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.

Author Tanya Harris hosts book signing Sept. 21 at Grossmont Center to benefit domestic violence survivors
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local author, domestic violence survivor and advocate Tanya Harris will host a powerful community book signing and awareness event on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gazebo at Grossmont Center mall (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa). The community-focused event is designed to

Blood in the Water: an A.J. Hawke legal thriller
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Donald McInnis Reviewed by Pennell Paugh September 4, 2025 (San Diego) —Blood in the Water, though fictional, exposes a flaw in the United States’ tripartite federal government structure as established in the Constitution. The third branch of government, the Judiciary, cannot enforce its rulings, even when those rulings are necessary for protecting an individual citizen’s rights or the constitutional powers of

Steel Magnolias onstage at Julian Town Hall Oct. 17-26
Printer-friendly version East County News Service September 4, 2025 (Julian) — The East County Performing Arts Association invites you to experience the heart, humor, and resilience of Southern women in Steel Magnolias. The play will be performed in the Julian Town Hall the weekends of Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., with

Cajon Cruise returns next week in El Cajon, hosted by Downtown Café
Printer-friendly version By Paul Levikow September 3, 2025 (El Cajon) – East County car enthusiasts have cause for celebration, after the El Cajon City Council on Tuesday approved a two-month extension of the Cajon Cruise on Main Street and Prescott Promenade, this time hosted by Downtown Café. The revived car show will rev up on Wednesday nights Sept. 10 through
Jacumba Bathhouse Bazaar Coming Sept. 6
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Aug. 28, 2025 (Jacumba) — The next first Saturday will once again be an evening for visitors and locals to shop, eat, drink and soak in the high desert. The Jacumba Bathhouse is holding its next First Saturday bazaar from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 6 at 44450 Old Highway 80 at Jacumba Street.

Clothing Swap Coming to La Mesa Sept. 6
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Services Aug. 26, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local environmental-focused nonprofit I Love A Clean San Diego is hosting a clothing swap at the La Mesa Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 6. The event allows community members the opportunity to trade gently-used clothes, accessories and shoes for those donated by others

Destination East County: Memorable September events
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery August 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – As summer transitions into fall, September brings seasonal events such as an Autumn Jubilee, Sycuan’s Powwow, the Alley Cat Art Walk in El Cajon, Grape Stomp Festa and Apple Time Tea in Julian, Oktoberfest in El Cajon, a 911 Memorial walk in Lakeside, a roaring ’20s

Never Forget: 9/11 memorial walk in Lakeside
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 17, 2025 (Lakeside) – The Maine Avenue Revitalization Association in Lakeside will hold its sixth annual “Never Forget” memorial walk to commemorate the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The walk will be held on September 11, 2025 starting at 6:15. Participants are asked to meet at 6 p.m. at Mary’s Donuts, 10101 Main Ave.

Mount Laguna Living History brings past alive August 30-31
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 16, 2025 (Mt. Laguna) – Enjoy a free tour to learn about indigenous people and settlers who have lived in the area at the Mount Laguna Living History event on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31. Meet at the Red-Tailed Roost Activity Center, located at mile marker 22.5 on Sunrise Highway in Cleveland

‘Bring home the bacon’ for rescued pigs
Printer-friendly versionStory and photo by Karen Pearlman Aug. 15, 2025 (Guatay) – Horses of Tir Na Nog is going hog wild with its latest event. The nonprofit equine rescue group, which also rescues other animals, is hosting a fundraiser, “Wine for Swine,” to support its pig rescue efforts. The Aug. 23 event (for those 21 and older)

Momentum Tutoring hosts Youth Business Fair at Santee Lakes Aug. 16
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 12, 2025 (Santee) – Momentum Tutoring (www.momentumtutoring.org) invites the community to the Santee Youth Business Fair at Santee Lakes, a dynamic one-day marketplace where young entrepreneurs will showcase their creativity, hustle, and heart. The event takes place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Lake #2, Santee Lakes Recreation

Our East County Dining Club invites you to Zest Wine Bistro August 21
Printer-friendly version We still have room for a few more at tonight’s wonderful event! You’re invited to our East County Dining Club special event at Zest Wine Bistro in Lemon Grove on Thursday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m. 20% of dinner proceeds and100% of raffle proceeds will benefit East County Magazine’s reporting and wildfire alerts. Savor gourmet charcuterie served family-style

Against All Enemies: novel depicts war sparked by tariffs
Printer-friendly versionBook by Thomas Wing Review by Pennell Paugh August 10, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego author Thomas Wing, releases Against All Enemies. This gripping thriller ominously shows us a violent but possible reaction to America’s tariff war — China launches a full-scale surprise attack on the U.S. Capitol, Pentagon, military bases, and communication satellites. With weakened communications and

Julian Family Fiddle Camp pie social and promotion August 16
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 9, 2025 (Julian) – If you are going to Summergrass, and if you are a Julian Family Fiddle Camp (JFFC) alumni OR if you are interested in attending JFFC, you are invited to attend the JFFC pie scial & promotion at 7 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 16. The pie and promotion event will be

Integrating Nutrition into Mental Health Care
Printer-friendly versionBook by Ruth Leyse Wallace, PhD Reviewed by Pennell Paugh August 8, 2025 (San Diego) – Long-time resident of San Diego, Dr. Ruth Leyse Wallace, recently released her fourth book, Integrating Nutrition into Mental Health Care. While the book is written for clinical settings, it is written in plain English and offers sensible nutritional facts. I found it helpful

San Diego County Sheriff’s Office to participate in National Night Out Against Crime August 5
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service August 1, 2025 (San Diego) – Sheriff’s stations and substations across the county will be hosting family-friendly community events to take a stand against crime on Tuesday, August 5. National Night Out is an annual event that promotes law enforcement-community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie. Meet your local Sheriff’s Deputies and receive public safety resources. Crime Prevention

Melinda West and the Gremlin Queen (Monster Gunslingers Book 2)
Printer-friendly versionBook by KC Grifant Reviewed by Pennell Paugh August 1, 2025 (San Diego) – KC Grifant, a resident of San Diego, has released a second in her Monster Gunslingers series. Sharpshooters Melinda and Vance come out of retirement to fight an unbeatable foe. Melinda uses her steady hand, cool head, and a no-nonsense attitude. Her partner, Lance, brings charm

Jacumbia fest brings Afro-Columbian rhythms to Jacumba Aug. 30
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service July 29, 2025 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — Bad Vibes Good Friends and Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel will present Jacumbia Fest on August 30 starting at 5 p.m.— a one-night-only celebration of Afro-Colombian rhythms, traditional and psychedelic cumbia from Colombia, Mexico and USA. This powerful night of music and dance features the legendary Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto—torchbearers

Beach Boys’ Al Jardine and his Pet Sounds Band will rock the Magnolia Nov. 22
Printer-friendly version East County News Service July 29, 2025 (El Cajon) – Tickets are now on sale for a Nov. 22 concert at the Magnolia in El Cajon by Al Jardine, one of the original Beach Boys members, and his Pet Sounds band. The evening will be a tribute to the late Brian Wilson, Beach Boys founder. The evening

Something Wicked — Spirit Club Mysteries Book One
Printer-friendly version Book by M. Lee Buompensiero Reviewed by Pennell Paugh July 25, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego author M. Lee Buompensiero has released her first novel in the Spirit Club Mystery series. Something Wicked features a reluctant heroine, Sophie Lawton, who not only sees and talks to ghosts, she also solves crimes with their help. An aunt Sophie
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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