East County Magazine
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
LIBRARY ACOUSTIC CONCERT SERIES ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly version February 6, 2011 (San Diego) — The second annual San Diego County Library Acoustic Showcase series starts this month. With a total of 30 concerts taking place at twelve libraries across the county from February to June, the Acoustic Showcase series offers a variety of some of San Diego’s best singer/songwriters, folk music performers and story tellers. These
LAST DAY TO VIEW JADE BUDDHA AS LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS CONCLUDE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery Photos by Ron Logan February 6, 2011 (Escondido) Large crowds turned out to celebrate the Lunar New Year and view a four-ton Jade Buddha. the largest in the world carved from gemston quality jade, all at the Escondido Center for the Arts during a week-long celebration. Traditional decorations adorned an outdoor stage where
SO, YOU WANT TO BE IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS?
Printer-friendly version Rocker turned author to lecture at Cuyamaca College Feb. 14 February 5, 2011 (Rancho San Diego)–Martin Atkins, a rock-music veteran who’s pursued every facet of the music industry from performer to producer during a career spanning three decades, will give a free multimedia presentation on succeeding in the music business 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, in the
POLITICAL CONSULTANT TO SHARE TALES OF EAST COUNTY POLITICOS AT LEMON GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENT
Printer-friendly version THE JIM AND ANN SHOW, LIVE IN THE LEE HOUSE MARCH 3 February 5, 2011 (Lemon Grove)–Jim and Ann Elliott, for 30 years the last word in printing, mailing and political consulting at Western Graphics in Lemon Grove, will bring tales from the trenches and little-known backstories of politicians on the prowl to "History Alive," the monthly lectures
HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR! YEAR OF THE RABBIT CELEBRATIONS KICK OFF
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery February 2, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Celebrations of the Lunar New Year are planned across San Diego’s eastern regions starting tonight. Festivities include lion-dancing, meditational music, and Dharma teachings in Escondido at City Heights, Lunar New Year giveaways at several East County casinos, dragon dancers and tomorrow’s grand opening of Emerald Asian
FREE CONCERT CELEBRATES SOUNDS OF THE GULF COAST
Printer-friendly version January 31, 2011 (Escondido) – As part of its “Free First Wednesdays” series, California Center for the Arts in Escondido will present Billy Lee & The Swamp Critters on February 2 from 4-7 p.m. in the Center Theater. Get in the mood for Mardi Gras at the concert, celebrating sounds of the Gulf Coast with traditional Cajun
POWAY WOMAN TRANSLATES GOSPEL INTO WRITTEN SIGN LANGUAGE
Printer-friendly version Former dancer draws inspiration from La Jolla woman who created a written sign language, inspiring a global movement January 30, 2011 (Poway) –Ballerinas Nancy Romero and Valerie Sutton met during their dancing careers—and soon turned their creative energies to helping deaf people read in sign language. “It happened by accident,” recalls Romero, a Poway resident who recently
GIANT JADE BUDDHA IN ESCONDIDO JAN. 29-FEB. 6; LION DANCERS JOIN CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION FEB. 2-3
Printer-friendly version January 28, 2011 (Escondido) — After traveling around the world and attracting almost 5 million viisitors, the fabulous four-ton Jade Buddha for Universal Peace will be displayed outside the Escondido Center for Performing Arts Jan. 29-Feb. 6. The exhibit is sponsored by the Phat Da Buddhist Temple of San Diego. Throughout the Jade Buddha’s nine day, there will be multiple daily
FOREVER PLAID ON STAGE IN ESCONDIDO JAN. 29
Printer-friendly version January 27, 2011 (Escondido) – The California Center for the Arts in Escondido and Mike Pettite Presentations will present the musical comedy Forever Plaid on Saturday, January 29 at 7 p.m. The playbill description is as follows: As four-part guy groups harmonized their way across the airwaves, Forever Plaid made its rise to the top. Not even
FREE FAMILY ARTS AND LITERACY NIGHT JAN. 27 AT KROC CENTER
Printer-friendly version San Diego, CA –January 20, 2011—Young Audiences of San Diego and The Salvation Army Kroc Center will host a free Family Arts and Literacy Night this Thursday, January 27th at 6:30 pm. Hundreds of families will gather in the Kroc Center Multipurpose Room-Education Building for an evening of fun for the “Build your own Global Village” event and
IMPROV PERFORMANCE OPENS FEB. 4 AT GROSSMONT STAGEHOUSE THEATRE
Printer-friendly version January 26, 2011 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Theatre Arts Department will present “Inside the Actor’s Process: Improvisation,” a performance of student actors using improvisational skills, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 4 and 5, and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5. Through presentations of scenes and monologues, the show will demonstrate how student actors
SACRED ROCKS NOW OFFERS ART CLASSES IN JEWELRY MAKING, PHOTOGRAPHY, SILK SCARF PAINTING & WRITING
Printer-friendly version BOULEVARD, Calif. (January 24, 2011) – Sacred Rocks Reserve now offers Saturday art classes in a beautiful high desert setting one hour east of San Diego. Classes include jewelry making, photography, writing and silk scarf painting. “The desert vegetation, amazing rocks and sweeping views make this a great place to hone scenic photography skills,” said photographer David
RAIN PATTERNS ON DISPLAY IN ART EXHIBITION AT HYDE ART GALLERY JAN. 24-FEB. 24
Printer-friendly version January 24, 2011 (El Cajon)–The Grossmont College Hyde Art Gallery, located on Grossmont College’s campus in El Cajon, is presenting an exhibit of 24 wall panels featuring natural materials that display rain patterns that fell on campus during the 2009-2010 rainy season. The exhibit, called “Rain Events and Related Investigations", was created by Grossmont College art faculty member
GALLERY TO HOST GRAND OPENING FEB. 4 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version January 24, 2011 (El Cajon) — East County’s newest gallery, Main Street 5 Gallery at 124 East Main Street in El Cajon, will host a grand opening event on Friday, February 4th from 5-10 p.m. The opening will feature photographic arts by Esther Beish. According to the gallery’s website, the artist’s passion for discovering what catches the
NEW SHANGHAI CIRCUS PERFORMS SUNDAY, JAN. 23 IN ESCONDIDO
Printer-friendly version January 20, 2011 (Escondido) — Shanghai’s astonishing athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats, stretching the limits of human ability to bring more than 2,000 years of Chinese circus traditions to the stage. The New Shanghai Circus will feature these acrobats, jugglers and contortionists in a spellbinding show on Sunday, January 23 at 3 p.m. in the California
WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN CLASSES & EVENTS ANNOUNCED
Printer-friendly version Options include a Valentine’s Day cooking class and tips on everything from growing vegetables to replacing water-thirsty lawns Rancho San Diego, CA—Want to try sweetheart tamale making for two? Or learn about straw bale construction, shop at a “March madness” plant sale, and discover how to plant an attractive low-water landscape after the lawn is gone? These
“BLOOMS & VROOMS” PHOTO EXHIBIT AT MISSION TRAILS JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 25
Printer-friendly version Artist’s reception for Abigail Kurtz Migala on February 6 January 20, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) –A solo showing of East County resident Abigail Kurtz Migala’s fine art photography will be held January 29 through February 25 at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor’s Center. The show is titled “Blooms & Vrooms: 30+ Years of Flower and Car
SAN DIEGO RIVER DAYS FILLED WITH EVENTS FOR EVERYONE
Printer-friendly version January 19, 2011 (San Diego) — San Diego River Park Foundation announces a series of events to raise funds for establishing trails, parks, gardens and visitor centers along the 52-mile-long San DIego River. The events include San Diego Days, San Diego RiverFest, and a Healthy River Run. San Diego River Days May 7-8 and 14-15 offer community events along the 52-mile San Diego

AUTHOR SCORES A HOMERUN WITH HER BOOK, ONE ON ONE: MY JOURNEY WITH HALL OF FAMERS, FAN FAVORITES AND RISING STARS
Printer-friendly version One On One: My Journey with Hall Of Famers, Fan Favorites and Rising Stars, By Jane Mitchell (Sweet Dreams Publishing Of Massachusetts, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, 2010, 638 Pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore January 19, 2011 (San Diego)–The foreword to Jane Mitchell’s book, One on One: My Journey with Hall of Famers, Fan Favorites and Rising Stars, by San
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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