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.
ARTISTS’ RECEPTION Oct. 19 for 6th EL CAJON INVITATIONAL ART EXHIBIT
Printer-friendly version By Jolene Crowley Sisters III by Sammy Pasto (El Cajon) – The public is invited to a free artists’ reception hosted by the St. Clair Gallery in East County Business Center on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 3-6 p.m. Nearly 200 pieces of art in all fine art categories will be displayed, including photography by 22 San Diego artists,
EAST COUNTY OKTOBERFESTS: WUNDERBAR!
Printer-friendly versionOctober 1, 2008 (East County) – Time to get into the zeitgeist (spirit of the time) and take to the streets for some old-fashioned celebrating at East County’s multiple Oktoberfests! Began in Bavaria to celebrate the marriage of royalty, Oktoberfests have since gained popularity worldwide. Below are details on our region’s oldest and biggest Oktoberfests, where you can savor
THIS WEEK’S HOT EVENTS: OCT. 15-22, 2008 — PRO-AM GOLF, CRUISIN’ OLD HWY 80, GREEN JOBS FAIR, SYMPHONY CONCERT, SIDEWALK ARTS, CAMPO HARVEST FESTIVAL AND PARADE!
Printer-friendly versionTee off for a good cause at a Pro-Am Golf Tournament at Sycuan Resort’s Willow Glen Course this Friday. Proceeds benefit Home of the Guiding Hands, which provides shelter and services for mentally disabled people. HGH has a huge funding gap due to the California budget crisis. Speaking of driving, take a blast to the past by joining a
Weekly Events – October 6-14 THIS WEEKEND: ARRIBA! LA TOMATINA TOMATO FEST
Printer-friendly versionPlus Candidate Forums, Oktoberfest Parade, Hello Dolly and more By Miriam Raftery Borrowing a tradition from Spain (with a few Southern California twists), Tierra Miguel Farm in Pauma Valley is hosting La Tomatina – a tomato fest complete with authentic Spanish cuisine (bring your own paella), wine and beer tasting, live music and a tomato fling! Call ahead to
FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER 2008
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery October 1, 2008 (East San Diego County) – Fall is prime time for festivals in East County. The tough part is choosing among so many fun-filled events. The air is crisp–and so are the ripe, juicy apples at Julian’s Apple Days October 4th and 5th. Savor apple cider and piping hot pies, or enjoy a horse-drawn
EXTRAORDINARY TIMES, EXTRAORDINARY ART
Printer-friendly versionBy Jolene Crowley October 1, 2008 (SAN DIEGO) – Three local artists, Theresa Vandenberg Donche of Mt. Helix, Encinitas resident Reed Cardwell, and Igor Kautsenko of Fallbrook, will be displaying their latest work collectively entitled “Extraordinary Times, Extraordinary Art!” at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, at 3911 Harney Street in Old Town. East County resident Vandenberg Donche was born
7 BANDS HOLD CONCERT TO HELP FIRE VICTIMS OCT 4
Printer-friendly versionROC For Fire Relief Concert and Fire Expo Helps Neighbors, Celebrates Heroes Saturday, October 4th, 2008 12:00pm to 10:00pm Lakeside Rodeo Grounds, Lakeside www.rocsd.net Listen to music from the bands. October 1, 2008 (Lakeside) – “Relief is still needed in a serious way,” said Randy Seol of the band Strawberry Alarm Clock, a longtime San Diego resident who
HUNDREDS FLOCK TO JULIAN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery September 21, 2008 (JULIAN) – “We’ve had at least 500 people here so far,” Dick Thilken, president of the Julian Lions Club said of the 38th annual Julian Bluegrass Festival on Sunday afternoon, September 21st. “Each day we’ve had six musical groups playing.” Besides officially scheduled acts, players from various areas joined in for some impromptu
FUN-FILLED FESTIVALS: SEPT. 12-30th
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Fall is in the air – the perfect time for an end-of-summer celebration or a visit to East County’s back country towns in the early days of autumn. Find details on these at many other events at our calendar, which covers all communities east of I-15. Julian Apple Days are here! Time to head up to
September Festivals
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Sept. 1, 2008 (East County)–We first planned to call this column Festival of the Month. But after discovering how many great events communities and groups are hosting in San Diego’s eastern region we changed the column name to tell you about as many fun-filled festivals as possible. Many are free, though some charge admission. Check out details
Celebrating 100 Years: Cleveland National Forest Centennial
Printer-friendly version Fiddlin’ Foresters, Living History Week Cap Festivities in Local Mountain Parks By Miriam Raftery A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt signed a declaration to create the Cleveland National Forest–a 460,000 acre preserve that is home to golden eagles, mountain lions and other wildlife species. To celebrate the centennial, the U.S. Forest Service is hosting several free special events
Notes On Air – Tracy Lee Nelson
Printer-friendly version By Richard Noel Notes On Air is a monthly music column highlighting local artists, events, and other music-related news. In this month’s column, we talk with Tracy Lee Nelson, accomplished blues musician who is also tribal chairman of the La Jolla Indian Reservation in Pauma Valley. Nelson’s music places an emphasis on his heritage, bringing a Native American
Music Review – On an Island
Printer-friendly versionBreezin’ to the music of Charlie Imes By Libby Belle San Diego singer/songwriter Charlie Imes has captured the easy, breezy spirit of laid-back Southern California living on his new CD, On An Island. Imes and the Hodad Surf Club Band will perform at BonitaFest, a street festival in Bonita, on September 27th (see our calendar section for details). He
Artist Profile – The Unconventional Phebe Burnham
Printer-friendly versionBy Jackie Hanson “There’s a colorful character,” you might say to yourself upon seeing Phebe Burnham laughing and chatting at a local art event. If you guessed that she was one of the artists (or the artist, as is often the case) you’d be correct. Phebe Burnham is not only a source of local color, she is an acclaimed
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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