPEND THE NIGHT AT LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS JULY 10 & 24
Printer-friendly versionJune 27, 2009 (Alpine_ Looking for a wild time? East County’s only big cat sanctuary invites you to spend a wild night in the country with Raja and Bakari at Lions Tigers & Bears. Pitch a tent and set-up camp next to the big cats–or opt for more luxurious lodging–complete with wine and dinner. Accommodations for campers include a
WHAT’S HOT THIS WEEKEND? PLENTY!
Printer-friendly versionJune 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—If you’re looking for a hot time in East County this weekend, you’ll have plenty of events to choose from. Tonight, Santee Lakes has the first of its summer movie showings, starting with Madascar 2 – Escape to Africa. Or groove to the sounds of Theo and the Zydeco Patrol at El Cajon’s
BON APPÉTIT! OVER 20 RESTAURANTS ADD FLAVOR TO 1ST TASTE OF LA MESA AND BUSINESS EXPO, LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES
Printer-friendly versionBON APPÉTIT! OVER 20 RESTAURANTS ADD FLAVOR TO 1ST TASTE OF LA MESA AND BUSINESS EXPO, LA MESA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES June 22, 2009 (La Mesa) — The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce announced that more than 20 restaurants and food providers have signed up to participate in the first annual “Taste of La Mesa” slated for Monday,
GROWING OLD “GRAY”CEFULLY: PHOTOGRAPHER LORI BROOKES TO PRESENT PHOTO SAFARI WORKSHOP JUNE 27 IN BOULEVARD
Printer-friendly version photographer Lori Brookes By: Dennis Moore June 15, 2009 (Boulevard)–Sacred Rocks Reserve in Boulevard, a 163-acre wilderness reserve with RV and tent camping sites, is offering lovers of nature and photography a one-day photo “safari” workshop with award winning photographer Lori Brookes. The event will be held from 9AM to 4PM on Saturday, June 27, 2009. Cost is
SENIOR FOLLIES OPEN JUNE 19TH THROUGH 28TH IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionJune 16, 2009 (El Cajon)–The 3rd annual Senior Follies returns June 19th through June 28th as CCT Musical Theater pulls out all the stops. Senior Follies is a musical revue that will transport audiences back to the best music and dance of the twentieth century–from Ragtime to Big Band, from Swing to Barbershop–all highlighted by elaborate sets, costumes and
FIREWORKS IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionJune 16, 2009 (El Cajon)–The annual 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks will once again be held at Kennedy Park, located at 1675 East Madison Avenue. The picnic starts at 12 noon and the fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m. Disabled parking will be available at the event. Arrive early and keep in mind that parking is limited at
“TASTE OF LA MESA” JULY 20: RESTAURANTS SERVE UP FARE TO COMMUNITY
Printer-friendly versionJune 16, 2009 (La Mesa) — Gio Bistro Wine Bar and the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invite area residents to savor the first annual "Taste of La Mesa" event. Sample fare from many of the La Mesa area’s finest restaurants and food while savoring an East County evening complete with music, food and drinks. The event will to
ARTIST PHEBE BURNHAM ANNOUNCES ART SHOWINGS
Printer-friendly versionJune 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–East County artist Phebe Burnham, whose work has previously been profiled in East County Magazine’s Arts & Music section (http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=0809phebeburnham), will have several showings of her works in June and July. Venues include El Cajon, Alpine and Santee. On June 23, the public is invited to meet Burnham and other artists at a
SUNDAYS AT SIX: FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT HARRY GRIFFEN PARK, LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionJune 14, 2009 (La Mesa)–This evening marks the opening of La Mesa’s "Sundays at Six" summer concert series, which run June 14 through July 25. Bring a picnic dinner and groove to the sounds of jazz, country, concert bands and variety music at the free concerts, which will be held at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street in La
PANCAKE BREAKFAST JUNE 20 TO HELP SAVE LAKE MURRAY’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS
Printer-friendly versionJune 12, 2009 (San Diego)—Organizers of the Fourth of July Music Fest and Fireworks planned for Lake Murray need public support to save this year’s event. A pancake breakfast June 20th at Casey’s Place, 7375 Jackson Drive, San Diego will help raise funds for this annual East County tradition. Breakfast costs $5.00 and will include pancakes, sausages, orange
IN THE HEART OF AMERICA: WESTERN HERITAGE DAYS FEATURES INCLUDE BUFFALO SOLDIERS
Printer-friendly versionBy Kyle Serzen Photo by Leon Thompson June 11, 2009 (El Cajon)–Cowboys and Indians crowded the streets of El Cajon last weekend during the Olaf Wieghorst Museum’s 7th Annual Western Heritage Days, a festival celebrating American history and the expansion of the western frontier. Western Days showcased gun fight reenactments, blacksmiths at work, cowboy storytellers, and Native American dancers.
VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER ANNOUNCES “TUESDAYS IN THE PARK” FREE MOVIES N THE PARK–ALPINE’S FIRST FARMERS’ MARKET
Printer-friendly versionJune 10, 2009 (Alpine) — Viejas Outlet Center will host “Tuesdays in the Park” featuring the 2009 Movies in the Park Season with free, family-friendly movies starting June 16. In addition, the center will host “Market in the Park”, Alpine’s first farmers’ market, beginning June 23. Both events are free to the public. Every Tuesday through August 11, the
DARING MEN AND WOMEN IN THEIR FLYING MACHINES: WINGS OVER GILLESPIE DAZZLES CROWD
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery June 10, 2009 (El Cajon) – A daredevil performance by famed stunt pilot Martin Kennedy thrilled spectators at Wings Over Gillespie, a three-day air show held June 5-7. Kennedy maneuvered a Staudacher S600, considered one of the world’s top aerobatic planes, through a series of tumbles, spins and heart-stopping freefalls that seemingly defied the laws of
A HOWLING GOOD TIME: VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER WELCOMES DOGS & OWNERS FOR A DAY OF FUN JUNE 6th
Printer-friendly versionSAN DIEGO, Calif. — June 1, 2009 — For the first time, Viejas Outlet Center is excited to welcome all dogs to the center for a “doggone” day of fun. On Saturday, June 6 Viejas will host the 5th Annual Novelty Fun Dog Show and the Service Dog Celebration. Starting at 8 a.m., owners and dogs of all shapes
WINGS OVER GILLESPIE AIR SHOW TO FEATURE AERIAL BATTLES JUNE 5-7
Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kezirian May 20, 2009 (El Cajon)—The San Diego Chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, Air Group One will present the 14th annual Wings Over Gillespie Air Show at Gillespie Field in El Cajon on June 5, 6 and 7. Each day of this memorable event will highlight WWII and Vietnam aerial battle re-enactments, in addition to pyrotechnic
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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