East County Magazine
OPEN CALL: AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NEW MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Printer-friendly version July 7, 2011 (San Diego) — Community Actors’ Theater is seeking dancers, singers, and actors of all ethnicities for an original musical review, Vanilla, chocolate, and Caramel too #2. Auditions dates and times are as follows: Sunday, July 10 th 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23 9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. Audition location:
FAMILY FUN AT SANTEE SALUTES 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Printer-friendly version Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery July 6, 2011 (Santee) — The City of Santee hosted its annual "Santee Salutes" patriotic celebration on July 4th, drawing families from across East County for this major event. Scroll down to view photos of participants enjoying fun in the sun, followed by fireworks in the park after dark.
LEMON GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOLDS OPEN CASTING CALLS
Printer-friendly version July 5, 2011 (Lemon Grove) — The Lemon Grove Historical Society will hold open casting calls on July 10th and 11th from 6:00p.m. until 9p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove. The play will be the amusing, 19th century melodrama, "He Ain’t Done Right by Nell." There will be
MISSED THE FIREWORKS? WATCH FINALE HERE FROM SANTEE SALUTES!
Printer-friendly version July 4, 2011 (Santee) – An estimated 7,000 people turned out for Santee Salutes, including families from throughout East County as well as local dignitaries including Assemblyman Brian Jones and Mayor Randy Voepel. Live music, patriotic presentations, carnival rides and a spectacular fireworks show were all part of the festivities. Printer-friendly version
CAMPO, THE FORGOTTON GUNFIGHT BRINGS EAST COUNTY’S COLORFUL PAST TO LIFE
Printer-friendly version Campo, the Forgotten Gunfight by Bryon Harrington (www.CampoGunfight.com, 2009 Campo, 372 pp.) Review by Miriam Raftery July 3, 2011 (Campo) –Few San Diegans are aware that a Wild West shoot-out deadlier than the famed O.K. Corral confrontation occurred in our own East County. A patron in a Tecate cantina overheard a notorious group of banditos boast
ALL ABOARD! STEAM TRAIN RIDES, SQUARE DANCING & DIXIELAND JAZZ AT OLD POWAY PARK’S INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Printer-friendly version July 4, 2011 (Poway) –Decked out with red and blue bunting on wooden railway bridges, water tower and gazebo/bandstand, Old Poway Park today looked like a scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. The Old West-themed park exemplifies the best of Americana this 4th of July, compete with rides on the Baldwin steam train (watch
MADE IN AMERICA: GALLERY HIGHLIGHTS U.S. ART POTTERY & PAINTINGS IN JULY
Printer-friendly version July 4, 2011 (La Mesa) – O’Dunn Fine Art gallery is celebrating our nation’s 236th birthday all month long by showcasing collector-grade American-made pottery as well as paintings. Besides savoring the fine art works displayed, guests can celebrate the gallery’s gift to buyers—no sales tax charged during July. Pottery includes early 20th century Rookwood, Van Briggle, Weller,
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS ANNOUNCED IN EAST COUNTY & SAN DIEGO’S INLAND REGIONS
Printer-friendly version June 28, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) — Communities across San Diego’s inland regions will host a variety of events celebrating Independence Day on Monday, July 4th including festivals, parades, picnics, an ice cream social, Western-themed events, and of course, fireworks. Below are highlights of celebrations planned in numerous East County and inland San Diego areas: ALPINE: The 14th Annual
65th ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY PARADE IN CREST
Printer-friendly version July 2, 2011 (Crest) — For the past 65 years, the small town of Crest has hosted a 4th of July parade that’s like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. Festivities include floats, decorated horses, wagons, and bikes. A young girl and young boy are the reigning royalty. Sometimes there are bands from schools. Often you’ll see the
JAMUL HAVEN INVITES PUBLIC TO PLAY-READING SERIES
Printer-friendly version"The Boston Forty-Nine Flamingo" to be read Saturday July 1, 2011 (Jamul) — The Jamul Haven holds play readings on the first Saturday of each month. On Saturday July 2, the reading will be "The Boston Forty-Nine Flamingo" by K Biadaszkiewicz. The play is a romantic comedy about a tie. The program begins at 4:30 p.m. for a
“AMERICA’S GOT TALENT” ACROBATIC TROUPE TO HOLD SHOWS AT SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK
Printer-friendly version Story, photos and video by Miriam Raftery June 30, 2011 (San Pasqual)–A talented troupe of Tanzanian acrobats is the newest attraction at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, performing Saturdays starting this weekend through late August. “We started in East Africa. We are all from the same village,” Konde Kalema, a member of the troupe, told East County
2011 CHEF JEFF ROSSMAN’S COOKBOOK TIES FOR BEST COOKBOOK 2011
Printer-friendly versionJune 28, 2011 (San Diego) — Executive Chef Jeff Rossman’s farm-to-table cookbook-come-love story to local growers, From Terra’s Table: New American Food Fresh From Southern California’s Organic Farms (Chefs Press, 2010), adds a new honor to its list of accolades. The San Diego Book Awards Association just named the tome Best Cookbook 2011 in the Seventeenth Annual San Diego Book &
EL CAJON LIBRARY HOSTS SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 25
Printer-friendly version Tricultural Pop Musician Carlos Olmeda Featured as Headliner June 24, 2011 (El Cajon) — World Music fans of all ages are invited to enjoy free acoustic music and dance, crafts for children, refreshments and more at the El Cajon Library’s Summer Music Festival, 201 E Douglas Ave, Saturday, June 25, from 1 – 6 p.m. The festival will

SUMMERFEST MENU UNVEILED: MMMMM! GET TICKETS NOW–BEFORE THEY’RE GONE!
Printer-friendly version June 22, 2011 (San Diego)–SummerFest tickets are selling fast! Join us June 26 at Mission Trails Regional Park for a feast cooked up by Chefs de Cuisine, plus wine and beer tasting, live music, thousands of dollars in prizes and more — all for just $25 ($20 if you buy 2 or more tickets) if you buy in advance online
“GLEE” STAR LAUREN POTTER TO BE GUEST OF HONOR AT HOME OF GUIDING HEARTS ANNUAL HEART AND HAND GALA JUNE 25
Printer-friendly version April 12, 2011 (El Cajon)–Lauren Potter, born with Down’s syndrome, plays cheerleader Becky Jackson on Fox’s Emmy Award-winning hit show Glee. The California native is teaming up with www.AbilityPath.org and recently testified before a special Congressional briefing that Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D- California) hosted, speaking out against the bullying of children with special needs. Potter will be
FORAGE DINNER AT KEY CREEK LAVENDER FARM JUNE 25
Printer-friendly version June 14, 2011 (Valley Center) — The Key Creek Lavender Farm will be holding a Forage Dinner on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. This unique, five course dinner will serve local, organic vegetables grown at Morning Star Ranch, as well as fresh produce from other local organic farmers. This farm to table experience will be prepared by Chef
CHUCK MCPHERSON, EAST COUNTY ARTIST, EARNS SIGNATURE STATUS
Printer-friendly version June 21, 2011 (San Diego) — The paintings of Chuck McPherson, an East County resident, are often among the winners in exhibitions he enters. Since 2008 he has won almost forty awards for his paintings. In the San Diego Watercolor Society’s 31 Annual International Exhibition, his watercolor painting, Cantos Cove, New England ,was juried into the show,
EXPLORE THE CALIFORNIA MISSIONS ART EXHIBIT AT MISSION TRAILS
Printer-friendly version June 21, 2011 (San Diego)—Paul and Denise Strahm, a husband and wife team, set out on a mission to paint and photograph the 21 California Missions. Now Plein air painter Paul and photographer Denise share their art covering their unique journey at an exhibition hosted by Mission Trails Visitor Center Gallery from Saturday, June 18 through Friday, July

ANAT TOUR, EAST COUNTY’S RENAISSANCE WOMAN
Printer-friendly version By Dennis Moore June 20, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) — East County resident Anat Tour, originally from Canada, is our community’s own Renaissance woman—a master of mathematics, art, music, writing and much more. By day, she is a mother of four and a math teacher at a local high school; by night, she is the lead singer
LAKE MURRAY FIREWORKS ON FOR THE 4TH OF JULY, BUT BANDS CANCELLED
Printer-friendly version June 20, 2011 (Lake Murray) — Lake Murray’s fireworks display will be there this 4th of July for all surrounding neighbors and friends. The program will start at 9:15 p.m. at Lake Murray on the fourth of July. However, the show has had to cancel the entertainment part of the performance due to lack of funds.
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HAWK WATCH 2009
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 1, 2009 (Ramona)–Each Saturday in February from 9 a.m to noon, the public is invited to visit the Ramona Grasslands with the Wildlife Research Institute, Inc. for a free educational program. You will see raptors such as the Golden Eagle, the wintering Ferruginous Hawk, the Red-tailed Hawk, Prairie Falcon and the Red-shouldered Hawk. Nineteen (19) species of raptors
KING’S VISION LAUDED AT LA MESA MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL:
Printer-friendly version Music, Dance, and Storytelling Highlight 13th Annual Event — VIEW OUR VIDEOS! Moreton Bay Fig Morris English Dance Troupe. By Miriam Raftery Photos by Miriam Raftery and Leon Thompson January 18, 2009 (La Mesa) — "On Tuesday, we will celebrate a historic day–I never thought I would see the day when we would have an African-American president," Dr. Eugene R.
La Mesa Multicultural Festival Videos
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FORMS IN METAL EXHIBITION OPENS IN HYDE ART GALLERY AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 14, 2008 (El Cajon) — To mark the 1st anniversary of the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Sculpture facility, the Hyde Art Gallery at Grossmont College will host Forms in Metal , a group exhibition of contemporary metalwork from January 26-February 26; An opening event is scheduled for February 10th from 7-9 p.m. The exhibition will feature the
INAUGURATION CELEBRATION AND COMMUNITY BALL– PUBLIC WELCOME
Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Miriam Raftery San Diego (January 12, 2009) — Malcolm X Library will host an all day Community Inaugural Celebration to mark the momentous occasion of the Inaugural of President-Elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday, January 20th. The Library envisions San Diego residents from all walks of life attending
FESTIVAL OF THE MONTH — MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL IN LA MESA CELEBRATES OUR REGION’S DIVERSE HERITAGE
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 8, 2008 (La Mesa) — The City of La Mesa’s 13th annual Multicultural Festival on January 18th aspires to be an afternoon of civic pride and festivities for the family in a celebration honoring our community’s rich diversity of cultures and international traditions. The ceremony, held on Martin Luther King Day weekend, also honors the slain civil rights
SAN DIEGO YOUNG ARTISTS SYMPHONY POPS CONCERT: MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES
Printer-friendly versionJanuary 5, 2008 (San Diego) —The San Diego Young Artists Symphony (YAS), conducted by Mary Gerard and Hernan Constantino, performs at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre (6611 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115) on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. The concert will feature movie music from the Phantom of the Opera, Amadeus, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry
OUR GUIDE TO EAST COUNTY’S HOTTEST NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES
Printer-friendly versionDecember 28, 2008 — Looking to party hearty on December 31st? Here are our picks for the best places to ring in the New Year east of I-15. From a Chinese dragon parade to a cozy mountain inn, from an alcohol-free celebration to a lavish multi-band bash, you’ll find it all in East County and San Diego’s eastern region.
HOLIDAY TEA TRADITION BREAKS NEW GROUND FOR FRIENDS OF EAST COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 11, 2008 (El Cajon) — This year’s holiday tea, sponsored by Friends of East County Arts, Inc. served up something new along with the traditional tea, scones and finger sandwiches. “This is the first year that men have been invited,” said Howard Bagley, director of St. Clair Gallery and a strong supporter of the organization.
KRUGER BROTHERS CONCERT IS BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
Printer-friendly version By Jackie Hanson Photos by Gian Vaitl December 10, 2008 (San Diego’s East County) — If you’ve heard of the Kruger Brothers, then you’ve likely heard the superlatives used to describe their music: sublime, inspiring, sheer genius… (the list goes on). If you’ve been fortunate enough to actually hear the Kruger Brothers live, you’ll realize that words pale
KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly versionDecember 6, 2008 (San Diego) — A series of events commemorating Kwanzaa have been announced, including several in San Diego’s eastern region. The 18th annual Pan-African Associations of America Umoja Day program will take place December 26th at the Malcolm X Library located at 5148 Market Street in San Diego. This a day long event and includes an adult
Armchair Impressionists Exhibition December 1- 31, 2008
Printer-friendly versionBy Tammy Lawhead December 1, 2008 (El Cajon) — The Armchair Impressionists, including Jeffrey Graham, Rustin Holec, David Lawhead, Karen Marsh, and William Marsh, will feature their paintings December 1 – 31, 2008 at the Rancho San Diego Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego; El Cajon, CA. Please join them at the Artist’s Reception, December 7th from 2 –
Christmas in the Village
Printer-friendly versionQuintessential hometown fun By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero La Mesa (December 1, 2008) — Santa Claus is coming to town! On December 12-13, the La Mesa Village will magically transform with Christmas lights, sparkling window displays and open fire pits. Visitors can enjoy carnival rides, puppet shows, four stages showcasing homegrown talent, and ride ponies, carriage, and fire truck. ENTERTAINMENT
KRUGER BROTHERS TO PERFORM CONCERT & HOST WORKSHOP AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE DEC. 5
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery December 2008 (El Cajon) — Kruger Brothers will perform an exclusive concert at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. Winner of the National Endowment for the Arts Artistic Excellence Award for their “Music from the Spring: A Romantic Serenade for Banjo, Guitar, Bass & Orchestra”, the Kruger Brothers’ music combines
HOTEL CASSIOPEIA
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Kathy Carpenter Now showing at the Don Powell Theatre at the San Diego State University campus, through December 7, 2008. Sundays 2:00 p.m. all other days 8:00 p.m. For ticket information call 619-594-6884 or check online at www.theatre.sdsu.edu. Charles L Mee’s Hotel Cassiopeia follows the American collage artist Joseph Cornell. Cornell’s dreamlike abstract art is the theme
COOL! OUTDOOR ICE RINK OPENS AT VIEJAS OUTLET CENTER: ICE SHOW, TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY NOV. 22
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (Alpine) — Looking for the coolest place in East County? The largest outdoor ice rink in Southern California is now open for the holiday season at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine. Skating costs $12 for 90 minutes, including skates. (Watch skating live via the Viejas webcam) An ice show extravaganza will be held
MOTHER OF ALL FESTIVALS – A STAR-STUDDED MOTHER GOOSE PARADE!
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery November 17, 2008 (El Cajon) — The mother of all East County festivals takes place this Sunday, November 23rd. The Mother Goose Parade in downtown El Cajon is the largest parade in San Diego County and the biggest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi. This year, parade organizers have assembled a dazzling array of
HOPE BEGINS IN THE DARK
Printer-friendly versionBook Review by Dennis Moore Jamie Reno, an award-winning journalist and an 11-year survivor of stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, has written a book about the resilience of the human spirit. Hope Begins in the Dark chronicles the lives of 50 lymphoma survivors, revealing their exclusive stories. The book speaks of the frailty of our existence as human beings and
WEEKEND HALLOWEEN SCENE & MORE EAST COUNTY EVENTS
Printer-friendly versionFor a frightfully good time this week (not to mention satisfying your sweet tooth cravings), you’ll find plenty of Halloween haunts in East County. Start with Wednesday night’s “Trunk or Treat” in El Cajon, where classic car club members will be doling out goodies. On Thursday, dig into a pumpkin pie-eating contest and costume party in Valley Center, or
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO ELKS OKTOBERFEST
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 20, 2008 (El Cajon) – Over 800 people flocked to an Oktoberfest celebration hosted by El Cajon’s Elks Lodge 1812, a tradition that dates back to 1975. “I started the Oktoberfest,” said Giselle Howard (photo, left), who was also the festival’s first Oktoberfest Queen. “This is why every year, they honor me.” Still radiant at
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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.
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