East County Magazine
ART COUNCIL FUNDRAISING AUCTION MARCH 11 AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE: PREVIEW ART AT HYDE GALLERY MARCH 7-10
Printer-friendly version March 3, 2011 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Art Council presents its annual fundraising Exhibition and Auction next week. The Hyde Gallery on campus will exhibit works of 18 established artists representing a variety of disciplines. Though brief in its duration, the scope of this exhibition is significant: two dimensional work in acrylic to three dimensional work in ceramic
BONE-A-FIED BRASS CONCERT AND MINI-MARDI GRAS PARTY MARCH 6
Printer-friendly version Event at United Church of Christ La Mesa will benefits Charley Brown Children’s Center in La Mesa March 3, 2011 (La Mesa) – Robert Preston, as Professor Harold Hill, created a memorable musical moment in the movie “The Music Man,” parading 76 trombones, 110 cornets and other instruments through the streets of River City. Sliding forward in time,
MENDING THE WORLD: THE COLLISION OF NATURE, CULTURE & HUMANITY
Printer-friendly version March 3, 2011 (San Diego) — Shana and Robert ParkeHarrison, famed photographers who combine sculpture, painting and theatrics to create surreal, fabricated images, will be featured in a conversation led by Arthur Ollman, director of the School of Art, Design and Art History at San Diego State University, at the Museum of Photographic Art’s Irwin and Joan
RAGTIME ROLLS OUT MARCH 17-27 AT SPRING VALLEY’S ENCORE THEATRE
Printer-friendly version February 26, 2011 (Spring Valley) – Ragtime, the musical that won a Tony Award in 1998 for best musical score on Broadway, will be performed by Young Actors Theatre at the Encore! Theatre in Spring Valley March 17-20 and March 24-27. The musical offers a powerful portrayal of life in turn-of-the-century America based on E.L. Doctorow’s acclaimed
ANIMAL TRACKING HIKE MARCH 19 AT JAMUL RESERVE: TRACKING TEAM LEADERS WANTED
Printer-friendly version February 26, 2011 (Jamul) – Wildlife enthusiasts are needed to expand efforts of the San Diego Tracking Team, which collects data used to protect open space. On March 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the team will hold an “Animal Tracking for Habitat Conservation” hike at the Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve. The public is invited to join
ST. CLAIR GALLERY’S 26TH INVITATIONAL ART SHOW OPENS FEB. 28 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version Artists’ Reception scheduled for March 30 February 25, 2011 (El Cajon)–The St. Clair Gallery in El Cajon has announced its 26th Invitational Art Exhibit, which will run from February 28 through April 1, 2011. The artists’ reception will be held on Wednesday, March 30 from 5 to 8pm. Admission is free. Over 140 works of
FAMED GUITAR MAKER BOB TAYLOR SHARES LESSONS IN SUCCESS AT BOOKSIGNING MARCH 3
Printer-friendly version East County entrepreneur, businessman and author shares lessons in success, failure and perseverance in Guitar Lessons: A Life’s Journey Turning Passion Into Business February 25, 2011 (El Cajon) – Known globally for his El Cajon company and the exceptional guitars that bear his last name, Taylor Guitars co-founder Bob Taylor will share some insights that helped him
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SPARKLE IN GOLDEN ARTISTRY JEWELRY DESIGN COMPETITION
Printer-friendly version By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero February 25, 2011 (La Mesa) — Golden Artistry Jewelry Design of La Mesa is hosting their third annual jewelry design contest for high school students in the Grossmont Union High School District. The theme this year is water. The competition is the creation of jeweler Terry Whyte, who hopes to inspire artistic students
FLOWERING CREATIVITY: ARTIST SHARES HER TECHNIQUES
Printer-friendly version Abigail Migala photography exhibition continues through February 25 February 22, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – “In the old analog days, we used to print our negatives forwards and backwards and glue the juxtaposed prints to a board to create mirror image compositions. Today, digital technology makes it so much easier,” fine art photographer Abigail Migala told
SAMBA MUSIC & MORE FEB 23 AT KROC CENTER’S FREE FAMILY ARTS & LITERACY NIGHT
Printer-friendly version February 24, 2011 (San Diego) — Young Audiences of San Diego and The Salvation Army Kroc Center invite the public to a free Family Arts and Literacy Night Thursday, February 24th at 6:30 pm. Hundreds of families will gather in the Kroc Center Multipurpose Room-Education Building for an evening of fun for the “Carnaval Around the World” event
GROSSMONT COLLEGE GOSPEL CHOIR & MASTER CHORALE CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH FEB. 25-26
Printer-friendly version Editor’s Note – February 22, 2011: location has changed to Faith Chapel Church of God in Christ, 4999 Holly Drive, San Diego, near Lincoln High School. February 18, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) — The Grossmont College Music Department‘s Grossmont College Gospel Choir and Grossmont College Master Chorale will celebrate Black History Month with two performances of gospel music.

OBESITY, THE SOLUTION OFFERS NUTRITIOUS GUIDELINES FOR HEALTHY LIVING
Printer-friendly version Obesity – The Solution, by Max Sturman (Do It Naturally Foundation, San Diego) Book Review by Dennis Moore February 20, 2011 (San Diego)–There is no more timely or urgent message than that found in Max Sturman’s Obesity – The Solution. A February 1st story in the San Diego Union-Tribune states, “In a new attempt to help an overweight nation slim
BORDERS BOOKS DECLARES BANKRUPTCY, FOLDS EL CAJON STORE
Printer-friendly version February 17, 2011 (El Cajon) – Closing a chapter for local book lovers, the Borders Group has announced plans to close 200 Borders bookstores nationwide, including stores at Parkway Plaza in El Cajon and in the Gaslamp district downtown. The company filed for bankruptcy reorganization after running up over a billion dollars in debt. Three San Diego County stores will remain
TEA TIME: ALPINE WOMAN’S CLUB SERVES UP A VICTORIAN TEA FEB. 26
Printer-friendly version February 15, 2011 (Alpine) – Victorian dress is optional at the 18th annual Victorian Tea, sponsored by the Alpine Woman’s Club on February 26, 2011. Harkening back to a bygone era, the event will feature finger sandwiches, English scones, delectable desserts, and a melodrama production titled “And the Lamp Went Out” directed by Tim Arends.
SYMPHONY OF CLOUDS: MUSICAL ADVENTURES OF THE BOY MOZART FEB. 18-27 AT SDSU
Printer-friendly version February 15, 2011 (San Diego) – Symphony of Clouds (Musical Adventures of the Boy Mozart) will be performed at San Diego State University’s Don Powell Theatre in showings Feb. 18-27. The program is described on the theatre’s website as "a joyful production which incorporates milestones in Mozart’s early life and work in stormy 18th-century Europe, inspired by letters, biographies,
SDSU JAZZ BAND COACH A WINNER AT GRAMMY AWARDS
Printer-friendly version February 15, 2011 (San Diego) – Dan Reagan, a graduate student in San Diego State University’s master’s program in jazz studies and coach of the SDSU jazz band, is a member of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra which won best tropical Latin album for Viva la Tradicion at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards February 13th. Raised in San
COPPER CREEK CONCERT FUNDRAISER FOR ST. ANDREW’S YOUTH, MARCH 2
Printer-friendly versionFebruary 11, 2011 (La Mesa) — Following a traditional Mardi Gras pancake meal at 5:15 p.m., Copper Creek Band will perform, 7 p.m. on March 2 at the Community Center of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 8650 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa. Proceeds will benefit the church’s Youth Group. Tickets will be given for a donation of $10, and the
JAZZ CONCERT FEB. 16 AT CUYAMACA COLLEGE
Printer-friendly version February 12, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) — Cuyamaca College of the Performing Arts will present a combo jazz concert led by music instructor Paul Kurokawa on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $8 for general admission and $5 for students or seniors. For directions to Cuyamaca College, located at Rancho San
HOW SWEET IT IS: ESCONDIDO CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL FEB. 12
Printer-friendly version February 11, 2011 (Escondido)–What could be sweeter on Valentine’s Day weekend than to indulge at the second annual “For the Love of Chocolate and SweetArt Festival” on February 12? Bring your sweetheart—or just your sweet tooth. The Downtown Business Association in Escondido is sponsoring this event from 1 to 5 p.m., inviting participants to savor the best
SHAKESPEARE’S HAMLET ONSTAGE AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE MARCH 10-12, 16-19
Printer-friendly version “To be, or not to be; that is the question.”–Hamlet February 7, 2011 (El Cajon) – The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present Hamlet by William Shakespeare, directed by Jeannette Thomas. Murder. Betrayal. Lust. Adultery. Those are among the themes in what many critics consider Shakespeare’s most profound play, which will be presented in
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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.

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.
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