East County Magazine
STARGAZING, PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES, & A CELESTIAL CAMPOUT ANNOUNCED IN ANZA BORREGO DESERT
Printer-friendly version January 16, 2011 (Borrego Springs) – Famed night-sky photographer Dennis Mammana announces a series of photography classes and lectures in Borrego Springs in January, February and March, plus a celestial overnight campout in the Anza-Borrego desert January 29-30. For nearly four decades, Mammana has brought the wonders of the cosmos to audiences around the world. He
ART & STITCHERY SALES AT HERITAGE OF THE AMERICAS MUSEUM
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2011 (Rancho San Diego) – Heritage of the Americas Museum, located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego, is holding two special sales. Both are ongoing until all works are sold and proceeds benefit the museum. The first features original works by Guadalupe Apodaca, is a very popular artist of Native Americans and
WOMEN WHO HELPED BUILD SAN DIEGO: FEB. 3 PRESENTATION BY LEMON GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Printer-friendly version January 15, 2011 (Lemon Grove)–In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Lemon Grove Historical Society will continue its free "History Alive" lectures series on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove. Ashley Gardner, past president of the Women’s Museum of California, presents the story of women who helped to
RADIO DAZE: THEATRICAL PRODUCTION FEB. 10 TO RECALL GLORY DAYS OF RADIO
Printer-friendly version January 14, 2011 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Arts Alliance will present its third annual theatrical production, “Radio Daze…Again” on Thursday, February 10 in the La Mesa Community Center Arbor Room. “Last year’s Radio Daze was so enthusiastically received that we decided dot do another evening of the wonderful old scripts from the days when the radio was
SOMETHING FISHY: PRIZES FOR TROUT FISHING SATURDAY AT SANTEE LAKES
Printer-friendly version January 14, 2011 (Santee) – It sounds like a fish story: Santee Lakes are stocked with 13,000 pounds of rainbow trout during trout season from November through March. This stock includes large trophy trout up to 16 pounds, as well as tagged trout worth cash and prizes. In addition, the lucky fisherman who catches the biggest whopper of
SCHUMANN CLASSICAL PIANO CONCERT, ESCONDIDO JAN. 16
Printer-friendly version January 14, 2011 (Escondido)–California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents Keyboard Conversations® “The Romantic Music of Robert Schumann: Fantasies Forbidden and Fulfilled” featuring pianist Jeffrey Siegel. The performance will be held Sunday, January 16 at 4 p.m. in the Center Theater, Escondido. For more information, see http://www.artcenter.org/performances/11january/index.html Printer-friendly version
GOSPEL CONCERT JAN. 15 IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version January 14, 2011 (El Cajon)–El Cajon Wesleyan Church presents a free Southern gospel concert that is open to the public. Greater Vision – the most awarded trio in the history of gospel music, will be performing Saturday, January 15th at 6 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.) The church is located at 1500 East Lexington Ave., El Cajon,
15TH ANNUAL LA MESA MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL JAN. 16 HONORS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
Printer-friendly version January 12, 2011 (La Mesa)–The City of La Mesa’s annual Multicultural Festival in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr will be heldr Sunday, Jan. 16th from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive. The 15th annual event, presented by the City of La Mesa Human Relations Advisory Commission, is free and
HIKE WITH A SEISMOLOGIST: SATURDAY AT ANZA BORREGO’S COYOTE CREEK FAULT
Printer-friendly version January 6, 2011 (Anza-Borrego) – On Saturday, January 8 from 12 noon to 4 p.m., San Diego State University seismologist Tom Rockwell will lead a field trip to Coyote Creek Fault to discuss the geology of the area and its recent activity. Visitors should meet in the back parking lot of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
HAWK WATCH! EACH SATURDAY IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY
Printer-friendly version January 6, 2011 (Ramona) – The Ramona Grasslands and Wildlife Research Institute invites the public to visit from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. each Saturday this month and next to view wintering and resident birds of prey. Programs begin promptly at 9 a.m. This free event is held at the WRI headquarters at 18030 Highland Valley Road in
GET IN SHAPE WITH A HIKE UP MT. HELIX ON SATURDAY
Printer-friendly version January 6, 2011(LMt. Helix)–Kick off the New Year with a January 8 neighborhood walk from the San Miguel Fire Station, at 10105 Vivera in La Mesa, up to the amphitheater in Mt. Helix Park starting at 10 a.m. The walk, co-sponsored by the Grossmont-Mt. Helix Improvement Association and the Mt. Helix Park Foundation, is a chance for neighbors to
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW FRIDAY IN EL CAJON
Printer-friendly version January 3, 2011 (El Cajon) — Diane Johnson spent many years capturing peak action in the world of sports. She now concentrates on documenting the earth’s wild places and creatures she cherishes, using photographer as a tool to express her love of nature. Silver Creek Fine Art Gallery & Custom Framing, 120 East Main St. in El Cajon,
NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE PLAYERS TO APPEAR AT MISSION TRAILS
Printer-friendly version December 30, 2010 (San Diego’s East County)—The Native American Flute Players, a volunteer group, will be practicing and performing in the Visitor Center Ampitheater at Mission Trails Regional Park from 1-3 p.m. during the second Sunday of each month in 2011, starting January 9th. The public is invited to attend this free event. For more information, visit:

SATAN’S PLAYGROUND CHRONICLES TIJUANA’S ALLURE TO THE RICH, FAMOUS & INFAMOUS DURING JAZZ AGE & PROHIBITION ERA
Printer-friendly version Satan’s Playground, By Paul J. Vanderwood (Duke University Press, Durham, NC, 2010, 392 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore December 23, 2010 (San Diego)–Paul J. Vanderwood’s Satan’s Playground chronicles the rise and fall of the tumultuous, lucrative gambling industry that developed just south of San Diego’s border with Mexico in the early 20th century. As prohibitions against liquor,
LA MESA GALLERY HOSTS WINE-TASTING TONIGHT TO HELP VILLAGE IN UGANDA
Printer-friendly version December 17, 2010 (La Mesa) – “Food, wine, art and a chance to talk with local people who are going about making the world a better place, one village at a time…what could be more in the holiday spirit?” asks an invitation from Shannon O’Dunn, owner of O’Dunn Art in La Mesa. Tonight from 5-7 p.m., she will
BREW HA HA BRINGS FRESH COMEDIC RELIEF TO SDSU STUDENTS DURING FINALS
Printer-friendly version Grand opening at Café Europe is third location for Brew Ha Ha comedy shows By Tanya Huang December 14, 2010 (San Diego) — In the midst of cramming sessions for finals, San Diego State students eagerly sought the comedic relief of Brew Ha Ha’s talented acts at Café Europe on El Cajon Boulevard. The wide array
BOOK REVIEW: VICTORY IN IRAQ: HOW AMERICA WON
Printer-friendly version Victory in Iraq: How America Won By Duncan L. Hunter. Columbus, MS. Genesis Press. 2010. 433 pages. Illustrations, end notes, and index. $19.95 Reviewed by Walter Hall “The community of America’s military folks, active and retired, are at once a national resource and a national treasure.” –Former Congressman and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Duncan
FORMER REP. HUNTER TO SIGN COPIES OF HIS NEW BOOK DEC. 18 IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly version December 7, 2010 (La Mesa) – Former Congressman Duncan Hunter (father of the current Congressman) is the author of a new book, Victory in Iraq: How America Won. He will be signing copies of his book on Saturday, December 18 from 3-6 p.m. at Maxwell’s House of Books at 8285 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa. "As
A LAUGHING MATTER: BREW HA HA COMEDY OPENS IN COLLEGE AREA
Printer-friendly version December 6, 2010 (San Diego)—Brew Ha Ha, the popular comedy show featuring headline comics and rising stars, will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location near San Diego State University on Friday, December 10th at 7:30 p.m. They’ve been described as a “volcano vaporizer of crazy laughter” by San Diego CityBeat and as a “rollicking success” by
WINGS & SNOW SHOWCASES WORKS BY DISABLED ARTISTS
Printer-friendly version December 5, 2010 (El Cajon) – Wings and Snow, an annual holiday celebration featuring holiday art, seasonal gifts and angelic dolls by artists with developmental disabilities, will be on display throughout December and January at Sophie’s Gallery & Gift Shop. Sophie’s is located at 109 Rea Avenue in El Cajon. “Our unique artwork, clothing and craft
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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 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.
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