East County Magazine
ALPINE KIWANIS HOST EASTER BREAKFAST ON SUNDAY, APRIL 24
Printer-friendly version April 10, 2011 (Alpine) – Alpine Kiwanis hosts its 57th annual Easter Breakfast on April 24 from 7 a.m. to 12 noon at the Alpine Elementary School, 1850 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine. You’re invited to hop on over to enjoy pancakes, sausage, eggs and more—all while benefitting local charities and events sponsored by Kiwanis. If you can’t attend,
EAST COUNTY’S MUSIC MAN, BOB TAYLOR, PRESENTS LESSONS ON LIFE AND BUSINESS IN HIS BOOK, GUITAR LESSONS
Printer-friendly version Guitar Lessons: A Life’s Journey Turning Passion Into Business, By Bob Taylor, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, 2011, 230 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore April 8, 2011 (El Cajon)–Bob Taylor, co-founder and president of Taylor Guitars in El Cajon, California, has added a new title to his repertoire: author. in Guitar Lessons:
SWEET! SUMMERS PAST FARMS HOSTS SWEET PEA DAY APRIL 9
Printer-friendly version April 8, 2011 (Flinn Springs) -Guests are invited to stroll through a towering fragrant sweet pea maze–and cut your own sweet pea bouquets during this event, while they last! The event runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—however ECM’s editor arrived too late last year to snip the fragrant blooms, so early arrival is recommended. Viewing time starts at
GO WILD! 15th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT THE SAN DIEGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE APRIL 10
Printer-friendly version April 7, 2011 (Rancho San Diego)—Bring the family to visit with live native animals, join a guided nature hike, get free art and photography lessons, view a firetruck and more this Sunday, April 10. Festivities to celebrate the 15th birthday of the San Diego National Wildlife Refugee will take place near the old steel bridge on Highway
RAMONA MUSIC FESTIVAL EXPANDS TO SIX TOE-TAPPING HOURS APRIL 9
Printer-friendly version April 2, 2011 (Ramona) – This year, The Ramona Music Fest IV benefit concert will be 50 percent longer than in the past – a full six hours on April 9 from noon to 6 p.m. at Dos Picos County Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Rd. in Ramona. The nonprofit event, hosted by Ramona Kiwanis and Ramona
CUYAMACA COLLEGE SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL OFFERS POTPOURRI OF FREE ACTIVITIES
Printer-friendly version Event showcases ornamental horticulture nursery and water conservation garden April 6, 2011 (Rancho San Diego)–A garden party of sorts is on tap Saturday, April 9, at Cuyamaca College, but don’t expect cucumber sandwiches, tea, and the soothing strains of Pachelbel’s Canon in D at this event. Instead, an international food court, a “bug zone,” and petting zoo
AUTHORS TO SIGN INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS AT RAMONA LIBRARY APRIL 16
Printer-friendly version April 16, 2011 (Ramona) – Ramona authors o inspirational books will be signing copies of their works on Saturday, Aprl 16 at the new Ramona library, 1275 Main Street in San Diego. Authors include Barbara McBride, Byron Mettler, Mike Mulligan, and Peter Zindler. The signing will be held from 9-11 a.m. Mulligan is the author of God’s
4TH ANNUAL FOOD JUSTICE EVENT APRIL 9-10 IN CITY HEIGHTS
Printer-friendly version April 3, 2011 (San Diego) — On April 9 and 10, hundreds of San Diegans are expected to convene at University Ave. and Fairmount in City Heights to attend workshops, share knowledge, and discuss the sustainability, accessibility, and health of our food system in San Diego and around the world. The free event will include workshops, speeches
BOOK THESE DATES: APRIL LIBRARY CONCERTS ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly version April 2, 2011 (San Diego)–The second annual San Diego County Library Acoustic Showcase is underway. The Acoustic Showcase series offers a wide variety of some of San Diego’s very best singer/songwriters, folk music performers and story tellers. These concerts are free to the community. This year’s series includes over 30 concerts at 12 branch libraries between February
WANT TO GET PUBLISHED? GET TIPS FROM LOCAL AUTHORS APRIL 9 AT BARNES & NOBLE, LA MESA
Printer-friendly version Authors will offer writing tips and sign copies of books at Grossmont Center store By Dennis Moore April 2, 2011 (La Mesa)—Are you an aspiring author? Barnes & Noble bookstore in Grossmont Center will host ”How to get published” on April 9 at 1 p.m. Moderated by ECM book reviewer Dennis Moore, The event will feature best-selling novelist Joshua Graham
ALPINE TREE TOWN PARTY APRIL 16
Printer-friendly version March 29, 2011 (Alpine) -Do you love trees? Are you interested in promoting tree planting in Alpine? Would you like to help establish tree programs for local schools? If so, you’re invited to join "Alpine’s Tree Town Party" on April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Alpine Woman’s Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd. Learn about
HAZEL ROSS ARTWORK ON DISPLAY THROUGH MAY AT WILLIAM HERRICK LIBRARY IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version March 29,2011 (La Meas)–The Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, a consumer health library in La Mesa, is featuring an exhibit of 22 paintings by El Cajon resident Hazel Ross. The paintings include Ross’ signature watercolor landscapes and portraits in pastel. Art will be on exhibit now through the month of May. A native of
ARTISTS SHARE TIPS ON TECHNIQUES AT WINE-DOWN WEDNESDAY
Printer-friendly version March 29, 2011 (El Cajon ) – Twenty artists displayed more than 100 works, met with visitors and shared secrets of their success at “Wine Down Wednesday” last week. The event, held at Westfield Parkway Plaza in the Macy’s court, showcased artwork from St. Clair Gallery with 20% of proceeds benefitting St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center. Kathy
EAST COUNTY GROWERS TO SHOWCASE EXOTIC BLOOMS AT PLUMERIA SOCIETY’’S SALE APRIL 2-3
Printer-friendly version By Jeremy Los March 28, 2011- Plumeria blooms, the traditional Hawaiian lei flowers, conjure up the exotic mystique of the tropics. This weekend, several East County growers will showcase their sweet-scented blossoms at the Southern California Plumeria Society’s cutting sale. The two-day event, April 2-3, will mark the first cutting sale of the year for the
SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL BLOSSOMS APRIL 9 AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version March 26, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Celebrate spring on Saturday, April 9 at the Spring Garden Festival, one of East County’s biggest annual events. Held at Cuyamaca College from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the festival features live music and international foods as well as expert garden design advice, horticulture demonstrations, a plant sale, water smart
RAMONA OPEN STUDIOS ART TOUR APRIL 9-10
Printer-friendly version March 26, 2011 (Ramona)–If you’ve ever wondered what an artist’s studio really looks like, now is your chance to see for yourself. Eighteen award winning artists from Ramona have been invited to open their studios to visitors. Meet these artists, discuss their work and process, and even add to your art collection if you’re so inclined. The
CHEFS FIRE UP THE IRON HORSE AT CAMPO RAILWAY MUSEUM FOR 50-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: FOOD & WINETASTING APRIL 2
Printer-friendly version March 25, 2011 (Campo) – The Chefs de Cuisine Association of San Diego and The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum are both celebrating their fifty-year anniversaries in 2011. In recognition of their decades of service to their communities, a gala gourmet food and wine tasting event will be hosted at the historic Museum in Campo on Saturday, April 2
HUZZAH! ESCONDIDO RENAISSANCE FAIRE APRIL 2-3 AND APRIL 9-10
Printer-friendly version March 24, 2011 (Escondido) – Enter the Faire to at Felicita Park, Escondido, where ye will mingle with inhabitants of the "Village of Falconbridge.” There, the Age of Chivalry will be recreated amid an idyllic forested setting. Travel back to a distant place in time to share memories and glories of the reign of Her Majesty, Elizabeth I.
CHEERS! BLUE DOOR WINERY, JULIAN’S NEWEST VINTNER, HOSTS GRAND OPENING PARTY SATURDAY, MARCH 26
Printer-friendly version Winemaker moves operations from San Marcos, opens tasting room in East County By Miriam Raftery March 24, 2011 (Julian) – Marc Hashagen isn’t your typical winemaker. A firm believer in giving things a go even when the odds seem long, he began making wines with a friend back in 2006 because “we love wine,” he recalled.
MORNING GLORY JAZZ BRUNCH AND FROG RACE APRIL 16 TO BENEFIT ST. MADELEINE SOPHIE’S CENTER
Printer-friendly version 20% of funds for developmentally disabled adults will be cut under the Governor’s budget March 24, 2011 – Cash prizes totaling $10,000 will be given away to three winners in the 6th annual St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Frog Race, which will be held April 16 during the Morning Glory Jazz Brunch at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center.
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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