East County Magazine
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.
ANNIVERSARY EVENT MARCH 24 AT O’DUNN FINE ART
Printer-friendly version March 24, 2011 (La Mesa) — To celebrate two years in business, proprietor Shannon O’Dunn has announced her gallery will host an all-day event featuring special savings on Thursday, March 24, 2011. All are welcome. Three California fine artists have recently joined with O’Dunn Fine Art for representation, furthering the gallery’s role and reputation as an attractive venue
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La Mesa Tree Lighting Ceremony Coming Nov. 7
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Nov. 4, 2025 (La Mesa) — La Mesa City Council member Laura Lothian and The Cohn Restaurant Group are partnering to transform a tree at a local downtown La Mesa restaurant into a Christmas tree with a special star on top. Casa Gabriela will be the site of the towering 80-foot tall
Oaks from Acorns Grow
Printer-friendly versionBook by Richard Opper Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 4, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego resident Richard G. Opper is releasing the last book in his Oakheart Trilogy, Oaks from Acorns Grow. It’s written in deep point of view of each player in the story, including the criminals. Mona Oakheart goes to Guam to find her leading porn
Save a life, honor a Legend at Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive on Nov. 5
Printer-friendly versionLast year’s inaugural Bill Walton Memorial Blood Drive hosted by the San Diego Blood Bank was in Mission Valley. This year’s Nov. 5 drive will be at Grossmont Center, in Walton’s hometown. Photo by Karen Pearlman East County News Service Oct. 30, 2025 (La Mesa) — The San Diego Blood Bank is calling on the community to
Pala Band of Mission Indians invites community to honor local heroes at Veterans Day celebration
Printer-friendly versionSource: Pala Band of Mission Indians October 29, 2025 (Pala) – The Pala Band of Mission Indians and Pala Veterans Program will honor the service and sacrifice of local veterans with a Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The event will start at 9:00 a.m. with the Presentation of Colors and remarks from guest speakers, followed by a
Little Black Dress event at Goodwill starts in November
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 25, 2025 (San Diego County) — Goodwill Industries of San Diego County‘s Little Black Dress event featuring a custom gown by top designer Evan Hirsch is set to begin in November. Goodwill San Diego’s Little Black Dress (LBD) event is when stores in the region will showcase a wide selection of LBDs,
Seven women honored at East County Chamber WILL event
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (East County) — The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce awarded a group of top females from around the county last Friday at its 23rd annual Women in Leadership event. The Women in Leadership Luncheon, with more than 450 attendees at Sycuan Casino, honored seven women who excel professionally and
Events planned to support family of La Mesa Police officer killed in car crash
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 23, 2025 (La Mesa) — At least three events are planned to honor fallen La Mesa Police officer Lauren Craven, one tomorrow night at Pink Rose Cafe in La Mesa and another Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Casa Gabriela in La Mesa. The La Mesa Police Department is also having a candlelight vigil
Full Moon Walk in Anza Borrego’s South Palm Wash Nov. 5
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 21, 2025 (Anza Borrego)—You’re invited to walk by the light of a full moon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park’s South Palm Canyon Wash on November 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. The hike will be led by Mike McElhatton, education director at the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA). “Experience the unique
Destination East County: Notable November Events
Printer-friendly version October 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – November brings numerous noteworthy events to East County, including the Ramona Art and Wine Festival, an Antique and Craft Fair at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, the Wheel of Fortune live game show at Viejas in Alpine, the award-winning play Copenhagen at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, stargazing at
Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh October 18, 2025 (San Diego) – National award-winning author Ha Jin, who became a U.S. citizen after the Tiananmen Square uprising. explores themes of rebellion in China and the struggles of a Chinese student in America in his novel, Looking for Tank Man. His main character, Lulu, who is a young woman from China, attends
El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California’s Lost City by Richard Carrico
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh October 19, 2025 (San Diego) – History buffs will love Richard Carrico’s new book, El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California’s Lost City. The book briefly covers San Diego area history before the first pioneers arrived. The author’s preview to European colonization is short but extensive. Richard Carrico’s greatest focus is upon the presidio
No Kings rallies across San Diego County and nation Oct. 18
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 16, 2025 (San Diego) – Organizers are predicting that this Saturday’s “No Kings” demonstration against the “authoritarianism of the Trump regime” may be the largest yet, including over 2,500 sites in all 50 states as well as territories and other nations. Locally, a large rally is planned at Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego
Lemon Grove film premiere Oct. 17 and 18 shines light on community spirit and history
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 16, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Town Films proudly presents the hometown premiere of Welcome Home to Lemon Grove, California, a new documentary by local filmmaker Michael Fanter. The film celebrates the community’s history, landmarks, and the people who have shaped “The Town with the Giant Lemon.” The event will take place at The
Olaf Weighorst Museum announces 1st annual fashion show fundraiser: ”Boots and Belles: Fashion at the Wieggy”
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 16, 2025 (El Cajon) – Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center will host its first annual Fashion Show Fundraiser – “Boots and Belles: Fashion at the Wieggy” on November 8 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature stunning designs of local artist and designer Dawn Hough Sebaugh, whose WALA Collection
13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival set for Nov. 1
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 15, 2025 (Ramona) — The 13th annual Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival is heading to the Begent Ranch in Ramona on Saturday, Nov. 1. The popular event, set from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the ranch at 18528 Highland Valley Road, will include wines and craft beverage tastings, all-day live
Hear our interview: Santee filmmaker Natalie Camou de Zavaleta talks about #1Bad Dad, her short comedy airing at the San Diego Film Festival
Printer-friendly version By Heidi Hope October 8, 2025 (Santee) – Natalie Camou de Zavaleta is a Santee resident and award-winning filmmaker whose short comedy, #1 Bad Dad, will be showing at the San Diego Film Festival, which runs October 18 and 19. ECM interviewed her for our radio show on KNSJ, 89.1 FM on her film, which explores the theme
Jewish Family Service hosts drive-thru food distribution for government workers on Oct. 15
Printer-friendly versionPhoto courtesy Jewish Family Service East County News Services Oct. 14, 2025 (San Diego) — Jewish Family Service of San Diego has found another way to help those impacted by the United States federal government shutdown. The nonprofit that helps the entire community, along with The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, is hosting a
Local children’s book author and filmmaker named finalist in San Diego Magazine’s “Celebrating Women” Awards
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 14, 2025 (San Diego) — Anat Tour, a children’s book author, singer, documentary filmmaker, and math teacher based in East County, has been named a finalist in San Diego Magazine’s “Celebrating Women” Awards in the Education category. In addition to her writing and filmmaking, Anat is a passionate singer and host of East County
Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa presents Copenhagen Oct. 17 – Nov. 9: The moment that changed the world
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 14, 2025 (La Mesa) – The Tony-award-winning play Copenhagen explores explores an explosive confrontation inspired by actual events that have intrigued and baffled historians for more than 50 years: a 1941 meeting between two brilliant physicists, Niels Bohr of Denmark and Germany’s Werner Heisenberg. The two men were long-time friends whose work together opened the way to the atomic bomb,
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
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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