East County Magazine
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
STEP BACK IN TIME AT LA MESA ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE MARCH 27
Printer-friendly version March 24, 2011 (La Mesa) – The La Mesa Village Merchants Association invites you to step back in time this Sunday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the La Mesa Antique Street Faire. Once a year, La Mesa Boulevard is closed and antique dealers from far and wide set out their wares. Reminiscent of an
“WIZARD OF WATERCOLOR” CHUCK MCPHERSON SOLO ART SHOW OPENS MARCH 25 AT MAIN STREET 5 GALLERY
Printer-friendly version By Abigail Migala March 23, 2011 (El Cajon) — Main Street 5 Gallery (www.mainstreet5gallery.com) is presenting a solo show by award-winning watercolorist Chuck McPherson. The opening reception will take place on Friday, March 25 from 5 to 9 p.m., when you can come meet the artist, see some of his artwork and enjoy refreshments in a fun,
REVIEW: A ROLLICKING RENDITION OF RAGTIME AT THE ENCORE! THEATRE
Printer-friendly version Popular American musical playing March 24-27 in Spring Valley By Miriam Raftery March 22, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Director Jean Isaac calls Ragtime a show that “will get inside your soul.” Drawn to the musical’s epic scale and powerful yet timeless themes, she observes, “It’s a beautiful story to be told," then adds that it’s important
“WHERE THE WILD THINGS GROW” ART SHOW AT MISSION TRAILS MARCH 26-APRIL 22; RECEPTION FOR WILDLIFE ARTISTS APRIL 3
Printer-friendly version March 21, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) — The Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation will present "Where the Wild Things Grow," an exhibition features paintings by seven award-winning artists in the Mission Trails Regional Park Gallery from March 26 through April 22. The public is also invited to a reception in honor of the artists on Sunday,
ANZA-BORREGO DESERT GARDEN TOUR MARCH 27
Printer-friendly version March 20, 2011 (Anza-Borrego) – Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Museum Association offers a self-paced tour of five private gardens plus a “bonus garden” on Sunday, March 27 from 9:30-4 p.m. Tickets cost $14 for members, $18 for nonmembers. For information, contact naturecenter@att.net or call 1-760-767-3098. The Borrego Desert Nature Center is located at 652 Palm Canyon Drive
SILVER STRINGS QUARTET IN CONCERT AT MISSION TRAILS MARCH 20
Printer-friendly version March 19, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –What could be more inspiring than an afternoon of music and nature? On March 20th at 3 p.m., the Silver Strings Quarter will perform classical, light classical and popular music at a free concert at MissionTrails Regional Park. The free concert will be held inside the theater at the Visitor &
VALLECITO DAYS BRINGS FRONTIER LIFE ALIVE MARCH 25 – 27; CELEBRATES 150th ANNIVERSARY OF SOUTHERN OVERLAND TRAIL & CIVIL WAR EVENT
Printer-friendly version March 18, 2011 (Vallecito) — Experience life on the 1860’s frontier at Vallecito Days 2011, which this year will celebrate the role of the Southern Overland Trail 150 years ago at the outbreak of the Civil War. Tour the original Vallecito Stage Station, visit an overland travelers camp with demonstrations and exhibits of historic firearms, outdoor cooking, and
PARTY IN THE FAST LANE: HIGHWAY 52 GRAND OPENING FESTIVAL MARCH 19
Printer-friendly version March 18, 2011 (Santee)—Thousands of East County residents are expected to party hearty at Saturday’s “52 from Sea to Santee” grand opening festival being held right on top of the new freeway connector, State Route 52, on March 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The long-awaited stretch of freeway will connect to State Route 67, creating a
“WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY” MARCH 23 AT PARKWAY PLAZA
Printer-friendly version RSVP by March 21; proceeds benefit St. Madeleine Sophie's Center By Abigail Migala March 17, 2011 (El Cajon)–The St. Clair Gallery announces “Wine-Down Wednesday” at the Westfield Parkway Shopping Center at 415 Parkway Plaza in El Cajon on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 5 – 7 p.m. The gallery and the shopping center team up twice a year
REVIEW: GROSSMONT STAGECOACH PRODUCTION OF HAMLET IS “SOLID, GOOD—ON THE CUSP OF BEING GREAT”
Printer-friendly version By Alexander Nguyen “Hamlet” is now playing at the Grossmont Stagehouse Theatre at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16 through Thursday March 19. Matinee is on March 19 at 2 p.m. March 14, 2011 (El Cajon)–Hamlet is the most revered and hated of Shakespeare’s plays, at least from an actor’s perspective. It is a role that has both
FIND LUCK O’ THE IRISH AT THESE ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENTS MARCH 17
Printer-friendly version March 14, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Don’t want to fight crowds to head to downtown San Diego for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, or drive home after a night of partying? Sure ‘n’ we’ve got the answer! Irish pubs in La Mesa, Rancho San Diego and Poway are hosting their own celebrations—complete with free cab rides
BBQ & AUCTION FOR EASTERN S.D. COUNTY JUNIOR FAIR MARCH 20
Printer-friendly version March 17, 2011 (Lakeside) – Roundup the kids and head on out to Lakeside on Sunday, March 20th, where carnival activities, an astro jump, barbecue and auction are all part of a fundraising event to benefit the East San Diego County Junior Fair. The event will take place at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds and El Capitan
DESERT IN BLOOM: ACTIVITES FLOWER IN ANZA BORREGO WITH TOURS & MORE STARTING THIS WEEKEND
Printer-friendly version March 9, 2011 (Anza-Borrego) — The rains have come and gone, leaving fresh air and sunshine to blanket the majesty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Anza-Borrego Desert Park Foundation invites you to spring into action with activities to fulfill your sense of wonder and appreciation for the park. Upcoming activites include guided wildflower hikes, a tour of
KAYAK CONSERVATION ADVENTURE ON EL CAPITAN RESERVOIR MARCH 13
Printer-friendly version March 10, 2011 (Lakeside) – San Diego River Park Foundation and Family Kayak Adventure Center invite you on a guided tour of East County’s El Capitan Reservoir, one of the only places where you can kayak on the San Diego River. Cost is $50 for adults, $35 for children and includes kayak, paddles, life vest, basic instruction,
2011 CAJON CLASSIC CRUISE SEASON EXTENDED: STARTS APRIL 6
Printer-friendly version March 9, 2011 (El Cajon)–The 2011 season of the Cajon Classic Cruise has added additional shows, theme nights and will start a month earlier than previously announced. “Cajon Classic Cruise will roll out 31 shows in 2011, nearly double the number of shows presented last year," said Kathryn Courter of the El Cajon Community Development Corporation, which organizes
“DISCOVER WILDFLOWERS” HIKE WITH A RANGER MARCH 26 IN RANCHO JAMUL
Printer-friendly version March 8, 2011 (Rancho Jamul) – Rangers at the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Rancho Jamul invite you to join in an easy to moderate “”Discover Wildflowers” hike with a U.S. Fish & Wildlife service ranger, featuring native plant experts from RECON Environmental Inc. The hike will be held on Saturday, March 26 from 9-10:30 a.m. Bring
SOUND OF MUSIC AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED BY KROC KIDS JUNIOR THEATER COMPANY
Printer-friendly version March 8, 2011 (San Diego)—Young actors ages 6 to 18 are invited to audition for an upcoming musical production of The Sound of Music. Young actors will find plenty of opportunities to learn their craft and dazzle onstage,” a press release on the auditions states. Scholarships are available. Everyone who auditions will be in the show! Auditions will
3RD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FAIR MARCH 26 AT RIVERVIEW ELEMENTARY IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly version Community Event Offers Food, Games, Music and Family Fun March 7, 2011 (Lakeside) –Riverview Elementary School and Lakeside Union School District invite the public to attend the third annual Riverview International Fair on Saturday March 26th from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.. Learn about other culture from around the world, watch traditional country dances, play carnival games and taste
NEED TO REDUCE SALT IN YOUR DIET? AUTHOR/NURSE WILL SHOW YOU HOW MARCH 23 at GROSSMONT HEALTHCARE SENIORS’ GROUP
Printer-friendly version March 6, 2011 (La Mesa)–Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa, will host a free seniors discussion group on “Cut Salt From Your Diet The Easy Way,” featuring a presentation from Sandra Parkington, a registered nurse and president of HealthTrax, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23.
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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.
NEW ORLEANS JUST MIGHT BE THE PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT
Printer-friendly versionBy Maia Neubig Maia Neubig is an SDSU senior who traveled to New Orleans on two separate occasions as part of the Art Relief effort. The best part about the trips are the people down there, they are some of the nicest, most caring people I have ever met in my life. They truly love and appreciate every one
SANTREE FEST AND EARTH DAY CELEBRATION MARCH 14
Printer-friendly versionMarch 10, 2009 (Santee)–Santee invites the public to participate in "SanTree Fest," an Earth Day celebration from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14th at Mast Park, located at 9125 Carlton Hills Blvd. Festivities begin at 9:45 with a nature walk departing from a trail entrance at the northwest side of the Wal-Mart parking lot. A community
RELIGIOUS ART FESTIVAL WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT St. MARK’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Printer-friendly version Resurerction Flower,award-winning photo by mkona Schlesinger of Poway March 4, 2009 (San Diego)—Many East County residents were accepeted into the 46th annual all-media Religious Art Festival of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church by juror Hiroshi Miyazaki. In the poetry division Elaine Parker, Rancho San Diego won second place and Eldon (Mike) Meyer of Lemon Grove received two Honorable
NO SPAIN, NO BULL–ITS THE “RUNNING OF THE GOATS” IN CREST SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Printer-friendly versionMarch 3, 2009 (Crest)–It may be un-"herd" of, but it is happening in Crest and it’s not a baaad idea. The first ever "Running of the Goats" will take place on March 7, 2009 at the South Lane Park in Crest. This "running" will not reflect the danger as experienced in the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain,
FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: MARCH 2009
Printer-friendly versionMarch 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Spring is in the air! This month’s events include street fairs, music festivals, St. Patrick’s Day celebrating, stargazing, train rides, eco-events, nature hikes, a free job search program, a soap box derby, and a baseball contest where winners can advance to finals at a Major League All-Star game. Also a "running of the
SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE: MUSIC U CAN LIVE 2
Printer-friendly versionBy Dennis Moore March 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Just like Hip Hop artist "R" Kelly did in my hometown of Chicago, East County Gospel singer Nicolas SK Shivers seems to be taking a similar path to stardom and fame, by initially selling and promoting his music on the streets of San Diego. I ran into Nicolas
VROOOOOM! DREW FORD/LA MESA KIWANIS CLUB TO HOLD SOAP BOX DERBY RALLY RACES MARCH 7 & 8
Printer-friendly version“There’s No Substitute for Experience,” Says Derby Director March 1, 2009(La Mesa)–In the seventh year of its Soap Box Derby program, the Drew Ford and the Kiwanis Club of La Mesa will hold two days of Rally Races on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. The back-to-back races lead to the Annual La Mesa Soap Box Derby in
GOSPEL FESTIVAL FRIDAY FEB. 27 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionAs part of its Black History Month celebration, Grossmont College will present a free Gospel Festival, featuring five local gospel choirs and one dance troupe, starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, in Room #220 on the college campus. The public is invited to attend. Parking is free. Performing artists will include the House of Metamorphosis Choir, Martin
FAMED STARGAZER & NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHER DENNIS MAMMANA OF ANZA-BORREGO SHARES SECRETS OF SUCCESS– AND ANNOUNCES UPCOMING TRIPS TO VIEW CELESTIAL WONDERS IN THE NIGHT SKY
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Northern lights images from Anza Borrego desert February 22, 2009 (Anza Borrego) — In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy, we thought it fitting to share with our readers the beauty and grandeur of the night sky as depicted by Dennis Mammana, world-famous night sky photographer and East County resident. His dazzling photos include rare
WOW- IT’S A POW-WOW! SAT. FEB. 28 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 23, 2009 (El Cajon)–The 21st annual Grossmont College Pow-Wow, a celebration of American Indian culture, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the college’s Student Center. Admission is free. The day-long event, which begins at noon with gourd dancing and giveaways, features American Indian dancers and drummers. Vendors will sell American Indian cuisine, clothing, art and jewelry.
MUSICAL OF MUSICALS (THE MUSICAL)
Printer-friendly versionReview By Kathy Carpenter Now Playing: Feb. 20–27 at 8 p.m., Feb..28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m,, and March 1 at 2p.m. Experimental Theatre SDSU: Tickets $18-$20; ticket info:(619) 594-6884 or theatre.sdsu.edu Musical of Musicals, with music by Eric Rockwell and lyrics by Joanne Bogart, is a delight for all fans of musical theatre. This Musical, or I
KIDS JOIN IN FUN AT CIRCUS VARGA–”SHOWING THROUGH MONDAY IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 21, 2009 (El Cajon) — Ringmasters invited all children in the audience into the ring for free lessons in how to spin hula hoops, juggle scarves, and balance peacock feathers at Circus Vargas in El Cajon. Youngsters could also ride a Clydesdale horse during intermission, or pose for family photos with a giant snake. Performances run daily through
TV M*A*S*H DOCTOR OFFERS HEALING WORDS FOR HUMANITY IN NEW BOOK; VISIT TO BONITA LIBRARY DRAWS FULL HOUSE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Mike Farrell with officers of Eastlake-Bonita Democratic Club. February 17, 2009 (Bonita) — Mike Farrell and his co-stars on the popular M*A*S*H TV show raised public awareness about the human costs of war. But what many fans don’t realize is that in his private life, Farrell has much in common with the character he portrayed, Dr.
BREAKFAST WITH BAKARI THE LION: FEB. 21 AT LIONS, TIGERS AND BEARS
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 16, 2009 (Descanso)–Here’s something to roar about–Lions, Tigers & Bears is hosting “Breakfast with Bakari”, an African lion at big cat sanctuary in Descanso, just east of Alpine. Guests are invited to enjoy breakfast, visit with 13 rescued cats, other farm animals and their caretakers. You can also watch lions and tigers frolicking in the new Tiger Trails
WHAT’S HOT THIS WEEK? PLENTY!
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 18, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Concerts, circus performers, art shows, the AMGEN tour and wheelchair ballroom dance lessons are among the many exciting activities coming to San Diego’s eastern region this week. Printer-friendly version
I HAVE A NEW RING: SILVER ART CLAY IN SANTEE CLASS FORGES CREATIVE ENDEAVORS
Printer-friendly versionBy Jackie Hanson I’m admiring my new ring. Its flowers and curliques catch the light as I type. Amazingly, t I made it myself! That’s because I had the great good fortune to discover Tes Shea and the jewelry classes she teaches for the City of Santee. Last Friday, Tes was teaching how to make “Easy Rings” out of
EL CAJON MOURNS PASSING OF WAYNE STALKER, LONG-TIME EMPLOYEE AND ARTIST
Printer-friendly versionThe El Cajon Police Department and the City are saddened by the death of retired Animal Control Officer Wayne Stalker. Wayne passed away on Wednesday, February 4 after a long courageous battle against cancer. Wayne joined the El Cajon Police Department as a Volunteer Police Reserve Officer on September 9, 1981, and then held various positions at the police
ART SALE FEB. 14: HERITAGE OF AMERICAS MUSEUM AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly versionFive East County artists will help raise money for the Heritage of the Americas Museum with an art sale from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the museum, located on the campus of Cuyamaca College, 12110 Cuyamaca College Dr. West, in El Cajon. Admission is free. Printer-friendly version
CIRCUS VARGAS PRESENTS 40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW: BIG TOP COMES TO EL CAJON FEB. 19-23
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 7, 2009 (El Cajon) — Circus Vargas will present dazzling and death-defying feats in its 40th anniversary production, coming to El Cajon February 19th-23rd in the Parkway Plaza parking lot. Acrobats, clowns, magical illusionists, horses, motorcycles, music and dance are among the entertainment slated. Early-birds will be treated to a preview show in which children of all ages
FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: FEBRUARY 2009
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery February 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — Winter’s chill is past–time to step out in the sunshine and savor some of the many fun-filled events this month in San Diego’s eastern regions. Find details on all of these events and more. Just click the calendar link at the top of our homepage! This is the
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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