East County Magazine
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.
SANTREE FEST: EARLY EARTH DAY CELEBRATION MARCH 5
Printer-friendly version March 3, 2011 (Santee) — Grab your gardening gloves and head on out to the SanTree Fest, a fun family event in Santee. Guests can volunteer to help plant over 50 trees or assist with river cleanup, enjoy live musical entertainment, sample healthy foods, enjoy kid crafts, and visit interactive environmental booths. On our visit last year, some booths
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La Mesa Lions, Lemon Grove Lions partner for fundraising dinner
East County News Service Feb. 11, 2026 (Lemon Grove) — The sweet aroma of garlic and simmered marinara sauce will fill the air in Lemon…
California opens $2.5M in grants to reimagining State Parks through art and culture
East County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Sacramento) – Looking to literally bridge the gap between nature and the diverse communities of the state, California…
GUHSD Superintendent backs DA’s appeal against potential release of 2001 Santana shooter
Printer-friendly version East County News Service February 10, 2026 (Santee) — Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Kirsten Vital Brulte has sent a letter to District Attorney Summer Stephan expressing full support for her appeal of the San Diego Superior Court’s decision to grant a recall and resentencing hearing for Charles “Andy” Williams, the perpetrator of the 2001 Santana
A decade of dogs: Fido Fest celebrates 10th anniversary
Photos and story by Karen Pearlman Feb. 10, 2026 (Santee) – It’s time to grab your canine friends and their leashes for the dogstravaganza that…
Next phase of Casa de Oro plan to be discussed at Feb. 26 workshop
East County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Casa de Oro) – The vision for a safer, more walkable Casa de Oro is moving from the…
Next phase of Casa de Oro plan to be discussed at Feb. 26 workshop
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Feb. 10, 2026 (Casa de Oro) – The vision for a safer, more walkable Casa de Oro is moving from the drawing board to the engineering phase. San Diego County officials are holding a public workshop later this month, inviting residents and other interested stakeholders to review design elements for the transformation of the Campo
Casa de Oro has new “House of Gold” mural, thanks to ArtReach and Casa de Oro Alliance
East County News Service February 8, 2026 (Casa de Oro) — The Casa de Oro Alliance and ArtReach celebrated celebrate the completion of a vibrant…
La Mesa hosting Home Energy Fair in March
East County News Service February 5, 2026 (La Mesa) — With San Diego County residents navigating some of the highest utility rates in the nation,…
San Diego poet shares secrets and solace of a psychotherapist in The Best Sex I Never Had
Book by Susan Black Allen Reviewed by Pennell Paugh February 2, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego resident and psychotherapist, Susan Black Allen has written…
A sweet and Grand (Avenue) time in Escondido with the Chocolate Festival
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Escondido) – Wrappers will crinkle and corks will pop next month along Grand Avenue in Escondido. The Escondido Chocolate Festival is set for Feb 7, turning the city’s historic downtown into a literal moveable feast for those with a sweet tooth, a penchant for chocolate pairings and an appreciation for local flair. Hosted by
Fort Cross brings ‘Old Timey’ adventure to Julian region
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Jan. 22, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – A family farm in the Julian mountains is bringing back its popular guided tour that brings rustic adventure and recreation education to the outdoors. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures will host its popular Farm Tour Adventure on Jan. 31, a high-energy, two-hour guided circuit at its farm, nestled in the scenic landscape
San Diego Automotive Museum to hold “Garage Night” fundraiser
Printer-friendly versionEvening event at new IGNITE Academy campus (see photo, left, showing students from the academy) will support automotive career training for local youth East County News Service Jan. 7, 2026 (Santee) — The San Diego Automotive Museum will host its first Garage Night from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the recently opened IGNITE Academy campus, 8630 Argent St.
The Water Conservation Garden gears up for a blooming 2026
Printer-friendly version Photo of a buttefly at the Dorcas E. Utter Butterfly Pavilion at The Water Conservation Garden and story by Karen Pearlman Jan. 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — The Water Conservation Garden, the 6-acre botanical showcase of sustainable landscaping and water-wise gardening adjacent to Cuyamaca College, has rooted out its slate of events for Winter and Spring 2026. The schedule includes educational opportunities,
New Moon fishing returns to Lake Jennings
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Jan. 3, 2025 (Lakeside) — San Diego County anglers should worm their way into their tackle boxes and grab their lanterns for one of the region’s most anticipated winter traditions. From 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, Lake Jennings will host its first “New Moon Fishing” event of the year, offering a
Light does not need permission to shine: San Diego leaders unite against hate at Hanukkah ‘Rally for Light’
Printer-friendly versionPhotos and story by Karen Pearlman Dec. 22, 2025 (San Diego) — Across the street from the calm San Diego Bay but amid a rising tide of global concern, some of San Diego County’s top elected officials, law enforcement and multi-faith leaders gathered Monday at the County Administration Center to send a singular message: Hate has no sanctuary in
Gifts and love from The Karen Cooper Foundation for dogs at the San Diego Humane Society
Printer-friendly versionPhoto from The Karen Cooper Foundation gift sharing for dogs courtesy San Diego Humane Society East County News Service Dec. 9, 2025 (San Diego) — Christmas arrived a few weeks early for more than 600 dogs at the San Diego Humane Society. Thanks to the generosity of The Karen Cooper Foundation, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, every dog under the SDHS’ care
Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice
Printer-friendly version Book by Caitlin Rother Review by Paul Levikow December 2, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego-based New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother takes on the mysterious disappearance of the McStay family of four, who were last seen in their Fallbrook home in February, 2010. Joseph, Summer, and their two sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. were killed and
East County Magazine’s “Feasting and Merrymaking” holiday party December 7
Printer-friendly version December 1, 2025 (La Mesa) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—so East County Magazine is hosting a “feasting and merrymaking” holiday party this Sunday, December 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at a private Mt. Helix home. The party is open to all subscribers—and subscriptions to our e-newsletter is free! Subscribe. Cost is just $20 and
Destination East County: Dreamy December events to remember
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Listen to an audio version of this story. November 30, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly—and there’s plenty of merry events coming up in December across East County! Festivities include a stage production of “’‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in La Mesa, Pine Valley’s Camp Christmas holiday lighting
Artists from St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center to show off skills
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 28, 2025 (El Cajon) — The holiday spirit is already brightening up downtown El Cajon, with St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and its Sophie’s Gallery again central to the vibe. Next month, St. Madeleine Sophie’s is inviting the community to meet and discover the creative talents of some of its artists while giving
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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