East County Magazine
HOP TO IT: EASTER ACTIVITIES IN EAST COUNTY
Printer-friendly version By Jeremy Los April 21, 2011 (San Diego’s East County)–Spring is in the air, the grass is green, the birds are chirping and Easter Sunday is right around the corner. This weekend provides ample opportunities to bask in the wonderful spring weather while enjoying a multitude of holiday activities for the whole family including Easter egg hunts,
JAMMIN’ IN THE PARK: SPRING HARP FEST APRIL 23 HELPS BRING BLUES MUSIC TO OUR SCHOOLS
Printer-friendly version April 22, 2011 (La Mesa) — Oh Yeah! Once again, blues musicians will be jamming at the 12th annual Spring Harp Fest. Bring sunscreen, lawn chairs and friends to Harry Griffen Park (near the Amaya Street Trolley Station and Grossmont High School) in La Mesa for this fun, FREE concert on Saturday, April 23 from 12 noon to 7
FRONTIER COMES ALIVE AT MANZINITA HIGH MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS APRIL 28-MAY 8
Printer-friendly version April 22, 2011 (Santa Ysabel) –Visit a pre-1840 North American fun trade encampment and see history come alive at the Manzinita High Mountain Rendezvous. The event also showcases frontier skills such as fire starting, tomahawk, and shooting with rifle, pistol, shotgun, smoothbore and primitive bow. These events and more will take place at the Santa Ysabel Ranch, where
HISTORIC ART AND STITCHERY ON SALE AT HERITAGE OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM
Printer-friendly version April 20, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Heritage of the Americas Museum, located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego, is holding anl art sale featuring original works by well known artist Guadalupe Apodaca, whose popular works feature Native Americans and the West. He has galleries in Scottsdale and Santa Fe. The Museum is also
KID ROCK & SHERYL CROW TO PERFORM AUG. 2: TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Printer-friendly version April 20, 2011 (San Diego) Kid Rock has announced the second leg of his "BORN FREE" tour that comes in support of his most recent release, "BORN FREE." The second leg of the tour, featuring Sheryl Crow, will kick off July 2nd in Cincinnati and cross the country hitting amphitheaters over the span of 30 shows. Ticket
TRASH TO TREASURES: MUSEUM ROADSHOW YIELDS VALUABLE FINDS
Printer-friendly version Event at Heritage of the Americas Museum attracts a full house By Miriam Raftery April 20, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – The woman seated next to me at Saturday’s Museum Roadshow tucked a hidden object in a shopping bag and confided, “I got this at a flea market.” Her find? An authentic Chinese urn dating
WHAT A RIDE! CROWD TURNS OUT FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY AT PACIFIC SOUTHWEST RAILWAY MUSEUM IN CAMPO
Printer-friendly version Guests savored fare served up by Chefs de Cuisine & S.D. County Vintners Associations; Tough-to-build line was once called the “impossible railroad” April 18, 2011 (Campo) – More than 400 fans of fine foods, winetasting and vintage trains turned out on April 2nd at the“Chef’s Fire Up the Iron Horse” celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the
AMERICA’S FINEST BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL ON TAP JULY 22-24
Printer-friendly version April 18, 2011 (San Diego) – The Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber is brewing up a big event – presenting America’s Finest Beer Festival. The festival will feature more than 120 California breweries as well as live music and food. The festival is on tap for July 22-24 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. For full details, including sponsorship
GUACAMOLE GALORE AND MORE: 25th ANNIVERSARY FALLBROOK AVOCADO FESTIVAL APRIL 17
Printer-friendly version April 17, 2011 (Fallbrook) – The avocado has been called California’s “green gold” – an apt description for Fallbrook. Over 70,000 visitors from a dozen states flocked to Fallbrook last year for the annual Avocado Festival, where the town’s economy reaped $1.75 million in revenues. Here’s why. Where else can you savor such treats as avocado ice cream
ART AND ARTISAN JEWELRY SHOW APRIL 16
Printer-friendly version April 15, 2011 (El Cajon ) – Main Street 5 Gallery will host an art and jewelry show Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. to showcase works by artisans Chuck McPherson and Jeff Fulkerson. “McPherson’s paintings swim in rich color and vibrant brushstrokes, complimented by Fulkerson’s jewelry that will make any night on the town a unique
RIDE ‘EM COWBOYS: LAKESIDE WESTERN DAYS APRIL 15-17
Printer-friendly version Rodeo , parade and more highlight frontier town’s annual event April 15, 2011 (Lakeside) – Rodeo has been a tradition in Lakeside since the first rodeo was held back in 1920. Since then, Lakeside Western Days has broadened to encompass a series of eventsApril 15-17 celebrating the community’s Wild West heritage. Each day’s rodeo performances include
WHAT’S HOT? HOT-RODDIN’ CHILI COOK-OFF & CAR SHOW: APRIL16 IN JAMUL
Printer-friendly version April 15, 2011 (Jamul) – What’s hot in East County? Find out at tomrrow’s 3rd annual Jamul Hot Roddin’ Chili Cook-Off and Car Show. The event, which benefits the Jamul Kiwanis Scholarship fund, will be held Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Simpson’s Nursery and vintage car museum, 13925 Campo Road off historic
HEARTBEAT HAPPENING CAR SHOW & BBQ ROLLS OUT SUNDAY, APRIL 17 AT BATES NUT FARM: SHOW IS PART OF WEEKEND CRAFT FAIR
Printer-friendly version April 15, 2011 (Valley Center)–Heartbeat Classics Chevy Club hosts its 13th annual classic car show, the Heartbeat Happening XIII, on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Road in Valley Center. Activities include a craft fair with over 50 vendors, Lion’s Club pancake breakfast, barbecue, car painting and petting zoo
GOT TREASURES? “MUSEUM ROADSHOW” COMES TO HERITAGE OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM APRIL 16
Printer-friendly version April 15, 2011 (Rancho San Diego)–On Saturday, April 16, from 12 to 4:00 p.m., Heritage of the Americas Museum will host Craig Helm, certified appraiser, who specializes in Native American, pre-Columbian, antique pictures, guns, western memorabilia, and Asian artifacts. In keeping with KPBS’s popular “Antique Roadshow,” the public is invited to bring in their unusual treasures so Craig
PARTY FOR OUR PLANET: 2ND ANNUAL EAST COUNTY EARTH DAY MAY 1 ON MT. HELIX
Printer-friendly version April 15, 2011 (Mt. Helix) — Don’t want to fight the crowds at Earth Day in Balboa Park? Now there’s a local alternative. Earth Day is coming to East San Diego County on Sunday, May 1 from 11 am – 3 pm. This free family-fun event will be held in the Mt. Helix Amphitheater, 4901 Mt. Helix Drive in La Mesa. Co-sponsored
POMERADO SAXOPHONE QUARTET IN CONCERT APRIL 17 AT MISSION TRAILS
Printer-friendly version April 15, 2011 (San Diego) – Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Pomerado Saxophone Quartet will perform a variety of music in a free concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 17 in the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitors Center theater. The one-hour concert will be followed by a public reception in the Visitor Center Gallery. “ Strange that,
FANTASY REIGNS AT THE RENAISSANCE FAIRE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 26, 2011 (Escondido)–Frank and Georgi Greiner from Hacienda de los Gitanos ranch in Ramona showed off a prized gypsy horse inside a gypsy camp at Felicita Park in Escondido—all part of a week-long Renaissance Faire that ended Sunday. The event, produced by Gold Coast Festivals, attracted a large crowd of merrymakers who mixed
LAUGHING MATTERS: COMEDY SHOWS APRIL 15 and 16
Printer-friendly version April 12, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Brew Ha Ha Comedy presents two “rainbow headliner” shows this weekend. On Friday, April 15, funny lady Sarah Burford stars in an “All Women Comedy Show” from 7-8:30 p.m. at 6784 El Cajon Blvd. On Saturday, April 16, Sean Wherley performs from 7-8”30 p.m. at 4590 Park Blvd. near Madison.
AUTHORS SHARE SECRETS OF SUCCESS AT BARNES & NOBLE EVENT HOSTED BY EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 11, 2011 (La Mesa) – Break some rules and pick a pen name similar to your favorite best-selling author. Those were among the creative tips offered by Joshua Graham, local author of the best-selling legal thriller Beyond Justice. Graham joined with local authors T.J. Johnson and Linda Loegel Saturday in a free forum
SUN SHINES ON LOCAL STARS AT RAMONA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly version By John Rene Gardner Photos by Veronica Lavarello April 11, 2011 (Ramona)–A dusting of snow in many places over Ramona Friday night gave way to a bright sunny Saturday, fine weather for the fourth annual, Rotary-Kiwanas Music Fest in beautiful Dos Picos Park. It was a perfect setting to enjoy a sampling of San Diego County’s
Search by Specific Date
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
All that and pumpkins, too: 50 years and counting at Christmas Tree Farm in El Cajon
Printer-friendly version Photo courtesy Family Christmas Tree Farm East County News Service Photo by Scott Lagace October 13, 2025 (El Cajon) — Don’t let the name fool you — Family Christmas Tree Farm is geared up for Halloween, too. As autumn settles in over San Diego County, El Cajon’s Family Christmas Tree Farm has rolled out
Chili Cookoff Nov. 8 to benefit Circle TLC Ranch
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 12, 2025 (Lakeside) — Circle TLC Ranch-Equine Therapy is holding its 14th annual chili cookoff in November. Dubbing itself “the best chili cook off in East County,” leaders of the group say they are currently seeking chili cookers for the event, which costs $25 as a donation to enter a chili to contend. The
Dia De Los Muertos Open House at Horses of Tir Na Nog
Printer-friendly version Nonprofit rescue organization Horses of Tir Na Nog cares for more than 100 animals, including Buttermilk the horse. The rescue group is having an Open House at its site in Guatay on Nov. 1. Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Oct. 11, 2025 (Guatay) — Horses of Tir Na Nog, the equine-focused rescue in
Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration at San Diego Zoo Safari Park Oct. 13
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 10, 2025 (San Diego) – The annual Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration, organized by the San Pasqual Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, will take place at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on October 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event celebrates Indigenous communities, their cultures, and their commitments to wildlife. The event is open to
The art and spirit of Borrego Springs in downtown San Diego
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 10, 2025 (San Diego) — The heartbeat of the Borrego Springs art scene is coming to downtown San Diego this weekend. Metal sculptor Ricardo Breceda‘s Public Art Roadshow will be on the San Diego County Administration’s Lawn No. 2 from Friday, Oct. 10 through Monday, Oct. 13. Presented by Borrego Community Builders, a Rams
Linchpin encourages people to find their value in the workplace
Printer-friendly version Review by Heidi Hope October 15, 2025 (San Diego) — Linchpin focuses on the themes of changing the world for the better and making a difference in the workplace by embracing one’s individuality, artistry and uniqueness in visions and values, instead of simply following instructions and never getting to contribute creativity into any task. This New York Times bestselling book
Dog costume contest and Halloween party Oct. 25 in El Cajon aims to be a treat for pets and their owners
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 8, 2025 (El Cajon) – Last month, several dog owners in El Cajon got together to hold a birthday party for their dogs complete with music, cake, doggie gift bags, games and more. That event proved so much fun that organizers will be hosting a community Halloween party complete with dog costume contest, games and
Brews & Bites event coming to Santee Oct. 18
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 8, 2025 (Santee) — There will be plenty of treats — in the form of brews, boos and bites — with no tricks in sight at this month’s Santee Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser. The annual Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser, a Halloween-themed night of live music, food and beverage samples for those ages
Oktoberfest brings cheer to La Mesa Vlilage
Printer-friendly version By Heidi Hope Miriam Raftery contributed to this report October 5, 2025 (La Mesa)—Oktoberfest continues through 8 p.m. tonight in La Mesa’s downtown village. The three-day festival, which began on Friday, celebrates Bavarian culture complete with good food, live music and fun games. Some of the prominent German themed dishes available are the homemade root beer, Bratwurst sausages and
Pretty Happy: healthy ways to love your body
Printer-friendly versionBook by Kate Hudson Review by Heidi Hope October 5, 2025 (San Diego) – Pretty Happy is a New York Times best-selling self-help book written by my favorite actress, Kate Hudson. She thoughtfully researched each area and provided a variety of questions to ask, as well as suggestions to reference and ideas for carrying out each lesson to take
Supervisor Joel Anderson and Sheriff Kelly Martinez to host Wildfire Safety Town Hall in Ramona on Monday, Oct. 6
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo, L-R: CalFire Chief Tony Mecham, Sheriff Kelly Martinez, & Supervisor Joel Anderson October 3, 2025 (Ramona) – San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson and Sheriff Kelly Martinez are hosting a wildfire safety town hall during Fire Prevention Week in Ramona on Monday, October 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the Ramona Library (1275 Main St., Ramona).
Prost! Oktoberfest events across East County
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Ready to savor German beers and foods, kick up your heels to traditional German music as well as contemporary bands, enjoy games, carnival rides and vie for prizes? All of these opportunities and more can be found at Oktoberfest celebrations across East County include large festivals
Wild Night Out: Camp alongside rescued big cats at Lions Tigers & Bears’ spooky campover
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 3, 2025 (Alpine) — For a unique, once-a-year experience, Lions Tigers & Bears sanctuary in San Diego County is inviting the public to its annual Spooky Campover event on Friday, Oct. 24. The overnight campout offers the rare chance to sleep under the stars — surrounded by the sounds of rescued big cats
The Garden Goes Batty Oct. 18
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — Miss Smarty-Plants will bring a “batty” show to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy trick-or-treat stations, the youth rock band Epidural, and partner booths. Cost is $15 for members, $18 for nonmembers, or
Borrego Days Desert Festival October 18-19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 3, 2025 (Borrego Springs, CA) — Borrego Springs hosts its annual Borrego Days Desert Festival on October 18 and 19. Saturday features a morning flyover and parade, as well as the “Shine and Show” vehicle show. There’s also a beer garden, kids’ zone, food stations, and booths featuring everything from art to information. Plus you
Harvest Fest returns to Julian Farm and Orchard: celebrate fall in the mountains each weekend in October
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo courtesy of Julian Farm and Orchard October 1, 2025 (Julian) – The crisp air of fall and the golden glow of pumpkins signal the return of Harvest Fest at Julian Farm and Orchard, open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 26, 2025. Families, friends,
Beauty pageant and blues legend Doug MacLeod coming to Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center in October
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo: award-winning blues musician Doug MacLeod September 29, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center 2025-2026 season is underway. In October, the center will host the Miss Borrego Springs Pageant on Saturday, Oct. 11, followed by legendary blues musician Doug McLeod in concert on Friday, Oct. 17. Tickets for the pageant, which begins
Heartland Coin Club’s bi-annual Coin Show in El Cajon Oct. 25
Printer-friendly versionSource: Heartland Coin Club September 28, 2025 (El Cajon) – The Heartland Coin Club announces its highly anticipated Coin Show, taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, El Cajon, CA. This event offers opportunity for coin enthusiasts, collectors, and curious minds to come together and explore the fascinating
10th annual East County Manufacturing Expo Sept. 30 celebrates innovation, workforce pathways and job creation at Cuyamaca College
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 29, 2025 (El Cajon) — On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC), in partnership with the San Diego and Imperial Small Business Development Center, will host the 10th Annual East County Manufacturing Expo at Cuyamaca College. This year’s theme, Innovate, Integrate, Inspire – 10 Years of Manufacturing Growth, reflects a
An anthology features San Diego authors: San Diego Writers and Editors Guild releases its thirteenth anthology in October
Printer-friendly version East County News Service September 28, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Writers and Editors Guild launches Good Luck with That—the Guilded Pen’s thirteenth annual anthology. The collection includes thirty-six stories written by twenty-nine members on the theme: “Good Luck or Is It?” Sandra Yeaman. In her twenties, Sandra traveled to Tehran, Iran, where she taught English
Search by Specific Date
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