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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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.

Author Tanya Harris hosts book signing Sept. 21 at Grossmont Center to benefit domestic violence survivors
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local author, domestic violence survivor and advocate Tanya Harris will host a powerful community book signing and awareness event on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gazebo at Grossmont Center mall (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa). The community-focused event is designed to

Blood in the Water: an A.J. Hawke legal thriller
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Donald McInnis Reviewed by Pennell Paugh September 4, 2025 (San Diego) —Blood in the Water, though fictional, exposes a flaw in the United States’ tripartite federal government structure as established in the Constitution. The third branch of government, the Judiciary, cannot enforce its rulings, even when those rulings are necessary for protecting an individual citizen’s rights or the constitutional powers of

Steel Magnolias onstage at Julian Town Hall Oct. 17-26
Printer-friendly version East County News Service September 4, 2025 (Julian) — The East County Performing Arts Association invites you to experience the heart, humor, and resilience of Southern women in Steel Magnolias. The play will be performed in the Julian Town Hall the weekends of Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., with

Cajon Cruise returns next week in El Cajon, hosted by Downtown Café
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow September 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – East County car enthusiasts have cause for celebration, after the El Cajon City Council on Tuesday approved a two-month extension of the Cajon Cruise on Main Street and Prescott Promenade, this time hosted by Downtown Café. The revived car show will rev up on Wednesday nights Sept. 10 through
Jacumba Bathhouse Bazaar Coming Sept. 6
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Aug. 28, 2025 (Jacumba) — The next first Saturday will once again be an evening for visitors and locals to shop, eat, drink and soak in the high desert. The Jacumba Bathhouse is holding its next First Saturday bazaar from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 6 at 44450 Old Highway 80 at Jacumba Street.

Clothing Swap Coming to La Mesa Sept. 6
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Services Aug. 26, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local environmental-focused nonprofit I Love A Clean San Diego is hosting a clothing swap at the La Mesa Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 6. The event allows community members the opportunity to trade gently-used clothes, accessories and shoes for those donated by others

Destination East County: Memorable September events
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – As summer transitions into fall, September brings seasonal events such as an Autumn Jubilee, Sycuan’s Powwow, the Alley Cat Art Walk in El Cajon, Grape Stomp Festa and Apple Time Tea in Julian, Oktoberfest in El Cajon, a 911 Memorial walk in Lakeside, a roaring ’20s

Never Forget: 9/11 memorial walk in Lakeside
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 17, 2025 (Lakeside) – The Maine Avenue Revitalization Association in Lakeside will hold its sixth annual “Never Forget” memorial walk to commemorate the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The walk will be held on September 11, 2025 starting at 6:15. Participants are asked to meet at 6 p.m. at Mary’s Donuts, 10101 Main Ave.

Mount Laguna Living History brings past alive August 30-31
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 16, 2025 (Mt. Laguna) – Enjoy a free tour to learn about indigenous people and settlers who have lived in the area at the Mount Laguna Living History event on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31. Meet at the Red-Tailed Roost Activity Center, located at mile marker 22.5 on Sunrise Highway in Cleveland

‘Bring home the bacon’ for rescued pigs
Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Karen Pearlman Aug. 15, 2025 (Guatay) – Horses of Tir Na Nog is going hog wild with its latest event. The nonprofit equine rescue group, which also rescues other animals, is hosting a fundraiser, “Wine for Swine,” to support its pig rescue efforts. The Aug. 23 event (for those 21 and older)

Momentum Tutoring hosts Youth Business Fair at Santee Lakes Aug. 16
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 12, 2025 (Santee) – Momentum Tutoring (www.momentumtutoring.org) invites the community to the Santee Youth Business Fair at Santee Lakes, a dynamic one-day marketplace where young entrepreneurs will showcase their creativity, hustle, and heart. The event takes place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Lake #2, Santee Lakes Recreation

Our East County Dining Club invites you to Zest Wine Bistro August 21
Printer-friendly version We still have room for a few more at tonight’s wonderful event! You’re invited to our East County Dining Club special event at Zest Wine Bistro in Lemon Grove on Thursday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m. 20% of dinner proceeds and100% of raffle proceeds will benefit East County Magazine’s reporting and wildfire alerts. Savor gourmet charcuterie served family-style

Against All Enemies: novel depicts war sparked by tariffs
Printer-friendly versionBook by Thomas Wing Review by Pennell Paugh August 10, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego author Thomas Wing, releases Against All Enemies. This gripping thriller ominously shows us a violent but possible reaction to America’s tariff war — China launches a full-scale surprise attack on the U.S. Capitol, Pentagon, military bases, and communication satellites. With weakened communications and

Julian Family Fiddle Camp pie social and promotion August 16
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 9, 2025 (Julian) – If you are going to Summergrass, and if you are a Julian Family Fiddle Camp (JFFC) alumni OR if you are interested in attending JFFC, you are invited to attend the JFFC pie scial & promotion at 7 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 16. The pie and promotion event will be

Integrating Nutrition into Mental Health Care
Printer-friendly versionBook by Ruth Leyse Wallace, PhD Reviewed by Pennell Paugh August 8, 2025 (San Diego) – Long-time resident of San Diego, Dr. Ruth Leyse Wallace, recently released her fourth book, Integrating Nutrition into Mental Health Care. While the book is written for clinical settings, it is written in plain English and offers sensible nutritional facts. I found it helpful

San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to participate in National Night Out Against Crime August 5
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 1, 2025 (San Diego) – Sheriff’s stations and substations across the county will be hosting family-friendly community events to take a stand against crime on Tuesday, August 5. National Night Out is an annual event that promotes law enforcement-community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie. Meet your local Sheriff’s Deputies and receive public safety resources. Crime Prevention

Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen (Monster Gunslingers Book 2)
Printer-friendly versionBook by KC Grifant Reviewed by Pennell Paugh August 1, 2025 (San Diego) – KC Grifant, a resident of San Diego, has released a second in her Monster Gunslingers series. Sharpshooters Melinda and Vance come out of retirement to fight an unbeatable foe. Melinda uses her steady hand, cool head, and a no-nonsense attitude. Her partner, Lance, brings charm

Jacumbia fest brings Afro-Columbian rhythms to Jacumba Aug. 30
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service July 29, 2025 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — Bad Vibes Good Friends and Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel will present Jacumbia Fest on August 30 starting at 5 p.m.— a one-night-only celebration of Afro-Colombian rhythms, traditional and psychedelic cumbia from Colombia, Mexico and USA. This powerful night of music and dance features the legendary Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto—torchbearers

Beach Boys’ Al Jardine and his Pet Sounds Band will rock the Magnolia Nov. 22
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 29, 2025 (El Cajon) – Tickets are now on sale for a Nov. 22 concert at the Magnolia in El Cajon by Al Jardine, one of the original Beach Boys members, and his Pet Sounds band. The evening will be a tribute to the late Brian Wilson, Beach Boys founder. The evening

Something Wicked — Spirit Club Mysteries Book One
Printer-friendly version Book by M. Lee Buompensiero Reviewed by Pennell Paugh July 25, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego author M. Lee Buompensiero has released her first novel in the Spirit Club Mystery series. Something Wicked features a reluctant heroine, Sophie Lawton, who not only sees and talks to ghosts, she also solves crimes with their help. An aunt Sophie
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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